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Giant Cardboard Playhouse (Free!)

Ask any appliance store for a large box — refrigerator and washer boxes are usually free for the taking — and you've got the makings of a playhouse that costs nothing but tape and imagination.

Getting the box

• Call ahead to a local appliance store and ask about spare boxes.
• Weekday mornings after a delivery is the best time to ask.

Building it

• Cut a door and one or two windows with a box cutter (adults only).
• Reinforce corners with extra cardboard strips and packing tape.
• Let kids decorate with markers, paint, or paper shutters.