05 Ways to Save Money in Big Family with Kids Under 8 Years
Raising a big family is a beautiful chaos – full of giggles, sticky fingers, noisy dinner tables, and never-ending laundry. But there’s something we just cannot ignore – when you’ve got a house full of little ones under the age of 8, the costs can stack up faster than you can say “Where are your shoes?”. Nappies, snacks, clothes, or entertainment, everything seems to come in bulk. But, there’s some good news. With a few clever habits and a pinch of planning, you can save serious dollars without feeling like your kids are missing out.
Here are 5 tried-and-true ways parents at Marmalade Lion parents use to save money when raising a big family with young kids – all while keeping life fun, full, and a bit more stress-free.
Buy Second-hand and Embrace Hand-me-downs
Kids outgrow clothes, toys, and gear quicker than you can blink. Those brand-new runners or that cute jumper? It’ll be too small in six months. And the fancy toy they begged for? Forgotten under the couch within a week.
That’s why buying second-hand is a game-changer. You’ll find great-quality clothes, books, toys, and even big-ticket items like prams, high chairs, or cots for a fraction of the cost. Check out –
- Op shops like Salvos, Vinnies, and Lifeline
- Facebook Marketplace or local buy/swap/sell groups (It goes without saying though. Be careful with this one.)
- Online platforms like Gumtree or even eBay
And when you’ve got multiple kids, hand-me-downs become your best friend. Store clothes in tubs labelled by size or season so you can easily pass them down to the next kid. Bonus tip – get neutral colours for things like jackets or shoes, so they’re easier to reuse regardless of gender.
Meal Plan and Shop Smart
Feeding a big family can feel like running a small café – and the food bill reflects it! But planning your meals (and your shopping list) can save you heaps.
Start by planning your dinners for the week – even just 5 days out of 7 helps. Choose recipes that stretch across meals, like –
- Spaghetti Bolognese one night, then toasties with the leftover sauce the next
- A roast chicken dinner, followed by chicken wraps or soup
Buy in bulk where it makes sense (like rice, pasta, or oats), and stick to seasonal fruit and veg – they’re cheaper and tastier. Shopping at your local farmers’ market towards the end of the day can also score you discounts.
Also, get the kids involved in packing lunches and snacks. Prepping at home instead of buying snacks on the go is a big saver. Think fruit, popcorn, yoghurt tubs, or homemade muffins.
Cut Back on Kid's Entertainment Costs – Without Cutting Out Fun
Keeping little ones entertained doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, many of the best activities are free – and way more fun than crowded play centres or pricey events.
Try these –
- Local libraries – Free storytime sessions, borrowing books, puzzles, DVDs and even craft kits.
- Playgrounds and nature walks – Every suburb seems to have a hidden gem of a playground. Pack a picnic, bring the scooters, and make a day of it.
- Home play ideas – Build a cubby out of blankets, do a scavenger hunt, bake together, or set up a backyard obstacle course.
Also, look out for council-run events or community festivals – they often offer free face painting, games, or performances. Follow your local council’s social pages or community boards to stay in the loop.
Limit Extra-curricular Activities (Within Reason)
It’s easy to feel pressure to sign the kids up for everything – swimming, soccer, dance, music, gymnastics... it adds up quickly. Not just in money, but also in time and petrol!
Instead of saying yes to everything, sit down and decide what’s most important (and doable) for your family. Maybe one activity per child per term is enough, or you rotate activities between kids depending on interest and age.
You could also explore more affordable options like –
- School-based activities or after-school programs
- Local clubs or council-run classes
- Family passes or multi-kid discounts (always ask – you might be surprised!)
And don’t underestimate the value of unstructured play. It’s free, great for creativity, and gives kids the downtime they need.
Create a Toy and Gift Strategy
Toys have a sneaky way of taking over the house – and your bank account. But young kids don’t need a mountain of toys to be happy. A few thoughtfully chosen (and rotated) toys keep them more engaged than an overflowing toy box.
Try these money-saving hacks –
- Toy rotation – Pack away some toys and bring them out later – they feel brand new!
- Toy libraries – Many communities have toy libraries where you can borrow toys like you would books.
- Gifting with purpose – Instead of lots of random gifts at birthdays or Christmas, try group gifts (like a trampoline or LEGO set for everyone). Or ask relatives to pitch in for experiences like zoo memberships or swimming lessons.
You can even start a “no gifts” party trend – ask guests to bring a book to swap, or a donation for a chosen cause. Many parents will be relieved not to buy another plastic toy!
Saving money in a big family with young kids doesn’t mean cutting out all the fun or living (too) frugally – it’s about being smart with what you’ve got, sharing resources, and finding value in simplicity.
At the end of the day, your kids won’t remember whether their shoes were new or second-hand – they’ll remember the warm meals, the laughs in the backyard, and the time spent together. And if you can save a few hundred bucks in the process? Even better.
