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8/6/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.Leave a comment

This week was so busy- appointments, fun adventures, and a mountain of laundry.

We’re on the downward slide to the first day of school!

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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

Freebies:

1 Million FREE Dunkin’ Refreshers on August 10th
Free Birthday Stuff in 2026: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Nimrods
FREE Sample of La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer
FREE $25 to Spend at Old Navy
FREE Air Wick Plug-In Scented Oil Warmer Device After Walmart Cash
FREE ARM & HAMMER Power Sheets Chatterbuy Kit
Kids Bowl FREE All Summer
Don’t Miss this Sam’s Club Membership Deal – a Half-Price Membership!
FREE Dragon Herbs Sample Pack + FREE Shipping
FREE Sample of Fancy Feast Gems
FREE ICEE on August 18th
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
The Ultimate Guide to Free Toothpaste Samples
FREE Full-Size Oh No Flo Menstrual Cramp Soothing Oil
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
FREE Whopper at Burger King
FREE SmartGames IQ Puzzles Party Pack
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits

Deals

Flash Sale: Up to 70% Off Women’s Shoes, Handbag and More at Macy’s
Sam’s Club Membership Benefits: Tips and Tricks to Save More at Sam’s Club
Top 43 Restaurants with Senior Discounts: Updated 2026
Lululemon Factory Outlet Stores – Your Favorite Brand at a Fraction of the Cost!
10 School Supplies to Get at Walmart.com to Avoid the Crowds
Back to School Sale on Amazon as low as $0.50
Petco Sale – Buy 3, Get 1 FREE All Dog Treats & Chews
Maximize Your Home Improvement Savings with the MyLowe’s Rewards Program
Farberware Disney 3-Piece Nonstick Mickey Head Cake Pan Set ONLY $19.34 (Reg $43)
wet n wild Enhance and Define Megawear Mascara ONLY $2.00 (Reg $4.00)
JoyJolt Disney Winnie the Pooh 4-Piece Drinking Glasses ONLY $23.99 (Reg $50)
Juicy Couture 4-Pc Viva La Travel Size Eau De Parfum Gift Set ONLY $25 (Reg $50)
Semi-Annual Intimates at Kohl’s – $29.99 & Under + Coupon!
Kids Shoes 30% Off at Target
Looking For An Alternative to Crocs? Check Out These Knock Off, Fake Crocs at the Lowest Prices
How to Coupon at Target (SO many EASY Ways to Save Even More At Target!)
Subway BOGO Deal: New Subway Coupons for August
The Children’s Place – Up to 77% Off All Shorts
What’s the Best Time to Go to Costco for Hassle-Free Shopping?
JCPenney Home Sale – Up to 50% Off + Extra 30% Off w/ Coupon
Kids & Baby Sale at Old Navy: Deals & Steals From $6
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day 3-Pack ONLY $8.98 Shipped on Amazon (That’s $2.99 Each!)
Toys Clearance at Walmart as low as $4.97 (Reg $10)

Tryazon- SmartGames IQ Puzzles Party!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I’ve been a fan of Tryazon for about 7 years. It’s an amazing company that works with manufacturers of toys, games, food, and recreational/sporting goods. Manufacturers supply their goods to consumers to try out and review for free.

The kids and I have received toys, games, craft kits, and art supplies to test and have fun with.

Right now, Tryazon has a fun toy sampling opportunity to apply for!

 

Test your logic IQ with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from SmartGames! 

SmartGames is back with their IQ Deluxe  Logic puzzle games designed for older audiences (14+). Each game comes with a full spectrum of puzzles from easy-starts to expert-level brain workouts to test your logic, planning, and spatial reasoning! Introducing IQ Star, IQ Square, IQ Pentagon, and IQ Circle. Each has 120 challenges for fresh and exciting problem-solving fun!

Tryazon has 100 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack for free with a variety of IQ Deluxe Logic Games to share with friends and family!

Learn more and apply here. 

Walmart: School Supplies starting at .25!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I know we just finished school and there is a vast ocean of time before we need to buy supplies; however, Walmart has already dropped the prices on classroom supplies.

Seriously, from Crayola markers, to pencils, Filler paper, spiral-bound notebooks, highlighters, and crayons. I’ve already placed my order!

And if you aren’t sure what is going to be on your kids’ back-to-school list, here are a few things that classrooms always need:

  • Glue sticks
  • Erasers– the ones that go on the end of pencils are always a hit with my kids. The large pink ones usually end up getting stabbed with pencils and not used as erasers. I have no idea why.
  • Pencils- Ticonderoga are the best pencils. They cost a little more, but they last longer and don’t break as easily (in my experience).
  • Tissues
  • Disinfecting wipes- The first month back at school is peak illness time. We are all getting to know each other and new germs are popping up left and right.
  • Whiteboard markers – In most classrooms these days, kids have their own whiteboards (in place of scratch paper), so whiteboard markers are a must.

This post contains affiliate links, to learn more about how affiliate links work, check out my disclosure page.

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for August and September!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) activities for kids. JCPenney has two events coming up that fit the bill! Check out these fun, free crafts from JCPenney’s.

Visit the Kids Zone inside JCPenney on August 8, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, and kids can create an axolotl pouch. The Craft includes a pencil pouch, markers, and a small notebook. Great for back to school!

If you are busy that day, there is an event in September!

On September 12, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, kids can come create a cabin picture frame.  This craft includes wood sticks, foam pieces, glue dots, a marker, and a magnet.

7/31/26 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.Leave a comment

In our continuing frugal escapades this summer, today The smaller kid and their friend and I are headed off to SeaWorld. I scored a free educator pass, and Groupon had discount tickets.

I used my MyPoints points from surveys to get a Groupon Gift Card to lower my out-of-pocket.

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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

Freebies:

Free Backpacks and School Supply Round Up (San Diego County)

FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
Sweet Surprises: How to Score Free Chocolate
FREE Ade Electrolyte Drink Mix Sample Pack
FREE Kinder Chocolate Bar After Walmart Cash
FREE LEGO Pokemon Event at Target
Get Free Catalogs by Mail: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Mini Cooler Cup at Lowe’s on August 22nd
FREE GREENIES Original Dog Dental Treats
Starbucks – Free Drink or Food Item During Your Birthday
FREE Corona Sunbrew Juicy Twist Reality TV Watch Party Kit
Free Baby Stuff – Ultimate Guide to Get Free Baby Stuff
FREE Sample of Kiehl’s 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum
FREE Destination Dessert Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Duracell Batteries at Office Depot & Office Max
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Nimrods
FREE IAMS Proactive Health Core Pouch after Walmart Cash
FREE Movie Tickets to The Rivals of Amziah King
FREE Sample of Jean Paul Gaultier Le Beau Narcisse Fragrance
FREE $25 to Spend at Sephora
FREE Samples from The Apothecary Tea
FREE Bimbo Global Race Drawstring Bag, Cooling Towel, Stickers & More
We Rounded Up The Best Free Samples for Men: Check Them Out
FREE Toy Story Woody Action Figure at Walmart
FREE Tillamook Melty Hour Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Sample of YISE Beauty Xtreme Glow Peptide Serum
FREE Crown Royal Military Care Package for Our Troops
We Rounded Up The Best Free Shampoo Samples Online
FREE Mtn Dew Baja Blast Every Time an MLB Player Hits a 420+ ft Home Run

Deals:

Bikes for the Whole Family From $48 at Walmart
Old Spice Aluminum Free Deodorant for Men ONLY $3.43 (Reg $8)
The Children’s Place Graphic Tees ONLY $5 (Reg $13) + FREE Shipping!
Purina Coupons: Save Big on Your Favorite Pet Food from Pro Plan, Purina ONE, Friskies and More
Top 10 Grocery Store Coupons This Week
Back to School Jeans Sale at Carter’s: Buy One Get two Free
Skip Name Brand Products and Save Big with Off-Brand Foods Instead
Swiffer PowerMop Multi-Surface Mop Kit ONLY $16.94 (Reg $30)
Pioneer 40-In LED Full HD (1080p) Smart RoKu TV ONLY $99.99 (Reg $170)
Cooks 6-Qt Stainless Steel Slow Cooker ONLY $26.99 (Reg $60)
Boho Fringe Thatched Tiki Patio Umbrella ONLY $79.99 (Reg $200)
Amazon No-Rush Credits: How to Use Amazon Digital Rewards Effectively
Get Senior Discounts at These 13 Grocery Stores in 2026
Carote 5-Piece Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Cooking Pot Set ONLY $21.99 (Reg $80)
LOCO 2-Burner Classic Flat Top Grill/Griddle ONLY $99 Shipped (Reg $298)

French Onion Beans- Easy High Fiber Meal!

Abby H.

I’ve seen this recipe all over social media. I watched a few videos and rummaged through my pantry. Here is my version. It’s simple and so tasty!

French onion beans

Ingredients

  • Two onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil or oil from sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder or 2 tablespoons garlic from a jar
  • 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2  teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
    Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 15-ounce cans, cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 3/4 cup half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup grated Italian cheese blend

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, add butter and oil.
  2. Once the butter and oil are melted and combined, add onions and sauté on low for about 10 minutes until onions become translucent.
  3. Add garlic/garlic powder, tomatoes, paprika, thyme, and stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally for 25 to 35 minutes. Onions will become thick and jammy, and will continue to become translucent and lightly brown around the edges.
  5. Over medium heat, add beans, half-and-half, and cheese.
  6. Uncover and allow to cook for 5 to 10 minutes until it is melting and bubbly.
  7. Serve with crusty Italian bread, sourdough, or crackers of your choice.

These beans stay good in the fridge 3-4 days, however, they will not last that long. They are soo rich and smooth. And very filling,

You can make this recipe vegan by using dairy-free butter substitute, coconut milk, and dairy-free cheese.

7/24/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

Comic Con is this weekend, and while the littler and I aren’t going, the big guy is going with his dad on Sunday.

The rest of the week is full of gym visits, swimming at night, and playing video games during the day to avoid the heat. I’m so tired of it being hot and humid.

The love affair with shaved ice continues… If you are looking for a good electric shaved ice machine, this is the one. 

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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

Freebies:

Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
FREE GREENIES Dental Chew Treats
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
FREE Internet for 5 Years and a FREE Hotspot for Students
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, Night Cream and Neck & Face Roller
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
FREE Coffee Mate Situation-Sip Mixed Fruit Flavored Creamer on July 27th
FREE Lunchables Snackables Chatterbuy Kit
FREE Febreze Fabric Refresher After Walmart Cash
We Rounded Up The Best Free Stuff for Senior Citizens: 20+ Freebies
Get Free Seeds for Your Garden
FREE Sample of Halo Holistic Dog Food
Free Charburger at The Habit Burger Grill for Your Birthday
FREE Whopper at Burger King with the Whopper Guarantee
FREE e.l.f. Hair Collection Event at Target
Sign up for a Free Healthy Snack Box
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE Wireless Zone & TCC Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Kids Eat Free: Big List Of Verified Restaurants Where Kids Can Eat For Free
3 FREE Boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese Restaurant Edition
FREE Sample Pack of Saba Pads or Liners
FREE Moonpig Greeting Card + FREE Shipping
FREE Sample of Thayers Hydrating Milky Cleanser
Get Free Travel Guides: No Credit Card Needed
FREE Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Food Storage Set at Walmart
FREE Tree Hut x Lisa Frank Sugar Scrub at Target After Cash Back
FREE Maison Aurélle Designer-Inspired Fragrance Sample
FREE Pure Leaf Mental Focus Iced Tea
FREE 8×10 Photo Print at Walgreens

Deals:

Subway BOGO Deal: New Subway Coupons for July and August
Up to 30% Off Sandals at Target
P&G brandSAVER Coupons: Get Digital & Printable Coupons From Your Favorite P&G Brands
Kate Spade Gemini Mini Bag ONLY $69 (Reg $189)
Get The Latest Upside Promo Codes: Instant Discounts & Cashback
Craftsman 5-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum ONLY $39.88 (Reg $70)
Bogg Bag Accessories on SALE – Score Phone Holders, Dividers & More | Prices Start at $5.99
Moving? Sign up for these RARE Coupons
Reebok Back to School Sale: Up to 40% Off + Extra 50% Off Sale Styles
Huge Walmart Furniture Clearance – Prices From $19.60
Elmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks 30-Pack ONLY $7 on Amazon
Victoria’s Secret Sale – New Coupons, Freebies & Deals on Panties, Bras, & More as low as $2.99
Eureka Max Swivel Deluxe Upright Vacuum ONLY $49.86 (Reg $90)
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer 3-Qt ONLY $31.97 (Reg $50)
Save on 12-Pack Coca-Cola & Pepsi with These New Soda Deals For as Low as $0.33/Can
Disney Store: 20% Off Back to School & Sleepwear Orders of $60+
Ninja 10-in-1 Everyday PossibleCooker Multi-Cooker ONLY $66 at Walmart + Free Shipping!
Blink Wired Floodlight Camera ONLY $29.99 (Reg $100)
Lenox Butterfly Meadow Melamine 4-Piece Bowl Set ONLY $9.35 (Reg $21)
Spider Man Toy Organizer ONLY $14 (Reg $35)
Home Expressions Bath Towels From $3.24 at JCPenney (Reg $12)
3-Piece Comforter Sets as Low as $19.99 (Reg $80)

7/17/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

This is the point in the summer when the kids are bored, I’m bored, and there isn’t a ton of money left in the budget.  We’re looking for a bunch of fun free events, and I may have found some!

The love affair with shaved ice continues… If you are looking for a good electric shaved ice machine, this is the one. 

My Birthday Freebie list can be found here. The list mostly offers what you can find in Southern California.

If you live outside Southern California, check out this list: Free Birthday Stuff: Get The Best 100+ Freebies on Your Birthday!

Looking for some summer fun for you and the kids? Here is my list of frugal fun activities in San Diego County.

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

Freebies:

FREE Sample of Puppy’s First Shampoo
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Sample of Miles of Moisture Cocoa Body Butter
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Young Washington
FREE Toys R Us Play Day Event on July 18th
FREE Full-Size Snoot to Toot Digestive Chews for Dogs
FREE Starbar EZ Trap Fly Trap
FREE Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie Workshop Event for Kids at Lowe’s
Free Perfume Samples You Can Get Right Now
Text for $10 Off at Lane Bryant = FREE Item
Easy Ways To Get Free Men’s Cologne Samples
FREE Sample of Moroccanoil Lumiere du Jour Eau de Parfum
FREE simplyFUEL Fueling Families Party Pack
FREE Vacation Classic SPF 50 Lotion at CVS After Cash Back
FREE Full-Size STUCK SOAP Dog Shampoo
FREE Red Barn Creamery Premium Butter Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Blue Buffalo Nudges & True Chews Minis Chatterbox Kit
Take a Sip! Discover How You Can Get Free Drinks
FREE Carando Meatballs
FREE Jose Cuervo Margarita + Win $1,500
How to Score Free Feminine Hygiene Products and Save on Essentials
7 Weeks of FREE School Supplies at Staples
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE Hot Dog at QuikTrip
Free Full-Size Products from Home Tester Club
FREE Box of Jelly Drops
FREE Sample of CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo
FREE $20 Purchase at Ulta After Cash Back
How to Score Free P&G Samples Like a Pro
National Ice Cream Day Freebies and Deals on July 19th
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
$1 Million in FREE Chipotle on July 19th
FREE Sample of IAMS PROACTIVE HEALTH Wet Pouch Dog Food
FREE Sample of TEMPTATIONS Cat Treats
FREE Week of Smoothies at Tropical Smoothie Cafe
FREE Coffee Mate Situation-Sip Mixed Fruit Flavored Creamer on July 20th & 27th

Deals:

Up to 70% Off Men’s Suits, Blazers and More at Macy’s
Birkenstock Coupons & Promo Codes: Up To 20% Off HOT Birkenstock Sandals
Mechanical Pencil Set with Case ONLY $5.39 (Reg $9)
Step Into and Step Out In These Golden Goose Dupes
Disney The Big One Minnie Mouse Buddy & Throw ONLY $12.59 (Reg $35)
Radio Flyer 3-in-1 All-Terrain EZ Fold Wagon w/ Canopy ONLY $90 (Reg $168)
Dream On Me Flora Baby Bassinet ONLY $63 (Reg $175)
PowerXL Vortex Pro Air Fryer ONLY $49.99 (Reg $120)
Women’s Boots as low as $6.71 at Walmart
Amazon Haul Sale: Tech & Gadgets From $3 on Amazon
Travelhouse 4-Piece Luggage Set ONLY $89.98 (Reg $200)
CVS Photo Coupons & Promo Codes – 65% Off Drinkware, 65% Off Posters & More
Armani 2-Pc. Acqua di Giò Eau de Toilette Gift Set ONLY $25 (Reg $50)
Get Red Seal Coupons and Save on Smokeless Tobacco
Wayfair 72-Hour Clear-Out Sale Is Live: The Best Cheap Finds for Your Home
Dad Gang Co. Discount Codes – 20% Off, $10 Credit & More
How to Stack Coupons on SHEIN + Coupon Hacks (Save Up to 80%)
How to Coupon: An In-Depth Beginner’s Guide to Couponing
Up to 70% Off Women’s Dresses at Old Navy – Prices Starting at $5.99
COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ONLY $5.00 on Amazon (Reg $14)
Home Expressions Microfiber Sheet Set as low as $9 (Reg $35)

7/17/2026 All-Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair!

Abby H.

It’s back! If you have special needs kids in your life, you need to check out this FREE community event with interactive booths, games, resources, crafts, prizes, and shopping for families of all ages and abilities!

 

What: All Inclusive Day of Play & Resource Fair

When: Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center, 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, 92126.

This free community event is an amazing day for families to have fun, connect, and explore helpful resources together, brought to you by the Special Needs Resource Foundation.

What’s planned for the day:

  • Family resources for every stage, from infancy through adulthood
  • Activity stations
  • Prizes
  • Crafts
  • Character meet and greets
  • Networking
  • Shopping
  • Games
  • Free parking
  • And More!

Activity stations include favorites: Mini Golf Course, Padres Pitching Challenge, Super Hero City Speedway, Elmo’s Sensory Station, a Wicked Photo Op, Minecraft Fort, and more!

Character meet and greets: Say hello to Princess Elsa, Buddy the Elf, and other beloved characters at this fun-filled event.

Family resources and networking: Resource and service providers will be on-site to answer questions and share helpful information with all parents and caregivers. Visit our new Transition to Adulthood area to connect with organizations that support teens, young adults, adults, and their families. Be sure to pick up a copy of Flourishing Families at the Special Needs Resource Foundation booth.

ShopAble Bazaar: Stop by to browse and buy amazing products and valuable services from business owners with disabilities, which is located in the Transition to Adulthood area.

Sensory Time: From 11 to 11:30 a.m., families who need a quieter environment can enjoy the event with just one opening announcement and no music to create a calm atmosphere.

Freebies and Deals- 7/20 is National Ice Cream Day!

Abby H.

National Ice Cream Day is next week!! I recommend that you download any apps required for these deals at least 1 day prior to ensure that you have the app and are all signed up for any clubs or offers. Not all of these offers are available in my specific area, but I included them because I have readers outside of San Diego.

From July 13-19, DQ Rewards members can score the classic treat with any $1 purchase made through the DQ App. https://news.dairyqueen.com/announcements/details/2026/DQ-Celebrates-National-Ice-Cream-Day-All-Week-Long-with-Free-Dilly-Bars/default.aspx

Dipping’ Dots: Dippin’ Dots is giving away FREE mini cups of Dippin’ Dots (any flavor!) during a two-hour window at their franchise locations. Find your closest location here.

Baskin-Robbins: Baskin-Robbins Rewards members can get 31% off scoops on July 31, 2026, at participating shops. Waffle cones, toppings, sundaes, and delivery orders are excluded.

Marble Slab Creamery: Download their app because on July 20, loyalty members will receive a free small Ice Cream offer, valid for seven days. Find your closest location here.

Del Taco: From July 17 – 19, Del Yeah! Rewards members can get BOGO free regular shakes at Del Taco for National Ice Cream Day.

And while there are no deals right now, check the following apps in the days before the 20th for possible freebies and deals: McDonald’s, Jack in the Box, Wendy’s, and Yogurtland.

And if you want to make your own ice cream at home, you can find my recipe here. It’s very easy, and you can make it your own with a few tweaks!