Frugal Living Archives - Sweet Frugal Life

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!

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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.

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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

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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!!

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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I hope you loved these gift ideas for tween girls all under $25!

Cheap Gift Ideas for Teen Boys All Under $25!

October 15, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Need a gift idea for a teen boy??

Are you looking for a gift idea for a teen boy? Trying to find something he will like and use without spending a lot of money can be a little stressful (ok maybe very stressful)! Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I’m sharing 18 Gift Ideas for Teen Boys, and everything is under $25! You’re sure to find something he will love.

Sport Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Light Up Soccer Disk

Bring soccer indoors for the sport lover with this Light Up Air Power Soccer Disk. It’s sure to bring hours of fun and enjoyment to your teen. And, it’s less than $15!

Indoor Mini Basketball Hoop

Another fun gift for the sport lover is this mini indoor basketball hoop. It is sure to provide hours of fun, without even having to leave his chair! Plus, it is currently priced less than $25! Yay!

Light Up Basketball

How cool is this light up basketball?? You could spend hours playing night basketball with this gift! You can buy it for less than $25!

Related: Gifts For College Aged Kids

Best Books To Give For Teenage Boys

I always give my kids a book to read each year. It’s a great way to keep them busy and off of a screen! Here are a few of our favorites for teen boys.

The Maze Runner

I have personally never read The Maze Runner, but I have heard such great things about the series from multiple teen boys. It has adventure, suspense and excitement. If your son loves to read, he needs to read this book! The paperback is less than $9!

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

I had someone gift me the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens years ago and I was so appreciative. I think all teens should read it. It is full of so much wisdom and good advice. The paperback is less than $10.

Recipe Book

Every teen needs to learn how to cook, right???? This is a fun recipe book to get teens cooking in the kitchen, it’s especially great for those preparing to go to college. The paperback costs less than $10, yay!

Gifts A Boys Room

Here are a few fun gifts teenage boys will love to have in their rooms.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Teens love listening to music, so what better gift than a portable bluetooth speaker? I found a bluetooth speaker that has over 80,000 positive reviews, is waterproof and has a 24 hour battery! It’s a great teen boy gift less than $25!

Clip on Light

Get your teen something he will use regularly with this clip on light. It’s perfect for clipping on a table or next to the bed. If he’s heading to college soon, this light will be put to good use for sure! It’s a great deal at $15.99!

Magnetic Dart Board

How fun is this Magnetic Dart Board? Teens will love playing darts with friends or during home work breaks.

Charging Station

Here is a fun gift idea, a 3 in 1 charging station! It gives him the perfect place to charge all of his gadgets at the same time!

Gifts Teen Boys Can Wear

If you are looking for something practical and fun, check out a few of these gift ideas for teen boys to wear. They are sure to bring some smiles!

Taco Socks

Does your teen boy love tacos? He just might love these hilarious taco socks for just under $10!

Gamer Shirt

I love this shirt for any gamer lover with a sense of humor! It’s a good buy priced at less than $15.

Stranger Things Shirt

The Stranger Things series is all the rage among teens these days. If your teen loves this popular show he might enjoy this Stranger Things t shirt. It’s just $19.

Bluetooth Beanie

How cool is this bluetooth wireless headphones beanie??? I mean does it get any better? This is perfect for all outdoor use or for someone who likes to stay active year round. It’s currently priced at less than $25.

A lanyard is both hip and convenient, two important things for teen boys. I loved the subtle yet cool look of this lanyard for only $11!

Leather Wallet

This leather wallet is stylish and functional. I’m all about teaching kids how to manage money and a wallet is the right step in that direction! And, it’s less than $20! Win!

Related: Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

Fun Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Check out these gifts for boys that just want to have some fun! You’re sure to never go wrong with one of these!

Star Wars Planes Kit

Do you have a Star Wars fan in your home? He just might love this Star Wars paper planes kit! It’s a great deal at $3.99!

Escape Room Game

Escape rooms are so fun, what’s even more fun is having an escape room game in a box! It’s only $22.99, much cheaper than going to an actual escape room!

Tabletop Robot

Check out this fun Tabletop Robot. It’s a great STEM toy and a perfect gift for teen boys interested in engineering.

Flipside Game

The electronic handheld game, Flipside, is sure to give hours of entertaining to your teen boy. It comes with four different game modes and will be perfect for road trips or any down time. You can get it now for just $17.99.

Outdoorsy Gifts For Teenage Boys

Are you shopping for an outdoor lover? Here are a few gifts he is sure to love!

Portable Hammock

How about buying him this portable hammock? It’s lightweight, which makes it perfect for hiking and camping use. This hammock is a great deal at under $15.

Engraved Pocket Knife

It’s always fun to get something personalized and this engraved pocket knife is perfect! There are so many different styles and colors to choose from so you can find the right knife for your teen. Only $24!!

Need more Gift Ideas? You might also like:

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

October 8, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

Cheap Christmas gifts for young kids.

My goal for giving gifts is to find good quality gifts that will be loved for years, without spending very much money. I know it’s hard, but it is possible! Today I found 25 gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys, all under $25! I hope one of these ideas will be the perfect gift for your loved one!

Book Gifts for 5-7 Year Old Boys

The ages between 5-7 are such magical times for young kids. Many learn how to read and write during these years, and a whole new world is opened up to them through books. Here are a few of our fave books for these ages.

The Monster At The End Of This Book

One of my very favorite children’s books is The Monster at the End of This Book. This is such a fun, interactive story that brings a laugh with every turn of the page. I have never found a kid who hasn’t giggled with every page turn during this book. Plus, the price is fantastic at $2.98 for a hard cover!

The Book With No Pictures

The Book With No Pictures is another really fun book. Each page is filled with silly words that “must” be read exactly as shown. It’s impossible to read it without laughing, and it is worth the $9.90! When I worked at my kids school library, this was always the book the students were fighting over!

Piggie and Gerald Book

You can honestly never go wrong with a Piggie and Gerald book! They are so fun and loveable! We spend hours reading them weekly. The Let’s Go For a Drive book happens to be one of our faves and is a great deal for just $10!

Educational Gift Ideas

Education toys are some of my favorite gifts to give. I love how they keep kids minds active and entertained at the same time!

Lego Gear Bots

Here is a fun and educational gift for 5-7 year old boys. The LEGO Gear Bots combines the magic of legos and technic in such a creative way to help young minds build and learn. This is a gift that is worth the frugal price!

Science Kit

Do you have a boy who loves science? This Science Kit is just the ticket! It can provide hours of fun for you and your son to enjoy together. The price is right at just $12.92!

LEGO Chain Reactions Kit

Another fun education gift is the LEGO Chain Reactions kit. It involves building, planning, and experimenting and teaches your little one how to build 10 different moving machines with all pieces needed included! This is a great toy for helping kids learn, while they are having fun! It is only $18.86!

How to Draw Book

Each of my kids have enjoyed these How to Draw books. The shapes are all easy to draw and understand, making it perfect for a young beginner. Plus, it only costs $4.99! A great frugal gift!

Sport Gifts

I love gifting fun sport gifts to my boy. Anything that keeps him active, and helps get the energy out is a great gift!

Over The Door Basketball Hoop

Maybe the boy you are shopping for loves basketball?? He might enjoy this fun Over the Door Basketball Hoop for a fun game of basketball in the house. It is only $24.95 and comes with a foam ball!

Soccer Goal Net

Another fun and frugal sport gift idea is this Soccer Goal Net. It’s the perfect size for a basement soccer game or to take outside for extra practice. And it is currently on sale for just $16.99!

Gifts for Play

We all know that boys love to play! Here are some fun gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys, perfect for helping them to play!

Remote Control Car

Remote control anything is always a sure bet with young boys. This Remote Control Stunt Car is extra special with lights, music and the ability to perform fun stunts and tricks. It is a fantastic deal at just $21.95!!

Walkie Talkies

How fun would these Walkie Talkies be for your sweet boy? My son loves using his walkie talkies with his friends to play “spy.” It’s really the cutest ever! The reviews are all fantastic and they are only $21.99.

Magformers

I absolutely love Magformers for kids! Not only are they form to play with, but it’s also a great toy for encouraging imagination and STEM knowledge. There are so many possibilities to create! This is a small beginner set and only costs $23.70.

LEGO Set

When it comes to boys, you can never go wrong with a LEGO set, and the LEGO creator sets are extra fun because you can make multiple creations from the same set. Here is a fun LEGO Dinosaur creator set perfect for young boys! It’s only $11.99!

Kids Tool Set

How cute is this Kids Tool Set? My little boy just loves pulling out his toy tools and “helping” dad around the house. Plus, it’s on sale for $23.99!

Night Vision Goggles

My son received these Night Vision Goggles for Christmas last year and absolutely LOVED them! He was so cute playing “spy” with them. They are only $13.99!

Nerf Gun

I’ve never met a boy who didn’t love a nerf gun and this Nerf Gun checks all the boxes; it has over 14,000 positive reviews and comes with 6 darts. It could provide hours of fun for any little boy! The price is right at just $18.34.

Hand Operated Drone

This hand operated drone is the perfect Christmas gift for boys! It’s controlled through sensors by the move of your hand!

Flexible Race Track

The Flexible Race Track is a FAVORITE in our house. These tracks are easy to snap together and fun to change the design over and over. It is a good price at $28.69!

Remote Control Robot

How fun is this Remote Control Robot?? The robot can be programmed to dance, sing, and do a lot of other fun activities. It’s only $24.99!

Boogie Boards

I absolutely love these Boogie Boards! They are similar to a white board and chalkboard, but easier to erase and so much less mess. We use them on car trips, during church, and for playing at home.

Light Saber

The Star Wars craze is back, and not going anywhere anytime soon. This double sided light up saber is perfect for a friendly duel. So fun.

Transformers

If you are a looking for a fun, budget friendly action figure for your boy, you might enjoy this Transformers toy. It’s the perfect transformer for young boys because it’s easy to maneuver and transform. You can buy it now at the excellent price of $16.99.

Games

My family loves all types of games! Board games, card games, silly games! You name it and we want to play it! They are always fun gifts to give because they offer hours of family togetherness and laughs. Here are a few favorites.

Spot It

Our Family LOVES the game Spot It. I was really excited to find a Spot It Jr. for our little one. This game is so easy to learn and play, and so addicting! You can get it for just $9.99!

Connect 4

Connect 4 is a classic game, and for good reason! It is fun to play and a perfect game for beginners. Buy it now for only $9.88.

Exploding Kittens

Honestly, Exploding Kittens is the perfect game for young boys. It’s full of silliness and laughter! You can get it for only $19.99.

In Conclusion

There are so many wonderful gifts you can give to the young boy in your life, without having to spend a lot of money. I hope these gift ideas for 5-7 year old boys gave you some inspiration to finding that perfect present!

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

Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

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

Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

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Free Self Care Ideas

October 4, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

How to self care without spending a lot of money.

It’s no secret that self care is important! If our physical, mental and emotional needs aren’t being met, then we won’t be able to feel or perform our best in all of the many responsibilities in our lives. Often times we might feel like the only way to self care is to spend a lot of money….you know, more of a treat-yo-self mentality. But, I’m here to remind you that you do not have to spend any money at all to take care of your needs! Below are some free self care ideas to help you feel more renewed and content.

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Cheap Ways To Self Care

You do not need to go out and buy all of the newest and greatest objects in order to self care. You can self care for cheap using the ideas below.

1. Take A Bath

One of my favorite ways to self care for free is to take a nice, long, hot bath (emphasis on hot). There is just nothing better than soaking all of your worries and stresses away from the comfort of your own bathtub.

If you want to splurge a little, buy some inexpensive bubble bath or a bath salts.

2. Go For A Walk

Fresh air and exercise are both so important for our mental health. If you are feeling down, make sure to take some time out of your day to go outside and walk. Even if it’s just a short walk down the road, it will do you good!

3. Take A Break From Social Media

I love social media and think it’s a great way to connect with others….I mean my entire business started from instagram! But! I also know that social media can begin to affect our mental health in a negative way if used excessively.

If you are ever feeling low mentally or emotionally, I recommend taking a break from social media. The break could be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. I always feel awesome after taking these breaks! It’s the best time to focus on being present with my surroundings.

4. Have A Dance Party To Your Favorite Music

A good old fashioned dance party is one of the best ways to boost our mood. So, crank up your favorite music and move your body! You don’t even need to be in a group, some of the best dance parties can happen all by yourself in your home or car!

Related: How To Listen To Audiobooks For Free

5. Declutter Something

I know that cleaning and decluttering are not the first things that come to mind when thinking of free self-care ideas. However, tidying a space in your home can truly help clear your mind.

6. Read A Book

There just isn’t anything better than getting lost in a good book (where are my fellow book nerds at?!?!). Take some time to relax with one of your favorite books, or try a new one. Let your worries drift away as you focus on the story. Don’t forget that you can check out books for free at your public library!

Some of my favorite books are: The Orphan Keeper, Pride and Prejudice, The Secret Keeper, Before We Were Yours, Listening For Lions, and Little Women.

7. Keep A Journal

Have you ever tried journaling? It can be a very therapeutic way to release stress and worries. Start a journal and write about all of your fun memories, your favorite activities, things you are looking forward to, your feelings about the day, goals for the future, etc.

There are so many ways to keep a journal. You can start one online, use your Notes App from your phone, or buy a pretty journal to write in.

8. Take A Nap

Sometimes all our body needs is some extra rest to feel ready to tackle the day. Give yourself an hour or two of peace and quiet and take a power nap. It’s ok if you don’t even fall asleep, laying and resting in a quiet place is often enough to give us the self care we need.

Related: How To Exercise For Free (or crazy cheap!)

9. Watch The Sunset

Take a drive or walk to a place where you can watch the sunset. Enjoy being in nature and set your worries aside for a few minutes.

10. Try A New Workout

Get your endorphins up with an at home workout. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s hard for me to make time for working out, but whenever I do, I feel so much better mentally! There are so many free workouts you can find on YouTube. I love Grow With Jo, Yoga With Adrienne, and Pop Sugar Fitness.

11. Meditate

I’ll be the first to admit that I use to not like the idea of meditation. But, that was before I actually understood it. Now, I love resting my eyes and mind for 10-20 minutes of meditation. It can make a huge difference in my mood for the day. You can find free meditation exercises on youtube that will guide you through the process.

12. Drink A Large Glass of Water

Self care also includes taking care of our bodies, and drinking enough water is one of the best things we can do for our bodies. When we drink plenty of water we will have much more energy and feel better for the rest of the day. If you are feeling down, pour yourself a large glass of water and take care of your body!

13. Watch Your Favorite Movie

One of my favorite free self care ideas is to watch your favorite movie or tv show. There is nothing better than snuggling up on the couch, or in your bed, and let your mind turn off as you enjoy some on screen entertainment.

Related: Cheap At Home Date Night Ideas

14. Call A Friend

Don’t forget to make time for your relationships, it does wonder for our mood. I love calling up my sister and discussing the things that are on my mind, letting her ease my worries and listening to her advice. It’s a vital form of self care!

15. Pick Wildflowers

Bring nature indoors with some beautiful wildflowers! Maybe you have flowers in your yard, or can pick some from the side of the road. Either way, try to pick a big bouquet of flowers to bring inside. Put them in a vase or a jar and place them somewhere you can see them regularly. There is just something about nature that renews my soul!

16. Invite Friends Over

Give yourself some self care by inviting over a few close friends. You could host a game night, clothing swap, movie night, BBQ, book club, or just get together to chat and munch on some snacks! Taking the time out of our day to spend quality time with others is really good for our mental health.

17. Give Yourself An At Home Mani or Pedi

Give your hands and feet a nice soak and then paint your nails with a fresh new color. We love using this UV light nail dryer for fresh gel nails!

18. Light A Candle

Candles are such a great way to change the mood of your living space. I instantly feel happier when I smell the crisp pumpkin spice scent from my candle and can watch the beautiful light of the candle flicker in the dark. This is such an easy, but wonderful way to self care!

19. Get Dressed Up

There is just something about looking our best, that makes us feel our best! So, take an hour or so to dress in the clothes that make you feel amazing, fix your hair, and give yourself some glam makeup. Even if you are just running errands or sitting around at home, you will feel amazing!

Self Care On A Budget Is Possible

You can give yourself the self care and treatment you deserve, without spending a lot of money. I hope you try a few of these ideas today. And, don’t forget that you are loved, you are important and you matter! Tell yourself that 3 times every day!

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Christmas Gift Ideas For College Students Under $25

September 23, 2022 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Budget Friendly Gifts For Young Adults

Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas for college students under $25? Well I have the list for you! I’ve searched the internet and found the perfect list of gifts for young adults. And do you want to know what the best part is???? Everything on this list is budget friendly! You can buy your loved one something that they will need, love and enjoy….without having to break the bank! Yay!

I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Essential Oil Diffuser

Alright, it’s no secret that dorm rooms can get a little smelly, so help a young college student out with an essential oil diffuser. Not only will this make their room smell amazing, it will also help to alleviate a lot of their stress and other ailments. This essential oil diffuser has great reviews and a great price!

Cell Phone Stand

Here’s a great budget friendly gift idea for college students under $25; a cell phone stand! This is the perfect item for them to place on their desk while they are studying, or next to their bed when they just want to relax.

Laundry Basket

Most college students will need a laundry hamper to haul their laundry back and forth to the laundry mat. This one is really cute and affordable, it comes in a lot of different colors and has great reviews!

Sleep Mask

Sharing a room isn’t easy, especially if you’re not use to it or have different sleep patterns from your roommate. A sleep mask is the perfect gift to help your college student relax and get a good nights rest. The entire dormitory will be jealous of this one!

Makeup Brushes

Honestly, a girl can never have to many makeup brushes! I am absolutely in love with these rose gold brushes. The set comes with 14 different brushes and has over 100,000 positive reviews! This is a perfect gift for a young college girl.

Cell Phone Armband

If you are shopping for someone that likes to run, you might want to consider gifting them a cell phone armband. This one even comes with an adjustable strap, key pocket and holes for headphones.

Adult Coloring Book

Coloring is one of the best ways to alleviate stress and pass the time. You might want to gift your college student an adult coloring book and a pack of markers. They’ll love getting to sit, color and relax during their free time. You’re never to old for a coloring book and some markers!

College Cookbook

Most young adults are still learning how to cook and figure out how to care for themselves. This is a great cookbook for college students! All of the recipes can be made with 5 ingredients or less and are really easy to throw together. The perfect gift for college students!

Wristlet Keychain

Here’s a trendy way for college kids to keep track of their room keys and school IDs. I love the wristlet keychain and all of the many colors and designs you can choose from. There is something for everyone!

Water Bottle

Another great gift idea for young adults is a water bottle. They can carry it with them to class, to the gym, or wherever. I love this water bottle because it does an excellent job at keeping the perfect temperature inside of the water bottle for hours and hours. If you need to keep your drink hot-it can do that! But, if you want your drink to stay cold….it will do that too!

Bluetooth Key Tracker

They will never lose their keys again with the Tile Mate Bluetooth tracker. This tracker can easily attach it to their key ring to make sure they are never lost! It’s a great gift for anyone, but especially those learning more about responsibility.

Sewing Kit

You might consider giving the gift of a sewing kit! This will help them mend their clothes and learn how to be self sufficient in small repairs. Here is the perfect sewing kit for emergencies.

Portable Charger

College students are often on the go, so buying them a portable charger will help them keep their electronics fully charged, no matter where they are. This 2 pack portable charger has great reviews!

What Do You Meme Game

My friends and I loved to play big group games when we were in college. The What Do You Meme Game is the perfect group game for this age group! It’s seriously so funny!

Related: Best Family Games Under $20

Stress Balls

These stress balls are another great gift option to help alleviate stress. They come in a three pack and I absolutely love that each ball includes a motivational saying.

Tool Set

I was given a small tool set when I was going to college and I LOVED it so much! My roommates and I used it all the time around our apartment. It was so handy. I found a fantastic 39 piece tool set with great reviews and under $25 here!

Pillow Slippers

Most college students need some type of sandal to wear around the dorm and in the showers. These pillow slippers are super popular right now and perfect for dorm life!

Throw Blanket

I love getting throw blankets for Christmas. It’s such a fun way to brighten up a room, and you can really never have to many blankets around! Here is a beautiful throw with multiple colors and styles to choose from.

Dart Board

What’s a dorm room without a dart board?!?!? This is the perfect gift ideas to help young adults have fun with their friends and roommates while away at school. I found a fun magnetic dart board from Amazon and it is sure to provide hours of fun and entertainment!

Personal Finance Books

Young adulthood is an important time to learn how to be responsible, care for yourself and prepare for a successful future. I highly recommend gifting anyone at this age a personal finance book to help them get a jumpstart on their finances. The Infographic Guide to Personal Finance is the perfect book to help anyone just starting out in life to understand personal finance better. The graphics explains personal finance in very simple and easy to understand terms. You can grab it here!

Related: 9 Best Books About Money For Beginners

Portable Safe

Beings how most college dorms and apartments are public areas, with many people coming and going, it’s smart to have some type of protection from any potential theft. This portable safe is the perfect gift to help keep their valuables safe while living away from home. The reviews are great, and it’s portable…so perfect for bringing wherever they need to go.

Snack Care Package

You can never go wrong giving a college student food! Consider buying them this food care package to help alleviate their late night snack cravings!

Toiletry Bag

Another frugal gift idea for college students is a toiletry bag. It will help them carry their toiletries to and from the bathrooms and for traveling back and forth between home and college. I found a great toiletry bag you can get here, and it’s under $25!

Amazon Prime Student Membership

Give the gift that just keeps on giving! I’m talking about an Amazon Prime Student Membership. With this gift subscription your student will get: free 2-day shipping, access to Prime music and video, unlimited photo storage and so much more!

Clip On Fan

I loved having a small fan in my bedroom while at college. It helped me sleep better by giving some white noise and keeping the air moving. Here are some budget friendly fans college students can clip on their beds. You can even choose from a variety of fun colors!

In Conclusion

There are so many gift ideas for college students under $25! In all honesty….money is usually tight for a young adult, so they are happy to receive ANYTHING! You could even just give them a gift card or two! Those were always some of my fave gifts when I was in college. Remember, it is the thought that counts….not the price tag!

Check out my other gift guides:

Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

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

Cheap Gift Ideas for Teen Boys All Under $25!

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

9. Valentines Pom Pom Painting

10. DIY Valentine Felt Heart

11. Love Bug Toilet Paper Roll Craft

12. Origami Heart

13. Valentines Day Frame

14. Gnome Paper Craft

15. Love You To Pieces Wreath

16. DIY Heart Crayons

17. Tissue Paper Heart Craft

18. Popsicle Stick Heart Garland

19. Mess Free Smush Painting

20. Love Code Bracelet

21. Crystal Hearts Science Experiment

22. Valentine Hugs

23. Pom Pom Love Bug Craft

Have Fun With These Easy Valentine Day Crafts for Kids!

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

Fun winter activities for families!

Snow Winter Activities For Families

1. Build A Snow Cave

2. Make Snow Candy

3. Sledding

4. Winter Walk and Scavenger Hunt

5. Snowball Fight

6. Build a Snowman

7. Snow Ice Cream

Winter Indoor Activities

8. Movie Night

9. Bake Bread

10. Homemade Cocoa

11. Family Slumber Party

12. Read a Novel as a Family

13. Make Paper Snowflakes

14. Make Play Dough

15. Have An Indoor Picnic

16. Make a Fort

17. Make a Sock Snowman

18. Play Board Games

19. Make Friendship Bracelets

20. Have A Family Dance Party

Winter Activities In Town

21. Visit the Library

22. Serve a Meal at a Homeless Shelter

23. Visit a Pet Store

24. Donate to a Thrift Store

25. Visit a Neighbor

In Conclusion

Related Articles:

Liked what you read? Pin it for future reference!

What are your favorite free things to do in winter?

Check out these budget friendly family game night ideas.

Where to buy family games?

The Best Family Games Under $20

Strategy Games

Party Games

Telestrations

Easy to Play Games

Classic Games

Clue

Enjoy your next family game night!

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

Easy Ways To Get Free Amazon Gift Cards

Frequently Asked Questions About Earning Amazon Gift Cards

Can you actually get free Amazon gift cards?

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

How do I redeem my gift cards?

Ways To Earn Amazon Gift Cards

1. Swagbucks