Sweet Frugal Life

10 Gifts for Mom Under $10 In 2023

March 10, 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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

Pin For Future Reference:

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

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Spending Money

March 6, 2023 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

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.

Related: How to Make a Zero Based Budget

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!

Related: How To Negotiate Your Bills

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.

Purpose of a Budget

How To Stop Emotional Shopping

How To Stop Living Paycheck To Paycheck In 6 Steps

Pin For Future Reference

Make sure you ask yourself these questions before spending money!

Frugal Living Tips From The Great Depression

February 6, 2023 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

The best money saving tips we can learn from our grandparents.

I have many fond memories of sitting in my great grandmothers home while she shared stories with my family about living during the great depression. She explained that growing up during this time taught her to always be frugal, even if it isn’t always necessary, it’s still a wonderful way to live. Her example taught me so much about mindful spending, and I think everyone can learn many frugal living tips from the great depression.

I admire everyone who went through the depression, it was such a hard and difficult time for many people. But, through that process they learned how to be creative with the things they owned, resourceful with their belongings, and prudent with their earnings. They learned to never waste, and to always think long and hard before spending any money.

Today I’m sharing a few of their frugal tips, and I hope these tips can help you live frugally and save more money. We can all be a little more frugal…even if it isn’t a necessity!

1. Make Your Own Household Cleaners

It was almost unheard of to buy a household cleaning product at the store during the depression era. Most households knew the basic ingredients to whip up their own cleaning recipe, they saved a lot of money simply by making their own.

The best part is that you probably already have every ingredient you need to make your own household cleaners.

Check out a few of my favorite recipes: Homemade Household Cleaning Recipes.

2. Repurpose Materials

With money scarce during the great depression, most people tried to figure out ways to repurpose items they already owned, rather than tossing them aside.

We can easily repurpose as well! Here are a few suggestions of things in your home you can repurpose to use again:

Empty Milk Carton: Clean out your milk cartons and reuse them to store water or as a mini garden greenhouse.
Egg Cartons: Egg cartons are easy to repurpose as a planter for starting seeds, or as a way to organize beads or any other small items in the home.
Toilet Paper Rolls: Toilet paper rolls make great crafts! Check out these easy toilet paper roll crafts for some great ideas.
Glass/Plastic Containers: Reuse your sour cream containers, mayo jars, and everything else in between for storing small objects.
Grocery Bags: Turn your plastic grocery bags into trash liners for the small trash cans in your restroom.
Clothing/Bedding: Don’t let your worn clothing or bedding to go to waste. All you have to do is cut the cloth into small pieces and use them for rags!

3. Eat At Home

Families rarely, if ever, went out to eat during the depression. Money was just to tight to spend it on a night out. Every meal was spent together, at home, enjoying food made from scratch.

Cooking at home will make a huge difference in your budget each month. Make sure to check out some of my quick, family friendly dinner ideas here.

4. Trade Skills

Another common frugal living tip from the great depression is to trade skills with each other. During the depression era, neighbors, friends and acquaintances were often bartering their skills with each other in an attempt to save money.

We can still follow this example today. If you are great at photography, you could offer to take your neighbors pictures and in return they could donate a service to you, like teaching your kids a musical instrument, cutting your hair, or anything else you need that they can do.

5. Make Do With What You Have

Something breaks? You don’t have the exact ingredient that you need? Make it do!

If you can be content with what you already have, you will be much more likely to make it do, rather than spending on the “next big thing!” I have two personal examples for you.

Example 1:

We spent years watching “everyone” around us switching from flip phones to smart phones. I would be asked regularly why I still used such an “old fashioned phone”. My answer? “Because this one still works fine.”

Of course I would have RATHER of been using a flashy smart phone with all those cool apps and emojis….but I was on a small budget, so the flip phone was all I needed.

Now, I’m not saying that you should get rid of your smart phones. What I am SAYING is that I want you tostart looking at what you have in your home differently.

Example 2:

Last year we wanted to update my 13 year olds bedroom, to give her more of a teenage room, and less of a young girl room. She had requested more coral and less yellow.

Our goal was to only use what we already had around the house all while giving her room a completely new look.

We made a tassel garland out of scrap fabric. She searched through old decorations that we had put in the storage room to find pieces she liked. We decided to paint over a yellow sign, but didn’t have any coral paint. So, we mixed pink with orange and came up with the perfect coral color.

Long story short: we MADE IT WORK! And, she now has a teenage room that she loves.

5 Ways to Make It Do

Take good care of what you already own. Make rules like no shoes in the house, no jumping on the furniture, etc.
Rearrange your furniture for a new look. Swap decor amongst different rooms to switch things up!
Set a grocery budget and stick to it, no matter what. Make whatever you have in your pantry and fridge last for as long as you need to.
Keep your electronics in good condition and use them until they break, even if they are old and uncool.
Stretch your meat further by using 1/2 the meat called in your recipe and substituting it with beans.

6. Learn How To Sew

Sewing clothes was very common during the depression. While, I’m not suggesting you need to start making all of your own clothes, I do recommend that everyone learns a few basic sewing skills.

Being able to sew on a button, hem a dress, or mend a rip will save you a lot of money and help you prevent waste.

7. Have Fun For Free

I am so passionate about the ability to enjoy life, have fun, and make memories without spending any money. Our great grandparents were excellent at this skill!

Here are a few ways you can have fun for free:

Play games (we love fish bowl)
Go for a walk
Read books from the library
Listen to music

Remember to be creative when trying to find cheap fun. It’s out there!

Related: 25 Free Things To Do In Winter

8. Hang Your Laundry To Dry

You will save a lot of money on electricity just by simply using your dryer less and hanging your clothes to dry instead. An outdoor clothes line is the most traditional method to drying clothes. However, you could also dry them in your house. I really like this foldable laundry rack and I personally have this wall mounted drying rack in my laundry room. It works great during the cold winter months.

Related: 10 Ways To Save Money On Electricity This Summer

9. Learn To DIY

Another way to a lot of money is by learning to DIY.

I know the phrase DIY brings out a lot of different feelings to different people. Some feel excited and motivated (yay! hand me a hammer, I’ll show you how it’s done!). Others might feel a sense of panic and worry (what!?!? I’m not handy….I don’t know how to DIY!).

Do you WANT to learn more DIY but feel stuck or confused about where to start??? I understand! And guess what, learning to DIY is actually incredibly easy!

All it takes is a quick search on google, and a few minutes reading blog tutorials and watching YouTube videos. That’s really it! It’s exactly how my husband and I have been able to successfully complete dozens of our very DIY projects.

Start small, go slow, and ask questions. You just might surprise yourself with a few new talents and a big savings in your budget.

10. Grow Your Own Food

During the great depression it was common for everyone to have large gardens. Not only was it necessary to grow your own food, it was also the way of life.

I believe that it is just as important to grow our own food today as it was back then.

We don’t have any control over grocery prices (and they just keeeeep on raising), so the more we can do to save money in the kitchen- the better!

If gardening scares you, don’t worry! You don’t need to grow a lot of food to begin saving money. Even a small window garden will help you lower grocery costs. Here are a few of the easiest things to grow in your first garden.

11. Preserve Garden Produce

Speaking of growing your own food, it’s equally important to understand how to preserve the food that you grow. A freezer/pantry full of preserved garden produce is one of the best ways to save money all year long.

I taught myself everything that I know about canning and preserving using the Ball Book Of Canning and Preserving. It is an amazing guide and resource and recommend it to everyone!

While you will need to spend money to buy canning supplies, this initial investment has paid off over and over for my family.

12. Save Leftovers

I have to admit something to you. I use to throw away all of my leftovers…..every last crumb. When I first started dating my husband he would watch me in complete disbelief as I chucked my uneaten food down the drain. “I don’t like leftovers,” I would casually say to him.

Well, I have learned a lot since then….much to the example of my husband.

Now, when I see leftovers I see the money that I spent buying that food…..and there is no way I am going to throw my hard earned money down the drain.

Be like new me, not old me and save your leftovers to use again!

Leftovers can be:

Frozen (19 Foods You Didnt Know You Could Freeze)
Stored in the fridge to eat for lunch or dinner the next day
Repurposed for dinner the next day

I also love to freeze a lot of my leftovers in an ice cube tray for easy use later. Try it!

13. Cook From Scratch

Our great grandparents cooked almost everything they ate from scratch. They avoided buying preprepared foods as much as possible, because they knew that they could make it for much less money.

We can follow this example by making our own bread, enchilada sauce, taco seasoning, salad dressing, granola, pizza, lasagna, pancakes, tortillas, yogurt, coutons, muffins, BBQ sauce, and so much more! The list is never ending.

If cooking is not something you feel comfortable and confident with, then start small. Making pancakes in the morning is really easy! Then work up to more difficult things….like baking bread.

Also, keep in mind that you do not have to make every single thing from scratch to save money. Choose a few staples you like to make, and be consistent with them. Every little bit of frugal living will add up and save you money.

Related: 30 Family Friendly Meals On A Budget

14. Stretch Your Meals

Another important frugal living tip from the great depression is to be intentional about stretching your meals. Sometimes all it takes is adding a can of beans to make one meal turn into two meals.

Using simple methods to stretch your meals is a great way to cut your grocery costs. Click here for more easy to follow tips to help your meals stretch further.

15. Be Your Own Handyman

Skip hiring someone to do simple repairs and household maintenance. Watch a few YouTube channels and learn how to fix it yourself!

Keep in mind that you won’t save money if the repair is done wrong, in those circumstances you might end up having to pay more to get it fixed. So, do thorough research before starting any repairs/home maintenance yourself.

Here are a few fairly easy household maintenance ideas that I think *most* people can easily do themselves:

Paint walls
Patch drywall holes
Unclog drains
Change oil in car
Fertilize yard

The next time you are tempted to call a handyman, pause and ask yourself if this is something you can learn to fix yourself! I bet you can!

16. Give Something Homemade

During the great depression, most people didn’t have any extra money to spend on birthday or holiday gifts. So, they made most of the gifts they gave to others. I truly believe it is the thought behind a gift that means the most….and homemade gifts are my favorite because they take a lot of thought, time and love.

Check out this list of homemade Christmas gift ideas to help you get started!

17. Ignore Fads

Our grandparents knew to ignore any trends/fads that would cause them to spend unnecessarily. The fads come and go, and once they are gone all you’ll be left with is a pile of stuff you don’t need anymore and less money in your bank account (anyone remember the Beanie Baby era???).

Be mindful when you are spending your money and ask yourself if you are buying something just because everyone else is buying it….or if it’s something you will actually use, love and value for years to come.

18. Use Electricity Sparingly

Did anyone else grow up with parents who were constantly reminding them to turn off the light??? It wasn’t just me was it????

Our parents learned from their parents that the more electricity you use, the more money you will spend.

Turning off unused lights is one way to conserve electricity. You can also:

Unplug appliances when not in use
Use LED lightbulbs
Lower your thermostat
Seal leaks around windows and doors

There are so many ways to save money simply by changing the way you use electricity. For more ideas check out these two articles: How To Save Money On Electricity During Winter and How To Save Money On Electricity During Summer.

19. Use It up

During the depression families learned to use everything up, rather than letting it go to waste. If they had a small amount of ketchup left in the bottle, they would use a small spatula or knife to get it out and use it.

Be mindful of not throwing away small amounts of condiments, shampoo, soap, milk, etc. Find ways to open up the container and use every last drop.

20. Avoid Disposable Products

Disposable products have become more popular over the years, but they are not great for the wallet (or the environment!).

Try to buy products that can be used over and over again and skip purchasing anything that only has a one time use.

A few examples of this are to buy:

Hand towels instead of paper towels
Tupperware instead of sandwich bags
Dishes instead of paper plates

You will have to spend slightly more money to begin with….but it will save you big over time.

21. Forage

Yes! You read that right, foraging is a great way to save money on food. And, it’s actually really fun too!

Scout out areas in your community or nearby that has wild berries or other plants growing and go forage. Every summer my family drives to a nearby spot and spends a day picking huckleberries. We freeze these huckleberries and use them all year.

Related: Easy Huckleberry Muffin Recipe

22. Turn Off The Air Conditioner

I know this is a tough one….but most homes did not have air conditioners during the depression years….and they survived. I’m sure it wasn’t easy…but they survived.

Try to keep cool instead by using fans, sitting outside in the shade, using cool washcloths, and keeping blinds closed during the hot part of the day.

If turning the air conditioner off completely feels to much for you, then try to increase the thermostat a few degrees so that you are using it less often.

23. Conserve Water

And my last frugal living tip from the great depression is to conserve water. You can conserve water by:

Wearing clothes multiple days (as long as they are clean!)
Follow the mantra: “If it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.”
Brush your teeth in the shower
Take short showers
Fix leaky faucets

Sometimes all it takes is a few simple changes to start saving money.

In Conclusion

Who’s ready to implement these frugal tips from the great depression! I know I am! Pick one or two new money saving tips to start saving more money today.

How To Live Frugally

Things Frugal People Dont Do

Free Self Care Ideas

Pin For Future Reference:

I hope these frugal tips from the great depression help you save more money.

Purpose of a Budget…and why you need one!

January 12, 2023 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

All of the reasons you should make a budget.

If you’ve been following here for a while you know that I preach budgeting to everyone and anyone who will listen! I truly believe that every single person should have a budget, regardless of how much or how little money you earn. Not sure what the purpose of a budget is??? Well I’ll tell you today, so keep reading!

Sweet Frugal Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The Purpose Of Budgeting

I’ll be honest with you….years ago I did not believe in budgeting. I felt like it was something that was only for families that were pinching pennies….and my family seemed to be getting by just fine without a budget.

But then my entire thought process changed after I randomly picked up Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover in the library one day. This book opened my eyes to how our finances could be, if we only adjusted some of our habits….so we started budgeting.

It honestly took about 5 years of trying, failing, giving up, trying again, etc. until we got to a comfortable/confident place when it comes to the budget.

One of the things I learned through this experience is just how much a budget can change your finances. Before we started budgeting, I really thought that we were fine the way we were spending, but once I had that budget to hold me accountable we were able to find so much extra money….and instead of spending that money on stuff (like the pre budget days) we were able to spend it on things that were much more important to us, like travel, retirement, saving for a car, etc.

If I can change my stubborn ways, anyone can!

1. A Budget Prevents Overspending

One of the most important purposes of a budget is that it prevents overspending.

If you take the time to make a budget and give every dollar a job, a category, then you will be much less likely to impulse shop and buy things just because they caught your eye (may or may not be talking about myself here….).

Try to get into the habit of checking in with your budget daily. This daily check in is so important to make sure you are staying on track, and to remind yourself of your money goals.

The days I don’t check in with my budget are the days I tend to impulse buy, because I convince myself we have enough money in the budget. However, if I take the time to look at the budget then I am more aware of my spending and am able to control my overspending impulses.

2. Budgeting Reduces Stress

It’s true! A budget can/will ease your financial worries resulting in a less stressful life. If you are budgeting with sinking funds (which I recommend!) then you will always be prepared for what’s to come, resulting in less stress.

For example, every year I make a sinking fund for Christmas expenses. I save into that sinking fund with each paycheck, then when the holidays come along I can buy Christmas presents, Christmas decor, and any other items I need/want for the holidays using the money I have already saved, which completely eliminates financial stress during the Christmas season!

Related: How to Save Money For Christmas

3. A Budget Helps You Reach Your Goals

Another important purpose of a budget is that it will help you reach your money and savings goals.

Want to save for a vacation, but money keeps flying out the window??? Make a budget! Calculate how much you are spending in each area, look at the ways you can cut those costs, and then budget a sinking fund for vacation! Yay!

Yes, making a budget and cutting expenses will require some sacrifice on your part, but with consistency you will be able to reach those important goals. Budgeting has a way of helping you focus on your priorities.

Related: Easy Budget Cuts We Made To Save Over $2500 Each Year

4. Budgeting Helps You Spend Money Guilt Free

Most of us like to spend money….but we don’t like the guilt that often comes after spending money. And this is exactly why I love a budget! A budget gives you permission to spend money, guilt free!

Don’t believe me yet? Check out these two scenarios:

Scenario A:

Allie wants new living room furniture. She has her eye on a couch at a local furniture store and notices it goes on sale one weekend. Allie excitedly runs to the furniture store to buy the couch.

She doesn’t have enough money to pay for the couch in full, but the store offers her to make monthly payments for a year to be able to buy it. Allie buys the couch and has it delivered.

The monthly couch bill begins arriving and Allie starts to panic. She didn’t realize how tight the monthly payments would make her finances. The stress of paying this bill, along with all of her other expenses begins to set in and she feels guilty for making this purchase in the first place. She realizes she acted on impulse, and doesn’t quit have the funds available.

Scenario B:

Brooke also wants new living room furniture. She looks at a few different pieces of furniture at multiple stores and writes down their averages prices. Brooke then makes a sinking fund category in her budget to help her slowly save the money she needs to buy her new couch.

Over the course of 6 months Brooke deposits money into that sinking fund, using her budget. After 6 months her sinking fund is fully funded and she excitedly goes into the furniture store to purchase her new couch. She is so excited to purchase the couch with cash, and pay in full.

The couch is delivered and Brooke is able to enjoy it for many years. Brooke has zero guilt about this purchase because she knew she already had the money saved in her budget, and there are no surprise bills.

Do you notice in these two scenarios how they both have the same goal, and they both were able to achieve that goal, but one came with guilt and stress, and the other only came with joy?? A budget is so freeing!

5. A Budget Helps You Get Out Of Debt And Stay Out Of Debt

One of my favorite things about my little ol blog is getting to cheer you on as you reach your debt freedom goals. There is nothing I love more than receiving a message from a reader telling me how proud they are of themselves for being able to pay off their debt thanks to making a budget.

Budgeting helps you plan your finances in a way that makes debt pay off a priority. Being mindful of your spending, and prioritizing how each paycheck is spent is one of the most important steps to paying off debt.

If you are wanting to pay off debt, I recommend making a budget and also reading my article How To Pay Off Debt With The Debt Snowball.

6. Budgeting Helps You Understand Your Spending Habits

One of the most important parts of frugal living is being able to understand your spending habits, and a budget will show you exactly how you spend your money; including the good and the bad.

When you sit down to budget each week you will be forced to see the categories you consistently overspend in. Having this knowledge will give you the tools and motivation you need to reduce your spending in these areas.

When I first started budgeting I had convinced myself I was spending a certain amount of money on groceries each week. But, after making a budget, I realized the cold hard truth. I was spending so much more than I had realized. Once I knew that this was a category I was overspending in, I was able to teach myself some new skills to reduce our grocery spending.

7. A Budget Gives You Control Over Your Money

Do you ever get to the end of the month (or week) and wonder, “What happened to my huge paycheck I just got??? Where did all of my hard earned money go so quickly”?

I’ve had that thought, and it’s not a great feeling!

Do you want to know what my solution was? Yep! You guessed it, I needed to make a budget.

A big purpose of a budget is to help you have more control over your money, so that you don’t have to wonder where it all went at the end of each month. You’ll know exactly where every dollar was spent, because you made a plan for those dollars and you stuck to the plan.

Want To Start Budgeting?

Have I convinced you yet that a budget is life changing (cause it totally is!).

If you are ready to make the jump into budgeting, but aren’t sure how to start…..don’t worry! I have you covered! First, I recommend you check out my full budgeting tutorial here: Zero Based Budget.

And then download my free budgeting cheat sheets. They will walk you through everything you need to know to be able to make your first budget. You got this!!!

7 Simple Ways To Get Your Budget Back On Track (for good this time!)

How To Find Extra Money In Your Budget

Tips For Budgeting As A Couple

Pin For Future Reference

Now you know the purpose of a budget!

Easy Valentine Day Crafts For Kids

December 19, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Check out these easy Valentine crafts!

Valentines day is such a fun time of year. I love showing my loved ones how much I care about them. And it’s even more fun to teach my kids to show love to others! These easy Valentine day crafts for kids are the perfect activities for a fun February day.

Consider helping your kids make a few crafts to give to their friends and family. Or they can make some to help decorate the house with a little bit of festivity. Whichever you choose, make sure to enjoy this fun time together making easy Valentines crafts!

Fun Valentine Day Craft Ideas

Have fun making these easy Valentine Day crafts! Let me know which one is your favorite!

1. Clay Valentine Magnets

Check out these adorable Clay Valentine Magnets! You only need three ingredients and some paint to make them! They are the perfect craft for kids both young and old. I can’t wait to make some and hang them on our fridge.

2. Panda Valentine Craft

This Panda Valentine craft is not only the cutest thing ever, but it also comes with a free template! Which for someone like me (non-expert crafter), a template is a must! Your kids will have so much fun making this craft to give away or keep for themselves, and they will be able to work on their fine motor skills at the same time!

3. Conversation Heart Bookmarks

I’m in love with this next easy Valentine day craft! These conversation heart corner bookmarks are so fun and make a great gift for book lovers! All it takes is a little bit of folding and glue and you have the cutest bookmark ever! This is a craft that anyone can do!

4. Valentines Foam Pencil Toppers

Here’s another fun craft for Valentines, Foam Pencil Toppers. This tutorial comes with a template to help your kids make a hedgehog, owl, penguin and racoon pencil toppers. The instructions are easy to follow and the results are absolutely darling!

Related: Chocolate Dipped Valentine Cookie Recipe

5. Valentine Yarn Hearts

My kids love making these easy valentine yarn hearts each year. They are quick, cheap and so cute! All you need is some cardboard (thank you leftover Amazon box!) and some yarn. The colors are so fun to customize and mix and match. They make cute decorations and gifts.

6. Heart Paint Chip Garland

If you want simple and cheap Valentine decor, I have the thing for you! You can quickly make this Heart Paint Chip Garland. It’s very easy to customize and make with your favorite love-day colors.

My kids love having a few holiday decorations in their rooms, and this would be the perfect craft for them to make and hang over their bead.

7. Heart Suncatcher

I love hanging crafted suncatchers in my windows. The light that comes through is so pretty.

Your kids will love making their own heart suncatcher following this tutorial.

Related: Easy Easter Craft for Preschoolers: Egg Sun Catcher

8. Valentines Day Toilet Paper Roll Vase

Crafts that repurpose are just my favorite type of crafts! They are frugal through and through!

That is one of the reasons why I love this Valentines Day Toilet Paper Roll Vase craft. It turns something that would have been tossed into the trash, a toilet paper roll, into something beautiful and useful. Your kids will love making these vases and placing pretty flowers inside!

Related: Easy Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

9. Valentines Pom Pom Painting

Here’s the perfect Valentines day craft for toddlers and preschoolers, Valentines Day Pom Pom painting. The activity introduces a new way to paint, using pom poms and a clothespin! This method results in a fun, easy to create heart art!

10. DIY Valentine Felt Heart

If you are looking for an easy Valentines Day craft for older kids, try this DIY Valentine Felt Heart!

Felt is very budget friendly, making this craft a perfect option for the frugal conscious. The hearts are perfect for giving to others or to use as a decoration around your home.

11. Love Bug Toilet Paper Roll Craft

Your kids will love making this adorable love bug….and again…I love that it’s repurposing something that would have been thrown away! This is a very easy and cute project, perfect for young kids!

12. Origami Heart

Folding origami is so fun, and with the right instructions can be very simple. Here is a great tutorial for folding an easy origami heart that make great corner bookmarks! Make your corner bookmarks in a variety of colors to giveaway and use in all of your favorite books.

13. Valentines Day Frame

Alright, I have the perfect craft for any non crafters out there! Seriously, anyone can make this Valentines Day frame craft….and it’s the cutest thing ever! So, basically a win-win all around!

I love the idea of using this frame as a decoration, you can put a picture of your family inside of it. Or, it can be a great gift with a picture of you and your loved one together.

Related: Fun Family Valentine Traditions

14. Gnome Paper Craft

Another fun valentine paper craft is to make this darling gnome. It comes with a free template, for easy cutting and designing and it is just so cute! I want to make one just for me!

15. Love You To Pieces Wreath

I’m so in love with this fun puzzle piece wreath! It’s so creative and simple to make!

Related: 25 Free Things To Do In Winter

16. DIY Heart Crayons

My kids use to make these heart crayons all the time. It’s a great way to use up half used crayons, and create something new and fun. The silicone molds come in a lot of different shapes and designs too!

17. Tissue Paper Heart Craft

Crafting with tissue paper is always affordable and kid friendly. The tissue paper heart craft is perfect for helping young ones work on their fine motor skills while creating something new.

18. Popsicle Stick Heart Garland

This popsicle stick heart garland is so cute and unique! It’s something that I haven’t ever seen before, and that just makes me love it even more! I love trying new projects like this with my kids.

19. Mess Free Smush Painting

Want to craft with your kids, but hate the mess?? Try the mesh free smush painting method!

All of the painting is done within a contained plastic bag! This is especially a great craft idea for toddlers!

20. Love Code Bracelet

How cute is this love code bracelet?! I think it’s the perfect craft for kids who love coding….but also need a break from a screen!

21. Crystal Hearts Science Experiment

There just isn’t much better than turning a craft into a science experiment! It will get your kids fingers and creativity working, all while helping them learn!

The Crystal Hearts Science Experiment is the perfect Valentine craft turned experiment to do with your kids this year!

22. Valentine Hugs

I use to make these Valentine Hug crafts all the time when I was young, and they always made me so happy! It’s a very easy craft to make, and this tutorial even provides a free template you can use! I love free templates!

23. Pom Pom Love Bug Craft

Here’s another super cute and easy Valentines day craft idea that kids can do, make a Pom Pom Love Bug! It will only take a few minutes to whip up a few of these darling bugs, and they are super easy to customize just the way your child wants them!

Have Fun With These Easy Valentine Day Crafts for Kids!

I hope this articled helped you to find a few fun crafts to do with your kiddos this year. Crafting with kids is one of the best ways to make memories and build bonds. And, with the ideas listed here you won’t need to spend hardly any money at all!

Pin For Later:

There are so many easy Valentine day crafts for kids to make!

25 Free Things To Do In Winter

December 11, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life21 Comments

Fun winter activities for families!

I absolutely love the snow! There is nothing better than waking up to a fresh blanket of new snow and seeing it sparkle in the sunlight. The only negative thing about the snow is that it’s so cold!! Unfortunately, I live in an area where it stays cold for many, many months! We all get a little stir crazy around here being cooped up for so long. Because of this, I’ve learned to get creative during these cold months to help us stay sane and stay in budget! Here are my favorite free things to do in winter.

Snow Winter Activities For Families

Do you live in a place that gets a lot of snow? Use it to your advantage and plan some fun winter activities for families! There are so many fun ways to enjoy fresh snow!

1. Build A Snow Cave

You might enjoy spending the day outside building a snow cave as a family. Turn it into a competition to see who can build the best cave. You could even get extra creative and turn your cave into a castle. Add some stairs, windows, or any other fancy feature you come up with!

2. Make Snow Candy

Have you ever read the book Little House in the Big Woods? It’s one of our favorites! In this book Laura Ingalls grandmother made the kids snow candy, and we have been making it every year since then!

To make snow candy, just place an empty bowl outside while it’s snowing. The bowl will collect fresh, clean snow. Once it’s full, bring it inside and immediately pour pure maple syrup on top. The syrup will harden to make a sweet treat!

Related: Easy Cinnamon Candy Recipe For Christmas

3. Sledding

Sledding is one of my kids favorite free winter activity. Sleds are fairly cheap and most sledding hills are free to enjoy!

Try a few sledding hills around town and see if you can find a new favorite. This is a fun way to enjoy spending the day laughing with friends and family.

4. Winter Walk and Scavenger Hunt

Get outside and enjoy the snow with a winter walk and scavenger hunt. You can turn the scavenger hunt into a game by putting together a list of different items to find while on the walk. A few ideas for the hunt might be: a pine cone, icicle, boot tracks, animal tracks, a snowman, etc.

5. Snowball Fight

Another free thing to do in winter is to have a snowball fight with your friends or family. Keep it light and fun so that everyone can enjoy it. This activity is guaranteed to bring a lot of laughs and memories!

6. Build a Snowman

Spend some time with your family outside building a snowman. You could even go a step further and build a family of snowmen! All you have to do is ask everyone to build the snowman that fits their unique personality! Make it the same height that you are, and give it your scarf and gloves, or anything else that fits your personality.

7. Snow Ice Cream

You might enjoy making snow ice cream with your kids. Here is a simple recipe to try it out. This is a fun way to enjoy the snow…while staying indoors!

Winter Indoor Activities

Don’t like going outside in the snow??? I get it! Here are a few winter indoor activities for families!

8. Movie Night

Snuggle up together, pop some popcorn and have a family movie night. Watch a few old classics or try something new. All that matters is that you are spending time together.

Not sure where to stream? Try Paramount+ for free for one week!

9. Bake Bread

I love spending cold winter days in my kitchen baking something warm. It’s the perfect season for baking bread.

After you’re done with the bread lather it with homemade butter and eat it together as a family.

10. Homemade Cocoa

There is nothing better than a hot mug of cocoa on a cold winters day. It only takes a couple of minutes and a few ingredients to make a big batch homemade hot chocolate mix. Make the hot chocolate together as a family and enjoy sipping it next to a warm cozy fire.

11. Family Slumber Party

Haul blankets, pillows and sleeping bags onto the living room floor and have a large family slumber party together. You can watch movies, play games and eat treats before falling asleep. This will be a night your kids will always remember!

12. Read a Novel as a Family

My family loves to read a novel together every winter. I usually pick a classic and read it to the kids for 20-30 minutes in the evenings. A few favorites have been Little House on the Prairie, Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little.

13. Make Paper Snowflakes

You might enjoy spending an afternoon cutting out paper snowflakes and hanging them around your home. We like to tape a few to the windows and use invisible thread to hang some from the ceiling. You can find countless Youtube video tutorials about how to make snowflakes. This is such a fun, cheap and easy craft!

14. Make Play Dough

Make some homemade play dough at home! You can use your homemade playdough to build snowmen or other fun creations. Check out my favorite playdough recipe here.

15. Have An Indoor Picnic

You don’t have to have warm weather for a picnic, have one at home in your living room! All you have to do is spread a blanket out on the floor, bring a few of your favorite picnic foods and enjoy a picnic indoors!

16. Make a Fort

Gather all the blankets and chairs in your house and build a gigantic blanket fort. Play games, read stories and spend the day hiding out in the fort.

Related: Fun activities to do at home

17. Make a Sock Snowman

Sock snowmen are a fun, easy winter craft! All it takes is a little creativity and a few random items found around the house to turn an ordinary sock into a snowman!

18. Play Board Games

We love board games in our family and they are perfect to play when you are stuck inside! You can find some cheap board games at your local thrift store, but there are plenty of fun games played with just a deck of cards or dice.

Related: 20 Family Board Games, all Under $20

19. Make Friendship Bracelets

Spend a few hours with your kids making friendship bracelets. Just braid three threads together and tie in a circle. Be sure to make two bracelets! One to give away to a friend and one to keep.

20. Have A Family Dance Party

Sometimes our family (or maybe just this tired mom! 😉 ) just needs a good old fashioned dance party! We crank up a few of our fave dance tunes and dance the grumpy faces away! It’s the perfect way to turn a bad day into a great day!

Winter Activities In Town

Need to get out of the house, but don’t want to spend a lot of money? Try one of the activities below!

21. Visit the Library

The library offers a lot of free activities for everyone in the family. Take advantage of all the many free programs and be sure to check out a book or movie while you are there!

22. Serve a Meal at a Homeless Shelter

There is nothing better for a child to learn than how to care for others. Pick a day as a family to help serve a meal at the local homeless shelter. This is such a humbling experience!

Related: 101 Frugal Ideas To Light The World

23. Visit a Pet Store

Visiting a pet store is a great way to spend an afternoon. We love walking around the local pet store and visiting the cats, dogs, and birds. My kids ask to go regularly and I never complain!

24. Donate to a Thrift Store

As a family go through all of the toys, clutter, and household items. Fill up a large box of items to donate to a thrift store. It feels so good to start the new year fresh and clutter free!

25. Visit a Neighbor

Do you have an elderly neighbor who might need a visit? Or maybe someone new to the neighborhood? As a family pay a special visit to someone needing company. It’s a great way to brighten their day and get to know someone new!

In Conclusion

There are some many free things to do in winter! I hope that you are able to pick a few off of this list and have a budget friendly, magical winter spent with the ones you love!

Fun At Home Activities For Teens

15 Free At Home Spring Break Activities for Kids

Liked what you read? Pin it for future reference!

What are your favorite free things to do in winter?

Best Family Games Under $20

December 8, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life1 Comment

Check out these budget friendly family game night ideas.

Wondering what the best family games are??? Keep reading!

If you know me at all, you know that I LOVE to play family board games. I love the competition, I love the laughs, and I love spending an evening with my favorite people……but I also do not like to spend a lot of money.

Our little family has Family Game Night every Sunday evening. I brought this tradition with me from my childhood and have loved sharing it with my children. Family game night usually consists of some popcorn, fruit and snacks while playing a pile of games together. The focus is having fun, laughing and enjoying time together.

I also love to get together with friends and family members for game nights. The great things about games is that there is always something for everyone. With hundreds and hundreds of games to choose from, every personality and preference can find a favorite game to play.

Games are easy to share with others, making it so cheap for everyone involved. Think about it! If everyone bought just one game, and then gets together to share the games, you get to enjoy multiple games for the price of one! Frugal win!!

“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.”

Where to buy family games?

There are many different places to buy board games for families. You can buy them on Amazon or at any store that sell toys.

My favorite place to buy games though are at thrift stores. The game section is my first stop every time I go to my local thrift store. Most times I don’t buy anything, but some times I find some great games for only a few dollars!

I have also seen used family games sold on Facebook Marketplace, so make sure to check there!

The Best Family Games Under $20

Here are a few of my recommendations of the best family games under $20. You do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy a fun game night with your family!

Strategy Games

Strategy games are my very favorite games to play! I love being able to use my mind while playing!

Skull King

I honestly love every game made by Grandpa Beck and Skull King is at the top of that list! It requires strategy, bidding, with a little mix of pirates and mermaids mixing things up. This game is a fun to play over and over again!

CodeNames

Codenames is a very popular game, and for good reason. To play this game you form two teams and use word association to try to get your teammates to guess which words you are thinking of. It feels a little complicated when you first open the box, but it is actually really easy to learn.

The Chameleon

Another fun family game is The Chameleon. It requires a small amount of strategy to track down the chameleon and win the game. But it is very easy to learn and play!

Forbidden Island

We play Forbidden Island very regularly in our house. Forbidden Island is a different than other games because you do not compete against each other, instead you work together on the same team to beat the game. Together, as a team you try to “save” the island before it sinks. It can get a little stressful, but I love when our little family is forced (encouraged???) to work together.

Kingdomino

Kingdomino is a fun strategy game for families. This game is similar to dominos, where you are trying to connect certain tiles, but it has a fun twist and strategy to it as you try to build your kingdom.

Related: Cheap At Home Date Night Ideas

Party Games

If you are looking for some laugh out loud games for groups to play together, here are a few that we love.

Watch Ya Mouth

Watch Ya Mouth is such a fun party game. It is impossible to play this game without laughing the entire time. Promise. It is probably one of the funniest games I have ever played.

Mad Gab

It’s easy for all ages to play Mad Gab. The game play involves scrambled words that you sound out to try to guess the correct phrase. It’s so funny to listen to your teammates trying to guess the phrase while they sound the words out over and over.

Related: 25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

Pit

Pit is fast paced, interactive, and loud. The game works by trying to convince others to trade cards, or “crops” with you while they are trying to convince others to trade with them. It is a race to be the first to collect all of your crops. My kids love playing this game and it’s a great way to bring others out of their shell. It is currently on sell for less than $15!

Telestrations

Telestrations is a mix between Pictionary and Telephone. Everyone draws a word, then passes their drawing to the next person who guesses what you drew, this continues through everyone. It’s so funny to see what the end product is and how the pictures change.

Easy to Play Games

If you are looking for some easy, quick games to learn and play here are a few of my favorites below!

Cover Your Assets

The game Cover your Assets is fast, easy to learn and seriously addicting. It’s honestly one of my faves ever! I’ve always loved money games and the ability to feel like a “quick millionaire.” This is a great game for families!

Exploding Kittens

Kids love Exploding Kittens! It’s simple to learn and so much fun to play. The idea behind the game is so unique and original. There is a little bit of strategy involved, but not necessary to enjoy the game.

Hedbandz

Our family loves to play Hedbandz! It’s really easy for everyone to play and keeps you laughing! To play this game everyone wears a headband with a clue card inserted. You take turns asking each other yes or no questions to try to correctly guess the clue on your headband.

Anomia

Anomia is a fun group game and works well for all personalities, even those normally quiet will start shouting and laughing while playing. You do need to be able to read, so it is geared towards older kids. Anomia is small and compact which makes it easy to carry around on trips or over to someone’s home.

Bananagrams

I absolutely love Bananagrams, or as my family likes to call it, Speed Scrabble. It has the same strategy as scrabble, use your letter tiles to connect words together in a grid. But, it is fast paced and has an extra element of stress (in a very good way). If you are a fan of word games, you will love bananagrams!

Farkle

Farkle, or The Dice Game as I grew up calling it, is a game of luck and risk. The more you risk, the more lucky you might get. It’s very easy to play, just simple rolling the dice and keeping score. Farkle can turn into a lengthy game or played as a quick time filler. Plus, it’s a great deal at less than $10!

Spot It

There is really no game like Spot It! It is easy for all ages to play, has many different game play options, and each round goes quickly. My kids can seriously play Spot It for hours! We absolutely love it and I recommend it to everyone!

Related: 20 FREE or FRUGAL Family Christmas Traditions

Classic Games

Clue

Clue is a classic, and for good reason! It’s a good old fashioned mystery game as you make guesses trying to guess who committed the crime. My kids love getting to go from room to room and write their suspicious in their “clue notebook.”

Sequence

I grew up playing Sequence and it’s been fun to introduce it to my kids again. It’s a very simple strategy games, easy enough for young kids to follow and enjoy playing. The goal is to get your tiles all in a row on the game board.

Qwirkle

Qwirkle is a game for all ages! The game is played by matching tiles together based on shapes and colors. It’s a fun game to play while visiting with your friends and passing time.

Taboo

You just can’t go wrong with Taboo! It’s such a fun game where you try to get your teammates to guess the word on your card, but if you say one of the “no-no” words then you will get buzzed by the buzzer! This has been a popular game for years for good reason! You can get it for less than $20 on Amazon!

Enjoy your next family game night!

It is possible to buy games, enjoy a game night as a family without spending a lot of money! I hope your family will enjoy a few of our game recommendations!

Pin For Future Reference:

I hope you loved these family game night ideas of the best family games!

How To Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards

November 29, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Easy Ways To Get Free Amazon Gift Cards

I’ve been finishing up the last of my Christmas shopping the past few days. And as I’ve been shopping I’ve been so grateful for all of my free Amazon gift cards I’ve been saving up during the year. They help make Christmas much more affordable!

I get asked a lot about how to earn free amazon gift cards, and I decided it was time to share all of my favorite ways! These hacks won’t make you rich, but they will help ease some of the financial burden you may feel.

Personally, I save up my Amazon gift cards all year to use for Christmas. But, you could also use them to help pay for birthday presents, household expenses, back to school supplies, sports equipment, and everything in between!

Sweet Frugal Life is a member of online affiliate programs. I will be compensated for purchases and clicks made from links in this post.

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Amazon Gift Cards

Before we get into how to earn free gift cards, let’s discuss a few of the most commonly asked questions. Because if other people have asked me these questions….then I’m assuming you are wondering the same thing!

Can you actually get free Amazon gift cards?

Yes! You can! I know that there are a lot of scams and to good to be true deals out there. But, the hacks I’m sharing with you today are all totally 100% legit. I’ve earned Amazon gift cards using each of these methods and can vouch that they work and are safe!

Does it take a long time to earn a gift card?

This really depends on which method you are using, and how often you are using it. Taking surveys through Swagbucks or Pinecone will probably help you earn gift cards faster then the reward apps. However, it can take a while to earn a significant amount of gift cards cash. Remember that slow and steady wins the race!

How do I redeem my gift cards?

When you have enough points to cash out for a gift card all you will need to do is select an Amazon gift card from the reward section of each of these apps/websites.

You will then be given a 14 digit code. To redeem the code simply log into your Amazon account, and click on Gift Cards. You will then enter the gift card code. The money will now be available to credit to your next Amazon purchase! So easy!

Ways To Earn Amazon Gift Cards

There are many easy ways to get free Amazon gift cards! I like to use a mix of options to help the savings add up quickly! Here are a few of my favorite methods.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks was the very first rewards website I ever signed up for many many years ago. They offer many different options to help you get Amazon gift cards. You can earn points, called Swagbucks, for watching videos, taking surveys, searching the internet, shopping online, and so much more! You can then redeem these points for gift cards to Amazon.

2. Survey Junkie

Another great way to easily earn free Amazon gift cards is to take surveys using survey junkie. It’s so easy to do! Just sign up for survey junkie here and fill out a profile to have surveys matched to your interests.

You will then be offered surveys to complete. This is the perfect activity for when you are standing in line, watching TV, or have some time to kill. Each survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and pay on average around $1-$3.

Each of your completed surveys will earn you points, these points can then be redeemed for Amazon gift cards.

3. Upside

Do you fill your car up with gasoline??? Then you should be using the Upside app!

Upside gives you cash back, which can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards, at participating gas stations. Most days I am able to get 5-20 cents cashback per gallon, but if you sign up using this link and use coupon code AFF25 then you will get a bonus 25 cents cashback per gallon!

Make sure to read my full honest review of the Upside app here.

4. Pinecone Research

I recently started taking surveys on Pinecone Research and have loved everything about it. It’s definitely my favorite survey website.

After registering on the Pinecone website you will begin to receive emails inviting you to complete surveys. The surveys are fairly easy to fill out and take about 10-15 minutes to complete.

You will be paid $3 for each completed survey which can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards.

5. Ibotta

There are so many cashback apps that will reward you with free Amazon gift cards. The app that I’ve been using the longest is Ibotta.

Ibotta offers a huge selection of rebates. I have earned cash back on a wide selection of products, including milk, apples, pantry staples, broccoli, beauty and household items.

One of my favorite things about Ibotta though is that they offer cash back on what they call “any brand” items. For example, today they are having rebates on any brand of yogurt or diapers that you buy. So you can buy your favorite brand, and get some money back at the same time.

Plus, they always offer a small cash back on “any item.” So, I can buy anything in the store, and earn some money back.

Ibotta is super easy to use!

Just shop like you normally would.
Check the app for any rebates you earned.
Click on the qualifying items you purchased.
Scan your receipt.
Your cash back is instantly put into your Ibotta account. Easy Peasy!

You can request your cash once you reach $20. I usually get it deposited into my paypal account or redeem it for an Amazon gift card.

6. Fetch Rewards

Probably the easiest app for earning Amazon gift cards is Fetch Rewards. This app rewards you with points when you scan your gift cards, and then you can redeem the points for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, Sephora, Best Buy, restaurants, and more!

How it works:

Download the free Fetch Rewards app
Grocery shop like you normally do
Scan your receipt into the Fetch Rewards app
You will automatically be rewarded points based on what you bought.

One of the best things about Fetch Rewards is that you can start redeeming your Amazon gift cards at only $3, and it is so easy to earn that first $3.

7. Discover Card

Another easy way to get free Amazon gift cards is to use a Discover credit card. With each purchase made on a Discover card you will earn cashback. You can redeem the cashback as credit on your card, or you can use it to purchase items from Amazon. We allow this cashback to accumulate throughout the year and only use it to help us pay for Christmas.

BONUS! You can get a $50 bonus when you sign up for a Discover Card and make your first purchase within 3 months. Just make sure you pay it off monthly!

In Conclusion

Now that you know how to earn free Amazon gift cards, it’s time to start earning! There are so many things you could do with some extra Amazon cash!

The Best Cash Back Apps

How To Listen To Audiobooks For Free

Legit Ways To Earn Money From Home

Pin For Future Reference:

Now you know how to earn free Amazon gift cards!

How To Make Cloud Dough

November 11, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Easy two ingredient cloud dough recipe.

I recently learned how to make cloud dough and am so in love with how easy and quick it is to mix together!

If you are looking for a fun, cheap activity for your kids to do at home, then I highly recommend you try this two ingredient cloud dough recipe. It takes about 5 minutes to mix together, only requires two ingredients, and will provide hours of fun for your little ones.

The dough is soft, smooth, silky, and moldable. And addicting…seriously! I love squishing it through my fingers for hours and hours.

How To Make Cloud Dough

One of the best parts of this recipe is the fact that it only requires two ingredients….and they are both cheap ingredients…..in fact you probably already have them in your house right now! Win, win and win!

Ingredients Needed:

To make this quick cloud dough you will need:

Supplies Needed:

You will also need these two basic supplies:

Small Bowl
Spoon

Homemade Cloud Dough Recipe

In a small bowl mix together:

1/2 cup hair conditioner
1 cup cornstarch

Use a spoon to stir the conditioner and cornstarch together. You might need to add a little more corn starch or a little more hair conditioner, you’ll just have to use a little bit of trial and error as you find the best consistency for you. It’s better to have the dough a little more dry than wet.

Once the cloud dough is mostly completely mixed together you will need to knead it with your hands together to make it nice and smooth.

If you would like to add a few drops of food coloring at this point, you are welcome to. I usually just let the color of the hair conditioner be the color of the cloud dough. But using food coloring will give it a much more vibrant color.

It only takes a few minutes of kneading before your dough is ready to play with. You’ll know it’s ready once you a soft, silky, and smooth dough.

Feel free to get out a few cookie cutters, knives, spoons, forks, rolling pins, and anything else you think sounds fun to let your kids cut and smooth and imagine with the homemade cloud dough.

After you’ve made this cloud dough recipe you might enjoy a couple of my other favorite play dough recipes:

Peanut Butter Play Dough
Classic Play Dough (best recipe I’ve ever tried….and I’ve tried a lot of recipes!!!)

Cloud Dough

A quick and fun play dough recipe for kids to play with at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 mins

Ingredients

1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup hair conditioner
2-4 drops food coloring optional

Instructions

Stir hair conditioner and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
Once mixed begin kneading the dough with your hands until it becomes soft and smooth.
If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to finished dough and mix through.

Have fun!

Now that you know how to make cloud dough it’s time for you to have fun playing with it with your little ones. I love cheap and quick activities for kids to do at home. They are some of the best ways to make memories, while on a small budget.

More Cheap Kids Activities

Easy Rock Painting Ideas For Kids

Easy Science Activity For Preschoolers

Yarn Hearts: An Easy Valentine Craft for Kids

Pin This Article For Future Reference

I hope this helped you learn how to make cloud dough at home!

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

November 1, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

Cheap gifts for tweens.

Tween girls can be so hard to shop for! They are growing out of the little girl toys, but not quite interested in the teen girl life. Fortunately, I have you covered! With a little bit of research, and discussion with my daughters I was able to make this list of 25 AMAZING gift ideas for tween girls all under $25. Yay!

Gifts for Reading

Many girls are interested in reading at this age. Here are a few book ideas for tween girls.

Keeper of the Lost Cities

Keeper of the Lost Cities is a very popular series for this age group. Consider buying her the first book in this series, she is sure to love it! The paperback is only $9.99.

Wreck This Journal

I absolutely love the concept of Wreck This Journal. Each page gives different prompts of things you can do to the journal. It literally gives the kids permission to “wreck” the journal.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

The Tail of Emily Windsnap is such a darling book! Both of my daughters absolutely loved it; AND it is a series! That is a huge win for me! The paperback book is $5.89.

Tween Accessories/Jewelry/etc.

Tween girls are all about the accessories! Here are a few fun ones they might love!

Slippers

Gifting slippers is so fun on Christmas! You really can’t beat a gift that’s warm and cozy! These slippers are so sweet and affordable. I love all of the different designs to choose from.

Claw Clips

Claw clips for hair are really popular right now with teens and tweens! They are such a cute and fun way to put your hair up! You can grab this 8 pack for less than $15! Win!

Gel Nail Polish Kit

I bought my daughter a gel nails kit a few years ago and she uses it weekly. Here is a great starter kit with 10 colors, and portable nail lamp.

Caboodles

Caboodles are all the rage right now, and I love this caboodle. A perfect place for tween girls to start organizing their makeup collection.

Necklace

I adore this dainty initial necklace. It would make such a special gift! The necklace is a great price at $15.99.

Gift Ideas for Tween Girls Room

Tweens are at the age where they love decorating their room and putting their own personality in it. Here are a few ideas she might love!

Felt Board

Felt Boards make for really cute room decorations for tween girls. This felt board is only $21.95 and has amazing reviews!

Marquee Letter

Another really fun room decoration is this Marquee Letter Sign. You can choose whichever letter you want for the initial and it’s less than $10!

Squishmallow

Squishmallows are cool no matter what age you are! They are soft and adorable and so popular! I personally love this pineapple squishmallow, but there are so many different designs to choose from.

Lava Lamp

I always wanted a lava lamp as a young girl, and my girls have felt the same way. There is just something so relaxing about the colors in the lava lamp. This Lava Lamp is so pretty!

Alarm Clock

Check out this adorable Alarm clock! I love the retro look it has, and it includes other colors to choose from. It’s currently priced at $12.99.

Educational/Craft Gifts

Are you looking for something educational or maybe a craft for your tween girl to do? These make great gifts because they keep girls entertained, learning and busy…..without electronics!

Adult Coloring Book

If your tween loves to color, they might love this Inspirational Coloring Book. I love that the pages are focused on building confidence and self worth, which is so important for tweens! It’s very affordable at only $6.99!

Markers

Most tween girls love markers. They use them for doodling, drawing, writing notes, calligraphy, etc. Here’s a really cute set of metallic markers.

Lip Balm Kit

How fun does this Lip Balm Kit look? It is a fun mix of science and glam, perfect for pre-teens. The reviews are all really positive and would be a fun activity to do together.

Cookbook

American Girl just can do no wrong! This American Girl Baking Cookbook is darling and looks so fun. It would be a great way for tween girls to learn to bake. You can get the hardcover for just $10.99!

Bead Kit

Here is a cute bead kit for making jewelry. It has 4800 pieces with a variety of colors and designs.

Tie-Dye Kit

Tie dye is super popular among the young crowd! Consider gifting the tween girl in your life a tie dye kit for Christmas. Use your imagination when it comes to tie dye, it can be more than white shirts. You can tie dye scrunchies, socks, hats, shoes, headbands, and so much more!

Piggy Bank

I think it is so important to teach kids how to save their money. This pineapple piggy bank is so cute and would make saving fun!

Gifts for Fun

Girls just wanna have fun, right??? Here are a few gift ideas that your tween girl will love using daily!

Karaoke Microphone

This Karaoke Microphone would be so fun for girl parties or for anyone who loves to sing! It is compatible with both android and iOS and it is only $14.99.

Gumball Machine

I always wanted my very own gumball machine as a kid. This cute Gumball Machine comes with gumballs already stocked and has a fun spiral feature.

Sleep Over Party Game

This is a really fun party game for tween girls to play with their friends. It can be played at a party, or just for fun! You can buy it for $19.99!

Watch Ya Mouth Game

The Watch Ya Mouth Game is hilarious! It’s impossible not to laugh while playing! Tweens will love playing this with their friends and family. It’s a great price at $19.99!

Throw Throw Burrito

Another fun game for tweens is the Throw Throw Burrito game. It’s a fun, interactive game that keeps everyone laughing the entire time.

In Conclusion

There are so many things you can gift ideas for tween girls under $25. Remember, it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

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

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

10 Gifts for Mom Under $10

Canvas Tote

Mama Necklace

Initial Letter Ring

Stacking Bracelet Set

Bangle Keychain

Personalized Name Necklaces

Stackable Photo Bracelets

Wireless Charging Pads

Boho Earrings

Face Roller

Closing Thoughts

Related Articles:

Pin For Future Reference:

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

Stop spending money by asking yourself these important questions.

1. Do I need this?

2. Can I afford this?

3. Will I love/use this for years?

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

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

6. How often will I use this?

7. How am I feeling right now?

8. Could I use this money for something else?

In Conclusion

Related Articles:

Pin For Future Reference

Make sure you ask yourself these questions before spending money!

The best money saving tips we can learn from our grandparents.

1. Make Your Own Household Cleaners

2. Repurpose Materials

3. Eat At Home

4. Trade Skills

5. Make Do With What You Have

6. Learn How To Sew

7. Have Fun For Free

8. Hang Your Laundry To Dry

9. Learn To DIY

10. Grow Your Own Food

11. Preserve Garden Produce

12. Save Leftovers

13. Cook From Scratch

14. Stretch Your Meals

15. Be Your Own Handyman

16. Give Something Homemade

17. Ignore Fads

18. Use Electricity Sparingly

19. Use It up

20. Avoid Disposable Products

21. Forage

22. Turn Off The Air Conditioner

23. Conserve Water

In Conclusion

Related Articles:

Pin For Future Reference:

I hope these frugal tips from the great depression help you save more money.

All of the reasons you should make a budget.

The Purpose Of Budgeting

1. A Budget Prevents Overspending

2. Budgeting Reduces Stress

3. A Budget Helps You Reach Your Goals

4. Budgeting Helps You Spend Money Guilt Free

5. A Budget Helps You Get Out Of Debt And Stay Out Of Debt

6. Budgeting Helps You Understand Your Spending Habits

7. A Budget Gives You Control Over Your Money

Want To Start Budgeting?

Related Articles:

Pin For Future Reference

Now you know the purpose of a budget!

Check out these easy Valentine crafts!

Fun Valentine Day Craft Ideas

1. Clay Valentine Magnets

2. Panda Valentine Craft

3. Conversation Heart Bookmarks

4. Valentines Foam Pencil Toppers

5. Valentine Yarn Hearts

6. Heart Paint Chip Garland

7. Heart Suncatcher

8. Valentines Day Toilet Paper Roll Vase