Fun on a Budget
In light of current events in the financial world we are all looking for ways to keep the kids busy or simply entertain the family on a budget. The Gift Whiz has compiled a list of ideas just for you. So get your paper and pen ready for our top ten things to do on a budget.
[1] Gardening is fun whether it’s indoors or out. Pick up some dirt and seeds from your local garden center or home improvement warehouse and let the fun begin. You can make your own signs to put in the ground or indoor planter, so you know where you planted each type of seeds. Create a notebook to track watering and growth. Hit your local library for gardening “how to’s” and let the planting begin!
[2] Picnics are a great way to explore the great outdoors. Pack a delicious lunch at home and explore a new park in your area. For added fun bring along your bicycles and take a ride on a local trail. Nothing lifts your spirits like fresh air and a good PB&J.
[3] Pizza night is always fun, but you can spend a lot of dough on the pizza from chain restaurants. How about making your own crust? If you’re not much of a cook, they sell refrigerated dough near the biscuits and cookies at the grocery store. Each person gets to choose their own toppings and make their own pizza. How fun is that?
[4] Grab your tennis shoes and get to jumping! Jumping rope might make you giggle or even jiggle, but it won’t cost you a lot. If you don’t have a jump rope around the house, you can get one for a couple of dollars. For added fun download some jump rope rhymes off the internet and let the jumping begin!
[5] Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Well, maybe you don’t have a cookie jar or any cookies. Go to your local grocery store and grab some cookie dough and you are in for a sweet surprise. Who knew making cookies could be so much fun? You can also go to Pilsbury’s website and print off coupons to save some extra dough! Once you’ve finished baking, you can decorate them with icing and sprinkles. [Find coupons on Betty Crocker’s website]
[6] To read or not to read…that is the question! Or, is it the answer? Have you been to the library lately? What better way to make a day more fun and completely free! The library is filled with treasures for all ages. You can jam to the latest music with their selection of CD’s [just add dance moves]. You can also check out a variety of DVD’s and have a night at the movies for FREE [just add popcorn]!
[7] Everybody needs to eat! Many local restaurants offer “kids eat free” on specified days. Don’t wait until the weekend to have a night out. Take the kids during the week and save some green!
[8] Scissors? Check! Newspaper? Check! Internet connection? Check!
Make a list of your favorite brands after a walk-through of your pantry. After you’ve compiled a list, grab your local Sunday Paper or go online and let the coupon clipping begin. You will be surprised at how much you can save on items you buy everyday.
[9] Let the games begin! Call some friends and organize a potluck game night. Everyone brings their favorite game and a dish to share. You will have dinner and fun at a great price!
[10] Stay-cations are all the rage. When you factor in airfare and other travel expenses a vacation can seem impossible. Pick a local destination that will only cost you the price of gas for your vehicle and explore your local scene. You can camp at a local campsite, find a good deal on a local hotel or make it a day trip and go home to sleep.