Frugal Parenting
Dont forget motor skills. There are plenty of things that cost nothing. Use a container such as an oatmeal container and make a hole in the lid. Give the child straws to drop in or make the hole bigger and drop blocks or even spoons into them. Use a cookie...
Homemade Deep Litter Box
Thats what I do too. Easy to clean and my cat jumps in and I think less litter gets out.
