We all know it's coming, but still it seems as if spring break or another school holiday has arrived and you have no idea how to keep the kids occupied. Here's an assortment of fun activities to get you started. Some are family-based, while others, depending on the age of your kids, can be done with … [Read more...] about Fun things to do with kids on spring break and other school holidays
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Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
Do you have a child in school? Whether you have a preschooler, elementary school student, middle schooler, or high school student, you likely are thinking about getting end-of-year or Christmas gifts for your child's teachers. But what are the best gift ideas that teachers will love and won't break … [Read more...] about Gift ideas for teachers that will earn you an A+
Frugal ways to celebrate Easter
The Easter holiday can be hard on a family’s budget. You’ve just made it through Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and now you're looking at buying new outfits, filled-to-the-brim Easter baskets and lots of delicious food for a special Easter dinner. The cost can add up quickly. How much do … [Read more...] about Frugal ways to celebrate Easter
Teacher Appreciation Week deals and freebies 2023
Teachers don't always get the recognition they deserve. They take care of and educate our kids, work long hours often for little pay and have been known to reach into their own pockets to help a student or improve their classroom. While educators should get accolades year-round, National Teacher … [Read more...] about Teacher Appreciation Week deals and freebies 2023
What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
This annual Mother's Day or Christmas or birthday conversation is so predictable it's aggravating: “Mom, what can I get you?” "Oh, I don't need anything!" She means it. Most mothers really don’t need anything. But handing her an overpriced store-bought card and saying “Thank you for being my … [Read more...] about What to give Mom when you’re all grown up
Easter egg decorating ideas
Easter egg decorating, for some, can be an art. I love the idea of doing something a bit beyond the run-of-the-mill dye kit, but I don't want to spend a fortune or hours to achieve my DIY decorative Easter eggs. In our family, egg dying is a tradition my kids, my mom and I do together on Easter. So … [Read more...] about Easter egg decorating ideas
Swoop in for freebies and fun on Free Comic Book Day May 6
It's a bird! It's a plane! It's FREE Comic Book Day! And, this year, they're celebrating more than 20 years of the annual giveaway. Free Comic Book Day is the biggest event in the comic book industry — a single day when participating comic book specialty shops across North America and … [Read more...] about Swoop in for freebies and fun on Free Comic Book Day May 6
7 great (and cheap) baby shower gifts
If you have lots of friends and family members having babies, you’ve probably realized that the cost of baby shower gifts can quickly add up, especially if you’re opting to give cute designer baby duds. However, baby gifts don’t necessarily have to break the bank. No etiquette rule says you … [Read more...] about 7 great (and cheap) baby shower gifts
Free Passover resources for families with children
Children play an important role at the Passover celebration. One of the most well-known moments of the Jewish holiday is when the youngest child at the table asks "the four questions," beginning with "How is this night different from all other nights?" As the writer of this essay notes, "In light … [Read more...] about Free Passover resources for families with children
Inexpensive ways to celebrate a meaningful Easter
A meaningful family Easter celebration doesn't have to entail a springtime spending spree, especially if you've just finished paying off the bills from Christmas. Here are ways to enjoy the holiday while keeping to a budget. Prioritize meaningful family time Over the past couple of … [Read more...] about Inexpensive ways to celebrate a meaningful Easter
18 best staycation ideas for frugal families
If you'd rather not spend school breaks or time off work spending lots of money, why not stay in your city instead of jetting off to an exotic location? A staycation is your chance to visit fun attractions in your own area, or to do all the activities you never have time to do during the … [Read more...] about 18 best staycation ideas for frugal families
The secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night
In today’s crazy-busy world, family dinner is especially important. Even though Susie has karate, Joey has swim lessons and Mom and Dad commute to work, you need time to connect as a family and eat a nutritious meal. Even better if that meal's a home-cooked one. The idea of cooking dinner every … [Read more...] about The secret to serving a quick, cheap family dinner every night
Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Kids go through clothes like boxes of Cheerios. We say: don’t spend a lot of money on play wear and school clothes. By the time kids wear them or use them once or twice, who can tell if they’re new or used anyway? You can find some kids’ clothes in excellent condition at thrift stores like … [Read more...] about Clothing the kids without busting your budget
Fun snow activities for kids
Parts of the country are covered in snow right now, and parents everywhere are looking for some fun activities for the kids to do on a snow day. Of course, there's sledding and snowman building, but if you're looking for something a little different, I've found several fun things to do in the … [Read more...] about Fun snow activities for kids
Where older kids ski free
Most ski areas offer free or greatly reduced skiing for youngsters up to age 5 or 6, but only a handful extend free skiing to older offspring. That can make taking your school age kids skiing an expensive endeavor. But worry not, plenty of ski resorts around the country have started offering free or … [Read more...] about Where older kids ski free