Graduation season is almost upon us, and as you’re getting ready to close out one chapter with your grad and begin a new one, it’s a good time to start thinking about a gift to congratulate them on their incredible accomplishments. Whether you know a student finishing high school or college, these gift ideas will carry them from one journey to the next. See our graduation gift guide below.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13
1. Noise-cancelling headphones will help block out loud roommates, chatty coworkers, or anything else that distracts them from getting *ish* done.
2. A wireless charging station for all of their techy gadgets will be the gift they use time and time again. Why does everything always need to be charged?!
3. Jewelry is a sentimental way to celebrate the grad. This compass necklace or bracelet will serve as a reminder to follow their own path.
4. A book of lessons, wise words, and funny anecdotes will inspire, instill joy, and provide a little motivation.
5. This inspirational makeup bag, filled with all her favorites and maybe a gift card or two, would make a great gift!
6. A weighted blanket will keep them warm, help reduce anxiety, and replicate a warm hug from mom when she’s miles away.
7. The tassel was worth the hassle! These funny socks would make the perfect addition to a DIY graduation gift basket.
8. And if they’re a coffee lover, this mug is another basket filler that will get tons of use.
9. A tool kit is a must!! This is one of those gifts that they don’t know they want but will be grateful they have when they’re in a pinch.
10. This phone wallet is super convenient. Pop it on the back of your phone, tuck your cards and cash in, and boom…out the door you go.
11. This themed gift box comes with an “adult merit badge” coffee mug, 400 different fun facts, and a motivational book—a little bit of everything!
12. A 3-piece luggage set will get a bunch of mileage. While they make think it will be for all of their exotic adventures, their broke selves will really be using it for all their trips back home so they can do laundry for free.
13. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?? This tin of delicious cookies will be gone in the blink of an eye, but the sugar high will keep them going for hours.
Shop Graduation Gifts
Love is in the air!! Valentine’s Day is just about two weeks away, and if you’re looking to cultivate a little more love in your life, sprinkling some heart-themed decor around your home is a great way to do so! This festive Valentine’s Day decor from Target will have you seeing hearts…literally. See VDay decor from Target below!
These felt heart fillers make an adorable centerpiece on your dining table, or a colorful accent on your decorative shelves.
Hang this garland over doorways, windows, or your mantle for a festive display of love.
This pom-pom wreath is perfect for your front door or a large statement window!
Snuggle up with one of these plush faux-fur heart-shaped pillows.
Share a morning cup of coffee with your love and start the day with a sweet sentiment.
These gorgeous marbled dishes are ideal for serving up a romantic dinner for two!
And these plastic plates and cups are great if you’re having a delicious VDay meal with the kiddos.
Hugs and kisses! These lips are serving up lots of sweets…fill them with your favorite Valentine’s Day candies.
There’s nothing like breakfast in bed for a VDay treat, and these themed waffle makers will dish out a bitty bite to remember!
If you love knick-knacks, these little guys will help you spread the love all around the house!
Love is in the air!! Valentine’s Day is just about two weeks away, and if you’re looking to cultivate a little more love in your life, sprinkling some heart-themed decor around your home is a great way to do so! This festive Valentine’s Day decor from Target will have you seeing hearts…literally. See VDay decor from Target below!
These felt heart fillers make an adorable centerpiece on your dining table, or a colorful accent on your decorative shelves.
Hang this garland over doorways, windows, or your mantle for a festive display of love.
This pom-pom wreath is perfect for your front door or a large statement window!
Snuggle up with one of these plush faux-fur heart-shaped pillows.
Share a morning cup of coffee with your love and start the day with a sweet sentiment.
These gorgeous marbled dishes are ideal for serving up a romantic dinner for two!
And these plastic plates and cups are great if you’re having a delicious VDay meal with the kiddos.
Hugs and kisses! These lips are serving up lots of sweets…fill them with your favorite Valentine’s Day candies.
There’s nothing like breakfast in bed for a VDay treat, and these themed waffle makers will dish out a bitty bite to remember!
If you love knick-knacks, these little guys will help you spread the love all around the house!
Love is in the air!! Valentine’s Day is just about two weeks away, and if you’re looking to cultivate a little more love in your life, sprinkling some heart-themed decor around your home is a great way to do so! This festive Valentine’s Day decor from Target will have you seeing hearts…literally. See VDay decor from Target below!
These felt heart fillers make an adorable centerpiece on your dining table, or a colorful accent on your decorative shelves.
Hang this garland over doorways, windows, or your mantle for a festive display of love.
This pom-pom wreath is perfect for your front door or a large statement window!
Snuggle up with one of these plush faux-fur heart-shaped pillows.
Share a morning cup of coffee with your love and start the day with a sweet sentiment.
These gorgeous marbled dishes are ideal for serving up a romantic dinner for two!
And these plastic plates and cups are great if you’re having a delicious VDay meal with the kiddos.
Hugs and kisses! These lips are serving up lots of sweets…fill them with your favorite Valentine’s Day candies.
There’s nothing like breakfast in bed for a VDay treat, and these themed waffle makers will dish out a bitty bite to remember!
If you love knick-knacks, these little guys will help you spread the love all around the house!
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you plan on giving a sentimental gift to a special someone, there’s no time like the present to buy your presents! Whether you’re gifting to your significant other, or maybe your kids are your valentines, these gift guides are full of sweet ideas anyone in your life is sure to love. See our Valentine’s Day gift guides below.
For Adults
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
If you’re giving a gift to your significant other on Valentine’s Day, you can go for the usuals, like chocolate or flowers, or you can present them with something a little more special, like this spinning heart message box or these adorable kissing coffee mugs.
Shop Gifts for Adults
For Kids
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
If your kids are your valentines this year, candy, books, and stuffed animals are all great gift ideas. Or give them something like this heart-shaped waffle maker so you can make a memorable Valentine’s Day breakfast together.
Shop Gifts for Kids
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and if you plan on giving a sentimental gift to a special someone, there’s no time like the present to buy your presents! Whether you’re gifting to your significant other, or maybe your kids are your valentines, these gift guides are full of sweet ideas anyone in your life is sure to love. See our Valentine’s Day gift guides below.
For Adults
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
If you’re giving a gift to your significant other on Valentine’s Day, you can go for the usuals, like chocolate or flowers, or you can present them with something a little more special, like this spinning heart message box or these adorable kissing coffee mugs.
Shop Gifts for Adults
For Kids
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11
If your kids are your valentines this year, candy, books, and stuffed animals are all great gift ideas. Or give them something like this heart-shaped waffle maker so you can make a memorable Valentine’s Day breakfast together.
Shop Gifts for Kids
Reveling in romance and celebrating the season of love is a sweet treat that we all enjoy, whether you’re one to admit it or not! Decorating and prepping for Valentine’s Day can bring butterflies to the tummy for more reasons than one – you’re feeling the love of being in love, but you’re also dreading emptying your wallet! Get chic, charming romance for less with these Valentine’s Day-inspired Amazon/Pottery Barn dupes and fill your heart without breaking the bank. See our Amazon vs Pottery Barn Valentine dupes below!
Love abounds around the home with these plush heart-shaped throw pillows! This version from Amazon is $18 while this version from Pottery Barn is $50.
Snuggle up with your S.O. under this super soft sherpa throw blanket with pom pom accents. This version from Amazon is $21 while this version from Pottery Barn is $34.
Showcase your eternal love with this contemporary intertwined heart sculpture! This version from Amazon is $30 while this version from Pottery Barn is $129.
Keep that new shiny jewelry from your love in this pretty jewelry organizer – it’s great for traveling, too! This version from Amazon is $10 while this version from Pottery Barn is $50.
Dish out a romantic dinner for two or a full-blown feast for your gal pals with this gorgeous pink dishware! This 20-piece set from Amazon is $77 while this 16-piece set from Pottery Barn is $136.
Toast to romance (and elegance) with this sophisticated coupe glass set. This set of 4 from Amazon is $37 while this set of 4 from Pottery Barn is $56.
These cute heart-print dish towels will have you feeling the love even when you’re washing all those dishes. This version from Amazon is $20 while this version from Pottery Barn is $30.
Serve up a sweet display of desserts or hors d’oeuvres with this heart-shaped cheeseboard! This version from Amazon is $44 while this version from Pottery Barn is $50.
Reveling in romance and celebrating the season of love is a sweet treat that we all enjoy, whether you’re one to admit it or not! Decorating and prepping for Valentine’s Day can bring butterflies to the tummy for more reasons than one – you’re feeling the love of being in love, but you’re also dreading emptying your wallet! Get chic, charming romance for less with these Valentine’s Day-inspired Amazon/Pottery Barn dupes and fill your heart without breaking the bank. See our Amazon vs Pottery Barn Valentine dupes below!
Love abounds around the home with these plush heart-shaped throw pillows! This version from Amazon is $18 while this version from Pottery Barn is $50.
Snuggle up with your S.O. under this super soft sherpa throw blanket with pom pom accents. This version from Amazon is $21 while this version from Pottery Barn is $34.
Showcase your eternal love with this contemporary intertwined heart sculpture! This version from Amazon is $30 while this version from Pottery Barn is $129.
Keep that new shiny jewelry from your love in this pretty jewelry organizer – it’s great for traveling, too! This version from Amazon is $10 while this version from Pottery Barn is $50.
Dish out a romantic dinner for two or a full-blown feast for your gal pals with this gorgeous pink dishware! This 20-piece set from Amazon is $77 while this 16-piece set from Pottery Barn is $136.
Toast to romance (and elegance) with this sophisticated coupe glass set. This set of 4 from Amazon is $37 while this set of 4 from Pottery Barn is $56.
These cute heart-print dish towels will have you feeling the love even when you’re washing all those dishes. This version from Amazon is $20 while this version from Pottery Barn is $30.
Serve up a sweet display of desserts or hors d’oeuvres with this heart-shaped cheeseboard! This version from Amazon is $44 while this version from Pottery Barn is $50.
It’s the beginning of 2024, and for most of us that means we’re setting goals and making resolutions to start this year off right! If getting more organized is one of your goals for this year, having a few planning essentials can make all the difference! We’re all about staying on top of our schedules, and we’ve found some tried-and-true products that we go to time and time again to help keep us on track. See some of our favorite planning essentials below.
Kristy’s Essentials
My softbound Life Planners have been my go-to from Erin Condren lately – these are my MONTHLY planners. I had one last year and loved how easily it fit in my work tote with everything else I have. It’s slim and there’ are no binder rings – last year I had a vertical layout but this year I wanted to be more organized so I went with the hourly. It help keeps me on track throughout the day!
This little guy is my planner away from my planner. I pop it into my purse when I’m on the go so I can see if there are things I’m supposed to pick up or phone calls I’m supposed to make, etc. This is my DAILY planner and my lifeline when I’m running around all over the place!
I also have to use my WEEKLY calendar by the door – this helps me see things right as I’m leaving as an extra reminder (just in case). Whether it’s appointments or sports practices or school activities, this helps me see all the important things at a glance!
I cannot NOT have stickers…I use stickers for every occasion or event and reminder! Plus they help jazz up my planner and draw my attention to certain things I want to highlight!
Having some good writing tools is a must! I stock up on my favorite pens, markers, and highlighters so I never run out and I have plenty of options.
And to organize all of those accessories, this handy desk organizer! I love how it has spaces for writing tools, small pads or notebooks, and even my phone! It keeps the clutter away and looks pretty, too.
Faith’s Essentials
I’m a simple gal who appreciates a minimalistic life, and I certainly reflect that in my planning essentials. I love my planner from Happy Planner – I opt for the vertical layout which has a column for every day, separated into three different sections. I like to use one for work, one for personal to-dos, and one for play! I also love using the accompanying stickers to add a little flair and help break things up a little bit.
Another must-have for me is my budget planner!! This is something I started using a few years ago and it has seriously helped my finances SO much. When I’m planning a budget ahead of time and tracking every penny I spend, it helps me see where I can save some money, where I need to cut back on spending, and where I can allow myself to splurge a little. I also love my zip pouch, where I keep all my writing tools.
It’s the beginning of 2024, and for most of us that means we’re setting goals and making resolutions to start this year off right! If getting more organized is one of your goals for this year, having a few planning essentials can make all the difference! We’re all about staying on top of our schedules, and we’ve found some tried-and-true products that we go to time and time again to help keep us on track. See some of our favorite planning essentials below.
Kristy’s Essentials
My softbound Life Planners have been my go-to from Erin Condren lately – these are my MONTHLY planners. I had one last year and loved how easily it fit in my work tote with everything else I have. It’s slim and there’ are no binder rings – last year I had a vertical layout but this year I wanted to be more organized so I went with the hourly. It help keeps me on track throughout the day!
This little guy is my planner away from my planner. I pop it into my purse when I’m on the go so I can see if there are things I’m supposed to pick up or phone calls I’m supposed to make, etc. This is my DAILY planner and my lifeline when I’m running around all over the place!
I also have to use my WEEKLY calendar by the door – this helps me see things right as I’m leaving as an extra reminder (just in case). Whether it’s appointments or sports practices or school activities, this helps me see all the important things at a glance!
I cannot NOT have stickers…I use stickers for every occasion or event and reminder! Plus they help jazz up my planner and draw my attention to certain things I want to highlight!
Having some good writing tools is a must! I stock up on my favorite pens, markers, and highlighters so I never run out and I have plenty of options.
And to organize all of those accessories, this handy desk organizer! I love how it has spaces for writing tools, small pads or notebooks, and even my phone! It keeps the clutter away and looks pretty, too.
Faith’s Essentials
I’m a simple gal who appreciates a minimalistic life, and I certainly reflect that in my planning essentials. I love my planner from Happy Planner – I opt for the vertical layout which has a column for every day, separated into three different sections. I like to use one for work, one for personal to-dos, and one for play! I also love using the accompanying stickers to add a little flair and help break things up a little bit.
Another must-have for me is my budget planner!! This is something I started using a few years ago and it has seriously helped my finances SO much. When I’m planning a budget ahead of time and tracking every penny I spend, it helps me see where I can save some money, where I need to cut back on spending, and where I can allow myself to splurge a little. I also love my zip pouch, where I keep all my writing tools.
A new year means a new Pantone Color of the Year! This program, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, highlights a Pantone color that speaks to the trending moods of the year – what we as a society want to accomplish, cultivate, and celebrate. The 2024 Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz: a soft, gentle, and warm hue that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. It is light and radiant, modern and effortless. Bring some of this inspiring yet comforting shade into your life with a few pops of color in your home, wardrobe, or beauty routine! See our Pantone Color of the Year ideas below.
For the Home
Add subtle touches to your home with carefully curated decor. A sweet-smelling candle, a snuggly throw pillow, or an eye-catching piece of artwork are great ways to incorporate a little Peach Fuzz into your sacred space.
Shop Pantone 2024 Home
Apparel & Accessories
Dress to impress with Peach Fuzz! Whether you want a fashion-forward statement piece, a fun accessory, or some cozy clothing, adding this hue to your wardrobe is effortlessly chic.
Shop Pantone 2024 Apparel
Beauty & Makeup
Pretty yourself up with peachy shades for your sweet face. Bring a touch of Peach Fuzz to your lips, cheeks, or eyes and rock your beauty routine in 2024.
Shop Pantone 2024 Beauty
A new year means a new Pantone Color of the Year! This program, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, highlights a Pantone color that speaks to the trending moods of the year – what we as a society want to accomplish, cultivate, and celebrate. The 2024 Pantone Color of the Year is Peach Fuzz: a soft, gentle, and warm hue that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. It is light and radiant, modern and effortless. Bring some of this inspiring yet comforting shade into your life with a few pops of color in your home, wardrobe, or beauty routine! See our Pantone Color of the Year ideas below.
For the Home
Add subtle touches to your home with carefully curated decor. A sweet-smelling candle, a snuggly throw pillow, or an eye-catching piece of artwork are great ways to incorporate a little Peach Fuzz into your sacred space.
Shop Pantone 2024 Home
Apparel & Accessories
Dress to impress with Peach Fuzz! Whether you want a fashion-forward statement piece, a fun accessory, or some cozy clothing, adding this hue to your wardrobe is effortlessly chic.
Shop Pantone 2024 Apparel
Beauty & Makeup
Pretty yourself up with peachy shades for your sweet face. Bring a touch of Peach Fuzz to your lips, cheeks, or eyes and rock your beauty routine in 2024.
Shop Pantone 2024 Beauty
As we get ready to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024, we’re looking back on a year full of great deals, fun posts, and trending products! We’re reminiscing on the top items sold, our favorite retailers, and some of the social media and blog posts that this community loved the most! Cheers to another fabulous year, and here’s to the next one – see our 2023 year in review below.
Top 3 Amazon Items
AirHeads | Phone Chargers | Hot Wheels Car
Ah, Amazon. The retailer our dreams are made of. Simply think up an item, type it into the Amazon search bar, add it to your cart, and *boom* it’ll be at your door quicker than you can say “did I really need that??” With the thousands and thousands and thousands of items Amazon has, our top 3 were an eclectic mix!! We were loving this AirHeads variety box, this 3-pack of phone chargers (of course), and this Hot Wheels RC car!
Top 3 Walmart Items
Cookware Set | Shark Vacuum | Outdoor Set
We were all about upgrading the home with Walmart this year! This Carote cookware set, this Shark vacuum, and this 8-piece outdoor set were the top sellers!
Top 3 Target Items
Gift Card | Squishmallow | Target Cart
We obviously had playtime on the mind with Target in 2023! Our top three items sold were this Roblox gift card, a Bluey Squishmallow, and the iconic Target cart toy!!
Top 3 Items from Other Retailers
Lululemon Belt Bag | Hey Dude Shoes | Stanley Tumbler
And we clearly all have great style, and love being on-trend, because our top 3 items from other retailers were the famous Lululemon belt bag, Hey Dude shoes, and Stanley tumbler. Three cheers for great taste, Frugal and Thrivers!!
Top 3 Other Retailers
It’s no secret we love Amazon, Walmart, and Target…I mean, can you really blame us though?! These three retailers also brought some fierce competition this year, and with good reason! The top 3 retailers after our big three were:
Top 3 Blog Posts
We wrote, you read! In 2023, we wanted to celebrate, take beach/lake trips with ease, and shop ’til we drop. These were the top three blog posts this year!!
Browse all of our blog posts here!!
Top 3 LTK Posts
LTK – Like to Know It!! The one-stop shop for all things shopping. Check out trending styles in home, fashion, and more, all from your favorite creators (aka, US!!). If you’re unfamiliar with LTK, you might want to hop on this train now. This easy-to-use, addictive app lets you buy items from your favorite influencers with just the click of a button! These were the top posts from the Frugal and Thriving LTK shop in 2023:
Top 3 Facebook Posts
Facebook is where it all began for Frugal and Thriving, and this platform definitely holds a special place in our hearts – and yours, too, it seems! This is where you can find all of the best up-to-date deals, some fun snapshots from F&T everyday life, and a recap of posts from our other platforms! If you aren’t a part of our Facebook group yet, join in on the action here!! These were the top three posts on Facebook this year:
There you have it! A quick little review of the best of the best in all things Frugal & Thriving in 2023. To all of our new followers, welcome!! We’re so happy to have you here. And to all of our loyal community who have been with us from the start, thank you for another incredible year. We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store. Wishing you all a happy and safe new year xoxo.
As we get ready to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024, we’re looking back on a year full of great deals, fun posts, and trending products! We’re reminiscing on the top items sold, our favorite retailers, and some of the social media and blog posts that this community loved the most! Cheers to another fabulous year, and here’s to the next one – see our 2023 year in review below.
Top 3 Amazon Items
AirHeads | Phone Chargers | Hot Wheels Car
Ah, Amazon. The retailer our dreams are made of. Simply think up an item, type it into the Amazon search bar, add it to your cart, and *boom* it’ll be at your door quicker than you can say “did I really need that??” With the thousands and thousands and thousands of items Amazon has, our top 3 were an eclectic mix!! We were loving this AirHeads variety box, this 3-pack of phone chargers (of course), and this Hot Wheels RC car!
Top 3 Walmart Items
Cookware Set | Shark Vacuum | Outdoor Set
We were all about upgrading the home with Walmart this year! This Carote cookware set, this Shark vacuum, and this 8-piece outdoor set were the top sellers!
Top 3 Target Items
Gift Card | Squishmallow | Target Cart
We obviously had playtime on the mind with Target in 2023! Our top three items sold were this Roblox gift card, a Bluey Squishmallow, and the iconic Target cart toy!!
Top 3 Items from Other Retailers
Lululemon Belt Bag | Hey Dude Shoes | Stanley Tumbler
And we clearly all have great style, and love being on-trend, because our top 3 items from other retailers were the famous Lululemon belt bag, Hey Dude shoes, and Stanley tumbler. Three cheers for great taste, Frugal and Thrivers!!
Top 3 Other Retailers
It’s no secret we love Amazon, Walmart, and Target…I mean, can you really blame us though?! These three retailers also brought some fierce competition this year, and with good reason! The top 3 retailers after our big three were:
Top 3 Blog Posts
We wrote, you read! In 2023, we wanted to celebrate, take beach/lake trips with ease, and shop ’til we drop. These were the top three blog posts this year!!
Browse all of our blog posts here!!
Top 3 LTK Posts
LTK – Like to Know It!! The one-stop shop for all things shopping. Check out trending styles in home, fashion, and more, all from your favorite creators (aka, US!!). If you’re unfamiliar with LTK, you might want to hop on this train now. This easy-to-use, addictive app lets you buy items from your favorite influencers with just the click of a button! These were the top posts from the Frugal and Thriving LTK shop in 2023:
Top 3 Facebook Posts
Facebook is where it all began for Frugal and Thriving, and this platform definitely holds a special place in our hearts – and yours, too, it seems! This is where you can find all of the best up-to-date deals, some fun snapshots from F&T everyday life, and a recap of posts from our other platforms! If you aren’t a part of our Facebook group yet, join in on the action here!! These were the top three posts on Facebook this year:
There you have it! A quick little review of the best of the best in all things Frugal & Thriving in 2023. To all of our new followers, welcome!! We’re so happy to have you here. And to all of our loyal community who have been with us from the start, thank you for another incredible year. We can’t wait to see what 2024 has in store. Wishing you all a happy and safe new year xoxo.
While we love shopping deals for ourselves, which is really how Frugal and Thriving started, we also love finding steals for others – whether we need a good gift or we want to send a sweet surprise! An annual tradition we have here at F&T is a holiday/end-of-year charity donation. We shop all year and collect items for different charities we want to contribute to and then at the end of the year, we round it all up and send it in! See our 2023 donation recap below.
This year, we donated over $2300 worth of gifts – 117 items total!! However, being Frugal and Thriving, we actually only paid around $1500 for everything, because of all the sales and deals we posted in our Facebook group and took full advantage of! The charities donated to included Sea the Future, Caring for Kids, and Toys for Tots.
Some of the donations included items like: Lite-Brite, Playfoam, Gabby’s Dollhouse rooms, Moana singing doll, footballs, LEGO creator spaceship, Magic Mixies, magnetic building tiles, National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig kit, Mickey and the Beanstalk board games, Spot It! game, and so, SO much more!!
This was what we donated in 2022 – you can see that it was significantly less than what we accumulated this year. Kristy shopped for Christmas gifts for kids in need from various charity groups including Cape May County Caring for Kids and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. She was also able to donate $200 worth of jackets and little kids’ clothes to Holy Redeemer Healthy Families Program in Cape May Court House. How awesome is it that we are fortunate enough to be able to grow our donation closet from year to year?? This is so heartwarming!
Look at that difference! We’re looking forward to collecting even more donation items for next year!
And if you want to get in on the giving back fun, check out our Poshmark, where we list all of our favorite fashion, home decor, and accessories that no longer serve us – all of the proceeds get donated to charity at the end of the year! If you have questions, or want to find out more ways you can donate, email admin@frugalnthriving.com
While we love shopping deals for ourselves, which is really how Frugal and Thriving started, we also love finding steals for others – whether we need a good gift or we want to send a sweet surprise! An annual tradition we have here at F&T is a holiday/end-of-year charity donation. We shop all year and collect items for different charities we want to contribute to and then at the end of the year, we round it all up and send it in! See our 2023 donation recap below.
This year, we donated over $2300 worth of gifts – 117 items total!! However, being Frugal and Thriving, we actually only paid around $1500 for everything, because of all the sales and deals we posted in our Facebook group and took full advantage of! The charities donated to included Sea the Future, Caring for Kids, and Toys for Tots.
Some of the donations included items like: Lite-Brite, Playfoam, Gabby’s Dollhouse rooms, Moana singing doll, footballs, LEGO creator spaceship, Magic Mixies, magnetic building tiles, National Geographic Dino Fossil Dig kit, Mickey and the Beanstalk board games, Spot It! game, and so, SO much more!!
This was what we donated in 2022 – you can see that it was significantly less than what we accumulated this year. Kristy shopped for Christmas gifts for kids in need from various charity groups including Cape May County Caring for Kids and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. She was also able to donate $200 worth of jackets and little kids’ clothes to Holy Redeemer Healthy Families Program in Cape May Court House. How awesome is it that we are fortunate enough to be able to grow our donation closet from year to year?? This is so heartwarming!
Look at that difference! We’re looking forward to collecting even more donation items for next year!
And if you want to get in on the giving back fun, check out our Poshmark, where we list all of our favorite fashion, home decor, and accessories that no longer serve us – all of the proceeds get donated to charity at the end of the year! If you have questions, or want to find out more ways you can donate, email admin@frugalnthriving.com
A-tisket, a-tasket, we love a good gift basket!! These DIY gift ideas are great because not only are they easy to put together and relatively inexpensive, but you can also customize them for each recipient! Whether you’re gifting one to a family member, a friend, or a coworker, these baskets are such a sweet way to spread a bit of holiday cheer. See our holiday gift basket ideas below!
Grab some pretty baskets that you can stuff full of only the best goodies! Kristy made these baskets for her kids’ teachers, and they are filled with seasonal specialties, yummy treats, and everyday essentials.
Because you can never have too many blankets! Grab a fun, festive throw blanket to tuck away in your basket and start the holiday theme.
These mini pillows and hanging decor penguins are so cute for the classroom or the office!
Who doesn’t love a heavenly smelling candle?! Share the scents of the season with a candle that looks as pretty as it smells.
This is a great idea, especially for teachers or nurses. Stuff in a few sweet-smelling hand sanitizers and help keep the winter germs away! Pro Tip: Wait until Bath and Body Works has its 5 for $5 sanitizer sale! It’s the perfect time to stock up on basket fillers.
Moisture is the name of the game during the cold, dry months, and these Burt’s Bees kits will definitely do the trick! A luxurious lip balm and hand/body cream will provide lasting hydration all season long.
How stinkin’ cute is this?? A mini waffle maker that imprints a Christmas tree on each waffle! This is a great gift for any foodie, or anyone who can’t get enough of Christmas!
Being warm and cozy, snuggled up with a cup of delicious hot cocoa, is the epitome of an ideal winter night. I’ll take two, please!!
Finish off with an assortment of snacks! These make great fillers for any empty spots left in your basket and let’s be honest, tasty treats always make great gifts!!
This is a fun idea for a new driver or a college student, or really anyone who likes being prepared with the essentials! Grab a bunch of car necessities (air fresheners, tire inflator, cleaning wipes, etc.) and stuff them into a trunk organizer and you have a practical gift for any driver!
A-tisket, a-tasket, we love a good gift basket!! These DIY gift ideas are great because not only are they easy to put together and relatively inexpensive, but you can also customize them for each recipient! Whether you’re gifting one to a family member, a friend, or a coworker, these baskets are such a sweet way to spread a bit of holiday cheer. See our holiday gift basket ideas below!
Grab some pretty baskets that you can stuff full of only the best goodies! Kristy made these baskets for her kids’ teachers, and they are filled with seasonal specialties, yummy treats, and everyday essentials.
Because you can never have too many blankets! Grab a fun, festive throw blanket to tuck away in your basket and start the holiday theme.
These mini pillows and hanging decor penguins are so cute for the classroom or the office!
Who doesn’t love a heavenly smelling candle?! Share the scents of the season with a candle that looks as pretty as it smells.
This is a great idea, especially for teachers or nurses. Stuff in a few sweet-smelling hand sanitizers and help keep the winter germs away! Pro Tip: Wait until Bath and Body Works has its 5 for $5 sanitizer sale! It’s the perfect time to stock up on basket fillers.
Moisture is the name of the game during the cold, dry months, and these Burt’s Bees kits will definitely do the trick! A luxurious lip balm and hand/body cream will provide lasting hydration all season long.
How stinkin’ cute is this?? A mini waffle maker that imprints a Christmas tree on each waffle! This is a great gift for any foodie, or anyone who can’t get enough of Christmas!
Being warm and cozy, snuggled up with a cup of delicious hot cocoa, is the epitome of an ideal winter night. I’ll take two, please!!
Finish off with an assortment of snacks! These make great fillers for any empty spots left in your basket and let’s be honest, tasty treats always make great gifts!!
This is a fun idea for a new driver or a college student, or really anyone who likes being prepared with the essentials! Grab a bunch of car necessities (air fresheners, tire inflator, cleaning wipes, etc.) and stuff them into a trunk organizer and you have a practical gift for any driver!
It’s the final countdown of 2023 (I know – we can’t believe it either) and it’s time to start getting your NYE plans together! We’re all for a cozy night on the couch watching the ball drop, but if you’re planning to hit the town and ring in the new year in style, having a hot outfit is a must! These NYE outfit ideas will have you shining like a star as you sip champagne, dance like no one is watching, and sneak in a midnight kiss. See our roundup of NYE outfits below.
I will take any excuse to wear a blazer – I love how it adds instant sophistication to any outfit! This gorgeous red satin number paired with a faux leather jumpsuit is just the right mix of sleek and sultry. Finish it off with sparkly boots to make your look pop.
This slinky little one-shoulder dress styled with black heels is a gorgeous option for NYE! Work the room and get ready for tons of compliments in this outfit.
Tulle Top | Sequin Skirt | Boots
This fun tulle top is a match made in heaven for this siren-red sequin skirt! Party up top, party down below, party all around because it is NYE and we are ready to PAR-TAY!! Don those sparkly boots again for footwear that will keep you dancing all night long.
Glitter and feathers…what more could you ask for from the perfect party outfit?! Pop bottles and turn heads in this stunning dress paired with lacy pumps.
Long Sleeve Top | Skort | Boots
I love the look of a long sleeve top with a skirt. I think that little show of skin is a flirty way to find a bit of sexiness. This silver top paired with a studded skort and, of course, the shiny boots, is a comfortable look that doesn’t sacrifice in the style department.
A silky blouse styled with feather-trim pants and finished with patterned heels is an elegant NYE look. Feel and look your best in an outfit that perfectly balances class with chicness.
Sequin Top | Metallic Pants | Boots
Girls just wanna have fun!! This sequin top styled with metallic jeans and those beautiful boots makes me want to grab my girls and hit the town for an NYE to remember! The sparkle and shine brought on by this outfit keep it from looking too laidback.
If you’re going out on a chilly night and want to stay warm while looking fierce, this sweater and pants combo with a sexy pair of heels will do the trick!
It’s the final countdown of 2023 (I know – we can’t believe it either) and it’s time to start getting your NYE plans together! We’re all for a cozy night on the couch watching the ball drop, but if you’re planning to hit the town and ring in the new year in style, having a hot outfit is a must! These NYE outfit ideas will have you shining like a star as you sip champagne, dance like no one is watching, and sneak in a midnight kiss. See our roundup of NYE outfits below.
I will take any excuse to wear a blazer – I love how it adds instant sophistication to any outfit! This gorgeous red satin number paired with a faux leather jumpsuit is just the right mix of sleek and sultry. Finish it off with sparkly boots to make your look pop.
This slinky little one-shoulder dress styled with black heels is a gorgeous option for NYE! Work the room and get ready for tons of compliments in this outfit.
Tulle Top | Sequin Skirt | Boots
This fun tulle top is a match made in heaven for this siren-red sequin skirt! Party up top, party down below, party all around because it is NYE and we are ready to PAR-TAY!! Don those sparkly boots again for footwear that will keep you dancing all night long.
Glitter and feathers…what more could you ask for from the perfect party outfit?! Pop bottles and turn heads in this stunning dress paired with lacy pumps.
Long Sleeve Top | Skort | Boots
I love the look of a long sleeve top with a skirt. I think that little show of skin is a flirty way to find a bit of sexiness. This silver top paired with a studded skort and, of course, the shiny boots, is a comfortable look that doesn’t sacrifice in the style department.
A silky blouse styled with feather-trim pants and finished with patterned heels is an elegant NYE look. Feel and look your best in an outfit that perfectly balances class with chicness.
Sequin Top | Metallic Pants | Boots
Girls just wanna have fun!! This sequin top styled with metallic jeans and those beautiful boots makes me want to grab my girls and hit the town for an NYE to remember! The sparkle and shine brought on by this outfit keep it from looking too laidback.
If you’re going out on a chilly night and want to stay warm while looking fierce, this sweater and pants combo with a sexy pair of heels will do the trick!
Stress less is our motto this holiday season, and that means simplifying anything we possibly can as we get ready to celebrate with our family and friends. If you’re hosting a party or gathering, or you volunteered to bring a dish to a potluck dinner, you don’t have to go over the top to make a winning snack! These easy holiday treats are as simple as they are delicious and are definite crowd-pleasers. See our easy holiday treat recipes below.
Spinach Dip
- Two loaves of sourdough bread
- Spinach dip (or spinach and artichoke)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 TBSP butter
Cut out one sourdough bread deep enough to hold the spinach dip but not too deep to cut into the bottom of the loaf. Add the spinach dip and spread evenly. Melt about 1 TBSP of butter and spread over the entire outside of the loaf of bread. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350° for about 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Cut the other loaf into squares for dipping – setup on your favorite platter and enjoy!
Candy Charcuterie
- Variety of candy and holiday-themed snacks
- Snackle box
No explanation needed here!! This candy charcuterie is great for parties and gatherings. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a hot cocoa station and more!
Holiday Donuts
- Holiday Wreath Donut kit
- Egg
- 1/2 cup + 2 TBSP milk
- 2 TBSP vegetable oil
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Stick of butter
Grab all of your ingredients and follow the directions on the box!! The instructions are straight-forward and easy to follow!
Peppermint Frosted Cookies
- Frosted Peppermint Cookies kit
- Egg
- 5 TBSP butter
This is another one that is super easy to make! Gather your ingredients and follow along with the step-by-step directions on the box!
Stress less is our motto this holiday season, and that means simplifying anything we possibly can as we get ready to celebrate with our family and friends. If you’re hosting a party or gathering, or you volunteered to bring a dish to a potluck dinner, you don’t have to go over the top to make a winning snack! These easy holiday treats are as simple as they are delicious and are definite crowd-pleasers. See our easy holiday treat recipes below.
Spinach Dip
- Two loaves of sourdough bread
- Spinach dip (or spinach and artichoke)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 TBSP butter
Cut out one sourdough bread deep enough to hold the spinach dip but not too deep to cut into the bottom of the loaf. Add the spinach dip and spread evenly. Melt about 1 TBSP of butter and spread over the entire outside of the loaf of bread. Top with shredded cheese and bake at 350° for about 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned. Cut the other loaf into squares for dipping – setup on your favorite platter and enjoy!
Candy Charcuterie
- Variety of candy and holiday-themed snacks
- Snackle box
No explanation needed here!! This candy charcuterie is great for parties and gatherings. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a hot cocoa station and more!
Holiday Donuts
- Holiday Wreath Donut kit
- Egg
- 1/2 cup + 2 TBSP milk
- 2 TBSP vegetable oil
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Stick of butter
Grab all of your ingredients and follow the directions on the box!! The instructions are straight-forward and easy to follow!
Peppermint Frosted Cookies
- Frosted Peppermint Cookies kit
- Egg
- 5 TBSP butter
This is another one that is super easy to make! Gather your ingredients and follow along with the step-by-step directions on the box!
frugal and thriving LLC