san diego

6/26/2026 Weekly Freebies and Deals

Abby H.Leave a comment

This week was incredibly busy for me. I delivered costumes for a play I partially costumed.

I also tie-dyed some cool stuff, worked through my alterations pile at home, and got back into using my weighted hula hoop.

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 FIFA World Cup Scarf at Home Depot on June 27th
FREE Skin Checks for World Skin Health Day on July 8th
FREE Handcrafted Drink Every Monday at Capital One Cafe
How to Score Sticker Freebies – Sticker Mule, Keds, Netflix and More
FREE 2027 Limited-Edition American Diabetes Association Calendar
FREE Full-Size Belle Aroma ScenTrio Petite Wax Warmer
FREE Beach Bucket Toy Giveaway at Lowe’s on July 4th
Get Free Samples by Mail: List of Legitimate Freebies & Free Samples From Brand Name Companies
FREE Sample of Zesty Paws Dog Supplements
FREE Coca-Cola or Levi’s Koozie Giveaway & More at Target
FREE Fourth of July Collection Donut at Krispy Kreme
FREE Vicks DayQuil & NyQuil Cold & Flu Medicine
FREE Stars & Stripes Sprinkle Cookie at Great American Cookies for Military & Veterans on July 1st – 4th
FREE Grabie Craft & Create Party Pack
FREE EXIT: The Enchanted Forest Party Pack
FREE Creed Aventus Fragrance Sample
FREE Copy of the Jiffy Mix Recipe Booklet
4 FREE Frozen Drinks at Casey’s Every Friday
FREE Frazil Slushie Every Friday in June
FREE $15 on Saltair Items at Target After Cash Back
FREE Fragrance Samples from Macy’s
FREE Original Glazed Donut at Krispy Kreme on July 4th
FREE Sample of Peak Health Digestive Enzymes Supplements
FREE Reward Every Week with Panda Express Wok Wednesday
FREE $25 at CVS After Cash Back
Here Are 6 Ways To Get Free Baby Formula Samples
Get Tons Of Free Stickers Online: Updated Monthly
FREE 6 Months of Amazon Prime for Young Adults Trial + Tons of Free Perks
4 FREE MiLB Tickets for Military, Veterans & USAA Members
FREE Olight Keychain Flashlight + FREE Shipping
FREE 15-Day Riversol Skincare Kit + FREE Shipping

Deals:

Get 50% Off an Annual Walmart+ Membership
Mario Badescu Lip Mask ONLY $7 (Reg $14)
Target Deal Days – Big Savings for Circle Members | Ends Tonight!
Wavytalk Dual Voltage Hair Dryer Brush ONLY $36.98 on Amazon (Reg $60)
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit ONLY $39.88 at Home Depot (Reg $139)
Walmart Deals & More – BIG Savings on Kitchen, Electronics and More!

Have a Fun, Frugal Daycation with ResortPass!

Abby H.Leave a comment

Are you looking to try something new without packing the family up for the weekend and heading out of town or spending a ton of money?

I recently discovered ResortPass through a friend who was telling me about their “daycation”.

They got a Day Room, and for less than $250, the family got access to the pool (which included water slides!), a room to shower/relax in. It sounded amazing!

Whether you want to relax poolside, rent a cabana, or get a day room, there are all sorts of hotels and resorts worldwide that are part of ResortPass.

6/12/2026 Friday Freebies and Deals

Abby H.

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)

2026 Summer Fun with Kids on a Budget

Abby H.1 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.

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)

Abby H.2 Comments

file0001360139839

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.

May 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 May 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.

2026-Summer Movies for Kids on the Cheap!

Abby H.

One of the kid’s favorite summer activities is to hit up the local theater for a showing of one of their favorite movies.

Big buckets of popcorn, snuck in candy (shhhh), and a drink, and they are ready for 2 hours of fun in the Air Conditioning.

 

Some of the “Usual suspects” have not updated their summer movie programs for 2026. As soon as we get more info, I’ll update.

Landmark Theatres has Family Friendly Films starting June 12, 2026. There are no locations in San Diego County, but there are some in Southern California.

Regal Summer Movie Express usually offers tickets for $2 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, featuring summer movies the whole family will enjoy.

Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark starts June 1, 2026. Bring the kids and enjoy exciting family-friendly big-screen entertainment for just $1.75 (plus taxes) per ticket for each movie.

Lots of smaller theatre chains have also joined this bandwagon! Marcus Theatres, MegaPlex, Epic Theatres are just a few. These theatres do not have locations in California.

Theatre chains that have not published their schedules yet, but in the past have had family/kids movies in the summer:

AMC Theatres has previously had a Summer Movie Camp with tickets starting at $3.oo/each at the box office.

UltraStar Cinemas doesn’t have anything posted yet, but they do offer discounts on tickets and popcorn on Thursdays year-round.

Talk Back: What summer movies are you looking forward to seeing?

May and June Upcoming JCP Kid’s Craft Events!

Abby H.

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. My kids loved these when they were little.

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. More details, including participating JCP locations, can be found here.

On May 9th, from 11 am to noon, kids can make and take their very own Mother’s Day Flower Bouquet Craft.

All materials are provided but are only available while supplies last.

Plus, parents get a free 10% off coupon (and it can be combined with other JCP coupons!).

And moving right along into June…

On June 13th, from 11am to noon, kids can make and take a Super Hero Plaque!

All materials are provided but are only available while supplies last.

Plus, parents get a free 10% off coupon (and it can be combined with other JCP coupons!)

 

Taylor Research Sleep Habits Study- $125

Abby H.

Taylor Research is a research company based in the San Diego, CA area. I have been involved in their studies for over 15 years.

Frequently, they will send out emails requesting referrals for studies that are hard to fill. This is one of those cases.

  • Study Topic: Sleep Habits
  • Study Type: Individual Interviews
  • Study Location: Online (Nationwide)
  • Target Audience: Adults 18+
  • Available Date(s): April 20th – 30th, 2026
  • Session Duration: 1 hour
  • Reward Amount: $125

To sign up, please complete the form here. In the referral box, enter my name Abby Hewes. If you are selected and participate, I may earn a referral bonus!

Please feel free to share this.