Thrifty Thursday: I Spy a Bargain

    Have you ever seen the "I Spy" book series by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick? We're big fans. I know several look-and-find type books are out there, but for me the I Spy series remains the best. Each picture is a true work of art - no cartoons of people exhibiting crude behavior, as in the "Where's Waldo?" books. And no need to strain your eyes to see an image that's not there! (I could never get the hang of those "Magic Eye" things). Over the years we've accumulated a good sized I Spy library from the thrift store and other book sales. They run about a buck-fifty each. My kids never tire of them. Sometimes they'll even ask to borrow the camera to take a snapshot of an I Spy scene they've created themselves.
     In addition to the books, we've acquired quite a variety of I Spy paraphernalia. Let me share with you some of my favorite finds:

      A while back I began collecting foam floor-mats each time I went to the second-hand store. I thought they'd make for some fun and practical playroom decor. On one trip I was delighted to find these mats with scenes from the I Spy books on them! Looks like they were part of a game - those little round pieces were missing when I bought them. But that hasn't stopped us from having fun with them! Originally, they were priced separately at $3 each. I was gritting my teeth at the register, trying to decide if they were worth the 12 bucks. But fortunately, the supervisor determined they ought to have been sold as a set and dropped the price for me!

      We already owned an I Spy Memory Match game and 2 decks of I Spy Go Fish cards. On my last thrifting trip I found a Preschool Game puzzle (all pieces accounted for!) and an Eagle Eye board game.  I'd seen the latter around Christmas time at a retail store. There are 4 double-sided picture boards and a deck of cards. You choose an item on the card for everyone to search for on their own board and ding the bell 3 times if you're the first to find it. I thought the kids would enjoy it, but I just didn't think I could justify $20 for such a simple item. Two dollars sounded much better to me! And really, let's face it, it's not just for the kids. Who can resist a good old-fashioned "DING!"? I have a feeling that bell won't stay in the box after the game's put away.
   
      Well, I'd better be going.

 I spy a little baby that wants to be fed, 

a stack of books waiting to be read. 

A floor that needs cleaning, and cheeks that need kissing.

 I'll log off now to enjoy what I've been missing!