That Guy: How to get your kids on board - on a budget

It might look wobbly, but ... just hold on. Photo / Supplied

Well, we have finally put the new Christmas tree up, and it looks great, I might add. I can't believe that it was only four weeks ago since we took the old one down. Time certainly flies.

Christmas is, of course, the time for giving - but the point of this column is to show parents that you don't always have to spend a lot of money to make your children's Christmas dreams come true.

Last year, my 4-year-old asked for a brand new skateboard. So what better opportunity for me to show readers how you can make a funky children's skateboard for very little money and time.

What You Will Need

All you will need is a square or rectangular piece of wood, a hammer, nails, some screws and of course an oil heater.

This project can be done pretty much anywhere, but the garage is probably best as it will keep it a surprise, and if you have a beer fridge out there you can make a real day of it. This isn't really a two or three-man job, but if there is anybody you want to involve, this is when you should get them over.

Step One

Once you are in the garage, identify all the supplies you will need and put them in the fridge.

Step Two

Find a rectangular piece of wood (or in my case, square) and place it on the ground. If, like me, you pulled it off the side of the fuse box you will want to make sure that you have removed any nails. Commercially-built skateboards don't come with nails in them, so this will be a real giveaway, and possibly a safety hazard.

Tip: Look under your house, as often builders have left off-cuts under there. Again, you will want to remove any nails.

Step Three

Search the house for an oil heater and identify if it has any wheels on it. If it does, you are in business. Begin by unscrewing those wheels.

Step Four

Once the wheels have been removed, it should be a straightforward process to either screw or nail them into the bottom of your "master" piece of wood. Try to get them close to the edges, as this will ensure maximum balance and speed.

If the heater still stands up by itself, you should put it back where you found it.

If it doesn't, you should probably conceal it somewhere temporarily in the garage. In my case, an old dog kennel and mouldy Persian rug concealed the oil heater perfectly, but all garages are different so you work it out for yourself.

Step Five

The skateboard is pretty much ready to go. You now have the option of attaching any accessories. Try nailing on packets or brochures that feature your children's favourite toys. This is what will give the board ultimate street cred.

Cost: If you don't factor in your labour, this skateboard is valued as follows:

Wood: $0

Screws/nails etc: $0 (you had them anyway)

Wheels: $245 (The value of the heater you destroyed to make the skateboard).

The financial reality, however, is that you didn't actually part with any cash, as you already had the heater.

Next year I will show you how you can convert an out-of-style and seldomly-used skateboard back into a functional and fully mobile oil heater.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY