We are FINALLY moving on the first, and am trying to find a theme for my sons room. He currently has a Blue Jean Teddy theme, but seems hes outgrown it. He loves Elmo, but we are on a tight budget and can't afford a lot of the name brands. Any money-saving tips?
Hi J.,
Personally, I don't understand why some people make theme rooms. It's a huge savings to just paint the walls, put in the furniture you need, use non-age specific linens, etc., hang a wall decoration (family photo, painting, picture, etc.) if you'd like. Done.
: ) Maureen
I did a Playhouse Disney.. Blue, green, gray path border with yellow and red circles.
It was scary putting it together (what have I done!) but when the furniture and accessories went in, it cooled it down and looks kinda neat...
You are only a kid once, right? And it's only paint...
Good for you Jess!!
I would stay away from permanent themes. Go with solid colored walls and real furniture that your son can grow up with. Themed sheets and blankets and curtains are cute without being pricey. Then you can change themes as often as he changes his bed. I've also seen cute wall clings (similar to colorforms) that are cheap and can be changed on a whim.
hope this helped
Ps with his birthday coming soon gently suggest specific themed sets from family and friends to give him as gifts.
Walmart has a ton of toddler sets that are reasonable I would take my son and give him 2 choices. We are moving at the end of April and my youngest will be having trains for a theme and my oldest will be having john deere tractors for a theme I figured both of these will last them awhile I see lots of teens sporting John Deere and I know my oldest was big into trains for along time. You could also maybe do a combo depending on what the store has available like you might be able to find something w/ Elmo playing soccer so you could incorporate some sports into it or Elmo in a train. Good luck and have fun with it and congrats on moving!
Have you ever shopped at Once Upon a Child? They have a store in Enfield (they're a nationwide franchise operation, but the closest to us is Enfield) and they get buy and sell great "gently-used" and new items at fantastic prices.
Also, my brother and his wife did a great room for their son by ordering one of those wall murals. You walk into my nephew's room, and it feels like you're on the pitcher's mound in a minor league baseball stadium. So much fun and the prices are coming WAY down. This site has some great idea starters and the prices vary: http://muralsuperstore.com/kids_murals.htm
I would try to avoid any theme character, because he might like Elmo now, but in a couple of years that is going to feel like he's outgrown it again. You can always do things like paint the walls in primary colors of Red, Blue and Yellow, and then switch the themes to the bedspread to match his changing and growing tastes.
Ultimately, if you're planning on staying in the new place for a long time, try to picture what his needs are going to be in ten years. Is he still going to want to sleep in a race car bed or is he going to think that is too childish? How about the dresser that is shaped to match?
Another thought for you... drive down to New Haven and go to Ikea. They have GREAT kids room ideas and the prices are FANTASTIC!!!
Have fun!
