clothing

Score Deals with Amazon Haul!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I had never heard of Amazon Haul until earlier this week, when a co-worker told me she scored a box of 40 name-brand mechanical pencils for less than $10.

Amazon Haul is Amazon’s take on discount goodies, similar to Temu and Shein. Most everything is $20.00 or less. There is a section at the top of the Amazon Haul page with $1 & under deals! These items are limit 3 per customer.

I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive pencils for work and for my kids, so I had to give it a gander.

Here are a few of the sweet deals I ran across. I separated them by less than $1 and over $1.

In the $1.00 or less category-

Over $1.00, and still a good deal:

And there are thousands more deals in almost every category on Amazon Haul– It is definately worth a peek.

Early 2026 San Diego Clothing Swaps

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kids’ wardrobes (and my own).

And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

Here are just a few Q1 Clothing Swaps in the greater San Diego, CA area:

 

The Good Loop hosts clothing swaps in Southern CA frequently, but has nothing currently planned. I recommend following them on Instagram to stay in the know.

Let’s Go Girls SD also hosts clothing swaps frequently. Check out their Instagram page.

Affected by the 2025 Government Shut Down?

Abby H.

I know there are so many families in San Diego that are affected by the government shutdown. I wanted to post a small roundup to try and help those who may need help with groceries, clothes, or help with paying bills.

Food:

  •  Here is my page about San Diego, CA area food banks, food pantries, and produce distributions. You can also call 211, or visit the 211 website. They have tons of great resources, including information on housing, utility assistance, and transportation.
  • SNAP will continue through the end of October without interruption (SOURCE).
  • Per Reuters, WIC may run short on funding (SOURCE).
  • For those of us with pets, the San Diego Humane Society has a community pet pantry that runs at several of its locations. More information, including hours, can be found here.

Utilities:

  • Need help paying your power bills? SDG&E has several options, based on your situation. Visit their website here for more information on programs such as a medical baseline or low-income.
  • If you need help accessing the internet, Internet for All has resources to help here.
  • Contact your local water municipality for payment options. There are too many to list in San Diego County.

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon from the 12th district of California has a lot of information on her website here. This website is updated frequently as more information becomes available.

Housing:

If you are having financial struggles that affect your ability to pay your rent or mortgage, there are resources available.

  • Homeowners: Contact your mortgage carrier and let them know you are affected by the government shutdown. They may offer forbearances or other programs to help keep you in your home.
  • Renters: CPA Advisor has information and some tips (some of which are interesting) about how to handle the shutdown when rent comes due and you are without a paycheck due to the shutdown.
  • If you are in section 8 housing or receive vouchers for housing, the NAHRO has details and information here.
  • And the National Housing Law Project has information as well.

Insurance: If you are having a hard time paying your insurance (auto, renters, homeowners, etc), check with your insurance carriers.

Vehicle Loans: If you are worried about paying your auto loan during the government shutdown, contact your loan servicer. During previous shutdowns, companies such as Toyota Financial Services offered assistance to those who used their services.

USAA members can learn more about zero-interest loans here.

Clothing, household goods:

  • Closet of 54th helps those in need with clothes. They are open a few times each month. You can find them on Facebook. They are located at the Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA. Contact The Closet at thecloseton54th@gmail.com.
  • Naomi’s Closet is located in Santee, and they provide clothing and toiletries to women in need.
  • Also not strictly clothing-related, but one of my favorite give-back orgs is the Buy Nothing Project. There are chapters all over the US, and we have a few here in San Diego. You would be surprised at how much your neighbors are willing to share.
  • Don’t forget Freecycle.

Looking for School Fundraisers without selling?

Abby H.

I’m a mom of two, and for us, that means a near-constant parade of fundraisers once the first month of school has passed. I usually donate money to the school after I get my first paycheck after school starts.

There is only so much candy, plastic junk, wrapping paper, and spirit wear one family needs. I’ve been conducting research on other fundraisers and have found two possibilities that do not involve selling anything.

Fiber/clothing/rag recycling: There are a few companies that recycle fiber (like yarn or fabric), clothing, and rags (old towels and sheets), and they have fundraising programs.  Here are just a few companies that I have found:

If you are interested in doing a shoe recycling fundraiser:

 

If your school or other non-profit has done either of these, I’d love to hear about how they have worked in the past- Please leave a comment!

Upcoming 2025 Upcoming Clothing Swaps

Abby H.

I love clothing swaps- If you have read my blog, you know it’s one of my favorite ways to refresh the kid’s wardrobes (and my own).

And as always, if you are looking for more information about clothing swaps, check out my post (with other San Diego, CA area resources)  here.

AUGUST 2025

 Thread Bumpin’ Clothing Swap

Saturday, August 2, 2025 3:00 PM to 3:45 PM La Mesita Park 8855 Dallas St · La Mesa, CA

Only the following will be accepted:

  • Clean adult clothes
  • Jewelry
  • Makeup/perfume/beauty goods, accessories
  • Small personal items/decor

All leftover items are distributed to people in need through an NPO.

Crave Community is hosting a clothing swap on August 3rd, from 11am-1pm at San Diego Made Factory 2031 Commercial Street, San Diego, California 92213.

Bring your gently-loved clothes, swap for something new-to-you, and enjoy a welcoming space filled with good vibes and even better company.

More information can be found on their Instagram page here.

Chingona Cambio is hosting their first-ever clothing swap at Chula Vista Bayside Park

999 Bayside Parkway Chula Vista, CA 91910

on August 30th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

More information can be found here.

Tickets may not be available, but according to social media posts by the coordinator of this event, everyone is welcome, regardless of ticketing status.

On 8/16/2025, The Flower Pot is hosting a clothing swap, entry fee is $10. More information here.

 

SEPTEMBER AND BEYOND

In partnership with I Love a Clean San Diego, the San Diego County library branch in La Mesa is hosting a Sustainable Saturday: Clothing Swap on the following dates:

  • Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942
  • Saturday, September 6, 2025 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM La Mesa Branch Library 8074 Allison Avenue La Mesa CA 91942

Bring one bag of unwanted clothes and accessories (for all ages!) to the library and leave with a fresh, new-to-you wardrobe! Items must be in good condition; no rips, tears, or stains.

I find clothing swaps by joining local area clothing swap groups, both through Facebook and Meetup.

Salvation Army $2.99 Sale Today and Tomorrow!

Abby H.

It’s that time again! Today and tomorrow, July 25-26, 2025, is the Salvation Army Semi-Annual $2.99* All Clothing Sale at locations in AZ, CA, CO, HI, NV.

All Red Tag* Clothing Sale $4.99 at the Boutique Sections & Stores.

Perfect for back-to-school shopping!

Find a participating store near you, click here.

 

Tea Collection- Summer Favorites!

Abby H.

** This post also contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I love Tea Collection– They have such cute patterns and designs for kids’ clothes, and they are so well made- perfect for hand-me-downs!

Their new summer line is inspired by the colors and motifs of Brazil, and currently, there are a few coupon codes available that will get you these colorful styles for less.

And if you are looking to save a little more, check out the sale section of their website! With deals starting at $6, there are tons of clothes for every kid in your family, from babies to big kids!

Where do I find good, quality freebies?

Abby H.

I’m always on the lookout for good, quality freebies. What I mean by that is items that have value. Not just monetarily, but items that I will use. That can be anything from free food to a brand new washing machine and dryer.

A lot of of the freebie programs I have used in the past are no longer around (Example Tryit berged with Influenster), so those are not included in my list; however, here are some that I use today and recommend to others.

This list does not include rebate apps or anything where there is any sort of out-of-pocket where you are reimbursed later.

JCPenney All-Star advisors: While this program is around, I don’t think they are currently accepting any new members. I couldn’t find any info online about how to sign up or join their waiting list.

Home Tester Club is pretty cool. They are one of my new favorites. You sign up to review items, and they send you something. A lot of the time, they don’t notify you prior to shipping. you’ll get a package in the mail, and a few days later, you’ll get an email notifying you that you were selected and a link to the survey to complete once you have sampled the product. I’ve received all sorts of great skincare, cosmetics, food, and clothing from Home Tester Club.

Tryazon: The kids and I have been participating in Tryazon events for 5-ish years. We’ve gotten to try all sorts of fun toys, games, organizational products, and food.

Influenster: To get all of the products and free stuff offered by Influenster, you have to download the app.  When they send an offer for a free product, you have to jump on it right away. Their offers go fast! I’ve gotten clothing, cosmetics, perfume, and household appliances through Influenster.

Ripple Street: this company rebranded recently and was previously known as House Party. You can learn about them here. 

Smiley360  is a Word of Mouth (WOM) marketing website. Sign up for campaigns and you will receive samples to use, and coupons to share with friends. Report your sharing and earn points! I’ve received Laundry detergent (full-sized bottles), vitamins, supplements, tampons, and razors in the past.

If you are looking for apps or companies that offer 100% rebates on food, check my post here.

Talk back: What is your favorite website for getting free stuff?

Tea Collection: Summer Fun Sale $15+!

Abby H.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

I love Tea Collection– They have such cute patterns and designs for kids’ clothes, and they are so well made- perfect for hand-me-downs!

Now through 6/23/24, Tea Collection is having its Summer Fun Sale, with styles starting at just $15.00. Dresses, shorts, tops, and even bathing suits, are all on sale! With sizes newborn through 16 kids, there is something for every kiddo in your life.

 

Tea Collection: 20% Off Sitewide!

Abby H.

** This post also contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

It’s that time of year! Tea Collection is back with their 20% off Friends and Family event.

I love Tea Collection’s cute kid’s clothes, especially their dresses. Now through Sunday, April 21, 2024, save 20% sitewide.

Find everything you need for summer at vacation-friendly prices.  I’m picking up a couple of their SPF 50+ bathing suits for my little lady.

If you’ve got a kiddo from newborn-size 12, there are tons of cute pieces of clothing waiting for your kiddos!