Having a place in which to mess around is valuable for anyone at any age. When we're puttering, our minds are free to relax, roam, and think creatively. Others may prefer a sewing room, a studio, a woodworking shop, a garden, or even a well-supplied kitchen. I like to encourage kids to use the things they already have. If you save as you go, Baum advises, when your kids get a whim to fiddle around they'll have materials on hand.
Garage sale finds.
With a budget of five bucks, kids will be surprised at the wonderfully weird treasures they can find. Birthday or Christmas gifts. Instead of the latest, useless toys, try a big bag of large rubber bands, a new set of paints, or some plastic plumbing pipes and Ping-Pong balls. Stuff collected outside, like sticks, stones, feathers, and scraps of wood. If you're lucky enough to have a basement or a corner of the garage for a tinkering spot, consider adding an old couch and a beat-up rug so it becomes a comfortable place for kids to hang around.