Work the Web: Some sites facilitate in-person trades and others will let you swap with someone from almost anywhere on earth (you may pay a shipping charge on these sites). Either way, it's a great way to get the things you want without spending a ton.

Sites like BarterQuest.com, SwapTree.com, U-exchange.com, SwapTreasures.com and TitleTrader.com let you swap almost anything online. PaperBackSwap.com and BookMooch.com are great for trading books; SwapStyle.com, ClothingSwaps.com, DignSwap.com and RehashClothes.com are great for trading clothes. Try Zwaggle.com and SwapBabyGoods.com for trading clean, safe children's toys with other parents. Craigslist.com can also be a goldmine – just check out their barter section. And there are tons more swap sites, so do your homework to find the site that makes sense for your swapping needs.