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How to Blow $2,000 on Your Kids with a Backyard Playset
Ah, playset season is upon us again—the time when countless parents prepare to fork over a small fortune for backyard jungle gyms for their little ones. For years, I skillfully dodged this suburban rite of passage. Then, one fateful day, I caved.
I can’t even pin the blame on my kids; they never pestered me about it. To be honest, I’m not convinced they even wanted a playset. No, this was purely my whim. Whenever we ventured into the backyard, my children would meander around before inevitably retreating to the couch. I wanted to shout at them, “Get outside and play!” But what could they play on? We lacked a pool, swings, or even a proper driveway. Thus, for the sake of my sanity and their childhoods, I decided we needed a playset.
I envisioned idyllic summer afternoons spent on swings, with the sound of children’s laughter wafting through the warm air. But let me make one thing clear: if I was going to take out a second mortgage for this playset, my kids better live in it—literally. The playset I had my eye on resembled a miniature house, complete with a picnic table, and was nearly as big as my actual house. It seemed like the perfect abode for two small humans. I mused that with some electric wiring and plumbing, I might never have to see them again.
However, as with most dreams, reality had a way of crashing in. My pre-spring research on playsets quickly revealed one undeniable truth: there are no good deals when it comes to these things. I pondered a friend’s suggestion of buying used, thinking I could snag a playset for half the price. It sounded perfect.
Unfortunately, my husband, Mark, was not on board. He was firmly against the whole idea—claiming it would ruin his pristine lawn. If I insisted on acknowledging that we had children who needed toys, he insisted that it had to be a top-of-the-line model deserving of his immaculate grass.
Yet, I persisted in my search for a used set, convinced I could find a solution that satisfied us both. I found one in decent condition—big enough for two school-age kids and even featuring a rock wall. And best of all, it was only about $1,000. Victory seemed mine! But then Mark pointed out that it was located far outside our area, and we didn’t own a vehicle large enough to haul it even if we wanted to make the trek. I sighed, realizing I had to let go of my used playset dreams.
For anyone who has never shopped for a playset, let me tell you, it’s a daunting task. The options are overwhelming—different models, heights, and configurations. Sure, you could buy a basic wooden frame, but your kids would merely stare at it, longing for something more than an oversized sawhorse.
After weeks of online comparisons, the day finally arrived when I found my dream swing set. It had everything! The only hitch? I couldn’t afford it. I made multiple visits, hoping for a sale, and finally, mid-summer, it happened: a “free gangplank weekend.” Sold!
But then the sales guy presented me with the bill—just under $2,000. And it was free gangplank weekend! The playset arrived and was assembled in our yard nearly a year ago, but it hasn’t seen much use. Or, to be more accurate, it hasn’t been used enough to justify the hefty price tag. The swings and trapeze bar are the only redeeming features. Trust me, I’ve been there.
The kids still wander about the yard, completely ignoring the most expensive feature—the fort. It sits empty, except for the occasional bird or squirrel. Maybe if we installed a TV, they’d use it more…
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In summary, the quest for the perfect backyard playset can easily lead to an expensive disappointment. Make sure to weigh your options carefully before diving headfirst into the world of overpriced jungle gyms!