Our family has done quite a few road trips over the years. It can be a fun way for us to see more of the world around us!
Because of this, I find myself googling road trip activity ideas often. I love seeing what others think of bringing for their kids!
While we don’t limit screen time, I do find that the girls get tired of their devices quicker than expected. That’s why I like to pick up some new activities before we hit the road (or airplane).
We’re about to embark on another road trip this week so I’ve visited Dollarama and ordered a couple of things from Amazon.
This year we have a 9 year old and a 13 year old, so they are able to do activities on their own or together.
Want to see what I got?
Here are our Road Trip Activities:
Paper Character Kit from Dollarama
This one I bought for my nine year old, but I think if my 13 year old gets bored enough, she’ll make one too! As far as I can tell without opening the package, it looks like we don’t need glue to do this. I’ll throw in a pack of markers too.
Pipe Cleaners from Dollarama
Such a weird thing, but both girls LOVE a new pack of pipe cleaners. The creations they make impress me every time! Keeps them entertained for quite a while too.
Spot What! book from Dollarama
This looks like a fun “I Spy” type of book. I found it online at Amazon.ca for $19 but I got it from Dollarama for $5.
Embroidery Kit from Dollarama
This is for my 13 year old. One of her dance teachers did an embroidery project with them before Christmas and she enjoyed it. I thought this could be something that she could pick up and put down as she pleases. Even at home.
Design a House Stickers from Amazon
I’ve seen these quite a few times on Instagram and thought my daughters would have fun with them too. Basically, the kit contains tiny stickers so they can design their own rooms in a house. The kit has four rooms to design.
My youngest loves making origami. So when I saw this book recommended by Everyday Reading, I knew I had to get it! They are brain twister origami puzzles. You have to fold the papers a certain way to solve the puzzle.
This was also bought a while ago, but I thought my oldest might enjoy having it in the car for this trip. Last road trip I bought some cheap baking sheets from Dollarama that I think will work great for containing any small spills.
What sort of activities do you like to bring along on road trips? Any of the things I listed interest you?
Road trips with kids can be a fun adventure, but let’s be honest, they can also come with endless “Are we there yet?” questions. Keeping kids entertained is key to a smooth and mostly stress-free journey. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend getaway or a cross-country drive, I hope I’ve helped inspire you with what we’re bringing along!
Simply Frugal Weekend Deals is here to bring you the best discounts and deals across Canada!
Whether you’re hunting for home essentials, fashion finds, or something else, I’ve rounded up the best offers to help you stay on budget without sacrificing what you love.
From limited-time sales to secret coupon codes, I’ll make sure your shopping is both fun and affordable.
Want this post to hit your email inbox? Sign up for the Simply Frugal Deals Email. You can do so here. It normally goes out every Friday.
Or, if you prefer Instagram, you can find deals in my Instagram stories often.
Let’s get started shall we? Get ready to shop smart and save more!
Like all of my other deal posts, this post contains affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.
The Home Depot Free Kids Workshop
Build a Globe planter! If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the family, The Home Depot has a great workshop for kids that will teach them about building. Kids can learn how to build their very own globe planer. Free workshop is April 12, 2025 at 8:30am or 10:30am.
Take a look online at Natura Market for what looks to me to have a lot of healthy options that aren’t usually available in Canada! But also, they have a great selection of Canadian made products too! Shop the deals to find some great savings. Also, shop tax free!
Revive smoothies are pre-portioned with premium frozen ingredients and are delivered right to your door. Plus, 96% off customers say they’ve saved time & money using revive smoothies with no food waste. Use the coupon code REVIVE50 to save 50% off everything!
Today only, save 50% off all active shorts & skorts from Old Navy Canada! (ends March 17, 2025) Also, check out the clearance! Prices are starting at just $2.47.
Lots of great deals at Gap Canada! First of all, save 40% off everything! Then, save an extra 20% off your purchase with code ADDON and an extra 10% off with coupon code FAMILY. Finally, save 50% off dresses. (ends March 19, 2025)
Love travel deals? Visit Travelzoo and find the latest travel deals and tips! They feature a Top 20 list, Trending Deals, Niagara Deals, 2025 Best Bets, Sunny Holidays and Only in Canada deals.
Well.ca carries a lot of Canadian products. Here are the ones on sale this week: Jamieson, Simply Protein, Eco-Max, Aleva Naturals, Cocoon Apothecary, Soak, Smart Solutions, Heal + Co, Happy, Black River, Snack Concious, Skin Essence and Routine ! (ends March 23, 2025)
4 Days Only: 4X The Points, 4X The Luck! Book Outlet Rewards members earn 4x points on all purchases. Not a member? It’s free to sign up! (ends March 17, 2025)
This. Is. Big. Event: Save up to 60% off online at Mark’s Canada! (ends March 26, 2025) Plus, save 50% off men’s and women’s Denver Hayes jeans! Shipping is free on order of $99 or more or have it shipped to your nearest store for free.
Treat yourself with up to 40% off savings from Etsy Canada! Save on home decor, well-crafted jewelry, wall art and more – all from independent sellers!
Okay Golfers, it’s time to save at Golf Town! Save up to 50% off select Puma footwear, save 50% off Puma men’s and women’s YouV 1/4 Zip, SRIXON golf balls $34.98 and save $300 off Cobra LTDx 5-PW GW Iron Set with Steel Shafts.
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of classes for creative and curious people, on topics including illustration, design, photography, video, freelancing, and more. Join now for a free 30 day trial!
Spring Forward this Season with 25% Off Select UA Gear! Stock up on tees, shorts, sneakers, and more to start your Spring training strong No code needed. (ends March 18, 2025)
Hurry, the Birthday Sale Ends Soon! Top picks under $18! From best-sellers to new limited-edition labels, now’s the perfect time to stock up on labels, tags, and more from Mabel’s Labels.
Saturdays in March: Start a series for 50% off! Plus, save 30% off Indigo bestsellers, Buy 1, Get 1 50% off Select Mystery Books, 20% off Most Anticipated Teen & Kids Books, 25% off Most Anticipated Spring Romances and more.
Homes in general create a large amount of waste. However, I happen to think the kitchen is the biggest offender of all the rooms in the house. From rotten produce to packaging, there’s almost an endless amount of waste coming from this one room! If you have been considering a no waste kitchen there’s no better time than now and I’ve got some tips to help you get started.
The first step to reducing kitchen waste is to reduce and reuse packaging. Be mindful when buying packaged items. Jars and containers can be reused for other purposes. Visit your local farmer’s market to buy fresh produce and bring a basket or reusable shopping bag so you do not need to take plastic grocery bags. Not only are these foods better for you, they have a lower impact on the earth. Also, Bulk Barn Canada has introduced a reusable container program at all Bulk Barn locations!
Regrow
Regrow produce from leftovers. Yes, it’s true! Several produce items can be regrown using the ends! From celery to pineapples to green onions and more, you are bound to find a favorite thing your family can regrow.
Don’t Toss Overripe Food
Put overripe fruit to use by making bread, muffins, and other fun baked goods. We are all familiar with using bananas for banana bread, but you can do this with nearly any overripe fruit in your fridge or freezer.
Compost
A great way to work towards a no waste kitchen is to compostand boost your garden nutrients at the same time. Instead of throwing out what your family does not eat, use it to build up your garden and feed your family again. Banana peels and eggshells are great to toss right into your garden beds.
Smart Storage
Invest in storage that makes food last longer. Produce can go bad fast but with the right storage, you can make it last longer than ever. Washing fruits in a bit of Apple Cider Vinegar or white vinegar will kill off mold spores that make them spoil faster. Storing carrots and celery in water can make them last weeks at a time.
No More Sponges
Ditch the sponge for a washable dishcloths that last longer and cut down on bacteria that can make your family sick. I also recently purchased a washable pot scrubber like these, that I LOVE!
No More Paper Towels
Ditch the paper towels for a washable option like reusable towels or microfiber cloths. Reuse empty cans for draining things that cannot be washed down the drain, like bacon grease.
Store Eggs Properly
Make eggs last longer. When storing store bought eggs, put them directly into a sealed container in the fridge. These eggs no longer have the protective coating the chicken leaves on the eggs so they can absorb odors, flavors, and bacteria from your fridge. If you have your own chickens don’t wash the eggs. Slightly dust off feathers and bedding that may be on them and store on the counter. Do not WASH until you go to use them.
Reusable Bags
Shop with reusable supplies like cloth grocery andproduce bags. One trick you may enjoy is bringing laundry baskets or big storage containers when you go shopping. Have the cashiers toss everything into the baskets instead of bags. Move the basket to your car and from your car to your home. It cuts down on waste and makes getting everything in easier. You may want to separate refrigerated and pantry goods in these baskets to make putting everything away easy.
Buy What You Need
Don’t buy more than you need. So often we see a sale and buy more than our families can use before it goes bad. If you do not have a deep freezer, control the impulse to buy out that clearance meat. The same goes for buying produce, milk, eggs and even pantry goods that can go stale.
Go Homemade
To cut down on packaging waste for convenience items like cookies, granola bars, apple sauce cups or even frozen entrees, start making those items at home and storing in reusable containers or your baking ware.
Menu Plan
I can’t write anything relating to food without mentioning the importance of menu planning. Menu planning is especially vital to reducing food waste and lowering your grocery bill because it helps account for everything you buy. When you have a plan for your food, there’s less chance that it will be wasted.
If you really struggle with menu planning, then try out $5 Meal Plan. It happens to be my favorite meal planning service. It’s just $5 a month (the first two weeks are free!), and you get menu plans sent straight to your email along with the exact shopping list you need in order to create the meals. Each meal costs around $2 per person or less. This service allows you to save time because you won’t have to meal plan anymore, and it will save you money as well! If you are interested in joining for free, click here.
Armed with these tips, you should be able to make little steps towards a no waste kitchen. Changing one thing at a time will enable you to see progress and keep more money in your pocket too!
I’d love to know how you plan on going towards a no waste kitchen? Please share in the comments below!
Here are 7 Menu Planning Tips For Tight Budgets that you will appreciate:
When it comes to menu planning, these budgeting tips are going to transform how you view your grocery budget. There are so many simple tricks to help you create amazing meals for your family when you are on a tight budget. This post has some of the best! Armed with a few simple tricks up your sleeve, you can provide your family with delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Create your menu with what you have on hand first.
One of the best menu planning tips is to start not with what you want to buy, but what you already have on hand. Look at your pantry, freezer and refrigerator for great starts to a meal. Utilize your on-hand items and limit your week to week expenses as much as possible focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Ask your butcher for budget cuts of meat.
Not only can you watch for the sales on meat at your market or grocery store, but you can talk directly to the butcher. Sometimes they will have meat that isn’t bad, but can be sold at a fraction of the regular price for some reason. End pieces of whole rib eyes can be found at low prices because they aren’t enough to be a “steak”. Ask for these bits and then cube for stews or braised beef dishes. Sometimes meat isn’t past the ‘best by’ date, but close to it and the butcher has to mark it down. Grab those mark downs and cook in advance to freeze for a later date or simply freeze the meat uncooked as soon as you bring it home.
Use your slow cooker.
Slow cooker or Instant Pot recipes are one of the best ways to stick to your menu plan as well as stay on budget. One of the best menu planning tips is to use those budget cuts of meat and tenderize them for amazing meals in your slow cooker or Instant Pot. A beef roast or whole chicken can feed your family several meals for half the price, but may not be as convenient or easy to cook in the oven. Use a slow cooker or Instant Pot and let them do the work for you.
Start your own garden if possible.
If you have time and space to have your own garden, this can be a huge savings for your menu plan each week. Learn to can or freeze your excess produce for future use, and use your surplus year round in your weekly menu plans.
Build around low cost staple items.
For most, this means picking up things like dry beans, rice and potatoes that are low cost but can stretch a meal further. While many would find this unhealthy, if you combine this with nutrient-dense vegetables and limit your high-fat proteins you truly can eat healthy. Focus on whole grains when possible and limit the regular potatoes and white rice.
Buy what is on sale and combine with coupons.
For sales at your market or grocery store, take the time to check your coupons and shop using those coupons on sale items. You’ll get twice as much value toward your menu plan!
Utilize one item multiple ways.
One of my favorite ways to save money is to cook dry beans in my slow cooker or Instant Pot. Dry beans can be seasoned and eaten by themselves, added to soups or chili, refried to make dips or put into burritos. This simple item can be used multiple ways for very cheap.
Take advantage of my favorite menu planning tips that will stretch your budget even further! I’d love to hear your tips that make your grocery budget stretch farther in the comments below!
Want to shop local and support Canadian businesses? You’re in the right place! Buying Canadian made products means getting great quality while helping homegrown brands thrive. Whether you’re after clothing, beauty, home essentials, or food (hello, maple syrup!), this list has you covered.
From well-known brands to hidden gems, here’s your ultimate guide to Canadian made products. Let’s shop local and keep our dollars close to home!
Now, when you’re out and about shopping, I recommend you read labels and do a bit of research. Shopping Canadian can be incredibly nuanced. For example, Lay’s and General Mills are American companies, however, there are production plants in Canada employing Canadians. They also use Canadian ingredients. So my recommendation is to buy how you feel comfortable with what you know.
Here is how to tell if something was made in Canada:
From Vancouversun.com: Anything at the grocery store that is labelled as a ‘product of Canada’ means all of its major ingredients, where it was processed, and the labour used to produce it are Canadian or are located in Canada.
A product labelled “made in Canada” means just that: The item was last processed or had its “last substantial transformation” in Canada but its ingredients may be a mix of both domestic and imported ingredients.
As always, I appreciate your help in adding brands and retailers that I have missed. Canada has so many gems!
I mentioned above that buying Canadian can be incredibly nuanced. I firmly believe that you have to make the best shopping decisions for your family values. This might mean only buying from Canadian owned companies or brands. Or perhaps you feel comfortable buying from an American owned brand/company as long as products are produced in Canada and/or use Canadian ingredients and materials.
Also, it goes without saying, but supporting your local Mom & Pop shops, farmer’s markets and even buying from your neighbour is hugely beneficial.
All that said, here are a couple more places where you can support Canadian via American owned companies:
Shopping on Amazon is one of my favorite ways to save money. After all, I can find almost everything I need at competitive prices and enjoy the convenience of having it shipped right to my door. But wouldn’t saving even more money be great?
Take a look below at 7 tips on how to save big shopping on Amazon Canada to get your household essentials, books, clothing and more at even better prices.
1. Take Advantage of Amazon Resale Deals
A great way to save some money on Amazon Canada is to shop through Amazon Resale!
The Amazon Resale section (previously known as Amazon Warehouse) on Amazon.ca, offers great deals on quality used, pre-owned, or open box products.
With all the benefits of Amazon fulfilment, customer service, and returns rights, Amazon provides discounts on customer favorites such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, home & kitchen appliances, and thousands more.
For each used product they sell, they thoroughly test the condition of the item and provide detailed descriptions to make it easier for you to make a decision.
2. Become a Prime Member.
For $9.99 per month or $99 per year you can become an Amazon Prime memberand enjoy many money saving benefits!
With an Amazon Prime membership, you will enjoy:
FREE Two-Day Shipping on eligible items. Free standard shipping on other items.
Unlimited streaming of movies and TV episodes on Prime Video
Amazon Music
30-minute early access to Lightning Deals.
Prime Reading: Borrow books, magazines, and more. Read them on your Fire tablet, Kindle e-reader, or the Kindle reading apps for iOS and Android.
Secure unlimited photo storage, enhanced search, and organization features in Amazon Drive.
Access to exclusive Prime Day sales.
Free DashPass.
If you make a lot of Amazon purchases throughout the year, a Prime Membership will pay for itself in no time.
Are you a student? Check out the Prime Student membership to save even more.
3. Try the Subscribe & Save option.
Is there a product you use often? Toilet paper, dish soap or diapers perhaps? If so, try the Subscribe & Save option!
If you decide to do Subscribe & Save on certain products, you can save up to 15% off and have that product automatically delivered every 2 weeks to 6 months. Shipping is also free. You can cancel your Subscribe & Save at any time.
4. Look for Coupons & Promo Codes
My favourite deals on Amazon are those that are on sale AND have a coupon to apply or a promo code to redeem! Here are some screen shots of what I mean:
When available, these coupons and promo codes are found below the price of the item you’re looking at.
You can find available coupons by browsing this page on Amazon Canada. As for promo codes, as far as I know, there isn’t a specific page for these. Which leads me to my next tip…
5. Follow Me for Everyday Deals.
Every day I post deals over on Instagram and in Facebook stories. I like to post a variety of items that are actual good deals from Canadian retailers, including Amazon. You’ll see deals on everyday essentials, clothing, decor, household items, holiday items and more!
As I mentioned before, my favourite deals are those that are on sale and have a coupon and/or a promo code. You’ll find plenty of these over there!
Also, on Fridays I update my Simply Frugal Weekend Deals post. This is a great all-in-one article for easy deal browsing featuring only Canadian retailers.
6. Add an Item to Your Cart, But Don’t Buy
This is a trick I use time and time again. If you have your eye on a particular item and it’s currently not on sale, add it to your shopping cart, but don’t buy it! Amazon will save it in your shopping cart and let you know when the price changes.
Sometimes the price will increase first, but you will also see when the price decreases. To find if there has been any changes in the pricing, click on the “Cart” button in the top right corner. If there has been any changes to the pricing, you will see a message at the top of your shopping cart. Once the price drops low enough for me, I buy it!
7. Utilize Camel Camel Camel
Camel Camel Camel is an Amazon price tracker. It tracks the price history of products available on Amazon. You can also sign up for a free account and add items to a Price Watching list to get email alerts when the price drops on the items you’re watching.
See how simple it can be to save some extra cash with Amazon Canada? Give these tips a try and see how far you can stretch your Amazon bucks!
I’d love to know what your biggest deal was if you’ve shopped online at Amazon in the past. Let us know in the comments!
