Good Deals Archives - Sweet Frugal Life

Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

November 8, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Budget Friendly Teen Girl Gift Ideas.

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

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

Gifts for Fun

Karaoke Microphone

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

Coloring Books

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

Phone Tripod

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

PopSockets

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

Accessories

Beanie

CC Beanies are all the rage right now with teen girls. These darling CC beanies are only $10.99, with dozens of colors to choose from.

Scrunchies

I never thought scrunchies would come back, but they did, and are super popular with the teen crowd right now! This 12 pack of velvet scrunchies are really cute and a steal at just $8.99.

Backpack Purse

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

Teen Girl Gift Ideas For Beauty

Bath Bombs

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

Makeup Mirror

This Tabletop Makeup Mirror is a perfect gift for teen girls. The reviews are all great and I was excited to see the price was only $24.49!

Makeup Kit

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

Makeup Brush Set

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

Gel Nails Kit

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

Curling Wand

Another fun gift idea for teens is a Curling Wand. This is a great curling wand with over 7,000 positive reviews and makes the most beautiful curls. It is currently only $21.73!

Ipsy Subscription

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

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

Hair Styling Book

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

Makeup Eraser

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

Books

The Fault In Our Stars

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

The Selection

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

Big Life Journal

I am so in love with the Big Life Journal for Teens. It encourages teens to reflect on themselves and their emotions. Doing this gives them the confidence they need to be themselves through and through. This hardcover journal is just under $25.

Room Decorations

Bluetooth Speaker

Teens love music, so a Bluetooth nightlight would be perfect for them to add to their room to listen to music. This speaker only costs $22.95!

Felt Board

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

Marquee Letter Sign

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

Photo Clip Light Strand

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

Teen Girl Active Gifts

Gym Bag

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

Water Bottle

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

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

10 Valentines gifts for him under $10!

10 Valentine Gifts for Her under $10

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

Pin For Later:

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

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

November 1, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 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. The best part??? They are 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. It sounds so so fun and is only $12.00.

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 $5.99.

Big Life Journal

The Big Life Journal is one of my favorite things for kids. In a fun an interactive way it encourages kids to journal and teaches them how to understand themselves and their feelings better. In a confusing world such as now, helping kids to know themselves better is so important!! This hardcover journal is just under $25.

Tween Accessories/Jewelry/etc.

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

Unicorn Slippers

Unicorns are super popular among the tween crowd! These Unicorn Slippers are so sweet and fun. They are currently only $20 with great reviews!

Scrunchies

I never thought scrunchies would come back, but they did, and I am actually not mad about it! These Scrunchies are darling and a steal at just $6.99 for a 14 pack!

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 4 colors, and portable nail lamp. Plus, it’s currently on sale for $23.99.

Caboodles

Caboodles are all the rage right now, and I love this marbled caboodle. A perfect place for tween girls to start organizing their makeup collection. The price is right at just $19.99.

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

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!

Emoji Pillow

It’s no secret that tweens love emojis. This emoji pillow is sure to be a hit! They have all the emojis to choose from and only costs $8.19!

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 and only costs $22.48!

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 $11.99.

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!

Slime

Kids are all about the slime, and this Ultimate Slime Kit is perfect for letting them create, experiment, and make all things slime. This kit comes with enough items to make 100 different slime combinations, and it’s a great price at just $20.90!

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. It is priced at $24.99.

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 $13.99!

Fashion Sketch Book

If you are shopping for a girl that loves fashion, check out this Fashion Sketch Book. It comes with stickers, stencils and sketch pages for her to experiment and get creative with different styles. You can get it for only $16.02!

Gel Pens

My daughters love gel pens! The more colors the better! This gel pens kit has 100 colors, including glitter and metallic! The price is great at only $21.99.

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! Plus, it’s only $9.99!

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 $19.99.

Squishmallow

Squishmallows are not only cute, but they are cuddly too! They are the perfect bedtime addition. Your tween girl is sure to love this tabby cat squishmallow.

Gumball Machine

I always wanted my very own gumball machine as a kid. This cute Gumball Machine comes with gumballs already stocked and is only $24.99.

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!

In Conclusion

There are so many things you can buy for tween girls, that don’t cost a lot of money. 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

Pin For Later:

I hope you loved these gift ideas for tween girls!

How To Save Money At Target

October 9, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

10 secrets to stop overspending at Target.

Is there really a secret to spending less at Target??? The clothes are darling; the jewelry is affordable; the home decor is always on point. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the dollar section! No matter how hard I try to avoid that dollar section, there’s no going to Target without a stop at the dollar section (amiright?!?). There is only one downside to Target……I always spend more than I had planned to spend. If anyone can relate, this article is for you! Today, I am sharing a few secrets I have learned about how to save money at Target.

This article contains affiliate links. I may receive compensation for purchases made through links in this post.

Secret #1: Stay Out of Target

I know, (believe me I know), staying out of Target is a little easier said than done, but obviously is the most effective! If Target tempts you to impulse shop and over spend on your budget….stop going to Target.

A few years ago I decided to stop going to Target for at least one year. I lasted 18 months…and guess what! I survived! I bought what I needed at other stores, and my bank account grew because of it!

Habits are hard to break, and if Target is one of yours, know that you are not alone.

One way to make this easier is to give yourself mini rewards for staying away from Target. If you don’t go for an entire month, buy yourself a treat. And then change the reward for two months. The temptation to shop at Target will decrease as your habit is broken. I’m living proof!

Secret #2: Get a Target Red Card

Honestly, a Target Red Card is the equivalent of free money. I know many people tend to be scared away from the Red Card, it sounds to much like a credit card, and a credit card is not for everyone.

Fortunately, the Target Red Card is not a credit card (yaaay!)! It is a debit card. Instead of purchasing the items on credit, the money is being taken directly out of your checking account. This gives you peace of mind that you are not racking up debt.

But, the very best thing about the Target Red Card is the 5% discount you receive on ALL purchases. Let me say that again, 5% off on everything you buy when you pay for it using your red card!

Wait, but does this include clearance items? Yep!
Can you combine this discount with other coupons and cash back apps? You betchya!

The Target Red Card also gives you FREE shipping on all online purchases! I love this because online shopping is just SO convenient (the closest Target is 20 minutes away from my house) but I absolutely hate paying for shipping.

So, if I just need to buy my daughter a $5 shirt, I can do that and get it shipped to my house for free. Oh, and the 5% discount applies to all online purchases too. (oh how I love discounts!)

Secret #3: Skip the Cart and Use a Basket

Another way to save money at Target is to ditch the shopping cart and grab a basket instead. This keeps you from over spending, because you can only fit a few items in a basket!

Another thing I love about shopping with a basket is that it gets heavy. After adding a few items to my basket, my arms are begging me to quit shopping.

Secret #4: Use a List

A good rule of thumb is to always write out a shopping list before going to any store. And no, this isn’t only for grocery shopping. Lists are essential to saving money on all shopping.

If you only have one item to buy at Target, write it down.

Once it is written down you are much more likely to stay committed to what you need and to not give into any spending temptations that might come (and let’s be honest…at Target they always come!).

Secret #5: Follow the 48 Hour Rule

The 48 hour rule is simple, yet effective. When you come across something you really, really want to buy, but it’s not on your list…WAIT. Wait at least 48 hours before making the purchase.

This gives you time to come home, do a little research to see if you can find the item cheaper somewhere else, and time to decide if it’s really worth the price.

Most of the time this rule helps me realize I actually didn’t want it in the first place. Other times, I wait the 48 hours and then go back and buy the item. Either way, the 48 hours is essential in making the decision and always helps me to spend less.

At Target where the temptations are big (everything is just so pretty!) the 48 Hour Rule will save you from impulse shopping time and time again.

Secret #6: Use Target Circle

Target RedCard not for you??? That’s fine! You can still save money with Target Circle. This is Targets loyalty program and rewards all of us Target addicts (oh….is that just me…..???) with cash to spend at Target!

With Target Circle you can earn 1% reward on all purchases. These loyalty dollars can be redeemed at Target during your next transaction!

In addition to the 1% earnings, you will also be given access to coupons and other discounts. This even includes a 5% discount to use on your birthday each year!!!

Related: 34 Places That Will Give you a Birthday Freebie

Unfortunately, you can not use the Target RedCard and Target Circle together. It’s a one or the other deal. Which, is actually great, because it gives us the option to choose what is best for each of us personally.

To learn more about Target Circle, and sign up for the great benefits just click here.

Secret #7: Never Pay Full Price

Target has great discounts throughout the week, and my rule of thumb is to never buy anything unless it’s on sale!

Always check the clearance sections which can be found on clothing racks and at the end of aisles.

It helps to know the days each department is marked down. Below is the regular mark down schedule. If there is something you are shopping for, go on the day when it will be first marked down for the best selection and deal.

I like to make a note of these in my phone so that I always have it nearby!

Monday: Electronics and Kids’ Clothing
Tuesday: Women’s Clothing and Pets
Wednesday: Men’s Clothing, Toys, and Lawn and Garden items
Thursday: Home goods, Shoes, Sporting Goods, Movies, and Books
Friday: Cosmetics, and Jewelry

Secret #8: Price Match

Have you ever priced match at Target??? In my experience, Target is always willing to price match!

If you show the cashier at checkout that you found an item cheaper somewhere else on a competitors ad (or check on your Amazon app!) Target will price match that item for you and honor the lower price. A good rule to follow is, “It never hurts to ask.”

Secret #9: Take Advantage of Cash Back

Always, and I mean always take advantage of cash back rebates after shopping. It’s so simple.

Shop at Target by following the Secrets listed in this article. And then scan your receipt into the user friendly cash back apps. For a list of all of my favorite apps, click on this article.

Secret #10: Shop With Cash Envelope In Hand

Most people spend at least 10% less when they shop using cash envelopes, as opposed to a card. Cards are so easy to swipe that it can be hard to realize just how much money you are spending in the moment.

Ditch the cards and use cash envelopes instead! Cash envelopes are the secret sauce to keeping yourself accountable on your spending!

For example: if you only have $20 cash in your envelope to spend at Target, but you found a really cute sweater that you just have to have and it costs $35, you literally can not buy it….you do not have enough cash to pay for it. So, you will put it back on the shelf and walk away knowing you stuck to your budget!

In Conclusion

If you love shopping at Target as much as I do, try following a few of these saving tricks to help keep your budget and bank account happy! Forming new habits are not always easy, but I promise they are worth it!

How to Save Money When Eating Out

How to Save Money on Back to School Shopping

10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

7 Apps That Will Help You Save Money

Pin This Article To Help You Remember How To Save Money at Target

How do you save money at Target???

Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

September 25, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Check Out These Budget Friendly Gifts for Toddlers.

Toddlers are honestly one of my favorite people to shop for! They are so fun, cute and excited about almost anything! Their toys are always bright and colorful and just bring me a lot of joy. I also think toddlers are perfect for budget friendly gifts. They do not need anything fancy and will be happy with a free, empty box! Here are a few budget friendly gift ideas for toddlers all under $25. I hope you find just what you’re looking for!

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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

LeapFrog Learning Book:

There is so much learning that happens during the toddler years. This LeapFrog Learning Book is the perfect way to enhance this important learning by teaching new words to your child. It has lights, songs, pictures, and everything that any kid could want in a book. Plus, it’s affordable! Yay!

Melissa & Doug Safari Chunky Puzzle:

Little hands will love this Safari Chunky Puzzle. The pieces are easy to maneuver and a great toy to help with fine motor development.

Drum Set:

With over 10,000 positive reviews this Toddler Drum Set is a sure to be a favorite. It comes with different melodies to play with, or has other options for free play, letters, and numbers. We all know toddlers love to make noise and this drum set is perfect for doing just that!

Matching Eggs Set:

Help toddlers learn colors and shapes with this STEM toy. The Matching Eggs Set helps toddlers develop fine motor skills as they learn and practice matching items together.

Numbers Train:

I love this cute LEGO DUPLO Numbers Train. It makes a perfect educational toy as it will help kids learn their numbers and counting. Plus, a train is so fun to push and pull for free play.

Kids Tent:

My kids always loved when we had a kids sized tent in the house. This Under the Sea Tent is perfect for toddlers to snuggle, hide, and play in. If the Under the Sea theme isn’t for your toddler, they even have other styles to choose from!

Shopping Cart:

Toddlers love to push just about anything around the house. This cute Shopping Cart is perfect to get those little legs moving! It also comes with 30 pieces of play food to make the shopping experience even more fun for your little one.

Mega Bloks:

These fun Mega Bloks are perfect for little hands to hold and build with. This set of building blocks comes with 80 pieces and has fantastic reviews!

Slice and Bake Cookie Set:

Ok, but how cute is this Slice and Bake Cookie Set???? I mean, I want one for myself! This is such a fun way to encourage pretend play with your toddler! And the price is right!

VTech Spin and Learn Flashlight:

Let your toddler have their own kid friendly flashlight with the VTech Spin and Learn Flashlight. It’s less than $10 and comes complete with songs, sounds and lights!

Fine Motor Hedgehog:

This Hedgehog Toy is perfect for helping little ones develop those important fine motor skills. It has over 10,000 positive review and currently priced below $15! A great deal!

Play Doctor Set:

When my oldest was just 2 years old we bought her a Play Doctor Set and throughout the next ten years that was the most beloved toy by all of my kids and their friends. It was worth every penny and I am saving it for my grandkids to pay with one day!

Here is a similar Play Doctor Set that I know all of the toddlers in the world will love! It’s less than $15 and comes with 11 pieces to play doctor with.

Shape Sorter:

Every kid needs a shape sorter and this wooden shape sorter is perfect! It has bright colors and 12 different shapes for sorting.

Pull Along Rocket:

Toddlers love push and pull toys. This Pull Along Rocket will provide a lot of entertainment for kids to pull along behind them. Plus, it’s less than $10! Yay!!!

Take Apart Truck With Toy Drill:

Most kids love toys that make them feel more grown up. This Take Apart Truck with Toy Drill is perfect for that! The drill gives toddlers the ability to take apart a truck, and put it together again!

Storybook Projector:

This Storybook Projector is just about the cutest thing I have ever seen! It’s a projector you can attach to your smartphone and then projects images from a story on the wall or ceiling as you read.

Kids are sure to love this fun, magical way to read a story.

Luv N Snuggle Baby Doll:

Baby dolls are well loved toys for toddlers to practice pretend play. The Luv N Snuggle Baby Doll is the perfect size for toddlers to carry around and love on.

Melissa & Doug Dust! Sweep! Mop! Toy:

Another fun toy for encouraging pretend play is the Melissa & Doug Dust! Sweep! Mop! Toy. It comes with a kid sized mop, broom, and duster perfect for them to mimic cleaning around the house. And, (my favorite part) this toy includes a place to store the toys that is equally cute and fun! It’s currently on sale for just under $25!

Board Books Set:

Toddlers love to look at books with bright, big pictures. Give them this Board Book Set with 10 books focused on teaching them all about numbers, colors, animals, and more! This set is a great deal at less than $20!

Doodle Mat:

Mess free coloring exists with this Aqua Doodle Mat. You won’t have to worry about paint or markers on the walls or furniture when your toddler uses this fun mat for coloring.

Fishing Bath Toy:

This Fishing Bath Toy looks like so much fun for any water play. Your toddler will get to play fisherman with 30 different colorful fish. Use it in the bathtub or just for playing around the house!

Bristle Blocks:

Another fun and easy building block for toddlers to use are these Bristle Blocks. The pieces are chunky and easy to stick together. This set even comes with flowers and jungle animals!

Toddler Busy Board:

Toddlers will have so much fun learning new skills and keeping their fingers busy with this Toddler Busy Board. It would be the perfect toy for car trips or quiet church activities.

Scavenger Hunt Game:

This Scavenger Hunt Game is perfect for helping little ones explore their home. The colors are bright and fun and the game is less than $15! This would be such a fun way to encourage parent-child or sibling-sibling interaction at home.

Dog Bubble Machine:

There is just something about bubbles that makes everything more fun! This Dog Bubble Machine will keep the bubbles flowing for your toddler. It has over 5,000 positive reviews and will be an instant favorite!

In Conclusion

The most important thing when buying presents for loved ones is to remember that the price of the gift is not what’s important. All that matters is that you have taken the time, thought and kindness to choose something they will enjoy. Toddlers are great are truly appreciating all the little and beautiful things in life!

Cheap Gift Ideas for Teen Boys All Under $25!

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

Pin for Future Reference:

What frugal gift ideas for toddlers do you have???

Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

August 20, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Check out these easy DIY Christmas Gift Ideas.

I am already so excited for Christmas! It is my very favorite time of the year. I love the smells, the music, the traditions and the memories made each year. I love giving gifts and seeing their faces light up with joy as they open the package. Some of my favorite presents I have ever given or received are the ones that have been homemade. There is just something so special about using your hands and heart to prepare gifts for your loved ones. Today, I am excited to share with you a few of the best homemade Christmas gift ideas.

Homemade Decoration Gifts

It’s always so fun to receive a handmade decoration as a Christmas gift. I love pulling out these homemade gifts each year and remembering the person who made it for me.

Here are a few DIY decoration gifts you could make.

DIY Candle

You can whip up a few candles in one batch with this DIY Candle Tutorial. These candles would be a great item to include in a gift basket with some lotions or bath salts.

Snowflake Table Runner

A few years ago I made a table runner as a Christmas gift for my Mother In Law. It was so complicated! I wish I had known about this no sew snowflake table runner at the time, it would have saved me a lot of time and stress.

This snowflake table runner is not only adorable, but also super easy to make. No sewing required!

DIY Snowmen

These snowmen made out of logs are some of the cutest things I’ve ever seen! This is such a fun, cute and frugal gift idea. Make one for you and one for a friend!

Feather Candle Holder

If you’re looking for a cheap, easy, and beautiful decoration to gift your loved ones be sure to look at this Feather Candle Holder. You can make it using supplies found at the dollar store and is an easy craft project to put together.

Hanger Snowflake

Did you know you can use clothes hangers to make a beautiful snowflake decoration?? You totally can and Happy Mom Projects has a great tutorial teaching you exactly how to do this.

I love this gift idea and would be so fun to receive!

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

DIY Rope Planter

How beautiful is this DIY Rope Planter? I seriously love it so much. This would make a great homemade gift for anyone that loves plants or boho decor.

Homemade Christmas Ornaments to Gift

My personal belief is that you can never have to many Christmas tree ornaments! Ornaments make great gifts for friends, family, kids, neighbors, and basically anyone on your list!

It’s so fun to decorate my tree each year and remember the dear friends who made a few of the special ornaments for me.

No Sew Fabric Christmas Ornament

Check out this darling handmade ornament. It requires absolutely no sewing and is a great way to use up some extra fabric you might have around the house.

Gnome Ornament

These gnome ornaments are so cute and looks like such a fun craft. Check out the full tutorial at Day to Day Adventures.

Pipe Cleaner Ornaments

I love encouraging my kids to make handmade gifts for their friends. These pipe cleaner ornaments are perfect for little hands. Let your kids help choose the design and make it together.

They can then wrap it up and deliver their handmade ornaments to all of their friends.

Crochet Paw Print Ornament

This crochet paw print ornament makes a perfect gift for your pet loving friends. Check out Simply Hooked by Janet for the full tutorial!

Beach Christmas Ornaments

Do you have a friend who loves everything beach themed? Why not make them some of these beach Christmas ornaments? They look so easy to throw together and look so cute hanging on the tree.

Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a fun craft you can make with your kids. Spend a few hours creating together and then let them gift their homemade ornaments to family and friends. Check out the tutorial here.

Crochet Peppermint Party Snail Ornament

Here is another fun crochet ornament pattern. The tutorial is for the cutest peppermint snail and I love the originality of this gift! Such a fun present idea for anyone on your list.

Homemade Gifts to Wear

My favorite gifts are one that are practical and useful! Which is why I love all of these homemade gifts that you can wear. I can’t wait to make them all!

Pocket Scarf

Have you ever heard of a pocket scarf? Well, it’s basically how it sounds, a scarf with a pocket. These make such fun gifts because of the added pocket feature.

Infinity scarfs are a fairly easy DIY project to make, so you can make a few of these in no time. Be sure to check out the full tutorial and free printable at A Daily Dose of Mom.

Christmas Apron

Check out this adorable Christmas Apron from My Golden Thimble. This apron would make a great gift for your family or friends. I even want to make one for me!

Homemade Knit Cowl

Cowls are a fairly easy knitting project. They are actually the only thing I know how to knit! Knitting is a great way to pass the time while watching TV or traveling.

This knit cowl tutorial makes for fun Christmas gifts you can make and give to your loved ones.

DIY Face Mask Holder

This isn’t technically something you can wear, but it will help organize face masks, which we do wear.

Most of us have masks laying around and need somewhere to store them. Make your friends and family members this handy DIY Face Mask Holder. It has three pockets to store clean face masks, dirty face masks and hand sanitizer! Everything we need!

Check out the full tutorial here from Vicky Myers Creations.

Handmade Gifts for the Home

It’s always fun to receive a new addition to the home. Check out these great handmade gifts others can enjoy in their home.

Bowl Cozies and Hot Pads

First up are these Bowl Cozies and Hot Pads. They are one of those things that you always need and you can never have to many hot pads! Check out the full tutorial here , they are beautiful!

Camper Potholder

Do you have a friend or family member who loves camping? Make them this adorable Camper Potholder. The tutorial is really detailed and easy to understand. Plus, it’s a great way to use up scrap fabric.

Fabric Coasters

How cute are these Boro Fabric Coasters from Fabric and Flowers?!?! They are the cutest. This would be such a fun gift to make and a perfect way to use up some fabric scraps you have around the house.

Related: Christmas Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25

Mini Sewing Kit

This Mini Sewing Kit is a great way to upcycle an old altoid tin you have laying around. You could gift it to a friend who loves sewing, a teenager heading off to college, or turn it into something other than a sewing kit. It could be a cute present for a child who loves to collect small objects, such as polly pockets.

Holiday Room Spray

There really isn’t anything I enjoy more than the scent of Christmas in my home. Whip up a few of these room sprays to gift to your loved ones, and then keep one for yourself!

The tutorial includes 5 different recipes and the cute free printables.

Flower Dyed Tea Towel

I honestly believe you can never have to many tea towels. I am always using them for dishes and love receiving them as gifts.

Check out this DIY tea towel made by dying the towel with flowers. It makes for a beautiful design on the towel and a great gift.

DIY Rae Dunn Rolling Pin

How cute is this Rae Dunn inspired rolling pin?? It’s seriously one of the most beautiful gifts! Check out the full tutorial over on Confessions of Parenting. You might just be the new favorite neighbor with this gift!

Redbox Movie Night

Gift your friends, neighbors or coworkers a free movie night on you with this Redbox Movie Gift idea. You can print out the free printable here and read all about how to put this fun gift together.

Mason Jar Tissue Dispenser

This Mason Jar Tissue Dispenser is such a great idea and genius way to reuse mason jars. We all need tissues, so we might as well have them look cute, right?!?!

DIY Glitter Tumbler

How cute are these glitter tumblers?? I seriously love them! They are such a fun and original DIY gift!

DIY Christmas Gifts for the Bath

Beard Balm

Check out this awesome beard balm recipe. My husband loves to sport a beard, so this would be a great recipe to make for him. The recipe is easy to follow and will be a great gift for the bearded man in your life.

Felted Soap

I love the colors on this DIY felted soap. It’s such a fun way to put some personality on a homemade gift. I think the felted soap would also be a great DIY gift for your kids to make for their friends or teachers.

Peppermint Sugar Scrub

This Peppermint Sugar Scrub is beautiful and I bet it smells just as good! The recipe even includes free printable labels (yay!). Homemade sugar scrub is a great gift for friends or teachers. I love gifts that are useful and fun!

Shower Melts

All you need is 3 ingredient (and one of them is water) to make these homemade shower melts. They look so cute packaged up in a jar with a ribbon. Such a fun, easy gift for your loved ones.

Peppermint Bath Salts

There truly isn’t anything better than soaking in a hot peppermint bath on a cold winters day. Help your friends or teachers do that with this homemade peppermint bath salts gift. Beauty Crafter has a great tutorial how to make the bath salts and it only requires 4 ingredients!

Marbled Goat Milk Soap

Another great soap recipe is this Marbled Goat Milk Soap also from Fiber Artsy. She uses a soap mold to make the soap shapes and a toothpick to give the desired swirl effect. I love the idea of gifting homemade soaps to your family and friends for Christmas.

Related: Cheap Gift Ideas for Teen Boys All Under $25!

DIY Bath Bombs

Check out this DIY Bath Bombs Recipe for a fun homemade gift idea. I love how you can customize the bath bomb using different shapes and oils. The recipe is very straight forward and easy to follow too!

Fizzy Bath Salts

Here is another great bath salts recipe. This recipe allows you to mix up the scents to customize to your friends favorite smells.

DIY Bath Bombs

Check out this fun tutorial for DIY Bath Bombs. Bath bombs make great gifts for teens, teachers, and friends. We all need a little rest and relaxation, right?!?

Coconut Lime Mint Sugar Scrub

My two favorite scents are coconut and lime, so I was excited to find this DIY Coconut Lime Mint Sugar Scrub. I can’t wait to make a huge batch. The tutorial even includes free printables (yay!) to complete the gift.

Homemade Christmas Gifts For Kids

Quillow

I had never heard of a Quillow before until I found this great homemade gift idea from The Gifty Family. I immediately fell in love with the idea. A Quillow is basically a quilt and pillow in one!

The Quillow tutorial says it will only take 15 minutes (I like quick!) and is totally doable for all sewing levels (yay!). I think these would make adorable gifts for your kids, nieces and nephews, or for your child to give to their friends.

Play Dough Kits

Play Dough is one of my kids favorite activities. It keeps them entertained for hours. Whip up a batch of play dough and put together a play dough kit like this one from Parties Made Personal.

This is such a frugal, fun gift for kids to enjoy and keep them busy during the winter months.

DIY Scrunchie

Tweens and Teens are all about the scrunchies right now. You can easily make them yourself with this DIY scrunchie tutorial. Whip up a bunch to give to all your favorite kiddos.

Money Notepad

Anyone else feel like teens are just hard to give to??? Cause I do! I never know what they want, like, need, etc.

Well, I don’t know a single teen who wouldn’t love to get a stack of dollar bills! Which is exactly why I fell in love with this Money Notepad DIY Gift. It’s such a fun way to gift money, and give the teenagers what they really want (and probably need tbh)!

Rice Bag Heating Pad

My kids love using these Rice Bag Heating Pads in the winter time. They are really easy to make and are a perfect gift for all the kids on your list.

Homemade Christmas Gifts For Grandparents

Grandparents can be hard to give to, but I have found they really treasure items that remind them of their grand kids. Here are a few gifts for grandparents.

Kid-Crafted Dish Towels

Looking for a fun gift idea your kids could make for Grandma and Grandpa? Check out this fun Kid-Crafted Dish Towels tutorial. I love the hands on activity and giving your kids an opportunity to help create a gift. The grandparents would treasure these towels for years.

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

Child’s Handprint Emboridery

Another cute gift for grandparents is this Child’s Handprint Embroidery gift. It’s such a special keepsake and so cute. Embroidery is a fun project to work on while listening to a book or watching TV. I can’t wait to make this!

Homemade Cards

These DIY Christmas Cards are so sweet and would make great gifts for the grandparents. They are made using items you probably have around your house and yard and I love the unique flare they each have.

Homemade Edible Christmas Gifts

One of the most fun parts of Christmas is the food! I love receiving plates or jars of treats from my neighbors. It’s such a fun way to share family recipes with each other.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Homemade hot chocolate mix is so easy to make yourself and such a fun frugal gift. With only 4 ingredients you can mix up a huge batch of this mix, put it in a cute jar, and deliver it to all of your neighbors, friends and co workers.

Peppermint Bark Mason Jar

Gifting homemade treats can be made extra special just by putting them in a cute container. This Peppermint Bark Mason Jar gift includes a free printable to pretty up the jar and a yummy peppermint bark recipe! Look how pretty! I would love to receive this for Christmas!

Gingerbread Scones

My mouth is watering just thinking about these delicious gingerbread scones from The Curious Frugal! Gingerbread tastes just like Christmas and homemade scones make a great gift for neighbors, friends, and teachers.

Greek Cookies (Kourabiedes)

I had never heard of Greek Cookies before I found this recipe, but if they taste as good as they look, sign me up! Make up a few batches of these cookies, put them on a pretty plate to deliver to your neighbors.

It will be a fun way to share a new recipe and some holiday spirit.

Sweet Zucchini Relish

I love giving my neighbors jars of this Sweet Zucchini Relish for Christmas. Most people haven’t heard of Zucchini Relish and it’s fun sharing this delicious recipe with them.

Vanilla Bean Salted Caramels

Our neighbors gift us homemade caramels every December, and I for reals look forward to it all.year.long. They are heavenly!

Be sure to try out this Vanilla Bean Salted Caramel recipe. It makes for great neighbor gifts and the best treat ever.

Homemade Candied Pecans

This yummy candied pecans recipe only requires 4 ingredients and is paleo and vegan friendly (yay!). Candied pecans make great gifts to pass to neighbors, friends and teachers.

Christmas Tree Cookies

These Christmas Tree Cookies are such a cute addition to a plate of Christmas treats for your neighbors and friends. They are so easy to make and have the best flavor!

Mason Jar Treats

I love the simplicity of this homemade mason jar treats gift. If you are looking for something quick and simple to make as a gift be sure to check out this tutorial on At My Sisters Place.

Related: Cheap Gift Ideas for Neighbors, Teachers, and Friends

Homemade Vanilla Extract

How fun would it be to receive a homemade bottle of vanilla extract? This is something I have always wanted to try and I think would make for such a special gift to anyone on your gifting list.

The recipe only has two ingredients, and comes with free printable gift tags. Check it out here.

Gingerbread Candied Nuts

Here is another delicious candied nut recipe. I love that it includes gingerbread spice (so good!). Just make sure you don’t eat it all before sharing it with your loved ones (which is something I might accidentally do!).

Snowman Mason Jar

I love this Snowman Mason Jar where it turns an edible gift into a cute package as well. All you need is a mason jar and a few craft supplies!

Cinnamon Hard Candy

This Cinnamon Hard Candy recipe is so easy to make and always a fun favorite! I love gifting treats that aren’t very common, but well liked. Cinnamon Hard Candy is exactly that! Be sure to check out the full recipe here.

Pin This Article For Next Years Gift Giving:

What are some of your homemade Christmas Gifts ideas?

How to Save Money on Back to School Shopping

July 12, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Frugal tips for back to school supplies.

Summer goes by way to fast! Back to school supply season always sneaks up on us and I kind of hate it. Sending my three kids back to school makes me a little sad as they keep growing (and I keep telling them to stop!). As back to school keeps coming closer it also means it’s time to spend money. Money on school sports, year books, clothing, and supplies. The expenses add up quick, too quick! Because of this, I am always learning how to save money on back to school shopping.

I’m going to be completely honest with you….

Buying back to school supplies has always been a spending trigger for me. I just love all of the fresh pencils, crayons, and new binders. When I see all the great deals I just want to grab a few extra here and a few extra there….anyone else know what I’m talking about???

I have been working harder the past couple of years to not give into these temptations and stay within my back to school budget. Here are a few of the things I have learned to help make it happen.

1. Shop Your House First

The first and most important way to save money on back to school supplies is to shop your house before going to the store!

This really needs to begin on the last day of school. When your kids bring home backpacks full of their used school supplies, make an effort to save as many of these supplies as possible.

Sort though everything and save as many of the folders, crayons, binders, pens, markers, etc. as you can. Personally, I aim for reusing about 90% of my kids supplies.

I keep everything stored in a large box; and when the time comes to buy supplies for the upcoming year, we pull out this box and “go shopping.”

When you get your list of requested back to school supplies try to find as most of the supplies at home before going to the store. Search through your school supply box, and dig through closets, desks and drawers.

Get the kids involved in this! Turn it into a game and have a race to see who can find the most supplies from their classroom list at home.

2. Compare Prices

Always take the time to compare prices at multiple stores. Look through the weekly store fliers and make a list of which store has which supply for the least amount of money.

I use the free Flipp app to browse through the weekly sales fliers. It’s really easy to use!

As you are price comparing you will find that some school supplies will be cheaper at the dollar store, but other items will be cheaper somewhere else. It takes a little extra work and planning, but it will save you money!

Before going shopping for your back to school supplies, make a list of which stores has which items for the best price. Use this list to help you remember where to shop and what to buy.

Related: A Month of School Lunchbox Ideas

3. Use Coupons

Search for manufacture or in store coupons. Match these coupons with store sales for the biggest discounts.

Coupons can be found:

Online using websites such as coupons.com or couponsurfer.com
In Sunday newspaper inserts
In stores near the front door or on the shelves

4. Take Advantage of Cashback

Always utilize cashback apps as you shop. This is the best way to earn free money when buying things you would be buying anyways.

A few cashback apps I love for saving money on back to school shopping are:

Rakuten: When you use Rakuten for earning cash on all online shopping, you are given a percentage cashback on all purchases. It’s easy to use and requires almost no work!

Just log into the Rakuten app or website. Select the store you want to shop at, and then shop and checkout as normal.

Your cashback will automatically be put into your account and mailed to you every few months! Yay!

You can get a BONUS $10 cash when you sign up for Rakuten using this link.

Ibotta: Another favorite cashback app is Ibotta. Ibotta offers rebates on a wide variety of items in multiple stores. All you have to do is shop, select the qualifying items within the app, and scan your receipt.

You can cash out once your account reaches $20!

Get a $10 BONUS when you sign up with this link.

Fetch Rewards: Fetch Rewards is one of the easiest way to earn cash back on school supplies. Simply download the app here and then scan your receipt into the app. You will automatically earn points, which can be redeemed for gift cards to all of your favorite stores.

5. Leave the Kids at Home

Taking a school aged kid down the aisles of school supplies is the equivalent of taking them to a candy store. One glimpse of the fun, colorful, trendy (and very very expensive) supplies and they are convinced they “just have to have it!” (any other moms relate?!?!?)

I have learned the hard way that I will spend less money if I leave my kids at home. If my kids never lay eyes on all the pretty school supplies, they won’t even know they are missing anything!

Leave those sweet kids at home and buy what you can afford, without having to feel guilty for saying “no.”

In Conclusion

There are many ways that you can save money when back to school shopping. The most important thing is that you set a budget, and you stick to it. No matter what!

21 Free and Frugal Kids Educational Websites

A Month of Kids School Lunch Ideas

A Month of After School Snacks

Don’t forget to pin this article for next years school supplies!

I hope this articles helped you learn how to save money on back to school shopping!

The Best Cash Back Apps

June 5, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

Easy ways to earn cash back on purchases.

Who likes free money??? You better be raising your hand right now! I LOVE free money, and I’m pretty sure you love it too! And guess what! You can earn FREE MONEY just by shopping how you normally would! WHAT?!?! All it takes is a free app, a receipt, and a few clicks of a button. This has been part of my shopping routine for YEARS and I have earned HUNDREDS of dollars on items I would have spent money on anyways. Today, I want to share with you the best cash back apps so that you too can earn free money! (you’re welcome)

How Do Cash Back Apps Work?

Cash back apps are essentially rebates given to you when you make qualifying purchases. You buy a product, show proof of purchase by scanning your receipt into the app, and then are rewarded with a small amount of cash back.

The apps are free to use and easy to learn.

I am a member of online affiliate programs. I will receive compensation from clicks on my links. All opinions are my own.

Cash Back Apps Dos and Don’ts

I want to start with a word of caution. I do believe that there is a right way and wrong way to use cash back apps. When I first started using these apps I spent more money than I should have….because I wanted the cash back. I bought items I never would have bought, just because they were on the app. I quickly learned that I wasn’t using them in the most frugal way. Here are a few cash back apps dos and don’ts to help you get started.

Do:

Check each cash back app after every shopping trip. You won’t always get cash back, but it’s worth checking!
Make your meal plan and shopping list BEFORE looking at the rebates offered on the app.
Use multiple cash back apps for each receipt.
Share the app with your friends (most will offer you extra cash for sharing the app with friends)

Don’t:

Buy something only because you could earn cash back from that purchase.
Download the app with good intentions and then forget to use it! Always use it for best chances of cash back earnings!
Forget to cash out your earnings. Every app will have different payout limits. Don’t leave that money just sitting there, request the cash when the time is right, and use it!

Cash Back Apps Only Offer Name Brand Rebates: FALSE

One of the common misconceptions of cash back apps is that it is only available for name brand products.

This isn’t true.

Yes, there are many name brand products offered as rebates on all cash back apps. But all of them also offer “any brand” items. This means that you get money back for buying anything! It doesn’t matter the brand!

One more word about name brand products. A lot of name brand products go on sale regularly. This is a GREAT time to buy something for a cheap price, and then use your cash back apps to get an even BIGGER discount.

So, just because there are a lot of name brand items on the app, does not mean it isn’t frugal. It just means you need to be intentional with each and every purchase to make sure you are shopping smartly and frugally.

Related: 15 Products You Should Always Buy Generic

Cash Back Apps Only Offer Junk Food Rebates: FALSE

Another common misconception of cash back apps is they only offer rebates on junk food.

This is just not true. Yes, there are a lot of processed food available as rebates within the app.

But, they also offer rebates on fresh foods and other items. Today in my cash back apps I see rebates for body wash, laundry detergent, diapers, pet food, pork chops, walnuts, butter, and much more!

The Best Cash Back Apps

Now, let’s get to the apps! Here are my favorite cash back apps that I use on a regular basis. Most offer a cash bonus just for trying it out! So it’s worth trying just to see if you like it or not!

1. Ibotta

The first cash back app I ever tried was Ibotta, it also happens to be one of my very favorites and most popular app out there.

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, but you can also redeem it for gift cards!

***Bonus: Sign up for Ibotta using this link to get up to $20 bonus!

2. Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is very similar to ibotta. It works as a rebate program where you shop, scan your receipt and will instantly be rewarded cash back on qualifying purchases. You can even scan the same receipt using both Checkout 51 and Ibotta (yaaay!).

Checkout 51 does not offer a huge selection of cash back offers. Because of this I don’t earn a lot of money with this app. I still can earn a few bucks every month and it’s definitely worth my time to scan.

Once you reach $20 in your account you can request your cash back check.

Related: 10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

3. Rakuten

Another one of my very favorite cash back apps is Rakuten. I use Rakuten every.single.time I shop online.

Rakuten offers you cashback when you shop through their link at participating realtor. You will find just about all online stores including, Kohls, Ebay, Zulily, Old Navym Gap, Lowes, etc.

This is also a great travel hack when booking flights or hotels. Popular travel websites like Travelocity are also partners with Rakuten. I never book any travel without first going to the Rakuten website.

It’s so easy to start earning money!

Download the free app (or use their website)
Search for the store you want to shop at
Click on the store link
You will then be redirected to that store
Shop as normal including checkout
After checkout a percentage of the amount you spent will be added to your Rakuten account

A check with your cashback is sent to you ever 3 months. This is one of my fave pieces of mail!

The percentage of cashback you will earn will vary based on the store. It changes frequently too, so it’s good to check often.

**BONUS: Sign up through this link and you can earn an EXTRA $10 after you spend your first $25. (hooray!)

4. Fetch Rewards

Probably the easiest cashback app is Fetch Rewards. This app doesn’t technically give you cashback, but it does give you points that you can redeem for gift cards. The gift card options are endless! A few of my fave examples are Target, Amazon, Sephora, Best Buy, and a bunch of fun restaurants.

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 gift cards at only $3, and it is so easy to earn that first $3.

In Conclusion

If you aren’t using all 4 of these cash back apps now, I suggest you start ASAP! The way I see it, if you are going to be shopping anyways….you might as well be earning a little cashback along the way!

Don’t forget to pin this article for future reference!

How to use the best cash back apps to earn free money!

Free Summer Gift Tag Printable

June 4, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Use this cheap summer gift idea for students, teachers and friends.

Are you looking for a cheap summer gift idea for your students, teachers or friends? Maybe you want to tell them you will miss them this summer or were thinking about them. Well! This is for you! I have the printable available for instant download at the end of this article! You are free to download it and use to give to whoever you are thinking about it!

I originally decided to make these gifts for the girls I teach at church. Due to life (hello spring of 2020) I haven’t seen them for a few months and I miss them! So, I decided to make a little “thinking of you” gift to leave in their mailboxes. With the help of my kids (they always have the best ideas) we came up with the idea to give them a few Otter Pops….because….who doesn’t like otter pops?!?!?! I can’t think of anyone!

And, because I know YOU all love FREE as much as I do…..I decided to turn my little gift tag into a free printable for you (available at end of post). Just cause I love ya all! 🙂

Otter Pop Summer Thinking Of You Gift

This otter pop gift is so quick and easy to put together! Don’t waste any more time and start

Your Supplies:

Box of Otter Pops (unfrozen)
String
This Free Printable

Putting It All Together:

I’m sure this little summer gift is self explanatory, but I’ll run through the details of putting it all together.

Grab 3 (or however many you want) otter pops.

Tie them together with a string (or yarn, or ribbon, or whatever you have on hand).

Print and cut out this Otter Pop gift tag Printable.

Tape the Otter Pop gift tag onto your otter pops.

And wa-lah! You are done!

Deliver these beauties to their lucky recipients and make someones day!

Download Your FREE Otter Pop Printable Here!!

Cheap Gift Ideas for Neighbors, Teachers, and Friends

50 Free Screen Free Summer Kids Activities

Pin to use the printables again next summer!

I hope you enjoyed this free summer gift idea!

15 Products You Should Always Buy Generic

May 21, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life4 Comments

Skip name brands and always buy these generic products to save you money.

Want to know a little secret about me???? I use to be such a brand snob….it’s true! I was proud of the fact that I “only bought name brand.” For some strange reason I thought that made me important, special, cool (not proud of this!). Fortunately, I have learned and matured and I don’t think this way anymore! I now know that brands mean nothing. It’s true that some name brands are better….but some generic products are just good. I actually prefer a few generic to the name brand. If you are wanting to save some money I recommend you switch to more generic products and less name brand. Here are a few of the products I recommend you always buy generic.

1. Medicine

Medicine is one item I use to always buy name brand. I truly thought if I didn’t buy the box that said “Tylenol” it wouldn’t work the same.

It was mind blowing when my brother, who was going through medical school at the time, showed me that the ingredients on the name brand and generic pain reliever was the exact same. I was paying double for the exact same thing! I have never bought name brand medication since.

Start buying all of your medicine, both prescription and over the counter, generic. You can feel confident buying the off brand because the FDA requires all medications to meet their strict standards.

2. Cereal

One of the more expensive items at the grocery store is cereal, especially if you are buying it regularly. Skip the name brand and buy generic instead. This one simple change will make a huge difference in your grocery budget.

We love the big Malt O Meal bags of cereal. Our favorites are: generic lucky charms, fruit loops, honey bunches of oats, and frosted mini wheats. Try a few until you find the ones you like best.

Related: 10 Quick Ways to Save Money on Groceries

3. Bottled Water

The cheapest way to get water is to buy a reusable water bottle and fill it up frequently with tap water. Tap water is free, and you can’t get cheaper than free!

If you need or want to use a plastic water bottle buy the store brand as opposed to name brand. Water is water and it’s not worth paying extra for!

4. Sunscreen

Similar to medication, sunscreen is monitored by the FDA. This means that the same ingredients protecting your skin in a name brand sunscreen will also be in a generic sunscreen.

The name brand sunscreens might charge a little extra for scent, but if that’s not important to you I suggest buying an off brand bottle instead.

5. Spices

The quality of your spices depends more on the freshness rather than the brand. When buying spices always check the sale by date and ignore the brand name. You can a very fresh generic brand spice for a lot cheaper price.

6. Toilet Paper/Paper Towels

Name brand paper goods, such as toilet paper and paper towels are expensive. Fortunately, the off brand paper products are much cheaper and work just as good! Walmarts store brand is my go to for the best price and most reliabel toilet paper and paper towels.

7. Baking Supplies

Save yourself some cash and buy all of your baking supplies generic. Off brand Corn meal, baking mixes, sugar, baking powder, etc. all taste and work just as well as the more expensive name brand.

The only exception I make is with yeast. I always buy my yeast name brand because it does seem to make a difference.

8. Cleaning Products

Any one else out there as obsessed as I am with the Magic Eraser (it’s no joke a moms best friend!). I use to pay a lot of money for this wonderful cleaning pad….and then I discovered I can buy the exact same thing for so much less, the only difference was their wasn’t a fancy name attached to the package. Just search melamine pads on Amazon and you’ll find tons of affordable products that work as good as the original Magic Eraser.

Most other cleaning products are the exact same way. You don’t need a fancy name brand product to clean your house.

Better yet! Save even more money and make your own cleaning products! Here are 5 of my favorite homemade cleaning recipes.

9. Snack Foods

Buying snack foods at the grocery store is a quick way to spend a lot of money. Make it easier on your budget by buying the generic brands.

Most snack foods will have delicious generic options. My kids actually prefer Walmarts store brand Ritz crackers. We also buy off brand granola bars, cookies, and frozen pizzas.

Try a few different store brands until you find the right snacks for you.

10. Frozen Fruits and Vegetables

Buy your frozen fruits and vegetable generic and you won’t tell a difference in taste or quality. We usually use these frozen produce for cooking and smoothies and it tastes just like name brand.

11. Canned Food

Your canned goods, including fruits, vegetables, beans, etc, will all taste the same no matter what the label is on them. For the healthiest option look at the ingredients and try to pick a can low in sodium.

Personally I do like name brand soups though!

12. Condiments

Our family can go through a bottle of ketchup way to fast! Fortunately, we always buy generic condiments, so we aren’t spending a fortune! Try buying all of your condiments store brand, including mayo, ketchup, mustard, soy sauce, etc.

Related: 25 Items You Must Have In A Frugal Pantry

13. Aluminum Foil

Another great product to always buy generic is aluminum foil. This can be really expensive if you are buying brand name. For most uses the generic aluminum foil will work just as good!

14. Pre-Packaged Salads

I am a huge fan of pre-packaged salads. Truthfully, I just won’t eat salad unless it’s already all cut up and made for me (real talk folks).

The Dole salads are delicious, but expensive, so I always buy my salads generic. I was surprised to find that I actually like Walmarts store brand salads even BETTER than the name brand! Go figure!

15. Food Storage Baggies

It’s no secret that the cheapest way to store food is by storing them in reusable containers. However, sometimes we just want to use a Ziplock bag! Right?!?

There is truly no difference between Ziplock and the generic food storage bags. It doesn’t matter what name is on the box, all bags will store your food the exact same. Save money and buy generic!

In Conclusion

Switching which brand you buy at the store is one of the easiest way to save money on groceries and other household items. This simple change will add up in helping your budget.

Remember, not all brands (generic or name brand) are created equally. Try a few different products, experiment with the brands until you find what you like. Just never be a brand snob like I was!

Pin For Future Reference:

What are your favorite generic products to buy to save money?

10 Free Fathers Day Gift Ideas

May 18, 2020 By: Sweet Frugal Life14 Comments

Celebrate dad with these Free Fathers Day ideas.

Do you ever want to gift your Dad something extra special…..but constantly draw a blank??? This is how I feel every.single.holiday. I am constantly racking my brain for that perfect “knock your socks off” gift…..but, I am also on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money on this gift. This makes it so difficult! You know what I have learned though??? My dad doesn’t want me to spend a lot of money on him! Sure, he wants to be loved and appreciated, but that doesn’t come with a price tag. It comes through loving actions and careful thought. So, I have started giving him Free Fathers Day Gifts. They are all chosen from the heart with love and thought to his personality. Here are a few of my gift ideas.

I am a member of online affiliate programs. I will receive compensation from purchases made through links in this post. All opinions are my own.

Here are 10 Ways You can Show Dad You CARE, Without Spending a Dime

1. Bake Him Something

Bake your dad his favorite treat! Does he have a favorite cookie, or does he love fresh homemade bread? Make it for him! Be sure to package it in a gift bag with a nice ribbon for the perfect finishing touch.

My dad loves homemade snickerdoodles, so this is a gift I’ve given him for a few Fathers Day. He loves the cookies and loves that I remember his favorite things.

2. Watch the Game Together

If your dad loves to watch sports, invite him over to watch a game together. Use this as a time to enjoy each others company and bond over something he enjoys. Ask him questions about the game and take genuine interest in his interests.

My grandpa LOVES to watch “the game”, it honestly doesn’t matter what “the game” is, he just wants to watch it. I lived with him very briefly a few years ago and I treasure the evenings when I sat down next to him, watched a game together, and listened to him explain all of his insights and opinions on what we were watching.

The simple moments spent with a loved one is often the times that bring the best memories, don’t you think???

3. Give Him Service

Do something kind for your dad! Does his garage need cleaned out or the lawn mowed? Don’t even ask him first if he needs help! Simply find a need, show up at his house, and get to work. He will appreciate your thoughtfulness, and your willingness to help him without being asked.

4. Send Him a Thoughtful Card

Pick out a nice card for your dad (from The Dollar Tree, of course), and write a thoughtful note inside. Let him know just how much you appreciate everything he has done for you. Stick it in the mail, or hand deliver it with a hug!

My love language is words of endearment, so a card means more to me than any other gift I could receive!

5. Movie Night

Does your dad have a favorite movie? Invite him over to watch the movie together. Make sure to provide some popcorn and other treats (I love Good and Plenty…I know, I’m weird).

I always know I can get in some good quality time with my Father-In-Law if I offer to watch a John Wayne movie together! I don’t necessarily enjoy John Wayne, but I know he does, and that’s what matters most!

Related: 10 Gifts for Him under $10

4. Get Outside

Is your father an outdoors man? Suggest a day in the mountains together to go on a hike or fishing trip, choose whatever your dad enjoys most. He’ll love that you’re the one doing the inviting! Enjoy the quiet time together as a way to get to know him a little better. Ask questions about his interests and childhood. You just might learn something new!

7. Game Night

Host an old fashioned game night at your house. Invite your dad and a few of his friends and family members over. Ask him to teach you one of his favorite games, or you can teach him one of yours!

Games are such a great ice breaker and the perfect way to have some laughs and bonding time together. My favorite memories with my grandfather was playing games with him. He didn’t talk much, but when we played games together he had a twinkle in his eye and I loved watching his quirky side come out.

Need a few game suggestions? Here’s my list of our favorite frugal games.

8. Best of Memory List

Make a fun list of all of your favorite memories together. Include a few heartfelt memories, and some funny ones. You could make the list a little extra special by including a few photos!

I have made my parents a few of these memory books from Mixbook. They aren’t free, but you can make one for less than $20. Memory Books are such a sweet keepsake.

9. Cook Him Dinner

Invite your dad over for dinner and cook him all of his favorite foods. Let him relax while you do all of the work. Don’t forget to decorate the table in his favorite colors or interests (maybe even a sports team theme???).

My dad loves antiques, so if I were to decorate a table for him, I would be sure to include a few antiques as centerpieces. Think for a few minutes about what your dad loves, and try to add it to the table in some way. It’s these special details that can make a big difference.

10. Play a Sport Together

Does your dad love sports? Spend an evening outside playing a sport together. You could shoot some hoops, play catch, or whatever it is that your father would enjoy most. You might not be a sports fan, but play it with him anyways. This makes it even more special that you were willing to put your interests aside for your sweet dad.

In Conclusion

There are so many cheap ways to celebrate Fathers Day! The most important thing is you show him you care and love him. Choose one of these free Fathers Day ideas and spoil him rotten!

Cheap Gift Ideas for Neighbors, Teachers, and Friends

10 Valentines gifts for him under $10!

Budget Friendly Teen Girl Gift Ideas.

Gifts for Fun

Accessories

Teen Girl Gift Ideas For Beauty

Books

Room Decorations

Teen Girl Active Gifts

Related Articles:

Pin For Later:

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

Cheap gifts for tweens.

Gifts for Reading

Tween Accessories/Jewelry/etc.

Gift Ideas for Tween Girls Room

Educational/Craft Gifts

Gifts for Fun

In Conclusion

Related Articles:

Pin For Later:

I hope you loved these gift ideas for tween girls!

10 secrets to stop overspending at Target.

Secret #1: Stay Out of Target

Secret #2: Get a Target Red Card

Secret #3: Skip the Cart and Use a Basket

Secret #4: Use a List

Secret #5: Follow the 48 Hour Rule

Secret #6: Use Target Circle

Secret #7: Never Pay Full Price

Secret #8: Price Match

Secret #9: Take Advantage of Cash Back

Secret #10: Shop With Cash Envelope In Hand

In Conclusion

Related Articles:

Pin This Article To Help You Remember How To Save Money at Target

How do you save money at Target???

Check Out These Budget Friendly Gifts for Toddlers.

Melissa & Doug Safari Chunky Puzzle:

Matching Eggs Set:

Numbers Train:

Kids Tent:

Shopping Cart:

Mega Bloks:

Slice and Bake Cookie Set:

VTech Spin and Learn Flashlight:

Fine Motor Hedgehog:

Play Doctor Set:

Shape Sorter:

Pull Along Rocket:

Take Apart Truck With Toy Drill:

Luv N Snuggle Baby Doll:

Melissa & Doug Dust! Sweep! Mop! Toy:

Board Books Set:

Doodle Mat:

Fishing Bath Toy:

Bristle Blocks:

Toddler Busy Board:

Dog Bubble Machine:

In Conclusion

Related Articles:

Pin for Future Reference:

What frugal gift ideas for toddlers do you have???

Check out these easy DIY Christmas Gift Ideas.

Homemade Decoration Gifts

DIY Candle

Snowflake Table Runner

DIY Snowmen

Feather Candle Holder

Hanger Snowflake

DIY Rope Planter

Homemade Christmas Ornaments to Gift

No Sew Fabric Christmas Ornament

Gnome Ornament

Pipe Cleaner Ornaments

Crochet Paw Print Ornament

Beach Christmas Ornaments

Salt Dough Ornaments

Crochet Peppermint Party Snail Ornament

Homemade Gifts to Wear

Pocket Scarf

Christmas Apron