san diego

8/29/26 Free Teacher Supply Event (San Diego, CA)!

Abby H.Leave a comment

If you are a San Diego, CA area teacher, check out this awesome free event!

Date: August 29, 2026

Time: TBD

Address: 1069 Graves Ave. Suite 100, El Cajon, CA 92021
Stock up for the new school year — for free! ECS Federal Credit Union is hosting a Teacher Supply Drive exclusively for ECS member educators. Gather supplies for your classroom, enjoy some bites, WIN AMAZING RAFFLE PRIZES, and explore resources from vendors and partners!
All supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Selection may vary.

Fall 2026 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). Now that the kids have grown into adult-sized clothing, I’m always looking for a good swap that will have clothes in all of our sizes.

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 the Fall 2026  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.

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

Abby H.

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.

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

Abby H.1 Comment

It’s that time of year- Back to school is looming. School supplies and backpacks are getting more expensive. However, there are several opportunities in the San Diego, CA area for free backpacks, school supplies, and even free haircuts for kids at selected events. For more information about each event, click the links or images (they are linked to the events).

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.

Back 2 School Jam – Spring Valley School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Spring Valley Gymnasium, 838 Kempton St, Spring Valley, CA 91977
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –1:30 PM

 NAACP’s 24th Annual Back 2 School Stay in School Rally
MiraCosta College (Clock Tower Area), 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:30 AM –12:30 PM

Buddy’s Backpacks is WILDLY popular here in East County. It starts at 9am, but last year, when we drove by at 8 am, there were already over 200 people in line. If you are dedicated to attending this event, consider arriving very early.

Backpack & School Supplies Giveaway
Radiant Life Church, 10060 Carmel Mountain Road, San Diego, 92129
Sat, August 1, 2026 10:00 AM –12:00 PM

Southern Indian Health Council – Back to School Bash
Golden Acorn Casino & Travel Center, 1800 Golden Acorn Way, Campo, CA 91906
Sat, August 1, 2026 11:00 AM –2:00 PM
CCAE is in Central Escondido, CA. This is a newer event, and they have supplies for 200 students. There will be backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and more. 

Back 2 School Jam – Lakeside.  School supplies, backpacks,  and resources.
Lakeside Teen/REC Center, 9911 Vine St, Lakeside, CA 92040
Fri, August 7, 2026 3:00 PM –6:00 PM

 

 

 

 

 

Super Saturday | CSAM ’26 Community Event Backpacks, school supplies, and resources.
County of San Diego Child Support Services, 3666 Kearny Villa Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Sat, August 8, 2026 9:00 AM –1:00 PM

Backpack Giveaway and Family Resource Fair
The O’Farrell Charter School (outdoors lower lot), 6130 Skyline Dr, San Diego, CA 92114
Sat, August 8, 2026 8:00 AM –10:00 AM

Talk Back: If you know of other similar events, please leave a comment!

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)

6 Weeks of FREE School Supplies at Staples

Abby H.

It says 7 weeks, but the first week has already passed.

Enjoy 6 weeks of FREEBIES with Staples! From now through September 12th, Staples is offering a series of weekly freebies with a qualifying purchase, both in-store and online.

Plus, find classroom essentials as low as 25¢ all season long!  Available in-store and online.

Here’s the freebies:

  • July 12-18th: Free Astrobright Solar Spark colored paper (100 sheets)
  • July 19-25th: Free Sharpie S-Gel pens (2-pack)
  • July 26-August 1st: Free Post-it Pop-up Notes Dispenser
  • August 2-8th: Free Eccolo Password Journal
  • August 9-15th: Free Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens (2-pack)
  • August 23rd (Sunday Only): Free NeeDoh Groovy Glob
  • September 6-12th: Free Staples Tote Bag

About Staples Rewards: Staples Rewards is a free loyalty program that lets members earn points and cash back on purchases made in-store, online or through the Staples app. Members earn 1 point per $1 spent, with opportunities to double or triple points by selecting bonus categories tailored to their shopping habits. Points can be redeemed at checkout, and active members enjoy perks like exclusive deals, free delivery, and rewards for recycling ink cartridges

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.

7/10/2026 Friday’s Freebies and Deals!

Abby H.

This week I’ve been binge-watching The Pitt and doing what seems like endless laundry.

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 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Bone Broth Boosted Chatterbox Kit
FREE Sample of Cielo Negro Coffee
1 Million FREE Boxes of Betty Crocker Cake Mix
Free Cold Treats & Frozen Drinks to Help You Beat the Heat This Summer 2026
FREE 20 oz. Mountain Dew
National French Fry Day Freebies & Deals Round Up
FREE Shark FlexBreeze Fan
FREE $5 Uber Credit
FREE Food at Select Restaurants on July 14th – Sign Up Now
FREE Hallmark Card Every Month
Get Free Condom Samples Online and In-Person From Your Favorite Brands
FREE Backpack Giveaway at TCC & Wireless Zone Stores
FREE Sample Mail Call for July
FREE Sample of CESAR Mini-Pouch Dog Food
Prime Members Score GrubHub+ FREE ($120 Value a Year)
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
FREE $20 at Dick’s Sporting Goods
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Kinder Chocolate Bar After Walmart Cash
Score a Free Babylist Hello Baby Box Filled with Samples & Full Sized Products
FREE Body Armor Flash IV Strawberry Kiwi at Love’s Travel Stops – Today Only
FREE Karuna All Day Firming Serum – a $23 Value
FREE MyLowe’s Money Day Giveaway at Lowe’s on July 11th & 12th
10 FREE 4×6 Photo Prints at Walgreens from 1-3pm EST
FREE Rocket Game Workshop at Home Depot
FREE Girl Scouts Cookie Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
2 FREE Sliders at Krystal
FREE Boots & Barkley Coloring Sheet Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Dippin’ Dots at Chuck E. Cheese on July 19th
FREE Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm at Sephora After Cash Back
FREE Chomps Nashville Hot Seasoned Chicken Stick
We Rounded Up Our Favorite Free Samples for Women
FREE Mini Cup of Dippin’ Dots on July 19th
FREE Bedsure 100% Cotton Waffle Weave Duvet Cover
FREE Medium Waffle Fries at Chick-fil-A
FREE $15 at Walgreens After Cash Back
FREE Box of Banza Pasta After Walmart Cash
FREE Can of Red Bull with FREE DoorDash Delivery
FREE Huggies Bodysuit
FREE Arrae Wellness Essentials
Big List of 110 Restaurants to Get Free Food
FREE Haus Dog at Dog Haus on July 15th

 

Deals:

Charmin Essentials Toilet Paper 6 Mega Rolls ONLY $3.74 Shipped (Reg $8)
Kobalt 24V Brushless Circular Saw Starter Kit ONLY $129 (Reg $248)
The Top Sam’s Club Hacks to Save More in 2026
CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray for Hair ONLY $8 (Reg $20)
Total Wine Deals: 15% Off, Free Delivery, Rewards and More
Michael Kors Women’s Flat Sandals ONLY $39.80 (Reg $100)
Top Wednesday Food Deals: Midweek Dining Discounts to Devour
The Pizza Hut BOGO Hacks You Need to Know (Yes, You Can Score FREE Pizza!)
Inflatable Pools up to 50% Off at Walmart
Celebrate Fri-Yay with These Fun Friday Food Deals
Top Tips for Shopping Walmart Hidden Clearance Sale in 2026
Victoria’s Secret Beauty Gift Sets Sale – Up to 60% Off + Extra 25 Off Sale
Sandals For The Family Buy 1 Get 2 Free at JCPenney
Women’s Pajamas ONLY $13.49 at JCPenney
Ends 7/10: Uniform Pants ONLY $8 at Old Navy (Reg up to $23)
COLOR WOW Insta-WOW Advanced Dry Shampoo ONLY $15.20 (Reg $32)
Amazon Haul Flash Deals: $2 & Under
Fashion Nova Discount Code and Coupons: Save up to 80% Off on Dresses, Jeans, Tops, and Accessories
Thursday Food Deals to Kick Off the Almost-Weekend
Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer 3-Qt ONLY $31.97 (Reg $50)
Craftsman 20V Keyless Brushless Cordless Drill ONLY $69 (Reg $129) + Free Shipping
Best Walmart Cash Freebies and Deals This Week: Tide Detergent, Gain Plus, Swiffer Power Mop & More
Little Sleepies Coupon Codes and Promotions
School Supplies From 25¢ at Target
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes for Face ONLY $3.41 (Reg $9)

July 14th is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-fil-a!

Abby H.

Are you ready? Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A is coming up on July 14th! The kids love it, so we are prepping to go. You can check out my past post here on how to DIY a quick costume using items you may already have around the house.

Every customer who dresses like a cow can receive one free entrée from the following list, subject to availability*:

Breakfast: Chick-fil-A® Chicken Biscuit (Original) or 4-count Chick-n-Minis®.
Lunch/Dinner: Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich (Original or Spicy); 8-count Nuggets (Original or Grilled); or 3-count Chick-n-Strips.
Kids: A 5-count Nuggets Kids’ Meal (Original or Grilled), which includes a side, drink, and premium.

Please check with your local Chick-fil-A to confirm participation.