Tag Archives: cheap fun

An Affordable Treasury of Fun

There’s no easier way for kids to explore new and exciting worlds than cuddling up with a favorite book.  Adventures await on each page and there’s no telling where your child’s imagination can take her once she peels back the front cover. And that’s just with one book.  Imagine the fun kids can have when they are gifted with a treasury of stories. If you are looking for an affordable way to keep your kids entertained this summer, consider investing in a box set of books.  My daughter adores her Little Critter Bedtime Stories set.  The colorful collection is a … Continue reading →

Cheap Thrills

Remember the good ol’ days when you could stick a box of Kleenex in front of your baby and he would be entertained for hours pulling tissues out one by one? A box of facial tissue is a cheap way to keep your toddler happy, but then that little guy grows up and starts asking for expensive electronic toys that cost more than your monthly water bill. That’s when you need to get creative. And by creative I mean teach your kids how to embrace old school cheap thrills: simple and safe pranks that don’t require a lot of masterminding … Continue reading →

Affordable Ways to Combat the Winter Blues

So much for my New Year’s resolution. I’ve been consuming carbs at a frightening pace while battling severe allergies. Truthfully, I doubt the two are correlated.  Rather, I am blaming the wicked winter weather.   I’d bet a hundred bucks I wouldn’t be tempted to gorge on donuts, French toast and cinnamon buns if I were basking on a beach right now… in a bikini. Winter is brutal here in the Upper Midwest, which is why so many people suffer with seasonal doldrums.  The winter blues can strike family members of all ages, including children.  Consequently, it’s a good idea to … Continue reading →

Old-Fashioned Holiday Fun

“Oh, for the good old days when people would stop Christmas shopping when they ran out of money.”- Unknown Buy, buy, buy.  Spend, spend, spend.  These days it seems the holidays are more about spending money than bonding with loved ones.  I suppose you could bond over how much you’ve spent on each other, but wouldn’t you rather save your cash and share the richness of laughter and warm embraces? Instead of going into debt trying to prove how much you love your favorite family members and friends, consider spending time with each other having fun with these holiday-themed activities: … Continue reading →

Week in Review

Summer isn’t over yet, and here are some ideas for enjoying the season. Did you know you can tell the temperature by counting cricket chirps, or how far a storm is by counting the time between the lightning and the thunder? Read how in Counting Cricket Chirps and Thunder. Animal Rummy Cards are a beautiful and versatile card deck to add you game shelf. Safety Pin Jewelry is a quick and easy bead project, perfect for rainy or too hot afternoons. Don’t miss these ideas for savoring the last of summer in Where Did the Summer Go?

A Frugal But Very Fun Valentine’s Day Activity

Finding new and innovative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, can be fun and romantic. Most “date ideas” that I share can be done with children and friends too, rather than just a romantic partner, and this one is no different. This is a fun and creative way to spend some time on Valentine’s Day. It is one of my most favorite ideas, and I cannot remember where I learned about it. First, you will need to come up with a lock box with a key. You will also need to make several contacts first, to be sure everything is set … Continue reading →