The Frugal Free Gal

Frugal Living, Money Saving Tips, Freebies, and More!

  • Plan Your Christmas Gift Budget

    It’s that time of year again! The holidays are fast approaching and that means it’s time to start thinking about your Christmas gift budget.

    Whether you’re looking to save money this year or just want to be more organized, planning ahead can make a big difference.

    Here are a few tips to help you get started.

    Christmas is around the corner!

    You can already see the deals circulating around for the holiday season! 

    Amazon, Target, and Walmart are my favorite shopping destinations and you’ll find me browsing there regularly! Other retailers that I like to browse are Best Buy and Kohl’s.

    Although the holidays are approaching and near, have you put much thought into what you are going to be spending over the holidays or what you’ve already spent?

    It’s very important to sit down early and start planning out your Christmas Gift Budget. This should not take very long and could end up saving you money if you plan well.

    Plan Your Christmas Gift Budget

    1. First, find a quiet place to plan, away from the kids and other distractions.

    2. With a notepad and pencil, write down everyone that you plan to buy gifts for over Christmas.

    Consider family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, teachers, holiday party gift exchanges, and other special gifts that you may buy each year.

    Remember to include packaging costs. Will you need wrapping paper, gift bags, gift bows, gift boxes, or gift tags?

    FREE Printable Christmas Gift Tags

    Try to reuse gift bags and accessories from last year if you have some left. Packaging costs can be expensive, so be sure to plan for this. The dollar store has great prices on gift packaging.

    3. Set your overall gift budget.

    Do you plan to spend $100 this year on Christmas gifts? $500? $1000+?

    Be sure to take a look at your finances before hand to see what you can afford. Are you having to put everything on credit?

    Take a step back and try to find more frugal ways of gift giving so that you do not end up in debt this holiday season because of gift giving.

    Do you make gifts or have a gift closet that you can pull from that could cut costs?

    3. Assign a limit to what you will spend on each gift, and stick to it.

    Consider taxes, especially if its a high dollar gift.

    For example, if you only want to spend $25 on a child, try to find something that is $20-$23 so that after taxes, you aren’t going over your budget.

    4. Decide what you plan to get each member on your list.

    There are so many gift options to choose from this year!

    Assign a category to each member you plan to buy for. Make sure it is something that will work with your budget.

    Here are some ideas:

    Holiday Gift Guide

    Home Gift Guide

    Electronics Gift Guide

    Holiday Toy List

    Fashion Gift Guide

    5. Decide where you will be buying each gift.

    Do you have to make a trip to the mall for the gift? Is this something that you will be purchasing online? I personally complete most of my shopping online at Amazon each year!

    Be sure to keep in mind shipping costs and taxes if you will be buying online and make sure that this too, will work with your budget.

    After your list is complete, combine shopping trips and take care of getting each gift at each specific store.

    You don’t want to have to spend extra on gas from traveling back and forth to the same store, when you could have gotten everything all at once!

    Top Retailers:

    Amazon

    Target

    Walmart 

    Best Buy

    Kohl’s

    6. Consider how you will be paying for each item. Which gifts will you be paying cash for? Which gifts will go on credit? Which gifts do you already have at home from sales/stocking up?

    Do you have a rewards program that will take care of a few gifts or any gift cards laying around that need to be cashed in?

    Don’t forget to cash in your Fetch Rewards points for gift cards if you have any points to redeem!

    7. Gather any coupons you have that match your gift ideas.

    If you receive coupons in the mail, this is the time to use these if they are not expired. You also still have time to wait to see if any of these items go on sale.

    8. Decide the deadline for purchasing these gifts. When do you need to have them purchased and wrapped by?

    Is there a party at the beginning of December? Can you wait until closer to Christmas?

    9. Add up your spending column for each gift and make sure that you have not gone over your budget.

    Go through and make any changes if you have gone over your budget.

    10. Plan your shopping trips, take your list with you, and enjoy saving money and staying within your budget this holiday season!

    Do you have a Christmas gift budget already in place?

    Do you plan to create one?

    Let us know your thoughts on a Christmas budget below. Be sure to add any tips that work for you.

  • Stocking Stuffers for Under $3 Each!

    Enjoy this list of Stocking Stuffers for Under $3 each!

    Are you looking to save money on stocking stuffers this year for the whole family (even for your pet?)

    Here’s a list of stocking stuffers under $3 each at Amazon! Fill up your cart and stockings with these stocking stuffers below. 

    Please Note: At the time of posting items, items are under $3. Prices can change any time. I try to update the list when prices change. 

    ***Double check shipping dates to make sure your gift will arrive in time.

    eos Holiday Lip Balm Gift

    JOLLY RANCHER Gummies Original Flavors Storybook

    Lip Smacker Coca Cola Collection

    Mini Candle

    Goody Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties

    wet n wild Silk Finish Lipstick

    wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow

    I’m Real Cactus Purifying Mask Sheet

    L.A. COLORS Color Craze Nail Polish

    Q-tips Swabs Travel Pack

    You’ll Always Be My Best-TEA Keychain

    Goody Kids Ouchless Elastic Hair Ties – 60 Ct

    Funny Shot Glasses

    Flash Cards: Sight Words

    For the Pets:

    Pet Factory Classic Essentials Beefhide 6″ Durabone Dog Chew Treat 

  • FREE Neora Health or Beauty Sample

    Request a FREE Neora Health or Beauty Sample! There are three samples to choose from: NeoraFit, Neora Skincare Regimen, and and ProLuxe Hair Care Sample. I chose the hair care sample!

  • Whataburger Rewards: Earn FREE Food and Drink Items!

    Update: Check your Whataburger Rewards App on mobile for possible FREE food items! I had two in my account recently! See the photos above.

    Earn FREE food and drink items with the Whataburger Rewards!

    Here’s how:

    Sign up for Whataburger Rewards and get a FREE Whataburger!

    Order online and earn – earn points on every order and get closer to a reward.

    Redeem your points for your favorite Whataburger items along with chances to win exclusive experiences just for rewards members.

  • FREE Printable Thanksgiving Planner

    The Ultimate Guide to the Free Printable Thanksgiving Planner: Saving Time and Money this Holiday Season

    As we inch closer to that festive time of year, many of us are taking a deep breath, mentally preparing ourselves for the whirlwind of holiday season activities.

    And right at the heart of it all is the big event, Turkey Day itself!

    Yes, Thanksgiving is on its way, and for anyone celebrating for the first time, or even those who’ve been at it for years, it’s a lot of work to orchestrate the perfect Thanksgiving feast.

    Ultimate FREE Christmas Planner Printable

    Thankfully, I’ve discovered an easy-peasy way to help us all remain calm and enjoy this special time: a free printable Thanksgiving planner.

    This planner will be your guiding light, ensuring that everything from your side dishes to your main dishes and everything in between is prepared to perfection.

    Why Use the Free Printable Thanksgiving Planner?

    If last year’s Thanksgiving was a tad chaotic or if it’s your first year hosting, this is the tool for you.

    One of the most important things to keep in mind when planning such a large meal is organization. With a little planning, your Thanksgiving can go from frantic to fantastic.

    The free printable Thanksgiving planner isn’t just any regular planner. This planner includes:

    • Thanksgiving Cover Page
    • 2 Undated October Calendars
    • 2 Undated November Calendars
    • Notes Page
    • Guest List
    • Weekly Planner
    • Budget
    • Decoration Budget
    • Food Budget
    • Miscellaneous Budget
    • Appetizer Lists
    • Main Menu Lists
    • Side Dish Lists
    • Dessert Lists
    • Main Menu Page
    • Menu Page + Shopping List
    • Shopping List by Categories
    • Preparation List
    • Cooking Schedule
    • Daily Gratitude Page
    • 5 Recipe Pages
    • 2 Wall Art Pages
    • “Happy Thanksgiving” Banner Pages
    • Welcome Door Tag Hanger
    • Table Place Cards
    • Labels for Leftovers

    How to Use Your Thanksgiving Planner to Save Time and Money

    One of the first things you should do after printing out your free printable planners is to take a closer look at the November calendar.

    Mark the day of Thanksgiving and work backward. Think about when you want to start your Thanksgiving prep, perhaps set a reminder for the weekend before to start thawing that turkey!

    Next, turn to your Thanksgiving dinner menu planner. This is a great place to start drafting the entire meal, from side dishes to the big meal main dishes.

    Are you trying new recipes this year? Or sticking with family favorite Thanksgiving recipes? List them all out.

    The following step is leveraging the Thanksgiving shopping list. Separate items based on their location in the grocery store. This means all the vegetables together, the canned goods in another section, and so on.

    This approach can help you save so much time and ensure that you don’t miss any items, causing a last-minute run to the store on Thanksgiving morning.

    When it’s closer to the big day, refer to the cooking list. Organize based on cooking times and the order of preparation. It’s always a good idea to start with dishes that can be made ahead of time.

    Bonus Tips for a Stress-Free Thanksgiving

    Digital Files:

    While the printables are designed for personal use, it’s a good idea to also keep a digital file saved.

    This way, if you ever misplace a page or need to print extra copies of the grocery shopping list or recipe cards, it’s easy to do so.

    Stay Flexible:

    While having a plan is essential, remember that things can change.

    Guests might bring additional dishes, someone could have new food allergies, or maybe you want to add different recipes to the mix.

    The goal is to have a great time and enjoy much food, laughter, and love.

    Wrap Up

    Preparing a Thanksgiving dinner, especially if it’s your first time, can feel overwhelming.

    But remember, the best way to tackle a big event like this is to break it down.

    My free Thanksgiving printables, especially the ultimate Thanksgiving planner, can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and being in control.

    So, whether you’re hosting for the first time or looking to make this year’s celebration less chaotic than the last, this free printable Thanksgiving dinner planner will ensure everything runs smoothly.

    From keeping track of different sizes of servings to ensuring you have everything for the dinner table, this planner has you covered.

    And when the big day arrives, with a well-organized to-do list and cooking schedule in hand, you can take a moment, look around at the delicious food, the beautifully set Thanksgiving table, and your loved ones gathered, and truly say, “Happy Thanksgiving!”

    With these free printable planners, you’re not just preparing for a meal; you’re crafting memories. So, here’s to a Thanksgiving time filled with less stress, more joy, and, of course, so much fun!

    Happy Planning, and Happy Thanksgiving! ???

    Get this free printable planner!

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      Frequently Asked Questions About the Free Printable Thanksgiving Planner

      Is the free printable Thanksgiving planner really free?

      Yes, the planner is 100% free for personal use. Simply download the digital file, print it out, and you’re all set to make your holiday season much more manageable!

      What size paper does it fit?

      The planner is designed to fit standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper. However, the digital file can be adjusted to print in different sizes if you prefer.

      Can I share this planner with friends and family?

      Feel free to share this link to the planner with anyone you think could benefit from a little extra organization this Thanksgiving time. Just remember, it’s designed for personal use only and not for commercial resale.

      What if I don’t need all the pages in the planner?

      That’s the beauty of free printables! You can choose to print only the pages that are relevant to you. Whether you only want the Thanksgiving dinner checklist, the grocery shopping list, or just the November calendar, it’s entirely up to you.

      Can I customize the planner?

      While the digital file is not directly editable, there’s plenty of space provided for additional notes and adjustments. You can always supplement with your annotations or even attach sticky notes for extra details.

      How early should I start using the planner?

      It’s never too early to start planning, especially if this is your first year hosting Thanksgiving. As soon as you know you’ll be responsible for the big meal, it’s a good idea to start outlining your tasks and to-do list.

      Will the planner help with cooking times and schedules?

      Yes, there’s a dedicated page in the planner that allows you to map out cooking times and a cooking schedule. This ensures that all your delicious food is ready to serve at the same time.

      Does the planner include space for tracking food allergies or specific dietary requirements?

      The “Additional Notes” section is a great place to jot down any specifics about food allergies or dietary restrictions of your guests.

      Is there a version for other holidays?

      Currently, this planner focuses on providing the best possible planner for Thanksgiving, but great news! You can also print the free Christmas planner linked at the top of this page.

      What do I do if I need to make last-minute changes?

      Flexibility is the name of the game. The planner provides a structured way to prepare, but it’s always a good idea to have some wiggle room for unexpected changes. You can easily update your planner by crossing out or adding new items.

      I hope this FAQ section has cleared up any questions you might have about the free printable Thanksgiving planner.

      From planning your entire Thanksgiving meal to ensuring a harmonious cooking schedule, this planner is designed to be a tremendous help.

      Now you can enjoy the holiday season with one less thing to worry about.

    • Best Canvas Print Deals

      Canvas Print Deals

      If you’re an art lover, a memory enthusiast, or simply someone who loves to decorate their space, you’ve probably considered adorning your walls with canvas prints.

      While some might think this chic decor option is out of their budget, the good news is, there are countless deals out there waiting to be discovered.

      Today, we’re diving deep into the world of canvas print deals and exploring why you, our savvy and frugal readers, should be taking full advantage of these incredible offers.

      Why Canvas Prints?

      Canvas prints have a unique charm. Unlike simple photo frames, they offer depth and texture that can turn any ordinary photo into a piece of art.

      They’re durable, elegant, and can easily be the focal point of any room.

      Whether it’s a cherished memory, a favorite quote, or a beloved piece of artwork, canvas prints bring them to life.

      Snagging the Best Deals

      Canvas print deals are abundant if you know where to look:

      1. End-of-Season Sales: Many canvas print companies offer incredible discounts at the end of a season. This is the perfect time to get your hands on quality prints at a fraction of the original price.
      2. Bulk Orders: Need several prints? Many providers offer discounts when you order in bulk, making it cost-effective if you’re redecorating or gifting.
      3. Signup Offers: A lot of canvas print websites offer exclusive discounts to first-time subscribers or users. Simply signing up to their newsletter can unlock a world of savings.
      4. Coupon Websites: Don’t forget to check popular coupon websites. Often, exclusive promo codes can be found that can be applied to reduce the cost further.
      5. Holiday Discounts: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and festive seasons are times when many companies offer steep discounts. Mark your calendars!

      Current Canvas Print Deals

      Here are the best current deals on canvas prints that I could find that you may be interested in taking advantage of:

      Easy Canvas Prints – 93% Off

      Easy Canvas Prints – 16×20 Canvas for $14.99

      Easy Canvas Prints – UNLIMITED 11×14 Canvases for $9.99 Each

      Canvas on the Cheap – UNLIMITED 16×20 Canvases for $14.99 Each

      Don’t forget to check out the Shutterfly Canvas Print Deals regularly! Shutterfly often adds great discount codes with their current offers.

      You can also check out Canvas People regularly for their best current deals! A few of my personal canvas prints were created through this company!

      canvas print deals

      Getting Creative with Canvas Prints

      While a canvas print of a cherished family photo is always a winner, there’s a world of creative possibilities out there:

      • Photo Collages: Combine your favorite memories into one artistic display.
      • Quotes & Typography: Have a favorite quote or saying? Why not turn it into a piece of art?
      • Digital Art: Support artists by purchasing digital art prints or even commissioning custom pieces.
      • Landscapes and Travel Photos: Did you capture a stunning sunset on your last vacation? Turn it into a permanent memory.

      Canvas Prints: The Perfect Gift

      With the holiday season approaching, let’s talk gifting. Canvas prints are an underrated yet incredibly thoughtful gift idea:

      1. Personal Touch: It shows effort, thought, and the will to gift something unique.
      2. Versatile: Suitable for friends, family, colleagues, or partners. Everyone appreciates a personalized touch to their space.
      3. Memories that Last: A canvas print is not just another item; it’s a memory, a piece of art, a snippet of time captured and immortalized.
      4. Art for Art’s Sake: Know someone who loves art? A canvas print of a famous artwork or a budding artist’s creation can be a wonderful gift.

      Tips for Gifting Canvas Prints:

      • Choose the Right Image: If you’re gifting a personal photo, ensure it’s of good quality. A blurry image can diminish the appeal.
      • Size Matters: Consider where the recipient might place it. Not everyone has space for a gigantic canvas, so sometimes, smaller can be better.
      • Wrap It Right: A canvas print might be slightly tricky to wrap due to its shape. Consider gift bags or decorative sheets.
      • Add a Note: Make it even more special by attaching a heartfelt note explaining the thought behind the gift.

      Final Thoughts

      In today’s digital age, where photos often remain trapped on our devices, canvas prints are a refreshing, tangible way to cherish memories and art. And with the plethora of deals available, they needn’t be an extravagant expense.

      Frugality doesn’t mean compromising on quality or the finer things in life; it simply means making smarter choices.

      So, to all our frugal female readers out there, seize these canvas print deals and elevate your space or gift a memory that will be cherished for years to come.

      Stay chic, stay savvy, and happy shopping!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      1. What is a canvas print?
      A canvas print is an image that has been digitally printed onto a canvas, which is then stretched or wrapped around a wooden frame, creating a piece that can be hung on a wall or displayed in your space.

      2. How do I ensure the best quality for my canvas print?
      Always use high-resolution images. The sharper and clearer the original photo, the better the canvas print will turn out. If you’re unsure, many printing companies will alert you if the image quality isn’t suitable for the size you’ve chosen.

      3. How do I clean my canvas print?
      Gently dust your canvas with a soft brush or cloth. Avoid using wet cloths or cleaning products as they can damage the print.

      4. Can I get a custom-sized canvas print?
      Most companies offer a range of sizes, but many also provide custom sizing. It’s best to check with the individual printer about custom orders.

      5. Are there different types of canvas materials?
      Yes, there’s cotton canvas (most popular and high-quality) and polyester canvas (more budget-friendly). Some prints might be a mix of both.

      6. Is there a difference between gallery wrap and museum wrap?
      Yes! Gallery wrap means the image continues and wraps around the sides of the frame. Museum wrap keeps the entire image on the front of the canvas, with the sides being either a solid color or a continuation of the image.

      7. How long do canvas prints last?
      With proper care, canvas prints can last for decades. They are often coated with UV protective layers to prevent fading from sunlight.

      8. Do canvas prints come framed?
      Canvas prints are usually stretched over wooden frames, but some companies also offer additional framing options for an extra cost.

      9. Can I edit or adjust my photo before it’s printed on canvas?
      Absolutely! Many companies provide editing tools on their platform, but it’s always best to edit using software you’re familiar with before uploading for the best results.

      10. Are canvas prints a good gift for every occasion?
      Canvas prints are versatile and can be tailored to suit almost any occasion, from birthdays and weddings to anniversaries and housewarming events. They’re a personalized touch that many appreciate.

      We hope these FAQs provide clarity on canvas prints and the incredible deals you can snag. If you have any more questions, feel free to drop them in the comments, and we’ll do our best to guide you!