The Frugal Free Gal

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

  • Amazon Valentine’s Day Deals Under $20

    Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and while showing love doesn’t have to break the bank, finding affordable yet thoughtful gifts can sometimes feel like a challenge.

    Luckily, Amazon has some fantastic Valentine’s Day deals under $20 that make gift-giving easy and budget-friendly.

    Looking for more gift ideas? Check out the Top 100 Deals now in the Valentine’s Day Shop!

    Here are a few favorites that I spotted during this sale:

    grace & stella Award Winning Under Eye Mask – 47% off

    Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré, Multifunction Daily Moisturizer – 17% off

    Elizabeth Mott Thank Me Later Multipurpose Natural Glow Enhancer – 25% off

    REESE’S Big Cup Chocolate Lava Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups – 29% off

    e.l.f. Glow Reviver Lip Oil

    Check out more great deals under $20 now!

  • FREE Printable Valentine’s Day Tags from Crayola

    Are you looking for a creative way to give out Valentines this year?

    Crayola has several FREE Printable Valentine’s Day Tags that you can print and use for your Valentine’s! Just print them out, cut them out, and add them to Crayons or glue bottles.

    They’re the perfect way to add a little extra love to your gift. Happy Valentine’s Day! There are 4 sets to choose from.

    Friends Make Life More Colorful

    Color Your Heart Out (use full boxes of Crayons)

    You’re My Main Squeeze (for glue bottles)

    You Got the Write Stuff (for writing supplies)

    Find more FREE printables here.

  • FREE NORAD Santa Tracker

    Get Ready for Santa’s Arrival with the FREE NORAD Santa Tracker!

    If your family is anything like mine, the anticipation of Santa’s arrival is nearly as magical as the big day itself.

    One of my favorite ways to build that excitement—without spending a dime—is by using the FREE NORAD Santa Tracker.

    I’ve been doing this with my own three kids for years, and it’s now a beloved tradition in our household.

    When and How to Check Santa’s Location

    Come December 24th, gather the family and tune in to the website. That’s when the live Santa Tracking feature really kicks off.

    Throughout Christmas Eve, you can see exactly where Santa and his reindeer are in real-time, which is endlessly fun for kids who want to know how close he’s getting to their hometown!

    My own kids love to check in periodically during the evening—just before dinner, again after their baths, and once more right before bedtime.

    It keeps them giddy with excitement and keeps the holiday spirit alive and well.

    Why It’s So Much Fun

    There’s nothing quite like watching Santa’s sleigh creep closer and closer to your part of the world. It’s a great way to channel that last burst of holiday energy your kids have as they wait for Christmas morning.

    Plus, you can tap into that excitement from practically anywhere! The NORAD Santa Tracker works on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, making it a flexible tool for busy families on the go.

    If you’re traveling on Christmas Eve, it’s the perfect way to keep spirits high while you’re on the road—or waiting in line at Grandma’s house.

    And for those who prefer old-school methods, you can also call NORAD directly at 1-877-HI-NORAD to find out where Santa is!

    Mobile Apps and Countdowns

    If you find yourself away from your computer, download the free mobile apps to track Santa from anywhere.

    This option has been a lifesaver for us in years past, especially when we’re finishing up some last-minute Christmas shopping and the kids beg to know, “Where’s Santa right now?”

    They can see his progress in just a few taps, keeping the holiday spirit alive no matter where we are.

    Another highlight for the kids is the Santa Countdown timer at the bottom of the NORAD website.

    Starting well before the 24th, this countdown clocks down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until Santa takes flight.

    Checking this countdown became a nightly ritual in our home in the weeks leading up to Christmas—my kids love seeing that number get smaller and smaller!

    More than Just a Tracker—Fun Activities for the Whole Family

    The NORAD Santa Tracker website offers a whole host of activities to keep families entertained throughout December:

    • Arcade: Play a new, festive game each day leading up to Christmas. It’s a fun way to reward the kids after chores or homework.
    • The Music Stage: Listen to Santa’s favorite holiday songs. In our home, it’s become the soundtrack to gingerbread house decorating and tree trimming.
    • The Library: Learn about Santa, his magical sleigh, and various holiday traditions around the world. My kids love discovering new Christmas customs each year.
    • The Theater: Watch short films about Santa and NORAD’s mission. These bite-sized videos are great for quick breaks between holiday prep tasks.
    • Gift Shop: Pick up NORAD and Santa-themed merchandise if you’re looking for a unique holiday gift.
    • NORAD HQ: Learn about the North American Aerospace Defense Command and how they’ve made it their mission to track Santa for decades.

    Making Memories, Year After Year

    What I appreciate most about the NORAD Santa Tracker is that it’s completely free and incredibly engaging.

    In a season that can sometimes feel expensive, it’s comforting to know that we can enjoy the magic of Santa’s journey without spending a penny.

    Every year, I’ve watched my kids grow a bit older, but their excitement when they see Santa’s sleigh inch closer to our hometown hasn’t faded one bit—it’s one of our most cherished traditions.

    So, as December 24 approaches, don’t forget to bookmark the FREE NORAD Santa Tracker, download the mobile apps, or keep the number 1-877-HI-NORAD handy.

    From countdowns to Christmas Eve tracking and all sorts of games, music, and educational fun, the NORAD Santa Tracker makes the big night even more special.

    Happy Holidays—and happy Santa tracking!

  • 10 DIY Christmas Decorations That Are Simple, Easy, and Affordable

    The holidays are right around the corner, and there’s no need to break the bank to create a festive home. DIY Christmas decorations are a perfect way to save money, get creative, and even involve the whole family.

    These 10 simple and affordable ideas will fill your home with holiday cheer without stretching your budget.

    1. Mason Jar Snow Globes

    Mason jars are a frugal crafter’s best friend!

    To create a charming snow globe display, simply fill a clean mason jar with faux snow or Epsom salt. Add mini Christmas trees, tiny figurines, or ornaments for a winter wonderland vibe.

    Screw the lid back on, and you’ve got a magical display for your mantle or table centerpiece. You can even use battery-powered tea lights under the jar for an extra glow.

    2. Pinecone Ornaments

    If you have access to pinecones, you’re already halfway there!

    Gather some pinecones, paint the tips with white paint to mimic snow, and add a ribbon for hanging. You can even sprinkle them with glitter for extra sparkle.

    3. Paper Snowflakes

    This nostalgic craft is practically free. Grab some paper and scissors, and let your creativity shine! Hang your snowflakes from windows or ceilings for a whimsical winter effect.

    4. DIY Garland with Popcorn and Cranberries

    String popcorn and cranberries onto fishing line or thread for a classic, budget-friendly garland. Drape it around your Christmas tree, along your staircase, or across the mantle for a cozy, rustic look.

    5. Twig Stars

    Head outside and collect some twigs. Arrange them into a star shape and tie the ends together with twine or hot glue. Leave them natural or paint them white for a snowy appearance. Hang these stars on your tree or as wall decorations.

    6. Candy Cane Vase

    Transform an ordinary glass or vase into a holiday statement piece. Hot glue candy canes around the outside of the vase, then tie a ribbon around the middle.

    Add flowers, greenery, or even kitchen utensils for a functional and decorative item.

    7. Salt Dough Ornaments

    Salt dough is a simple and inexpensive craft medium made from flour, salt, and water. Roll out the dough, cut shapes with cookie cutters, and bake them.

    Once cool, decorate with paint, glitter, or markers for personalized ornaments.

    8. Upcycled Sweater Stockings

    Have an old sweater lying around?

    Repurpose it into cozy Christmas stockings. Cut out stocking shapes, sew the edges together, and add embellishments like buttons or pom-poms for a custom look.

    9. DIY Christmas Tree with Books

    Stack books in a tree shape, starting with the largest books on the bottom. Add some string lights and a small ornament or star on top for a creative and completely free holiday decoration.

    10. Jar Lid Ornaments

    Save your jar lids to make charming ornaments.

    Cover the inside of the lid with fabric or scrapbook paper, then glue in small decorations like buttons, ribbon, or printed images. Add a loop of string to hang them on your tree.

    Final Thoughts

    Creating your own Christmas decorations doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive.

    These DIY ideas are not only affordable but also add a personal touch to your holiday décor.

    Whether you’re crafting a mason jar snow globe or stringing together a popcorn garland, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of decorating your home in a way that’s festive and frugal.

    Which one of these ideas will you try first? Let us know in the comments below!

  • FREE Printable Christmas Ornament Coloring Pages

    The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than by adding a personal, creative touch to your Christmas décor—without breaking the bank!

    If you’re looking for a low-cost, family-friendly activity, free printable Christmas ornament coloring pages from Crayola are the perfect solution. Below are three festive options to inspire your creativity:

    Why Print These Coloring Pages?

    Printing your own ornament-themed coloring pages is a simple way to embrace the holiday spirit while keeping costs under control.

    For starters, you don’t have to spend money on store-bought décor—just add your colorful, personalized art to your tree, your walls, or even gift packages.

    These pages are a wonderful way to entertain kids during their holiday break, keep them busy while you prep for festivities, and invite the whole family to sit down and craft together.

    Beyond that, you can slip these finished pages into photo frames, turn them into gift tags, or string them with ribbon and hang them right on your Christmas tree as unique handmade ornaments.

    When to Print These Holiday Printables

    Anytime during the holiday season is perfect, but there are a few especially good moments to bring these coloring pages into your routine:

    Before the Holiday Rush: Print them early in December, so you’ll have them on hand for quiet weekend afternoons or as an after-school activity.

    Christmas Eve Festivities: If you’re hosting guests, have a small coloring station set up. Children and adults alike can enjoy a calming activity together—helping everyone wind down before the big day.

    Snow Days or Unexpected Down Time: Keep a few pages ready to go for those days when bad weather keeps everyone indoors. You’ll be glad to have a screen-free, budget-friendly option on hand.

    How to Use These Ornament Coloring Pages

    Homemade Ornaments: Once colored, cut out the ornaments and punch a hole at the top. Add a ribbon or twine and hang them on your tree.

    Festive Décor: Frame your finished work or hang the pages as a DIY holiday banner. They’ll add cheer to any living room, dining area, or even your home office.

    Gift Wrap Accessories: Use them as gift tags by scaling down the print size. Write the recipient’s name on the back, and you have a one-of-a-kind, personal touch.

    Holiday Card Inserts: Slip these colorful ornaments into your holiday greeting cards as a sweet surprise, especially for grandparents and other relatives who love seeing the kids’ artwork.

    Frugal Printing Tips

    Since saving money is a priority, here are some ways to keep printing costs low:

    Print in Draft Mode: Most printers have a “draft” or “eco” setting that uses less ink. For coloring pages, this is usually all you need, since you’ll be filling in the colors anyway.

    Use Grayscale When Possible: If the design is simple, print in black and white. You’ll save on pricey color ink, and you or your kids can bring the vibrancy through colored pencils or markers.

    Print Multiple Pages Per Sheet: If your printer settings allow it, print two images per page to cut paper costs in half—just ensure the images are still large enough to color comfortably.

    Reuse & Recycle Paper: If you have one-sided paper that’s printed on the back, consider using the blank side for these coloring pages. You’ll not only save on paper, but also reduce waste.

    Stock Up on Inexpensive Art Supplies: Dollar stores or sales are great places to find affordable crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Keep an eye out for off-season deals or clearance specials to prepare for next year’s holiday crafts at an even lower cost.

    Final Thoughts

    This holiday season, embrace the joy of creating something beautiful, personal, and unique—without spending a fortune. Free coloring pages let you be both festive and frugal.

    They’re versatile, fun for all ages, and an easy way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Print a few copies, break out your favorite coloring tools, and enjoy a cozy, crafty Christmas moment with your loved ones.

    Find more FREE printables here.

  • Ultimate FREE Christmas Planner Printable Pack

    The season of joy is almost upon us!

    Lights, carols, Christmas trees, and of course, the merry chaos that the holiday season brings.

    Over the last couple of years, I’ve heard countless stories of people juggling between Christmas decorations, holiday to-dos, and Christmas parties, only to feel like they’re losing track of important things.

    If this sounds all too familiar to you, I’ve got some good news for you: there’s a better system to streamline all your Christmas preparations.

    I’m thrilled to introduce the Ultimate Christmas Planner.

    This isn’t just any planner; it’s a comprehensive, 33-page printable Christmas Planner designed specifically to help you navigate the festive waters.

    It is easily the best way to ensure an organized Christmas.

    Here’s what you get in our Free Christmas Planner Printables:

    1. Cover Page: Kick off your planner with a vibrant cover page.
    2. Brainstorm Page: Get all your gift ideas, Christmas crafts, and holiday activities outlined.
    3. Decor Bin Labels & Decor Shopping List: Make sure your Christmas tree and home sparkle just the way you want.
    4. Christmas Eve & Day Planner: Plot out your big day, hour by hour, ensuring you don’t miss a beat.
    5. Master To-Do List: List all your tasks, from sending out your Christmas card list to setting up the Christmas dinner.
    6. Must-Watch Movies Page: Note down all the Christmas movies you want to watch this season.
    7. Gift Planner & Tracker: Never lose track of your Christmas gifts, wish list, or gift budgets again.
    8. Christmas Card & Thank You Card Tracker: Keep tabs on everyone you’ve sent a card to and those you’ve received one from.
    9. Brunch & Dinner Guestlist: Perfect for family get-togethers!
    10. Three types of Grocery Shopping Lists: Whether you want to sort by meal, category, or have a general grocery list.
    11. Brunch & Dinner Menu and Cooking Tasks List: The most organized person knows the value of this during the Christmas dinner prep.
    12. Weekly Planners & To-Do Lists: Stay on top of your weekly tasks.
    13. Undated Calendars for November & December: Mark out Black Friday, holiday activities, and more.
    14. Savings Tracker & Christmas Countdown Activities: Get a handle on your holiday spending and count down to the big day in style.
    15. Gift Tags & Notes: Because personal touches are always special.

    This planner is created for personal use, and it’s the ideal tool to assist in your Christmas planning.

    Whether you’re a mom juggling between Christmas parties and shopping lists, a student working on a tight budget, or just someone looking to inject some order into the festive frenzy, this planner is a great way to ensure a stress-free holiday season.

    How to Best Use Your Ultimate Christmas Planner:

    • Printing: It’s best printed out and kept in a 3-ring binder. You can also use divider tabs for different sections.
    • Digital Users: If you’re more of a digital person, pop this planner open in a new window on your tablet, and you have a digital Christmas planner at your fingertips.
    • Shopping: Use your shopping lists to tackle both online and offline shopping. The gift planner page will ensure you don’t double buy or miss out on anyone.
    • Prep Early: Begin your planning as early as possible. This gives you ample time to revise, add, or make changes.

    The first time I used a Christmas planner was a few years back. It was a game-changer.

    No more forgetting which family member preferred which dish, no more last-minute scrambling for gift ideas or missing out on the best Christmas sales.

    Think back to last year. Did you feel overwhelmed with the Christmas preparations? Did you forget someone on your Christmas card list? Did you wish you had a Christmas bucket list, or better recipe cards for that Christmas dinner?

    Now imagine a Christmas season where everything is at your fingertips, all organized and easy to find. That’s what our free printable planner can offer.

    To get your new free printable Christmas planner, simply provide your email address, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

    Plus, after the confirmation email, you’ll also get updates on other great freebies in your inbox.

    Get your free Christmas planner printable!

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      This time of year can be a whirlwind of emotions, tasks, and memories in the making.

      And while the Christmas season is about love, joy, and togetherness, there’s no harm in making it a bit more organized.

      After all, an organized Christmas is a Merry Christmas!

      So, grab this pack of free Christmas planner printables, and let’s make this the best Christmas ever!

      Remember, as you use the planner, always keep in mind the most important things — joy, laughter, family, and friends.

      The planner is merely a tool to help you focus more on those and less on the hustle and bustle.

      Merry Christmas, and here’s to a joyous, organized, and unforgettable festive season!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      1. Is this Christmas Planner really free?
      This Ultimate Christmas Planner is available for personal use at no cost. I just want to help make your holiday season as smooth and stress-free as possible.

      2. Can I share this planner with friends and family?
      Of course! Feel free to share the link to this blog post so they can download their own copy. Sharing is caring, especially during the festive season.

      3. How do I print the planner pages?
      After downloading the planner, you can print it at home on regular printer paper. For a more professional feel, consider taking it to a print shop or using card stock.

      4. Can I customize the planner?
      The planner is designed to cater to a broad range of needs for the holiday season. While the PDF itself isn’t customizable, you can decide which pages to print and in what order to arrange them in your binder.

      5. I provided my email but haven’t received the planner. What should I do?
      First, check your spam or promotions folder. If you still can’t find the confirmation email, reach out to me and I can help.

      6. Can I use this for my small business or event planning service?
      The Ultimate Christmas Planner is intended for personal use only.

      7. I’m having trouble opening the planner in a new window on my tablet. What can I do?
      Ensure that you have a PDF reader app installed on your tablet.

      8. How many times can I download the planner after providing my email?
      Once you’ve received the confirmation email with the download link, you can download the planner as many times as you need. It’s always available for you.

      9. Can I suggest features or pages for the next year’s version of the planner?
      Absolutely! I value feedback from our community. If you have suggestions or features you’d like to see, please get in touch. I aim to make our planner as user-friendly and comprehensive as possible.

      10. What size is the planner designed for?
      The planner is designed to be printed on standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper. However, you can adjust your printer settings if you wish to print it in a different size.

      11. Do the planner pages come with any decorative designs or are they minimalistic?
      This Ultimate Christmas Planner has a festive yet clean design. I wanted it to be functional, easy to write on, and pleasant to the eyes, striking a balance between decorative and minimalistic.

      12. I’m not very tech-savvy. Can I get a printed version of the planner?
      Currently, this Ultimate Christmas Planner is only available in a digital format. However, if you’d like a printed version, you can easily print it at home or take the file to a local print shop where they can bind it for you.

      I’m always here to help make your holiday planning seamless. If there are any other concerns or questions, please feel free to get in touch!

      Find more FREE printables here.