With kids it’s inevitable — you’re going to be buying stuff when you get to the parks.  But what if you don’t want to sink your entire 401k into Disney merchandise?  I have a couple of ideas:

1. Set a souvenir budget for each person in your party.  This includes you!  Think about splitting the budget across each day you are at the parks.  Each day you have a whole new set of money to spend!  This is a great lesson for kids.  They can only spend the money they have so they really have to analyze whether or not the purchase is worth it.   If you see a more expensive item you want to purchase, save your entire allowance and buy the big item at the end of your trip.
2. Don’t think you have to buy an item the day you see it.  Unless you’re at the World Showcase in Epcot, chances are you will see the same Goofy hat 8976 times on your trip.  If you wait until the end of your trip you will probably spend less.
3. Consider buying some Disney toys at home (Walmart, Target, etc) and surprise the kids in the hotel.  Coloring books and crayons will be much cheaper OUTSIDE the parks and they are virtually the same.
4. If you are staying at a Disney Resort, consider getting the refillable drink mug.  For about $15, it’s good for your entire stay for soft drinks and coffee AND the mug is yours to keep — Insta-Souvenir!  I use mine every weekend!
5. Shop at the $10 and under store at Downtown Disney — need I say more?
6. Don’t buy the Photo Pass photos.  Get a Photo Pass and have the photographers take your picture but also have them take a picture with YOUR camera.  I’ve never been turned down once.  You will get the same picture they are taking for free!

What are your techniques for saving money on “stuff”?  I’d love to hear your ideas and how you fend off the “I want! I want!” from the kids…or husbands…or wives as the case may be.