Game time is fun, but for bigger fun, you need bigger games. You may have seen those giant outdoor games made from ordinary board games. These are perfect for the kids to play with all summer or for pulling out for a summer party. But buying them can cost hundreds. Fortunately, you can … [Read more...] about Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Crafts
How to make your own simple face mask
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised wearing cloth face coverings when you go out in public, to help slow the spread of COVID-19. With face masks hard to find, we suggest you just make your own. If you sew, there are many patterns out there. But we found a pattern so simple, … [Read more...] about How to make your own simple face mask
Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
I remembered learning how to make a rubber-band powered boat out of a Styrofoam plate when I was young, and just knew it would make for some thrifty fun at home. This project was a hit at my house. Kids making their own toys -- what's not to love? It's frugal and it keeps the kids busy when you most … [Read more...] about Kids’ crafts: Make a rubber-band powered boat
Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Here's a project that will help you save on electricity from your dryer and eliminate the need for fabric softener, which has harmful chemicals and perfumes. Fabric softener can be expensive, isn’t recommended for certain articles (towels, cloth diapers) because it reduces absorbency, and it can … [Read more...] about Make dryer balls, a cheapskate’s fabric softener
Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls
I love reading magazines and get a lot of free and cheap subscriptions. Once I'm done reading them, I often swap them with friends or leave them at the gym for others to read, but I always end up with a stack at home that I need to get rid of. One of my favorite ways to recycle magazines is … [Read more...] about Recycle old magazines into beautiful bowls
Cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Every year before Christmas, our mailbox fills with holiday cards from family and friends. I hang them on the refrigerator or banister during the season for display, but once the holiday decorations come down, I’m always looking for something to do with the cards. Recycling is a better option than … [Read more...] about Cool things to do with used Christmas cards
Crafty – and thrifty – cards and gifts for Father’s Day
Some dads are notoriously difficult to buy for, which can make the upcoming Father’s Day holiday June 16 stressful for their children. We just want to make sure our gifts let Dad know how special he is in our lives. When budgets are limited, that can be a real trick, especially when dads are of an … [Read more...] about Crafty – and thrifty – cards and gifts for Father’s Day
15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
When Glad Press’n Seal first appeared on the market, I saw it as an expensive version of plastic wrap and couldn’t see how it would be worth the extra money. (Walmart sells a small roll -- 70 square feet -- for $2.54.) After seeing it in action at a friend’s house and finally purchasing my own box, … [Read more...] about 15 non-food uses for Glad Press’n Seal
12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
Ho-ho-homemade is the key to cheap, but pretty, holiday decorations. I mean, have you seen the prices on real Christmas wreaths? Here are some ideas we gleaned from various sources to help you put some sparkle into your holidays without busting the budget. Bonus: Most of these ideas are … [Read more...] about 12 cheap, easy Christmas DIY decor projects
6 cheap and easy Cinco de Mayo crafts
Colorful Cinco de Mayo crafts are fun to make and easy for the entire family. The name of the holiday literally translates to "the 5th of May," and it commemorates the Mexican army's improbable victory over a bigger and stronger French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  Since then, Cinco … [Read more...] about 6 cheap and easy Cinco de Mayo crafts
12 cheap and easy Valentine’s crafts for kids
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with free and cheap craft projects that you can do with kids. Here are 12 ideas for using everyday household items in DIY projects that are extra sweet. 3-D Valentine’s Day Card – Take a photo of your child with their hand outstretched. Print the photo, and attach a … [Read more...] about 12 cheap and easy Valentine’s crafts for kids
Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
If you've ever tackled a do-it-yourself project of the crafty nature — or simply wanted to buy a cool picture frame as a shower gift — you know the frustration. You are face to face with that edge punch, that set of artist's brushes, that stem of artificial flowers, and the disappointment nearly … [Read more...] about Craft store smartphone apps save money on the spot
