Sweet Frugal Life

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Cheap Snack Ideas For Kids

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Snack Ideas Kids Will Love

If your kids are anything like my kids, than they seem to always be hungry.  My kids can eat through a pantry of snacks quicker than I can count to ten!  Over the years I have started brainstorming cheap snack ideas for kids so that they can fill up their ever growing bodies, be (somewhat) nutritious, and also won’t cost me an arm and a leg.  

Below you will find a few of the best frugal snack ideas for kids.  These snacks are perfect for on the go, after school, or everywhere in between.  Budget friendly and parent approved!  Yay!

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Homemade Cheap Snack Ideas For Kids

These frugal snack ideas will require a little bit of preplanning and effort in the kitchen.  But I promise the result is worth the extra time!

Homemade Graham Crackers

My kids love when I make these homemade graham crackers.  They are easy, delicious and fun to customize the shape depending on the season!

Muffins

Muffins make for great snacks and are super quick and easy to whip up.  There are so many different types of muffins, a couple of our favorites are this Whole Wheat Banana Chocolate chip muffin recipe, and this Huckleberry Muffin Recipe.

Banana Bread

Don’t throw away bananas that are overripe, instead use them to make this quick banana bread recipe.  This recipe is so moist and easy.  It’s been a favorite in my family for a few generations!

Homemade Popsicles

Homemade popsicles aren’t just for summer, they make a great treat for all year round!  We love to make popsicles with juice, leftover smoothies, or pureed fruit, it really just depends on what we food we have in the fridge. 

Smoothies are also a great way to use up any extra produce before it goes bad.   We freeze our popsicles in popsicle molds bought from Amazon!

Cake Mix Cookies

Stock up on box cake mix when it goes on sale and use it to make these 3 ingredient cake mix cookies.  They are easy to customize to meet your current craving, and super easy to throw together.

 

 

Partly Homemade Snacks For Kids

If you don’t have the time or energy to make homemade snacks from scratch, you might want to try some of these partly homemade snack ideas.  They will require a little bit of effort to throw together, but not as much as the ideas above.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a staple at my house.  It’s cheap, quick to prepare, and somewhat healthy.  I like to buy popcorn kernels and pop them over the stove in a little bit of oil, or you could buy a popcorn maker from Amazon for a decent price.

You can even change up the flavor by sprinkling on some yummy seasonings.  My kids especially love using parmesan cheese, salt, garlic powder or seasoning salt.

Cinnamon Toast

I learned about cinnamon toast from my husbands family and I’ve loved it ever since.  It’s super simple and the kids love it!

All you have to do is butter a slice of bread, sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top and then bake it in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until toasted.  It’s so good!

Cheese Quesadilla

Cheese Quesadillas are another cheap snack idea you can easily make at home.  They are delicious and quick to throw together for after school or when you’re rushing out the door.  Tortillas are fairly cheap to buy at the store, and even cheaper to make yourself.  

Smoothies

I love stocking up on fresh fruit when it’s in season and then freezing  it in bulk.  The frozen fruit is perfect for making budget friendly smoothies.  

Frugal bonus tip:  Pour any extra smoothie into a freezer container and store it in the freezer.  The frozen smoothie can be put into your kids lunchboxes for a quick and easy school lunch treat.  These are a huge hit with my kids!

Ants On A Log

Ants on a log is a fun and quick snack.  It’s made by spreading peanut butter on top of celery and then adding a few raisins!  Easy peasy!

Yogurt Parfaits

Making a yogurt parfait is easy.  Just layer yogurt with berries and then top it off with granola.  You could even try making your own yogurt (something I haven’t tried yet….) for even more savings!

Cinnamon Sugar Tortillas

Another quick to fix snack for kids is cinnamon sugar tortillas.  All you have to do is spread butter over the top of a flour tortilla and then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.  Bake the tortilla in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.  Lastly, cut it into triangles using a pizza cutter and enjoy!  It’s one of my kids favorite after school snacks.

 

 

Grab and Go Snack Ideas For Kids

If you are in a hurry, or just don’t feel like cooking, try a few of these grab and go cheap snacks for kids.  They require little/none preparation and are tasty, but frugal!

Frozen Grapes

Have you ever tried frozen grapes?  They are so so SO delicious!  I love to stock up on grapes when they go on sale, and then freeze them in a freezer bag.  They taste like a yummy popsicle and are the perfect cheap snack for kids.

Fresh Fruit

One of our favorite frugal snacks is fresh fruit.  I like to watch sales at local grocery stores and buy whatever fruit in on sale.  I’ve learned that if I set fruit out on the counter, my kids are much more likely to grab it when they are looking for a snack.

Cheese & Crackers

Who doesn’t love cheese and crackers???  It’s a classic cheap snack and for good reason!  Stock up on crackers when they go on sale so you can help your kids enjoy cheese and crackers for an easy and frugal afternoon snack.

Raisins

Raisins are great to grab and eat on their own, or you can mix them with some nuts and chocolate chips for a cheap trail mix snack.  Make sure to buy the raisins in bulk for the best value.

Apples and Peanut Butter

We love the delicious apples and peanut butter snack at our house.  You can serve the peanut butter as an apple dip, or our favorite thing to do is slice the apples with a mandolin and top each slice with peanut butter and chocolate chips!  So yummy!!!

Cheerios

Ok, I know it’s basic, but cheerios is one of the best cheap snack ideas for kids because it’s not only frugal, it’s also quick, easy and loved by all!  Basically a win all around!  Make sure to watch grocery sales because cheerios are often marked down and available as a rebate with many cashback apps.  

Cheese

Cheese is the perfect quick snack!  I like to buy a large block of cheese (Costco usually has the best prices) and cut it into individual slices/cubes for even more convenient snacking.

Applesauce

I love canning jars and jars of applesauce every fall.  I try to buy a couple of boxes of apples when the price drops to 50 cents/lb and turn them all into applesauce. 

It’s true that not everyone loves to can, and that’s fine!  You can buy applesauce and it is still a frugal snack.

Pretzels

Pretzels are another cheap snack idea for kids.  They are perfect for a quick grab and go snack or as a lunchbox filler.  Pretzels are consistently one of the cheaper snack options in the grocery store, and almost always kid approved!  Yay!

 

Best Frugal Snacks

There are so many options when searching for the best frugal snacks!  We can feed our kids and their love for snacks without having to hurt our grocery budget.

 

Related Articles:

What To Do When Grocery Prices Rise

Easy After School Snack Ideas

Mel’s Home Cooking Recipe Book

 

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Best Christmas Traditions For Families On A Budget

By: Sweet Frugal Life14 Comments

Frugal Christmas Activities To Do This Year.

Are you looking for the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget?  I’ve got you covered in this article!

Christmas is just my very very favorite season.  I love the lights, the snow, planning that perfect gift for a loved one, and the joy I feel from everyone around me.  It truly is the most magical time of the year!  

This fun holiday makes December the perfect month for establishing frugal family christmas traditions.  My hope is that one day my little family will look back on their childhood and remember the sweet memories and traditions we made together year after year.

The best part about traditions is that you do not have to spend a lot of money to make these memories with your family.  A lot of activities can be done completely FREE!  Here are 20 of the best frugal Christmas traditions for families.

Best Christmas Traditions For Families - Free Christmas Activities

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Frugal Christmas Activities For Families

I hope you find one, or many traditions to start with your family this year!  Time passes fast, we have to enjoy every single moment while we can!

1.  Decorate the Christmas Tree

Each year our family hikes through the forest to cut down our very own fresh Christmas tree.  This is one of my favorite things to do all year!

After we find that “perfect” tree we bring it home, turn on some Christmas music and spend a fun evening decorating it together.  Our Christmas tree is decorated with salt dough ornaments, candy canes, and all the things that bring sentimentality and love to my life.  The ornaments made by the hands of my sweet children are ones I will cherish forever!

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2.  Read Christmas Stories By The Christmas Tree

Another frugal Christmas tradition that I love is reading a Christmas story by the Christmas tree each night.  It’s such a sweet and magical time as a family.

Every night for the entire month of December we turn off the lights in our house, sit in front of the lit up Christmas tree, and read a Christmas Story.  I’ve been collecting sweet holiday short stories from the internet and Christmas picture books from thrift stores.  I try to buy one or two used Christmas books each year and have slowly increased my collection over the years.

3.  Look At Christmas Lights

One of the best family Christmas traditions for families on a budget is to drive around looking at Christmas lights.  We love during this activity each year and have found a few favorite neighborhoods that we like to visit.

I always pop some popcorn for the kids (and me!) to snack on during the drive and the kids bring a blanket and wear their pajamas.  Of course, we have our favorite holiday music on in the background.  It is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to enjoy the holidays together as a family.

4.  Bake Holiday Goodies

I mean really, does it get any better than holiday baking??  I think NOT!  With hundreds of different recipes and treats to choose from, we could be baking all month long!

Holiday baking is a great frugal Christmas tradition to do with kids.  My kids love to help in the kitchen, ESPECIALLY if they know treats are involved!  A few of our holiday favorites are gingerbread men, cinnamon candy, pretzels dipped in chocolate, Christmas tree cookies, and homemade toffee.

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5.  Deliver Neighbor Gifts

After all the holiday baking it’s so fun to deliver those yummy homemade goodies to friends and neighbors.  This is a great activity to get the kids involved with.

Package the goodies onto a cute plate, add a homemade card and spend an evening bringing some joy to your neighborhood.  I love this tradition and the way it brings a community together.

6.  Christmas Countdown With An Advent Calendar

My kids love counting down for Christmas each day with our homemade advent calendar.  We have one very similar to this Christmas Tree Calendar.  Each day they get to put a new ornament on the tree.  I love watching their faces light up as the tree fills with ornaments.  When the tree is full, Christmas is here.  It makes the long wait a little bit easier for the excited kids!

 

7.  Watch A Christmas Movie

Plan an evening and have a Christmas movie night together as a family.  I love snuggling up with my family and watching a feel good holiday movie together.  We enjoy classics like; It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas; or a newer family favorite like Elf.  It really is one of the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget.

Netflix has a lot of great Christmas movie options, or check out a few from your local library.

8.  Make A Christmas Craft

There are hundreds of darling Christmas Craft ideas all over Pinterest.  These are so fun to do with the kids during a school holiday break.  Be creative and try making a new craft every year.  It will be so fun to look back on crafts made over the years.

9.  Make Paper Snowflakes

Homemade paper snowflakes can add a fun and whimsical look to your home, plus they are free!.  Spend an afternoon cutting out paper snowflakes with your family and hang them all around your house. 

Here is an easy paper snowflake tutorial to follow.  It’s such a joy to see every snowflake, each with a different unique design.

10.  Host A Christmas Eve Dinner

I love hosting my families annual Christmas Eve dinner.  It’s a fun way to get together with friends or family and celebrate the holiday.  We always eat a big dinner (potluck to spread out the work and cost) and play a few Christmas games.  It’s simple and basic, but one of my favorite traditions.

11.  Write Letters To Santa

Another fun Christmas tradition for families on a budget is to write letters to Santa Clause.  I am personally not a huge fan of the traditional letters to Santa, where the kids ask for all the things they want to be brought to them. 

Instead, I have my kids write to tell Santa about all of the good and nice things they have done throughout the year.  My hope is this will encourage them to focus more on being kind and less on materialistic things.

12.  Light the World

We have been participating in Light the World for the past few years.  Light the World is a campaign sponsored by my church.  It encourages families to look for ways to serve within their family, community and in the world.  It is absolutely open to EVERYONE!  The focus is less about religion, and more on giving others service and love.

There are so many different ways to serve and love others.  Bake cookies for your local fire department, participate in Operation Shoe box, volunteer at a local soup kitchen, or become “Secret Santa” for a family in need.  I love having my kids participate in this and have found it really brings the true spirit of Christmas into our home.

13.  Act out the Nativity

Every Christmas Eve my kids act out the nativity as an adult reads the story out of Luke 2.  The kids dress up as Mary, Joseph, The Wise Men, etc. 

I love this tradition and how it helps us focus on the reason for the season.  It really is one of the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget.

14.  Make a Ginger Bread House

Spend an afternoon making a ginger bread house with your family.  You can usually find fairly cheap gingerbread kits at your local grocery store.  One year we just used graham crackers and homemade frosting.  For decorations we used items we already had in my pantry, like chocolate chips, marshmallows and almonds. 

It really doesn’t matter how fancy of a house you build, all that matters is that you’re spending time with your loved ones and participating in family friendly Christmas activities.

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15.  Have A Christmas Cookie Exchange

Invite some friends over for an annual Christmas Cookie Exchange!  It’s an easy party to throw, just ask everyone to bring a dozen cookies and enjoy socializing and taste testing all of the different holiday cookies. 

You might even find a new favorite recipe!  One of my favorite Christmas cookie are these Christmas Tree Cookies.

16.  Send Out A Christmas Email

Instead of following the traditional tradition of sending out Christmas cards, try sending out a Christmas email instead.  This is a much cheaper option (hello free!) and still a fun way to reach out to friends and family.  You can include a few pictures and a short update of what your family has been up to over the past year.  I have even seen some free email card services you could look into!

17.  Host A White Elephant Party

Host a White Elephant Party at your home.  Ask everyone to bring a wrapped gift (something they already have around their house) and then play a fun gift exchange game.  

This is a fun way to exchange gifts with friends, without having to spend a lot of money on everyone.  It’s also sure to bring a lot of laughs!!

18.  Make A Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up a hot chocolate bar on Christmas Day.  Keep it simple to prevent overspending.  A few peppermint sticks, some marshmallows and whipped cream are all budget friendly ideas.  Try out my easy homemade hot chocolate mix recipe for something quick and delicious you can make at home.

19.  Attend A Christmas Concert Or Event

Look around your community for free Christmas Concerts and Events happening around town.  Does your city put on a free nativity, light parade or other special concerts?  You can usually find at least a few Christmas Concerts at the local high school this time of year.

Pick one or a few of these activities you can attend as a family.  Many of them will be free, or maybe just a few dollars.  It’s a fun way to spend a night out of the house and support your community.

20.  Cookies for Santa and Reindeer Food

My kids love setting out milk and cookies for Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. It’s such a sweet and fun Christmas tradition for families.

Consider going one step further and make some Reindeer Food.  This is so easy to do by mixing oats and glitter together.  Sprinkle the magic reindeer food out in your yard to help the reindeer find your house.

Christmas Traditions

Spend Time Together

I hope you enjoyed these ideas for some of the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget.

The most important part of family traditions is that you focus on spending time together.  It doesn’t always matter what you do, as long as you are focused on each other.

Related Articles:

Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

How to Save Money For Christmas

Easily Forgotten Christmas Budget Categories

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Frugal Family Gift Ideas Under $40

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Budget friendly gift ideas for the whole family!

Are you looking for some frugal family gift ideas?  I’ve got you covered in this article!  

I love giving family gifts!  It’s fun to gift something that the entire family will love, and enjoy together.  Often these are the gifts that will promote family bonding and memories, and those are the most special moments!

Today I’m going to share a few cheap gift ideas for the whole family.

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Appliance Frugal Family Gift Ideas

If you’re anything like me, you can never have to many appliances!  They just make life fun and easier!  Here are some appliances that are perfect family gift ideas under $40!

Indoor Smores Maker

There’s nothing I love more than gathering together as a family to make and eat smores.  With this tabletop smores maker you won’t even have to go outside or make a fire.  Just plug it in, grab the goodies and enjoy!

 

 

Electric Ice Cream Maker

Families will love making their own ice cream with this electric ice cream maker.  You will be able to eat fresh homemade ice cream in only 20 minutes!  If ice cream isn’t your thing, you can use the ice cream maker to whip up a batch of gelato or frozen yogurt!

 

 

Heart Waffle Maker

Make homemade waffles a little more special with a heart shaped waffle maker.  This is a fun gift idea for families because it’s something most people probably don’t already own…but would have so much fun using!

 

 

Fondue Set

Another frugal family gift idea you might want to consider gifting is this nostalgic fondue set.  You can use it for melting both chocolate and cheese!  Our family loves getting out our fondue pot for parties or a family game night.

 

Shaved Ice Maker

I mean….who doesn’t love shaved ice????  It’s one of my favorite treats ever.  Being able to make shaved ice at home, with this shaved ice maker just makes me so happy.  The design is so cute, it would look great sitting on a countertop, and is super easy to use!  Yay!

 

 

 

 

Family Games To Gift For Christmas

My little family loves to play games.  It’s always one of my favorite gifts to give and to get!  Check out some of my favorite affordable family game gift ideas.

Cards Against Humanity Family Edition Game

Cards Against Humanity Family Edition is a really popular game, and for good reason.  It’s hilarious, great for all ages, and a game even non gamers will enjoy.

 

Qwirkle Board Game

Another fun game for all ages is Qwirkle.  It’s the perfect gift because it’s easy to learn and very fun to play.  It’s a popular game with a lot of variations, but I always love the classic Qwirkle.

 

Reverse Charades

One of my favorite games for the entire family is Reverse Charades.  The name explains the game perfectly, it’s like charades…but in reverse.  Instead of one person trying to get the group to guess a word, the group tries to get one person to guess the word.  It’s seriously so fun!

 

Giant Checkers Board

Here’s another fun game idea, a giant checkers board!  It comes with amazing reviews, and even has a tic-tac-toe board on the back for more family fun!

 

 

 

Yard Game Gifts For Families

Another frugal family gift idea is to gift them an outdoor yard game.  These games are a great way to encourage families to get outside and spend quality time together.

Portable Cornhole Game

Cornhole is such a fun game for all ages, and this portable cornhole game makes the perfect gift that they can bring it with them on all of their adventures or to set up in the back yard.

 

 

Bocce Ball Set

Here’s a fun outdoor yard game that isn’t as common as some of the others.  This Bocce Ball set is highly rated, perfect for on the go, and a great fit for the whole family. 

 

Ladderball Toss Game

If you are looking for another yard game option, check out the ladderball toss game.  It’s lightweight, easy to play, and sure to keep the entire family entertained for hours on end.

 

Giant Inflatable Bowling Set 

How fun is this giant inflatable bowling set???  It would make for the best family game night activity.

 

 

Practical Gifts For The Whole Family

You just can’t go wrong when you gift a practical gift.  It’s always fun to receive something you know you will use again and again!  I hope you enjoy these practical frugal gift ideas for families.

Picnic Blanket

A good quality picnic blanket will come in handy for years and years.  It’s the perfect blanket to keep in the car for beach days, park trips, and picnics.  Here’s a great picnic blanket option with many high reviews and it’s less than $40!  It is the perfect frugal gift idea for families!

 

Family Charging Station

Here’s another practical gift idea for the family; a family charging station!  Sometimes there are just to many devices to charge, and not enough outlets.  This charging station fixes the problem by providing a docking station complete with 6 cables!

 

 

Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit

Every family needs an emergency kit, but it’s also something easy to ignore buying.  Help a family out by gifting them this emergency kit and helping them cross it off their to buy list.  This kit has everything they will need for under $40!

 

Electric Blanket

There’s just nothing better than snuggling up on a cold winter day under a cozy blanket, which makes this electric blanket the perfect Christmas gift for families.   

 

Personalized Throw Pillow

I love personalized gifts!  They just add a little extra something special to the home.  This darling personalized throw pillow makes for a great budget friendly family gift.

 

 

 

Just For Fun Family Gift Ideas

If you just want to give a gift that will help someone have fun and enjoy time together, check out these frugal family gift ideas!  These are all the perfect gifts to help create family bonding and memories.

Custom Jigsaw Puzzle

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a family that enjoys puzzles, give them a custom jigsaw puzzle!  It’s so easy to customize too, just pick the size of puzzle you want, upload a picture of the family you are gifting to, and a fun personalized puzzle will be sent your way.  This would make such a fun and original gift!

 

Puzzle

The holidays are such a perfect time to work on a puzzle, so I added another puzzle gift idea!.  I really love Eric Dowdle puzzles, the pictures are fun and colorful.  This National Park one is perfect for a family to do together.

 

 

Karaoke Microphone

Are you shopping for a family that loves to sing?  This karaoke microphone is the perfect gift for them!  It contains a bluetooth function and the ability to record yourself singing!  Can you imagine the fun karaoke parties?!?

 

Conversation Starter Cards

Help families create great conversations with these Conversation Starter Cards.  The questions are fun and unique, promoting new ways for families to bond and get to know each other better.

 

 

Adventure Challenge Book

 How fun is this Adventure Challenge Book???  It includes over 50 activities for families to do together.  Inside you’ll find adventures that will take you out of the house, conversation starters, activities you can do in the home, and so much more.  The challenges are hidden under scratch off sections, making each one a fun and new surprise.

 

Scratch Off Movie Bucket List

Are you shopping for a family of movie buffs?  This scratch off movie bucket list poster is the perfect gift!  The poster displays 100 of the top kids movies under a scratch off square.  As the family watches each movie, they can scratch it off to reveal a fun picture.

 

 

 

Rock Tumbler

A few years ago we were gifted a rock tumbler and it has been so much fun.  It’s helped our family get outside looking for rocks, and having something to look forward to as we wait for our tumbled rocks to be complete.  It’s a great gift idea for families with young kids.

 

 

 

 

Frugal Family Gift Ideas Under $40 Conclusion

I hope this article helped you to find the perfect frugal gift idea!  Remember, giving is about…..giving!  It’s about showing people that you care about them, and that doesn’t require giving something expensive!  So be creative, stick to your budget, and give something from the heart!

 

 

Other Frugal Gift Guides

Best Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls Under $25

Cheap Gift Ideas for Teen Boys All Under $25!

25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

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Best Frugal Family Gift Ideas Under $40!

Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Budget Friendly Teen Girl Gift Ideas. 

Are you needing a gift, maybe a Christmas present or a birthday present, for the teen girl in your life?  Are you on a budget and don’t want to overspend?  Well you have come to the right place!  I have researched all of the best gift ideas for teen girls!  The best part?  Everything is under $25, so you can stick to that budget!  Here are some of the best gift ideas for teen girls.

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

Gifts for Fun

Karaoke Microphone

This Karaoke Microphone would be so fun for a teen girl party or for anyone who loves to sing!  It is compatible with both android and iOS and only costs $19.99!

Coloring Books

Maybe you are shopping for a teen girl that loves art.  Coloring can be such a fun way to relax.  I loved the inspirational sayings in this coloring book and think they are perfect for teens! It’s a great deal at just $6.99.

Phone Tripod

Let’s face it, teens love to take pictures!  This phone tripod looks so fun for setting up cute group photos or selfies.  It is currently only $15.98!

PopSockets

If you are shopping for a teen girl with a phone, she will probably enjoy a PopSocket.  PopSockets make carrying the phone easier, and able to be propped up using the small stand.  This one is a really pretty color and less than $15!

 

Accessories

Beanie

Beanies with a pom at the end are all the rage right now with teen girls.  These darling beanies are a great price and so cute!

 

Scrunchies

I never thought scrunchies would come back, but they did, and are super popular with the teen crowd right now!  These long tail scrunchies are especially trendy!

 Backpack Purse

These backpack purses are so cute and trendy right now.  My teen daughter loves using her when she goes to the mall or for carrying extra items to school.  This backpack is only $24.99!

 

 

Teen Girl Gift Ideas For Beauty

Bath Bombs

This set of bath bombs comes with 6 different scents and colors.  It’s a fun “luxury” gift for your teen, especially if they love to take baths.  The entire set is on sale for just $13.99

Makeup Mirror

This Tabletop Makeup Mirror is a perfect gift for teen girls.  Plus, you know it will be good because the reviews are mostly all positive!

 

Makeup Kit 

What teen girl wouldn’t enjoy a new makeup kit???  This starter makeup kit for teens is great for anyone who is new to makeup or just loves it!  It includes everything they would ever want in makeup; concealer, eyeshadow, eye liner, lip stick creams, applicator and mirror.  You can get it right now for only $22.99, a great deal!

 

Makeup Brush Set

Another great gift for makeup lovers would be brush set.  This 20 Piece Makeup Brush Set is a great deal at only $7.99.  They will never want for a makeup brush again!

EmaxDesign 20 Pieces Makeup Brush Set Professional Face Eye Shadow Eyeliner Foundation Blush Lip Makeup Brushes Powder Liquid Cream Cosmetics Blending Brush Tool

Gel Nails Kit

I bought my teen girls this gel nails kit a couple of years ago and she uses it weekly.  Not only is it very easy to use, but the result are salon quality nails that last for weeks (without chipping!).  It’s a great price at just $16.99.  You will need to buy the special gel nail polish to go with it though.

 

Curling Wand

Another fun gift idea for teens is a Curling Wand.  This is a great curling wand with over 1,000 positive reviews and makes the most beautiful curls.  It is currently only $24.99!

 

Ipsy Subscription

I have had an ipsy Subscription off and on a few years now.  It is a fun beauty subscription service where they will send you 5 beauty products and a cute makeup bag every month for only $12! 

When you set up the subscription service you will fill out a form detailing what types of beauty products you would prefer, your coloring and more.  This would be a fun gift for a teen girl to receive, even if you only sign up for 2-3 months worth of subscription.  It’s a great way to learn new makeup skills and try out new products.  Plus, it’s Christmas over and over again with a monthly subscription!

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Hair Styling Book

I bought this hair styling book for my daughter last Christmas.  She loved it!  It gives easy to follow instructions for fixing hair.  If you are shopping for a teen girl that loves to experiment with hair, I highly recommend this book.  It is currently $15.01.

Makeup Eraser

Help your teen girl erase her makeup with ease by gifting her this makeup eraser.  Not only is it chemical free, but it also erases all forms of makeup with ease!  It is currently priced at only $20.00.

 

Books

The Fault In Our Stars

The Fault in our Stars is a story of a sweet teen romance and really popular for most book lovers.  The paperback is just $7.69

The Selection

Another great book for teens is The Selection.  This book is full of romance, royalty, and a secret plot….basically all the good things!  Plus, The Selection is a series so after reading this first book they will want more!  You can currently get the paperback for $6.48.

 

 

Room Decorations

Bluetooth Speaker

Teens love music, so a Bluetooth speaker would be perfect for them to add to their room to listen to music.  This speaker only costs $19.99!

 

Felt Board

Felt Boards are super trendy right now!  Most teen girls would love having them in their room to be able to make fun and cute sayings.  This one is only $21.95!

Marquee Letter Sign

Give the teen girl in your life a marquee letter sign with her initial.  This makes such a fun room accessory!  It is currently only $9.99.

 

Photo Clip Light Strand

A really fun gift for a teen girls room is this photo clip light strand.  It comes with 20 light clips for attaching photos.  These lights are the perfect way to add to their room and remember fun times with their friends through photos.  You can buy it for just $13.90.

 

Teen Girl Active Gifts

Gym Bag

If you are shopping for a girl that plays sports, maybe she needs something to help carry all of her gear to/from practice or school.  This gym duffel bag is super cute and has sections to keep her wet and dry items separate.  You can buy it now for $23.99

 

 

Water Bottle

Another great gift idea for the active girl is a stainless steel insulated water bottle.  It will keep her water ice cold while exercising or at practice.  Plus, the colors are so pretty with a huge variety to choose from.  These water bottles are currently $12.95.

 

 

 

Related Articles:

25 Gift Ideas for 5-7 year old boys under $25

10 Valentines gifts for him under $10!

10 Valentine Gifts for Her under $10

25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!

 

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I hope this list helped you find some gift ideas for teen girls under $25!

Best Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls Under $25

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Budget friendly gift ideas for little girls.

Looking for some gift ideas for 5-7 year old girls under $25?  I’ve got you covered!  

For some reason gift shopping can be so stressful!  I always want to gift something that will be loved and enjoyed, but I also have a tight budget I need to stick to.  So, I end up shopping for weeks and weeks trying to find that perfect gift that won’t put me over budget.

If you are anything like me, I decided to save you a lot of time and stress!  I did the browsing for you!  Below you will find 25 budget friendly gift ideas for young girls!  I hope these gift ideas help you find exactly what you are looking for.

“We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”

budget friendly gifts for 7 year old girls - cheap gift ideas for girls

Crafting Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls

Crafting is so fun for 5-7 year old girls.  They are starting to understand how to create with their own ideas and are so proud of the finished project.  Here are a few budget friendly craft gift ideas!

Rainbow Scratch Paper Art Kit

Keep your young artist entertained for hours with this rainbow scratch paper art kit.  It comes with over 100 pieces to use to help her create beautiful rainbow art pictures.  My little ones always thought these kits were like magic!  They are so fun and affordable!

 

 

Color Your Own Water Bottle

My girls both had these color your own water bottles when they were younger and loved them!  It’s a fun gift idea to help girls show their creativity and then display it proudly!

 

 

Fairy Lantern Craft Kit

I was so excited to find this Fairy Lantern Craft Kit.  It comes with everything you’ll need for your sweet girls to make their own fairy lantern.  This is the perfect gift for girls who love fairy’s and fairy gardens.

 

Crayola Twistables

If you are shopping for a budding artist, you might want to buy her these fun Crayola Twistables.  They have 50 different colors and are my favorite colored pencil ever!

 

 

Fun Game Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls

I love gifting games to kids.  They provide a lot of fun family togetherness time, memories and laughter.  Plus, games are a great way to encourage learning and thinking skills.

Monopoly Junior Board Game

You can’t go wrong with a classic board game and one of my favorite classics is Monopoly!  Try gifting the Monopoly Junior board game version, so that young kids can enjoy this fun game too!

 

Candyland Board Game

Candyland is another fun and classic  board game for young kids!  It never ever gets old!  Kids (and adults) of all ages love playing this game (me included)!

 

Wooden Blocks Game

How adorable is this wooden blocks game?!?!  I love it and our family loves playing this game!  It always keeps us laughing!  This version of the game is so colorful and unique, a perfect combination for kids!

 

Lawn Dart Yard Game

Encourage your little ones to play outside with this lawn dart yard game.  It comes with 4 darts, 2 target rings, a carrying bag and instructions.  This is that perfect gift that will be fun no matter what age your child is!

 

 

 

Fun Toy Gift Ideas For 5-7 Year Old Girls

Being a 5-7 year old girl means a lot of playing with toys, dressing up, and pretending.  Here are a few ideas to keep your little one having fun and using her imagination!

Princess Castle Play Tent

Give your little princess her very own castle with this princess castle play tent!  She will love having her own little hideout and will give her some fun opportunities for pretend play.

 

Toy Tea Set

Look at how adorable this toy tea set is??  It comes with everything a little girl would need to set up her own tea party, plus a carrying case to keep it all organized when not in use!  

 

Magnetic Wooden Dress Up Dolls

My daughters had these magnetic wooden dress up dolls when they were 5 and 7 and loved them!  It was so fun to mix and match the different outfits and the magnets make it so easy to put the clothes on and off.  It makes for the perfect travel toy too!

 

Rocket Launcher

Help your kids get out their energy with the Stomp Rocket toy.  It comes with 4 rockets that will launch 200 feet into the air.  This is the perfect activity for outdoor or indoor play and something that will entertain the neighborhood!

 

Walkie Talkies

Walkie Talkies are just the most fun ever, seriously!  My kids and their friends play with our walkie talkies for hours and hours.  You can bring them camping, hiking, or use them for playing night games, so many possibilities!  I found a great deal on kids walkie talkies and these would make the perfect gift!

 

 

LOL Surprise Dance Doll

LOL Surprise dolls were all the rage last year, so make sure to buy one before they are sold out!  This LOL Surprise Dance Doll comes with 7 surprises and doll!

 

Polly Pocket

Polly pockets were some of my very favorite toys when I was a young girl, and I have loved seeing them make a comeback the last few years!  I found the cutest polly pocket swimming set with great reviews!  Check it out here!

Doctor Kit

My daughters and their friends spent hours and hours playing doctor with our toy doctor kit!  I think it was the most used toy we ever owned!  So, I always recommend it to parents!  This is a great priced doctor kit similar to the one we owned and loved!

 

 

Gift Ideas For Her Room

I love decorating my kids rooms!  It’s a great way to let their personality and interests shine!  Below are some fun gift ideas perfect for a little girls room.

Star Projector Nightlight

How fun would it be to give your 5-7 year old girl the gift of falling asleep under the stars every night???  Well you can with this fun star projector nightlight!  Right now it’s under $20 and has over 9,000 positive reviews!  I almost want to buy it for me!  😉

 

Squishmallow Stuffed Animal

Squishmallows are all the rage right now for stuffed animal lovers.  They are soft, and oh so squishy!  This Unicorn Squishmallow is adorable and under $25!

 

Unicorn Musical Jewelry Box

Here’s another fun gift idea for a 5-7 year old girl, a new jewelry box!  This darling unicorn music box is perfect for a little girls favorite rings, necklaces and favorite trinkets.

 

Mermaid Tail Blanket

What little girl doesn’t dream of being a mermaid?!?!?  I think most do!  Help them play mermaid for a few hours with this cozy mermaid tail blanket.  It has great reviews, multiple colors to choose from and the price is right!

 

 

Learning Gifts For 5-7 Year Old Girl

Help the girl you are shopping for learn and develop with these fun and affordable learning toys!

Glow In The Dark Puzzle

The ages between 5-7 are perfect to start introducing puzzles to kids.  This unicorn glow in the dark puzzle is so fun, but you can also choose from a few other puzzle themes, such as space, dinosaur and fairies.  Just find the theme that suits your little girl best!

 

Child Microscope

How fun is this child’s microscope???  Help your young scientist explore and learn with the “kidscope” and 60 real life images to view.

 

 

Kids Baking Set

Introduce your sweet girl to baking with her very own Baking Set.  This one comes with a chef hat, apron, rolling pin, and other fun baking gadgets!

 

Science Kit

Here is a fun beginner science kit!  It comes with 11 hands on science activities to help young kids learn more about science and how things work.

 

 

Little Girl Gifts She Can Wear

I only have one item on this list, but it was worth keeping it because of how cute it is!

Knee High Animal Socks

Ok, how cute are these knee high animal socks?!?!?!  They are adorable and I wish they came in my size!  They would make the perfect gift for a little girl.

 

 

More Gift Guides

Have even more people on your list you are shopping for?  Check out my other budget friendly gift guides below!

 

 

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I hope you find the perfect gift idea for your 5-7 year old girl!

Upside App Honest Review

By: Sweet Frugal Life17 Comments

How to get cash back on gasoline with the Upside App!

Here is my honest upside app review!

This article contains affiliate links.  I will be compensated by purchases made using links in this post.

A few months ago, one of the members of my Facebook Frugal Community Group told me about an easy way to earn cashback on gasoline purchases called Upside.  I immediately loved the idea of getting cashback on gas, because gasoline prices have gotten so expensive the past few months!  After hearing about the app it only took me a few seconds to download it and start searching for offers near me.  And so far, I have LOVED using this app!  I wish would have started using it sooner!  Here is my honest Upside App review!  Let me know if you have any questions!

 

What Is The Upside App?

The Upside App is an app that rewards you with cashback when you shop at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.  (Disclaimer: I have only used it at gas stations and that is what my Upside app review will be focused on.) 

How Does It Work?

One of my favorite things about Upside is that it is so so easy to use!  Here’s how it works:

1.  Download The App

The first thing you will need to do is download the Upside app to your phone.  The app is completely free to use and download!  Once you sign in, make sure to enter code BRANDCYCLE25 to get a BONUS 25 cents cashback/gallon at the gas station using your first receipt. 

Image preview

2.  Find Offers

Next, you will need to search for offers in your area.  This is easily done using location services and the in app map.

The map will show you each of the offers near you and how much cashback you are eligible for.

3.  Claim Offer

When you find the offer you want, click the “Claim” button.  You will be given 4 hours to redeem the offer you selected, so make sure to use it within that time frame.

I have found it works best to claim the offer when you are sitting at the gas station about to fill up.  This way you won’t forget about it!

 

4.  Earn Cashback

Before earning cashback with Upside, I recommend filling in your credit/debit card information.  This info is only used to verify purchases, it will not be used to charge you for anything.

After you buy your gas, you will get your cash back in one of two ways. 

It will either be automatically applied to your Upside account when you use the card in your account.  Or, you can scan your receipt to verify your purchase.  

Your cashback will be added to your Upside account within 24-48 hours.

5.  Cash Out

Now for the fun part!  You get to redeem your earnings!  Yay!  When you are ready to get your earnings, just click on the “Cash Out” option.  You have a few different ways to redeem.

  1.  Cash Out:   Upside lets you cash out via paypal or direct deposit to your bank account.  You can choose this option whenever you want, no minimum amount required!  However they will charge a $1 processing fee when requesting cashback under $15, so I recommend waiting until you have $15 or more to redeem using this method.  Which honestly, it didn’t take very long for me to get to $15 earnings.
  2. Digital Gift Card:  The next option is to redeem your earnings for a digital gift card.  Upside offers a big selection of gift cards.  You will find a selection of gift cards to retail shopping, restaurants, Walmart, and even Amazon!  Here are a few of the options available currently:

6.  Bonus Cashback

If you like using Upside make sure to share your referral code with your friends and family.  This will benefit both of you! 

When you share your referral code your friend will get an extra 15 cents/gallon cash back the first time they use an app and YOU will get a bonus 15 cents/gallon cashback.  Win-win!

 

Does Upside Really Save Money?

I get asked a lot if  Upside is actually a good way to save money.  The truth is, it depends.

Yes, Upside can be a great way to earn cashback when filling up your car.  This is free money and a great way to offset the rising fuel costs.

But!  There have been times when the cashback offers on Upside were actually more expensive than other gas stations (yes, even after the cashback!).  These types of offers are not worth it!

I recommend you always check the GasBuddy app to find gas prices in your area and compare those prices with the cashback offers on the Upside app.  Choose whichever one is cheaper.  Sometimes it might be cheaper to use Upside and other times it won’t be.

 

 

Upside Cash Back App Pros

I love so many things about using Upside.  Here are a few of my very very favorite!

  • The app is very user friendly and easy to navigate.
  • I love the map that shows the offers nearest me, it’s so helpful for finding gas stations.
  • Free money!  I love earning cashback on items I would be buying anyways!  Gas for my car is necessary, so I might as well get a kick back at the same time!
  • The referral program is amazing.  When you refer Upside to a friend you will get a bonus 15 cents/gallon cashback to use within the app.  PLUS!  You will get 1 cent/gallon cashback on every gallon of gas your friend buys using the app….forever!  It’s the referral program that just keeps on giving!

 

Upside Cash Back App Cons

I love this easy to use cashback app, but their are some cons!  Below are some of my biggest cons with using Upside.

  • It does not work with cash.  You can only redeem a receipt if you pay with a credit or debit card.
  • The app is not available everywhere.  There are some location where Upside does not offer cashback options.  I wish it was more global friendly.
  • Upside can be more expensive than other gas stations.  Occasionally the cashback received from Upside is still more expensive than competitor gas stations, I wish that it would consistently be a money saving option.
  • Prices aren’t always accurate.  I love that Upside tells you the price of gasoline, along with the cashback offer available.  However, there have been a couple of times when the prices Upside quoted me was not the actual price at the gas station.  This has been rare, but it has happened.

Is The Upside For You?

Well, there’s my honest Upside app review!  If you are still wondering if Upside is for you or not I recommend you download the app and look to see the offers in your area, if you find some good offers, try it out!  You have nothing to lose!

 

Related Articles:

How To Save Money On Gas

The Best Cash Back Apps

10 Ways To Save Money On Electricity This Summer

 

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DIY Decor On A Budget

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Frugal Decoration Ideas You Can DIY

I don’t know if this is just me…but I seem to always feel like my home needs an update.  I get one room looking just right, and then I notice another room is outdated.  I love giving my home a new look….but it can get so expensive!  Which is why I do a lot of DIY decor on a budget.  It’s the best way to give a home a fresh new look, without breaking the bank! 

If you are like me and wanting to makeover your home, but also on a budget, make sure to try some of these easy ideas listed below!

Dollar Tree Tiered Tray

Frugal and Dollar Tree just belong in the same sentence, don’t you think????  Which is exactly why I love this Dollar Tree Tiered Tray.  It’s the absolute cutest craft and will only take a few hours and a few dollars to throw together.  Plus, it’s something that anyone could make, whether you deem yourself “crafty” or not!  Whooo-hooo!

 

Custom Painted DIY Doormat

It’s always fun to get a fresh new door mat, but what’s even more fun is getting a fresh new door mat for a cheap price!  Am I right or am I right????  

This cute Custom Painted DIY Doormat is the perfect way to update your front porch while on a tight budget.

Finished doormat on front porch.

 

Related:  Cheap Farmhouse Decorations

 

DIY Dollar Tree Wreath

Here’s another fun and easy project made from supplies found at Dollar Tree.

This DIY Dollar Tree Wreath would make a cute addition to your indoor or outdoor decor.  And it’s easy to customize just by changing up the flowers to match your favorite look!

completed diy wreath

 

 

Upcycled Succulent Planter

Quit tossing your used cans away and turn them into an adorable farmhouse style planter instead!  Here’s an easy tutorial you can follow to make your own upcycled succulent planter.  You will only need a few supplies (and you probably already have some of them in your home!).

Succulent Planter Craft Project

 

Driftwood Clock

I love crafts that you can make out of things that would typically be tossed aside.  It’s so beautiful to give something that has been forgotten a new life and purpose!

That’s the reason why I love this DIY Driftwood Clock.  You take a piece of driftwood, clean it up a bit, attach a clock kit…and wah-lah…..you have a beautiful clock!  It really is the perfect DIY decor on a budget!

How to make a driftwood clock

 

China Cabinet Makeover

Do you have a china cabinet in your home?  It might be fun to give it a new look with this quick and easy makeover!  All you need is some wallpaper and a few supplies to give the china cabinet a fresh look!

Photo of empty cabinet with the wall paper on the back of the hutch. The wallpaper has branches with light green leaves and gray owls perched on the branches. the background of the paper is cream colored.

 

 

Burlap Planter

If you know basic sewing then you can whip up this darling DIY Burlap Planter.  The directions are very simple to follow and makes for such a cute and fun way to store your house plants.

burlap basket pot cover free sewing pattern completed

 

Vase Makeover

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to display expensive looking items in your home, and that’s exactly what I love about this tutorial.  It shows you how easy it can be to turn an ordinary Dollar Tree vase into a beautiful expensive looking vase.

Acrylic painted vases that look like terracotta

 

Colorful Wreath

A homemade wreath is the perfect DIY decoration on a budget.  They are always so easy to make, and beautiful to display!

I just love this colorful floral and burlap wreath.  It’s made using a pool noodle, which you can get at the Dollar Tree for super cheap!  I never would have guessed!

Colorful Summer Wreath

 

Burlap Garland

Garlands are such a fun way to dress up a fireplace mantle, or an entry table.  Make sure you check out this Burlap Garland tutorial to learn how to make this cute and cheap decoration!

burlap garland

 

 

Planter Box

Give your front porch a makeover with this DIY Modern Planter Box tutorial.  It’s the perfect project for someone who is new to power tools.  Your porch will look fresh and new with these planter boxes up front!

Super Easy DIY Modern Planter Boxes

 

Crushed Tin Can Pocket Planter

I’m always amazed at what can be done with a little creativity and modge podge.  Mixed Kreations shows us how she took a tin can, a napkin, and some modge podge to make this beautiful tin can pocket planter.  It makes a beautiful gift or keep it for yourself for a fun DIY decoration on a budget.

crushed tin can pocket

 

DIY Faux Ceramic Vases

I am seriously obsessed with these Faux Ceramic Vases!  I had no idea you could make a faux ceramic paint with baking soda!  The finished look is so beautiful and expensive looking!  I’m seriously going to paint everything in my home using this tutorial!

faux ceramic projects are lined up on display with dried florals

 

 

Paint Cabinet Hardware

Make your cabinets look brand new simply by painting the cabinet hardware, it’s so genius!  This is one of the easiest ways to update your home while sticking to a tight budget!  

image of before painted hardware on cabinets with arrow pointing to after laundry room cabinets with black painted hardware.

 

DIY Pillow Covers

Give your throw pillows a whole new look with this easy DIY pillow cover tutorial!  The pillow covers have a cute decorative edge to help them stand out, and it will be easy to customize them to your home vibe by the material you choose.

 

DIY Decor On a Budget

I hope this article helped you to find a few….or many easy ideas for frugal decorating!  Sometimes all it takes is a little creativity and time to transform a room!

 

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Road Trip On A Budget

By: Sweet Frugal Life2 Comments

How to save money on a family road trip.

My family and I are currently in the process of preparing for a spring break road trip.  We are so excited to spend quality time together and look forward to visiting a few sights, like the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, and more!  Traveling by car can be a very frugal way to sight see, but like any vacation, expenses will add up quickly.  Today I’m sharing a few tips to help you road trip on a budget.

easy ways to save money on a road trip - cheap road trip ideas

Budget Friendly Road Trip Hacks

I am a huge proponent of the fact that you can still have FUN, enjoy life, and live on a BUDGET.  It’s possible!!  Planning a vacation around a road trip is a great way to have fun without spending a lot of money.  However, expenses can add up on, even when traveling by vehicle. 

So, here are a few ways you can save money on a family road trip…so that you can spend your hard earned money in other ways.

1.  Plan Ahead

One of the most important parts of road tripping on a budget is to plan ahead.  I suggest planning for your road trip a few months in advance (or as soon as you decide to travel).  There are a lot of factors to consider when making a good road trip plan.  Don’t forget to include: 

  • Making a budget (don’t forget to include gas, food, attractions, and miscellaneous)
  • Researching/planning places to eat, sleep and things to do
  • Meal planning/prep for foods you will pack and make yourself
  • Looking over the best route for driving

As you are making your road trip plan be sure you plan as frugally as possible using the tips below.  Give yourself enough time to research and plan ahead so that you will be able to find the most affordable options and frugal hacks.

How To Save Money on Road Trip Food

There are many ways to save money on road trip food.  Below are a few of my favorite hacks!

2.  Pack Your Own Food

One of my favorite parts of road tripping is the food.  There is just nothing better than munching on snacks, while listening to a good audiobook, and watching the scenery go by!  To save money on road trip food is important to pack as much as you can from home.

Buying food from gas stations and restaurants will get expensive fast.  And most tourist grocery stores will have higher prices than your local grocery store.  However, if you plan ahead (remember that little planning tip we already talked about 😉 ) and pack your own food in the car, you will be able to save a lot of money.

Here are a few of our favorite food to pack on a road trip:

  • Fresh fruit
  • Carrot sticks
  • Deli sandwiches
  • Bagels with cream cheese
  • Peanut butter sandwich
  • Granola bars
  • Muffins
  • Pita wraps
  • Nuts
  • Jerky
  • Popcorn
  • Pretzels
  • Yogurt
  • Salad

3.  Skip Restaurants & Eat At The Grocery Store

Ok, hear me out on this one!

If you don’t love the idea of packing your own food for your budget friendly road trip, then consider stopping at grocery stores along the way to eat your meals, rather than stopping at restaurants to eat.

You can get delicious, high quality food at grocery stores, with much lower prices than you would spend at a restaurant.  We love stopping at grocery stores for foods like deli sandwiches, friend chicken, fresh fruit and salads.  Try it, you just might like it!

4.  Stay At An Airbnb

Staying at an Airbnb is an easy way to save money on food expenses.  Most Airbnbs will give you access to a full kitchen, making it possible to cook all of your own meals, instead of eating out.

However, make sure to look at all of the hidden costs when booking an Airbnb to ensure that you really will be saving money.  The cleaning and extra fees can really add up, which means that sometimes it isn’t always the cheapest option!

5.  Stay In A Hotel With A Microwave/Fridge

You don’t have to book accommodations with a full kitchen to cook your own meals.  A hotel room with a microwave and fridge will provide all that you need to whip up a few easy meals.

Here are a some of the meals my family likes to eat in our kitchenette hotel room:

Breakfast:

  • Muffins
  • Yogurt parfaits
  • Fruit
  • Cereal
  • Oatmeal

Lunch & Dinner:

  • Mac and Cheese
  • Sandwiches
  • Bagels with Cream Cheese
  • Fruit
  • Protein Drink
  • Salad
  • Cup of Noodles

6.  Bring A Reusable Water Bottle

Avoid spending money on water bottles by packing your own reusable water bottle and filling it up with free water where available! 

I personally love this Stanley dupe water bottle.  It has a lot of really cute colors and great reviews.

7.  Eat Out For Lunch Instead of Dinner

If you do decide to go out to eat for a few meals, make sure to eat out for lunch instead of dinner.  Most restaurants will offer a cheaper menu during lunch hours, so that you can get the same product for a better price.

8.  Stay somewhere with a free breakfast

Make sure to always book a hotel that offers a free breakfast.  A free breakfast will give you one less meal you’ll have to pay for during the day.  Take advantage of the free breakfast by filling up so you can eat lighter for your other meals.

9.  Split A Meal

A great restaurant hack to save extra money is to order one meal and split it between two people!  This gives you two meals for the price of one!  You could even decide to eat half of your meal and then save the other half for lunch the next day!

10.  Take Advantage of Happy Hour

Many restaurants offer discount prices during happy hour.  It’s easy to do a quick google search to find restaurants nearby that participate in happy hour.  Plan your meals around those times and restaurants for the best discounts.

 

How to Save Money On Sleeping Accommodations

Taking your time and using patience is the best way to book budget friendly sleeping accommodations.  There are deals available…but it takes a little bit of searching and research!

11.  Shop Around For Sleeping Accommodations

Prices for the same hotel can differ on each website.  Make sure to take your time comparing multiple websites to find the best deal.

Next, call the hotel directly to ask if they can offer you an even lower price than what you found on the website.  Often if you call the hotel directly they will give you an even better deal than you found online.

Another option for finding good hotel deals is to use a bidding website, such as Priceline.  We used Priceline when booking a hotel for our trip to New York City and ended up staying in a beautiful hotel, with a fantastic room and in the perfect location….and it was a great price!

Make sure to book your hotel using the Rakuten cashback app!  It will often give you an extra 1-10% cashback on your hotel stay.

12.  Consider Camping

If you are really wanting to save money on overnight stays, you might want to consider camping somewhere.  Camping can be a much cheaper than a hotel room, especially if you already have your own camping equipment.

You could camp while sleeping in your car, or pack along a tent and sleeping bag to set up.  My kids love to camp and any chance we get to do it into a fun family adventure.  Camping is a great way to see new places while enjoying the fresh air.

13.  Stay With Friends Or Family

Another super cheap way to save money on lodging is to ask friends or family if you could stay with them for a night.  They will love being able to catch up and host their loved ones!  

Make sure to bring a nice thank you card or fresh flowers to show your gratitude!

 

How To Save Money On Entertainment

Try to have some fun while on your road trip!  My family loves getting to enjoy some of the fun things each of our destinations has to offer.  Fortunately, there are so many fun and free things you can do while traveling which makes frugality easy!  I’ve listed a few ideas below for your road trip on a budget!

14.  Visit Free Attractions

Road trips are a great way to see more of the world, and a lot of that can be done for free!  Look for free museums, zoos, or road side attractions that you can stop and visit.  Your family might also enjoy going on a hike, picnic, or playing in a nearby lake.

Talk to locals, and do some online research to find the best free attractions in the places you’ll be visiting.  You just might be surprised at how many you find!

15.  Get A National Parks Pass

An annual National Parks Pass is only $80!  There are so many fun and interesting things to see and do in our national parks, that $80 investment can bring a lot of fun and memories to your road trip.

There are also a few frugal hacks to purchasing a national parks pass, you can read all about them here.

16.  Use Coupons

When planning activities for your road trip, be sure to look into any coupons available.  I like to find coupons using Groupon, searching on google, or checking local facebook groups.

17.  Free Audiobooks

Listening to audiobooks is a great way to pass time while driving.  And guess what?!?!  You don’t have to spend any money to listen to audiobooks!  There are so many free resources out there for your enjoyment!  Be sure to check out my full list here:  Free Audiobook Resources.

 

How To Save Money On Gasoline When Road Tripping

One of the bigger expenses when it comes to a road trip is paying for gas.  As fuel prices keep climbing, consumers continue to look for new ways to save money.  Here are a few tips that might help.

18.  Drive Smart

The first way to save money on fuel is to drive smart!  Smart driving will help you get the most out of your car mileage.

Slightly changing the way you drive can make a big difference on your fuel consumption.  Slamming on your breaks or speeding up quickly will hurt your gas mileage.  Instead, try to get into the habit of accelerating and braking slowly and gradually.  It really does make a difference!

You’ll also find yourself saving money by driving at a decreased speed.  Driving at a speed of 65 mph is a good rule of thumb to get the best gas mileage.

19.  Use Upside Cashback App When Getting Gas

I’ve recently started using the free GetUpside app and loving it!  All you have to do is download the app and you will be able to see the gas offers in your area.  Choose the offer you want, the offers I’ve received have been anywhere from 15 cents/gallon – 1 cent/gallon cashback. After you select the offer you want to redeem, just go fill up with gas and scan your receipt into the GetUpside app.  It’s all really easy!  I’ve been using it for about a month and have earned $10 already!  Yay!

20.  Use the Gas Buddy App

The best way to find which gas station will be the best deal is to download and start using the free Gas Buddy app to help you find the cheapest gas in your area.

It’s really easy to use!  Just download the app and enter in your location.  The app will then search to find the gas prices near you.  Scroll through your options until you find the best deal and use that station to fill up!

The prices will change and vary day to day, so check the app each time you need gas.

Other Ways To Save Money On Your Road Trip

Here are a few other ways you can cut costs on your next family road trip.

21.  Avoid Traveling During Holidays

Holiday travel tends to make prices in all areas increase.  If you can, try to plan your trips over non-holiday weekends.  This will save you money on gas, activities, and lodging.

22.  Pack instead of buy

Reduce the amount of items you will have to buy on your road trip by planning ahead and packing as much as you can.  Don’t forget to pack medication, band aids, all of the shoes you will need, jackets, and any other gear you think will be useful.

There is nothing worst than getting to your destination to realize you have to go to the store and buy something that you forgot to pack.

23.  Avoid Toll Roads

Toll roads are often an unexpected expense.  Make sure to plan your driving route to avoid having to pay these tolls. 

Use google maps to find the best non-toll road route.  This is easily done by clicking on the “avoid tolls” button in the “plan route” section.

24.  Invite A Friend

Inviting a friend on your frugal road trip is another great way to reduce costs.  Together you can split the cost of gasoline, lodging, and even meals at restaurants!  Plus, you’ll make countless memories!

 

 

In Conclusion

Don’t let frugality stop you from exploring and having fun.  Instead, have fun in a frugal way!  I hope these ideas help you to have an incredibly fun road trip on a budget!

 

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A road trip on a budget is possible!

10 Gifts for Mom Under $10 In 2023

By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Looking for some budget friendly Mothers Day Gifts?  I’ve got you covered!

Mothers Day is such a special time of year to celebrate the mom in your life.  I truly believe that you can celebrate your mom, without having to spend a lot of money.  It’s the thought that counts, not the price tag!  Here are 10 gifts for mom under $10!

I am a member of online affiliate programs.  I will be compensated for purchases made through links in this post.

10 Gifts for Mom Under $10

I spent a few hours searching for some fun and budget friendly Mothers Day gifts, I hope you find the perfect one for your mom.

Canvas Tote

I’m ALL about the practical gifts; and these Canvas Totes are both practical and CUTE!  Plus, they are only $9.99!  If you are shopping for someone who is always on the go and loves to spready happiness, then this is the perfect gift!

 

Mama Necklace

These MAMA necklaces are so sweet and trendy.  I love their dainty look, and the chance to proudly wear my Mama status!

Stylish Mama Necklace

Initial Letter Ring

How cute is this initial letter ring???  They are so darling and easily customized to the initial of whomever you are gifting too.  Plus, they are only $9.99 each!

CZ Initial Letter Rings

Stacking Bracelet Set

Here’s another cute gift idea for mom, a thoughtful stacking bracelet set.  They have multiple options/styles to choose from, making it a fun gift for everyone!

Stacking Bracelet Sets

Bangle Keychain

These bangle keychains are not only useful, but also so cute and trendy right now.  I found some really cute ones on Amazon for less than $8, and come in multiple colors and styles.

 

Personalized Name Necklaces

Here’s a sweet Mothers Day Gift Idea.  A personalized necklace you can customize with each of moms kids birthstones, so she can always hold her children close to her heart.

Personalized Name & Birthstone Necklaces

Stackable Photo Bracelets

I love these darling stackable photo bracelets.  They are such a sweet gift!  You can upload any picture for your loved one to wear around their wrist.  

Stackable Photo Bracelets With Austrian Crystals

Wireless Charging Pads

We all could use an updated wireless charging station every now and then.  I was excited to find this one for less than $10!

 

Boho Earrings

You can’t go wrong with gifting someone a pair of cute earrings.  Here are some fun boho style earrings, all for under $10!

 

Face Roller

Give mom some pampering with a face roller.  I found a roller under $10 with great reviews here, and there are multiple colors to choose from!

 

 

Closing Thoughts

Remember, it is the thought that counts, and not the price tag.  Whatever you choose for mom should come from the heart!  Don’t forget to attach a sweet note to her gift, it always feels good to be told how much you’re appreciated!

 

 

Related Articles:

 

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I hope these gifts for mom under $10 help you find the perfect Mothers Day Gift!

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Spending Money

By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

Stop spending money by asking yourself these important questions.

You may or may not believe this, but….it’s true….I am a recovered shopaholic.  I use to go shopping every single day, buying everything and anything that caught my eye.  After years of money mistakes, I finally began to change my ways.  It took time, a lot of ups and downs, but I was able to overcome that shopping addiction.  A lot of the change came from learning to ask myself some important questions before spending any money.  These questions have made a huge impact on my life and spending habits, and I think they can help you too!

Asking yourself these important questions before spending money gives you time to pause and reflect so that you can make the best decisions for you and your finances.

Below are the questions I recommend you ask yourself before making a purchase.  Let me know if there are any other questions that you would add to this list!

1.  Do I need this?

The first question you should always ask yourself before making a purchase is, “Do I need this?”  Now, keep in mind that there is nothing wrong with buying things that we want, as a matter of fact it’s healthy to buy your wants occasionally.  But, if you are trying to cut back on spending money, it’s important to truly focus on buying your needs.

So, what is a need?

Needs are the items you absolutely have to have in order to live and survive each day.  Things like, shelter, food, transportation, etc. will usually fall under the need category.

If you determine that you don’t need the item, maybe consider starting a sinking fund so that you can come back and by it another time.

2.  Can I afford this?

The next question to ask yourself before spending money is, “Can I afford this?”  Look through your budget to determine if you have enough money saved and available to make the purchase.  If you will have to make the purchase using a credit card, then it is probably not a wise time to buy it.

Instead, make a sinking fund (which is like a savings plan) in your budget so that you can save up enough cash to purchase the item down the road.  Saying “no” in the moment, doesn’t always mean saying “no” forever.

3.  Will I love/use this for years?

Always consider the long term investment when you are spending money, if you are going to spend money on something, it should be something that you will love and use for years to come.  

True, most purchases will bring instant joy, but not all of them will keep you happy for much longer than that.

I’ve found that when I stop and think about how long I will actually enjoy something, I’m able to make much better spending decisions.

4.  Will buying this bring me closer to or further away from my big goals?

One of the questions that helps me the very most when I’m considering whether to make a purchase or not is to ask myself if buying the item will bring me closer to my big life goals or further away from my big goals.

I have big goals for my future, like I’m sure you do as well.  I want to help my husband retire early, pay cash for my kids to go to college, and provide an inheritance to my children.

When I am considering buying something I will usually ask myself something like, “Would I rather buy this TV or use that money to help me get closer to my goals?”  This question always helps me remember the big picture and puts everything into perspective.

Sometimes, you might rather buy the TV (or whatever it might be), and that’s ok!  But, always give yourself that moment to reflect on your goals before spending money.

5.  Could I buy this item for a lower price?

Maybe you have found something that you truly need/want/love more than anything, and are positive that you want to buy it.  Ok!  Go for it (as long as it’s in budget!)  But, before buying, take a few minutes to brainstorm some ways that you could buy that same product for less (because we all like more for less….right???).  For example, you might be able to:

  • Buy it cheaper at a different store
  • Barter for the item to get the price lowered
  • Borrow something similar from a friend
  • Buy it gently used on Facebook marketplace or a thrift store
  • Use a cashback app or store rewards program
  • Wait to purchase it when it goes on sale
  • Repurpose something you already own to be similar

The extra work it will take to find a lower price is always worth the extra effort for me!

6.  How often will I use this?

Be honest with yourself about how often you will actually use the item you want to buy.  Will it only be used a couple of times and then sit at the bottom of your closet?  Or will it be pulled out over and over for many years to come?

A few years ago I was POSITIVE that I wanted to buy a rice cooker.  We eat a lot of rice, so I thought if I had a fancy-schmancy cooker then it would make my life much easier.

Well.  I was wrong.

As it turns out, I like the rice cooked over the stove much more than rice from a rice cooker (whodathunk!?).

So, the rice cooker sat in my pantry for years, until I finally donated it.

If I would have taken a little bit more time to think about whether I would actually change my regular routine and get out an extra appliance to make rice, I probably would have realized that this is an item that wouldn’t be used very often.  And, I would have saved myself some money.

7.  How am I feeling right now?

Take a minute to reflect on what emotions you are feeling in the moment.  Try to determine if any of those emotions are the cause of you wanting to spend money.  Many times we will spend money because we are bored, hungry, stressed, or anything in between.

If you emotional spending is a common occurrence in your life, make sure to read my article:  How To Stop Emotional Spending for a few tips on overcoming this problem!

Once you focus on the emotion you are feeling in that moment, you will be able to decide if it’s your emotions telling you to make the purchase….or your logic.  I recommend making purchases based on logic!

8.  Could I use this money for something else?

Another important question to ask before spending money is, “Could I use this money for something else?”  It’s always important to be aware of your current needs so that you will know if you need to be spending your money on something else.   

For example:

  • Do you have debt you need to pay off?
  • Have you been contributing to retirement?
  • Are your sinking funds full?

These might (not always, but might) be better uses for that money….rather than what you want to buy at the store.

 

In Conclusion

Taking the extra time to ask yourself a few questions, instead of instantly buying the first thing that catches your eye will save you a lot of money.  I know it has saved me time and time again!  Be thoughtful with your spending, consider each purchase, and make the decisions that will best help you now and in the future.

 

 

Related Articles:

Purpose of a Budget

How To Stop Emotional Shopping

How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck In 6 Steps

 

 

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Make sure you ask yourself these questions before spending money!

 

 

 

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