Frugal

Free (Or Nearly Free) Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year

February 4, 2019 By Jennifer Derrick 14 Comments

A lot of people ask me, “If you don’t watch TV and you choose to limit movies, clubs, restaurants, etc. in order to save money, what do you do for entertainment? Aren’t you bored?” I usually look at them, dumbfounded, because to me there is too much to do and boredom is never a problem. I have never struggled to find inexpensive or free entertainment.

However, I understand that those who are used to relying on “prepackaged” entertainment may have a problem at first identifying all the fun, free things there are to do in and around their communities. When I first turned frugal, I wasn’t aware of all the things I could do, but I’ve learned over time. So, for those who are looking for more free/inexpensive things to do, I offer this list:

Free Entertainment Ideas for Every Week of the Year

1. Free museums. Some paid museums have free days, and some museums are always free. Call around to the museums in your area and ask. Some also sponsor free outings to local points of interest.

2. Read. The library is a great source of free books. Yard sales, flea markets, and book sales are great sources of very cheap books. Websites such as PaperbackSwap.com allow users to trade books just for the cost of postage.

3. Movies. Yes, I said movies. Some community groups, libraries, and museums show free movies. Many towns have a dollar theater that shows first-run movies cheap. Some libraries lend DVDs. You can also find DVDs for almost nothing at yard sales and flea markets (many times for a buck or two), and then you can resell or swap them for something new. Even renting with Redbox is much cheaper than going to the theater.

4. Take the kids to the community playground. You don’t have to go to a restaurant with a playground or a pay-to-play indoor park. Many communities have nice playgrounds that are free.

5. Go to the park. Whether it’s a park with a playground (see number 4) or a state park, there are lots of recreational opportunities at a park ranging from walking/hiking to picnicking to just sitting and reading or people watching.

6. Ride a bike. Depending on your area, a bike ride might be a good way to spend some time outdoors.

7. Go for a walk in your neighborhood. If you walk alone, it gives you some quiet time. If you walk with friends or family, and it’s a chance to connect while getting some exercise.

8. Get some friends together for a game. Gather your friends for a game of baseball, basketball, football, tennis, frisbee, or soccer game. Many communities have sports facilities that can be used by the general public when not in use for league play.

9. Live music. Some community groups and museums offer free concerts and some up, and coming bands play for free at local bars and clubs (with no cover charge). Look for open mic nights that attract up and comers.

10. Potluck or progressive dinners with friends. If you prefer something indoors, consider getting together for a meal.

11. Local theater. Some community players offer free performances to test a program before launching it on a paying audience. High schools and universities are also good sources of free theater.

12. Local historical sites, battlefields, or historic homes. Most are free, low cost or “request” a small donation.

13. Swim. Some communities offer free or low-cost public pools. Others are blessed with swimmable lakes.

14. Lectures. If you live near a university, free lectures are always offered on a variety of topics. Even without a university, many communities feature appearances by authors, actors, and others.

15. Free magazines. Check out the magazines at your local library.

16. City. Many communities offer tours for new residents or visitors. Most are free. Tag along, and you might learn something new about your area.

17. Art galleries. Many offer free showings.

18. The library. In addition to being a source of free books, most host free children’s programs and adult workshops on a variety of topics. Check their schedule for more information.

19. Craft events. Many craft sorts such as Michaels or AC Moore offer free classes and projects for both kids and adults.

20. The local bookstore. Many offer readings by authors or open mic nights for poetry or short fiction readings. Some offer story times for kids. You can also read magazines and books without making a purchase, although this privilege shouldn’t be abused.

21. Community festivals. Many communities have festivals such as spring flings, agricultural celebrations, music festivals, craft showcases, or celebrations of local heritage. Most are free to attend.

22. Parades. Christmas, Thanksgiving, St. Patrick’s day or local band days bring out parades including music and other performances.

23. Holiday celebrations. In addition to parades, many communities offer free activities such as fireworks on the 4th of July, egg hunts at Easter, or free New Year’s Eve parties.

24. Camp out. If you already have a tent and some sleeping bags, an overnight camp out at the local park or in your yard is a fun, inexpensive change of pace.

25. Church. If you’re religious, church can be a great source of free activities such as outings, exercise classes, crafts, and book groups.

26. The animal shelter. This is a great place to play with some animals without incurring the expense of owning one. Many shelters need volunteers to exercise the animals, so ask if you can help out. You’re doing something good for the animals and having some fun at the same time.

27. The zoo or aquarium. For more animal fun, try the local zoo or aquarium. Most are very inexpensive and many offer significant discounts to those who purchase memberships, good for more than one visit.

28. Board games, cards, and puzzles. These are inexpensive ways to pass an evening as a family. You can find lots of used games at yard sales and thrift stores, or maybe someone in your family has some that they are looking to get rid of. Even purchased new, these are inexpensive compared to the amount of entertainment you get out of them.

29. Take up an inexpensive hobby. Writing, poetry, origami, organizing the family photos, genealogy, certain crafts, etc. are all inexpensive ways to pass the time. Even cooking, while not always inexpensive, can be a frugal hobby because you get to consume the results of your labors.

30. Pick your own produce or cut your own Christmas tree. Yes, you have to pay for what you pick/cut, but you’d be buying food at the store anyway, right? Many pick your own places also offer other things like tram rides, corn mazes, petting zoos, crafts, holiday activities or performances by local groups.

31. The farmers market. Again, you have to pay for what you buy, but some farmer’s markets offer gardening classes, local performers, or holiday celebrations.

32. Public gardens. Most communities have public gardens where you can walk amongst the flowers and trees. Particularly stunning in spring.

33. Business tours. Some large companies offer free tours of their facilities, which can be interesting and might end with a free sample of the company’s products.

34. Free/low cost classes. Some community colleges or extension programs offer free classes or workshops. Even if you have to pay, the cost is usually small. Free classes or workshops are also available at some stores, such as home improvement classes at Home Depot or Lowes.

35. Minor league, college, or high school sporting events. These aren’t usually free (although some low profile college or high school sports offer free admission), but the cost is nothing when compared to major league sports.

36. Join a club. There are many clubs dedicated to all kinds of interests. Most offer free membership or nominal dues to cover operating expenses. Book clubs, Red Hat’s for senior women, clubs for people with or without kids, game clubs, sporting clubs, business clubs, are just a few examples.

37. Listen to podcasts. There are tons of good podcasts available for free. Some are funny, some are educational, and some are political. There are topics for every interest. Some are available on iTunes for free and others can be downloaded directly from websites that interest you.

38. Take the dogs to the dog park. If you have a dog park nearby, this is a good chance to get out and get some exercise and bonding time with your pet.

39. Don’t overlook the obvious attractions of your area. If you live near the mountains, you’ve got winter fun all sewn up — sledding, snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, etc. Same if you live near the coast — you’ve got fishing, beach trips, shell collecting and sandcastle building. Sometimes when you live near a natural haven for entertainment, it’s easy to forget what you have at your disposal.

40. Keep cheap entertainment on hand for the kids. Avoid rainy or snow day desperation by keeping things like coloring books, activity books, crayons, card games, craft ideas and supplies, DVD’s borrowed from the library or purchased cheaply, unread books, etc. on hand.

41. Go to the mall. No, not to shop (and be certain you can resist the temptation before you go or this tip’s worthless). Malls sometimes offer performances by school musical groups, they likely have a free indoor play area for rainy days, or you might see a fashion show. During holiday periods, you can visit Santa or the Easter Bunny. Some stores, like the Apple Store, offer free classes and instruction on their products. It’s a good place to walk if the weather is bad and people watching is always entertaining.

42. Recapture a little of your childhood with your kids. Catch fireflies in the summer, play on the swings, build roads to nowhere in the dirt, play in the sandbox, feed and watch the birds, collect rocks, etc. These simple pleasures are often overlooked in our electronic age, but they are fun for kids and low cost.

43. Yard sales and flea markets. Yes, if you buy you have to pay, but it’s entertaining and free to just look around. Sometimes there are even freebies to be had. If you have a need, you can score some great deals in the process.

44. Write a letter. Letter writing is a lost art in the age of email and cheap long distance, but it’s still fun to receive a handwritten letter from someone you care about. Write to a friend or family member that you don’t see often and update them on your life and just remind them that you care.

45. Free computer games. If you have high speed Internet access, there are a lot of free games available online. Just beware of viruses, spyware, etc.

46. Music. In addition to free concerts (#9, above) there is free music to be had that you can put on your iPod or burn to CD. iTunes offers a free download or two each week. Up and coming bands often post free songs on their websites so you can sample their wares. You can listen to many radio stations from other states or countries as free streaming broadcasts. Just remember to never illegally download or copy copyrighted music.

47. County or state fairs. Admission to many is free, while some charge a small fee. Once you’re in the gate, there’s usually no additional charge to walk the grounds and look at the exhibits or see the animals. Most only require that you pay extra for the rides and the food. If you skip the rides and pack a picnic lunch, this can be a free or cheap day out.

48. Video games. No, video game consoles aren’t cheap, but if you already have one and some games, you can pass many hours playing. Rent games or buy them cheap on the used market. If you have friends with different games or consoles, invite them over and play against them, or take your console to their house. It’s a great way to try different games and consoles while having some cheap fun.

49. The local arts center. Many communities have an arts center that hosts art exhibitions, offers art, dance or other classes, and has activities for kids. The offerings are usually ever changing and free or inexpensive.

50. The senior center. If you’re age appropriate, many areas have a senior center that offers free classes, outings, and activities just for your age group.

51. Know what you’ve already paid for. If you live in an apartment complex or housing development, you may have access to a recreation center with exercise equipment, games, game tables, movies, or areas in which you can host gatherings that your rent/dues pays for. Your development may also offer special activities such as pool parties or cookouts that are open to all residents. Make sure you keep abreast of any offerings that you’re already paying for and get the most out of them.

52. Volunteer for something you find fun. Maybe you can volunteer as an usher at a theater and see the performance for free. Or, consider volunteering at the senior center and playing cards with other people. Libraries are also great places to volunteer, plus you get to check out the new books before anyone else. Whatever you find fun can probably be turned into a volunteer activity.

The thing about free or frugal entertainment is that it isn’t always the most obvious choice. There likely isn’t a neon sign pointing you to the free museum like the one that’s pointing to the multiplex. You have to search out some offerings by looking in local papers or visiting local websites, but it’s worth your time. There’s plenty to do that’s free or low cost; you just have to accustom yourself to hunting out these jewels rather than automatically reaching for your wallet.

Do you have any free or nearly free ideas for entertainment? Share with us in the comments below.

20 Money Saving Duct Tape Uses

January 26, 2019 By Alexa Mason 5 Comments

Wikipedia defines duct tape as a: “cloth- or scrim-backed pressure-sensitive tape – often coated with polyethylene.”

Any way you define it, duct tape is a pretty amazing invention. In fact, duct tape is so amazing that its used on nearly every NASA mission. However, you don’t have to be a NASA rocket scientist to know that having something handy like duct tape around the house can help you save money. Here are twenty money saving duct tape uses.

1. Hide Secret Car Keys

Just tape a copy of your car key to the underside of your car with duct tape. As long as you get a good seal with the tape, you’ll never get locked out of your car again. No need for a key magnet box. Total savings $4-6.

2. Make Flypaper

No need to spring for flypaper, just go ahead and attach a few foot long strips of duct tape to the rafters or ceiling of where you are staying. The stickyness on the tape will act like flypaper and you’ll be rid of the bugs in no time flat. You can also just roll up the tape and toss it in trash when you are done. No need to for messy clean up. Total savings: $5 – $8.

3. Replace Shower Curtain Grommets

Cheap shower curtains are prone to ripping, especially at the eyelet where shower curtain hooks attach to the curtain. Instead of getting a new curtain or dealing with expensive repair kids, just make repairs with your duct tape. Once the curtain is dry, cut a rectangular piece of duct tape and fold it front to back over the torn hole. Cut a hole in the tape with a razor blade or scissors and push the ring back in place. Your curtain should work just fine. Don’t buy shower curtain saver – total savings: $6 – $7.

4. Repair A Vacuum Hose

Hoses on vacuum cleaners can be prone to fatigue and cracking. If the hose has developed a leak the suction in the cleaner can be less effective. Wrap a bit of tape around the rip or crack. Your hose should last until the rest of the vacuum hardware gives out. Don’t get a new hose. Total savings: $25.

5. Remove Clothing Lint & Pet Hair

If you’re getting prepped to go to a meeting or out for the evening and you see pet hairs or lint on your clothing, just cut a bit of tape and wrap it around your hand sticky side out. Roll the tap against your clothing with the rocking motion until you’ve got all the hair or lint. Don’t wipe your clothing, that could impact the fabric. No need for a lint roller. Total savings: $5.

6. Make Children’s Toys

There are a number of children’s toys that you can make using duct tape. One favorite is a toy sword for those junior pirates you’ve got around the house. Just sketch a kid sized sword on a piece of cardboard. Use two pieces if you don’t have one that’s thick enough. Be sure the sword size is small enough so that your child’s hand can fit comfortable around it once it jhas been increased in thickness by several layers of tape. Then cut out the sword and wrap up the blade area a layer or two of silver duct tape. Wrap the handle in black tape.

You can also make armor, helmets or other fun costumes this way. Along these lines a favorite is a tin man costume made out of cardboard & duct tape for Halloween.

Don’t buy expensive kids play swords or costumes. Total savings: $5 – $50.

7. Repair Plastic Trash Cans

Plastic trash cans often split or crack along joints. Instead of tossing out the can with the rest of the trash, repair the crack with duct tape. Typically duct tape is strong enough to withstand the abuse that plastic trash cans can take. If you apply it carefully, the tape should also have no problems adhering to curved or ridged surfaces. Put tape over both the inside and the outside of the can. Don’t buy a new trash can, instead repair the old one! Total savings: $5 – $200.

8. Protect Floors From Scuffing

To keep the legs of your furniture from scratching the flooring, put some tape on the bottom of each legs. This will help your floors from getting marred. This is especially important if you have soft hardwood floors and heavy metal furniture, such as a cafe table. Don’t buy special scratch pads. Total savings: $2 – $14.

9. Protect Gas Hoses

Of all the duct tape uses out there, avid grillers know that sometimes mice and other animals can chew on rubber. One target of those pesky creatures is the rubber hose which connects the gas grill to the propane tank. You can protect this hose by wrapping it in duct tape. Prevent yourself from needing to buy a new connecting hose. Total savings: $13 – $56.

10. Fix Loose Battery Compartment Covers

Doesn’t it just drive you up a wall when you have a remote control where the back panel covering the battery compartment seems to keep coming off? Just put a little strip of duct tape on there to keep it from coming off and you’re set. No need to buy a new remote. Total savings: $3 – $50.

11. Create Gift Tags

Instead of heading out to the store to purchase tags for your gifts, just grab a bit of duct tape and make the tags yourself. Duct tape is great at holding ink, so just use a sharpie to mark who the gift is for and who it is from. Total savings: $3 – $20.

12. Make A Bookmark

This idea is for you readers/collectors out there. If you are reading a favorite book and don’t want to bother with getting a fancy bookmark, just grab a piece of duct tape, and fold it in half sticky side in. Viola, you’ve got a handy book mark. Don’t bother with fancy monogrammed paper or jazzy plastic clips. Total savings: $3 – $34.

13. Repair Seams of Ski Gloves

This is a pretty commonly discussed use for duct tape. When your ski gloves wear out, and they typically do at seams, put some tape over the tear so that it doesn’t get worse. This should prolong the life of the gloves. You can also use colored tape to match the color of the glove so the repair doesn’t look low rent. Don’t buy new gloves. Total savings: $13 – $110.

14. Use Tape To Seal Cracks In Duct Work

If you own a home, check your ducts and tape off any open seams. A lot of heat ends up wasted in basements or crawl spaces where it is not needed. Don’t pay for the waste. Instead, be sure your ducts are sealed tightly. Total savings: 2-5% off your monthly energy bills.

15. Repair Tail or Headlights

Car parts retail at an extremely high mark up over manufacturer’s cost. If have a situation where the glass in a headlight or tail light becomes separate from the light assembly, simply run some tape around the top edge of the assembly with most of it under the hood edge, it should fix the problem just fine. Don’t get a new light. Total savings: $128.

16. Repair Bicycle Tires

Some riders, such as competitive mountain bikers can be extremely hard on their bike tires. Inner tubes are likely to give out or tires can get ripped or torn. Don’t get a tire repair kit. Instead, repair the damage using some duct tape. Total savings: $6 – $7.

17. Temporarily Hem Your Pants

You’ve found a terrific pair of jeans, but the length isn’t right. You expect a little shrinkage anyway, so why drop 20 dollars to have a tailor hem your pants? Besides, thick denim jeans are difficult to sew through. Consider taking up the hem with duct tape. The new hem will work in a pinch and should hold through a couple of washings. Total savings: $20.

18. Temporarily Insulate Cracks In Windows

In older houses, windows don’t always close well, especially at the bottom of the frame. If you don’t have any weather stripping handy, consider using duct tape to create filler to block up any cracks. This will keep insects or other vermin from getting in your home and will block out any drafty wind. Total savings $3-18 plus utility bill savings.

19. Secure Diapers to Baby

Some children or toddlers prefer to take off their diapers when they should not. This typically leads to more time spent cleaning up baby messes and higher costs for diapers, wipes and cleaning supplies. One way around this is to wrap a strip of duct tape around the child’s diaper to hold it firmly in place. The tape is tough enough so that your child can’t tear the diaper off when you aren’t around. Total savings: lots of headaches.

20. Make a Roach Trap

Want to catch roaches, but don’t want to spray your home with noxious chemicals? Just get a 4 inch strip of duct tape, fold the edges over by about a half inch on both rip ends. Pinch the ends so the tape is slightly creased. Get some peanut butter and put it in center. Don’t use too much. Then flip it over so that the sticky part is facing down. Smaller German cockroaches will go for the peanut butter and their backs will get stuck to the tape. If you want to catch the bigger ones, just lay out a trap with the sticky side up. Don’t buy roach traps or hire an exterminator. Total savings: $12 – $150.

Bonus: three questions about duct tape.

Can duct tape be used for removing warts? According to the manufacturer, 3M corporation, as of 2005 duct tape has not been scientifically tested for removing warts.
Can duct tape be used to secure the duct from an household dryer to outdoors? No, dryer temperatures may exceed 200F, which is beyond the maximum temperature the duct tape can withstand.
Is duct tape waterproof? The backing of the tape is waterproof, however the adhesive is not. Duct tape will hold up in water for a while, however the adhesive will eventually give out so it is not a good fix when long term water immersion is involved (source: Readers’ Digest).

Finally, if you are going to buy duct tape, consider buying in bulk. Rolls of 3M utility duct tape get progressively cheaper as you buy more. For example on amazon.com the two pack retails for $20.29 or $10.15 a roll. The three pack retails for $28.49 or $9.50 a roll. If you are going to shop from Amazon, try getting used. Used rolls tend to be a couple of bucks cheaper because the packaging has been damaged.

If you like this posting, please don’t hesitate to rate it or share it on social media.

Costco Gas Station Hours of Operation

December 18, 2018 By Amanda Blankenship 3 Comments

Costco gasoline stations are known for offering members a great value on high-quality fuel. Among their advertised advantages are stations designed for fast refueling and the best prices on gas. Wondering if your local gas station is open? Here are Costco gas station hours.

Costco Gas Station Hours

So, when are Costco gas stations open? On weekdays Costco gas stations are typically open from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (and some even at 5 a.m.). They typically close between 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. These extended opening hours appeal to everyday commuters who drive to and from work every day, but who only shop at Costco Warehouse once in a while.

Costco weekend gas hours are shorter than they are during the week, but the hours of operation are still longer for the stations than for the stores. Pump hours begin at between 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. and close between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Some stations will close a bit earlier on Sundays than on Saturdays.

Store and gas station hours can change throughout the year, particularly during holiday seasons. Costco gas stations and stores are often open longer Monday through Friday. It is important to call the local Costco store and verify exact hours that they are open on a particular day, especially during the holidays. You can also check the Costco holiday schedule.

Costco gas station hours are usually:

Monday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Thursday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Friday: 6 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Saturday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

When Are Costco Gas Stations Closed?

Costco Gas stations are closed on the following days:

Independence Day
Labor Day
Easter Sunday
Memorial Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
New Years Day

Costco Gas Prices

Costco can typically offer gasoline for about 6 to 12 cents a gallon below local competitors’ prices, which is one reason why the gasoline sales account for 10 percent of the company’s revenue. The company does not show their gas prices on their website, partly because gas prices are subject to a high degree of market fluctuation as well as differences in local taxation structures.

Do I need a Costco Membership to Buy Costco Gas?

Only Costco members or Costco Cash Card customers can make purchases at Costco stations.

Types of Gas at Costco Gas Stations

Regular Unleaded (typically 87 octane), Premium Unleaded (typically 91 octane). Diesel fuel is available in some locations. Octane requirements can vary by state. Costco buys fuel from major refineries and distributors in each area. All of Costco’s gasoline is fully guaranteed, just like the merchandise they sell in their warehouses. (Read more about Costco gas quality and type here.)

Is Costco Gas the Cheapest?

Your local Costco gas station will typically offer the lowest gas prices in the immediate area. However, when evaluating whether or not Costco gas is a good deal, you will need to compare prices in your area. For example, many supermarkets such as Safeway or Fred Meyer offer per-gallon discounts on a particular brand of gas based on what you spend on groceries. So if you are buying gas after you shop, the amount you save could be substantially more per gallon than the discount Costco offers. You will also need to factor in the cash back rewards on any credit card you might be using.

To make a better decision on this, check Costco’s official U.S. homepage and Canadian homepage. If Costco isn’t providing enough information you can use Priceviewer.com or Yelp.com to search for individual gas station hours in your state. We recommend using the GasBuddy App for updated Costco gas prices, or visit www.gasbuddy.com and search for your local city.

In general, if you’re an all-around savvy shopper, you should approach every gas run as strategically as you would any other shopping. First, consult GasBuddy to find the least-expensive gas prices around and plan on filling up at a time and place where you know you’ll be near cheap fuel. Also by using grocery-chain gas discounts wherever you can snag them, you’ll be able to save more cash at the pump.

You can also use this handy calculator to estimate your Costco gas savings.

As always, if you know the local hours of your Costco gas station, please feel free to leave a comment.

You can check out our articles for Target as well.

Target Christmas Store Hours

Target Holiday Schedule and Store Hours

15 of the Best Dollar Store Secret Santa Gifts

December 17, 2018 By Christina Majaski Leave a Comment

It’s Secret Santa time again, and that means you’ll need to find some inexpensive gifts for the secret recipient(s) in your life. Did you forget and you need something fast? Or, are you short on cash this year? Fortunately, you don’t have to bust your budget, and you can get inexpensive Secret Santa gifts from the dollar store. Here are 15 of the best dollar store Secret Santa gifts to pick up

15 Great Secret Santa Gifts at the Dollar Store

Cheap gifts don’t have to be terrible and useless. Whether you need to pick one up for someone you work with or go to school with, the dollar store is perfect for Secret Santa gifts. Plus, you can grab anything you need for your own celebration while you’re there, usually for just a dollar or less.

1) Christmas Ornaments

Every dollar store in the country has plenty of Christmas ornaments in stock right now, and what better gift for your Secret Santa partner than an ornament for their tree?

2) Luxury Soap

Buy a bottle of nicely scented hand soap or some scented bar soap and pop it into a gift bag with some tissue paper and ribbon. Voilà, the perfect Secret Santa gift!

3) Decorative Candles

Every dollar store sells scented candles. Brighten up your secret recipient’s holiday with a lovely scented candle.

4) Tire Pressure Gauge

Does your recipient check his or her tire pressure regularly? Inspire him or her with a tire pressure gauge to make sure he or she is optimizing his or her tire pressure and fuel efficiency.

5) Fluffy Socks

Nothing makes the winter months quite as cozy as a thick, soft, fuzzy pair of socks. Grab a pair of one-size-fits-all fluffy socks for your secret Santa partner this year.

6) Spa Gift Box

Grab some dollar-store soaps, facial masks, lotions, and bath salts to put together a spa gift box or bag. Who couldn’t use a little pampering these days, after all?

7) Nail Polish Set

Are you buying a Secret Santa gift for a person of the feminine persuasion this year? Grab a few colors of coordinating nail polish to bring some color to your recipient’s life. Throw in some nail polish remover, a toe separator, and some nail files, too.

8) Candy

Candy makes life a little sweeter. Grab some chocolate, candy canes, or other sweets to treat your Secret Santa partner. Don’t be afraid to repackage some wrapped sweets in a personalized bag with a cute message.

9) Bath Bombs

Bath bombs are a great, relaxing gift for anyone who loves to pamper themselves. Throw them in with the spa gift box, or give them separately in a gift bag with some tissue paper.

10) Winter-Themed Kitchen Towels

At this time of year, your local dollar store will be a treasure trove of winter- and holiday-themed kitchen towels, oven mitts, aprons, and assorted linens. Go crazy!

11) Christmas Gift Basket

Got a few bucks to spend? Trying to reach that $10 limit? Your nearest dollar store will have everything you need to put together a Christmas gift basket, including the basket. Look for chocolates, hot cocoa mix, candles, bath bombs, Christmas ornaments, or other knickknacks and doo-dads to fill your recipient’s basket.

12) Desk Sets

Notepads, calendars, pens, and desk sets are popular gifts for Secret Santa exchanges. Everyone could use a notepad, daybook, or set of colored pens or Sharpie markers.

13) Holiday Potpourri

Tie a festive ribbon around a bag of cinnamon potpourri, or choose some other holiday-themed scent for your Secret Santa gift. Other options include essential oils, room sprays, scent diffuser sticks, or incense.

14) Wrapping Paper and Tape

This is a practical Secret Santa gift that your recipient will be glad to have when it’s 2:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve, they’re dog-tired, and three of the kids’ gifts haven’t been wrapped yet. Even if they don’t get around to using it this year, there’s a good chance it’ll come in handy someday.

15) Kitchen Utensils

Every dollar store keeps a display chock full of whisks, slotted spoons, measuring cups, and other kitchen brick-a-brack. Tie a ribbon around that spatula or stuff that whisk full of chocolate kisses or Reese’s cups. Now you’ve got a Secret Santa gift!

The worst part of participating in a Secret Santa gift exchange is trying to pick out a gift for your recipient – you don’t want to disappoint them, but you also don’t want to spend a ton of money either. Hit up your local dollar store for gifts that will cost just a few bucks. Worried you’ll seem cheap? No problem – just throw a few gifts together for a gift box or basket. Not sure? Here are some things you should never buy from the dollar store.

What’s your favorite dollar store gift idea? Share with us in the comments below!

Shop Now or Wait? Here’s What to Buy In After Christmas Sales

December 5, 2018 By Tamila McDonald 5 Comments

After the holiday shopping season ends, retailers around the country hold sales to get shoppers spending. However, not all after Christmas sales are great deals. Knowing what to buy now (and what you should skip until later) can help you save a ton of cash.

What to Buy in After Christmas Sales

Certain items almost always go on sale after Christmas. Many stores consider this time of year the start of a transition away from winter items. Because of this transition, many stores offer deeply discounted goods.

Christmas Decorations

When it comes to Christmas decorating, you should never buy before or during the actual holiday. December 26 marks the start of clearances on Christmas decorations and other holiday décor. Ornaments, artificial trees, holiday string lights, holiday inflatables, and similar goods will all end up on sale for pennies. These discounts are predominately a means of clearing out space and encouraging shoppers to purchase out of season.

By shopping for holiday décor in after Christmas sales, you save money and get a head start on Christmas 2019. However, before you make a purchase, make sure you have space to store your new items. Clean out what you have and make a list of what you need for next year.

Holiday Food and Drinks

Items like eggnog, turkeys, summer sausages, and similarly seasonally popular food and drink products lose their appeal after Christmas. To get the items off their shelves, retailers offer discounts to entice people to buy them quickly.

This is also true for regular food and drink items that had seasonal flavors for the holidays. After Christmas, some shoppers have burned out on flavors like peppermint mocha and pumpkin spice. Stores offer them for less to get them to sell.

New Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

Many car dealerships offer big discounts at the ends of months, quarters, and years. Once Christmas is over, dealers are looking to sell off as much inventory as possible, leading to stellar after Christmas sales and potentially increased bargaining power.

By waiting to buy until after Christmas, you could be making an incredibly smart decision. Just make sure you only buy a vehicle if you genuinely need one, as something at this price point typically shouldn’t be an impulse purchase.

Clothing and Outerwear

Many retailers include shirts, pants, and coats in their after Christmas sales. As mentioned above, the end of December often marks the beginning of a transition as retailers prepare for the coming spring. This means heavier clothing items might be available at deep discounts, especially if they have patterns and colors that distinctly align with winter.

Exercise Equipment

After Christmas is when many people begin planning their New Years resolutions. Getting fit and losing weight are two of the most common, and stores look to cash in on the upward trend in interest by discounting their exercise equipment.

By adding exercise equipment to their after Christmas sales, retailers connect with shoppers who want to have items on hand before January 1^st. However, it is important to note that these sales often continue into January, so, if you don’t find a great deal, consider waiting a week or two and searching again.

Video Games and Toys

Since people spend so much on video games and toys in preparation for Christmas, retailers know that they have to entice shoppers with great prices if they are going to shop more in these categories. You can find exceptional prices on popular video game titles as well as some of the hottest toys from the Christmas season, potentially allowing you to save big.

Plus, some stores use these after Christmas sales to reduce their toy and video game inventories. Since shoppers are going to be spending at levels that are more average, they don’t need to keep the same level of stock. Additionally, they are working to capitalize on video game consoles people received as gifts, encouraging them to buy new games for their consoles.

Gift Sets

Gift sets are a Christmas staple. However, once the gift-giving season passes, interest declines dramatically. This is especially true since many pre-packaged options feature holiday packaging.

Since stores don’t want to keep these items in inventory for long, they offer deep discounts to get them off shelves. Anything from food items to personal care products can be found for less, as long as you don’t mind the holiday packaging and buying items as a group.

What Not to Buy in After Christmas Sales

While tons of other items go on sale after Christmas, not all of them present great deals. In some cases, waiting just a few more weeks can make a massive difference, so bypassing these products now is a wise choice.

Televisions

In many cases, waiting until closer to the end of January is best if you need a television. Sales connected to the upcoming Super Bowl usually result in better discounts, especially if you are looking for a high-end, big screen tv.

Electronics

New models of certain electronics are revealed in January, so waiting until that happens can help you save big on older models. This is especially true for desktop computers and laptops, two high-cost items where buying during a great sale can really make a difference.

Wait until after the International Consumer Electronics Show in January before shopping for electronics. In 2019, International CES runs from Tuesday, January 8, through Friday, January 11, so expect big sales during the next sale cycle.

Jewelry

While there can be respectable after Christmas sales on jewelry, waiting until closer to Valentine’s Day may help you spend less. Most jewelry and department stores are competing for business as February 14^th draws near, so they will slash prices to catch shoppers’ interest.

Fragrances

Unless you are buying gift sets, which can be cheaper during after Christmas sales, perfumes and colognes are usually available at deeper discounts closer to Valentine’s Day. In fact, February can be a great time to buy fragrances for certain spring and summer occasions, like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, as high-end perfumes and colognes will maintain their quality during the wait.

Bedding and Linens

Most stores hold their “white sales” in January, usually near the Martin Luther King Day holiday. By waiting, you can find better prices on sheets, towels, pillows, comforters, and more at most major retailers.

Calendars and Dated Planners

Waiting until after the new year starts can help you save on calendars and day planners with printed dates. Around mid-January, the discounts start to emerge as the peak buying season is over. By holding off for just a few weeks, you can save up to 50 percent, making it worth the wait.

If you enjoy reading our blog posts and would like to try your hand at blogging, we have good news for you; you can do exactly that on Saving Advice. Just click here to get started.

Feed a Family of Four For Less than $65 With This Emergency Frugal Menu

November 29, 2018 By Amanda Blankenship Leave a Comment

The USDA estimates that a family of four spends between $128 and $147 on groceries each week. More liberal spenders will spend as much as $300 a week on groceries. Those numbers are astounding, especially when you have kids. Emergencies can come up and then you are in a crunch. It’s crucial to have a go-to emergency frugal menu.

How to Plan an Emergency Menu

Establishing an emergency menu is a good idea because sometimes you need to adjust your budget when an emergency or unexpected cost arises. For instance, if your child needs money for a field trip, you’ll feel good knowing you have a backup menu that can save you $70 to $100 that will go toward their needs. The same can be said of an emergency. If you get a flat tire, you’ll have no worries about feeding your family because you can trim your grocery budget significantly by hitting up your emergency menu.

To have a successful backup grocery list you need to determine what foods your family will and will not eat. If you have any picky eaters in your house, you’ll want to ensure any foods they won’t eat aren’t included in your plan.

Then you’ll need to set a budget for your emergency menu. The most frugal menus for a family of four normally land between $50 and $100.

Once you have a frugal menu planned out, add up the different items you’ll need to pull the meals together. If you shop sales or use coupons, be sure to include those when tallying up the cost. Once you’ve done the math, if your menu doesn’t land within the budget you set, you’ll need to rework it. To do this, consider removing the most expensive meals on your list and replacing them with something cheaper.

The emergency frugal menu below will feed a family of four for around $65.

A Frugal Emergency Menu for 4

Prices listed below are from Aldi in Charlotte, NC. You may need to make some adjustments for your family’s needs and location. Below is the “shopping list” for a complete menu. The total cost for this specific meal plan is between $55 and $65.

Download a copy of the entire menu here.

Breakfast

You can narrow your breakfast budget down to about $10 for the week if you purchase the following items.

Oatmeal $2.29
Pancakes $1.89
Syrup $1.59
Eggs $1.29
Juice $1.19
Milk $1.79

Lunch

You can always serve up leftovers for lunch. However, if you have kids in school you may need to pack lunch for them. If that’s the case, you can keep things to about $10 for the week by buying the items below.

Raw carrots $0.89
Apples $2
Bananas $0.89
Peanut butter $1.49
Jelly $1.49
Two loaves of bread $3

Snacks

Depending on your family’s preference, fruit is always a great, low-cost snack. You’ll already have apples and bananas for your kid’s lunches but you may want to grab an extra bag for snacks. Another great, low-cost snack is yogurt! You can pick these items up for the prices listed below. Overall, snacks will only take about $5 of your emergency menu budget.

Apples $2
Bananas $0.89
Yogurt $0.40 each or $1.89 for a large container of plain yogurt

Dinner

Dinner will require some planning, of course. One of the things most people don’t realize is that they can plan multiple meals around the same meat purchase. For instance, when you roast a chicken, you can use the leftovers to make chicken and dumplings. Here are just a few frugal dinner menu items and how much each cost.

Roasted chicken with broccoli and potatoes ($8)
Chicken and dumplings (Using leftover chicken and pancake mix, this costs nothing additional)
Pork chops with broccoli and potatoes ($6)
Meatloaf with potatoes and carrots ($5)
Tacos ($8)
Black bean chili ($8)
Hot dogs ($4)

With this plan, you can feed your family dinner for an entire week for around $39. Below are the individual items you’ll need to pick up to pull it off.

Whole chicken $5
Two heads of broccoli $2.50
Bag of potatoes $1.99
Pork chops $5
Ground beef $12
Bag of raw carrots $0.89
Tortillas $1.50
Taco seasoning $0.50
Shredded cheese $1.69
Iceberg lettuce $0.99
Two cans of black beans $0.50 each
Two large cans of diced tomatoes $0.55 each
One can of tomato paste $0.25
Hot dogs $0.99
Hot dog buns $1.39
Ketchup $1.49
Mustard $0.79

This is just one of many combinations you can come up with when crafting your emergency frugal menu. Depending on your family’s preferences and your willingness to trim your regular eating habits, you can probably get out of the grocery store even cheaper! To download a FREE copy of this meal plan, click here.

Readers, do you have a go-to emergency frugal menu? What does it include?