By Kevin Andersen

Most people have seen a baby that becomes more excited over a box and wrapping paper than the actual gift inside. Even as a child goes into the preschool years, it can still be economical to provide activities that entertain and educate.

Preschoolers are beginning to learn the joy of being creative and using their imagination. Try providing your child with several different kinds of puppets and even a puppet stage made from boxes. Your child can enjoy hours of creative play with a box full of dress-up clothes, shoes, hats, and other accessories. Shopping at a thrift store for these items can keep costs reasonable. The thrift store is also a great place to look for a simple play kitchen or picnic basket filled with plastic plates and cups. Magazines are fun to cut apart and make a puzzle or collage.