Back-to-school shopping can come out of nowhere, leaving parents juggling receipts and wondering where the money went (I’ve stood at the checkout more than once doing mental math). A free Back to School Budget Planner helps track each expense, set limits, and bring order to what often feels like chaos, so you can breathe easier even when the supply list grows.
Category: Kids
Discover The Frugal Ones’ favorite tips for raising kids on a budget. Real-life advice meets expert insights for families looking to save without missing out.
Save More on Back to School Shopping Without Sacrificing Quality
Start with the school supply list. Go over each kid’s requirements, then see where you can group purchases or buy in bulk. Every August, the back-to-school rush feels a bit like a pop quiz you forgot to study for: lists, fees, and new clothes pile up, and even seasoned parents get caught off guard. I’ve learned to save more on back to school shopping with a few smart choices early on (like sticking to a firm budget and skipping the fancy extras) turns the rat race into something you can actually handle. This guide brings together practical tips, a few tricks I’ve picked up along the way, and expert advice to help you spend less and stress less—even if your kids all need different colored folders.
Easy Dollar Tree Party Decor for Kids’ Birthdays [Parents’ Picks]
Throwing a memorable party shouldn’t mean draining your wallet. Using Dollar Tree party decor has turned into the secret weapon for hosts who want stylish, vibrant, and creative gatherings without spending a fortune. From tablescapes to party favors, this one-stop shop lets you get bold with your celebrations while keeping your budget in check. Whether you’re planning dinosaur, mermaid, or unicorn birthday party, you can create eye-catching decor by mixing Dollar Tree finds with a little bit of personal flair—proving that every dollar counts.
Unleash Curiosity with 67 Simple Science Experiments for Kids
Kids have a natural talent for science, and honestly, it shows every time spaghetti hits the wall or bubbles flood the tub. If you’re hunting for easy and memorable activities, these 67 Science experiments can do with everyday items deliver big on fun with zero stress. Picture baking soda volcanos fizzing bright, or milk swirling with food coloring in wild patterns—simple supplies, big wow-factor. These experiments blend play with learning, perfect for a spur-of-the-moment afternoon or a polished science fair project. Parents might even be surprised by what they discover, side by side with their kids. It’s hands-on, a little messy, and totally worth it. Want to gather a few materials? You won’t need to run to a specialty store; most of what you need probably sits in your kitchen already.
Get Inspired: 100 Easy Art Projects for Brand New Artists
Milk jugs transform into cozy fairy houses with just a bit of paint and imagination. Sugar cubes click together into tiny towns, taking the place of plastic bricks for a fresh twist on building fun. Some days we all need a spark to start making things with our hands. That’s where this list of 100 arts and crafts projects comes in, full of ideas you can try at home with your kids. Pull out the scissors, glue, and colors, and turn ordinary afternoons into something bright and memorable with these 100 awesome easy art projects for brand new artists.
Ultimate List of 100 Kids’ Birthday Party Themes [All Ages]
Securing perfect birthday party themes is half the battle and all the buzz when it comes to kids’ birthday parties. Think bold color palettes, standout characters, and head-to-toe details lifted straight from your child’s wildest dreams. Whether your little one is obsessed with pink-powered Barbie, Jurassic giants, or something offbeat like outer space disco, every party gets a unique twist. Picture glitzy unicorns, retro video game throwbacks, or anything inspired by pop culture. The right theme isn’t just a backdrop, it’s the heartbeat of the party, setting the vibe and shaping memories. Scroll for a list of 100 party themes that suit tiny tots, tweens, and trend-loving teens alike—plus practical tips to make planning feel effortless.
Spy-Themed Party Games for Kids Who Love Action and Mystery
For our daughter, we took on the ultimate mission—a Secret Agent Birthday Party, sleek and mysterious from start to finish. Think laser mazes across the hallway, fingerprint kits at the entry, and coded clues tucked into every corner. Each child had their own badge, a dossier marked “top secret,” and a hidden stash of spy gear (think sunglasses, invisible ink, the works). Parents got in on the act too, plotting secret handoffs and shadowy drop points behind the cake. Boys and girls teamed up, cracked codes, and chased villains with energy that outlasted the spent confetti. Want to plan your own spy party after-hours at MI6? We’ve put together our favorite spy party ideas, downloads, and party printables—perfect for secret agents in training.
How to Throw an Ocean’s Eleven Style Heist Party [Complete Guide]
Picture it: your kid blows out the candles and tilts his head, eyes wide, asking for a gift you never expected—a Heist-themed birthday party, just like the movies. It sounds easy. Maybe a few spy gadgets, some velvet ropes, fake gold, a dash of Ocean’s 11 mischief. But try finding Heist party gear online. Link after link, you hit ‘sold out’ or dead ends. Pinterest teases with slick mood boards, all style, zero substance. Nothing fits. At that point, you start questioning where Pinterest creators get their party supplies anyway. For us, the search turned into a full-on operation, equal parts online shopping, late-night brainstorming, and a hint of old-school Tom Ford resourcefulness. Because sometimes, the real heist isn’t the party—it’s pulling it off.
Road Trip Fun Starts Here: Download Chic Family Printables
Break up the silence, cue the laughter, and ditch those earbuds. This new free road trip printables scavenger hunt brings the whole car together, no matter how moody your tweens or teens might be feeling. Packed with quirky finds that skip the usual clichés, this list transforms long hours on the highway into a family adventure (think pink tractors, punny bumper stickers, and cows in sunglasses). Suddenly, headphones come off, inside jokes take over, and everyone’s scanning the roadside for the next ridiculous clue. It’s color, chaos, and true connection on four wheels—a subtle nod to family as the boldest trend of all. Download, print, and let the hunt begin.
Ideas for a Summer Bucket List your Kids will Love
Kids count down to summer break for months. When school finally ends, those long days stretch out in front of them like an open field. While some experts, like Dr. Stuart Brown, say a bit of boredom actually sparks creativity, kids can still use a nudge to jumpstart their days (just think of that classic first-week slump where the shine wears off and out comes the “I’m bored” chorus). That’s where a summer bucket list comes in handy. I’ve seen it work with both younger kids and teens—give them a few ideas and suddenly the backyard, kitchen, or even local library feels new again. This list isn’t about rigid plans. It’s more of a menu—a mix of small adventures, creative projects, and simple joys that you can pick from, depending on your mood or the weather. I find that having a list posted on the fridge or tucked in a shared family space helps everyone chip in ideas, swap stories, and maybe even revisit a favorite from last summer.