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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?

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.

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Sport Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Sling Ball

Here’s a fun gift idea for teen boys. Slingball is a fun game that puts a twist on old fashioned catch. The reviews are all great and is a game all ages will enjoy again and again!

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 For 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 great 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 $16.99!

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 $14.99!

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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I hope you enjoyed these gift ideas for teen boys all under $25!

Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

August 30, 2022 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!

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.

Lego Duplo Construction Set

I love this cute LEGO DUPLO Construction Set. It makes a perfect educational toy as it will help kids understand a construction work site. Plus, it’s super fun for tractor lovers!

Kids Tent:

My kids always loved when we had a kids sized tent in the house. This Rocket Ship Tent is perfect for toddlers to snuggle, hide, and play in. If the Rocket Ship 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!

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.

Wooden Duck Pull Toy

Toddlers love to play with push and pull toys, and these toys are great tools for developing gross motor skills. I love this darling wooden duck pull toy. Little kids will have so much fun putting the baby duck on and off the mama duck and pulling it around.

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 Flashlight:

This Storybook Projector Flashlight 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.

Kids Cleaning Set:

Another fun toy for encouraging pretend play is the Kids Cleaning Set. 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.

Bubble Machine:

There is just something about bubbles that makes everything more fun! This 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!

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

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

Easy Homemade Christmas Ornament

December 13, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

This is the perfect Christmas craft idea for kids!

Are you looking for a fun craft to do with your kids this Christmas? You have to try this easy homemade Christmas ornament! I bought all of the supplies at the Dollar Tree, making it a very budget friendly activity!

I always add a craft to our Christmas bucket list each December, and these are the perfect Christmas ornaments to make with kids, because they only take a few minutes, and the kids can easily customize the colors however they want. Plus, there is nothing better then getting to see your child’s art hanging on the tree each year. Every piece is full of sweet memories and make me so happy!

Gather Supplies

The first thing you will need to do is gather your supplies. I bought all of my supplies at Dollar Tree, but you can also get them on Amazon or any craft store.

Clear Christmas Ornaments

Craft Paint

And that’s it! Such an easy, budget friendly project!

How To Make This Easy Homemade Christmas Ornament

Now that you have your supplies, let’s get crafting! One of my favorite things about this Homemade Christmas ornament is that it is fast and easy. If you worry that you aren’t a “crafter”, do not worry anymore! This craft is perfect for you!

The first thing you will need to do is take the cap off of the ornament (easy enough right?)

Next, take one of your paints and squeeze a small drop into the outer rim of the ornament. Allow the paint to pour down the sides. Remember, you can never add to much paint.

Then, take another color of paint and do the same thing, squeeze a small drop into the outer rim and allow it to pour down the sides.

Continue dropping paint into the ornaments, alternating the color each time. I recommend 2-3 colors in each ornament.

Make sure to add plenty of paint so that it will cover the entire ornament.

And you are almost done! See, I told you this was easy!

Lastly, just turn your homemade Christmas ornament upside down and place it in a plastic cup. Let it sit there for 24 hours. Do not skip this step or shorten the time. The bulb needs to let all of the paint drain out and fully dry. Gravity is an important step in this craft!

Finishing Touches

After letting your ornament dry for a full 24 hours, pick it up from the cup, admire the beautiful, colorful design you made, attach the cap and then proudly hang it on your Christmas tree to enjoy.

So pretty, right?!? I love experimenting with different combinations of colors, and especially watching what my sweet kids come up with. No two ornaments ever turn our the same, and that’s the best part!

More Christmas Activities:

Easy Cinnamon Candy Recipe For Christmas

Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas Tree Cookie Recipe

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I hope you love making this easy homemade Christmas ornament as much as we did!

Easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe

November 3, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life28 Comments

The best homemade hot cocoa mix recipe makes everything better!

We love keeping hot chocolate stocked in our home during the cold winter months. My kids will spend hours and hours playing outside in the snow and the first thing they ask for when they come inside is some hot chocolate! Back in my “spender” days I use to buy hot chocolate mix at the store like it was nobody’s business! Once I started learning how to save and live a frugal life I learned how to make hot cocoa from scratch with this easy homemade hot chocolate mix recipe and I have never looked back!

Not only does making your own hot cocoa save you money, it is also so quick and easy to do. We love this easy homemade hot chocolate recipe because it tastes much much better than anything we ever buy from the store. I like to whip a huge catch up at the beginning of every winter and keep it stored in the pantry for the kids to use whenever they need a warm drink.

How To Make Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Once you start making this easy hot cocoa recipe you will never go back to the expensive store bought kind. Kids love to help make this recipe and it’s a fun family activity to do together.

Gather Ingredients

All you need is 5 cheap ingredients to mix up this creamy hot cocoa….and you probably already have them all in your pantry!

You will need:

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup powdered creamer
1/8 tsp salt

Mix It Together

Now, with a spoon, stir all of the ingredients together in a large bowl.

That’s it! You are done! (see, I told you it was easy!)

You can store your homemade hot chocolate mix in an airtight container in a cupboard. This mix will should stay fresh for 6-12 months.

When you are ready to enjoy your hot chocolate just stir 1/4 cup mix with 3/4 boiling water in a mug. Enjoy! Feel free to add marshmallows, candy canes, or whipped cream for an even more festive treat!

Hot Cocoa Mix

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup powdered creamer
1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in a tightly covered container.
To make hot chocolate: Stir 1/4 cup mix with 3/4 cup boiling water. Enjoy!

Related: 25 Completely Free Family Winter Activities

This easy homemade hot cocoa also makes a great, cheap Christmas gift for neighbors or friends!

Just put some in a mason jar and put a pretty bow around it! Make sure to attach the instructions so your neighbors will know how to use it.

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

In Conclusion

This easy hot chocolate recipe will cost you pennies to make and tastes so very delicious! I hope your family will enjoy it as much as we do!

Christmas Hard Candy Recipe

Frugal Christmas Traditions For Families

Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

Don’t Forget To Pin This Recipe To Use Again:

I hope you enjoy this easy homemade hot chocolate mix recipe!

Easy Toilet Paper Pumpkin Craft Tutorial

October 13, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life5 Comments

How to make toilet paper roll pumpkins!

Yesterday I pulled out all of our fall decorations and had fun getting the house looking a little more festive. After that I decided I wanted a few more small decorations, but didn’t want to spend very much money. So, I decided to make this easy toilet paper pumpkin craft!

My friend showed me how to make these toilet paper roll pumpkins a few years ago, and I knew they would be the perfect addition to my house this fall. The best part about these pumpkins is that they cost less than $1 to make! Yep, you read that right, $1!

The only item I bought for this easy fall craft was the fabric. I bought three fat fabric squares from Walmart for 97 cents each. If that’s not frugal, I don’t know what is! If you already have scrap fabric at home, these will be even cheaper to make!

Not only are these crazy cheap to make…..they are also one of the easiest crafts ever! Most importantly, I spent less than an hour making all three of these darling Halloween Pumpkins. If you aren’t a crafter, this is the craft for you!

Toilet Paper Pumpkin Craft Supplies

First, let’s gather the supplies. You only need three items to make these cute pumpkins, and you probably already have most of them at home.

Supplies Needed:

One roll of toilet paper
One fat fabric square of fabric (or fabric cut to 18″x22″)
Hot glue gun (optional)
A twig for the stem

Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkin Instructions

Now that you have all of your supplies, the fun part can begin! Let’s start crafting!

First, lay the square of fabric right side down on the table.

Next, place your toilet paper roll right in the middle of the fabric square.

Now, take the ends of the fabric and tuck them into the middle of the toilet paper roll. As you tuck the ends, make sure to pull the fabric tight, this helps make some cute textures and creases for the pumpkin. Sometimes it takes me a few tries before I get it looking just right.

Keep stuffing the ends of the fabric into the toilet paper roll until all the ends of the fabric are hidden and the toilet paper is completely covered with fabric.

You are almost done!

For the stem, just go into your backyard, or a local park and find a small twig. I had to break my stick to get the perfect twig size.

Next, just hot glue a small amount of glue into the middle of your pumpkin and then stick the twig into the hot glue, making sure it is sticking up correctly.

If you don’t have a hot glue gun, that’s OK! Just stick that stick inside the pumpkin and you are ready to go! The twig will usually stand up straight without the glue.

And that’s it! You are done! Just beware, these toilet paper pumpkins are so addicting! You might end up making thousands. They make great gifts for friends and neighbors.

A Few Tips

Try playing around with the toilet paper to make different shapes and sizes. You can change the pumpkin look just by taking off some toilet paper.

For the polka dot pumpkin, I took off about 1/4 of the toilet paper to make a smaller pumpkin. I also wrapped some toilet paper loosely around the entire roll. This gives it a slightly more rounded look. So cute, right???

I wanted my other black pumpkin to be a little bit larger so, I added extra toilet paper to the roll, and tried to give it a rounded loose look.

I loved the way this one turned out! There really are some many possibilities! And for a whopping 97 cents…..you can make a dozen of these without breaking the bank!

Have you ever made a toilet paper roll pumpkin before??? It truly is such a fun and easy pumpkin craft! Let me know if you try it out, I would love to hear how they turned out.

Happy frugal crafting!

YouTube Tutorial

Check out my YouTube toilet paper roll pumpkin tutorial for even more tips for making this easy fall craft!

You might also like:

–Rice Krispie Halloween Monsters Recipe

–No Sew Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial

Pin For Later:

Enjoy your toilet paper pumpkin!

DIY Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial

September 2, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life3 Comments

Check out this No Sew Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial!

Halloween is just around the corner! I love this time of year; I love the pumpkins, the crisp cool air, the changing leaves, and the excitement in my children. My kids love to dress up and run around the neighborhood trick or treating. The urge to craft came on strong the other day and I decided it would be so fun to make my kids new bags for trick or treating. I wanted to create something cute, but also simple and frugal (because that’s how I roll!). I came up with the idea of this DIY trick or treat bag. I’ll be honest with you….it was even EASIER than I originally had planned! (win!)

Disclosure: “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.”

DIY Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial

My favorite thing about this tutorial is that it is an easy craft projects for non sewers, but comes out looking professional!

The first thing you will need to do to make this no sew Trick or Treat bag is to gather all of your supplies.

Supplies Needed:

–Canvas Craft Tote
Scrap fabric (I chose Halloween colors)
Wonder Under
Iron/ironing board
Pattern for tracing

Find Your Pattern

Now that you have gathered your supplies it’s time to find your pattern. You can choose any design, picture or pattern. It doesn’t even need to be Halloween related!

When we were choosing patterns I asked my kids what picture they wanted on each of their bags. My daughter requested a cat and my son asked for a spider, so those are the patterns I searched for.

You can easily find patterns by searching on google, they are fairly easy to find. Just type in the pattern that you want. For example, if you want to use a spider just type in, “spider tracing pattern.” You will find many different patterns to choose from!

Another great option for patterns is to look at clip art in Microsoft Word.

Once you have found the pattern you want to use, print it and cut it out.

Prepare Your Design

Next you will need to transfer the pattern onto your chosen fabric. I recommend following the directions on your wonder under fusing, they are all a little different.

When I transferred my pattern I cut out a large square of wonder under (large enough to cover the entire shape), and ironed the rough side onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Then I used my tracing pattern to trace the shape onto the paper side of the wonder under.

Once the pattern is traced, cut the picture out (fabric and all), fabric scissors are really helpful to cut out the fabric.

Lastly, gently pull off the paper backing of the wonder under.

Iron On The Picture

Now, center your cut out fabric picture on the bag where you want it. Use a warm iron to iron the picture to the bag. The wonder under fusing will fuse the fabric to the bag, making it stick.

I have found that holding the iron steady for 5-10 seconds over each section of the picture helps give the applique a nice firm hold.

That’s it! You’re done! See, I told you it would be easy!! It probably took me a total of one hour to finish both bags! Quick crafting, is my type of crafting! Imagine all the fun designs and fabric you could iron onto a bag! So many fun ideas!

In Conclusion

Use your imagination when making this DIY Trick or Treat Bag. There are so many fun possibilities. You could iron on a pumpkin, ghost, witch hat, bat, skeleton, or fun lettering.

I can’t wait to watch my kids go trick or treating with their new bags!

Easy Pumpkin Craft Tutorial For a Fun Fall Decoration

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Pin for Future Reference:

I hope you love this DIY Trick or Treat Bag as much as we did!

Cheap Father’s Day Gift Ideas Under $25

May 21, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Lifecomment

Best gifts for Father’s Day under $25.

Father’s Day is right around the corner. I love any day when I get to celebrate the amazing men in my life, and all that they do for me. Fortunately, showing someone that you love them doesn’t have to cost a lot of money (shocker, right?!! 😉 )! Here are 25 cheap Father’s Day Gift Ideas he is sure to love! Everything is less than $25!

Techy Father’s Day Gifts

Are you shopping for a dad who enjoys a lot of screen time? Try one of these affordable gift ideas!

1. Apple Watch Stand

This highly rated Apple Watch Stand is a great gift for the Apple user. It has a spot to hold both your phone and Apple watch while being charged and has a few different colors to choose from, there is something for everyone!

2. Remote Holder

Is your dad constantly losing the remote??? How about gifting him a remote holder for Father’s Day. This remote holder is a great option and can be mounted to the wall with removeable adhesive, no tools necessary!

3. Wireless Charging Pad

A great gift idea is a wireless charging pad. I loved this one from Amazon. It’s thin, attractive, has a lot of good reviews and comes in many different colors! Basically perfect all around!

Father’s Day Gifts For Someone Who Loves To Be Outdoors

My husband loves to be in the great outdoors, so I am always shopping for affordable outdoor gear. Here are a few of our favorites.

4. Personalized Pocket Knife

I love personalized gifts and this personalized pocket knife is the perfect gift for fathers day. You can request to get his name engraved on the knife, or leave a sweet message. This pocket knife also comes with a rope cutter, can opener, and glass breaker.

5. Camp Chair

It’s always nice to receive a new camp chair, especially if you spend a lot of time doing outdoor activities. Check out this camp chair which is less than $25!

6. Stadium Seat

A stadium seat is the perfect gift for a dad who spends a lot of times attending sporting events. I found a portable stadium seat for a really good price here!

Father’s Day Gifts For Someone Who Loves To Cook And Eat

I love all of these fun gift ideas for the dad who enjoys food and cooking!

7. Grilling Set

Are you shopping for someone who loves to grill? How about gifting them a new grilling accesories set? This is a great option, it’s under $20 and includes multiple accessories and an apron!

8. Grilling Apron

Help your dad feel special while he’s in the kitchen with a fun apron like this one. It’s the perfect gift for the man that loves to cook!

9. Hot Sauce Set

You might want to gift your father this global edition hot sauce set. It’s such a fun way to help them try new hot sauce flavors! This set comes with 5 different flavors, each from a different region around the world.

10. Knife Sharpener

A knife sharpener is another great Father’s Day gift idea. It’s always helpful to have a few of these around to keep your kitchen knives sharp. Here is a great knife sharpener from Amazon, it has great reviews and the price is right!

11. LED Grill Light

Does your dad love to grill? Consider gifting him an LED Grill Light. This is such a fun accessory and can be used in multiple ways for many different projects.

12. Beef Jerky

You can’t go wrong with gifting Beef Jerky as a father’s day gift! Try to find a brand or flavor that is unique, so that he can try something new! This Cattlemens Beef Jerky looks and sounds delicious!

Father’s Day Gifts For Someone Who Loves Tools

Perhaps the dad you are shopping for this year spends a lot of time using tools. Check out one of these ideas for him!

13. Digital Tape Measure

This digital tape measure would be a great addition for any dad’s toolbox. Measuring can be a lot easier and quicker with a digital tape measure and this one will measure up to 165 feet and has multiple accessories. Yay!

14. Tool Roll

If you are shopping for someone who has a lot of tools or enjoys being the handy man, this tool roll is a great gift idea! It includes 19 storage slots for different tools and accessories. Plus, it’s less than $25!

Father’s Day Grooming Gifts

We all need to groom, right? Right! Help your dad feel special this year with these affordable grooming gifts.

15. Grooming Kit

Another great cheap Father’s Day gift option is a Grooming Kit. This 5 in 1 grooming kit includes a hair clipper, hair trimmer, nose trimmer, shaver and precision trimmer. It’s the perfect all in one set up for any man.

16. Beard Kit

Does your father sport a beard? He might like this beard kit! It comes with shampoo, oil, conditioner, brush, comb, scissors and more. A great all in one set for the man in your life!

17. Man Soap

Even men like fancy soap! Get your man a nice bar of Big Al’s Pine Tar Soap. We love this Forest Scent.

18. Toiletry Bag

Everyone deserves a new toiletry bag every now and then! Your father might love this mens toiletry bag. It’s the perfect gift, especially for someone who travels often.

Father’s Day Gift Ideas For The Best Dad Ever

I know that your dad is the best ever (so is mine 😉 ). Why not let HIM know just how amazing he is with one of these fun dad gifts!

19. Best Dad Shirt

What better way to help your dad feel amazing this Father’s Day then with a Best Dad shirt. I found this cute one on Amazon, along with many others!

20. Dad Mug

There is nothing better than being reminded of how amazing you are each morning with your coffee mug! Check out this cute Best Dad Ever mug. He will love this daily declaration of love!

21. What I Love About Dad Book

Dads deserve a little extra attention and love for all of the hard work they do for us. This What I Love About Dad Book gives 100 different prompts for you till fill in about why you love your Father. It would make such a sweet keepsake for a child to give to their father.

22. Father’s Day Picture Frame

Gift your dad a special keepsake picture and frame. It’s the perfect gift for them to keep on their desk and remember how much you appreciate them. Make sure to include a picture of the two of you together!

Father’s Day Accessory Gifts

Here are a few fun accessories to gift your dad this Father’s Day.

23. Leather Journal

Shopping for someone who loves to write or sketch? Why not buy them a beautiful leather journal? I love this vintage handmade leather journal, it has great reviews and an affordable price.

24. Baseball Cap

My husband can never have enough baseball caps, he calls it “his thing.” If you are shopping for someone similar, consider gifting them a new baseball cap like the one here.

25. Leather Money Clip

How about gifting dad a new leather money clip? Here is a great and affordable option he might love!

In Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed these Father’s Day gift ideas. But, remember as a parent, I know that all I want on these special days is a little bit of time spent with my loved ones. It truly doesn’t matter how much you spend on a gift for Father’s Day, all that matters is that you take the time to show him how much you care.

10 Free Father’s Day Gifts

10 Valentines gifts for him under $10!

What are some of your cheap Father’s Day gift ideas this year?

Fun Easter Lesson For Kids

March 2, 2021 By: Sweet Frugal Life7 Comments

Fun Easter ideas for kids!

Easter is almost here, yay! This is such a beautiful time of year to celebrate new life and new beginnings, and of course the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although I love Easter I have actually never really been a huge fan of the Easter bunny and the materialism that comes with Easter. The whole idea of a giant rabbit giving my kids presents just has never really resonated with me (am I weird????). Because of this I’m always looking for activities to teach kids the true meaning of Easter, and what it’s really about. We have tried a few different things in the past and nothing has really seemed to feel right to me. I came up with this fun Easter lesson for kids and I am really looking forward to implementing with my kids. Hopefully it can become our new Easter tradition!

Gather Your Supplies

It will only take a few minutes to gather your supplies needed for this fun Easter lesson for kids.

First, print out 7 scriptures from the Bible that discuss the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

These are the 7 scriptures I suggest your type and print out for your Easter eggs:

Jesus Enters Jerusalem: Matthew 21:6-11
Sacrament: Luke 22:1, 19, 20
Garden of Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36,39
Judas Betrays Jesus: Luke 22:47-51
Pilate Washes His Hands: Matthew 27:22,24
The Crucifixion: Luke 22:33-34
Jesus Appears: John 20:10-20

Next you will need to number 7 Easter eggs and put the corresponding scripture in the right number of egg. You want the scriptures in order of the events happening.

And that’s it! Now you are ready to teach your kids about the true meaning of Easter.

Implementing This Fun Easter Lesson For Kids

This Easter activity is meant to begin on the Monday before Easter.

Starting with the egg numbered 1, have your kids open one egg each day of the week. Your first egg will be the scripture Matthew 21:6-11 and you will end on Sunday with the egg containing the scripture of John 20:10-20.

After the egg is opened each day, read the scripture together and discuss what it means and how we can relate it to our lives.

This activity has been a lot of fun for the kids to participate in. I’m hoping it will help us keep our focus in the right place, yet also be a little fun for the kids as they open a new egg each day.

How do you teach your kids the true meaning of Easter?

Pin this article to remember each year:

Check out my other Easter posts:

Easter Egg Sun Catcher

Dollar Tree Easter Basket Ideas

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

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Need a gift idea for a teen boy??

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Gifts For A Boys Room

Gifts Teen Boys Can Wear

Fun Gift Ideas for Teen Boys

Outdoorsy Gifts For Teenage Boys

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I hope you enjoyed these gift ideas for teen boys all under $25!

Check Out These Budget Friendly Gifts for Toddlers.

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