We can all use shortcuts when it comes to parenting. And good news: your local dollar store has your back.
Check out these easy and cheap ways to organize and entertain your kids.
1. Turn kitchen sponges into lunchbox ice packs.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20150910-kcl-lunchhacks-07-1548271590.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
Best part? They’re disposable.
Get the tutorial here.
2. Use a long-necked dinosaur toy to keep toilet paper within reach of small arms.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dino-tp-holder-1548204574.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Decor Snob
3. Use a Ziploc gallon bag to make your child’s iPad hands-free.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20171207-kcl-momcarhacks-03-2-1548271831.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
Attach the plastic bag to the back of front seats.
4. Cut pool noodles and use them as toddler-proof door stops.
Cut pool noodle into six-inch sections and slice lengthwise.
5. Put playing cards into plastic soap boxes so they don’t get lost.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cards-soap-box-2019-1548204692.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Life Hacks
6. Spray paint plastic animal toys and turn them into bookends.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/plastic-elephant-book-ends-8-1548205367.png?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Love Grows Wild
Get the tutorial here.
RELATED: 25 Parenting Hacks That Will Make Your Life Easier
7. Glue magnets to the back of kids’ cups and store them on the refrigerator.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/fridge-magnets-kids-cups-2019-1548204779.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Made Every Day
8. Transform an old shower curtain liner into an art smock.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/kids-apron-670x447.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
Trim a long, rectangular section from a dollar store shower liner.
Next, cut a hole that’s just large enough to slip over your child’s head. Cut a “belt” from the remaining liner, and tie it around his or her waist.
9. Organize crayons in an ice pop tray by color for quick and easy access.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ice-pop-crayons-2019-1548204883.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Smart is Fun
Plus, they can stand upright, making it easier for small hands to grab.
10. Store toys in a mesh laundry hamper — perfect for the beach or the park.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/sand-toys-2019-1548205204.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via The Idea Room
11. Place a pool noodle under kids’ sheets to keep them from falling out of bed.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/pool-noodle-bed.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
12. Turn toothbrush holders into portable pencil carriers.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dollar-store-back-to-school-hack-1548203685.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Raising Whasians
13. Organize kids’ craft supplies in a muffin tin + plastic cups.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/1-art-tray-muffin-can-1548205660.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via DIY N’ Crafts
14. Hang a shoe organizer in your car to keep cups, wipes and toys organized.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/backseat-organizer.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
15. Make a hanging plastic crate shelf to store stuffed animals.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/dollar-store-crate-shelf-2019-1548203549.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via DIY n’ Crafts
This is a lifesaver for parents of kids who can’t part with their stuffed animals. Helloooo floor space!
Get the tutorial here.
16. Tame homework and notebooks with a dish rack.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/homework-dishrack-2019-1548205910.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Her Campus
Keep everything vertical in order to better see it! You could also make it a coloring book station.
17. Give your kids a bath with glow sticks just for fun.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/glow-stick-bath-tub-kids-activity-1548204462.png?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
via Crafty Morning
18. Use ice cube trays to organize hair bands and barrettes.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/kcl-ice-cube-tray-hair-clips-02-1548272713.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
19. Turn a shoe organizer into a DIY Christmas countdown calendar.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/20171116-kcl-christmas-hacks-shoe-organizer-advent-calendar-01-1542140392.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
20. Set up a Hula-Hoop (or pool noodle) obstacle course for your kids.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/03-1-20180612-kcl-dollar-store-summer-pool-noodles-obstacle-course-1548272942.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
It’ll keep them busy for a few minutes at least!
Get tutorial here.
21. Turn a shower curtain and Frisbees into a life-size tic-tac-toe game.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/kcl_tictactoe.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
Use painter’s tape to create a grid on a shower curtain. Get six Frisbees and have kids stand behind a line and throw them to see who wins!
22. Buy a lotion or soap dispenser to use as a water-balloon pump.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/water-balloon-dispenser.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
This is clearly just so the kids can fill their own water balloons and you don’t have to.
23. Wrap rubber bands around a soap pump to limit kids’ soap use.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/soap-pump-rubberband-650x434.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
24. Buy cookie trays for kids to play with toys on a road trip.
![](https://prod-cdn-thekrazycouponlady.imgix.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/20150701-kcl-roadtriphacks-0898-color-1548271430.jpg?auto=format&fit=fill&q=25)
You can spray paint them or not, but either way, it’ll make play time on a road trip easier for your preschoolers.
Get the tutorial here.
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