deals

Inexpensive Accessories for Back-to-School!

Abby H.

My youngest is a fashionista, and the current obsession is jewelry, specifically bracelets. While we usually make them together, sometimes it’s just easier to have a few on my “order later” list on Amazon and slip a few into the cart.

Here are some of the accessories that I’ve picked up for this year’s back-to-school.

Ornaland Heishi Stretch Bracelets for Women Surfer Stackable Stretch Bracelets 

This is my favorite stack- Right now it’s less than $5.00 for a stack of $8!

If you like wearing the Nazar (evil eye), this next stack is right up your alley.

 

It’s less than $5 for 14 bracelets- that’s a bargain.

 SUPERFINDINGS 14Pcs Heishi Stretch Bracelet Colorful Evil Eye Polymer Clay Stackable Charm Y2K Summer Bracelets

These multi-stack bracelet sets don’t have to be worn together.

We’ve got a bracelet display rack similar to this one, which is perfect for storing bracelets without getting them tangled up.

I also like to pick up bracelet sets for holidays. These are great in a pinch for spirit days, such as:

 

Father Joe’s Villages Food Pantry- Every Friday!

Abby H.

If you are closer to downtown San Diego, this food pantry is a great option for you.

Stop by Father Joe’s Food Pantry every Friday for drive-thru or walk-in pickup at 3350 E Street, San Diego, CA 92102 (rear warehouse of St. Vincent de Paul Village).

This Food Pantry is open from 12pm-2pm every Friday.

Helpful Tip: Bring a basket with wheels, a bike with a basket, or a vehicle to help carry your items. 1 visit per household per day. Service is located at the back of the building—look for the warehouse!

For more free food resources in San Diego, check out my food resource page here. 

August 5-6 Back-to-School Sale with Teachers Pay Teachers!

Abby H.

Download for your TPT Note to Followers - 1200 × 150

Are you a teacher or a homeschooler? This sale is for you!

Teachers Pay Teachers is having its Back-to-School sale from Tuesday, August 5, at 12:01 a.m. ET through Wednesday, August 6, at 11:59 p.m. ET, where you can save up to 25%!

If you are new to TPT, there are numerous great resources available, and some creators offer free content.

 

Back to School Shopping at Kohl’s!

Abby H.

I love shopping at Kohl’s. They have great deals on clothes and home goods.

Between their coupons and sales, their prices are comparable to JCP, and I find that most Kohl’s locations have a better shoe selection than JCP.

My tips for saving at Kohl’s:

  1. If you are a Kohl’s Rewards Member, log on to your account and check your wallet for any coupons before shopping.
  2. Kohl’s has a decent clearance section in-store and online. Usually, their clearance is included in coupons and sales.
  3. One thing I really like about Kohl’s is their buy online, ship to store feature. I also like their buy online, pick up in store.
  4. Most Kohl’s have Sephora locations in the middle of their stores. You can use your Sephora coupons and birthday freebie offers in those locations.
  5. Kohl’s has an incredible toy selection, and their coupons and Kohl’s Cash can be used on toys (restrictions apply, of course), and the Kohl’s Cash I earn with back-to-school shopping can help me offset the cost of holiday gifts/toys.

Save Time and Money with Instacart and $10 off!

Abby H.

I’m not joking- I’ve been saving time and money like a boss with Instacart.

I’ve been using Instacart for about 6 months. Here is my secret: I shop at stores that feature the label “In-Store Prices”, and I select curbside pickup. For me, that’s usually Aldi, but my example pic is Walmart.

I don’t have Instacart+, just plain ol’ regular Instacart.  It’s free, no monthly fee.

How does Instacart save me money?

  1. I only buy what is on my list. I am not cruising the aisles. Nothing else “falls” into my cart.
  2.  No kids with me means I don’t have to say NO to every want and desire. No deviation from the shopping list, no upset kids.
  3. Time=Money. It saves me at least an hour of shopping, bagging, and loading into my car.

And with orders of $50+ the fee is only $1.99, for orders less than $50, the fee is $3.99. Because I’m cheap, I wait until I need $50+ in groceries to order, which is usually every 7-10 days. Spending $1.99 to save at least $20 by sticking to my list, and saving at minimum an hour is a deal in my mind.

Do you use SNAP/EBT?  If you use EBT SNAP to buy groceries at participating stores on Instacart and skip the delivery or pickup fee. New customers enjoy $0 delivery fee* on their first 3 grocery orders. And exclusive for EBT customers, get 50% off Instacart+ for one year**.

*Service fees apply. **Terms apply. More information and details can be found here.

If you are new to Instacart, I’ve got a deal for you! Get $10 off your first Instacart order! Use my code AHEWES1A5 at checkout!  Terms apply.

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.

Back To School Shopping starts at JCPenney!

Abby H.

JCP is THE place we start back-to-school shopping.

From basics like underwear and socks to the perfect First Day of School Outfit, JCPenney’s has been the go-to in my family for generations.

Right now, back-to-school sales are in full swing, and JCP has some great deals.

Whether you shop in-store or online, don’t forget to check out their coupons page here.

And don’t forget their rewards program!

 

7/25/2025 Weekly Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

This week has been a whirlwind of adventures. Today, we are doing some thrift store adventures for porcelain dolls and back-to-school shopping.

Here are a few ways that we will be having fun and being frugal:

  • The Summer Library Reading Program post can be found here.
  • Fun Free Summer Activities for Tweens and Teens here.
  • The Summer Movie Deals can be found here.
  • Don’t forget about Cheap Stuff to do with Tweens and Teens here.
  • Kids Bowl Free is back for 2025- More info here.

I’ve updated my list of freebies for birthdays in 2025, which you can find here.

For free food resources, please refer to my comprehensive list, available here. It is focused on San Diego County, but additional resources are outside my area.

Let’s get onto the Freebies!!

Freebies:

FREE $30 Purchase at DICK’S After Cash Back
100,000+ FREE Labubu Toy Giveaway
FREE Everyone You Love, with Everything You Have Book
FREE Fries Every Week at Burger King
FREE Space Odyssey Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Educational Comic Books, Activity Books, Posters & More
FREE 2pk Fancy Feast Gems
FREE Yankee Candle on August 16th
2 FREE Movie Tickets to She Rides Shotgun
FREE Kinship LittleKin Puppy or Kitten Sample Pack – $200 Value
FREE Earth Animal No Hide Dog Chew
FREE Dermoplast 3-in-1 Medicated First Aid Cloths Sample
FREE Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Fragrance Sample
FREE Ice Cream or Frozen Novelty Treats Every Friday in July
$50 Worth of FREE Books
FREE Shelfy – Fall into Freshness Party Pack
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE LEGO 3-in-1 Parrot Set at Walmart After Cash Back
FREE 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens
FREE $25 Off $25 on Your Next Meal
FREE Kids’ Soccer Ball at Lowe’s on August 2nd
FREE Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Dog Shampoo
FREE Pet Station Craft for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
FREE Lysol Minilabs Science Kits
FREE Cookie This Week at Chick-fil-A

Deals:

Gap Factory 60% Off Clearance + Extra 20% Off Coupon Stack & Free Shipping
Walgreens Photo Coupons & Promo Codes: 50% Off Everything Photo, 50% Off Metal Panels & More
Sandals For The Family Buy 1 Get 2 Free at JCPenney
Touchland Hand Sanitizers Dupes ONLY $3 at Walmart
Mary Ruth Products up to 50% Off on Amazon!
Back To School Sale at Macy’s Up to 60% Off
Shop Lowe’s Scratch and Dent Appliances & Save Up to 50%
Reversible 8-Pc Comforter Sets ONLY $29.93 at Macy’s (Reg $100)
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
Cat and Jack School Uniforms From $6 at Target
Disney Store: 30% Off Back to School Essentials – Prices start at $4.98
Women’s Pajamas From $9.99 at Macy’s
Laundry Coupons: Shop the Laundry Detergent Aisle with These Coupons and Deals
Save Money with Valvoline Coupons: Up to $25 Off
Tag Freehold 5-Piece Softside Luggage Set ONLY $67.99 (Reg $240)
Top 20 Fast Food Deals, Coupons and Promotions Happening NOW
Kids Polo Shirts $5 & Up at The Children’s Place
Get Red Seal Coupons and Save on Smokeless Tobacco
Join and Get 2 Months of FREE Drinks with This Panera Unlimited Sip Club Promo

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.

 

Kids Eat Free at Rubio’s Thursdays in July!

Abby H.

When you join the Rubio’s Rewards Program (download the app found wherever you get apps), you can score a FREE KIDS MEAL every Thursday in July.

Sounds like a pretty decent deal to me, especially if you and your munchkin like Rubio’s!

For Rewards Members Only. Offer valid for one (1) free kids’ meal with purchase of any entrée. Entrées include two taco plates, burritos, salads, bowls, Shrimp Trio, and The Coastal Trio®. Excludes tasting plates and kids’ meals. Not available for third-party delivery orders. Not valid with any other offer or discount. One offer permitted per transaction. Upcharges for extras and premium items may apply. No substitutions. No cash value. Valid at participating restaurants only. Only valid on the following days: 7/3, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24, and 7/31/2025