4. Check out Facebook Marketplace: One mom’s trash is another mom’s treasure
If you’re someone who gets excited whenever there’s a “Yard Sale” sign in your neighborhood, then you’ll love the digital equivalent: Facebook Marketplace. For buying or selling secondhand items, you can’t beat the simplicity and convenience of Facebook Marketplace. You can list practically anything on Facebook Marketplace, from furniture, clothes and tools to kitchen appliances, gardening equipment, and even vehicles. It’s perfect for parents who want to clear the clutter or who don’t want to pay full price for something brand new (video game console, anyone?) when something secondhand would work just as well.
Whether you’re trying to get rid of those old toys, games, and DVDs in the attic, or you’re searching for a gently-used bicycle for your son and daughter who won’t stop growing, you’ll find it on Facebook Marketplace.
Anyone can view listings on Facebook Marketplace — all you need is a Facebook account to post an item or message a seller. Chances are, there will be dozens of listings in your neighborhood, and you could be in possession of the item you want by the end of the day. It’s typically much faster than using eBay, and you don’t have to worry about packing or shipping. You can view the item in person before making a decision, and you don’t need to give out your credit card information because sellers are paid in cash.
However, since Facebook Marketplace does involve going to a stranger’s house if you’re the buyer, or giving out your address if you’re the seller, it’s always a good idea to have another adult with you when completing a transaction, in order to be extra safe and cautious.
5. Head to the local library for free events, especially in the summer
Many parents are already well-acquainted with the public library. After all, how could you possibly keep up with the demand for more bedtime stories without the children’s books section? Borrowing books is an amazing free resource for kids of all ages (and adults, of course), but it’s likely not the only service that your local library has to offer.
Most libraries are also community hubs that can be of huge benefit to families. From creative writing classes and book clubs to volunteer opportunities and lectures on topics like local history and mental health, parents can find a huge assortment of resources at the library. It’s definitely worth checking out your local library’s website to find out what’s available. For example, the New York Public Library has a searchable database of thousands of events.
The library is an excellent alternative to expensive outings with your children. Rather than going to the movies and paying over $10 for each ticket, check out the calendar of events at your local library to find a free alternative. Many libraries offer storytimes, kids’ craft and activity groups, homework help clubs, and events such as author and illustrator talks, magic shows, animal encounters, and holiday parties.
Nearly every library has some sort of summer reading program or challenge with fun, colorful charts or booklets to keep track of your child’s progress, usually with prizes for reaching certain reading goals.
Helping your child develop a passion for reading will give them a lifelong interest that will enrich their understanding of the world and provide countless hours of enjoyment — and it doesn’t have to cost a penny!
6. Have a 4th grader? You have free entry to every national park, all year long!
Encouraging your child’s love for the great outdoors is an incredible gift that you can give your son or daughter. And thanks to the Every Kid Outdoors program, your child can give something back to you! From the Everglades to Bryce Canyon, from the Shenandoah to Denali (and lots of places much closer to home), it’s all there for you and your family to explore!
The program gives every fourth grader (including homeschooled 10-year-olds) a yearlong pass to visit any federal lands and waters in the United States, completely free, for the duration of the school year and the following summer (September 1 – August 31). And here’s the best part — this also includes free day entry for anyone else in the vehicle, or three accompanying adults where entry is charged per person. All other accompanying children 15 and under are free, as well.
It just takes a minute for your child to get his or her pass, print it out, and start planning a trip to one of hundreds of parks, forests, waterways, and historical sites all over the country. The Every Kid Outdoors pass is honored by sites managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and certain sites overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Please note that although the pass covers standard entry fees for day visits, it doesn’t cover extras like camping or boat launching.
7. Give something meaningful that won’t break the bank by making your own presents
Before you roll your eyes and decide that you’re not “crafty” enough for homemade gifts, think again! This might seem obvious, but making your own presents can equate to saving hundreds of dollars a year on all of those obligatory gifts that moms are always running to the store to buy.
From teacher appreciation gifts to party favors to baby shower gifts and, of course, Christmas presents, store-bought gifts can really add up. Especially when you have to provide gifts for a large group, such as for your son or daughter’s entire class, making your own presents can mean massive savings.
You don’t have to be a domestic goddess to start doing this, either. Websites such as Wikihow, The Spruce Crafts, Thrifty Frugal Mom, and HGTV offer hundreds of ideas for beautiful, thoughtful, and useful gifts that you can make yourself, without spending too much on materials or staying up all night following complicated patterns or instructions.
You’ll find easy instructions for making things such as jam, soap, and candles, or more surprising and inventive items such as smartphone covers, body scrubs, wine racks, and baby mobiles. You may even discover a new passion or skill, and turn this into a new hobby!
A homemade gift is often far more meaningful than a store-bought present. It’s likely that the recipient will cherish it far more than a bottle of wine or a gift certificate. Giving a handmade card or gift is a truly touching gesture that shows your creativity, thoughtfulness, and individuality.
