Money Saving Duo

Discovering how to live a glorious life on less

Smart Spending

Budget-Friendly Ideas for Stocking Stuffers Everyone Will Love

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The holidays are right around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you love stuffing those stockings full of fun surprises—but not draining your wallet in the process. Luckily, there are plenty of cheap stocking stuffers that still feel thoughtful and festive. Whether you’re shopping for kids, teens, or adults, here are some holiday gifts under $10 that will make everyone smile (and keep your budget intact).

Budget Friendly Ideas for Stocking Stuffers

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click through them and make a purchase, we may be financially compensated for directing you there.

For Kids

  1. Mini Art Kits – Think crayons, watercolor sets, or coloring books. Perfect for snow-day creativity.
  2. Fidget Toys & Pop-Its – Always a hit and often found in multipacks for less than $10.
  3. Hot Cocoa Bombs – Sweet, fun, and easy to find at discount stores or make yourself.
  4. Fun Socks – Character socks or fuzzy winter socks make practical and cozy gifts.
  5. Books or Activity Pads – Head to your local dollar store or check Amazon’s under-$10 section for seasonal reads.

For Teens

  1. Lip Balm Sets or Mini Skincare – Small, trendy, and useful.
  2. Phone Accessories – Pop sockets, cute charging cables, or reusable cleaning cloths.
  3. Scrunchies or Hair Clips – Grab a multipack and split it between multiple stockings.
  4. Mini Candles – Cozy scents in small jars are easy to find for under $5.
  5. Gift Cards – $5 – $10 to a coffee shop or favorite fast-food spot is always appreciated.

For Adults

  1. Travel-Size Self-Care Products – Think hand lotion, dry shampoo, or bath bombs.
  2. Coffee or Tea Samplers – Perfect for those chilly winter mornings.
  3. Reusable Kitchen Gadgets – Mini spatulas, reusable straws, or silicone baking mats.
  4. Hand Warmers or Cozy Gloves – A practical and useful gift for Michigan winters!
  5. Sweet Treats – Gourmet chocolate bars or homemade holiday fudge wrapped in festive packaging.

Bonus Tip: Bundle and Save

Sometimes, the best way to stretch your dollar is by buying in bulk. Grab multipacks of items like lip balms, candles, or fidget toys, then divide them up among several stockings. You’ll save big while giving each person something thoughtful.

The Bottom Line

Stocking stuffers don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. With a little creativity (and a few smart shopping strategies), you can fill those stockings with frugal Christmas gifts that bring joy without breaking the bank.

Want even more affordable holiday finds? Join our Christmas Gifts and Toy DEALS Group on Facebook!

How to Maximize Savings During Amazon Prime Big Deal Days (Oct 7-8, 2025)

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Amazon’s fall sale—Prime Big Deal Days—is one of the best opportunities each year to save on a wide range of goods. But getting the best deals takes a bit of planning. Here’s how to shop smart, ahead of time, and score the items you want at the best prices.

Please note: this post may contain affiliate and referral links which means that if you click through a link and then make a purchase, we may be financially compensated for directing you there.

Amazon Prime Big Deal Days Infographic

What You Need to Know First

Tips & Strategies to Save BIG

Here are concrete tactics to save more and avoid buyer’s remorse.

  1. Make a wishlist & track items early
    • Identify things you actually want/need ahead of time. Save them in “Wish List” or “Save for Later” (or similar). (WIRED)
    • Monitor their prices now (many early deals are live) so you know if the eventual discount is really a deal. (About Amazon)
  2. Use price comparison tools
    • Tools or browser extensions like CamelCamelCamel, Keepa, Honey, etc., help see historical prices to judge whether a deal is legit. (Homes and Gardens)
    • Also check competing retailers: sometimes price matching or similar sales elsewhere may beat or match Amazon.
  3. Leverage Prime perks and Amazon’s features
    • Activate deal notifications: Alexa, app notifications, and email alerts for items in your wishlist/cart can help you know when they drop. (Lifewire)
    • Use Amazon’s “Lists,” “Buy Again,” or “Save for Later” features to keep tabs on things. (About Amazon)
    • Make sure your shipping address / Prime status is ready so there are no delays or surprises.
  4. Stack savings when possible
    • Look for items with additional coupons or rebates. Amazon sometimes offers color syncups (clip a coupon), bundles, etc. (Redstone Bank)
    • Use Amazon credit cards (Prime Visa, Prime Store Card) if you have them—there are often bonus cash back opportunities during Big Deal Days. (About Amazon)
    • Check for “Subscribe & Save” for items you use regularly—sometimes these are discounted. (Redstone Bank)
  5. Set a budget and prioritize
    • It’s easy to get carried away with deals. Set a spending cap or priority list (e.g. tech first, then home, then gifts).
    • Decide in advance which items are “must-haves” vs nice-to-haves, so you’re not chasing everything.
  6. Time things right
    • Lightning Deals or limited-quantity (flash) deals go fast. If there are things you must have, be ready when they drop.
    • Early deals: some categories are going to start with discounts even before the main event—keep an eye on those. (About Amazon)
  7. Check return policies & shipping
    • Make sure the item you’re buying can be returned if the deal seems better elsewhere or if you change your mind.
    • Also check whether shipping is free or if there are hidden costs (fast shipping, etc.). Prime helps here, but it’s still good to pay attention.
  8. Post-event follow-ups
    • After Prime Big Deal Days, monitor your purchases for any price drops. Sometimes Amazon will honor price changes/coupons etc.
    • Review everything you bought: ensure nothing is damaged, wrong, or not as described. Use Amazon’s customer service to resolve.

What to Watch Out For / Avoid

  • Deals that aren’t really deals: Some “discounts” are from inflated “list prices.” Always compare historical pricing.
  • Impulse buys: Just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean you need it.
  • Inventory issues: If you wait too long, things you want may sell out, or the price may creep back up.
  • Shipping or delivery delays: Especially for larger items or during busy periods. Order early enough.

Sample Timeline: What You Can Do Before & During Big Deal Days

TimeframeActions to Take
Now – a couple of weeks beforeMake your wish list. Monitor early deals. Sign up for Prime (or ensure your membership is current). Research price histories. Set up alerts (Alexa, app).
1–2 days beforeFinalize priorities & budget. Check carts, save for later. Identify “must-buy” items. Plan the time you’ll shop so you’re ready when deals drop.
On the day(s) — Oct 7–8Be online when deals go live, especially flash deals. Use fast checkout. Use Prime card bonuses. Don’t delay on must-have items.
After the eventCheck for price adjustments. Review purchases. Return or exchange anything as needed. Reflect on what worked/didn’t for next time.

Why It’s Smart to Shop During October Prime Big Deal Days

  • It kicks off the holiday season early, so many of your gift-shopping or seasonal needs may be covered. (Kiplinger)
  • Some categories often see their best deals now (electronics, home) before prices creep up during Black Friday or closer to holidays. (Lifewire)
  • Early access for Prime members gives you a head start over general holiday discounting.

We hope this event kickstarts your holiday shopping season in a way that makes it more affordable. Want further help identifying great deals? Don’t forget to join our Christmas Deals & Toys Group on Facebook!

Black Friday 2024: The Ultimate Guide to Deals and Discounts

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Black Friday 2024 is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to score incredible deals on everything from electronics to home goods, fashion, and more. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or snagging something for yourself, this ultimate guide will help you navigate the frenzy, compare online vs. in-store strategies, and maximize your savings.

Please note: this post may contain affiliate or referral links which means that if you click through them and make a purchase or sign up for a service, we may be financially compensated for directing you there.

Black Friday Ultimate Guide to Deals and Discounts

Best Stores for Black Friday Deals

From major retailers to niche shops, here’s where you should look for the best discounts:

Related: Join our daily deals group on Facebook to get see some of the best deals from these stores and local Mid-Michigan businesses too on a regularly basis.

Join us on Facebook

Online vs. In-Store: Which is Better?

Choosing between online and in-store shopping depends on your priorities.

  • Online Shopping:
    • Pros: Convenience, no need to brave the crowds, and exclusive online-only deals. Many retailers also offer free shipping or curbside pickup.
    • Cons: Limited stock may sell out quickly, and delivery delays are possible for popular items.
  • In-Store Shopping:
    • Pros: Immediate access to products and the ability to see items in person before buying.
    • Cons: Crowds, long lines, and the risk of some items being sold out before you get there.

Pro Tip: Use retailer apps to snag doorbuster deals online before the stores open, then visit in-store for any items still on your list.

Strategies to Maximize Savings

  1. Start Early: Many stores launch Black Friday sales as early as November 1, with additional discounts on Thanksgiving Day or Cyber Monday.
  2. Plan Your List: Write down what you need, compare prices across multiple stores, and prioritize high-ticket items.
  3. Set a Budget: Avoid overspending by setting a clear spending limit and sticking to it.
  4. Leverage Rewards Programs: Use store rewards, credit card cash back, or points to stretch your dollars further.
  5. Shop Small Businesses: Many local stores participate in Black Friday promotions and may offer unique items and deals you won’t find at major retailers. You may also have good luck on Small Business Saturday too which comes right after, you guessed it, Black Friday.
  6. Price Match: Many retailers honor competitor prices during Black Friday. Check their price match policies and come prepared with proof.

Pro Shopping Tools and Apps

  • Honey or Rakuten: Add-on browser extensions that apply coupons and cashback rewards at checkout.
  • Flipp: Scan weekly ads for the best deals near you.
  • Pepper (app.gopepper.com): Before you make a purchase, buy a gift card through Pepper and use that at checkout. Most major retailers can be found on this app and you’ll earn gift cards with the points you redeem. This has been a great super hack when shopping on Amazon which typically doesn’t qualify for most other cashback reward programs.

Bonus Tips for Success

  • Check Reviews: Don’t get swept up in low prices without checking product reviews to ensure quality.
  • Keep Receipts: Many stores offer extended holiday return policies, so save your receipts just in case. Plus, you’ll want to scan them for extra cash back and gift card opportunities.
  • Stay Safe: If shopping in-store, be mindful of your surroundings and avoid over-packed areas during peak times.
  • Go in with a Plan: Remember, it can be easy to actually overspend when you see numerous great deals posted. That’s why it is always important to have a plan and stick to it. For us, we usually budget out the amount we are going to spend per person so that we know what parameters we have to work within. This helps us to actually save money, instead of spending more money than we would have otherwise.

Final Thoughts

Black Friday 2024 promises something for everyone, from unbeatable prices to the thrill of finding that perfect deal. By planning ahead, staying flexible, and using smart shopping strategies, you can score big while keeping your budget intact.

Double Up Savings on Dove Antiperspirant

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Stock up on Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant and save with cash back and points from Ibotta and ShopKick.

Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant

Right now, you can double up your savings when you purchase Dove Advanced Antiperspirant at Walmart.

Regularly priced at $5.97, if you save the Ibotta app cash back offer, you’ll automatically save $2.00 if your Walmart account is linked to the app or you scan your receipt.

Plus, get 850 points ($0.85 value) when you scan your receipt through the Shopkick app and a bonus 30 points ($0.03) value when you scan the barcode of the product in store.

That’s a total of approximately $2.88 in savings, making your purchase value only $2.12 – that’s more than 50% off in cash back and points you can use to redeem for a gift card of your choice.

Don’t have Ibotta or Shopkick on your phone? Be sure to sign up through our referral links so that you can get a bonus and we can too! Just click on the names of the apps directly above.

David’s Bridal Bridesmaid Dresses – only $17.92!! (Regularly $119.95)

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Looking for a great deal on bridesmaid dresses? Find a beautiful scoopback stretch crepe sheath dress with ruching for only $17.92 at David’s Bridal.

Scoopback Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress
credit: DavidsBridal.com

As wedding season quickly approaches, there is a good chance you may need a bridesmaid dress. If so, here’s a classic option that won’t break the bank. In fact, its on sale for only $17.92!!

Although this Scookback Stretch Crepe Sheath Dress with Ruching doesn’t qualify for free shipping, you’ll still save given that the dress is regularly $119.95.

Choose from 5 different colors and get ready to look great going down the aisle or on the dance floor. Fit is ‘Missy’ fit with sizes ranging from 0-26.

Want save even more? Shop through your TopCashBack account and you’ll get an extra 2.1% cash back. Don’t have a TopCashBack account? Sign up through our referral link and start saving today.

Great Deals for College Students Through Prime

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Please note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click through them and make a purchase, we may be financially compensated for directing you there. We just thought you should know.

Living in a college town, we are always acutely aware of when school starts and students move back in. If you are one of those college students or if you know one of those college students, you may want to share the perks of Amazon Prime Student with them.

Prime Student graphic

When you sign up for Prime Student, not only do you get the regular perks of Amazon Prime member, but you get all sorts of extra savings – all for half the regular price of Amazon Prime membership! These extra savings include:

  • 6 months of LinkedIn Premium for free
  • Free food delivery through GrubHub for 1 year
  • Up to 10% off flights and hotels
  • 24/7 homework help with a 1 month free trial of Course Hero
  • 3 months free of the Calm App, then $8.99/month instead of $69.99/month

If you know a student returning back to classes this fall, we think this would make for an excellent gift. And right now, you can gift it for free or by signing your student up for a 6-month trial. After those 6 months, Prime Student membership costs $7.49/month.

Ready to sign up or learn more? Check out what’s included in this deal here.