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

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

Gifts for Fun

Help your teen have some fun! These gifts are great for helping teens to get their minds off the stress of school by having fun with their friends or family.

Karaoke Microphone

This Karaoke Microphone would be so fun for a teen girl party or for anyone who loves to sing!  It is compatible with both android and iOS and only costs $29.99!

Sale

BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone,3-in-1 Portable Handheld Karaoke Mic Speaker Machine Home Party Birthday for All Smartphones PC(Q37 Rose Gold)

• PARTICULAR DESIGN: The excellent design of karaoke microphones is very suitable for your hand, which let you feel more comfortable. And the built-in high-quality Bluetooth module can be used as a wireless speaker, mp3 player, and recorder, compatible with various singing applications

$19.99

Buy on Amazon

Coloring Books

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

An Inspirational Colouring Book For Everyone: Be Fearless In The Pursuit Of What Sets Your Soul On Fire

• Papeterie Bleu (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 108 Pages – 04/25/2017 (Publication Date) – Gray & Gold Publishing (Publisher)

$5.99

Buy on Amazon

Phone Tripod

Let’s face it, teens love to take pictures!  This phone tripod looks so fun for setting up cute group photos or selfies.  It is currently only $16.16!

Sale

UBeesize Flexible Mini Phone Tripod, Portable and Adjustable Camera Stand Holder with Wireless Remote and Universal Clip, Compatible with Cellphones, Sports Cameras

• 2024 Upgraded: This cell phone tripod is upgraded in 2024 with stronger material for peerless durability, the defect rate is down more than 80% from this year. And your purchase is guaranteed by UBeesize lifetime service.

$16.19

Buy on Amazon

Silicone Suction Phone Case Grip

If you are shopping for a teen girl with a phone, she will probably enjoy this Silicone Phone Case Grip.  Teens love these silicone grips for sticking their phones to mirrors, their desks, mirrors, etc. They are very affordable and come in a multitude of colors!

OCTOBUDDY – Silicone Suction Phone Case Adhesive Mount – Hands-Free, Strong Grip Holder for Selfies and Videos – Durable, Easy to Use – iPhone and Android Compatible – 2.25″ x 3.25″, Chalk Pink

• A revolution in content creation: 24 suction cups grip mirrors, windows, and any smooth surface for steady, hands-free video and selfies with your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, HTC, Note, and more

$14.99

Buy on Amazon

Teen Girl Gifts For Accessorizing

Help teens accessories their outfits for the perfect daily fit check! These teen girl gift ideas are perfect to make any outfit stand out!

Beanie

Beanies with a pom at the end are all the rage right now with teen girls. Plus, we can never have enough cute beanies during these cold winter months!  These darling beanies are a great price and so cute!

PAGE ONE Womens Winter Thick Cable Knit Beanie Faux Fur Pom Hat Fleece Lined Skull Cap Oatmeal

• Material: The beanie hat is made of 100% soft acrylic.
• SIZE: One size fits most. Our womens beanie hats are made up of premium acrylic yarn that provides excellent elasticity. Stretche it to fit most people. You can easily get a proper fit after stretching.

$9.99

Buy on Amazon

Hair Bows

I am so in love with the bow trend happening right now! They make everything so pretty and feminine! Your teen girl just might love these satin hair bows. They really make the prettiest hair accessory and a great gift idea for teen girls under $25!

Sale

ATODEN Silky Satin Hair Bows 2Pcs Big Hair Bows for Women Hair Ribbons Oversized Long Tail White Hair Bow Black Hair Bow Large Hair Ribbon Barrettes Metal Clips Bowknot Aesthetic Hair Accessories

• Silky Satin Hair Bows: Made of satin material and metal clamps. Silky and soft touch. 2 colors available, including black and beige. Lovely design can make you more eye-catching, elegant and charming.

$6.99

Buy on Amazon

Belt Bag

Almost all of the teen girls I know right now are wearing these darling belt bags! They love having a different one in all the colors! It makes for the perfect frugal gift for teens!

ODODOS Unisex Mini Belt Bag with Adjustable Strap Small Fanny Pack for Workout Running Traveling Hiking, Light Pink

• Versatile Style: Adjustable Strap allow you to wear this belt bag in a variety of ways. It can be carried as cross bag, shoulder bag, waist bag or handbag. It’s all up to you.
• Functional: Our mini waist bag is lightweight and easy to carry, roomy for phone, wallet, passport, keys, ID and other small items, provide great convenience for you.

$12.98

Buy on Amazon

Teen Girl Gift Ideas For Beauty

You really can’t go wrong when gifting beauty gifts for teen girls. Here are a few trending items right now you can buy for teens when on a budget.

Bath Bombs

This set of bath bombs comes with 6 different scents and colors.  It’s a fun “luxury” gift for your teen, especially if they love to take baths.  The entire set is less than $10!

Sale

Bath Bombs Gift Set – 6 XXL Bubble Bath Fizzies (4.1 oz Each) with Natural Dead Sea Salt Cocoa and Shea Essential Oils – Best Gift Idea for Birthday, Mom, Woman, Girl, Him, Kids

• DEEP RELAXATION: Bellisso’s set of six bath bombs for women are the self care products you’ve been looking for; Sink into a deeply relaxing state with our bath products and let the effervescent fizz of these individually wrapped bath bombs melt your stress away

$14.99

Buy on Amazon

Makeup Mirror

This Tabletop Makeup Mirror is a perfect gift for teen girls.  Plus, you know it will be good because the reviews are mostly all positive!

Sale

WEILY Makeup Mirror with 21 LED Lights,Two Power Supply Modes, Adjustable Touch Screen and 1x/2x/3x Magnification Tri-Fold Vanity Mirror,Chargeable Travel Cosmetic Mirror for Desktop (Black)

• With 2X and 3X Magnification Design: There are 2 magnifying glass plates (magnification 2x/3x), when you need fine makeup details (such as eyeliner, mascara and contact lenses), the high-definition mirror is very clear, you can see the face For every detail, so that you can enjoy meticulous makeup.

$21.99

Buy on Amazon

Lip Mask

These lip masks from Laneige are all the rage right now! They last forever and have done wonders for my lips! It’s a fun luxury beauty product for teens below $25.

LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask – Berry

• A leave-on lip mask that delivers intense moisture and antioxidants while you sleep with Berry Fruit Complex, Murumuru seed and Shea butter.
• Highlighted Ingredients: Berry Mix Complex: Rich in antioxidants to help reveal smooth and supple looking lips.Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, and Murumuru Seed Butter: Help nourish & deliver lasting moisture while you sleep. Vitamin C: Helps protect from external aggressors.

$24.00

Buy on Amazon

Makeup Brush Set

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

Sale

EmaxDesign 20 Pieces Makeup Brush Set Professional Face Eye Shadow Eyeliner Foundation Blush Lip Makeup Brushes Powder Liquid Cream Cosmetics Blending Brush Tool

• This EmaxDesign cosmetic brush set will show your natural beauty and leave a flawless finish. Handmade brushes made of premium synthetic fiber materials provide an incredible touch and feel

$7.99

Buy on Amazon

Gel Nails Kit

I bought my teen girls this gel nails kit a couple of years ago and she uses it weekly.  Not only is it very easy to use, but the result are salon quality nails that last for weeks (without chipping!).  It’s a great price at just $17.97.  You will need to buy the special gel nail polish to go with it though.

Gel UV LED Nail Polish Lamp, LKE Nail Dryer 40W LED Light with 3 Timers Professional for Nail Art Tools Accessories White

• High Power and Smart:40w uv led nail lamp with 21pcs led lights,110-240 voltage.3timer(30,60s, 99s) for your choose,LCD screen and smart sensor- put your hand in curing lamp and the LED lights will automatically light.

$17.97

Buy on Amazon

Curling Wand

Another fun gift idea for teens is a Curling Wand.  This is a great curling wand with thousands of positive reviews and makes the most beautiful curls.  It is currently only $24.99!

Sale

Remington CI9538 Pro 1″-1.5″ Pearl Ceramic Conical Curling Wand, Digital Controls + 10 Heat Settings, Black/Pink

• The wide conical barrel ranges from 1” to 1½” so you can quickly create gorgeous tousled waves
• The barrel is infused with real crushed pearls that help to create smooth, frizz defying waves. This combined with a ceramic coating for less damage and fast, salon results.

$19.99

Buy on Amazon

Hair Styling Book

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

Sale

Braids, Buns, and Twists!: Step-by-Step Tutorials for 82 Fabulous Hairstyles

• Butcher, Christina (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 192 Pages – 11/19/2013 (Publication Date) – Chronicle Books (Publisher)

$8.49

Buy on Amazon

Makeup Eraser

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

Sale

The Original Makeup Eraser, Erase All Makeup With Just Water, Including Waterproof Mascara, Eyeliner, Foundation, Lipstick and More, Original Pink

• 2 in 1: Erase & Exfoliate – Use the short fiber side to erase makeup in gentle circular motions then flip to the long fiber side (side with tag) to exfoliate the skin. Continue in gentle circular motions for flawless skin

$16.00

Buy on Amazon

Books

Here are some fun books for all teen girls who love to read! My daughters and I have read all of these and love them so much! Highly recommend!

Heartless

A modern day fairytale, Heartless tells the story of the Queen of Hearts as a young girl in Wonderland, long before she became the well known villain. It’s such a fun story for teen girls!

Sale

Heartless

• Meyer, Marissa (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 480 Pages – 05/01/2018 (Publication Date) – Square Fish (Publisher)

$8.25

Buy on Amazon

The Selection

Another great book for teens is The Selection.  This book is full of romance, royalty, and a secret plot….basically all the good things!  Plus, The Selection is a series so after reading this first book they will want more!  You can currently get the paperback for $8.79.

Sale

The Selection (The Selection, 1)

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Cass, Kiera (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 352 Pages – 03/26/2013 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)

$8.79

Buy on Amazon

 The Summer I Turned Pretty

You can get the entire The Summer I Turned Pretty book set for less than $25! Three great books for your teen book lover to read and enjoy!

Sale

The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy (Boxed Set): The Summer I Turned Pretty; It’s Not Summer Without You; We’ll Always Have Summer

• Used Book in Good Condition
• Han, Jenny (Author)
• English (Subtitle)

$19.00

Buy on Amazon

Room Decorations

My teen girls love getting new cute things to keep their room fresh, fun and trendy! Here are some frugal teen girl gift ideas for their room!

Bluetooth Speaker

Teens love music, so a Bluetooth speaker would be perfect for them to add to their room to listen to music.  This speaker only costs $19.99!

Bluetooth Speaker, Wireless Portable, HD Stereo Sound,with Cool Dynamic LED Lights, IPX4 Waterproof, BT5.3, Dual Surround Pairing, Him Her Man Teens Electronic Gadgets Gifts, for Outdoor Camping Party

• Immersive Clear Sound & Dual Playing : Crafted for distortion-free sound, this wireless Bluetooth speaker uses unparalleled 15W HiFi sound quality and advanced technology to deliver powerful, balanced sound with minimal distortion. You can connect two speakers together to create an immersive, high-fidelity stereo experience, filling any room with up to 30W(15W*2) of powerful sound. Perfect for gaming, music and movie playback.

$37.99

Buy on Amazon

 Felt Board

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

Sale

Felt Letter Board, 10x10in Changeable Letter Board with Letters White 300 Piece – Felt Message Board, Oak Frame Wooden Letter Board for Baby Announcements, Milestones, Office Decor & More (Gray)

• Gray Felt Letter Boards 10 x 10 Inches, Luxuriously soft announcement boards with letters is made from sustainable polyester. Exceptional quality, handmade Letter Board With Letters And Numbers. Our Message Board is built with love, to last.

$20.95

Buy on Amazon

Marquee Letter Sign

Give the teen girl in your life a marquee letter sign with her initial.  This makes such a fun room accessory!  It is currently only $8.98.

ODISTAR LED Light Up Marquee Letters, Battery Powered Sign Letter 26 Alphabet with Lights for Wedding Engagement Birthday Party Table Decoration bar Christmas Night Home,9’’, White (M)

• Premium Quality: made by eco-friendly ABS material and epitaxial LED chip, the LED light-up letters are of long lifespan (about 60000h) and high brightness. It gives off bright warm white glow without any flickering or glaring

Buy on Amazon

Photo Clip Light Strand

A really fun gift for a teen girls room is this photo clip light strand.  It comes with 20 light clips for attaching photos.  These lights are the perfect way to add to their room and remember fun times with their friends through photos.  You can buy it for just $7.99.

Sale

Magnoloran 20 LED Photo Clip Starry Lights with Remote LED Fairy Twinkle Lights Home Festival Decor Lights for Christmas Party Halloween Thanksgiving Wedding Valentine’s Day

• Create Romantic Atmosphere-Each LED bulbs equipped with a transparent clip which can nip photo or other small Items creating excellent illumination and a warm atmosphere, spreading light and cheer across a wide area. It is indispensable for festival decoration.

$6.99

Buy on Amazon

Teen Girl Active Gifts

Here are a couple cheap gift ideas for the active teen girls in your life!

Gym Bag

If you are shopping for a girl that plays sports, maybe she needs something to help carry all of her gear to/from practice or school.  This gym duffel bag is super cute and has sections to keep her wet and dry items separate.  You can buy it now for $17.99.

MABROUC Duffle Bag For Women, Sports Duffel Bag for Gym with Wet Pocket & Shoe Compartment, Overnight Weekender Travel Bag(Pink)

• PERFECT FOR GYM: Size 20 * 10 * 10 inch, light weight at 1.2 lbs, these bright-color gym duffle bags are perfect for tennis, dance, golf, football, cross fit, and swimming, carry all your sports and workout essentials plus more.

$19.99

Buy on Amazon

Water Bottle

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

Enerbone 32 oz Water Bottle, Leakproof BPA & Toxic Free, Motivational Water Bottle with Times to Drink and Straw, Fitness Sports Water Bottle with Strap for Office, Gym, Outdoor Sports, Pink-Green

• 【Stay Motivated and Hydrated】32 oz water bottle with unique quote and time marker are inspirational, convenient for tracking your daily water intake and reminding you of being hydrated. Drinking bottles is suitable for any activities.

$9.99

Buy on Amazon

 In Conclusion

I hope this article helped you find some great gift ideas for teen girls, all under $25! My belief is that you can gift wonderful, well loved presents without having to spend a lot of money!

It might just take a little research and patience, but it’s possible!

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

10 Valentines gifts for him under $10!

10 Valentine Gifts for Her under $10

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

Pin For Later:

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

The post Gift Ideas for Teen Girls under $25 appeared first on Sweet Frugal Life.

Today just so happens to be my birthday!  Yay!  Happy Birthday to me!  Birthdays are so fun!  But!  They are even MORE fun when you figure out how to get free stuff on your birthday!

This week, my email inbox has been flooded with birthday freebies and coupons and I am excited to share with you all of the places that give you free stuff on your birthday.

I only included the birthday freebies with no purchase required!  When I want free, I want free FREE if you know what I mean!

How To Get Free Meals On Your Birthday

First up, let’s talk about free meals!  Here are a few of my favorite places to get free meals.  They all require signing up for their email list, which is so quick and easy to do!

Papa Murphys

Enjoy a free birthday pizza (up to $16) from Papa Murphys when you sign up for their MySlice Rewards programs.

IHOP

Sign up for MYHOP to receive free pancakes each year, and to be the first to hear about other deals happening.  This makes the best birthday breakfast!

Tucanos

When you join Club Tucanos you will begin receiving special offers in your inbox, but my favorite is the free meal for your birthday month!

Rainforest Cafe

Sign up for the Rainforest Cafe Club and receive a free $25 welcome gift AND a $25 gift on your birthday!  This is such a great deal!

Black Bear Diner

You can also get a free birthday meal AND welcome meal from the Black Bear Diner by signing up for their eclub.

Benihana

You can get treated to a $30 gift certificate to Benihanas every birthday when you join their Chef’s Table list.  This is a great deal, and you are able to use the certificate anytime within 29 days of receiving it.

Red Robin

I love this freebie from Red Robin!  All you have to do is join the royalty program and you will be rewarded with a free burger on your birthday!

• Related: How To Earn Free Amazon Gift Cards

How to Get Free Dessert On Your Birthday

And now, for my favorite part of a birthday, the dessert!  Here are a few fun birthday dessert freebies for you to enjoy!

Marble Slab  

Earn points and a birthday freebie from Marble Slab when you download their app.

Ben & Jerrys

Enjoy a free birthday surprise from Ben & Jerry’s when you join their Flavor Fanatics rewards program.

Dippin Dots

Who doesn’t love Dippin Dots?  Sign up for their email club to get coupons sent to your inbox, including a birthday freebie!

Sprinkles Cupcakes

One of my favorite birthday freebies is from Sprinkles Cupcakes!  All you have to do is join their Sprinkles Perks program to start earning rewards.  The more you spend at Sprinkles throughout the year, the more free cupcakes (up to a bakers dozen!) you will get on your birthday.

Ruby Tuesday

Signing up with Ruby Tuesday rewards gives you access to free deals, and a free birthday dessert.

A&W

You will be treated to a free A&W Root Beer Float when you sign up for the A&W Mug Club.

Krispy Kreme

Sign up for Krispy Kreme rewards and you will be able to get a free doughnut and drink during your birthday month!

Sonic

Download the Sonic App to get a free shake or side!

Applebees

Applebees will give you a free birthday dessert and appetizer when you sign up for their Club Applebees program!

• Related: Cheap At Home Date Night Ideas

Del Taco

Get two free tacos for signing up with Del Taco AND you will also receive a free birthday milkshake each year.

Orange Leaf  

Join Orange Leaf to earn points and a free birthday frozen yogurt!

Baskin Robbins

Enjoy a free scoop of ice cream for your birthday from Baskin Robbins by signing up for their Birthday Club email list.

La Madeleine

Download and sign up for the La Madeleine app and you will get a free pastry or piece of cake on your birthday!

Starbucks

Become a Starbucks rewards member and you will get a free drink or food item of your choice on your birthday.

Chilis

Get a free dessert at Chilis when you sign up for their rewards program here!

PinkBerry

Sign up for the Pinkcard with PinkBerry to get a free yogurt on your birthday each year.

Panera

Treat yourself to a free goodie from Panera when you join MyPanera.

Auntie Annes

Download the Pretzel Perks app to get a free birthday pretzel from Auntie Annes.

Crumble Cookie

Getting a free birthday cookie is easy at Crumble Cookie!  Simply download their app onto your phone and add your birthday!

• Related: Free Self Care Ideas

Nothing Bundt Cakes

I am a HUGE fan of Nothing Bundt Cakes and look forward to my free birthday bundtlet every year.  All you have to do is sign up for their Eclub to receive this fun birthday freebie!

Cheesecake Factory

Enjoy a free slice from the Cheesecake Factory by signing up for their rewards program.

Wetzels Pretzels

Download the Wetzels App to get rewarded every birthday with a free pretzel!

Non Food Birthday Freebies

If you are looking for some non food birthday freebies, check out these great offers below!

CVS

We all like free money, right???  Right!  Well, CVS will give you $3 during your birthday month if you sign up for their extracare membership program.

American Eagle

Get your free $5 birthday reward from American Eagle with their Real Rewards program!

Ulta

Enjoy a free birthday gift from Ulta if you sign up for their rewards!

Bath and Body Works

When you join the Bath and Body Works Loyalty Rewards you will receive a free birthday surprise every year!  So fun!

In Conclusion

If you are wondering how to get free stuff on your birthday, I hope this article gave you a few good hints.  You will love receiving all of these free coupons in your e-mail during your birthday month.

Related Articles:

Birthday Traditions for Small Budgets

Budget Friendly Pancake and Pajama Birthday Party!

LEGO Birthday Party for Under $20

Pin this article for future reference:

Now you know how to get free stuff on your birthday!

The post How To Get Free Stuff On Your Birthday appeared first on Sweet Frugal Life.

Are you looking for the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget?  I’ve got you covered in this article!

Christmas is just my very very favorite season.  I love the lights, the snow, planning that perfect gift for a loved one, and the joy I feel from everyone around me.  It truly is the most magical time of the year!  

This fun holiday makes December the perfect month for establishing frugal family christmas traditions.  My hope is that one day my little family will look back on their childhood and remember the sweet memories and traditions we made together year after year.

The best part about traditions is that you do not have to spend a lot of money to make these memories with your family.  A lot of activities can be done completely FREE!  Here are 20 of the best frugal Christmas traditions for families.

“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.”

Frugal Christmas Activities For Families

I hope you find one, or many traditions to start with your family this year!  Time passes fast, we have to enjoy every single moment while we can!

1.  Decorate the Christmas Tree

Each year our family hikes through the forest to cut down our very own fresh Christmas tree.  This is one of my favorite things to do all year!

After we find that “perfect” tree we bring it home, turn on some Christmas music and spend a fun evening decorating it together.  Our Christmas tree is decorated with salt dough ornaments, candy canes, and all the things that bring sentimentality and love to my life.  The ornaments made by the hands of my sweet children are ones I will cherish forever!

2.  Read Christmas Stories By The Christmas Tree

Another frugal Christmas tradition that I love is reading a Christmas story by the Christmas tree each night.  It’s such a sweet and magical time as a family.

Every night for the entire month of December we turn off the lights in our house, sit in front of the lit up Christmas tree, and read a Christmas Story.  I’ve been collecting sweet holiday short stories from the internet and Christmas picture books from thrift stores.  I try to buy one or two used Christmas books each year and have slowly increased my collection over the years.

3.  Look At Christmas Lights

One of the best family Christmas traditions for families on a budget is to drive around looking at Christmas lights.  We love during this activity each year and have found a few favorite neighborhoods that we like to visit.

I always pop some popcorn for the kids (and me!) to snack on during the drive and the kids bring a blanket and wear their pajamas.  Of course, we have our favorite holiday music on in the background.  It is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to enjoy the holidays together as a family.

• Related:  Easily Forgotten Christmas Budget Categories

4.  Bake Holiday Goodies

I mean really, does it get any better than holiday baking??  I think NOT!  With hundreds of different recipes and treats to choose from, we could be baking all month long!

Holiday baking is a great frugal Christmas tradition to do with kids.  My kids love to help in the kitchen, ESPECIALLY if they know treats are involved!  A few of our holiday favorites are gingerbread men, cinnamon candy, pretzels dipped in chocolate, Christmas tree cookies, and homemade toffee.

5.  Deliver Neighbor Gifts

After all the holiday baking it’s so fun to deliver those yummy homemade goodies to friends and neighbors.  This is a great activity to get the kids involved with.

Package the goodies onto a cute plate, add a homemade card and spend an evening bringing some joy to your neighborhood.  I love this tradition and the way it brings a community together.

• Related:  Cheap Christmas Gifts for Neighbors, Teachers, and Friends

6.  Christmas Countdown With An Advent Calendar

My kids love counting down for Christmas each day with our homemade advent calendar.  We have one very similar to this Christmas Tree Calendar.  Each day they get to put a new ornament on the tree.  I love watching their faces light up as the tree fills with ornaments.  When the tree is full, Christmas is here.  It makes the long wait a little bit easier for the excited kids!

7.  Watch A Christmas Movie

Plan an evening and have a Christmas movie night together as a family.  I love snuggling up with my family and watching a feel good holiday movie together.  We enjoy classics like; It’s a Wonderful Life and White Christmas; or a newer family favorite like Elf.  It really is one of the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget.

Netflix has a lot of great Christmas movie options, or check out a few from your local library.

8.  Make A Christmas Craft

There are hundreds of darling Christmas Craft ideas all over Pinterest.  These are so fun to do with the kids during a school holiday break.  Be creative and try making a new craft every year.  It will be so fun to look back on crafts made over the years.

• Related:  Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

9.  Make Paper Snowflakes

Homemade paper snowflakes can add a fun and whimsical look to your home, plus they are free!.  Spend an afternoon cutting out paper snowflakes with your family and hang them all around your house. 

Here is an easy paper snowflake tutorial to follow.  It’s such a joy to see every snowflake, each with a different unique design.

10.  Host A Christmas Eve Dinner

I love hosting my families annual Christmas Eve dinner.  It’s a fun way to get together with friends or family and celebrate the holiday.  We always eat a big dinner (potluck to spread out the work and cost) and play a few Christmas games.  It’s simple and basic, but one of my favorite traditions.

11.  Write Letters To Santa

Another fun Christmas tradition for families on a budget is to write letters to Santa Clause.  I am personally not a huge fan of the traditional letters to Santa, where the kids ask for all the things they want to be brought to them. 

Instead, I have my kids write to tell Santa about all of the good and nice things they have done throughout the year.  My hope is this will encourage them to focus more on being kind and less on materialistic things.

12.  Light the World

We have been participating in Light the World for the past few years.  Light the World is a campaign sponsored by my church.  It encourages families to look for ways to serve within their family, community and in the world.  It is absolutely open to EVERYONE!  The focus is less about religion, and more on giving others service and love.

There are so many different ways to serve and love others.  Bake cookies for your local fire department, participate in Operation Shoe box, volunteer at a local soup kitchen, or become “Secret Santa” for a family in need.  I love having my kids participate in this and have found it really brings the true spirit of Christmas into our home.

• Related:  11 Acts of Kindness This Christmas (without spending a lot of money)

13.  Act out the Nativity

Every Christmas Eve my kids act out the nativity as an adult reads the story out of Luke 2.  The kids dress up as Mary, Joseph, The Wise Men, etc. 

I love this tradition and how it helps us focus on the reason for the season.  It really is one of the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget.

14.  Make a Ginger Bread House

Spend an afternoon making a ginger bread house with your family.  You can usually find fairly cheap gingerbread kits at your local grocery store.  One year we just used graham crackers and homemade frosting.  For decorations we used items we already had in my pantry, like chocolate chips, marshmallows and almonds. 

It really doesn’t matter how fancy of a house you build, all that matters is that you’re spending time with your loved ones and participating in family friendly Christmas activities.

15.  Have A Christmas Cookie Exchange

Invite some friends over for an annual Christmas Cookie Exchange!  It’s an easy party to throw, just ask everyone to bring a dozen cookies and enjoy socializing and taste testing all of the different holiday cookies. 

You might even find a new favorite recipe!  One of my favorite Christmas cookie are these Christmas Tree Cookies.

16.  Send Out A Christmas Email

Instead of following the traditional tradition of sending out Christmas cards, try sending out a Christmas email instead.  This is a much cheaper option (hello free!) and still a fun way to reach out to friends and family.  You can include a few pictures and a short update of what your family has been up to over the past year.  I have even seen some free email card services you could look into!

17.  Host A White Elephant Party

Host a White Elephant Party at your home.  Ask everyone to bring a wrapped gift (something they already have around their house) and then play a fun gift exchange game.  

This is a fun way to exchange gifts with friends, without having to spend a lot of money on everyone.  It’s also sure to bring a lot of laughs!!

• Related:  How To Play Fish Bowl

18.  Make A Hot Chocolate Bar

Set up a hot chocolate bar on Christmas Day.  Keep it simple to prevent overspending.  A few peppermint sticks, some marshmallows and whipped cream are all budget friendly ideas.  Try out my easy homemade hot chocolate mix recipe for something quick and delicious you can make at home.

19.  Attend A Christmas Concert Or Event

Look around your community for free Christmas Concerts and Events happening around town.  Does your city put on a free nativity, light parade or other special concerts?  You can usually find at least a few Christmas Concerts at the local high school this time of year.

Pick one or a few of these activities you can attend as a family.  Many of them will be free, or maybe just a few dollars.  It’s a fun way to spend a night out of the house and support your community.

20.  Cookies for Santa and Reindeer Food

My kids love setting out milk and cookies for Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. It’s such a sweet and fun Christmas tradition for families.

Consider going one step further and make some Reindeer Food.  This is so easy to do by mixing oats and glitter together.  Sprinkle the magic reindeer food out in your yard to help the reindeer find your house.

Spend Time Together

I hope you enjoyed these ideas for some of the best Christmas traditions for families on a budget.

The most important part of family traditions is that you focus on spending time together.  It doesn’t always matter what you do, as long as you are focused on each other.

Related Articles:

Best Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas

How to Save Money For Christmas

Easily Forgotten Christmas Budget Categories

Pin For Next Christmas:

What are some other fun Christmas traditions for families on a budget?

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

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

Fun Valentine Day Craft Ideas

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

1.  Clay Valentine Magnets

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

2.  Panda Valentine Craft

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

3.  Conversation Heart Bookmarks

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

4.  Valentines Foam Pencil Toppers

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

• Related:  Chocolate Dipped Valentine Cookie Recipe

5.  Valentine Yarn Hearts

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

6.  Heart Paint Chip Garland

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

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

7.  Heart Suncatcher

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

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

• Related:  Easy Easter Craft for Preschoolers: Egg Sun Catcher

8.  Valentines Day Toilet Paper Roll Vase

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

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

• Related:  Easy Toilet Paper Roll Crafts

9.  Valentines Pom Pom Painting

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

10.  DIY Valentine Felt Heart

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

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

11.  Love Bug Toilet Paper Roll Craft

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

12.  Origami Heart

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

13.  Valentines Day Frame

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

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

• Related:  Fun Family Valentine Traditions

14.  Gnome Paper Craft

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

15.  Love You To Pieces Wreath

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

• Related:  25 Free Things To Do In Winter

16.  DIY Heart Crayons

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

17.  Tissue Paper Heart Craft

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

18.  Popsicle Stick Heart Garland

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

19.  Mess Free Smush Painting

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

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

20.  Love Code Bracelet

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

21.  Crystal Hearts Science Experiment

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

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

22.  Valentine Hugs

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

23.  Pom Pom Love Bug Craft

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

Have Fun With These Easy Valentine Day Crafts for Kids!

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

Pin For Later:

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

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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 month with code:  CHALLENGE39!

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!

Related Articles:

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?

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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:

• 25 Gift Ideas for Tween Girls; all under $25!
• 25 Gift Ideas for 5-7 year old boys under $25
• Gift Ideas for Toddlers Under $25

Pin For Next Years Shopping:

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

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

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

LeapFrog Learning Book:

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

Melissa & Doug Safari Chunky Puzzle:

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

Drum Set: 

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

Matching Eggs Set:

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

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!

Related Articles:

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

Pin for Future Reference:

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

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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!

“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.”

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!

The post Easy Homemade Christmas Ornament appeared first on Sweet Frugal Life.

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!

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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

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Enjoy your toilet paper pumpkin!

The post Easy Toilet Paper Pumpkin Craft Tutorial appeared first on Sweet Frugal Life.

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!

Related Articles:

Easy Pumpkin Craft Tutorial For a Fun Fall Decoration

Fall Bucket List for Families

Monster Rice Krispie Treats

Pin for Future Reference:

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

The post DIY Trick or Treat Bag Tutorial appeared first on Sweet Frugal Life.