Back in 2007, the good folks at Lifehacker compiled a list of ways to entertain young children without really costing much. Good work!
Rubber band and pencil crazy bot – A simple toy you probably remember from elementary school. Take two unsharpened pencils and wrap a rubber band around the center. Twist the pencils lengthwise against each other (as you would wind a propeller on a toy plane). Set down flat on a table and let the jumping begin. Teach your child not to twist the rubber band too tightly or it will break. Make sure to have plenty of extra rubber bands handy just in case.
10 Ways to Entertain Young Children for $1 or Less (without the TV)
