5 Free Money Saving Apps Every Canadian Should Download

Today I’m sharing five of my favourite free money saving apps that help me save money with barely any extra effort! These apps are perfect for busy people who want simple ways to spend less and keep more money in their pocket.

You can download the apps right to your phone or use the desktop versions. Whatever works best for your lifestyle.

Once you start using these apps, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. The savings add up fast, and scoring deals starts to feel almost effortless!

Rakuten Canada

Rakuten is an awesome site that pays you Cash Back when you shop online. With over 750 stores, including Best Buy, Book Outlet, Crocs, Old Navy, and Sephora, get paid to shop for things you’re already buying. Plus, get a $30 Cash Bonus when you join today!

Hopper

Hopper Do you have travel plans? Hopper is the #1 most downloaded travel app in North America! Hopper aspires to be the world’s best — and most fun — place to book travel. Hopper has helped over 75 million travelers save!

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.

Flipp

Need butter? Use Flipp to find out where it’s on sale! Flipp is your one-stop app for deals and savings. They collect the widest variety of digital flyers, ads, and deals from over 2000 retailers, giving you the flexibility to save when and where it’s most convenient.

Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is a cash-back app that will give you cash back on items you purchase from the grocery store. All you have to do is pick the products you like, purchase them at any store, and upload a photo of your receipt. When your account reaches $20, you can cash out and we’ll send you a check! Another cash-back app you will love: Caddle.

Do you use any of these already? If so, which one is your favorite? Do you have any favorite free money saving apps that I didn’t list? Hit reply and let me know!

You might also enjoy:

• How to Save Big Shopping on Amazon
• Coupon Stacking in Canada: 2 Smart Methods
• Earn Free Gift Cards with Swagbucks

Easy Meal Prep Ideas for Summer

Summer is almost here! Can you feel the sunshine, the excitement, and the busy days ahead?

Summer is the season for beach days, backyard BBQs, road trips, swimming, and making memories with the people you love most. It’s the perfect time to slow down a little, soak up the longer days, and enjoy more quality time with family and friends.

And let’s be honest. Every great summer moment usually revolves around good food!

The good news? Feeding your family healthy, homemade meals during the summer doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the kitchen. (Because who wants to do that when the weather is beautiful?) The secret is simple: meal prepping. With a little planning ahead, you can put together quick, delicious meals for any time of day while saving both time and money on takeout.

If you’re looking to simplify meals this summer, here are 10 quick and easy meal prep ideas the whole family will love.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Create A Plan

Start by deciding what meals and snacks you want to prepare for the week ahead. Write down the recipes you plan to make, then create a shopping list with all the ingredients you’ll need. Having a plan in place makes grocery shopping easier and helps you avoid those last-minute takeout runs.

Start Multitasking

Save yourself time by cooking multiple things at once. Roast a tray of summer vegetables while baking chicken, or prep fresh ingredients while something cooks on the stove. A little multitasking can make meal prep feel much quicker and more manageable.

Don’t Overdo the Meal Prep

Try not to prep more than three or four days’ worth of meals at a time. Fresh summer produce doesn’t always last long in the fridge, and over-prepping can lead to spoiled food and unnecessary waste. Smaller batches help keep meals tasting fresh and delicious.

Use Your Grill

One of the best parts of summer is grilling season! Instead of heating up the kitchen with the oven, cook outdoors whenever possible. Grill chicken, burgers, fresh vegetables, or even fruit for easy summer meals the whole family will love.

Bonus tip: make extra meat while the grill is hot so you’ll have leftovers ready for lunches, salads, wraps, or quick dinners later in the week.

Prepare Raw Food

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy lighter, refreshing meals. Fresh vegetables like cucumber and zucchini pair well with so many dishes and are especially refreshing during hot weather.

Buy yourself this vegetable chopper and spiralizer to make quick work of produce prep. The spiralizer attachment is great for zucchini or cucumber to be tossed with pesto for a quick veggie noodle dish.

No-cook meal ideas like salads, canned beans, corn, fresh fruit, and snack plates are also great additions to your weekly meal plan.

Utilize Your Slow Cooker

Slow cookers aren’t just for chilly winter meals. They’re incredibly useful during the summer too! They allow you to cook without heating up the whole house.

Use your slow cooker to prepare shredded chicken, taco meat, beans, potatoes, carrots, or corn in large batches. Freeze leftovers in smaller portions for easy meals later on. And of course, the Instant Pot or an air fryer are other great options for quick summer cooking!

Choose Glass Containers Over Plastic

While plastic containers may be cheaper, glass containers are often the better long-term option for meal prep. Here are a few reasons why:

• It’s easier to see what’s inside
• Glass containers can safely go in the microwave
• Food tastes fresher and doesn’t absorb odors
• Glass won’t release chemicals when heated
• They’re durable and reusable for years

Use Your Leftovers

Cook extra portions at dinner and use the leftovers for lunches or quick breakfasts the next day. Leftovers are a huge time-saver and help reduce food waste. Plus, having ready-made meals in the fridge makes busy days so much easier.

My husband loves taking leftovers to work because it saves both time and money!

Buy Better Bread

All those summer activities can definitely work up an appetite! If sandwiches are part of your meal plan, try choosing hearty whole grain breads that are filling and nutritious.

Look for bread made with 100% whole grains and plenty of texture. A good quality bread can make even a simple sandwich feel much more satisfying.

Cook Once, Eat all Day

Set aside one block of time each day to prep meals, chop produce, or cook proteins for later. Having meals ready to go makes busy summer days so much easier and helps you avoid spending tons of time in the kitchen.

With just a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy healthy, delicious meals all summer long without spending a fortune or cooking nonstop.

What are your favourite summer meal prep ideas and tips? Share them in the comments below!

You might also enjoy:

• Meal Prep Supplies to Make Summer Meals Easier
• How to Meal Prep for the Week
• How to Meal Plan for the Week

Simply Frugal Weekend Deals

Looking to save big this week?

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 or Facebook, you can find deals in my Instagram stories and Facebook Group 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.

Well.ca

Well.ca is a Canadian company that I really enjoy ordering from that offers a lot of Canadian brands too. Here are some of the brands that are on sale this week: Attitude, Sun Bum, Jamieson, Owala, Mint Cleaning, Neutrogena, Baby Gourmet, Built Bar, Aveeno, Better Than Bouillon, Pepcid and more! (ends May 10, 2026)

Take a look online at Well.ca here.

Knix Canada

The Buy More, Save More Sale is on at Knix Canada! Get 15% off when you buy 3+ pairs, or 20% off when you buy 5+. Mix and match colors, absorbencies, and styles. Discount applied at checkout.

Shop online at Knix here.

Gap Canada

The Friends & Family event is on now at Gap Canada! Save 40% off everything and 50% off shorts! Save an extra 10% off with coupon code FAMILY. (ends May 14, 2026)

Shop online at Gap Canada here.

Shopper’s Voice Canada

Complete the Shopper’s Voice survey and receive: Free stuff tailored to you, including coupons, samples and special offers all year long, instant money-saving flash rewards and a chance to win a $1,500 prepaid card this month.

Take the Shopper’s Voice survey here.

Hello Fresh

New customers to Hello Fresh: Get up To 23 Free Meals + Free Sides for Life! Hello Fresh is the The most popular meal kit in the world!

Visit Hello Fresh here to get started.

Old Navy Canada

Two days only: Grab $24 Linen and $14 soft pant for women and girls from Old Navy! Also, grab $15 & $12 shirts for men and boys. (ends May 10, 2026) The Kids & Baby sale is also on now until May 9, 2026! Deals starting as low as $7!.

Shop online at Old Navy here.

Lululemon

Have you checked out the “We Made Too Much” section online at Lululemon? They’ve got so much on sale! Men’s, women’s, bags, accessories, shoes and even an under $50 category!

Shop online at Lululemon here.

Penningtons

Spend more, save more is on at Penningtons! Spend $100, get $25 off with coupon code PENN25. Spend $150, get $50 off with coupon code PENN50. (ends May 10, 2026)

Shop online at Penningtons here.

Reitmans

Ends tomorrow! Save 30% off (almost) everything online at Reitmans! (ends May 10, 2026) Also, check out the sale section. Save up to 70% off sale + an extra 20% off!

Shop online at Reitmans here.

American Eagle Canada

Save up to an extra 35% off with coupon code DREAMTEAM online at American Eagle Canada! (ends May 10, 2026 at 5am ET) 

Shop online at American Eagle here.

Aerie Canada

Save an extra 35% off when you shop both Aerie & AE with coupon code: DREAMTEAM or extra 30% off Aerie! (ends May 10, 2026 at 5am ET)

Shop online at Aerie here.

The Home Depot Free Kids Workshop

Build a Keepsake Box! 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 Keepsake Box! Free workshop is May 9, 2026 anytime between 9am – 12pm.

Register for the workshop here.

Rona Free Kids Workshop

On June 6, there will be a Butterfly Feeder Workshop for kids! Reservations open May 25, 2026.

Find more details here.

Athleta Canada

Soak up the sun! Save 40% off Summer Must-Haves from Athleta Canada! (ends May 10, 2026)

Shop online at Athleta Canada here.

Trivago Canada

Need to book a hotel stay? Book through Trivago to find a great hotel deal! They compare hotel prices from hundreds of sites.

Visit Trivago Canada here.

Book Outlet Canada

Don’t miss this sale from Book Outlet! Save an extra 15% off Sitewide: Save even more on discounted books already 50%+ off the list price! 

Ends May 11, 2026 at 6am PT. 

Shop online at Book Outlet Canada here.

Revive Superfoods

Want 50% off your first box of Canadian-Made, pre-portioned, chef crafted smoothies with real ingredients? Use the coupon code REVIVE50 to save 50% off your first box from Revive Superfoods!

Visit Revive Superfoods here.

Kids Bowl Free

The Kids Bowl Free program is back this year! This fun program allows your children to enjoy two free games of bowling at participating bowling centres every day, all summer long! Looks like some bowling alleys start offering free bowling as early as May!

Learn more and sign up here.

Indigo

20% off Our Most Anticipated Kids’ & Teen Books 25% off Ana Huang’s Books, Buy 2, Get 3rd Free on Kids’ Dr. Seuss, Mo Willems & Julia Donaldson Books, 2 for $20 Select Mass Market Paperbacks, Spend $30 or More, Get an Essential Tote for $19.99 (Reg. $39.99) and so much more!

Shop online at Indigo.ca here.

Etsy

In need of a gift? Check out Etsy’s Best Gift Guides! There are gift guides for everyone!

Shop online at Etsy here.

Spanx Canada

Take a look at the sale section online at Spanx Canada! I’m seeing discounts of up to 63% off and prices as low as $19.

Shop online at Spanx Canada here.

DSW Canada

Save up to 25% off Crocs with the coupon code CROCS25 online at DSW Canada! The mid-season clearance is also still going on. I’m actually seeing bigger than 40% off discounts!

Shop online at DSW Canada here.

Natura Market

Natura Market is proudly Canadian owned and operated! That means you can find a lot of Canadian brand foods! Check out their Spring Savings tab to see all of their featured sales!

Shop online at Natura Market here.

Amazon Canada Deals

I’m trying something new with Amazon Deals and you’ll have to let me know if you like it!

Amazon deals are incredibly time consuming to share the way I was previously with lists organized into categories. It always felt like by the time I finished, some deals would no longer be valid! That’s not fun for you, and maybe feels misleading if something goes off deal sooner than anticipated.

So, because I have the ability to create lists directly on Amazon, I thought, why not send you there! It’s a lot easier to keep updated. Perhaps more visually appealing too since you can see a picture of each item. Ultimately, I hope it’s less frustrating for both of us.

You can check out my Canadian Amazon Storefront here. This is my storefront main page. As the seasons change and different holidays/occasions approach, I add new lists to cover those things.

But because I know you appreciate some organization. I have created separate lists for each category I had before. Here they are:

• Fashion
• Home
• Personal Care
• Groceries
• Organization
• Cleaning
• Toys, Games, Books, Activities
• Pets
• Travel
• Tech

Or, here they are all together: Weekend Deals storefront.

25 Brilliant Organizing Tips

Isn’t it time to get a little more organized? You keep putting it off, but now is the time to buckle down and really get to it. These 25 organizing tips will help you get organized in no time, on a budget.

#1. Use old snack containers – If you’re strapped for cash, then using old containers is an excellent way to get a little more organized in your junk drawers or in your computer desk.

#2. Use a white board – Do you often forget to use your calendar? Try writing your important to-dos on a chalkboard or a white board instead. Place it somewhere you can see on a daily basis. I like this magnetic white board for the fridge!

#3. Keep like items in one spot – Instead of storing like items in various spots around the house, keep them all in one spot. Finding magazines everywhere? Store them all in a magazine file on a shelf.

#4. Create a charging station – Don’t play the “find your charger” game. Create your very own charging station within your home. I like this DIY Charging Station from Four Generations One Roof. If DIY isn’t your thing, or you want something with a smaller footprint, a charging station like this is genius.

#5. Use a Magnetic strip – Place magnetic strips throughout your home to hang items like: knives, spice jars, and even nail clippers.

#6. Use old suitcases for storage – Using old suitcases as home décor will give you a vintage feel, but you can still store items within the suitcase. Double purpose!

#7. Use ice cube trays to store small items – Whether you have smaller toys or office supplies, consider using ice cube trays to store these items in.

#8. Use wine boxes to store your shoes – Maybe this organizational idea isn’t so conventional, but it sure is brilliant.  Here’s a picture for your reference.

#9. Leave reminders on or in your fridge – One place you know you’re heading today is to the fridge, so leave your most important reminders there.

#10. Use an organizer for the shower – Instead of having items fall everywhere as you use the shower, buy a shower organizer. I recently picked one up for $3.50 from Dollarama!

#11. Start recycling – If you’re trying to clear out some of the trash, you can get a little more organized by recycling some of your items.

#12. Clear out the clutter daily – Some people only clear out clutter once a year, stay organized by getting rid of clutter on a daily basis.

#13. Only keep a couple of your kids papers – School papers can really add up. Keep just a few of your child’s papers and put them on display on a cork board or a mini clothesline.

#14. Utilize hidden storage – Put your items into a hidden storage bench in the mud room, living room, and even outside.

#15. Put a grocery bag in your car for garbage – If you are tired of having garbage in your vehicle, then keep a grocery bag in there to collect garbage as you finish with it. Or an empty disinfectant wipe container would also be great!

#16. Organize by color – Make your house a little more fun by organizing everything by color. You might take your family and guests by surprise!

#17. Use mesh bags around your home – Instead of trying to put socks and undergarments in the laundry basket, have your family put them in mesh bags. If they’re all together in a mesh bag, there’s less chance to losing some.

#18. Use a shoe organizer for multiple purposes in your home – A shoe organizer can be used for bathroom items, little kid’s clothing, or even crafting items. Let your imagination run wild with this one.

#19. Organize your priorities – Everyone says organize your time a little better, but organizing your priorities makes more time for the things that matter.

#20. Ban clutter in your house – If you are tired of seeing clutter all over the house, then make a rule that no one can bring clutter into the house. If you bring something in, you have to get rid of something else.

#21. Sell your unwanted items – As you declutter, put the items of value up for sale so you can earn a bit of cash for your savings account. Donate all the other items if they are in good condition.

#22. Utilize under the bed space – A lot of storage can be found underneath beds. You can buy bed risers to raise your bed if you need more room underneath it.

#23. Donate your magazines – You may have a lot of magazines lying around the house. Instead of throwing them away, keep the pages you want and donate the rest.

#24. Utilize hallway space – If you have a long hallway in your entryway; utilize the wall space as much as you can.  Try baskets for mail, slim shoe racks, storage shelf with hooks underneath.

#25. Use one basket per person for laundry – Mixing everyone’s laundry together can make more work for you. Make it easier on yourself using one basket per person.

I hope these brilliant organizing tips help you get a little more organized this year. What organizing tips would you add to this list?

Grocery Store Swaps That Save You Money

If your grocery bill feels like it’s climbing higher every single week… you’re not imagining it.

Groceries in Canada have gotten expensive. For most families, it can be one of the hardest areas to cut back on. You still need to eat, and you probably don’t want to spend hours couponing or driving all over town chasing deals.

The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine to save money.

A few simple grocery store swaps can make a noticeable difference on your grocery bill. All without sacrificing convenience or the foods your family actually enjoys.

Let’s get into it shall we?

Buy Oatmeal Instead of Dry Cereal

Buy this: Oatmeal
Not that: Dry cereal

Do away with the expensive boxes of cereal full of sugar and buy oatmeal! You could purchase those convenient packs of pre-made oatmeal, but I’d encourage you to buy a bag of oats instead. I find it so easy to create my own instant oatmeal packs. Plus, I can control the sugar quantity by adding my own sweeteners and various toppings. Oatmeal will also help keep you feeling full longer so you may need less snacks 😉

Buy Ingredients, Not Pre-Packaged Foods

Buy this: Basic ingredients
Not that: Individually packaged foods

Pre-packaged foods like spice seasoning blends, baking mixes, granola bars, cookies and muffins add up quickly. Especially if you’re feeding kids!

Instead, try simple homemade options. I’ve got some basic recipes you could try:

• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Strawberry Banana Ice Cream (Dairy Free)
• Banana Bread
• Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Taco Seasoning
• No Bake Energy Bites
• Tasty Hummus Recipe
• Thin Crust Pizza Dough Recipe
• Homemade Granola
• Homemade Bisquick
• Pancake Mix

Real-life tip: You don’t have to be “perfect”. Even one homemade swap a week can save money!

Buy Frozen fruit Instead of Fresh

Buy this: Frozen berries
Not that: Fresh berries in the off-season

Fresh berries can be shockingly expensive, especially in the winter months.

Frozen fruit is:

• Picked at peak ripeness
• Often cheaper
• Perfect for smoothies, yogurt bowls, and baking

Bonus: It lasts way longer, so you’ll waste less food (and money).

Buy Block Cheese, Not Pre-Shredded

Buy this: Block cheese
Not that: Pre-shredded cheese

Pre-shredded cheese might feel convenient but you’re paying extra for it. It also contains additives to prevent clumping, which can affect how it melts.

Frugal tip: Shred a whole block of cheese at once and store it in the fridge for the week. Same convenience, lower cost.

Buy Yogurt tubs Instead of Cups

Buy this: Yogurt Tubs
Not that: Individual yogurt cups

Sure, yogurt cups are really convenient for packing in lunches, but you could spend a little extra time once a week filling up reusable containers with yogurt from a tub instead. Buying yogurt in larger quantities (tubs or those pour bags) will save you big time.

Bonus: You can control the sweetness, flavours and boost protein if you purchase plain Greek yogurt tubs.

Buy Store Brand, Not Name Brand

Buy this: Store brand (No Name, Great Value, Compliments)
Not that: Big-name brands

This is one of the easiest wins. Most store brands are made in the same facilities as name brands, but without the higher price tag that comes with marketing and packaging.

You’ll especially notice savings on:

• Pantry staples (flour, sugar, pasta)
• Canned goods
• Frozen fruits and veggies
• Dairy products

Buy Whole Chicken, Not Pre-Cut Pieces

Buy this: Whole chicken
Not that: Pre-cut chicken breasts or thighs

Whole chickens are almost always cheaper per pound.

Plus, you can:

• Cut it up to use in multiple meals
• Use leftovers for soups or wraps
• Make homemade broth with the bones

Buy Ingredients for Dressing Instead of Bottled

Buy this: Ingredients for homemade dressings
Not that: Pre-made bottled dressings

Making salad dressings from scratch has got to be one of the most simple kitchen tasks you could do. Believe me, because I don’t do complicated in the kitchen! If you usually reach for those pricey organic or natural salad dressings at the store, switching to homemade can save you a surprising amount on your grocery bill. With just a few simple, budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up your own in minutes! Here are some of my recipes:

• Ranch Dressing
• Raspberry Poppyseed Dressing
• Pomegranate Balsamic Dressing
• Italian Dressing

Buy a Head of lettuce instead of bagged salad

Buy this: Head of lettuce
Not that: Bagged salad

Not only is a head of lettuce much cheaper than the bags or containers of lettuce, they last longer too! I understand the convenience of buying a bag or container, but it really doesn’t take much effort to tear up some lettuce leaves for a salad. Especially when you have to sort through the slimy pieces in the bags or containers anyways.

Buy Dried beans and lentils instead of canned

Buy this: Dried beans or lentils
Not that: Canned beans or lentils

I’ll be honest, we don’t eat a lot of beans in our house, so I usually reach for the canned version. But if beans are a staple in your meals, buying them dried is a much more budget-friendly option. You can save a significant amount over time, and cooking them is easier than you might think. Just toss them in your slow cooker or use your Instant Pot for a quick, hands-off batch.

As you can see, saving money on groceries doesn’t have to mean cutting out everything you love or spending hours planning.

It’s really about being intentional.

Start with just 1-2 of these grocery store swaps this week, and you’ll likely notice a difference at checkout. And the best part? These changes are simple enough to stick with so the savings add up over time.

Which of these grocery store swaps are you already doing, and which one are you going to try next?

Check out The Meal Planner! I created the printable Meal planner to help make meal planning and saving money easy! The PDF includes:

• 18 pages
• Monthly, Weekly + Daily meal planning worksheets
• Meal brainstorming worksheets
• Food inventory worksheets
• Grocery lists
• Price matching worksheet
• Party Planning worksheet

You might also enjoy:

• 30 Things to Stop Buying and Start Making
• 12 Tips for a No Waste Kitchen

Things to stop buying and start making

If you’re wanting to save some big grocery bucks, it’s time to start thinking about things to stop buying and start making yourself. I’m talking about making your own pantry staples and household essentials!

Not only does creating your own stuff keep more money in your wallet, often times it’s better for your health! I mean how many times are you stuck reading a label in the store wondering what half of the ingredients are? By making your own essentials, you’re ensuring that you know each and every ingredient involved.

Also, an aspect of the frugal lifestyle for some, or many, is to be more self sufficient. Rather than running to the store every time you run out of something, you could try making it yourself! Once you know how to make everyday items, you’ll save yourself a lot of trips to the store, reduce your plastic waste, all while saving lots of money.

Creating your own products from scratch is simple. But to make it even easier for you, I’ve round ed up a list of 30 things to stop buying and start making:

1. Homemade Peanut Butter | Fox and Briar
2. Homemade Yogurt | Faithfully Gluten Free
3. Homemade Mayonnaise (video) | Simple Bites
4. Homemade Bisquick | SimplyFrugal.ca
5. Homemade Ketchup | Cupcakes and Kale Chips
6. Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packs | SimplyFrugal.ca
7. Homemade Flavoured Coffee Cream | SimplyFrugal.ca
8. Homemade Butter | Unsophisticook.com
9. Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup | Buns in my Oven>
10. Homemade BBQ Sauce | Simply Scratch
11. Homemade Bread Crumbs | Make and Takes
12. Homemade Ranch Dressing | SimplyFrugal.ca
13. Homemade Taco Seasoning | SimplyFrugal.ca
14. Homemade Cream Cheese | Alpha Foodie
15. Homemade Bouillon Cubes | Simple Bites
16. Homemade Alfredo Sauce | Genius Kitchen
17. Homemade Pancake Mix | SimplyFrugal.ca
18. Homemade Sweetened Condensed Milk | Cooking with Books
19. Homemade Brown Sugar | Nourishing Joy
20. Homemade Sour Cream | Oh Lardy
21. Homemade Powdered Sugar | Mom with a Prep
22. Homemade Vanilla Extract | SimplyFrugal.ca
23. Homemade Pizza Dough | SimplyFrugal.ca
24. Homemade Baking Powder | Mommypotamus
25. Homemade Refried Beans | Simply Scratch
26. Homemade Tomato Sauce | Love and Lemons
27. Homemade Apple Sauce | Pioneer Woman
28. Homemade Pop Tarts | Smitten Kitchen
29. Homemade Worcestershire Sauce | Little House Living
30. Homemade Laundry Detergent | DIY Natural
31. Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner | SimplyFrugal.ca
32. Homemade Soy Sauce | Little House Living
33. Homemade Dryer Sheets | SimplyFrugal.ca

How many of these have you tried? What are some things to stop buying and start making that you would recommend?

If you’re wanting more ideas for things to make from scratch, you might want to try this book, The Homemade Pantry.  It features 101 recipes that you can try!

How to Make Your Own DIY Mosquito Planter

How To Make Your Own DIY Mosquito Planter. If you’re tired of battling mosquitos, a DIY mosquito planter might be the solution you’ve been waiting for!

I mentioned in my first container garden update that I would do a separate post detailing the plants I have in the planter I deemed my ‘DIY Mosquito Planter’.  While we don’t get a ton of mosquitoes, we do live by a creek (damp) so we do see them around and they are not my favourite bug to live with.  In one of my Pinterest escapades, I discovered that I could create a container full of plants that mosquitoes don’t like. Namely, plants of the citrus scented variety.

Not only does the scent of the plants keep mosquitoes at bay, I can even tear off a leaf and rub it on my skin if I’m finding they’re getting too close.  I may even bring a leaf or two along on any hikes we might be doing!

Here’s what I put in my DIY Mosquito Planter:

• Citronella Geranium (I would use these leaves on my skin)
• Marigold ‘Lemon Gem’
• Catnip
• Lemon Thyme (can be used in cooking too!)
• Gazanias (only because I had extra from another flower pot)

I was looking for lemon grass but I couldn’t find any before I got tired of driving to all our local nurseries.

You could also try:

• Citronella Grass
• Lavender
• Lemon Balm
• Basil: Especially the lemon and cinnamon varieties.

I’m excited to see how this works as the summer goes on. I hope it fills out nicely and that pretty flowers appear!

Have you ever made a DIY Mosquito Planter?  Did it help ward off the mosquitoes?

You might also enjoy:

• Gardening on a Budget
• Create a Lasagna Garden in a Container
• The Best Soil for Container Gardening
• The Best Vegetables for Container Gardening
• 10 Best Vegetable Gardening Books

Now that Spring is officially here and summer is on the horizon, it’s sandal season! After seemingly endless months of wearing clunky boots and closed-toe shoes with socks, it feels pretty darn good to welcome back strappy, open-toed sandals of all sorts.

Sandal season is my favorite season. I live in flip flops, but I enjoy having one dressy pair of sandals for those occasions that call for something nicer. True to my frugal nature, I look for a deal and get excited with prices that are under $50.

Since you are visiting Simply Frugal, I have a feeling you are just like me and enjoy a bargain. That’s why I have rounded up 15 pairs of affordable spring sandals that are $50 or less in Canada.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

15 Affordable Spring Sandals

1. Jelly Thong Sandals $38
2. Faux-Leather Slide Sandals $27.99
3. Platform Espadrille Sandals $49.99
4. Strappy Faux-Leather Sandals $32.99
5. Tortoise Flip Flop $24.99
6. Orthotic Flip Flops $37.99
7. Cork Footbed Slide Sandal $45.99
8. Square Toe Flat Sandals $49.99
9. Slip On Slides $27.35
10. Dream Pairs Espadrilles $51.99
11. Faux Leather Two Buckle Sandals $22.90
12. Flat Sandals with Gold Ornament $22.90
13. Slip On Strappy Style Flat Sandal $19
14. Woven H-Band Sandals $29
15. AE Rope Lace-Up Sandal $44.95

Which ones are your favourite? Where will you be shopping for sandals?

Kids Bowl Free

The Kids Bowl Free program is back this year!  This fun program allows your children to enjoy two free games of bowling at participating bowling centres every day, all summer long! Looks like some bowling alleys start offering free bowling as early as May!

Up to six children can be registered per account/email address.

How the Kids Bowl Free program works:

• Select a bowling centre near you.
• Register directly on your local bowling center page (The registration is valid only at the bowling center where you register and cannot be used at any other bowling center unless otherwise noted.)
• Once you register, you will have the opportunity to purchase the family pass from $34.95. You are not required to purchase this pass.
• When the program at your local bowling centre begins, you will be sent an email or a text every Sunday morning with a link to your coupons and family passes for that week.

Click here for all the details and to register!

Here are more fun Summer Activities for Kids:

• 50 Things to Occupy the Kids this Summer
• Our Summer of Frugal Fun
• 45 Free & Cheap summer Activities

The Best Canadian Birthday Freebies

Did you know, there are a lot of birthday freebies in Canada? It’s true! So why not spoil yourself on a day that only comes around once a year!

In honour of all the birthday’s we celebrate, I thought this roundup of Canadian birthday freebies would be great so you can sign up in time for your birthday! Make this your best birthday yet!

Read on to learn about all the free things you can get on your birthday in Canada:

• Sephora – You get to choose a FREE product set in store or online during your birthday month.
• Marble Slab Creamery – Sign up for Marble Mail and receive a free ice cream cone.
• Dairy Queen – Sign up for the Blizzard Fan Club and receive a buy 1 blizzard get 1 free coupon.
• Freshii – Sign up to be a ViiP and receive a free bowl anytime during your birthday month.
• Cobs Bread – Sign up for the COBS Club and get a free treat on your birthday.
• Red Lobster – Sign up for My Red Lobster Rewards and receive a birthday reward.
• Boston Pizza – Free dessert on your birthday when you sign up for MyBP Loyalty program.
• Baskin Robbins – Join Club 31 and get a free scoop on your birthday.
• Harvey’s – Join the Burger Boss club to get Free Frings, a special gift on your birthday, delicious digital deals and more!
• Starbucks – Sign up for Starbucks Rewards and get a free drink of your choice on your birthday.
• Red Robin – Sign up for the Red Robin Royalty program and get a free gourmet burger. You can claim this freebie any day during the month of your birthday.
• Quizno’s – Sign up for Toasty Points and buy one get one regular sub free!
• Denny’s – Free Grand Slam with pancakes, sausage, bacon and eggs on your birthday. Valid ID must be shown.
• Applebee’s – Join Club Applebee’s and get a birthday special (usually a free dessert) on your birthday.
• Jack Astor’s – Free dessert when you sign up for their newsletter. (scroll to the bottom of their website to sign up.)
• Kelsey’s – Free dessert when you sign up for their email newsletters.
• Swiss Chalet – Sign up for Rotisserie Mail and get a free dessert on your birthday.
• Joey’s – Birthday offers get sent to you 7 days before your birthday
• Pizza Pizza – Free slice of pizza and a can of pop for kids only.
• What a Bagel (greater Toronto) – Buy 6 bagels and get 6 free on your birthday. A valid ID is required.
• American Eagle – Sign up for Real Rewards and get a coupon for $5 birthday reward during your birthday month.
• RW&Co – Save $15 off your purchase when you sign up for RWInsider.
• Swagbucks– 50 Free Swag Bucks on your birthday
• Menchie’s – Free $5 Froyo when you sign up for mySmileage
• Thrifty Foods – Free 8″ x 12″ birthday cake on your child’s first birthday, one cake per child.
• Kelly O’Bryan’s – Free birthday meal when you come in on the day of your birthday
• Kiehl’s – Join Kiehl’s Rewards Loyalty Program to start earning points when you shop online or in the store. You also receive a free birthday gift every year.
• Old Navy Canada – Sign up for their rewards program to receive free bonus points.
• Gap Canada – Sign up for their rewards program to receive free bonus points.

There you go with the best Canadian birthday freebies! Which ones will you be taking advantage of?

Are any of your favourite Canadian birthday freebies not listed? Mention them in the comments below and I’ll get them added.

Related posts:

• Canadian Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

How to Start Seeds Indoors

You might be itching to get your garden going, but chances are the outdoor sowing season is still a ways away. Well no worries, here’s how to start seeds indoors several weeks before the final frost of the season!

By starting your seeds indoors, you can get a jump on the growing season while saving some money in the process. Here is what you need to know on how to start seeds indoors.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

First, let’s take a look at what you will need:

• Seed starters (you can use anything: yogurt cups, egg carton cups, egg shells, K-cups…etc.)
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Spray bottle
• Cookie sheets or a tray of some sort
• Wood craft sticks
• Marker
• Clear Plastic Wrap

I’ve linked to some items on Amazon for convenience, but you can gather supplies from anywhere to fit your budget.

A good rule of thumb for when to start your seeds is 4 weeks before the last frost of the season. This will vary depending where you live, so consult The Farmer’s Almanac to find out when the perfect planting time is for you.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Begin by placing the seed starter cups on the cookie sheet or tray. This way, the surface under the cups is protected and you can easily move them if you need to. Also, make sure the containers you choose have drainage holes.
2. Fill each cup 3/4 of the way full with nutrient rich potting soil. Seedlings need a light, airy soil mix that drains well. You can buy a seed starting mix at a garden center or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite.
3. Plant the seeds: Follow the instructions on the seed packet for planting depth and spacing. In general, plant the seeds twice as deep as their diameter.
4. Cover the seeds with soil and mist the area with your spray bottle. Misting is easier and cleaner than a watering can, plus it will keep you from over watering.
5. Use the wood craft sticks and marker to make plant markers for the seedlings so you know what they are once they start growing.
6. Pull a sheet of plastic wrap over the top of the seed starters. This will allow light in but will help the plants retain heat. NOTE: You will need to remove the plastic wrap every few days to mist the soil to keep it moist. Just be sure to return the plastic when you are done.
7. Place your seed starters in a window where they will get at least 6 hours of sun per day. If you don’t have an area where this is possible, a sun lamp will work.
8. As soon as you see sprouting, remove the plastic wrap. Continue to water every few days and keep the soil moist at all times.

In just a few weeks, your seeds will be seedlings and soon they will be ready to get transplanted outside. Be sure the threat of frost has passed and you follow package directions when transplanting.

See how simple starting seeds indoors can be? Give these tips a try and get a jump on the growing season now!

Easter Basket Ideas You Won’t Hate:

I love giving my kids gifts. It brings me so much joy to see their excitement! But you know what I don’t love? Filling our house with more random stuff that gets forgotten not long after.

Do you feel the same?

That’s why I have started asking myself:

“What are my kids going to need later that I can buy now?”

It’s my way of still treating them (and scratching that deal-hunting itch!) without filling our home with unnecessary stuff.

Easter is right on the horizon, so Easter baskets are currently on my mind.

When I think of the question above, I know the weather is changing and getting warmer. So instantly, bathing suits and more seasonally appropriate pajamas come to mind. It’s pretty much guaranteed that they have outgrown their things from last year.

So think through your current family situation. Will you be going to the pool or beach? What about a family vacation? What do they like to do outside? What are their favourite snacks? What about something to do inside on rainy days?

To help get your creative/practical thinking rolling, here are some of my favourite Easter Basket ideas.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

WATER & SUN GEAR

My kids always need new bathing suits. Currently my favourite places to get their bathing suits are Old Navy and Gap because of how they fit, but also because they have great sales often. (You know I love a deal.) I really like these one piece rash guard suits because of the built-in UPF sun protection.

Swim goggles are also really useful. My oldest will be getting a new pair of these this year.

Pool toys and bath toys are also a solid choice if your kids will enjoy them. My youngest has been asking for some diving toys, so she’ll be getting this set.

Here are a few other items to give you ideas:

• Kids sunglasses
• Easy slip on/off sandals
• Sunhat
• Sand Buckets

OUTDOOR TOYS

There’s nothing better than sending the kids outside to enjoy some fresh air! It’s even better when they have something fun to fuel their imaginations.

There’s always the classics that need to be replaced such as chalk or bubbles or water guns. But here are some other ideas that are sure to be a hit:

• Gardening Tools
• Gardening Gloves
• Reusable water balloons
• Foam Glider Planes
• Racket Game
• Soccer ball/volleyball/football

CRAFTY GIFTS

If you’ve got kids that love to be crafty then you can’t go wrong with some new craft items!

I like to pick up some new craft supplies or kits from Dollarama or Dollar Tree. But here are some other ideas:

• Water Marbling Paint Kit
• Rainbow Scratch Paper Art Notebook
• Clay Beads Bracelet Making Kit
• Paint by Sticker Books
• Paint Your Own Stepping Stone
• Air Dry Clay
• Origami Paper

PRACTICAL GIFTS

Let’s just call this category the “things your kids need anyways” but we can disguise them as thoughtful and fun gifts. Okay?

• Water Bottle (we’re big fans of this brand)
• Hair brushes (something in their favourite colour)
• Hair clips/elastics
• Book light
• Bubble bath/body wash
• Safe knife set for kids
• Books (the newest book in their favourite series, a touch & feel book…etc.)
• Pajamas

CANDY & SNACKS

No Easter basket is complete without a chocolate bunny or some sort of treat! There are Easter themed candies all over the stores. Grab one or two things you know your kids would like and call it a day.

You could also think outside the box a bit and grab their favourite snacks. Could be things you don’t buy very often that they’ll be excited to receive. Or just things you know they’ll enjoy no matter what. Pringles. Mini bags of chips. Cereal. Ritz crackers and cheese dip. Bear Paws. Goldfish crackers. Apple sauce pouches. Fruit snacks. Bunny Grahams. The ideas are endless.

I hope these Easter basket ideas help you build Easter baskets for your kids that are practical and enjoyable for everyone! Remember though, Easter baskets aren’t mandatory!

Need more Easter Basket ideas? I’ve got more here:

• 30+ Fun and Frugal Easter Basket Ideas

How to Get Started Organizing When You’re Overwhelmed

Sometimes, to get started organizing is the hardest part. You want to start, but you feel overwhelmed because you’re just not sure where to start!

Today, I want to share some suggestions that may help you to get started organizing!

Make a list

Sit down and make a list of all the areas in your home that you would like to see organized. Seeing everything written down could help you to pick something, whether it be a small task or an area that annoys you! Simply pick one thing, do it, then cross it off!

Start small

For the overwhelmed person, starting with a small project, such as a single drawer, could be just the thing to trigger your resolve to keep going onto the next small project. You’ll find yourself moving from one small project to the next, until you’ve finished each area of your home! Here are some small project ideas to get you started:

• A drawer
• A shelf
• A closet
• One surface space
• Your spices
• One cupboard
• Medicine cabinet

Start in the room that requires the least amount of work

It’s a possibility, that by starting in an area of your home that requires a lot of organizing hours to complete, could turn you off before you start to see any results. I personally, love to see almost instant results. So, in a continuation of the tip above, when it comes to organizing, starting somewhere that doesn’t require a lot of effort will motivate you to carry on.

Start on the area that annoys you the most

Is there an area in your home that annoys you to no end because you can never find what you’re looking for? Start there. If tackling an area means it’ll make your life more manageable while you’re working on organizing other areas, that annoying spot could be a great place to start!

Just start

If you’re naturally a planner and you’re trying to get things just right in your head before you start, the planning process could actually scare you into doing nothing. Instead, clear your mind and tackle a drawer. Once you see how easy that was then you can move on to another, then another. Take baby steps and don’t overwhelm yourself by looking at the whole room.

Set goals

Set goals that will allow you to look at the big picture. Let’s say to want to organize your kitchen. You could leave it at that, but how overwhelming does ‘organize kitchen’ feel on your to-do list? By imagining how you want your space to feel, setting a timeline and breaking down the areas in your kitchen, you will be way more prepared to succeed! Let’s write the kitchen example out:

“I want my kitchen to feel clutter-free with each task area easily accessible so I can get my cooking/baking/cleaning done efficiently.

I will give myself one month to complete my kitchen, by spending 15 minutes a day on one of these areas:

• Pantry items
• Pots & pans
• Cooking utensils
• Eating utensils
• Cups/mugs
• Tupperware
• Plates/bowls
• Serving ware
• Baking ware
• Small appliances
• Dish towels/cloths
• Under sink cabinet
• Etc.

I will make time every day between 3pm and 5pm. I will also take before and after photos of each area so I can continue to be inspired.”

I hope that example helps you to see how setting goals for each room in your home will help you feel less overwhelmed!

Get motivated

Find yourself some motivation! Here are some ideas:

• Read organizing blogs – These blogs are full of useful tips for everyone!
• Read décor blogs – Maybe envisioning what your space could look like will motivate you?
• Watch an organizing show -Something like The Home Edit could really help light the organizing fire.
• Have guests over – Nothing gets your act in gear when you’re anticipating company! (or maybe this will only force you to shove things in the closets…)
• Lose something – hehe, but seriously, I’ve gone on organizing rampages when I can’t find something of importance!

Set the timer

If you know a project will take you 3 – 4 hours or more, you’re likely to put it off.  But, if you work at it and organize in small bursts, by setting a timer for 15 – 30 minutes, you’re more likely to get your project done!  Or how about doing a quick project (sorting the mail) while you’re waiting for water to boil or the microwave to finish?

Hopefully these are some ideas to help you get started with organizing your home to make it a place that you love being in!

What I really want to know though, is that I’m not the only person that tries to get as much done as I can while I’m waiting for the microwave to beep? 😉

Where do you start first when you organize?  Did these tips help?  Share your ideas in the comments below!

Related organizing articles:

• How to Sell your Clutter for Cash
• 5 Reasons you should let go of Clutter
• Thoughtful Home Organization Tips from the Dollar Store

40+ of the Best Planners to get you organized

I’m must confess. If I could, I would buy all the pretty planners out there. Just the idea of having all my to-do’s and ideas in one place gets practical old me really excited. I’m currently using an academic planner. Meaning it runs until June 2026. This suits my life because our summers are pretty unstructured. I can jot down my to-dos, appointments, reminders, menu plan, shopping list and even my ideas!

If you’re after a good planner, but haven’t quite found “the one” yet, this round up is sure to help you find one of the best planners that will work for you!

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

First of all, let’s take a look at some things to think about before purchasing a planner:

How to Pick the Best Planner

Purpose: Knowing what you wish to keep track of in your planner is key to finding the right one for your needs. Do you simply want to keep track of appointments? A monthly calendar might be great for you. If you want to keep a to-do list and appointments easily accessible, then a weekly planner could be the right fit. If you intend on keeping a to-do list, appointments, a meal plan, a shopping list and some thoughts or ideas, then a daily planner would be perfect!

Portability: Will you be carrying your planner around with you or will it just be sitting on your desk or counter? If you will be carrying it around, then the size of the planner matters. Make sure the size you choose fits into the bag or purse you will be using. I personally like the 8″ by 5″ size best.

The Best Monthly Planners:

WSBL Grow Wild 2026 Monthly Pocket Planner – This one is pretty, a great price and includes some extra features like a back pocket, to-do lists, address and phone number pages, and password pages.

Brownline 2026 DuraFlex Monthly Planner – This is a great basic 11″ by 8.5″ planner that would be great for leaving on a desk.

At-A-Glance 2026 Monthly Planner – Another great basic, monthly planner that includes thick pages so you don’t get ink bleed.

5 Year Monthly Planner – Because this is a 5 year planner, I think this would be great to use as a personal notebook, journal, or diary! Or, you can use it to set goals, important dates, or deadlines, as well as jotting down notes and ideas.

Staples 2026 Monthly Planner – This is a smaller 6-7/8″ x 8-3/4″ basic monthly planner that includes telephone and address pages, dates to remember page and more.

High Note Monthly Planner – I love the vibrant colours of this one! It’s even nicely decorated inside. Includes a pocket and monthly goal planning pages.

2026-2028 Monthly Planner – This is a large, three year monthly planner with lots of space to write!

2026 – 2027 Monthly Planner – This monthly planner offers generous monthly boxes without being bulky. Perfect for slipping into bags.

Blue Sky Day Designer 2026 Monthly Planner – If you enjoy seeing everything for the month laid out, this planner looks fantastic! Has some nice extras for goal setting and routine tracking.

The Best Weekly Planners

High Note Weekly Planner – This one is so pretty! It is slightly larger than a typical weekly planner at 9″ x 10″. It includes some goal setting and project planning pages for every month. Also includes monthly tab dividers, a handy pocket and some stickers.

Lonely Oak 2026 Planner – This planner is the perfect size for bringing everywhere. Includes Monthly Tabs, Elastic Closure, Inner Pocket, Yearly Overview, Contacts Pages as well as My Vision & Mind Map page.

Rozzby 2026 Weekly Planner – This planner includes monthly tabs, elastic closure, lots of writing space and a section for priorities on the weekly pages.

Valome 2026 Weekly Planner – In many weekly planner, Saturdays and Sundays have only half the space weekdays do. But in this planner, they have the same amount of space!

2026 Weekly Planner – With lots of room for planning, this portable sized planner might be perfect for you!

Blueline 2026 DoodlePlan Weekly Planner – This is a simple planner but it includes colouring areas! How fun!

Planberry Weekly Planner – This is a great undated weekly planner if you really want to hit some goals this year. Also unique to this planner, you will find built in budget planner sheets!

Paper Harbour Planner – This undated weekly planner is made and printed in Canada! Space for 12 months, 52 weeks, one bonus week, and lined journal pages.

Clever Fox Weekly Planner – Another undated planner great for hitting goals and reflecting on life.

Moleskine Classic 2026 Weekly Planner – This one is unique in the way that it features an entire week on the left and an entire page for notes on the right. Perfect if you love a lot of room for thoughts and ideas or note taking.

Action Day Weekly Planner – Each day offers hourly scheduling from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Also includes a 12-page teaching tool to see yourself as the person you want to be, what values you want to live by, your goals and actions. 

Blue Sky Sophie Weekly Planner – This beautiful simple weekly planner is perfect for a clean look at your week or adding fun doodles or stickers!

At-A-Glance 2026 Floral Weekly Planner – This pretty weekly planner is simple in its design and includes handy tabs to easily flip between months. This is the 8.5″x11″ size.

Amy Knapp’s Family Organizer – A planner especially for moms! Includes a big space for a weekly to-do list, tear off grocery and menu plans, motivational quotes and stickers!

The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2026 Planner – A simple weekly planner that includes interesting facts, quotes and helpful tips!

Passion Planner – This one looks great for goal setting as well as keeping track of your weekly to-dos. Their Instagram page looks like it’s full of inspiration on how to use it.

Emily Ley Simplified Weekly Planner – I have used this in past years! I love the colours and simplicity of it. I also like how each day is separated into two parts: My Day and To-Do.

Legend Undated Weekly Planner – This one is great for the working person that wants to track work to-dos and personal to-dos. Looks fantastic for goal setting and creating a better you.

Wordsworth Undated Weekly Planner – This one reminds me of the Simplified planner, but with a heavy dose of goal setting pages that look helpful!

Poprun 2026 Agenda – Includes Hourly Schedule & Vertical Weekly Layout! This one is a larger size, but there’s also a smaller one available.

GoGirl Weekly Schedule Planner – This undated planner also has a vertical layout with spots for goal planning.

2026 Weekly Planner – This one is just so classic feeling. Linen cover, simple lines inside, tabbed dividers, pen holder, inner pocket, ribbon bookmark!

The Best Daily Planners

Brownline 2026 Daily planner – This is the one I used for years, but then they added the times in 30 minute increments. I am personally not a fan of the times added, but that doesn’t mean it’s not perfect for you!

2026 Daily Simplified Planner – This is like a Weekly Planner that I have used in the past, but a daily version that includes time slots for each day.

Day Designer Daily Planner – This is a premium planner with a price tag to reflect. However, it has so many features that are laid out nicely! The daily calendar view page contains hourly schedule in 1 hour increments, top 3 priority items, to-do list, notes section and an inspirational quote, as well as a dedicated gratitude section.

To Do List Undated Daily Planner – If you are looking for a way to track your daily to-dos, fitness, meal plan, and top priorities for each day, then this planner is worth looking at!

Clever Fox Daily Planner PRO – This undated planner is unique in the sense that it lasts just 3 months if used consistently. Perhaps a great way to test drive a planner! This planner has everything though: create a vision for your life, define and break down your goals, and incorporate these goals into your schedule. It has a separate page for each day of the week, with an hourly schedule, daily goal, priorities, to-do list, daily reflection, and plenty of space for extra notes.

Blueline NotePro Undated Daily Planner – This planner has an undated daily planner on left side and is ruled with margin on the right side for note taking. Perfect for the working prfessional.

KESOTE 2026 Agenda Daily Planner – This soft leather-like cover daily planner is a great price!

Poprun 2026 Daily Planner – This daily planner presents spacious everyday planning with hourly schedules for your appointments, which makes your busy daily routines organized.

The Best Specialty Planners

The Meal Planner – This printable planner made by me, will help you plan every aspect of your meal planning!

52 Week Meal Planner – This planner contains space to plan a year’s worth of meal’s and grocery lists. 

Weekly Meal Planner – This is like the meal planner above but has dedicated spaces for breakfast and lunch ideas too.

Travel Planner – For every trip, track your budget, list must-see attractions, map out shopping and dining spots, and keep tabs on your itinerary.

Legend Travel Planner – This travel planner looks fabulous! Includes everything you need to help research and plan all essential aspects of your trips, including your travel budget, accommodation, transportation, things to see, packing list, and more.

The Cleaning Planner – This printable, step by step plan will help take the overwhelm out of cleaning.

Monthly Budget Planner – Keep track of your spending, plan monthly budgets and set savings goals with this planner!

The Budget Planner – This printable, easy to follow planner takes the overwhelm out of budgeting.

Teacher’s Planner – This planner will help you keep track of weekly lessons, seating plans, attendance, and grades!

CREATE Blog and Editorial Calendar – A planning and editorial system designed for ambitious bloggers and biz owners to create intentional content, grow and nurture an audience, and build a business around their blog

Mega Homeschool Planner – Whether you homeschool 1 child or many, this planner will keep you organized, hold your important records, make planning a breeze, track anything, is portable and conveniently stores away.

Coupon Planner – 52 Weekly (undated) shopping pages to plan which stores to hit, keep track of sales, and organize your coupons to make the trip as smooth as possible.

There you have it, the best planners you can get in Canada. If you use a planner, do you purchase the same one year after year or do you like to switch it up?

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

• What the Heck is a Bullet Journal and How Can it Help Me?
• How to Create and Keep a Spending Journal
• How to Create a Budget Binder

Canadian Boxing Day Deals:

Below, you’ll find an epic round-up of all the Canadian Boxing Day Deals for 2025!  The list will be updated as new deals are discovered. Bookmark this page and enjoy some great savings at your favourite Canadian stores!

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Canadian Boxing Day Deals:

Aerie – 40-70% off almost everything + undies 10 for $42! (ends December 29, 2025 at 5am ET)

Aldo Shoes – Winter Sale: Save an extra 50% off sale footwear with coupon code EXTRA50! (Ends January 14, 2026 @ 11:59 PM EST)

Amazon.ca – Shop Boxing Day Deals online at Amazon.ca!

American Eagle – Save 40-60% off almost everything, including jeans! (ends December 29, 2025 at 5am ET)

AncestryDNA – Celebrate Boxing Day with 50% off, now as low as $64! (ends December 27, 2025)

Anthropologie – End of Season Sale: Extra 50% off sale items! Save on 1000’s of items.

Ardene – The Boxing week blowout is on! Save up to 70% off everything plus FREE Shipping on orders over $20! (ends January 2, 2026 at 10:00 am ET)

Aritzia – Boxing Week Sale On Now: Up to 50% Off Everything! (ends February 1, 2026, at 11:59pm PT)

Athleta – Boxing Day sale: Save 30% off everything online at Athleta.ca! (ends December 26, 2025 at 11:59pm PT)

Banana Republic – The Boxing Day Event: Up to 60% off Sale Styles + an Extra 30% Off Sale Styles (ends December 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT )

Bench.ca – Boxing Week sale is on: Save 55% off sitewide!

Best Buy Canada – Boxing Day sale pricing has started! Save big on what you want most. Save up to 60% off Doorcrashers!

Bluenotes – Boxing Week Deals: Save 50-80% off!

Bobbi Brown – Save 25% off sitewide! Plus save up to 50% off select beauty favourites.

Book Outlet Canada – Boxing Week Sale is here! Save an extra 20% off  sitewide. (ends January 3, 2026 at 9am ET)

Canadian Tire – Boxing week deals start now with savings up to 40% off!

Carters/Osh Kosh – Save up to 50% off Entire Site and Store PLUS EXTRA 10% off when you spend $50+!

Club Monaco – Limited time only: Save 40% off everything online at Club Monaco!

Columbia Sportswear – 25 – 40% off almost everything online at Columbia! (ends January 2, 2026)

Costco.ca – Boxing week savings are on now online at Costco.ca!

Crocs Canada – End of Season Sale! Shop Up to 50% Off at Crocs.ca! (ends January 6, 2026 at 12 am MST)

DAVIDs Tea – Come back again next year for the Boxing Day sale!

DSW – Extra 20% off (that’s up to 65% off!) with coupon code: BOXING.

Dynamite.ca – Boxing Day Event: ON NOW! Styles at Up to 50% off.

Etsy – Up to 50% off: End-of-Season Deals!

Fairweather – Save up to 75% off during the Boxing Week Blowout! Free shipping on orders of $75+.

Gap Canada – Save an extra 50% off markdowns. Use the coupon code BOXING for an extra 10% off and coupon code SALE for an extra 20% off! (ends January 1, 2026)

Garage Clothing – Boxing Week: Save 50% off and more online and in-store at Garage!

Gymboree – The Orange sale: Extra 25% off clearance with coupon code TAKE25.

Hatley Canada – Boxing Week Sale: Save up to 50% off select styles!

Hello Fresh – Use coupon code GENHFPEAKHY to get up To 20 Free Meals + Free Shipping on first box + Free Sides for Life

H&M Canada – Sale up to 60% off online at H&M Canada!

Indigo.ca – Boxing Week: Save up to 50% off books, toys, decor and more! (ends January 1, 2026)

Joe Fresh – Boxing Week: Up to 50% off Clearance! Price as Marked.

Knix – Last sale of the year at Knix! Save up to 60% off Everything! (ends December 28, 2025)

La Senza – Winter sale is online now at La Senza! Save up to 70% off!

Linen Chest – Save up to 75% off + an extra 20% off almost everything online at Linen Chest!

Little Blue House – Boxing Week Sale: Save up to 50% off select styles!

Lululemon – Check out the items that are on sale for Boxing Day!

Mabel’s Labels – Ready to label everything in 2026? Save up to 40% off on select top-selling labels!

Madewell – The Boxing Day event: Enjoy an extra 50% off all sale with the coupon code WINTER. (ends January 6, 2026, 2:59am ET)

Mark’s – Boxing Week Event: Take an extra 25% off Storewide! (ends December 28, 2028)

Mountain Hardware – Save 20% off select styles during the boxing week sale! (ends December 29, 2025)

Mountain Warehouse – Winter Sale Up To 60% Off + Extra 10% Off With Code WINTER10.

Naturalizer – Save up to 65% off sale styles when you take an extra 25% off with coupon code MOREISMORE.

Old Navy Canada – Two days only: Save 50% off all jeans for the family! (ends December 27, 2025) Online Exclusive: Take an Extra 15% off $90+! (ends December 28, 2025)

Partylite – Winter Clearance: Save up to 60% on a selection of items!

Penningtons – Save up to 60% off everything online at Penningtons. (ends January 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET)

Quickbooks – Save 80% on QuickBooks for 8 months when you buy now!

Rakuten.ca – Boxing Week: 3X cash back!

Reitmans – Boxing Week Sale: Save up to 70% off sale + an extra 30% off!

Roots Canada – Enjoy an additional 20% off select sale styles for savings up to 60% off during the Boxing week sale! (ends January 8, 2026)

RW&Co – Boxing Week Sale: Save 50% off online at RW&Co! (ends December 28, 2025 11:59 pm ET)

Saje – Winter Sale: Up to 50% off starts now! (ends December 29, 2024)

SAXX Underwear – 40% off winter sale at SAXX Canada!

Sephora – Boxing week is here! Beauty Insiders (free to join) save an extra 20% off sale items with coupon code BONUS20. (ends January 1, 2026)

Simons – The Best Sale by Simons: Save up to 50% off online and in-store!

Spanx – The Boxing Day sale: Save up to 70% off sale! (ends January 3, 2026 at 8:00 AM ET)

Sport Chek – Featured deals up to 60% off! Plus save 20% off full priced items (ends January 7, 2026)

Staples Canada – Enjoy BIG savings with Staples’ Boxing Week Deals!

Suzy Shier – Boxing Day sale: Save up to 70% off, plus an extra 20% off sale items from Suzy Shier.

Sweetlegs – Enjoy 50% off Sitewide & Door Crashers up to 80% off!

The Children’s Place – 50% off almost everything with coupon code BOXINGDAY!

TOMS Canada – Sale on Sale: up to 70% off with coupon code CHEERS. (ends  January 4, 2026, 11:59 pm PT)

Under Armour – Extra 30% Off Outlet with the coupon code EXTRA30. (ends January 4, 2026)

Urban Outfitters – Take an extra 40% off all sale items from Urban Outfitters! (ends January 1, 2026 at 7 AM ET)

Walmart Canada – Boxing Week shopping is on! Always great deals.

Well.ca – Boxing Days: Save up to 60% off hundreds of items!

I find it can be so easy to buy little things just for the sake of filling the stockings.

However, over the years, I have found myself becoming more intentional with what I buy. I like to buy some practical items, consumable items and just for fun items.

How do you like to fill stockings?

In the past, I have done almost identical things for both of my daughters. However, they currently have significantly different likes.

Without further ado, here are the items I bought for my daughters. Age 9 and age 13. I will add pictures this week when I have a moment by myself.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

13 year old:

• Old Navy ankle socks
• Erasers (she loves these erasers!)
• Daise body spray
• Grace & Stella Hypochlorous acid spray (she’s quite into skin care so I thought she’d like trying this.)
• Essie Good as New Nail Perfector
• Hempz Frosted Glow Kit (no longer available, but I did find just the body lotion.)
• Hershey’s hot chocolate bomb
• Matrix heat protectant
• Stress ball from Dollarama (her sister got one from a birthday party and she wanted one too. lol)
• Candy
• Chocolate
• Mini micellar water (this is her fave everyday makeup remover)

9 year old:

• Sketch book from Dollarama
• Cool pens from Dollarama
• Cake Beauty Curl jelly (she’s trying to love her curly hair.)
• Ramen noodles sensory toy from Dollarama
• Hershey’s hot chocolate bomb
• Old Navy fuzzy socks (They’re no longer available online!)
• Candy
• Chocolate
• 5 Surprise My Mini Baby
• Flip 7 card game (I’ve heard this is a lot of fun!)
• Nail polish
• Hand lotion (she always gets really dry hands in the winter so a little one in her backpack might be nice!)

There you have it! I think I did pretty well this year. I did struggle with what to get for my 9 year old this year though! But I do think they will enjoy everything. I have also been buying these things since October when they’ve been on sale.

If you are looking for other stocking stuffer ideas, I compiled a couple of lists for you:

• Frugal Stocking Stuffer Ideas
• 25 Dollar Store Stocking Stuffers

Christmas Gift Card Deals

If you love squeezing every last drop of value out of your holiday shopping (same!), you’re going to love this list. Every year, a bunch of Canadian retailers offer gift card bonus deals. The easiest way to score free money or something free just for buying a gift you were already planning to give. Whether you’re stocking up for teacher gifts, grabbing a few for family, or treating yourself to a little “future discount,” these gift card bonus offers are one of the simplest ways to stretch your budget.

I’ve rounded up the best places offering Christmas gift card deals right now, so you can save more and keep a little extra in your pocket this season. Let’s dive in!

Updated December 6, 2025

• Subway – Buy $50 in gift cards, get a free classic footlong sub
• Denny’s – Buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 bonus card
• Domino’s Pizza – Buy a $30 gift card, get a coupon for a free medium 2 topping pizza
• Montana’s – Buy a $50 Montana’s gift card, get a free rib taster plate
• Harvey’s – Buy a $25 Harvey’s gift card, get a free burger
• Kelsey’s – Buy a $50 Kelsey’s gift card, get free wings
• East Side Mario’s – Buy a $50 gift card, get a $50 bonus card
• Casey’s – Buy a $50 gift card, get a $50 bonus card
• New York Fries – Buy a $50 gift card, get a $50 bonus card
• Boston Pizza – Get a $10 promo card when buy a $50 Gift Card
• Moxie’s – Get a $10 promo card when buy a $50 Gift Card
• Applebee’s – Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 Bonus card
• Pita Pit – Buy a $25 gift card, get a $5 voucher
• McDonald’s – Buy a $25 gift card, get a free Big Mac, McChicken or McVeggie.
• Cactus Club – $20 bonus card with every $100 in gift cards
• White Spot – Buy a $50 gift card, receive a $10 bonus for the new year
• Cineplex – Buy $50 or more in e-gift cards and get free holiday gift bundle.
• Old Spaghetti Factory – Buy a $25 gift card, get a free $10 bonus card
• Red Robin – Spend $30 in Gift Cards, get a $5 Bonus Buck, OR Spend $50+ and get a $10 Bonus Buck
• Earl’s – Get a $20 Bonus Card with every $100 in Gift Cards
• Booster Juice – Buy a $30+ gift card, get a free smoothie or acai bowl
• Original Joe’s – Buy a $100 Gift Card and get a $20 Bonus Card to use in January – available in-restaurant only
• Wok Box – For every $25 gift card you buy, get a $5 bonus
• Mr. Mike’s – Buy $50 in gift cards, get a $10 bonus card.
• The Ultimate Dining Card – Buy a $50 Ultimate Dining Card at participating retailers and online, you’ll get $50 in bonus savings 

If you’re buying some gift cards for Christmas this year, you may want to buy from these stores to receive a bit of a bonus!  Do you know of any other gift card deals?  Let me know and I’ll add them to the list!

Simply Frugal Gift Guides

It’s gift-giving season, which means you’re either really excited about shopping for gifts, or in the beginning stages of holiday dread. 🙂

Gift-giving can be very overwhelming. Especially for the person who has everything! When I need a gift, the perfect gift in my mind, is something practical and memorable yet a bit extravagant (something they wouldn’t purchase themselves). Of course, my gift-giving has to be done within a budget, as I’m sure most of yours does too.

Finding a budget friendly and unique gift can be challenging, especially as more and more people may be added to your Christmas list. This year, I want to give you several gift guides that feature fabulous gift ideas that you can shop from!

I’m pretty darn excited about this year’s gift guides because I think you’ll find a lot of great gift ideas for everyone on your list. Plus, since you’re getting this from Simply Frugal, the gift guides feature frugal gift ideas that are separated into categories by price!

Here are this year’s Simply Frugal Gift Guides:

• The Ultimate Canadian Gift Guide
• Frugal Gift Ideas for Kids
• Frugal Gift Ideas for Tween and Teens
• Frugal Gift Ideas for Men
• Frugal Gift Ideas for Women
• Frugal Gift Ideas for Families
• Frugal Gift Ideas for Teachers, Neighbors and Friends
• Inexpensive Hostess Gift Ideas
• Frugal Stocking Stuffer Ideas
• Simple Gift in a Mug Ideas
• Inexpensive Gift Basket Ideas

These frugal gift guides will help solve all of your gift-giving dilemmas by making it really easy to find that perfect gift for everyone on your list. All you have to do is click, order, and wrap!

You might also find interesting:

• The Best Advent Calendars in Canada for 2025
• 5 Places to Get Fun Family Christmas Pajamas in Canada
• Christmas Gift Card Deals

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

The Best Matching Family Pajamas

The count down is on for Christmas! Every year, I’m on the hunt for cute matching Christmas pajamas for my daughters. But this year, finding the best family Christmas pajamas is going to be on the agenda!

This year just feels like it needs to be extra festive, am I right? An extra dose of Christmas cheer will not disappoint! If you are feeling similarly and think a pair of matching Christmas pajamas for every family member is a must, then you will love this list today.

Below, I have found 5 Canadian, budget-friendly places to get matching family Christmas pajamas with so many adorable options. Enjoy!

The Children’s Place

The Children’s Place is a great Canadian option for family Christmas pajamas! Right now, they have a lot of sizes available and they are on sale all the time! So fun! Here’s a preview of what’s available:

Shop online at The Children’s Place here. Shipping is free on orders of $50 or more.

Old Navy Canada

Old Navy Canada has a big selection of matching family pajamas! They currently have some plaid designs available, but I’m sure they will be adding more as Christmas gets closer! Prices are regularly $14.40 – $59.99, but Old Navy often has sales that include their pj’s. Here’s a glimpse at the selection:

Shop online at Old Navy Canada to see the full selection. Shipping is free on orders of $50 or more.

Gap Canada

Take a look at the matching family pajamas from Gap Canada! They have some nice classic styles. Plus, they always have a sale going on it seems! Here’s a sample of their selection:

Shop online at Gap Canada here for the full selection.

Little Blue House

Little Blue House has a great selection of matching family pajamas. Their selection includes onesies and 2 piece pajamas in a great selection of festive patterns. Here are a few cute ones to look at:

Shop online at Little Blue House to see the full selection! Shipping is free on orders of $75 or more.

Walmart

Walmart Canada has a good looking selection of matching Christmas pajamas online! Prices vary quite a bit. Here’s a look at some of the selection:

Shop online at Walmart Canada here. Shipping is free on orders of $35 or more.

A couple of honourable mentions are:

• Amazon.ca: Nice big selection, but you may have a bit of a challenge finding the right sizes.
• Joe Fresh: They have a nice selection of family pajamas each year.
• Pajama Village: I have a coupon code that will save you 20% off your order! Use code TAYA20.

Did you find any great budget-friendly options from the list above? Also, if you get matching family pajamas, where do you normally purchase them?

Other articles you may enjoy:

• The Best Advent Calendars in Canada
• Affordable Flannel Sheets for Winter

Canadian Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

Do you want to know where all the best 2025 Canadian Cyber Monday deals are? This year, the sales are bigger, earlier, and honestly a little overwhelming, so I’ve done the digging for you. Consider this your organized, budget-friendly guide to the very best Canadian Cyber Monday deals. No nonsense, no chaos, and definitely no paying full price. Let’s get you the things you want, need, and have been eyeing all year, for way less!

Bookmark this page and check back often as I’ll be updating it frequently with sales and coupon codes as they go live!

Also, follow me on Instagram, so you can see specific, time-sensitive deals posted in my stories! ——->>> Simply Frugal Finds

Or, join my Facebook group if you prefer Facebook! —–>>> Frugal Finds in Canada

(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Abercrombie – Save 25 – 50% off everything online at Abercrombie! Plus, save an extra 15% off select styles online.(ends December 1, 2025)

Adidas – Shop Cyber Monday deals and save an extra 40% off full price and sale with coupon code CYBER! (ends December 3, 2025)

Aerie – Save 40 – 50% off everything + All pajamas $20 and up. My favorite sweatshirt is now $45 and Real Me® Crossover Legging is $35 and Real Me® Crossover Flare Legging is $40! (ends December 1, 2025)

Aldo – Save up to 50% off everything + Free shipping! (ends December 3, 2025)

Alo – Save 30% off sitewide! Shipping is free on orders over $100.

Amazon.ca – Cyber Monday deals are on now! Big savings on electronics, clothing, toys, beauty, small appliances and more! Check out my Amazon Storefront for my top picks.

American Eagle – Big Cyber Sale! 40-50% off all, now including jeans & new arrivals! (ends December 2, 2025)

Ancestry.ca – Lowest price ever! Save 50% on AncestryDNA! (ends December 2, 2025 at 11:59pm ET)

Anthropologie – Cyber Monday starts now: Save up to 50% off! Discount in cart. Save an extra 50% off sale. (ends December 1, 2025)

Ardene – Cyber Monday deals are on now, save up to 70% off! Shipping is free on orders of $20 or more. (ends December 3, 2025 at 3:30am ET)

Aritzia – Cyber Monday sale: Save up to 50% off everything, except the Superpuff, it’s too super. Free shipping on all orders!(ends December 2, 2025 at 11:59pm PT)

Athleta – Cyber Monday now live! Save 30% off everything. New sale styles up to 70% off! (ends December 2, 2025)

Banana Republic – The Cyber Event: Save 40% Off Your Purchase + Cyber Exclusives From $60! (ends December 3, 2025)

Best Buy Canada – The Cyber Monday sale is on now at Best Buy Canada! New deals starting every hour starting at 12pm ET. (ends December 1, 2025)

Bluenotes – 2 days only: Free shipping sitewide + up to 75% off everything online at Bluenotes! (ends December 1, 2025) 

Bobbi Brown Canada – Save 30% off sitewide! Pick a free full-size favorite on orders $115+. Plus, pick a 2nd free full-size favorite on orders $140+.

Book Outlet – Black Friday’s Here! The Fiction Sale Is Back: More titles than ever for $7.99 or less. Plus, save 20% off everything else! (ends December 2, 2025 at 8am ET)

Bouclair – Save 25 – 55% off everything online at Boulair. (ends December 2, 2025)

Canadian Tire – Cyber Monday deals are on at Canadian Tire! Save up to 40% off! Online only: Get $30 Bonus CT Money when you spend $200+. (December 1 only)

Carter’s – Cyber Week is on! Shop up to 60% off PLUS an extra 10% off with $50+ spend and coupon code CYBER10. FREE shipping on all orders!

Clearly.ca – Up to 90% off Clearly frames + 60% off lenses + AN EXTRA FRAME FOR FREE! (ends December 1, 2025)

Club Monaco Canada – Cyber Monday: Save 40% off everything + an extra 50% off markdowns!

Coach Outlet – Up to an extra 30% off select styles! Prices as low as $22.50.

Columbia Sportswear – Cyber Monday 50% off Door Crahsers! Members save even more with an extra 15% off with code MEMBER15. 

Costco.ca – Cyber Monday online savings are on!

Craftsy – Get a full year of Craftsy for just $1.49!

Crocs Canada – Black Friday Starts Now! Save up to 60% off + find Doorbuster deals online at Crocs Canada! (classic clogs for only $35!) (ends December 9, 2025 12am MT)

DAVIDs TEA – Cyber Sale! Throwback advent calendars now only $24! Plus other cyber deals as low as $5.

DSW Canada – Today & online only! $10 off $49, $30 off $99, or $60 off $199 on select styles with code: CYBER. Free shipping for all! (ends December 1, 2025)

Dynamite.ca – Save 30% off everything. (excluding dresses though.) Save an extra 40% off sale. (ends December 1, 2025)

Etsy – Support Small business with savings up to 60% off!

Fairweather – Save Up To 75% Off the Entire Store! Free Shipping Over $75.

Famous Footwear – Online exclusive: Take an extra 30% off with coupon code CYBERDEALS! (ends December 2, 2025)

Gap Canada – Save 50% off everything + Free shipping with the code SEND. 60% off really Big Deals! Extra 20% off your order with the code ADDON! (ends December 2, 2025)

Garage Clothing – Online only: Save an extra 40% off sale! My teen really likes their UltraFleece Straight Leg Sweatpants.

Golf Town – Cyber Monday deals are on! Save big on clubs, apparel, shoes, balls and more!

Gymboree – Save 60% off everything with the coupon code CYBER60! Plus free shipping on all orders with code FREESHIP. (ends December 5, 2024)

Hatley Canada – Save up to 50% off all items online at Hatley! (ends December 1, 2025)

Hello Fresh – New customers: Get up To 20 Free Meals + Free Shipping on first box + Free Sides for Life!

H&M Canada – Save up to 60% off everything for Cyber Monday! (ends December 1, 2025)

Indigo – Cyber Monday is on with savings up to 50% off on books, toys, gifts and more! (ends December 1, 2025)

Joe Fresh – Take 30% off everything online only at Joe Fresh! (ends December 1, 2025)

Journeys – Cyber Week Sale: Save Up to 50% Off.

Keurig.ca – Black Friday sale: Save up to 50% off select coffee makers! Prices as low as $59.99!

Knix Canada – Black Friday starts now: Up to 60% Off Everything! (ends December 2, 2025)

Kt. by Knix – Biggest sale of the year! Save up to 60% off sitewide! (ends December 2, 2025)

La Senza – Save 50% off everything for Cyber Monday!

La Vie en Rose – Save 50% off almost everything + 2 for 1 on sale items online at La Vie En Rose!

Little Blue House – Save up to 50% off all items online at Little Blue House! (ends December 1, 2025)

Lululemon – Cyber Monday sale has dropped online at Lululemon! And it’s good!!

Mabel’s Labels –Cyber Monday Sitewide Sale: 30% off with coupon code CYBER at checkout! (ends December 2, 2025)

Madewell – The Black Friday Event: Save 40% off your purchase with the coupon code LETSGO. (ends December 3, 2025, 11:59pm ET)

Mark’s – Cyber Days are on: save up to 60% + get free shipping online at Mark’s! (ends December 3, 2025)

Mavi – Cyber Monday sale: Save up to 50% off + get an extra 10% off on orders of $250+! (ends December 1, 2025)

Merrell – Save up to 50% on hundreds of favourites. Save 25% off bestselling Moab styles!

Mountain Hardware – Save 20% off select styles during the Mountain Hardware holiday sale!

Mountain Warehouse – Save 50% off or more online at Mountain Warehouse! Plus, save an extra 10% off with coupon code AFFCACW10. (ends December 9, 2025)

Natura Market – Cyber Week Deals: save up to 70% off!

Naturalizer – Save up to 60% off sitewide + get free shipping online at Naturalizer! (ends December 2, 2025)

Old Navy Canada – Cyber sale: 50 – 60% off everything online only at Old Navy Canada! (ends December 2, 2025) Today only, get $12 activewear for the family! (ends December 1)

PatPat – Cyber Monday almost everything 40 – 50% off!

Penningtons – Cyber Monday: save 40% off regular price styles + free shipping! (ends December 1, 2025)

Rakuten.ca – Shop 15% cash back when you shop through Rakuten first!

Reitmans – Cyber Monday: Save 40% off everything + get free shipping from Reitmans! (ends December 1, 2025)

Ricki’s – Cyber Monday styles from $9.99!

Roots Canada – Save up to 60% off!

RW&Co – Cyber Monday: Save 40% off regular priced items + get free shipping from RW&Co. (ends December 1, 2025)

Saje – Up to 40% off everything + free shipping. (ends December 1, 2025)

SAXX – Save 30% off sitewide + 40% off select styles! (ends December 1, 2025)

Sephora Canada – Cyber Monday: Save 30% off Ariana Grande fragrances, Youth to the People and First Aid Beauty. Plus, save up to 50% off select beauty from Sephora Canada.

Simons – Holly Jolly promos for up to 30% off!

Sorel Canada – Looks like they’re offering free shipping until December 2, 2025!

Spanx Canada – Save up to 50% off sitewide + an extra 40% off select sale! Shipping is also free! (ends December 3, 2025)

SportChek – Black Friday Door crashers up to 60% off at Sport Chek! (ends December 3, 2025)

Stanley Canada – save up to 50% off during the Stanley holiday sale! (ends December 3, 2025)

Staples Canada – Black Friday deals start now! This weekend only, Save $20 when you spend $100 or more with coupon code 82066 (ends December 1, 2025)

Steve Madden – Cyber Monday is on now! Save 25% off sitewide with code CYBER. (ends December 1, 2025)

Suzy Shier – Save 50% off everything + free shipping on orders of $49+! (ends December 1, 2025)

Sweetlegs – Save up to 80% off on Canadian designed leggings and more.

The Body Shop – Cyber Monday: Save 30% off everything! Check out the Daily Door Crashers too!

The Children’s Place – Save 60% off almost everything with coupon code CYBER60! Free shipping on all orders with coupon code FREESHIP.

TOMS Canada – Save 30 – 65% off Everything with coupon code BESTDEAL. Check out the Deal of the Day too. (ends December 2, 2025, 11:59 pm PT)

Under Armour – Cyber Monday: 30-50% Off Sitewide + Free Shipping. Use code CHEATCODE (ends December 1, 2025)

Urban Outfitters – Last Chance Cyber Monday: 40% off all you want!

Vistaprint Canada – Up to 40% off almost everything + 50% off holiday cards and wall calendars. (ends December 2, 2025)

Walmart Canada – Cyber Monday Deals are on now until December 3 at Walmart! (ends December 3, 2025)

Well.ca – Save up to 50% off during Cyber Monday at Well.ca! Plus, save up to 75% off door crashers. (ends December 1, 2025)

West 49 – Save up to 75% off! Plus get free shipping on all orders with the coupon code FREESHIP. (ends December 1, 2025)

The Ultimate Canadian Gift Guide

The holidays are here, and if you’re looking for thoughtful gifts that feel special and support Canadian businesses, you’re in the right place. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite Canadian finds that make gifting easy, meaningful, and totally festive!

Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, teachers, or that one person who’s impossible to buy for, these picks celebrate cozy Canadian living while keeping your budget happy. So grab a peppermint mocha, throw on your coziest sweater, and let’s find some amazing homegrown gifts.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

The Ultimate Canadian Gift Guide

Funny Sweatshirt

This sweatshirt is made by UnicornTrendz on Etsy! Jessica has a big selection of sweatshirts, t-shirts, candles and mugs.

Shop this sweatshirt here.

Glitter Dough

This would be such a fun gift for Christmas morning! Keep the kids occupied for a while creating things with the glitter dough from Little Larch. The one pictured, is the Unicorn version, but they have a lot of different ones available without glitter too. They are created with plant based ingredients and scented with essential oils.

Shop the Unicorn Glitter Dough here.

Seed Bombs

These are a fun idea! Wildflower seed bombs by FuschiaDesignsShop on Etsy. Along with seed bombs, Jennifer also sells seed packages, flower seeds, herb seeds and vegetable seeds.

Shop this Seed Bomb here.

Mint Cleaning Dragon’s Den Bundle

You may have seen them on Dragon’s Den, but Mint is taking the cleaning scene by storm. Shop their Dragon’s Den bundle or other bundles for easy gifting. They are make in Canada using natural ingredients.

Shop this Mint bundle here.

Faux Stone Earrings

I think these are so pretty! KaylasArtMart makes and sells all sorts of polymer clay earrings and necklaces. Ranging from fun to classy, you’re sure to find something that you love!

Shop these faux stone earrings here.

Chipotle Infused Maple Syrup

Know someone that loves hot honey? Then they’ll probably love this Chipotle infused maple syrup from Wabanaki. They’ve got other flavours too. Like bourbon, whiskey, elderberry, rum, cedar and more.

Shop the Chipotle infused maple syrup here.

Winter Landscape Art

This is actually a local to me artist! I love the vibrancy of her art and seeing familiar looking landscapes.

Shop Vazartgallery here.

Scrunchies

Scrunchies make a fabulous gift! These ones from EmiandEllieBowtique look so cozy and comfortable. She also sells cute bows, bookmarks and keychains.

Shop these scrunchies here.

Shower Steamers

By now you must have heard about how great shower steamers are? These ones from Nature Bee are made in Canada and use all natural ingredients! They have three scents to choose from or can be purchased in a variety pack.

Shop the shower steamers here.

Whipped Lip Butter

This seems so luxurious! What a special treat one of these whipped lip butters from Queenbalm would be.

Shop the Caramel Apple here.

Flash Fuel Instant Coffee Packets

Coffee on the go made easy with these single serve coffee packets from Canadian Heritage Roasting Co.

Shop the dark roast here.

Frasier Fir Soy Candle

I can practically smell this through the computer screen! Serendipity Soy Candles has a huge selection of soy candles.

Shop their bestsellers here.

Attitude Hand Soap

Attitude is a Canadian brand that sell all sorts of home cleaning products as well as personal care products. Their products are EWG Verified. They have a selection of holiday scented hand soaps that I think would make wonderful gifts.

Shop their holiday scents here.

Cocktail Bombs

I have never seen these before but it’s a really fun idea for the person who loves cocktails! These cocktail bombs from Poseidn make it so easy to make a delicious cocktail. Simply drop the bomb into 1.5oz of vodka, stir, then add 6.5 oz of water, then enjoy with ice!

Shop their holiday variety pack here.

Fruit Syrup and Jam Gift

How about a fruit syrup and jam gift set from Summerland Sweets? A taste of the Okanagan. They’ve got other gift packages available too!

Shop Summerland Sweets here.

Edible Flowers Seed Packets

The seed packets from To & From Gift Co. are stunning! I think any of them would make a great gift, but the edible flowers seed packet is especially fun. Free shipping on all orders within Canada.

Shop seed packets here.

Sourdough Starter

Perfect for the friend that has been saying they want to try their hand at sourdough! This organic dehydrated sourdough starter is made by TorontoSourdoughMama.

Shop the sourdough starter here.

Solid Perfume/Colognes

I love the idea of this solid perfume from 828 Aroma! Perfect for the frequent traveler. They even have a quiz to help find a signature scent. Great if you know your gift recipient really well. (Or you need a gift for yourself! ;))

Shop solid perfumes/colognes here.

Dumpling Candles

Oh my gosh, how cute are these dumpling candles from Artket Goods? These are available scented or unscented and with or without the steamer basket. They’ve got other fun candles and drinkware too if you don’t think dumplings are cute. Lol.

Shop cutie dumpling candles here.

Calming Calendula Soap

How about some handmade soap from an indigenous women owned business? Francesca makes some beautiful soaps, as well as body butter, smudge spray and lip balm.

Shop Sweetgrass Soap here.

Honey Fudge

What a decadent treat this honey fudge would be for your recipient! Made by Rosewood Wine, they sell wine, meads, honey products and candles.

Shop the honey fudge here.

Beanie Hats

I’m loving these beanie hats from Newbornlander! They’re handmade in Canada and there are all sorts of patterns available. They range in size from 0-6 months to adult.

Shop online at Newbornlander here.

Candy Cane Crunch Popcorn

For those that love candy cane flavoured things, they’re going to love this popcorn from Klondike Kettle Corn! Made in Whitehorse, Yukon, Katie makes a huge variety of delicious flavoured popcorn! Check it out.

Shop the candy cane crunch popcorn here.

Squish Vegan Candy

Who doesn’t know a candy lover? These ones from Squish are vegan too so your vegan friends can enjoy it too! Grab a bag of Squish vegan candy and your recipient will love you forever.

Shop the cherry watermelon candies here.

Petit Lem Pajamas

Petit Lem makes super cozy pajamas and their holiday styles are out now on Well.ca! They also have other holiday wear, not just pajamas. They pride themselves on using organic cotton and recycled polyester.

Shop Petit Lem on Well.ca here.

And that’s a wrap on this year’s Canadian gift guide! It was a lot of fun creating this! I hope you found a few ideas that will make your gift giving a little more meaningful. Every time you shop Canadian, you’re not just giving a great gift, you’re supporting local makers and small businesses across the country. Here’s to cozy moments, thoughtful giving, and keeping it Canadian.

Simply Frugal may receive a small commission if you purchase something recommended in this article. See the disclosure policy here.

The Best Advent Calendars in Canada

When I was growing up, the only advent calendar I knew of were those little chocolate ones that were a bargain from the grocery store or dollar store. But those were still magical and fun!

These days, advent calendars have evolved to include everything from beauty products to toys to crafts! Advent calendars in 2025 take things to a whole new level!  Imagine the excitement on your kids’ faces when they open up mini LEGO sets or Polly Pocket figures. Imagine your own excitement when you open up something you love each morning! 

For today’s post, I thought it would be fun to round up the best advent calendars in Canada for 2025! You’re sure to find something for everyone. They range in price from frugal to not so frugal, but I made sure to only list the well rated advent calendars and legit retailers!

Best Advent Calendars in Canada for Kids

• Harry Potter Official Advent Calendar Hogwarts Seasonal Surprises $46.99
• Princess Advent Calendar $29.99
• Pokémon Advent Holiday Pop-Up Calendar $58.75
• The Nightmare Before Christmas Advent Calendar $53
• Thomas & Friends MINIS Advent Calendar $63.70
• Advent Calendar with 24 Toy Vehicles $29.99
• LEGO City Advent Calendar $39.86
• LEGO Friends Advent Calendar $39.99
• LEGO Star Wars Advent Calendar $59.99
• Hot Wheels Advent Calendar $32.99
• Peppa Pig Peppa’s Kids Advent Calendar $45.86
• Mattel Jurassic World Rebirth Advent Calendar $56.19
• schleich Dinosaurs Advent Calendar $44.98
• Purple Cow Crazy Scientist Advent Calendar $49.90
• Purple Cow DIY Arts & Crafts Ornaments Advent Calendar $29.90
• Fidget Toy Advent Calendar $26.99
• Wooden Christmas Tree Advent Calendar $29.99
• Christmas Tree Building Blocks Advent Calendar $41.99
• Girls Accessories Advent Calendar $32.93
• Polly Pocket Advent Calendar $33.98
• Mystery Advent Calendar, a puzzle game in 24 episodes $29.90
• 24 Family Games Advent Calendar $49.90
• The original Mr. Men & Little Miss Advent Calendar $49.90
• National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar $36.99
• Crystals, Rocks, Minerals & Gemstones Advent Calendar $69.95
• 24 Days of Christmas Stationery Gifts $17.99
• Furby Minis Advent Calendar $29.99
• Squishmas Nee-Doh Advent Calendar $38.98
• Slime Advent Calendar $24.99
• Playmobil Christmas Trip to the Market Advent Calendar $36.69
• Home Alone Advent Calendar $26.99
• Fisher-Price Little People Disney Princess Advent Calendar $44.99
• Play-Doh Advent Calendar $33.99
• Mochi Squishy Toy Advent Calendar $24.99
• MAGNA-TILES Advent Calendar $59.99
• Christmas Activity Countdown Advent $25
• Barbie Advent Calendar $44.59
• Christmas Rock Advent Calendar $24.99
• The Usborne Book Advent Calendar $34.95
• Bluey: The Most Amazing Advent Book Bundle $39.99
• Marvel Spider Man Advent Calendar $42.99
• Disney Princess Advent Calendar Story & Activity Library $42.99
• The original SMURFS Advent Calendar $49.90
• Advent Calendar Christmas Coloring Book $10.99
• Cadbury Dairy Milk Advent Calendar $13.98
• Lindt Teddy Advent Calendar $15.18
• Gourmet Du Village 12 Days of Hot Chocolate Advent $24.98
• Kinder Chocolate Christmas Advent Calendar $15.77
• Moo Free Chocolate Advent Calendar $12.98
• Reese’s Peanut Butter & Milk Chocolate Advent Calendar $12.97
• Cadbury Heroes Christmas Advent Calendar $22.49

Best Advent Calendars in Canada for Adults

• EXIT: The Game – Advent Calendar $81
• World Adventure Escape Room Advent Calendar $50
• The Escape Room Advent Calendar $19.99
• Cocktail Advent Calendar $109.99
• Friends: The Official Advent Calendar $20.99
• Sephora Collection Advent Calendar $74.50
• Sephora Favorites 2025 Advent Calendar $149
• L’Occitane 24 Day Advent Calendar Gift Set $155
• Best of saje advent calendar $135
• Squish 24 Days of Candy Advent Calendar $68.98
• The Body Shop Classic Beauty Advent Calendar $99
• Bibliophile Advent Calendar for Booklovers Calendar $68
• Book Lovers Advent Calendar $14.99
• Plant Lover Advent Calendar $50+
• Invisibobble Beauty Advent Calendar $36.58
• 24 Family Games Advent Calendar $49.90
• Stationary Advent Calendar, 12 or 24 days $75+
• Purdy’s Tree Advent Calendar $30
• McGuire Chocolate Company Chocolate Advent Calendar $95
• T.Surprise Tea Advent Calendar $45
• Ferrero Collection Christmas Advent Calendar $25.99
• Moyel Candle Advent Calendar $32.99
• Christmas Tea Advent Calendar $24.99
• Tiesta Tea Loose Leaf Tea Advent Calendar $39.95
• McCoy Teas Advent Calendar $19.99
• Specialty Coffee Advent Calendar, 25 days $119.95
• Pirates of Coffee Advent Calendar $129
• Gourmet Du Village 12 Days of Hot Chocolate Advent $24.98
• The Candy Advent Calendar $44.99
• Squish 24 Days of Candy $69
• Whally and Whiz Danish Wine Gum Advent Calendar $49.98
• Simon Coll Hello Winter 3D Chocolates Advent Calendar $35.98
• Serendipity Soy Candles Advent Calendar $69.98
• The Jigsaw Puzzle Advent Calendar $49.99
• 24 Boxes Puzzle Countdown Calendar to Christmas $29.99
• DAVIDsTEA 24 Days of Tea $69
• Fishing Advent Calendar $26.96
• Silver Tree Dome Advent Calendar $13.98
• Silver Tree Tabletop Advent Calendar House $89.98
• Folkulture Essential Oil Advent Calendar $100.64
• Bonne Maman Jams and Jellies Advent Calendar $56.99
• Kanel Spices Advent Calendar $78.98
• No Whey Foods Advent Calendar (without the top 8 common allergens) $25.48
• Moo Free Chocolate Advent Calendar $12.98
• Coffee Junkie Gourmet Single Serve Coffee Pod Advent Calendar $44.95
• Dog Treat Advent Calendar $59.99
• Fly Fisherman’s Advent Calendar $125
• Fresh Water Fishing Tackle Advent Calendar $125
• Grooming & Self-Care for Men Advent Calendar $49.99
• Makeup Advent Calendar $29.99
• Skincare Beauty Advent Calendar $59.99
• Bath Spa Advent Calendar $45.59
• Spa Gifts Advent Calendar $52.99
• Yves Rocher Beauty Advent Calendar $79
• The Advent Calendar for Couch Potatoes $20.99
• 12 Days of Socks for Women $34.99
• 24 Days of Socks for Men $57.99
• Hand Tool Advent Calendar $62.71
• Crystal Advent Calendar $81+
• Fallout: The Official Vault Dweller’s Advent Calendar $39.99

Please note: I listed the regular price on all the advent calendars, but they may go on sale too!

Other articles you may enjoy:

• 5 Places to get Matching Family Christmas Pajamas in Canada
• Affordable Flannel Sheets for Winter

Fall M&M Monster Cookies

I was in a cookie rut. Whenever my daughter and I make cookies, it always seems to be Peanut Butter Cookies. Don’t get me wrong, peanut butter cookies are delicious (and my husband’s favourite), but sometimes I want something a little different!

So, enter Fall M&M Monster Cookies! They’re easy to put together and delicious so they’re sure to please! And they still include peanut butter, so my husband is on board. 🙂 These Fall M&M Monster Cookies have everything. Peanut butter, oatmeal, chocolate chips and M&M’s, make for my FAVORITE Cookie!

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 1/2 Cup peanut butter, smooth or chunky
• 1 Cup sugar
• 1 Cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 Cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 1/2 Cups oatmeal
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup Fall colored M&M’s (red, yellow and brown) + extra to press on top of the cookies prior to baking

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, baking soda and eggs.
3. Add in the oatmeal one cup at a time, stirring well.
4. Add in the 1 cup of chocolate chips and the 1 cup of Fall M&M’s.
5. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto your baking sheets about 2-3″ a part. Press a few extra M&M’s into the tops of each cookie.
6. Bake for 9-13 minutes. Do not overbake. Cookies will be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven but will set as they cool.

*Makes approximately 3 dozen cookies.

Print

Fall M&M Monster Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Cups peanut butter smooth or chunky
• 1 Cup sugar
• 1 Cup brown sugar packed
• 1/2 cup butter softened to room temperature
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 4 1/2 Cups oatmeal
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 Cup chocolate chips
• 1 Cup Fall colored M&M’s + extra to press on top of the cookies prior to baking

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine the peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, butter, vanilla, baking soda and eggs.
• Add in the oatmeal one cup at a time, stirring well each time.
• Add in the 1 cup of chocolate chips and the 1 cup of Fall M&M’s.
• Drop by rounded tablespoon onto your baking sheets about 2-3″ a part. Press a few extra M&M’s into the tops of each cookie.
• Bake for 9-13 minutes. Do not overbake. Cookies will be slightly soft when you remove them from the oven but will set as they cool.

Kellogg’s Cereal Coupons

I just found a whole bunch of Kellogg’s cereal coupons available for print or cashback coupons!

Print your Kellogg’s Cereal coupons here.

Here’s what currently available:

• Save $2.00 on NEW! Kellogg’s^® Vector^® Protein Granola
• Save $2.00 on NEW! Kellogg’s^® All-Bran^® Frosted Bran Flakes Cereal 
• Save $2.00 on Kashi^® granola cereal
• Save $2.00 on Kashi^® cereal
• Save $2.00 on Kellogg’s Two Scoops Raisin Bran
• Save $2.00 on Kellogg’s^® Special K^® cereal
• Save $2.00 on NEW! Kellogg’s Two Scoops Raisin Bran^® Crunch cereal 
• Save $2.00 on Kellogg’s^® Vector^® meal replacement or cereal 
• Save $2.00 on Kellogg’s^® All-Bran Original^® cereal
• Save $2.00 on Kellogg’s^® Mini-Wheats^® cereal

Print your Kellogg’s Cereal coupons here.

Looking for even more printable Canadian coupons? I’ve got you covered here.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

A Budget Binder for your financial success

Setting up a Budget Binder in your home is a terrific strategy for staying on top of your finances.  It should not only be a record of what is spent, but it should include your estimations for what will likely be spent in the coming year(s).  This binder or manual should be a go-to for all of your questions regarding what you can afford and how long it will take to reach your financial goals.

Here’s how to create a Budget Binder:

1. Find a binder that works for you. I really like this binder, but any binder will work. I would choose one that has at least a 1″ spine width.

2. You will also want to have some tabbed dividers so that you can separate your budget binder into sections. These Removable Index Tabs are perfect to add to each section. The tabs are writable and repositionable so you can move them around or use the same one if you need to refresh the page.

3. I like to divide my Budget Binder up by months. (One section for each month of the year, January – December) In each section/month, I include a Monthly expense tracker, a Monthly budget and bill tracker, a Monthly debt payoff tracker, a Monthly reflection sheet and Month at a glance calendar sheets. In the back, I have a yearly finance goal worksheet and spending trackers.

These pages can be found in The Budget Planner:

The Budget Planner

I have created an easy to follow printable budget planner that takes the overwhelm out of budgeting! Use this planner to dream about yearly financial goals, track your bills and spending, discover what you did well, what you need to improve on and so much more! This planner will help keep you focused and ensure nothing is missed.

Get the Budget Planner here!

4. Also in the back, create a section for account information and include names of financial institutions, addresses, contact information, passwords and any other details that would be worth having at a glance.

5. You can also add pouches to hold receipts, a page to record prices on your favorite items, or anything else that might be useful in keeping your family in the black!

There you have it! It’s that easy to set up a budget binder. Do you keep a Budget Binder? What pages do you keep handy in your family budget binder?

Related Budgeting posts:

• How to Stick to Your Budget
• The Amazing Benefits of Budgeting
• 7 Surefire Ways to Get Your Budget Back on Track

Our Favourite Homemade Taco Seasoning 

Taco night is a regular occurrence in our house. It’s quick, easy, and everyone’s happy! I love it when no one complains about what’s for dinner!

But here’s the thing… I stopped buying those taco seasoning packets ages ago. Once I started mixing up my own, there was just no going back. This homemade taco seasoning is so simple, way more affordable, and the best part? I can tweak it to fit our taste buds. Which, let’s be real, most of us are not built for spicy food.

I love that the savings add up too. Overall, this homemade version costs just a fraction of what you’d spend on the packaged kind.

I like to make a small jar each time and keep it in the pantry so we’re always ready when a taco craving hits (which is often). It’s perfect for ground meat, chicken, or even veggies if we’re going the meatless route. And yes, I’ve totally used it on roasted potatoes and in soups too—it’s that good.

Why I Love This Homemade Taco Seasoning:

• It’s customizable. You can control the heat, the salt, and the flavour balance.
• It saves money. Those little packets may seem cheap, but the homemade version costs pennies per use—and uses spices you probably already have.
• No mystery ingredients. Just simple, real pantry spices. No preservatives, no weird fillers.
• It’s super quick. Takes five minutes (if that!) to mix together.

If you haven’t tried making your own taco seasoning yet, this is your sign. It’s one of those little kitchen swaps that feels like a win every time you use it.

Want the recipe? Here’s the blend I use, feel free to tweak it to your liking!

Print

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Ingredients

• 4 Tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 6 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons salt more or less to taste
• 4 teaspoons black pepper more or less to taste

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
• Add to a spice jar or small mason jar.
• Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of this mixture plus 1/2 to 3/4 cup of water to one pound of cooked meat.

Here are some other homemade seasonings you may enjoy:

• Everything Bagel Seasoning Recipe
• DIY Italian Seasoning Mix
• Homemade Greek Seasoning
• 7 Seasoning Spice Recipes You Can Make At Home

Amazon Prime Days are coming! July 8 – 11, 2025 are going to be GREAT for finding deals!

To take advantage of the deals, you have to be a Prime member. BUT! If you haven’t been an Amazon Prime member in the last 12 months, you can sign up for a free 30 day trial!

To sign up for the Amazon Prime free trial:

1. Go to Amazon Prime.
2. Select Start your free trial.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions if prompted.

In the mean time, here’s how to get ready for Prime Day:

• Make sure you’re a Prime member. The best deals will be Prime exclusives. (sign up for a free trial above!)
• Make a list of things you’re shopping for. Think of birthdays, Christmas, essentials you use every day, and even “want to have” items. This will help you to remember what you’re shopping for and stay in control of your spending.
• Add items to your Amazon cart that you are hoping go on sale. That way, if they drop in price, you can find them quickly.
• Bookmark or keep my Amazon Storefront page open all day so you don’t miss a deal. I’ll be updating it many times throughout the four days.
• Follow me on Instagram and watch my stories for the hottest deals.
• Alternatively, you can join my Facebook Group, Frugal Finds in Canada, if Facebook is more your thing.
• On the days of the sale, check out multiple times rather than waiting for a full cart. Many deals sell out quickly.

Other Amazon Links:

• 4 month free trial of Amazon Music
• 3 month free trial of Audible
• 3 month free trial of Kindle Unlimited
• Prime Day Early Deals

7 Free Audiobooks with Audible & Amazon Music

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

If you love audiobooks, you have to check out these Audible and Amazon Music deals!

Currently, you can get 7 free audiobooks when you sign up for a 4 month free trial of Amazon Music and a 3 month free trial of Audible. That’s a fantastic deal!

With Amazon Music, you can now can get one Audible book per month as part of your monthly Amazon Music subscription. Unlimited subscribers can now enjoy one audiobook per month, including the largest catalogue of audiobooks from Audible, top podcasts and millions of songs ad-free.

Get 7 Free Audiobooks

Yes, you read that right — 7 audiobooks for FREE!

Here’s the deal:

Right now, you can sign up for a 4-month free trial of Amazon Music, which includes one free audiobook each month (you get to pick!). That’s 4 audiobooks to enjoy.

Then, if you’re new to Audible or recently canceled, you can grab a 3-month free trial of Audible when you sign up by July 31. That gives you 3 credits to use on any audiobooks you want — and you keep them forever, even if you cancel.

That’s 7 audiobooks totally free — no strings, no spending. Just be sure to cancel your memberships before the trials are over, unless you intend on continuing your memberships.

Here’s How to Stretch It Out for 7 Months of Free Listening:

• June to September: Use Amazon Music to stream one audiobook a month (these don’t stay in your library, so listen before the month ends).
• June to August: Use your Audible credits to grab one book each month and download or pre-order them.
• October to December: Listen to the Audible books you downloaded earlier.

That’s 7 FREE audiobooks spread across 7 months — smart, frugal, and totally doable.

Frugal Bingo Challenge

Think you’re pretty frugal? Love finding deals, stretching your dollars, and getting creative with how you save? Then you’re going to love this.

I created a Frugal Bingo Card to celebrate all the little things we do to save money—without sacrificing fun. Whether you’re a coupon queen, a library lover, or someone who can whip up a full dinner from what’s in the pantry, this bingo card is for you.

It’s packed with simple, relatable, and proudly frugal wins. Some are everyday habits, others might give you a new challenge to try. Either way, it’s a fun way to recognize just how resourceful you really are.

So grab the free printable, play along with friends or family, or even share your progress on social media. Let’s see how many squares you can check off—and who in your circle is the most frugal of them all.

Download and print your frugal bingo card below:

Groupon Exclusive – Join Costco, Get a $50 Costco Shop Card!

Have you been thinking about getting a Costco membership? Well right now, for a limited time only, Groupon has a couple of Costco membership offers worth checking out!

Here are the highlights of the offers:

• 1-year Membership — Choose Gold Star Membership (C$315 package value) or Executive (C$480 package value) for access to exclusive member-only savings
• C$50 Digital Costco Shop Card — Included with either membership, valid in-store and online
• A promo code to receive a C$200 Digital Costco Shop Card with the purchase of a Mexico or Caribbean vacation package of C$3,500+ through Costco Travel
  • Book by December 31, 2025, for travel by May 31, 2026.
  • The Digital Costco Shop Card will be emailed within 10 days of travel.
  • Not combinable with other offers; not redeemable for cash.
• Executive Membership Perk: Get C$100 off a Costco.ca order of C$200+

Get your Costco membership from Groupon here.

Disclaimers: Digital Costco Shop Card is not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Costco Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. Valid only for new members and those whose memberships (Primary and Household) have been expired at least 18 months or more.

7 Mothers Day Gifts That Don’t Cost A Cent

Mother’s Day comes just once a year, so why not do all you can to make sure it’s a special day? If you are worried about your budget being too tight to celebrate sufficiently, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways to enjoy a nice Mother’s Day without spending a dime. Look below at these 7 Mother’s Day gifts that don’t cost a cent, and see how you can celebrate Mom for free.

1. Give her the gift of time.

Don’t try to fit in time for Mom on Mother’s Day, make it a priority. Give Mom the gift of your time to enjoy the things she may want to do, such as go for a hike, watch a movie, or just spend time together around the dinner table.

2. Give her the gift of appreciation.

Show Mom you appreciate her by writing her a list of all of the things you love about her. Make a list of 20-25 things (even more is better!) that make her special. Use your best writing, put the list in an envelope, and gift it to her on Mother’s Day. She will keep it forever.

3. Give her the gift of rest.

Sometimes, Mom just needs a break. Give Mom a little time to herself on Mother’s Day. Quiet the house down and let Mom get a nap in. Or, give Mom some time to sleep in that morning. Even just an hour of quiet time will be much appreciated and make her feel like a million bucks.

4. Give her the gift of affection.

Moms love to hug and hold their babies! Take the time to hug your Mom, hold her hand, and truly connect with her. The older children get, the less often this happens, so take the time on Mother’s Day to get those hugs in.

5. Give her the gift of help.

Are there tasks around the house Mom needs help with? Start tackling those tasks. Do what you can to get these tasks done so Mom can take them off her plate. This will be a huge relief to her and she will no doubt love the help.

6. Give her the gift of truly being present.

Put cell phones and electronic devices away and be present on Mother’s Day. Let Mom know that she is your focus for the day and that nothing else is as important. We get so caught up in devices, this will be a refreshing change for her to see.

7. Give her the gift of patience.

Be patient with Mom today. Mother’s Day is about celebrating her and meeting her needs. Be patient with your own needs on this day and instead make the focus about her.

Don’t let a limited budget keep you from showing Mom how special she is. Consider these 7 Mother’s Day gifts that don’t cost a cent, and see how even a frugal Mother’s Day can be a memorable one.

I’d love to hear your ideas or memories of celebrating Mother’s Day! Let me know in the comments below!

Road Trip Activities I Bought for my Kids

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 activities often. I love seeing what others think of bringing for their kids!

While we don’t limit screen time on the road, 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 $17.99 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.

Buy the Sticker Kit here.

Mini Connect 4 Game from Dollarama

I bought this tiny game specifically for restaurants. It’s so small, it will be easy to carry around! Dollarama had other mini games too.

Would You Rather Game Book from Amazon

I actually bought this last year when we did our road trip to California. It was a lot of fun for our whole family! Made for some fun conversations.

Buy the Would You Rather Book here.

Foldology from Amazon

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.

It’s cheaper to buy this from Amazon.com.

Clay Bead Bracelet Kit from Amazon

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.

Buy a Clay Bead Kit from Amazon

Curious Kid Podcast

We also really like to listen to the Curious Kid Podcast. I’ll download a bunch of episodes so we can listen to them as we want.

Audiobooks

I’m also going to pick one or two of the audiobook recommendations from this post from Everyday Reading.

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 the road trip activities that we’re bringing along!

You might also enjoy:

• 14 Cheap Road Trip Hacks You Need to Try
• Road Trip Snacks You’re Going to Love
• Planning a Family Vacation on a Budget

Twelve tips for a no waste kitchen

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.

(Note: The links in this post may be affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy here.)

Reduce

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 compost and 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 and produce 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.

Meal Plan

I can’t write anything relating to food without mentioning the importance of meal planning. Meal 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!

On that note, I created The Meal Planner bundle just for you! It will help make meal planning easy and less of a chore. Get Instant Access to the PDF file, which includes:

• Monthly, Weekly + Daily meal planning worksheets
• Meal brainstorming worksheets
• Food inventory worksheets
• Grocery lists
• Price matching worksheet
• Party planning worksheets
• and more!

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 Meal Planning Tips For Tight Budgets that you will appreciate:

When it comes to meal planning, these 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 meal 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 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.

Check out The Meal Planner! I created the printable Meal planner to help make meal planning and saving money easy! The PDF includes:

• 18 pages
• Monthly, Weekly + Daily meal planning worksheets
• Meal brainstorming worksheets
• Food inventory worksheets
• Grocery lists
• Price matching worksheet
• Party Planning worksheet

Use your slow cooker.

Slow cooker or Instant Pot recipes are one of the best ways to stick to your meal plan as well as stay on budget. One of the best meal 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.

Related meal planning articles:

• How to Feed your Family on $50 This Week
• 20 Family Dinner Recipes that Cut Our Grocery Bill
• Easy and Cheap Dinners from a Rotisserie Chicken
• 7 Free Weekly Printable Meal Planners

Take advantage of my favorite meal planning tips that will stretch your budget even further! I’d love to hear your tips that make your grocery budget stretch further in the comments below!

7 Must Haves for Pantry Organization

Take a peek inside your pantry. Go ahead, I’ll wait…

If your pantry is anything like most pantries, you may be looking at mass chaos sitting on those shelves.

If your pantry door is kept closed because it’s not suitable for anyone’s eyes but yours, it may be time to start organizing that space. The good news? It can be simple to get it done and you will have your kids packing their own lunch in no time flat.

Here are a few must haves for pantry organization that will help you get that jump-start to organizing your pantry.

Do Away with the Packaging

Who says that your food items have to be stored in the boxes or packaging that they came in? Instead, check out these Airtight Clear Storage Containers for your pantry space.

Not only do they come in different sizes, they are clear so it’s easy to see what is in them. They also seal tight to keep the air out, keeping food fresher, longer. You can use them to store noodles, cereals, grains, coffee…anything! 

Organize your Cans

Cans can take up a ton of space. If you find yourself digging and digging to look through cans to see what you have on hand, you need a change.

Try using a 3-Tier Can Rack Organizer instead. It can hold different sized cans and allows you to place them in a way that they are easily seen. These can save a ton of space!

Use Every Square Inch

Remember that door that we talked about earlier that hides all those things that are lurking in your pantry? Use that space on your door! It’s an area that you might as well be utilizing to free up more shelf space.

Look at installing the Door Mount Cabinet Organizer! It hangs on the door to save space, and you can place your spices, plastic wrap, or other items in it for easy access.

End Bakeware Frustration

How much time do you spend digging around for the proper bakeware that you are wanting to use? If your answer was longer than a few seconds, then your current method of storing bakeware isn’t working. They should be easy to access and grab when needed.

Give the StoreMore Bakeware Rack a peek to see if it would fit well in your pantry. It has built-in dividers that help you organize your muffin pans, baking sheets, and other bakeware in a nice, neat, organized manner.

See All Your Spices at Once

Quit playing hide and seek with your spice jars. Get them visible, all at the same time! Nothing is more frustrating than when you are cooking and need to find the basil quickly. But where, oh where, did the basil go??

Eliminate the time spent searching by using a Spice Gripper Clip Strip. (Try saying that fast five times!) Not only does this allow all your spices to be seen easily, it keeps them all in one place as well. Sounds like a win to me! 

Use a Carousel for Random Items

Don’t let the small random items become your nemesis in your pantry! Instead, find ways to organize it better.

Look at implementing a Lazy Susan Organizer for your spices, baking supplies, oils, barbeque and picnic supplies, cleaning supplies or other random items. This handy little gadget is a fun carousel that spins for easy access.

Wrangle Food Wraps

Sometimes all those food storage wraps can be annoying to organize. Aluminum foil, plastic wrap, parchment paper, even plastic bags.

These self-adhesive door storage boxes look ideal for wrangling food storage wraps, storage bags or whatever else you think would fit perfectly.

Use Storage Baskets

I think the answer for many organizing conundrums, can be baskets. Specifically plastic storage baskets for the pantry.

I have my pantry cupboard full of baskets that hold snacks for the kids, pastas, grains, chips, canned goods, baking supplies and so much more! I simply pull out the basket with the item I need, grab the item and get on with my day! I like plastic in this situation because they are easy to wipe down.

Your pantry doesn’t have to get the best of you. You can control it, you can organize it! Try a few of the must haves for pantry organization above and see if they help clear that clutter! You may be surprised at how a few easy changes can quickly give your pantry more functionality. Less clutter in your pantry means less clutter in your mind!

Related articles:

• Eat from the Pantry to Save
• Basic Pantry Staples List (and Free Printable)
• How to Stock your Pantry on a Budget
• How to Organize Your Pantry

I’d love to hear your must haves for pantry organization. Let me know in the comments below!