frugal life

6/12/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.Leave a comment

It’s officially summer break! WOO HOO!

Today is our “day of sloth”. I’m not doing much- just catching up on laundry, making cookies, and doing some blogging.

I  updated my birthday freebies for 2026- You can find the post 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 Frazil Slushies every Friday in June!
FREE Full-Size Pure & Cimple Serum, Night Oil or Moisturizer
FREE Go Kart Workshop at Home Depot
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Red Bull at Love’s Travel Stops – Today Only
FREE Sample of Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris Gentle Fluidity Fragrance
The Best Birthday Freebies and Free Stuff for Seniors
The Best Baby Registry Websites — Get Baby Freebies and Must-Haves
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
FREE Starbucks Sweet Cream Now At Home Chatterbuy or House Party Kit
FREE Tea at McAlister’s Deli on July 16th
Get The Top 17 Free Baby Boxes in 2026: Walmart, Target, Amazon
FREE Sample of Chomps Original Chicken
FREE Bottle of Oh Yuk Wall & Baseboard Cleaner
FREE Sample of TERPS PLUS Fertilizer Enhancer
Free Chick-fil-A Birthday Item Every Year
Get Started on Your Wellness Goals with Free Supplement Samples
FREE Clear Whey Protein Kits on June 17th & June 21st
How to Get Free Beauty Samples Without Spending a Dime
FREE $25 Purchase at Old Navy After Cash Back
FREE L’Occitane Amande Sublime Resurfacing Body Serum
How I Get Free Samples with Free Shipping
FREE Full-Size Pura Self Organic Hair Growth Oil
Get Your Free Teeth Whitening Samples: A Brighter Smile Awaits
2 FREE Movie Tickets to Young Washington
FREE Limited Edition Tote Bag for National Outlet Shopping Day
Free Chick-fil-A: The Chick-fil-A Hacks You Need to Know – Yes, It Includes FREE Chicken!
FREE IMMORTAL Wellness Shot at Sprouts
FREE Sample of Cat Years Lickable Treats
FREE Sample of L’Oreal Age Perfect Le Duo Serum
FREE Heelys PR Box
FREE Pollinator Flower Seed Packet from National Geographic
FREE Gamer Supps GG Energy Sample Pack
FREE $30 on Select Categories at Target
FREE Lunar Lemonade at Planet Smoothie on June 21st
FREE Froyo for Dads at TCBY on June 21st
FREE LEGO Disney Sunglasses, Activity Booklet Giveaway & More at Target

Deals

How to Buy Unclaimed Packages for $1 From Amazon, Walmart and More (And Save Up to 80%)
Michaels Coupons: Our Favorite Coupons for 40% Off & More Deals
Babylist Universal Baby Registry: The Only Baby Registry You Need
Tzumi Puree Warming Coffee Mug ONLY $29.99 at Macy’s (Reg $58)
3-Speed Vinyl Record Player ONLY $37.99 on Amazon (Reg $60)
What Is a Raincheck at the Grocery Store & How To Use Them?
Women’s Sandals Starting at $16 at JCPenney
Nostalgia 32-Ounce Heated Electric Lunch Box ONLY $19.99 (Reg $35)
DEWALT 20V MAX 2-Tool Power Tool Combo Kit ONLY $169 (Reg $249)
Wonder Nation Backpacks ONLY $4.97 at Walmart
DAKIMOE Weekender Bag ONLY $10 at Walmart (Reg $19)
Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Upright Vacuum ONLY $98 at Walmart (Reg $179)
Urban Outfitters Satin Mini Dress ONLY $9.95 (Reg $69)
Carote 22-Piece Ceramic Cookware Set ONLY $39.99 (Reg $90)

May 2026 Monthly Side Quest Totals!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Quests require compasses and treasure chests, right?Why am I referring to them as “quests” and not “hustle“?

Hustling indicates moving quickly to earn money. This year, I’m doing a little bit every day, approximately 20 minutes on small surveys and small tasks. I may earn less daily, but overall, I can use small tasks to earn more through compounding.

Here are the ways I earned money besides my “9-5”. This month was a little bit better than last month

  • MyPoints:  $15 Amazon Gift Cards
  • PaidViewPoint:  $10.19 Venmo
  • G2:  $20 Amazon Gift Cards
  • Fetch:  $10 Amazon Gift Cards
  • Rebates (WeStock, Peekage, Social Nature, and Aisle ):  $17.26 between  Social Nature and Aisle.
  • Receipt Hog: $5.00 Amazon Gift Card
  • Class action lawsuits (I use SettleMate to help me find ones that I might qualify for): $23.10 (
  • Evidation: $10 via Venmo
  • BrandClub:  $12.00
  • TPT (I make worksheets/flashcards in my spare time for special ed classrooms). This side quest is definitely a slow trickle of money. I spent a lot of time over the summer making/uploading educational materials to my TPT account. $23.70
  • Veralight: $20 via Venmo
  • OhmConnect: $3.18

As always, the links above may be affiliate links, and I might earn money or points if you join any of the above apps or activities. This helps support my blog and family.

If you are interested in my full list of money-saving/money earning activites, I encourage you to check out:

2026 Summer Fun with Kids on a Budget

Abby H.Leave a comment

Today is the last Monday of school for my little kid.

I know a lot of you have kids who are out of school already, and you may be wondering how you can keep them busy without going broke.

I’ve got some things planned- different from other years, now that my posse is older. Here are some of the ways we’re having fun and staying cool.

Kids Bowl Free (only my younger kid qualifies, but it’s still a great program).

Summer Reading Programs. Between the City and County libraries, and Bookit, it’s going to be awesome!

Discount Summer Movies– It’s all second-run movies, but some of these are my kids’ favorites. Plus movie theatre popcorn and AC!

Balboa Park still offers Free Tuesdays at various museums in the park. If you or your kids have an EBT card, check out Museums for All. 

Both the City of San Diego and County of San Diego Library systems have fun events planned for kids and adults.  Some of the events my gang is looking forward to:

If you are looking to beat the heat and need something free, check out the Waterfront Park downtown. They have a great splash pad area for kids, a really fun playground, and a big grassy area for picnics. The only downside is the lack of shade trees.

There are a bunch of municipal pools in San Diego that have open swim times, and a couple that have splash pads!

If you are looking for free summer food for kids and families, check out my post here. 

And beyond that, if you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.

Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events for June & July!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I’m all about fun, free (and cheap) summer 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 June 13, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, and kids can create a Super Hero Plaque.

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

On July 11, 2026, from 11 AM to Noon, kids can come create a bug or safari animal magnet.

Kids aren’t the only ones who get something.  Parents/Adults score a 10% off coupon, which can be combined with another coupon. JCP Coupons can be found here.

JCPenney hosts a fun craft event in-store for kids on the second Saturday of each month.  They are easy for kids and a fun, free activity.

While you are there, make sure to join their Rewards Program. There are a lot of great benefits, and it’s free to join. I do a lot of our shopping at JCP. They are very size-inclusive, have great prices/sales, and support diversity in the communities in which they are located.

In-store events are only where local mandates allow.  All kids must be accompanied by an adult.

2026 Summer Lunch Programs for Kids (And Other Free Food Resources in San Diego)

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I’m back with as many free summer lunch resources as I could find for 2026! I’ve been finding these resources and posting them for 7+ years. I hope these resources stretch your summer budget.

Y’all know I love to keep everyone’s kids fed.

The San Diego Unified School District has partnered with the San Diego Parks and Recreation to have food available at neighborhood schools and Recreation centers throughout the city of San Diego. The complete list of locations can be found here. Times vary by location.

Feeding San Diego has a list of locations in San Diego County offering free food for kids 0-18 here.

Feeding San Diego has many other programs to help families and individuals all over San Diego County. You can learn more about all of their programs here.

Lunch at the library: The City of San Diego library has two locations participating; more information and hours/times can be found here.

County of San Diego library locations include Ramona, Casa de Oro, and Spring Valley. Check to see if your county library branch is participating here.

Lunch at the Park is hosted by several libraries throughout the City of San Diego!

To find schools near you participating in free summer lunches for kids, the California Department of Education website has a map for the entire state of CA, separated by County with free lunch locations for children.

And if you are low-income or meet certain requirements, check out California’s Summer EBT program, known as SUN Bucks. Families will get $120 for each eligible child to buy groceries during the summer. SUN Bucks will not affect immigration status. If you have received SUN Bucks previously, make sure your mailing address is current with your school and with the county, so your SUN Bucks are sent to the right place! Most families will begin receiving their SUN Bucks cards in mid-June through August. SUN Bucks Helpline (household inquiries): (877) 328-9677

If you need assistance feeding yourself and/or your family beyond these free meals, and you are looking for free and low-cost food resources, check my page here.

FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June

Abby H.Leave a comment

It’s back for 2026! Free Frazil Friday! If you aren’t familiar, a Frazil is a cold slushy drink available at gas stations and convenience stores nationwide.

Every Friday in June, you can score a free Frazil Slushy drink at a convenience store near you. To find your local participating location, click the link here. Many Jackson’s locations have Frazil machines.

If you are wondering about flavors, here is a complete list- most locations only have 2-3 flavors.

Lemonberry
Smashberry
Pina Colada
Orange Cream
Tiger’s Blood
Simply Mango
Blue Razzmatazz
Georgia Peach
Green Apple
Lemon Ice
Tangerango
Horchata
Lemonberry
Root Beer Float
Wildberry
Bermuda Triangle
Rock N’ Roll
Limonade
Smashberry
Pina Colada

This is a great summer freebie to add into your weekly rotation of freebies and deals in June!

Tryazon- Bring home the fun with a Messy Table Game Night

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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!

Bring a new lineup of great games home with this Tryazon Featured Party opportunity, from Messy Table Games! Founded by Eric Olsen, the game designer behind Flip 7 and Glyphics, and his longtime friend Jeff Argast, Messy Table Games brings fun, new games to your table. Tally Up! is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn game where every player decides how far to push their luck. A Lotta Axolotls is a one-of-a-kind card game. Booty Dice is another fast-paced game where you aim to be the last pirate standing!

They have 50 hosting spots open for this opportunity! Those selected get to receive a party pack for free with a variety of games from Messy Table Games to share with friends and family!

 

Learn more and apply here: https://www.tryazon.com/messy-table-game-night-party/

Enjoy Reading Magazines? Magazine Deals No Credit Card Required!

Abby H.Leave a comment

I love reading, and I love magazines, but they are so expensive. bPerx has a treat for all of us!

Once I’m done reading them, I collect them for a friend who does collages as part of her therapy practice. These magazines are perfect for collages too!

Ready to Claim Your Magazine Gifts? We just need a little info to get your gifts ready. No credit card required. The following subscriptions are gifts from bPerx.

Fine Print: US only, not available for Minnesota addresses. Users must be of age 18+ with a valid USA postal address and a valid email address.

I’ll be posting more offers like this as I find them!

World Market Explorer Members- Free Mystery Gift this Weekend!

Abby H.Leave a comment


To celebrate the new Asian Market inside World Market, Explorer Members can receive a mystery gift today and tomorrow with any purchase- Make sure you check your email or your Explorer account on the World Market website.

I’m headed over there this afternoon. I’ve been craving digestive biscuits, and it’s the only place in town I can get them.

5/30/2026 Weekend Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.Leave a comment

As most of us with kids get ready for the final stretch of the school year, I’m looking forward to having more time to spend with my kids this summer- and of course blogging!

This week, there are some pretty great freebies and deals. If you are going out, make sure to bookmark this post so you don’t forget anything!

I  updated my birthday freebies for 2026- You can find the post 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!

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 $30 Purchase at Lowe’s After Cash Back
FREE Sample of Pedigree Pouches Dog Food & Drizzlers Savory Sauce
The Ultimate Guide to Free Toothpaste Samples
FREE Pure Leaf Iced Tea
FREE Caudalie Beauty Elixir Sample Pack
FREE Netflix Family Magazine, Stickers & More
FREE Butterfly Bookmark Crafting Event at Lakeshore Learning
FREE Sample of Café Cielo Negro Coffee
FREE Water-Resistant Pouch Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Huel Daily Greens Drink 12-Pack, FREE T-Shirt + FREE Shipping
FREE Big Q Drink at QuikTrip
Unlock Your Wellness Journey with Free Nutrition Samples: Try Before You Buy
FREE Smile Creature Starter Pack – Keychain, Stickers & More
FREE TENA for Men Sample Pack
FREE INITIO Parfums Privés Carnal Blends Collection Fragrance Samples
FREE Pack of Sliced Cheese at Stop & Shop
FREE Set of Fishing Hooks
FREE Entree at Chick-Fil-A Cow Appreciation Day
FREE Sample of Pink Zebra Fragranced Wax Melts
FREE Burt’s Bees Garden Party Lip Balm 4-Pack at Walmart
46 Companies That Send Free Products to Review in 2026
FREE Betty Buzz Sparkling Soda
FREE Sample of Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI
FREE Sample of La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum
FREE Phyla Acne Products
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
1 Million FREE Cans of Friskies Cat Food Giveaway
FREE Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Fragrance Sample
FREE Wendy’s Merch Every Wednesday at 3pm ET
FREE Goalie Game Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Krispy Kreme Donuts for A’s on Report Cards
Have a Crumbl Cookie Birthday with a Free Gourmet Cookie! Here’s How.
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
Take a Sip! Discover How You Can Get Free Drinks

Deals:

Anthropologie Dupes That Will Meet Your Style & Your Budget
Eucerin Sunscreen Lotion ONLY $6 on Amazon (Reg $16) + Free Shipping
Cottonelle 336-Count Flushable Wipes ONLY $7.90 (Reg $16)
Top Red Lobster Daily Specials Seafood Lovers Don’t Want to Miss
Prime Members Save 20¢ Per Gallon on Gas – Every Friday!
Top Subway Hacks for a Tastier and Cheaper Meal
Onlyone Sonic Electric Toothbrush ONLY $8.99 on Amazon (Reg. $17.98)
The Best Handbag, Purse & Clutch Deals on Sale: Michael Kors, Kate Spade, MKF Collection & Coach Up to 80% Off
Perlecare 4 Inch Queen Mattress Topper ONLY $39.98 (Reg $100)
Charmin Essentials Toilet Paper 6 Mega Rolls ONLY $4.73 Shipped (Reg $8)
Keurig K-Mini Mate Coffee Maker ONLY $59.99 at Target (Reg $80)
The Best Amazon Snack Deals to Scoop Up NOW
All The Best Subway Coupons and Promo Codes: New for May 2026
Father’s Day Gifts as low as $3 at Target – Free Store Pickup!
10×10 Pop-Up Canopy Tent ONLY $69 at Walmart + Free Shipping!
Aerie: Up to 80% Off Clearance – Sweaters, T-Shirts, Skirts & More | Prices From $9.99
Crocs Clearance at Walmart – Prices From $14.99
Art & Cook 8-Pc Round Nesting Bowl Set as low as $9.93 (Reg $30)
Inflatable Pools as low as $9.92 at Walmart
Yaheetech 3-Piece Patio Bistro Set ONLY $99 (Reg $169)