Find the best School Backpacks for less. This selection will take the stress out of shopping while saving money too.
The best school backpacks
Can you believe it? Back to school is just around the corner. Save money on back to school shopping by purchasing your school backpacks at a price that feels right.
It can be overwhelming in-store so shopping online is a great option.
Browse this list and save time while getting the best deals. No need to spend a ton of time or money when the deal hunting has been done for you!
This list truly has something for everyone to start the school year off right. There are even some backpacks listed that include lunch kits and more. Go ahead and start shopping today for the best selection.
From solid color options to school backpacks with patterns, the options are endless for the school year. This list has it all.
This Roots backpack is from Costco Canada. It looks great for high schoolers and has a lot of pockets!
7. Kids Recycled Backpack $39
I realize that this one is more than $50 when it’s not on sale, however, it’s from Gap Canada and they always seem to have some sales or coupon codes happening. So if this is the backpack you need, do not pay full price for it!
8. Super Mario Bros.™ Canvas Backpack for Kids $39.99
Perfect for the kid that loves Mario! This Old Navy backpack is sure to be a hit with early elementary aged kids.
9. Outbound Kids’ Multi-Pocket Backpack $16.99
Great price for a great backpack! This simple backpack is perfect for younger kids.
10. Outbound Oak Kids’ Recycled Backpack $19.93
This Outbound backpack is a smaller backpack perfect for daycare or preschool.
11. Skip Hop Zoo Big Kid Backpack $38
Oh man these are cute and perfect for younger kids! This is a bigger version of the classic Skip Hop backpack that I’m sure you have seen.
12. Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Backpack $30
Here’s the smaller classic version of the Skip Hop backpack. Perfect for daycare or preschool.
13. Patterned Backpacks from The Children’s Place $49.95 or less
The Children’s Place has a great selection of backpacks! You’ll see Spiderman, Minecraft, princess, Paw Patrol, dinosaur, colorblock and more! They are currently on sale too!
14. High Sierra Swoop Sg Backpack $49.99
This High Sierra backpack has so many pockets! Perfect for the high schooler that likes to be organized!
15. SoYoung Neo Rainbows Backpack $48.98
This SoYoung backpack is a cheerful backpack in two different sizes. Like all backpacks I find, this one is machine washable.
16. Jansport Superbreak Backpack $30.20
This Jansport backpack is perfect for the kid that just wants a plain black, functional backpack.
17. Impact 3-Piece Backpack Set $19.98
You can’t beat the price on this one! This is a backpack set that includes a lunch kit and a pencil case.
18. Dickies Varsity Backpack $24.97
This Dickies backpack is everything you need in a backpack. Has a front zipper pocket, side mesh water bottle pocket and interior padded laptop sleeve.
19. All Canadian Backpack $29.97
Another black backpack with lots of pockets, perfect for carrying everything that’s needed at school!
20. Reebok Celeste Backpack $34.97
This Reebok backpack has storage for a laptop, sunglasses, water bottles and so much more!
21. Jetstream Marble Print Backpack $29.97
So much storage! This Jetstream backpack has pockets everywhere. Includes my favorite water bottle holders and more.
22. Dog Paw Prints Backpack $44.64
Perfect for the child who loves dogs! This Paw Prints backpack is another with lots of pockets.
23. Foldable Backpack $35.99
So this backpack is different than the others because it has a separate section on the bottom for shoes and a pocket on the front for holding wet items.
24. Lightweight Water Resistant Backpack $49.99
This one looks like a really durable backpack perfect for preschool or kindergarten. Lots of different patterns to choose from!
25. Casual Style Lightweight Bag $38.99
This backpack comes with a lunch kit and a pencil case! There are a ton of different designs to choose from too. Perfect for the high schooler.
26. Water Resistant Backpack $48.99
Sometimes, a solid colour backpack is just the thing that kids want. This water resistant backpack with high ratings is perfect for teens.
27. adidas Laptop Sleeve School Backpack $31.97
This adidas backpack is a sturdy, highly rated backpack that is perfect for higher elementary/middle school grades.
28. Solid Colour Backpack $36.99
This solid colour backpack is another option with lots of pockets. Comes in several different colours.
There you have it! A great selection of school backpacks found in Canada for under $50! Which ones do you think your kids will like the most?
Groceries. We need them and we have to buy them. Yet, while they are a necessity, do you find that you have quite a high grocery bill? Are you frustrated by that fact? There are ways to keep grocery costs down and I’m about to reveal my secrets that will help fix your problem.
You might be feeling as though there’s no possible way to lower your grocery bill. But, I’m of the mindset that our grocery bill is one of the most flexible bills we have to pay. There is no set monthly bill that a grocery store sends our way, unlike the phone company. We make the call on how much our bill will be each time we stop at the store.
Shop your Pantry
Before you even head to the grocery store, peruse your pantry shelves to see how many ingredients you already have that will help you put together as many meals as possible. Take inventory. Every once in a while I like to dedicate a week or two to shopping from my pantry. On those weeks, I literally only spend about $30 on dairy products and fresh fruits & veggies. Simply because I’m making an effort to use what I already have on hand. This is a great way to ensure that you don’t spend money you didn’t have to, and that you don’t find good food that has expired.
Have a Meal Plan
I’m a huge fan of meal planning. Like, huge! Every week, I try to have 5 dinners planned out by Sunday evening. Five, because one night we usually eat out and Sundays are spent at my parents. Also, I plan dinners only because lunch usually consists of dinner leftovers and breakfast is a rotation of oatmeal/peanut butter toast/pancakes/French toast/and eggs, each always served with fruit. This works for us because usually the same things get marked down on the list and I know what each item generally costs. This makes our bill fairly consistent, since there’s usually only a few “not usual” items needing to be purchased.
Shop the flyer sales
I’ll admit and say that shopping the store sales and planning meals around those sales is not my strongest trait. But often times if there’s an item on sale that I know we’ll use in the near future, I will buy at least a couple. (Chicken is on sale this week so I’ll probably buy at least four packages to get us through to the next sale.) If you can get good at planning your meals around what’s on sale each week, you’ll be saving a ton!
Breakfast is cheaper than dinner. There are usually a couple of nights a month where I plan to make breakfast for dinner. Waffles with whipped cream, fresh strawberries and bacon? Yes, please! My husband also likes to make a huge batch of French toast once in a while and we put the leftovers in the freezer for super easy breakfasts.
Use rice & pasta
I like to use rice and pasta quite a bit because I find them to be so cheap! Pasta is very cheap when I can find a good deal using coupons. Rice, when purchased in bulk, is cheap and lasts a long time! I like to make up stir-frys once in a while using rice or pasta to serve the veggies over. (Stir-frys are also a great way to use up vegetables!) Also, I know when I make something involving rice or pasta, it’ll be a hit with my toddler, and that’s a win!
Eat leftovers
Growing up, I was not a big fan of leftovers. When my parents would inform me that we’ll be having leftovers for dinner, I usually cringed. Now, as an adult, I LOVE leftovers! Leftovers mean one less meal I have to make during the week! More often than not, I’ll actually double up on dinner just so we have extra. Most of the time we save leftovers for lunch, but occasionally we’ll have a busy night that will need a super quick dinner.
Use meat substitutes
These days, I’m actually forced to use something besides meat and poultry because my daughter has decided she’ll have none of it. Luckily, she loves beans, lentils and eggs, which I find to be a great grocery budget saver! There are also many other vegetables that are high in protein such as mushrooms, green peas, kale, broccoli and cauliflower that I prepare with each meal.
Use frozen vegetables
While I much prefer fresh vegetables, sometimes buying frozen vegetables can be cheaper in the long run. Especially if you find certain vegetables are always going bad before you have a chance to finish them. (That’s cauliflower in our home!) I usually have a bag of mixed frozen vegetables on hand for those nights when dinner can’t be made fast enough. We have also determined that steaming them makes them taste the best. They’re not as soggy that way!
Use coupons
I don’t use a lot of coupons, but as I mentioned above, I’ve stocked up on pasta (and other items) many times because of some sales and coupons I’ve had. I also consider paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste and other household items to be grocery items and I won’t buy these items unless I have a coupon. There are also some great cash back apps that I use to save even more.
Eat before you shop
This is a tip you probably hear every time someone tells you how to save money on groceries. But, I can certainly attest to its truth! Nearly each time I grocery shop hungry, I end up with extra stuff in my shopping cart. And it’s usually not healthy stuff! A bag of chips? Sure! A bottle of pop? We haven’t had that in a while! I always have snacks in my purse because of my daughter, but I’ve been known to “share” them with her just so I’m not starving and fill our cart full of unnecessary stuff.
There you have it. My 10 Secrets to a lower grocery bill! I hope you found something helpful in this list, or at least something that inspires you to try harder.
I’d love it if you would share your tips and tricks in the comments!
In today’s fast-moving world, keeping tabs on your finances is pretty darn important if you want to stay above water. But perhaps, keeping a full on budget isn’t your thing. Enter printable expense trackers: your trusty sidekick in the quest for financial proficiency.
Imagine a world where tracking your spending feels like organizing a DIY project—except this project saves you money!
These already made printable expense trackers that I have for you, come in a minimalist design so there’s no confusion on what needs to be jotted down. In this freebie, you’ll find 12 printable sheets – one for each month of the year.
These trackers are your personal finance cheerleaders, shouting “You got this!” as you track everything from groceries to that daily latte. By jotting down your expenses, you get a crystal-clear view of where your hard-earned cash goes. It’s like shining a spotlight on your spending habits—making it easier to tweak budgets and save up for that dream vacation or rainy day fund.
Going old-school with pen and paper isn’t just nostalgic; it’s smart. Writing things down makes you more mindful of your money moves. It’s like having a mini-financial coach nudging you towards smarter decisions—like skipping that impulse buy or renegotiating that subscription you forgot about.
Plus, these trackers are like a yearbook of your financial journey. Flip through and see how far you’ve come from those early days of tracking. It’s not just numbers; it’s your story of financial growth and savvy choices.
Best part? These trackers won’t cost you a dime. They’re like the best DIY project ever—free, fun, and oh-so-rewarding. Just download, print, and let the financial adventure begin!
So, whether you’re plotting your escape from debt or aiming to stash away for that epic road trip, grab these printable expense trackers and make managing money as fun as finding a hidden treasure map. Your financial future will thank you for it!
It seems as though there’s always something to shop for. Upcoming birthdays, new clothes for the kids, work clothes…the list can go on! Whenever I have something to purchase I tend to always look online first.
In most cases I find it easier then hauling a kid around that will most likely put up a fuss at some point during our outing. 😉 I also enjoy reading the reviews that other buyers have left if I’m contemplating a product that I’m not really familiar with.
Now, if you have your list in hand, budget in mind and are ready to begin shopping, here are 4 ways to save money with online shopping in Canada:
Use Coupon Codes
A simple tip, but learn to look for coupon codes! If you’re going to purchase something online, start by doing a simple search online for a coupon code that could save you money. To find a coupon code, simply do a Google search for the store you would like to make your purchase at!
Or, my favourite right now is Honey! Honey finds and applies coupon codes at online checkouts for you so you can get back to the more important things in your life quickly. Basically, it’s amazing because Honey finds the deals on the things you need without any effort on your part.
Shop through a Cash Back Site
Why not get a percentage of your money back for making an online purchase through a cash back site? Cash back sites work together with online stores to offer you a percentage back as a rebate. Usually somewhere between 3-6%. It’s nice to get some cash back on something you were going to purchase anyway!
I highly recommendRakuten.ca. Rakuten is an awesome site that pays you Cash Back when you shop online. With over 750 stores, including Hudson’s Bay, Indigo.ca, Old Navy, and Sephora, get paid to shop for things you’re already buying.
Bonus, join today and spend $30 within 90 days of your sign up day, and you’ll receive a $30 bonus!
Don’t pay for shipping
I really don’t like paying for shipping. Quite often the cost of shipping can be a deal breaker for me. Especially when the shipping costs more than the product I’m buying! For this reason, I like buying from Amazon.ca, Well.ca and Indigo.ca for example, since you only have to spend $30 or $35 to get free regular shipping.
Most of the time, retailers offer free shipping when you spend a certain amount. Occasionally, they offer a coupon code for free shipping. However, I think it’s best if you shop when a store is offering free shipping without a coupon code. This way, you can also use a coupon code to save on the cost of the product, since many stores don’t let you combine coupon codes.
It pays to be patient so you can score free shipping when companies offer it.
Go in with a friend
You can also save on shipping by chipping in! Ask your sister-in-law, ask a friend, ask a neighbour, or ask a co-worker. If you all shop online regularly, check with each other before placing an order. Splitting the shipping can be an effective cost saving measure, especially when done time and time again!
By combining coupon codes, rebates and free shipping, you should be able to get a great deal on all your online purchases! Do you prefer shopping online or in store? Do you have any additional tips for saving money when shopping online?
It’s extremely important for any family to intentionally take the time once in a while to have fun as a family. Life can be very busy so making a conscious effort to slow down together without the demands of other friends/family/work/school can be so beneficial.
Family fun, however, does not have to cost a lot! Sure, there are activities that can cost a lot (and those are fun!), but there are so many fun cheap family activities too.
With Family Day in Canada quickly approaching, I thought I’d share some ideas for cheap family fun!
Cheap Family Activities:
Have a picnic inside
Start your garden seeds inside – Use this as an opportunity to teach your children about patience, responsibility and how things grow!
Movie night – Pick a movie that you haven’t watched in a while and make some homemade microwave popcorn! We’ve been having fun watching some of the movies my husband and I watched when we were kids.
Have a theme night/day – Mexican, Italian, pirate…the list goes on. Plan dinners and activities around your theme!
Have a craft night – paint, sew, make bracelets, draw…etc!
Head to your local library – stock up on reading material or even sit in on story time!
Have a game night – pull out those board games and cards!
Unplug – Turn off the cell phone, TV, computer and just reconnect with your wonderful family!
Shop at a thrift store together.
Have a dance party.
Build stuff with Lego.
Make everyone a nice warm drink, then read together with your own books.
Go bird watching – see how many different types of birds you can spot. Maybe bring along a bird book from the library.
Go ice skating – many ice rinks offer free skating on certain days
Build an indoor fort – camp out in it or have a picnic in it!
Have another family over for dinner – this is way cheaper then eating out!
If it’s a holiday weekend, see if there are any free events taking place.
Visit a local ski hill and wander around. Maybe grab an inexpensive treat to enjoy.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner so today’s post is going to focus on low cost date ideas! I’m not only going to list frugal ideas to do with your significant other, but also ideas you can use with any special kids in your life. After all, it’s crucial to any important relationship, that you spend some quality one-on-one time together.
However, when money is tight, it’s hard to justify spending money on a “date”. Even dinner and a movie can really add up! With that in mind, I hope you enjoy my ideas for low cost date ideas the whole family can enjoy:
Date-Night with your significant other:
Visit a Winery or Brewery – This can really be a fun and informative afternoon! Most wineries and breweries offer free tours that include free tastings at the end.
Use those Daily Deal Sites – Keep an eye on those daily deal sites like Groupon and WagJag. I often see offers for romantic getaways, restaurant deals and even local attractions. You’ll save yourself a big chunk of money if you take advantage of a deal, especially if you intended on heading out on the town anyways!
Wash the Car Together – Sometimes doing the mundane chores together can be a blast and a great way to catch up. This is a great idea for when life is so busy you’re having a hard time finding a solid chunk of time to spend together.
Get back to your Roots – Did you use to love playing a particular board game together in your younger dating/married years? Pull it out and play it once again. Or maybe you used to love browsing the thrift stores together? Or enjoyed the satisfaction of volunteering? Do something that takes you back to the early days!
Go for a Drive – One year for our anniversary, with a new baby in tow, we took a scenic drive and stopped at a quaint little coffee shop in a nearby town. This was one of our most memorable dates!
Dinner at Home – Not a new idea at all, dinner at home, but how about calling up your date’s mother to get the recipe for their favourite childhood meal? Or if you both enjoy a fancy meal, how about going all out at the grocery store to recreate your favourite fancy restaurant meals? The thought of a picnic on the floor might hit the spot as well! Maybe this year could be your first fondue?
Go to the Beach – Obviously for the warmer months, but we like to bring along a couple of chairs and some good books and spend the afternoon relaxing at the beach. When we get hot, we just jump into the water!
Go for a Hike – or snowshoeing since it’s winter! My husband and I are really fond of hikes. There’s just something about enjoying nature together and getting a little bit of exercise at the same time. Plus, our region has some pretty fantastic hiking locales if I do say so myself.
Date-Night with your Children/Whole Family:
Get the ideas flowing with these suggestions that will work for one on one dates with your children or for the whole family unit!
Have a Picnic – Inside or outside depending on the weather. Pack some sandwiches, a fun beverage and an extra special treat that will be enjoyed.
Have a Movie Night in – grab a movie off the shelf that you haven’t watched in a while or find something on Netflix and make some homemade microwave popcorn!
Have a Theme Night/Day – Mexican, Italian, pirate…the list goes on. Plan dinners and activities around your theme!
Have a Craft Night – Paint, sew, make bracelets, draw…etc! This would have been a dream date with my mom when I was younger. Actually, now that think about it, we used to spend quite a few nights making greeting cards!
Head to your Local Library – Stock up on reading material or even sit in on story time!
Go Bird Watching – See how many different types of birds you can spot. Maybe bring along a bird book from the library. Here’s are some free Bird Watching printables you may enjoy.
Build an Indoor fort – Grab all your blankets, pillows and boxes to create an epic indoor fort. Camp out in it or have a picnic in it!
Check out the free community events offered in your area – Many of the free community events are geared towards family fun.
Go for a Nature Walk – Bring along a bag that you can use to collect all sorts of neat nature things in. Bring the bag home and create some crafts using your haul.
Have a Garage Sale – Involve the kids and help them set up a lemonade or hot chocolate stand. They’ll have fun earning some money and you’ll all enjoy being together!
Go Ice Skating – I recently took my daughter out for the very first time and she had a blast. While she refused to try on the skates, she had fun building her confidence on the ice wearing her boots. We have several local rinks that offer free family skate times, so yours may as well.
Many of these low cost date ideas can be adapted to every season, but the important thing is that you get out there and have fun together as a couple, parent/child or family! Enjoy each other!
