A thrifty shopper has stunned parents after creating a magical outdoor play zone for less than £50 – and she did it all with bargain bits from Temu.
Catherine Carson, who runs a home-based childcare setting for kids under the age of four, wanted to give her toddlers a fresh spot to whip up pretend tea and pies.
But with fancy mud kitchens costing anywhere from £200 to over £1,000, the dream felt out of reach.
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So the 45-year-old from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, decided to design her own space.
“I want them to explore, experiment and learn by doing,” Catherine told What’s The Jam.
“I’d priced things locally and online, but Temu was so much cheaper and had everything I needed in one place.
Catherine bought utensils, jars, tubs, signs and colourful accessories, all for a snip of the usual cost.
And she’s overjoyed with the results.
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Ladles and spatulas are now arranged neatly on hooks, clear jars filled with dried flowers and grains line the shelves, and two bright green tubs have been set out for washing up.
A chalkboard menu and welcome sign complete the kitchen.
The cheap and cheerful solution has turned a previously unused corner of her garden into a defined and eye-catching outdoor play area.
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Catherine said: “The kids dove straight in, mixing, pouring and ‘cooking’ – they absolutely loved it.
“Parents thought it looked fantastic too and commented on how much fun the children were having.”
Catherine is already planning her next big project – a full playroom revamp with a natural, muted theme.
And yes, she has a Temu wish list ready to go.
She also has advice for anyone looking to make a DIY mud kitchen themselves.
Catherine added, “Keep it simple and think about what children will actually use in play.
“Go for things that are safe, sturdy and encourage imagination.
“And don’t be afraid to try budget-friendly options – you can make a big impact without spending a lot.”
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