From left, top to bottom: Apple AirTag, Nintendo Switch Lite, Apple iPad and an Amazfit Bip 3 Pro are gifts ranging from $50 to $500 that your tech-loving family and friends would surely appreciate this holiday season. Photo courtesy of Apple, Nintendo and Amazfit.
It’s the holiday season, and what better gift is there than a new gadget? From smartwatches to TV streaming devices, advancing technology has found new ways to entertain us and make life easier. After all, why vacuum the floor when a robot can do it for you?
We’ve scoured the web and tested a bunch of devices throughout the year. Here are some of our favorite tech gifts you can grab for anyone on your wish list. We’ve assembled gadgets for gift givers on a budget and more expensive options so you can splurge on that special someone.
Best Tech Gifts Under $50
The idea of buying tech gifts may seem expensive initially, but remember that as technology has evolved, it has become more accessible. Here are some of our favorite budget gift ideas when you don’t want to spend more than $50.
Have a friend or family member who keeps losing their keys, wallet or bag? If they are an Apple fan, pick them up an Apple AirTag to track their belongings.
Smart home devices, like the Echo Dot (3rd Gen) smart speaker, make it easy to set a timer, get weather updates and much more using the power of voice commands.
Upgrade your friends and family to a 4K compatible streaming option with the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K — bam, it’s like being at the movies.
A perfect gift is peace of mind. Pick up the Blink video doorbell so your friends and family can keep an eye on their property and look out for porch pirates.
Best Tech Gifts Under $100
Step up to the plate and show you care with one of these excellent tech gifts under $100. Delivering a tech gift that your loved one can’t wait to open doesn’t have to cost hundreds of dollars with one of these great gift options.
Help your friend or family member track their fitness and receive helpful smartphone notifications on their wrist throughout the day with the Amazfit Bip 3 Pro smartwatch.
Many people work at computers all day, so why not spice up their keyboarding experience with the Logitech POP keyboard? It’s cute and fun to type on.
Need to grab someone a tablet for the holidays but don’t want to bust your budget? Try the Amazon Fire HD 8, which is ideal for consuming media or playing games.
Give the gift of vinyl to the music lover in your life with the Crosley T400D turntable. It’s even fitted with a proper Audio-Technica stylus for great sound quality.
Do your friends love to take photos on their smartphones? Consider gifting the Kodak Step mobile printer so they can print their favorite pictures on the go.
Best Tech Gifts Under $250
You’ve been putting money aside for the holiday season and want to pick out an incredible tech gift for that special person on your list. Here are some of our favorite gifts that start to move into the three-figure price range.
Upgrade your family or friend’s technology power and fashion sense simultaneously with the Apple Watch SE, the most affordable Apple Watch.
If you know someone who loves a good book, consider giving them a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. Let them get lost in their imagination with this gift.
Music is the universal language, so show them you care with a powerful Bluetooth speaker with solid sound quality. The JBL Charge 5 portable speaker can even charge a smartphone thanks to its USB port and hours of battery life.
Robot vacuum cleaners don’t need to cost a fortune. The RoboVac 15C Max is one of our favorite budget options and helps make the house look spiffy.
Great for kids and adults alike, the Nintendo Switch Lite is a perfect gaming companion on the go, especially during long car rides and plane trips.
Best Tech Gifts Under $500
So, you’re pulling out all the stops for the holidays? We’ve covered you, from the season’s best gaming consoles to top-end tablets and headphones. Here are the best gifts when you don’t mind spending some cash.
Help your family member or friend step into the wild world of virtual reality gaming with Meta Quest 2. It includes the game Beat Saber at no cost for a limited time.
The hottest gaming console of the season is the Sony PlayStation 5. Check out our guide on how to find a PS5 before trying to snag one this holiday.
Let others listen to their favorite music and step back into a blissful world of quiet with Sony’s top-tier noise-canceling headphones, the WH-1000XM5.
If you want to pick up an iPad for your loved one or friend, the standard Apple iPad delivers a remarkable tablet experience and comes in several colors.
If a PC gamer is in your life, they are likely clamoring to get their hands on the Steam Deck. It enables them to take their favorite games on the go.
Michael Archambault is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder specializing in technology.
If you’ve had a sneaking suspicion that things you buy are getting smaller, you may be right.
Angel Soft toilet paper used to be 425 sheets per roll. Now it’s 320 sheets per roll.
A bag of Doritos used to be 9.75 ounces. It’s now 9.25 ounces.
Dial soap was 21 ounces, and now it’s down to 16 ounces.
Gatorade bottles were once 32 ounces, but are now 28 ounces.
Even Ben & Jerry’s recently reduced their pints of ice cream.
The size of the product has dropped, but the prices stayed the same — and even increased in some cases. What’s going on at our grocery stores?
Those are just a few of many, many examples of “shrinkflation” — a term coined to describe when companies reduce the size of a product but keep the price the same.
Though shrinkflation is more prevalent now with growing inflation, it’s actually been going on for years, according to ConsumerWorld.org founder, Edgar Dworsky who’s been following shrinkflation since 1995.
Chris Zuppa/The Penny Hoarder
Shrinkflation can be so subtle that you don’t notice it. So how can you spot shrinkflation at the store and make sure you’re getting the most out of what you buy?
6 Ways to Beat Shrinkflation
Beating shrinkflation starts by simply being a savvy shopper. You’ll need to pay more attention while shopping and be willing to change up your habits. Here are some ways to do just that:
1. Buy the Store Brand
Don’t hate on store brands. They’re cheaper, often just as good and sometimes even better than name brands.
When it comes to shrinkflation, store brands also have another advantage: They’re usually the last brands to reduce size.
Shrinkflation experts like Dworsky say to look to store brands, or even other name brands, if you notice your favorite brand has started to shrink its product’s size.
2. Compare the Price Per Ounce
This is called unit pricing. You simply divide the total price by the quantity to determine the unit price.
For example, if a carton of soup is 12 ounces and costs $2.40, the unit price on the soup would be 20 cents per ounce. This hack isn’t just for groceries though. Look at the price per ounce or per item for toothpaste, baby wipes, razor blades and many other consumer goods you buy.
Most stores include the unit price next to the total price on the tagged shelves below the items.
Unit pricing is required to be disclosed in many states, while many retailers still choose to disclose it even when it isn’t mandatory.
3. Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk from retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club not only helps you save money, but it will also help you reduce the amount of shrinkflation you experience.
In many cases, goods bought in bulk are a better deal because they typically have a lower price per unit. Let’s say a single apple costs 75 cents at the grocery store, and a three-pound bag at Costco containing six apples costs $3. You’ll save 25 cents per apple by purchasing in bulk.
This is especially true with dried goods, which last much longer. The more of these types of products you already have on hand, the less you’ll need to buy from the grocery store — potentially avoiding the back-and-forth waves of shrinkflation.
Inflation has even affected discount stores like the Dollar Tree, Family Dollar and Dollar General. Not everything costs a dollar anymore, as some items have been raised to $1.25 or $1.50.
That said, you can still find a lot of good products, including pantry essentials, for an amazingly low price. From pasta and eggs to cereal, chips and snacks — all for a dollar-ish.
There are deals to be found at other places too. Drugstore rewards programs and plentiful coupons can drop the price of your shampoo or granola bars to little or nothing.
5. Shop Online
Shopping online is more of a timesaver when it comes to shrinkflation than anything else.
You can compare prices and unit pricing quickly without wandering the grocery store and struggling to read the fine print on a price tag. You can also quickly compare prices between stores — or even just other sellers — and brands to see where your dollar will go further.
Then, even if you choose to visit the store in person, you should have a good idea about how it handles shrinkflation.
6. Take Advantage of Discount Apps
Stores like Target and Walmart have apps with an extensive collection of digital coupons to help you save.
Make a shopping list, and possibly a meal plan, then browse through these apps to find which coupons are available for the goods you need. Other apps like Upside and ibotta help you get cash back rewards at many grocery stores.
Robert Bruce is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
Women are more conscientious about joining their employer’s 401(k) plans. Fewer men than women join unless there’s automatic enrollment. The biggest difference is in the $50,000 to $75,000 income range, where 81% of women keep 401(k) accounts compared with only 67% of men.
Weirdly, however, men tend to have more retirement savings than women. The average man has $93,500 in his 401(k) account, the average woman $70,000.
How can that be? It’s because men tend to earn more money and because men set aside more of their paychecks for retirement than women do.
So, how can women close the gap in retirement savings? We have seven strategies for you to follow.
What Women Are Up Against
Like we said, life isn’t fair. Here are three reasons why women’s retirement savings tend to lag behind men’s:
Working women are more likely than men to interrupt their careers to take care of family members, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. They end up with a work gap, missing potentially years of employment when they could have been contributing toward their retirement.
Women are more likely to work in part-time jobs that don’t qualify for a retirement plan, the Labor Department says.
Here are seven strategies women can use to save more for retirement.
1. Get Started, Pronto
If you aren’t saving for retirement, start ASAP. The earlier you start, the better off you’ll be, with your money growing over time thanks to the magic of compound interest.
If you are saving (good for you!), take a few minutes to check your progress. Are you saving enough for your anticipated needs?
2. Save Enough to Get Your Company Match
Financial advisers recommend that, at the very least, you save enough in your 401(k) to get the full employer match that’s being offered to you. If you’re not doing that, you’re basically passing up free money.
One of the best things about a 401(k) plan is that many employers will match your contribution up to a point. It’s part of your compensation package.
Say your employer offers to match 100% of your 401(k) contributions up to 6% of your income. If you make $50,000 per year and max out the employer match, you’d put in $3,000 and your employer would kick in another $3,000, doubling your savings.
3. Try Saving Even More
Once you’ve done that, see if you can go beyond the employer match. Lots of people do.
If you’re reading this and suddenly finding that you’re contributing a below-average amount to your retirement plan, you should strongly consider kicking it up a notch if you can.
Not sure how to start? The U.S. Treasury offers the myRA account, which you can think of as a starter retirement account before upgrading to a Roth IRA.
There are also investing apps that will give you free stocks to get started. Robinhood, for example, will give you free stock worth between $2.50 and $200 just for downloading its free app and funding your account.
5. Avoid Dipping Into Your Retirement Savings
Experts strongly recommend that you not dip into your retirement savings before you retire. You’ll pay heavy financial penalties, and you could put a serious dent in your retirement plans down the line.
6. Prepare to Work As Long As You Can
Another strategy for women: Prepare yourself for the likelihood that retirement may not happen until you’re well past 65.
Maintain your ability to continue working past age 65. Keep your job skills up to date or learn new ones. Many employers, community colleges and nonprofits offer classes in the latest technologies and careers.
By taking care of your career, you’ll have a better chance of staying comfortable and secure when it’s finally time to retire.
7. Wait to Take Social Security If You Can
When your 62nd birthday approaches, you’ll have a big decision to make: Should you take Social Security at 62 and accept lower benefits? Or should you delay Social Security to get a higher benefit amount?
The answer to whether taking Social Security at 62 is the right move for you depends on several factors: your life expectancy, whether you’re retiring early and your overall financial situation. By taking Social Security at 62 instead of at full retirement age, you’ll reduce your monthly benefit by 30% for life.
However, if you’re feeling relatively healthy and you wait until you’re 70 to start claiming your Social Security benefits, you’ll end up getting checks that are nearly 80% larger.
In Case of Divorce
If you get divorced, are you entitled to a portion of your spouse’s retirement benefit?
Possibly. In most private-sector retirement plans, you would do this via a qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) issued by the court, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. You or your attorney should consult your spouse’s plan administrator to determine what requirements that order would have to meet.
You may be able to take Social Security based on your ex-spouse’s benefits instead of your own, even if you divorced decades ago. However, people with a long employment record will typically qualify for a bigger benefit based on their own earnings instead of a spouse’s. Social Security will give you the bigger benefit, but not both.
The maximum benefit you can get based on the record of a spouse — whether you’re currently married or divorced — is 50% of their full retirement age benefit. Full retirement age is the age at which you qualify for 100% of your benefit. It’s 66 or 67, depending on when you were born.
It’s important to know these things.
Life isn’t always fair, so you’ve got to look out for yourself.
Mike Brassfield ([email protected]) is a senior writer at The Penny Hoarder.
We all know inflation is draining our bank accounts, but have you wondered just how bad it’s gotten? How much more are you spending right now just to stay alive?
Suddenly we’ve got an answer: $433 a month.
Yes, the number crunchers at the financial firm Moody’s Analytics figure that the average American household is now spending $433 more per month to buy the same food and gasoline and various goods and services that we were all buying a year ago.
Four hundred and thirty-three bucks! No wonder we’re all broke. Basically, if you’re living the same life you were living in late 2021, it’s costing you that much more just to break even.
That’s not sustainable, so everybody’s got to make changes. We got to thinking: What could you do to make up that extra cash you’re parting with each month?
Below we’ve got a list of eight changes — some big, some small — to make up that difference. Some of them might surprise you. By the end of this article, we’ll have tallied up $433 worth of slick moves to help you balance your books.
For context, the combo — which gets you a jumbo dog and a 20-ounce fountain drink (plus free refills!) for $1.50 — should cost well north of $4 by now, adjusted for inflation.
Why so cheap? Here’s an explanation from Costco CEO Craig Jelinek: “I came to (Jim Sinegal, co-founder and former CEO of Costco) once and I said, ‘Jim, we can’t sell this hot dog for a buck fifty. We are losing our rear ends.’ And he said, ‘If you raise the effing hot dog, I will kill you. Figure it out.’ ”
Projected savings: If you’re spending a total of $3 to replace two ordinary restaurant lunches per month, then we’ll say you’re saving $20.
2. Sell Something on eBay
Need cash? There are lots of things in your home that you may look at and say “Can I sell that? Probably not.”
But what if all the “probably not” items could actually have a home? What if even the strangest things — like empty boxes or broken electronics — could earn you a little money?
We’ve put together a list of 20 of the best things to sell on eBay — some of the most bizarre objects we can dream up to show you that they’ll actually sell.
Projected earnings: If you set your mind to it, we bet you can make at least $30 every single month this way.
3. Sell Your Poop
Looking for an easy side hustle? Every time you poop, you might be flushing money down the toilet. Your poop could save lives and make you some cash in the process.
It’s true. Some medical companies will pay healthy donors for their stool. Your precious sample is then used for microbiome studies or in treatment of patients with Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that causes infections in the colon.
The amount you earn with each donation depends on the company. GoodNature offers $25-$75 per visit, up to $1,500 per month. Poop With Purpose pays $50 per donation, up to $1,500 per month. HumanMicrobe pays $500 per stool donation.
Potential donors must be 18-50 years old, at a normal weight, nonsmokers and with no history of gastrointestinal disease or drug or alcohol abuse.
Projected earnings: To be honest, $1,500 per month might be a little optimistic. Let’s be conservative and go with $100 instead.
4. Cancel a Streaming Service
We’d say “Cut the cord,” but if you’re as broke as we are, you’ve probably already canceled cable. (If you still have cable, though, cut the cord.)
The problem is, if you’re anything like us, you’re probably subscribing to more than one streaming service. Maybe you’ve even lost track of how many. After all, there’s Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Paramount+, Peacock, HBO Max and Apple TV+, among others.
Projected savings: If you drop a couple of subscriptions (you can get by with fewer), we bet you’ll save at least $20 per month.
5. Inflation-Proof Your Pantry With a $65 Two-Week Meal Plan for Two
Buckle up. Now we’re getting serious — and more ambitious.
Clearly the price of groceries is out of control. Now, if a $33 weekly grocery bill for a couple ($16.50 per person) to afford three square meals a day sounds a little crazy, you’re not wrong. But we did it anyway.
While you could get by eating ramen and peanut butter sandwiches for a while, scrounging like a college student indefinitely doesn’t have much appeal. Instead, we put together a $65 two-week grocery list of nearly 30 items that’ll net two adults fairly well-rounded meals without skimping too much on the good stuff.
This two-week grocery spending plan can be stretched to accommodate a family of four simply by doubling up on ingredients — and cost. Or expand this plan to a month if you prefer to track your family’s budget and compile a shopping list on a monthly basis.
Projected savings: Everybody’s got to eat, but there’s more potential for savings at the supermarket than you might think. If you really commit to lowering your grocery bill, we bet you can save in the ballpark of at least $180 a month.
6. Turn Down the Thermostat
Here’s something that’ll send a shiver down your spine: Heating your home is going to be noticeably more expensive this winter.
In fact, Americans are about to see the largest spike in their heating bills in more than a decade. But we’ve got eight tips to help you lower your heating bill. For example, close off unused rooms, insulate your windows (it’s cheap), add a little weather stripping and block out drafts from the bottoms of exterior doors.
If you take the entire year into account, the cost of cooling, heating and lighting your home is massive. Although it requires a small initial investment, try installing thermal curtains or a programmable thermostat. Or check out these creative energy-saving ways to slash your utility bills.
Projected savings: We think you can save at least $30 a month on heating and cooling your home.
7. Look for Cheaper Car Insurance Every 6 Months
Have you been paying your car insurance bill to the same old company for years and years? You have, haven’t you? In that case, you’re probably paying too much.
Every six months, when it’s time to renew your policy, take a little time to look around for a better deal.
If you want, there are any number of apps that’ll happily do this for you. Options include Everquote.
Projected savings: It’s reasonable to think you can save at least $25 a month this way.
8. Take a Few Simple Steps to Save on Gas
Filling up the gas tank can be a thoroughly miserable experience as you watch the counter flip past $40, then $50, and keep on going.
But you can save money on gas based on where you fill up, how you pay, when you visit the gas station, how you drive and even the condition of your car.
We’ve compiled 20 smart tips to help you spend less on fuel. Most notably, join a fuel rewards program, use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas, fill up early in the week when prices tend to be lower — or simply ease off the gas pedal and slow down.
Projected savings: We’re going to say you’ll save $28 per month on the dot. Why not?
Make a Habit of Looking for Savings
There we go! Make these eight changes — some big, some small — and bingo, presto, you’ll achieve $433 per month in savings and extra earnings.
You don’t have to stop there, either. If any of these strategies aren’t working for you, here are four others to try:
Pick a cheaper grocery store. You might not be shopping for food at the least expensive option. Compare prices, which you can typically find online.
Get a haircut every eight to 10 weeks instead of every six.
Before you shell out for things like furniture or baby gear, check out Buy Nothing groups on platforms like Facebook and Nextdoor to see if one of your neighbors is looking to get rid of something similar.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and for many of us, it’s also the most expensive. Finding a thoughtful gift can be challenging and end up hurting your wallet more than you’d like. It’s enough to fill even the most savvy shopper with dread.
This year in particular promises to present some challenges. Supply chain shortages may prevent some gifts from making it under the tree in time. Inflation continues to affect the cost of everyday items, including things you might give as gifts.
Despite all this, finding fun ideas for the best gifts and stocking stuffers for your friend or family member doesn’t have to stress you out. (Although it’s a good idea to start shopping early — if you haven’t already — to make sure the gifts you want to buy are in stock.)
Here are 50 of the best cheap gifts for $10 or less that will please even the pickiest of recipients at your next gift exchange.
Note: Prices may fluctuate.
Gifts for Around the House
These great holiday gift ideas will please everyone on your Christmas gift list — not just the homebodies. And to make it even better, these are all practical gifts as well! Pretty much anyone on your gift list would be thrilled to unwrap one of these presents this year.
1. Novelty Tea Infusers: $8.99
Got a tea enthusiast on your list? This tea infuser is dishwasher-safe, super cute and will make the next cup of tea a whale of a good time.
Or try these adorable owls who look like they’re having a real hoot in your cup ($9.99).
There are several tea infuser options to choose from depending on the tea lover’s interests. This is one of the best gifts (and the most practical) for your friend who sips tea all winter long
2. Cat Coffee Cup Cozy: $7
Who doesn’t love sipping a hot cuppa while curled up on a frosty day?
For the friend whose lap cat will inevitably complete that picture, consider this cute hand-crocheted cozy. They could even use it at coffee shops and help save paper sleeves.
If your friend is more of a bird person than a cat person, these bird-shaped wine stoppers are the perfect present for keeping bottles of wine fresh between glasses.
A wine stopper makes the perfect stocking stuffer for a gift recipient who loves wine, and you can find affordable ones to match your friend’s personality.
Oh, and don’t forget …
4. Glass Markers: $8.66
Help your friends keep their paws off other people’s glasses at the next party with these adorable cat glass markers.
If your friend isn’t into cats (shocking), there are plenty of other glass markers to choose from, including koalas ($10) and emojis ($8.95).
5. Cheese Knives: $8.95 each
If you thought the best gift for the cheese-lover in your life didn’t exist, think again!
Just one of these cheese knives takes a plate of cheese from an appetizer to a display worthy of any get-together.
Or, you know, a fancy Friday night by yourself. We don’t judge!
6. Kitty Ice Cube Molds: $9.99
Did you know that you can get ice cube molds in a variety of fun shapes, including kittens? You can also choose from penguins ($4.99), fish ($7.99) or even seashells ($7.99).
In addition to using the molds for ice, you can also use them to make novelty chocolate or gummies! Talk about a two-for-one deal.
7. Glass Plant Mister: $7.78
For the plant person in your life, this old-fashioned glass mister is something you can leave on the counter without hesitation.
And if you know any gardeners in training, these elephant watering cans ($8.69) are a delightful way to encourage little green thumbs.
8. Rustic Dog Dish Towel: $6.59
Don’t throw in the towel on finding a cheap gift for dog lovers just yet. These rustic kitchen towels are on sale and there are also versions for cat people as well.
Need more dogs in the kitchen? These dog-shaped bottle openers are on standby with a different version for every breed.
9. Reusable Silicone Baking Cups: $7.99
Give the baker in your life something sweet with this set of 12 silicone baking cups in rainbow colors. They’re safe to reuse and put in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven.
You can also get silicone baking cups in all sorts of shapes, like roses ($9.39) and colors, like this understated ombre set ($9.98).
10. Scarf Hanger: $9.97
If your loved one struggles with storage tactics for a plethora of scarves, here’s a gift that’ll help get them organized. They likely don’t even know they need a scarf hanger.
This hanger displays and organizes scarves (or belts! or ties!) in your closet so they’re easily accessible and wrinkle-free. Plus, it’ll make your closet look much more tidy and organized, and might even encourage you to organize the rest of it!
11. Succulent Plant Set: $9.99
Trendy succulents look like a cactus, but they’re quite a bit harder to care for. For those of us without a green thumb, enter this fake mini-succulent set with all of the same style and none of the hard work.
You can also get hanging glass planters ($8.99) and make your own succulent terrariums with a little sand and ingenuity.
12. Scented Candles: $7.19
A beautiful soy wax scented candle can brighten any space. You can find them in a variety of scents with essential oils to fit any mood or preference.
If you’re shopping for several people, you could even check out listings for wedding favors and get a really nice gift quite cheaply (like a bit over $2 a piece).
13. Moon-Shaped Ceramic Dish: $7.75
Whether it’s to wrangle stray jewelry or set down a spent tea bag, these little moon-shaped dishes come in a variety of colors and work for anyone on your list. As an added bonus, they won’t cost you much at all.
14. Personal Photos: 12 Cents+ Each
There’s just something about a tangible personal photo that the digital file lacks. You can get prints of your best memories online at vendors like Mpix for cents on the dollar or you can check out what Target and Walmart have to offer.
You don’t even have to buy a frame. You could string up your photos with wooden clothespins for a cheap, but romantic, option. Many vendors also sell canvas prints or other configurations of your photos at good prices.
If you do go shopping for frames, though, you can find cheap ones in a variety of sizes. They make the best gifts for the friend who loves to display photos around the house.
15. Just Crunch Anti-Soggy Cereal Bowl: $7.99
Nothing ruins your Raisin Bran like a slightly too-long milk bath. Get the breakfast lover in your life the Just Crunch Anti-Soggy cereal bowl to keep them crunching all the way through the Saturday morning news — or cartoons.
On a similar note …
16. French Fry Dipping Cone: $5.99
Dishwasher safe and not just for fries, the french fry dipping cone is a convenient and attractive way to serve finger foods and dip. Your lucky recipient can make burger and fry night at home feel like a night out at the local diner!
Less mess on the cheap! What’s not to love?
17. Spoon Rests: $7.99
On-the-pot spoon rests are a great gift for your aspiring-chef friend who’s still a little messy in the kitchen. Help them get organized and stop splattering chili on their countertops with this convenient gadget.
You might even want to add an extra one to your cart if your cooking style tends to leave stirring spoons behind.
Health & Beauty Gifts
Everyone deserves a little pampering, so why not wrap some up for your favorite people this year. These luxurious products all promise the gift of self-care at a price that won’t break your budget.
18. Handmade Soaps or Bath Bombs: $3.67+
Receiving handmade soap or bath bombs as a gift is far from insulting when the products look good enough to eat!
There are tons of options for sensitive skin on Etsy, but higher-traffic brick-and-mortar stores offer quality products at only slightly higher prices. You may even be lucky enough to find cruelty-free handmade beauty items at your local grocery store.
19. Lip Balm Set: $9.49
Lip balm is a great gift because it’s practical, but you can also get lip gloss with fancy scents and packaging to make it feel more special.
This organic lip balm six pack is a steal at $9.49. You can also check out this one, which is around $10. Alternatively, check out the beauty aisle next time you go grocery shopping for even more options. You can even grab a pack of hair ties for a couple of bucks to make a super practical beauty gift.
20. Hand Sanitizer Holder: $8.50
Carrying hand sanitizer around is just a thing we do now. Make it classy with a coordinated holder in a fashionable fabric like this floral keychain version.
If flowers feel a little fancy, you can opt for this low-key black leather squeeze ($5.95) that also includes a no-touch door opener attachment.
21. Face Masks: $8
Indulge in a little luxury tied up in a tres chic package with this mini-house of masks kit. This set has five hyaluronic sheet masks that are said to boost elasticity and smooth wrinkles.
Looking for something trendy? These Facestory sheet masks ($9.95) are the talk of the town and come in a variety pack that includes intriguing names like “Moon Velvet” and “Glow Baby, Glow.”
Food
The way to pretty much anyone’s heart is through the stomach. Even if you’re no gourmand, you can give awesome edible gifts this holiday season! These are sure to be the favorite gifts for the foodies in your life.
While you’re at it, grab a few sets for yourself to roast over an open fire this holiday season!
23. Good Chocolate: $3.60 to $10
This listing on Amazon for Ghirardelli chocolate with sea salt is $43.15 for 12 extra dark chocolate bars, which means you’d spend about $3.60 on each lucky recipient — and maybe even keep a bar for yourself. But you can head to your local grocery store and stalk the candy aisle for lots of options for less than $5.
If you want to get really fancy, some single-origin, small-batch chocolate bars can cost up to $10 or even more — but are well worth the price to the true chocolate snob on your list.
24. Good Tea: $10
Shop around; there are tons of flavors available for good teas. You can find a large selection of flavored tea bags online or even at the store while you’re grabbing your weekly food haul.
Plus, lots of tea bags come in pretty, reusable tins that serve as decorative organization — all for around $15.
25. Cookie or Brownie Mix in a Jar: $3
You don’t have to be super-crafty to DIY a great gift like cookie or brownie mix in jars. Mason jars usually come in packages of 12 for a couple of bucks apiece — or check out your local thrift store to find ’em for as low as a quarter.
Then, scour the web for tons of creative recipe ideas. In most cases, the ingredients for a single jar shouldn’t cost you more than a dollar, especially if you’re planning to make quite a few and buy your sugar and flour in bulk.
Write an instruction card for your recipient and decorate the jar with ribbon. You just gave someone a cheap, useful and beautiful gift!
And what would movie night be without the old school popcorn carton. You can get a reusable, plastic set of 4 popcorn containers for ($8.99).
27. Really (Really) Good Honey: $7.50
Stubbees specializes in raw, creamed, flavored honeys. Pioneered by a 21-year-old beekeeper in the Jacksonville, Florida, area, this honey isn’t just delicious; it also supports a cool small business co-founded by a young entrepreneur.
The cinnamon flavor is a popular one, but there are tons of flavors to choose from, including seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice and vanilla bean.
If you’d rather shop for local honey, check out this website to help you find honey farmers in your area. Local honey is said to be good for seasonal allergies, so this can be a wonderful gift if your friend or relative suffers from allergies.
28. Hot Sauce Set: $10
Know someone who likes the hot stuff? Give a little sample with this hot sauce set that runs the gamut from spicy sweet to super hot.
There’s nothing like a good barbecue sauce to put the finishing touch on a backyard grilling session.
And with options like boozy bacon and roasted peach whiskey, there’s no way your recipient’s smile will be anything but genuine.
For Friends at Work or Secret Santa
You might not know some folks on your list that well. Maybe you only see them around the office. Here are some non-Starbucks-gift-card gift options.
30. Picture Message Desktop Flipbook: $9.97
Looking for the perfect gift for your office worker friend? Look no further than this desktop picture flipbook.
This flipbook is a cute cubicle addition with 29 messages to choose from, from “Out of Office” to “Longest Day Ever!”
31. The Seven-Year Pen: $8.95
Work with someone who takes a ton of notes? This unassuming, eco-friendly seven-year pen can write 6.5 feet per day for seven years — and it’s refillable. That’s a lot of on-hold scribbling for a bit over a buck a year.
32. Desktop Boxing: $9.95
Know a coworker who could use a moment to vent? Tell them to knock themselves out with this desktop boxing set complete with a mini punching bag.
33. Cute Food-Themed Erasers: $6.99
Come on, these food-themed erasers are pretty adorable, right? A quick, cheap, safe bet for any secret Santa recipient — even if you only ever exchange niceties around the Keurig.
Wearables and Accessories
Buying for a fashionista this year? Here are some independently selected options that make the best gifts.
34. Scarves: $10 or less
You can never go wrong with scarves. They’re fashionable, versatile and come in enough fun colors to get your loved ones a couple.
Plus, your recipient will have a use for the scarf hanger listed above!
35. Magnetic Wristband: $7.05
Put what you wear to work for you with this magnetic wristband. Perfect for holding screws and nails, this little piece of velcro can save a lot of hassle during the next IKEA project.
And if that’s not the right tool for the job, you can also get this magnetic wristband ($9.91) for hair stylists designed to hold bobby pins, scissors, and more.
36. Heart Earrings: $10
Tiny heart earrings are unassuming and adorable, plus they’d go with anything.
You can also find tiny flowers ($3.99) or even these adorable tiny dinosaur earrings ($10) for the pierced person on your shopping list.
37. Wildflower Crown Knitting Pattern: $4
If you’re crafty, you could make a friend this everlasting flower crown for $4 plus the cost of yarn. If you know a crafty person, you could give her the pattern itself as a gift!
38. T-Shirts: $6.50
Since there are so many options for novelty T-shirts, you’re sure to find something for anyone on your list. Even those hard-to-buy-for folks who seem to have everything need T-shirts!
Etsy has lots of funky designs and sellers often take their tees to less than $10 to clear out overstocked shops
Tech Gifts Under $10
You might assume that tech gifts are expensive, but there are plenty of cute (and useful) accessories and gear that run on the cheap side.
39. Cell Phone Stand: $9.99
Is your techy friend getting carpal tunnel from holding her phone so much? Enter the hands-free cell phone stand, which is great at a desk or for following a recipe in the kitchen.
Try this snarky silhouette at the office, the hilarious “iPlunge” for $8.45 or this red sparkly smartphone stand ($11, well worth the extra dollar) for the shoe lover on your list.
40. Cable Management System: $8.99
Wires, wires everywhere. How many of us suffer from this problem?
Everyone needs portable storage these days, so why not pick a cute flash drive?
Even better: Fill it with fun personal stuff, like date photos or favorite songs. It’s the 21st-century mix tape!
42. AirPods Case: $8.99
Adorable doesn’t seem to quite cover this avocado AirPods case, which comes with its own case and keychain.
And if fruit and veggies aren’t your thing, there are ramen cups ($8.99), boba tea cases ($8.99), and even farmyard animals — holy cow ($8.99)!
43. Blue Light Blocking Glasses: $6.99
For screen addicts, blue light pollution can be a real thing. Enter blue light blocking glasses like these trendy, clear-framed ones. They come in multiple colors and promise to filter out up to 35% of blue light.
And for the older crowd, you can get this set of blue light blocking glasses ($9.99) that also double as readers.
44. Winter Touchscreen Gloves: $8.99
One of the most obnoxious problems of the modern world is using touchscreens when you’re wearing gloves. Enter touchscreen-friendly gloves in several colors that keep your digits warm and your digital world connected.
If the silicon gel gloves aren’t stylish enough, rock a pair of fingerless gloves ($6.99) over on Etsy instead.
Novelty Gifts
From an on-the-go light to blank pages to carry in your pocket, these gifts will make anyone on your list grin.
45. Pocket Light: $10
Ever get home late at night and can’t get your key in the door? Or maybe you’re out at a bar and someone loses an earring?
No more scrambling to keep your cell phone screen active with a credit card pocket light that’s the side of a credit card. Flip open your wallet and save the day!
46. Harry Potter Platform 9 3/4 Keychain: $4.99
For the die-hard Harry Potter fan on your list, you can’t go wrong with a Platform 9¾ keychain that costs $5.
Or you can opt for one that shows off their Hogwarts house from Ravenclaw ($7.49) to Gryffindor or even Slytherin ($7.75). Don’t worry, Hufflepuffs ($9). You weren’t forgotten this time.
47. Notebooks: $4.97 for six
You can never go wrong with a cute notebook, even in our deeply digital days. There are still plenty of people out there who like to use notebooks for journaling or writing lists. A notebook might even be the place where your bestie starts the great American novel or your honey scribbles a poem for you.
Moleskines are quality, beautiful and come in lots of different colors, and you get three for less than $10!
There’s a version for every day of the week — yes, even Monday ($8.99). And if crosswords don’t fill the right spaces, you can always lean into freeform word formation with a magnetic poetry set ($8.95).
49. Travel Utensils Set: $9.99
The luxury of having your own washable utensils is really quite affordable with utensil sets like these that include reusable straws, a cleaning brush to wash them and even chopsticks. They even come in fun colors.
And if you want to add a personal touch, there are a slew of options on Etsy for customizing silverware like this engraved spoon ($9.99).
50. Gift Cards: $10 or less
A $10 gift card to Starbucks or Panera can actually get you a decent amount of stuff (hello, iced coffee or cold brew). You could even buy a discounted gift card for less than face value and save even more money.
With a little creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, you can find the perfect holiday gift without breaking the bank. Sometimes, the best gifts don’t necessarily cost you an arm and a leg.
Good luck, and happy shopping.
Kaz Weida is a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder. Freelance writer Catherine Hiles contributed.
When you think of interest-generating bank accounts, your mind likely goes to savings. After all, that’s your reward for building an emergency fund or socking away money for a future expense, right? A regular, end-of-month deposit into your savings account, courtesy of your bank.
The good news: You can also earn interest with select checking accounts.
What Is a High-Interest Checking Account?
A high-interest, or high-yield, checking account offers a higher interest rate (annual percentage yield, or APY) on your money. Unlike a traditional checking account, you may have to keep a minimum balance in the account at all times and meet other requirements — for instance, pay a monthly fee, make a certain number of debit card purchases or schedule a recurring direct deposit — to earn the higher interest rate.
High-interest checking accounts are a solid way to earn more for your money. Whether you bank with a federal credit union, online bank or other type of financial institution, high-yield checking accounts can be a great place to store your cash.
The 6 Best High-Interest Checking Accounts for December 2022
Here’s an overview of high-yield checking accounts, what you need to know when choosing one and the top checking accounts available in the market today.
Here are the six best high-interest checking accounts where you can save your money and make a little more at the same time.
SoFi Checking and Savings
Best for Users Who Want Overdraft Protection
Key Features
Free debit card
Fee-free ATM usage via Allpoint
Overdraft protection
SoFi Money is upgrading to SoFi Checking and Savings. This account requires no minimum opening deposit, has no monthly fees, and offers a seriously solid 3.00% APY when you sign-up for direct deposit (1.00% APY without direct deposit).* Through a partnership with Allpoint, account holders won’t pay fees at 55,000 ATMs worldwide. Oh — and you can earn a bonus up to $300 when you set up direct deposit with a particular amount.
SoFi Checking and Savings
APY
Up to 3.00%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About SoFI Banking
SoFi Banking takes a number of steps to make the transition to online banking easy:
Through a partnership with Allpoint, account holders won’t pay fees at 55,000 ATMs worldwide.
Overdraft protection — SoFi members who meet certain criteria and accidentally spend more than they have in their account will be covered up to $50 with no fees.
SoFi’s website and mobile apps have detailed FAQs, and they make it simple and easy for you to find any information you want.
NBKC is an award-winning regional bank. The NBKC Everything Account offers 1.25% interest on all balances and has no minimum balance requirement. It also features $0 overdraft charges. So, if you have a bad habit of overextending your money, you won’t get dinged. One other thing to note: NBKC is an online bank, though you can visit a physical branch if you live in Kansas City, Missouri.
NBKC Everything Checking Account
APY
1.25%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About NBKC Everything Checking Account
The NBKC Everything Checking Account offers other perks, too:
Access to over 37,000 ATMs. Keep in mind that the mega-banks, like Wells Fargo and Bank of America, have less than 20,000 in-network ATMs. Plus, NBKC will reimburse you up to $12 monthly to refund those pesky, out-of-network ATM fees.
24/7 mobile banking.
The ability to set up auto-pay for recurring bills.
Consumers Credit Union
Best for the Highest APY on Market
Key Features
Free nationwide checking
Anyone can join CCU
Can bank online or in person
If you’re torn between a bank and credit union and interested in options with the latter, check out Consumers Credit Union. This credit union has free rewards checking, over 30,000 ATMs, early direct deposit and more. CCU also has one of the best APY rates on the market: from 3% to 5% when you follow certain guidelines. You can also open an account online or in person in Illinois.
Consumers Credit Union
APY
3% to 5%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
Over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs
More Information About Consumers Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union knows plenty of people still write checks so it allows unlimited check writing. Plus, there is a feature to get paid at day early when you have direct deposit and your employer has provided the requested information. Consumers brags that clients with balances up to $10,000 can earn 80x the national average.
Ally Interest Checking Account
Best for Users Who Worry About Overdraft Fees
Key Features
40,000 fee-free ATMs
No overdraft fees as of 2021
Super-transparent fees
Ally Financial Inc. is a leading digital financial services company. With the Ally Interest Checking Account, you’ll earn 0.10% for balances under $15,000. But, if you have $15,000, you can earn 0.25%, about 8x the national average for checking accounts that pay interest. You can send money to friends via Zelle, save more with “Round Ups” and more.
Ally Interest Checking Account
APY
0.10% to 0.25%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About Ally Interest Checking Account
Overall,Ally is an online-only bank with a pretty good high-yield checking account. Last year, Ally Bank eliminated overdraft fees on all accounts for all customers. Another perk is Ally’s super-transparent fees. For example, there’s no gray area over what an outgoing domestic wire will run you ($20).
Online-only Axos Bank offers a decent APY — up to 1.25% APY (0.40% + 0.30% + 0.20% + 0.20% + 0.15%)* — with its Rewards Checking account. It’s yours, if you’re organized, conduct regular monthly deposits and follow other strict guidelines. You just need $50 to open the account
Axos Rewards Checking
APY
Up to 1.25%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
$50
ATM fees
Unlimited domestic ATM reimbursements
More Information About Axos Rewards Checking
Here are the guidelines to receive the higher rate from Axos Bank: Receive $1.5K or more monthly deposits (0.40%), use your Axos debit card for 10 (minimum of $3) transactions (0.30%), maintain at least $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Managed Portfolios Account (0.20%), have a daily balance of $2,500 per month in an Axos Invest Self Directed Trading Account (0.20%) and use your Rewards Checking account to make an Axos consumer loan payment in full each month (0.15%).
Quontic is an adaptive digital bank that offers traditional and future-focused banking services, such as a wearable debit card ring and Bitcoin rewards checking. The company also strives to help those traditionally underbanked secure home loans. Plus, unlike some banks, there are no hidden fees: Quontic lists its Schedule of Fees clearly on its website.
Quontic High Interest Checking
APY
Up to 1.10%
Monthly fees
None
Debit card
Free
Minimum balance required
None
ATM fees
None for in-network ATMs
More Information About the Quontic High Interest Checking Account
You need to fund your Quontic account with $100 to get started. To take advantage of the higher interest rate, members need to make at least 10 qualifying point-of-sale transactions of $10 or more per statement cycle.
Why You Should Consider High-Yield Checking Accounts
We’ll be honest — you won’t be raking in the dough. The national average for interest checking accounts is a not-so-hot 0.04% annual percentage yield (APY), according to the FDIC.
However, if you can earn something versus nothing for keeping your money in a checking account, we think it’s worth exploring. Any secure account where you can safely store and grow your money is a win in our book.
Pro Tip
Check out our current list of bank promotions for a chance to gain a monetary bonus when signing up for a new bank account.
Who Can Get a High-Yield Checking Account?
The short answer? Anyone 18 years old and up. To open any account in the U.S., you typically need the following:
Be age 18 and older
A U.S. citizen
Your social security number
A government-issued ID
Certain accounts might suit different individuals better. For instance, a super-organized person who can meet some banks’ regular requirements to earn a higher interest rate might fare better with one type of account than someone who’s more of a “set it and forget it” type who will be fine with a lower rate and fewer requirements.
Regardless, anyone can benefit from a high-interest checking account.
How Banks Offer Higher Interest Rates
Banks offer attractive rates to incentivize people to open accounts with and keep their money with them. Some companies are able to offer even higher rates than their competitors. For example, online-only banks typically have an edge here. They have less overhead than their brick-and-mortar counterparts and can pass these savings (in the form of higher interest rates) on to consumers.
What to Look for When Opening a High-Interest Checking Account
You want to have a lay of the land before you sign on the (digital) dotted line for a new bank account. Here are some key items you want to review before going with a high-interest checking account:
The APY
Minimum to open the account
Monthly maintenance fee
ATM fee
Minimum deposit requirement
Direct deposit requirement
Daily balance requirement
Number of debit card transactions you need to hit
Rates can change, so make sure you review your account offerings compared to others on the market from time to time to ensure you have the best setup for you.
How to Choose a High-Interest Checking Account
If you’re thinking about moving to a high-interest checking account, take a few things into consideration.
Look for accounts that won’t negate those interest earnings by charging you fees. However, if you carry a high balance, it may be worth paying a small monthly fee to get a better interest rate. Do the math.
Keep an eye on minimum balance requirements. We focused on accounts that don’t require a minimum balance, but if you know that you’ll consistently have at least $1,000 in your account at all times, you may want to shop around a bit more. There may be a great deal out there.
Look at the requirements. Maybe you don’t use your debit card that much or you don’t want to have a direct deposit. Choose an account that fits with the way you like to use your account.
Keep ATMs in mind if you use them. It’s 2022, and you shouldn’t have to pay those fees. There are too many banks that are willing to cover those for you.
Look for accounts with a mobile app. If you do a lot of banking on your phone, make sure the bank you choose has a solid banking app. Once you find the checking account that checks all the right boxes for you and how you like to use your account, sign up and start earning money on your money already.
Think outside the box. If your primary bank doesn’t offer a high-yield checking account (or the rates or monthly fees are a no-go), see what else is available. Consider all your options for opening a checking account — whether it’s a brick-and-mortar bank, credit union, digital-only service or other institution altogether, it quite literally pays to open an account with a bank that will reward you for having an account with them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About High-Interest Checking Accounts
Here, we’ve answered popular questions about high-interest checking accounts.
What Banks Pay the Most Interest on Checking Accounts?
Right now, Consumers Credit Union (a credit union) and SoFi (an online-only financial institution) offer two of the highest APY rates on the market, at 3% (starting for the former, and up to 3% for the latter). However, rates change all the time, so it’s essential to check every so often to see which places offer the best numbers. While digital-first organizations tend to offer the highest APY, regional banks and credit unions near you might also offer solid rates.
What Bank has the Highest Interest Rate on Checking Accounts?
APY rates vary at different credit unions, banks and financial institutions (they can vary by location, too). Make sure an account meets other needs you may have instead of solely chasing a high APY. Take for instance, Axos Bank at 1.25% APY — you’ll need to match particular requirements to hit that number. If you can’t meet those qualifications the higher APY won’t matter much if you won’t reliably be able to earn it.
Where Can You Open a High-Interest Checking Account?
Many traditional brick-and-mortar and digital-only banks, financial institutions and credit unions offer high-interest checking accounts to members. Our list of the six best high-interest checking accounts should get you started. Those financial institutions include Axos, Ally, Quontic, Consumers Credit Union, SoFi and NBKC.
How Much Interest Will I Get on $1,000 a Year in a Savings Account?
This depends on a variety of factors. Let’s use an example: If you open a high-yield savings account with $1,000 at an estimated interest rate of 0.50% (that compounds annually) and don’t contribute one more dollar all year, you’ll end the next 12 months with $1,005.
How Much Interest Does $10,000 Earn in a Year?
you’ll end up with $1,305.97 in one year. Again, your results will depend on your own situation. You can always explore other finance products, such as savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs, if they offer more favorable terms for you.
How We Picked the 6 Best Checking Accounts That Pay Interest
Our methodology for this list is simple: According to the FDIC, the average interest rate for interest-bearing checking accounts is currently 0.04%. So, we looked for accounts that came in around that range or, ideally, were higher. (Note: APR fluctuates over time, so a lower rate now could rise in the future.)
Beyond the interest rate, we looked at what else the account brings to the table. We gave preference to ones that don’t have maintenance fees or require minimum balances and that offer ATM fee reimbursement.
Contributor Kathleen Garvin (@itskgarvin) is a personal finance writer based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and former editor and marketer at The Penny Hoarder. She owns a content-writing business and her work has appeared in U.S. News, Clark.com and Well Kept Wallet.
Before long, you’ll see the holiday greeting cards trickling in every day — filled with the smiling faces and coordinated outfits from your family members and friends all over.
If you haven’t begun creating your holiday card yet, you still have plenty of time. To help you focus on what company’s card offerings work best for you, we put together this list of holiday greeting card companies and how much you can expect to pay.
10 Companies to Order Your Holiday Greeting Cards From This Year
These card companies have deals and discounts going on all throughout the holiday season. So much so that you’ll probably never pay “100%” of the costs, whatever that may be.
To help you figure out what you’re getting into, we went through the ordering process for some of the most popular holiday card companies currently. We looked at how much it cost to order 50 standard stock cards. Nothing fancy or extra. Just the basics.
Remember, these prices were for a random Tuesday in November. By the time you order, the prices may have changed. But these examples should give you a good idea of a ballpark price with each card brand, as well as which ones typically are more affordable or considered higher end.
We include shipping when possible in the cost per card but didn’t calculate sales tax since that varies greatly.
With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s get started.
1. Shutterfly
Shutterfly has been involved in the holiday card game for a while now, so they have a vast selection of quality cards that highlight you and your family.
We made a sample order for 50 5×7 cards at $2.15 each, some of the more expensive cards we found. That totals $107.50 and includes envelopes. There was a deal for free shipping when checked and Shutterfly often runs sales, so let’s call it at $107.50 for a 50-card order. Your total may be a lot less depending on what deals you find.
Cost per card: $2.15
2. Snapfish
The folks at Snapfish also offer you a wide variety of options when it comes to personalized Christmas cards and holiday photo cards. Their offerings start as low as $1 per card and can go as high as $3.70 per card, if you want a card with a fancy embossed gold foil typography.
For our 50-card example, we chose a set of 20 standard stock 5×7 cards that run $1 each. Since our chosen theme only comes in sets of 20, we need to order 60 photo cards for a total of $60. Standard shipping on three sets of cards is $11.49.
That puts the total spend for 60 cards through Snapfish at $71.49.
Cost per card: $1.19
3. Minted
Minted gives you plenty of options when it comes to choosing your Christmas holiday card. You can add a photo and make your own design, or go with an already designed card. You can pick a style and a format. You can pick religious Christmas cards or non-religious ones.
Minted’s holiday greeting cards definitely run on the pricier end, but come with higher quality. For our card, we chose a basic non-foil 5×7 card (foil is pricier). For 50 cards, the cost comes to $114 or $2.28 each.
Shipping ranges between $3.95 to $9.95, making the total price in the neighborhood of $120.
Cost per card: $2.40
4. Vistaprint
Vistaprint offers pages full of card designs to showcase you and your lovely family. Prices for many start at $11.99 per 10 cards. Many of their holiday photo cards also have embossed foil options that may cost extra.
For a 50-card order on 5×7 standard stock, Vistaprint will charge you $59.95. Standard eight-day shipping runs $11.99 on an order that amount.
That would bring your order with Vistaprint to a total of $71.94.
Cost per card: $1.44
5. Paper Culture
Like almost every company we researched, Paper Culture also had holiday cards discounted in November.
For our basic 5×7 50-card order, Paper Culture only offers premium stock cards. That comes to a total of $66 at a price of $1.32 per card. They also offer 4×6 cards for $1.20 each.
With shipping costs of a standard flat rate of $8.99, the total cost of our cards through Paper Culture comes to $74.99.
Cost per card: $1.50
6. Zazzle
Zazzle offers quite a few designed as well as heavily custom Christmas card options.
We “ordered” 50 basic flat 5×7 cards for $1.22 each. That came to a total of $61. While Zazzle didn’t provide a lot of shipping rate information, we estimate around $9 to $12, based on other companies’ costs.
After shipping, our order would run somewhere around $70 total.
Cost per card: $1.40
7. Etsy
Etsy offers a lot more in the way of traditional, designed cards without building around a family photo if you don’t want to. Although they have those options as well. Even better, you get to support small businesses and independent designers while you’re at it.
That said, many of these cards come in smaller quantities per set, making them more expensive. This lovely 12-card set of snowy village cards costs $18 per set, which would cost us about $72 for 48 cards.
The particular Etsy seller we chose offers free shipping over $35, so we’re good to go at $72 flat for holiday cards through Etsy.
Cost per card: $1.50
8. Papier
Papier has a nice selection of pre-designed cards, as well as customizable Christmas greeting cards ready for your family photo.
Most of Papier’s options range between $18 to $24 for a set of 10 to 12 cards. We selected the Bold and Bright Border flat holiday card set. This set starts at $22 for 10 cards. The price per card drops as your order increases. Our total was $90 for 50 cards.
Shipping costs a very reasonable $4.99, which brings the total costs of our 50 5×7 card set from Papier to $94.99.
Cost per card: $1.90
9. Artifact Uprising
Artifact Uprising also has quite a few options when it comes to customizable holiday photo card themes.
Like other companies, the more cards you order, the cheaper your total is per card. Most 50 card orders come to around $2 per card. For our order, we chose a Minimal Greeting Holiday Card, which costs $100 total for 50 5×7 cards.
Artifact Uprising doesn’t provide estimated shipping costs, but we would estimate around $110 for our order after shipping.
Cost per card: $2.20
10. Amazon
If you’re just looking for something simple without the family photo, Amazon has plenty of no-frills options.
This basic “Happy Holidays” card comes in a set of 40, with envelopes, for only $12.14. You could double that amount and still come to less than $25 — much cheaper than any of the other options. But, again, there is no beaming photo of your beautiful family with these card options. These are basic Christmas greeting cards.
Cost per card: 30 cents
Pro Tip
Don’t forget about postage, which will add to your cost. The good news is that you can buy stamps for less than face value if you know where to look.
5 Ways to Save on Holiday Greeting Cards
We’ve established that you can get 50 Christmas cards (without photos) for less than $30, and you can find 50 photo Christmas cards for well over $100. Plus, there are many options in between.
But what if you’re looking to save a little bit more? We’ve got ideas.
1. Look Out for Deals
Deals. Many of these companies are always offering discounts of some sort. Our examples above were just that — examples. By the time you read this, the discounts we found could be replaced by even better, or worse, options. The point is to visit all these sites and compare prices to see what best works for your budget. Waiting for a better deal? Sign up for email notifications.
2. Go With Digital Cards
There’s no shame in saying “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas” via email. Not only are these digital cards quite merry and charming, many companies offer them free! Sites like American Greetings, Blue Mountain and PunchBowl have plenty of free options to send your holiday cards online.
3. Cut Back on Your List
Do you really need to send 50 cards this year? Maybe 25 would do just fine? Think about trimming your list to the most important people in your life or the ones you don’t see often. You might spend a little more per card, but overall you will save money.
4. Hand Deliver When Possible
Save on shipping costs by simply skipping them altogether when you can. Drop off cards at a co-worker’s desk, place them in your neighbor’s mailbox or hand deliver them with a smile to the front doorstep.
5. Buy as Early as You Can
This advice is for next year, but go ahead and start comparing prices early in the fall for next year’s personalized holiday cards. If you’re not including a family photo, go ahead and order next year’s cards right after Christmas this year. You’ll usually save more the earlier you order, especially after retailers mark down holiday items.
Robert Bruce is senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
Parenthood is tough enough even before you bring finances into the mix. When you tally it up, you’ll likely spend thousands of dollars a year on Baby’s stuff.
To help soften the blow a little, we combed the internet to find the best free baby stuff for parents and parents-to-be — from formula to bonnets to diapers with fox tails on the bottom.
Where Can You Find Free Baby Stuff?
Whether you’re expecting, caring for infants, surviving the terrible twos or preparing for a friend’s baby shower, start with these places to get legit free baby stuff from well-known companies and boutique brands.
Want to try a new formula but don’t want to waste money on something your little one won’t like? Get free baby formula samples from top baby formula brands:
1. Enfamil: Join Enfamil Family Beginnings for a free welcome kit of up to $400 in free gifts and a chance to win free formula for a year.
2. Nature’s One: Get a free sample of Baby’s Only Toddler formula, PediaSmart beverage mix, or Mom’s Only Prenatal Support shake mix. (Note: This program has been temporarily suspended due to the formula shortage.)
3. Similac: Sign up for Similac’s StrongMoms program for up to $400 in free goodies, plus ongoing coupons and discounts.
5. Huggies Rewards: Huggies Rewards has partnered with the Fetch app to help you earn points on your Huggies products. You can exchange points for gift cards through Fetch. Gift card choices include diaper-selling stores like Amazon and Walmart to help you get free diapers (or other stuff for Baby). You can also enter to win a year’s supply of free diapers from Huggies — the current sweepstakes runs until Dec. 14, 2022, though the free diaper sweepstakes are ongoing.
6. Pampers Rewards: Join the Pampers Club rewards program, and scan codes when you buy Pampers to earn points you can exchange for cash back, gift cards, free baby gear and more. The app also offers money-off coupons for baby gear just for downloading it and signing up.
7. Abby&Finn: Receive a trial pack that includes eight diapers and a travel pack of 20 wipes — just pay for shipping. You can select up to two trial packs per order.
8. Cuties: Sign up to get a free sample of Cuties Complete Care baby diapers, designed to be extra soft and snug with cute, Instagrammable designs.
Baby’s stuff isn’t the only added expense to plan for when you’re expecting. Moms need care, too! Check out these freebies you can nab for yourself in addition to free baby stuff:
9. Free Breast Pump: Under the Affordable Care Act, your health care plan is required to cover the cost of a breast pump rental or purchase, whether you signed up through the health insurance marketplace or not. Insurers determine whether pumps are manual or electric and how long rentals should last.
10. Get up to 10 pairs of nursing pads from Breast Pads with either of these discount codes: ATHRIFTYMOM1 or 1FRUGALBABY. Just pay shipping. The codes give you $35 off any order.
11. The Belly Button: This company’s slick products help you wear pre-pregnancy pants throughout your pregnancy — comfortably. Get a free Maternity Band or two Body Bands with the code NAME1. The code gives you up to $40 off any order, and you just pay shipping.
12. The Noobie Box: The Noobie Box is a pregnancy gift box that’s filled with samples for mom and Baby: nursing pads, milk storage bags, stretch mark cream, vitamins, diapers, WaterWipes baby wipes, diaper rash cream and a pacifier. You’ll pay $12.95 for shipping the baby box in the contiguous U.S.
Go beyond the obvious. Check out these other free baby samples and other baby freebies:
13. Shutterfly: Download the Shutterfly app to get a free photo book every month to document your family’s growth. Books are 6×6 and softcover, between 20 and 200 pages with the first 20 free, and you can include photos from your smartphone or social media accounts. You’ll pay $7.99 shipping.
14. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Dolly Parton started Imagination Library in 1995 to provide free kids books to preschool-aged children. To join the book club, check for availability in your area, and follow the instructions to register.
15. Car Seat Canopy: Grab a cute car seat cover from Canopy Couture for free with the code NAME1. The code gives you up to $50 off your order (basic canopies cost $49.95), and you’ll just pay shipping.
Signing up for a baby registry with many retail or online stores will get you a bundle of free baby stuff, including product samples like baby bottles, formula, blankets, diapers, coupons and other supplies.
16. Amazon: Qualifying Prime customers can snag a free welcome box when they create an Amazon baby registry, add 60% of the items on their checklist to their registry, and have $10 or more in purchases from their registry (you can totally order $10 worth of stuff yourself to get the welcome box). Customer reviews on Amazon reported getting a muslin swaddle blanket, bottle, pacifier, breast pads, diapers, wipes, laundry detergent samples, a onesie, baby shampoo, diaper rash cream, and more. As an added perk, Amazon also offers a 15% baby registry discount starting 60 days before Baby’s due date to help you save on must-have baby items. Talk about a fantastic deal!
17. Target: When you set up a Target baby registry for your baby item needs, you can pick up a welcome kit from guest services at your local store. In it, you’ll find more than $100 worth of coupons and free baby samples. Get free items for your new baby while enjoying the joy of shopping at Target!
18. Walmart: When you join Walmart’s baby registry, you’ll get a Baby Welcome Box shipped to your door for free. It includes free samples of name-brand products from Huggies, Enfamil and Mam, though it’ll vary based on available items.
19. BuyBuy Baby: Start your baby registry online, and you can pick up a free goody bag at your local BuyBuy Baby store. Goody bags include baby samples and coupons for discounts on baby items.
20. Babylist: Get a free Hello Baby Box delivered to your door when you start a baby registry online through Babylist and make a minimum $10 purchase. The free baby box includes baby freebies and goodies such as bibs, diapers, wipes, hats, pacifiers, and bottles. You’ll pay $8.95 shipping, plus tax where applicable.
Every penny counts when you’re budgeting around the needs of a child (or a few). Sign up with your favorite brands to receive exclusive offers and coupons to save on the stuff you need and maybe even get free items. Just make sure you don’t let them entice you to spend on stuff you don’t need!
21. Mommy’s Bliss: Sign up for 15% off probiotics for moms, kids and babies; and tummy relief like gripe water for colic symptoms.
22. Gerber Baby: Sign up for MyGerber to get free expert advice, coupons and offers, a customizable menu planner and tailored content.
23. IKEA Family: Join IKEA Family to receive exclusive member coupons, discounts and freebies.
24. Goodnites: eruse Goodnites manufacturer coupons to save money on bedwetting products, or sign up with your email address to receive additional coupons and offers.
26. Pottery Barn Kids: Shop for furniture and accessories for kids’ rooms through Pottery Barn, and browse its coupons, special offers and clearance items to get discounts on items for your nursery.
27. The Children’s Place: Subscribe to email or text alerts from The Children’s Place to get 20% off immediately, plus exclusive offers on clothing, shoes and accessories for babies, toddlers and older kids.
28. Carter’s or OshKosh: Join the Rewarding Moments loyalty program to earn points when you buy clothes for kids, toddlers and babies through Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Skip Hop, and Little Planet. Earn one point for every $1 you spend, and 150 points is equal to $10 free.
29. Nestle Canada: If you live in Canada, register for Nestle Baby & Me to receive a Baby Pack around 35 weeks of pregnancy. The welcome bundle includes free samples, coupons and special offers.
If you want organic or sustainable baby products, a subscription service could help you save money and skip the trips to the store.
30. The Honest Company: You can buy Honest Co. products individually, but you’ll save 20% by subscribing to receive an order every month. You’ll get a month’s supply of diapers and wipes, and can add on extras any month at 15% off. Plus, you’ll get a free gift with every third shipment.
31. Hello Bello: This diaper company, which was founded by actors Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, offers a monthly subscription with a super cute choice of diaper prints available. You can also add other products, such as vitamins and sunscreen, for 15% off, and you’ll get random freebies in your subscription box from time to time as well.
The Penny Hoarder Shop is always stocked with great deals, including technology, subscriptions, courses, kitchenware and more. Check it out today!
32. Dyper: Subscribe to receive a monthly supply of eco-friendly diapers or training briefs at a discounted price. Plus you’ll get a free diaper bag when you sign up!
Look no further than your local community to borrow, buy and receive baby freebies and hand-me-downs to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
34. Local Facebook Groups: Keep an eye on your city or neighborhood’s Facebook group for parents offering free baby items. Or find a local Buy Nothing Project group to connect with neighbors to get free baby gear. Make sure you pay it forward once your baby is grown by passing along essentials to new parents!
35. Facebook Marketplace: While you’re on Facebook, browse the local Marketplace for parents offering baby stuff for free or trades.
36. NextDoor App: NextDoor is a neighborhood forum where neighbors can chatter amongst themselves. You’ll find crime updates, lost-dog posters and — yup! — freebies. Check the “Baby & Kids” category to get free baby stuff.
37. Your Pediatrician: Like other medical professionals, pediatricians get samples from companies all the time. If you have a specific need — or just want to try some sample products — it never hurts to ask.
38. Garage Sales: Garage sales are rife with affordable baby toys and clothes. Pop in toward the end of a sale to see if the owners are willing to give away any remaining baby stuff for free, a trade or a significantly reduced price.
39. Freecycle: With a mission to keep good stuff out of landfills, Freecycle is made up of more than 5,000 local groups of people giving stuff away for free. Search your location to find a group near you and see its listings.
40. Craigslist: Browse Craigslist freebies for baby stuff on offer in your area. Just make sure you’re careful when meeting strangers and always meet in a public place.
Catherine Hiles has written about a variety of subjects, including finance, cars, cooking, pet ownership and parenting. By day, she manages a team of content editors and graphic designers at a local marketing agency, while in her spare time she is a frequent contributor to several publications, including Dayton Mom Collective, The News Wheel, and her personal blog.
For those setting up house or party people getting ready for the holidays, making mixed drinks at home can be an expensive endeavor. While it’s undoubtedly cheaper to fill your cup at home instead of hitting the bar, keeping the liquor on hand to be your own mixologist can be costly.
Professional bartenders say the trick to saving money on your own home bar is to make a plan before you load up on hundreds of dollars worth of bottles. Like going to the grocery store hungry, strolling the aisles at the liquor store without a list can be a liability to your budget.
How Much Does It Cost to Stock a Home Bar?
The cost of building a well-stocked home bar varies widely depending on what you already have on hand. If you’re starting from scratch, a basic home bar setup should set you back somewhere in the $250 to $500 range depending on your taste in liquor.
How does that compare to the average cocktail budget in most cities? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey says consumers spent an average of $478 on alcohol in 2020, down $100 from 2019. This cost rises dramatically during the holidays and for younger people who raise a glass more often than others.
Elliott Clark, the founder of Apartment Bartender, reassures cocktail enthusiasts that many cocktails can be made at home with anywhere from three to five ingredients.
“The most expensive part is the spirit, and that doesn’t have to be expensive at all,” says Clark. “Spirits ranging in the $20-$35 range are great for home cocktails.”
How to Stock a Home Bar on a Budget
Beginning with the end in mind is helpful when deciding what to buy for your home bar and what to leave on the shelf. There are two basic approaches to stocking a home bar on a budget.
If you’re new to making mixed drinks at home …
It’s best to sample and try a few different cocktails before you settle on what you want to invest in for your home bar.
“There are a few different ways you can go about stocking a home bar,” Clark advises. “The easiest — and most cost-effective way — is to stock your home bar with what you enjoy imbibing.”
If gin and tonics are your vibe, you’ll need a few types of gin, some quality tonic water and some herbs or citrus for garnish. If you’re an old-fashioned enthusiast, a selection of aromatic bitters, bourbon and rye whiskey, and some sugar cubes or simple syrup is a great place to start.
If you’re stocking (or restocking) a home bar for a party …
Grab a selection of liquors that cover the bases for a handful of classic cocktails. If you want to be on trend, Liquor.com says the most popular cocktails in the United States are the bourbon-based old-fashioned, the Manhattan, margaritas of all types, Long Island iced teas and various versions of martinis.
Stock Your Home Bar in 5 Easy Steps
Need a blueprint for starting the perfect home bar or filling your bar cart ahead of the next party? Follow these steps recommended by professional bartenders.
Kaz Weida/The Penny Hoarder
Step 1: Start With the Right Tools for the Job
“Having the right tools of the trade makes crafting cocktails at home a lot easier,” says Clark. These are the home bar tools professional bartenders recommend to mix up cocktails at home.
Cocktail shaker
Saeed “Hawk” House, bartender, bar consultant and founder of Cocktails by Hawk, says the cocktail shaker is the cornerstone of any bar setup.
“As someone who has worked behind the bar for 10 years and has had experience using all types of cocktail shakers, I always recommend the metal-on-metal Boston shaker,” House insists. “This shaker is tried and true, and there is a reason why all working bartenders use them.”
Pro Tip
Don’t have a shaker? A mason jar or a protein shaker bottle will do in a pinch. Just don’t forget to secure the lid before you start shaking.
Hawthorne strainer
This type of strainer fits across the top of a cocktail shaker (or a glass) and filters out ice, herbs, pulp, and any other bits you don’t want in your cup. Hawthorne strainers have tight coils that make the work of filtering easier.
If your shaker already has one built-in, you could skip the Hawthorne strainer. However, it’s an excellent long-term investment for your home bar or bar cart.
Jigger
There are many things your home bar setup can do without, but House warns that a cocktail jigger isn’t one of them.
“There is a reason why cocktail recipes have exact measurements,” he explains. “Every cocktail recipe is balanced, and if you want to maintain the integrity of that balanced cocktail, you need to measure the ingredients appropriately.”
If you can’t locate a jigger and are desperate, a tablespoon is a ½ ounce. The small pour on a jigger is 1 ounce, while the tall pour is usually a 2-ounce measurement.
Bar spoon
The long-handled spoons in bar sets are very handy for mixing and muddling ingredients. And since they’re inexpensive, there’s no good reason not to have one.
If you’re stocking a home bar on the fly, choose an alternative to a muddler lying around your kitchen, like a wooden spoon or a rolling pin.
Pro Tip
Want to get the tools of the trade for cheaper? You can buy a good bar set for around $35 or less. They also make great gifts for home bartenders.
Photo courtesy of Saeed “Hawk” House
Step 2: Buy These Home Bar Essential Liquors
Stocking a home bar or bar cart from scratch? House recommends beginning with one bottle of each of the following seven liquors:
Vodka
Gin (London Dry Gin or other)
Rum (dark rum, light rum or white rum)
Tequila
Bourbon
Single-malt scotch
Cognac
Suppose you want to pare down the selection a bit further. In that case, Clark of Apartment Bartender advises choosing four to five bottles divided evenly between aged spirits, like bourbon and reposado tequila, and unaged spirits, like gin and vodka.
How much should you spend per bottle for these base spirits?
“I’d say a $150 to $200 investment (total) is a great start here,” Clark clarifies.
That’s a modest budget of around $30 to $50 per bottle.
Step 3: Mix in the Essentials
Sipping tequila straight isn’t for everyone. The good news is you can mix plenty of flavor into your favorite cocktails with just a few simple ingredients from your fridge.
Simple syrup
Lemon juice and lime juice
Fresh juice (apple, orange or tomato juice)
Club soda or tonic water
Soda (ginger beer, Coca-cola, etc.)
Sparkling wine (optional)
Remember that simple syrup, one of the most essential mixers, is just sugar and water. Most bars infuse simple syrup with herbs and other flavors for fun variations on popular cocktails.
Bitters are another must-have that might cost a little upfront but should last a long, long time. House suggests having the three main bitter varieties on hand: Peychaud’s, Angostura and orange bitters.
Kaz Weida/The Penny Hoarder
Step 4: Garnish From the Garden
Garnishes play an outsized role in the flavor profile of any good cocktail. Fortunately, most of what you’ll float in your drinks is edible, cheap and readily available.
Some common garnishes to keep on hand include citrus fruits (limes, lemons, oranges) and sprigs of herbs like rosemary or mint. Cinnamon sticks and nutmeg are also popular garnishes for seasonal cocktails.
Remember to keep some salt and sugar on hand for rimming glasses. You can also upgrade your home bar setup with a small cutting board, knife and juicer to feel like a real professional.
Step 5: Stock a Few Liqueurs or Aperitifs (Optional)
With a little extra room in your budget, you can expand your home bar selection into a pretty sweet setup. House advises branching out into a few basic liqueurs or aperitifs when you’re ready.
“I suggest stocking a Cointreau, Campari, Aperol, an Amaro and absinthe of your choice,” he says. “Feel free to get seasonal by adding an all-spice dram, elderflower or melon liqueur when the time is right.”
Take a look at your favorite alcoholic drink and invest in one bottle of the featured spirit such as Triple Sec, Grand Marnier or even something seasonal like Peppermint Schnapps.
A Word About Bar Glasses
While it’s nice to have a full bar with complimentary glassware, you don’t need martini glasses or Collins glasses for most cocktails. Home bars focused on mixing drinks usually need basic wine glasses, a highball glass for slightly taller cocktails and a few rocks or lowball glasses.
Stock Your Home Bar on a Budget With This Money-Saving Tip
Thirsty for a deep bench of the best bottles but don’t have the budget yet? Don’t worry. When stocking a home bar, House advises finding a balance between saving and splurging with two bottles.
“My advice on how to balance cost with quality is this: Splurge more on the things you enjoy drinking for your home bar,” House explains. “For me, I usually stock two of every core spirit. One is dedicated to cocktails (my call bottles), while the other is to sipping neat or on the rocks (my top shelf bottles). When entertaining and making cocktails for your guests, use your call bottles. If you like your guest, let them sip from your top-shelf stash.”
So next time company calls, don’t fall back on that reliable bottle of red wine. As you build a deeper bench of spirits in your home bar setup over time, you’ll naturally find an approach that satisfies your guests and your budget.
Kaz Weida is a senior writer with The Penny Hoarder.
Like shopping for most things, buying prescription eyeglasses online has become the new norm.
In addition to the sheer convenience of being able to try frames on at home, there’s also the fact that shopping online for prescription glasses usually means more choice — and a lot more savings.
In a survey conducted last year by Consumer Reports, people buying glasses online paid a median of $91, while those shopping in-store spent $234.
Since you can expect to replace your eyeglasses every one to three years, it’s worthwhile to find affordable glasses by buying online, especially if you’re the kind of person who likes to switch up your style every few years.
Plus, you might need a pair of prescription sunglasses for driving and reading at the beach.
Buying Cheap Eyeglasses Online
Eyecare in general has become a lot more affordable in recent years. There’s even a website offering online eye exams that take 10 minutes or less and only cost $20.
But whether you like pinching tiny plastic orbs into your eyes or not— chances are you’ll still want an attractive pair of frames that you actually enjoy wearing. The idea of discount glasses might imply that you’ll be wearing tacky, cheap frames. Not so, and the beauty of affordable glasses is that you can buy multiple pairs when you shop online.
Once you decide to find that stylish set of frames, get ready for a lot of options as you shop online.
If you’re new to online shopping for eyeglasses, keep in mind that most prices you’ll see are for both frames and lenses (assuming you have a relatively low prescription that doesn’t require thicker lenses). But you might be charged extra for special coatings, progressive lenses (those that function as both reading and distance glasses), or other add-ons for your lenses.
The 22 Best Sites for Buying Cheap Eyeglasses Online
GlassesUSA.com
Liingo Eyewear
Zenni Optical
DIFF Eyewear
Zeelool
Roka
Ambr
Discount Glasses
Glasses Shop
Warby Parker
Felix Gray
FramesDirect
Eyebobs
EyeBuyDirect
Eyeconic
Pair Eyewear
Payne Glasses
Eyeglasses.com
Lenscrafters
Lenskart
SmartBuyGlasses
39DollarGlasses
Details on the 22 Best Sites for Buying Cheap Eyeglasses Online
Here are 22 affordable places to buy your next pair of cheap prescription glasses online
1. GlassesUSA
Best Selection of Frames
GlassesUSA offers a huge selection (as in over 9,000 frames) of cheap glasses. Unlike some of the competition, GlassesUSA also offers free shipping and returns, as well as a 365-day warranty.
While many of the glasses here start at around $80 (including progressive lenses), you can find clearance pairs for as low as $19.
You can make purchases using an FSA or HSA account, and the company also partners directly with a number of popular vision insurance providers. The company was running some pretty sweet promos recently, including 65% off frames for students and an Amazon gift card (up to $100) when you refer a friend.
And get this, take 60% off frames — sunglasses too — using the code PENNY60. There are some restrictions, including sale items, children’s frames, contact lenses and premium frames. The offer runs through Dec. 31, 2022.
2. Liingo Eyewear
Best For At-Home Vision Tests
Run by 1-800 Contacts, Liingo Eyewear is another eyeglass company offering an at-home try-on program, as well as stylish prescription and blue light glasses (and sunglasses), starting at just $79.
Don’t want to try on frames with their at-home program? Not to worry, as the company also has a virtual try-on program. Since Liingo Eyewear is operated by 1-800 Contacts, you can also use the company’s online vision test to get a new Rx if you need one.
You can use your FSA or HSA card to purchase your next pair of glasses with Liingo, and if you like them — don’t forget to tell a friend. You’ll get $20 off every successful referral and your friends will get $20 off their first order of $79 or more.
3. Zenni Optical
Best For Uber-Cheap Eyewear
Probably one of the cheapest online eyewear stores out there, Zenni sells single-prescription glasses starting at $6.95.
Looking for more options? They also sell affordable prescription sunglasses (starting at $12), blue-light-blocking glasses (starting at $24) and tinted glasses (starting at $29).
You can even buy your frames using your HSA or FSA account.
Despite the crazy-low affordable prices, Zenni lenses are actually still good quality according to customer reviews, and all come with UV protection and an initial 30-day protection plan that replaces broken frames for free.
Zenni also offers a virtual try-on tool to help you pick which frames best fit your face.
4. DIFF Eyewear
Best For Sunglasses
DIFF is an eyewear company with a mission to help underserved communities gain access to affordable vision care. With each pair of lenses you purchase, a portion of the proceeds will go towards their meeting their charity goals.
It’s also not that hard to find affordable frames you love on DIFF — with glasses starting at $88, and a near constant stream of promotions including clearance sales and “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” on blue light and sunglasses collections. Speaking of sunglasses—they have a steady stream of new cute sunnies cropping up all the time. The company also offers free shipping on orders over $115.
Getty Images
5. Zeelool
Best Flash Sales
For fans of funky frames and affordable fashion (say that three times), Zelool answers the call. With a huge variety of fresh looks to choose from, and frames starting at just $26 (and currently on sale for 50-90% off — yes you read that right) it’s sort of hard not to purchase a new pair of glasses from Zelool. Besides flash sales, the company also offers free shipping on orders over $69, plus ongoing deals like “buy one, get one 50% off.”
Once you’ve selected your frames, the company will prompt you to enter your prescription and select a lens type. Classic lenses start at $10, while blue-light blocking lenses start at $20 and photochromic lenses go from $40. In addition to prescription frames, the company also offers reading glasses and sunglasses.
6. Roka
Best Performance Glasses
If you lead a super active lifestyle, you will be tempted to try Roka.
This company is taking the at-home trial to the next level by encouraging would-be customers to pick four frames and actually wear them while exercising — before ordering their favorite pair. This certainly makes shopping for online glasses worth it.
Some highlights of Roka frames include a lightweight frame with no pressure points and a design that won’t fall off during all your favorite activities.
Roka accepts most major insurance plans including Aetna, BCBS, Humana, and United Healthcare, among others.
These specialized frames start at a slightly higher price point ($215-245 per pair for progressive or prescription glasses and $105 for sunglasses), but with their comprehensive at-home trial, it’s also way more likely you walk away with something you really love.
7. Ambr
Best For Blue-Light Glasses
Coming in hot with gorgeous lenses handcrafted in Ireland, Ambr is a company focused on creating affordable prescription (and non-prescription) blue-light glasses. Meant to protect your eyes from extensive screen time, these frames start at $99 for prescriptions within the +4.00/-4.00 range.
Glasses from Ambr typically take three days to dispatch. The company offers free worldwide shipping and returns and 24/7 customer support.
Ambr also has a small line of blue-light, non-prescription kids’ glasses starting at $59.
While the company doesn’t partner with any insurance providers directly, their lenses are accepted by most FSA and HSA accounts.
8. Discount Glasses
Best Eyewear For The Whole Family
Discount Glasses is pretty much everything it sounds like — affordable eyewear for all ages.
Prices start at $39 and purchases are backed by a one-year warranty. There are hundreds of styles for you, your partner, and even your kiddos to choose from.
The company is considered an “out-of-network” provider by several major vision insurance plans, including Davis Vision, EyeMed, Spectra/United Healthcare, and VSP, meaning you can collect reimbursement for your frames if working with one of these insurance companies.
In addition to a great selection of affordable frames, the company also offers free shipping and returns and an extensive line of reading glasses and sunglasses.
They also have a huge inventory of clearance frames starting at just $19.95.
9. Glasses Shop
Best for Colorful Frames
If you’re looking for cheap lenses with a pop of color, you’re going to like the selection at Glasses Shop.
Many of their fashionable lenses start at just $24.94, and you can find frames for even less in the “Under $20” category.
This company offers prescription glasses and sunglasses as well as blue light and progressive frames, with free shipping on orders over $79.
Besides being crazy-affordable from the get-go, we spotted some amazing promo codes when we visited, such as a buy-one, get-one deal and a 50% off (plus free shipping) code for first-time customers, as well as buy-one-get-one free fall sale, using code GSBOGO..
Glasses Shop accepts payment from HSA and FSA accounts.
Getty Images
10. Warby Parker
Best For At-Home Try-Ons
If you’re looking for a lot of choice (and the modern convenience of trying on eyeglass frames at home), you’ll want to check out Warby Parker. With prescription eyeglasses starting at just $95, and a variety of insurance providers accepted (including Cigna, Aetna, and Anthem, among others), Warby makes it easy to find great frames at any budget.
Basic Warby lenses include a scratch-resistant treatment, a moisture-repelling coating, and UV protection. Progressive lenses (those that function as both reading and distance glasses) start at $295, while tinted prescription lenses cost an additional $100 from the base model.
Warby usually takes five to 10 business days to ship your order, with home try-ons arriving in about five days.
11. Felix Gray
Best For Amber Lenses
If the name Felix Gray reminds you of a certain other ambiguous name in the online glasses sphere (ahem, Warby Parker), you wouldn’t be wrong. Everything about these frames (and the company’s website) oozes a Warby-like sophistication and price-tag, with most frames falling in the $100 range.
The main offering from Felix Gray (besides a few chic pairs of sunnies and free shipping) are its two categories of blue light glasses, which each come in a variety of frames to choose from. The first of these categories is the Clear Lens, which filters 15x more blue light than normal glasses, and starts at $95 for the frames and $145 for prescriptions.
The second offering is their Amber Lens, which filters 23x more blue light than normal glasses (and does, indeed have an amber-ish tint) and starts at $145 for frames and $195 for prescriptions.
12. FramesDirect
Best For Discount Designer Frames
FramesDirect is another great place to shop all your favorite designer frames at a discounted price. With big name brands like Coach, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Hugo Boss, Polo, and others, you’re sure to find something you like.
The company offers both prescription and non-prescription frames, as well as sunglasses. Current promos include 20-50% off all designer brands, as well as 60% off certain lenses (some of which start at just $23.99).
13. Eyebobs
Best For Bold Frames
In need of some funky frames? Then you might just like the selection at Eyebobs, which according to the company carries “never-boring glasses.” With frames like “Untamed” (featuring invisible upper rims) and “Irreplaceable” (which feels like a Meryl-Streep-meets-Cruella look), you’d be hard pressed not to find something that meets your particular brand of style (especially if that includes lots of colors and animal print).
Eyebobs allows customers to browse by shape or function, and offers everything from reading glasses to prescription frames and blue light lenses. Most frames start in the $100 range, but the company regularly has sale frames that sell for closer to $60. They also offer a 90-day risk-free return period so you can be sure you love your frames, or send them back for a full refund.
14. EyeBuyDirect
Best For Buy-One, Get-One
Need more than one pair of glasses? Then you might just like EyeBuyDirect. This online vendor offers a little bit of everything when you’re ready to buy glasses online, including its own ultra-affordable, in-house-designed prescription lenses and some of your favorite brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.
With virtual try-ons, a huge selection, and frames starting at $32, EyeBuyDirect makes it easy to find stylish and affordable lenses.
The company also offers fast delivery (two-day delivery for $19) and a one-year warranty, which will replace your lenses for free if they break. They also allow you to purchase any of their prescription glasses using an FSA or HSA account.
When you sign up with your email, you’ll automatically get 20% off. Use the code BOGODAYS to take advantage of their current buy-one get-one free promo.
Getty Images
15. Eyeconic
Best For Insurance
If you’re looking to get designer brand eyewear for a reasonable price, then you might just want to look into Eyeconic. This company sells a variety of designer frames from big names like Calvin Klein, Gucci and Ray Ban and they’ll even let you use your insurance to pay for it: They accept vision plans from VSP, MetLife and Cigna Vision Insurance, among others.
While the glasses from Eyeconic aren’t the cheapest (often starting in the $200-$300 price range), the pricing on these frames includes your prescription, so you won’t pay any extra for getting an Rx added to your favorite frames.
16. Pair Eyewear
Best For Interchangeable Frames
For those who can’t seem to decide which frames they like best — Pair Eyewear might be the answer to your fashion prayers. The company specializes in ultra-affordable frames (starting at $60, prescription included) that can be used as a base for a variety of “tops” such as interchangeable clip ons to change the overall color and aesthetic of your glasses.
Tops start at $25 and come in over 100 different colors and designs. You can shop tops by color, holiday or even for a special event (like a wedding). The company offers free shipping and a 30-day risk free trial on all purchases. When you sign up with your email, you can get your first pair of prescription glasses for just $54.
17. Payne Glasses
Best for Budget Glasses
If you really want the best possible bargain on a pair of new frames, you’re going to want to check out Payne Glasses. Unlike most online glasses stores, Payne Glasses sells frames at factory prices— as in, as low as $6 per frame. Yes, you read that right and that price might actually include some prescriptions as well, especially if you don’t need bifocals or progressive lenses.
Besides prescription lenses, the company also sells sunglasses and blue light glasses— which start at just $10.90. For a limited time, the company has started offering free frames (on one select style per day), where shoppers just pay the price of shipping
18. Eyeglasses.com
Best For Get-One, Give-One
Eyeglasses.com isn’t just supplying affordable frames to the masses, they’re also giving back to others through their “Buy One, Give One” campaign which supports vision-curing surgeries for those in need. So far, the company has helped over 900 people get the surgery they need to cure blindness.
By offering frames from over 350 big-brand names, as well as more affordable options (like replacement lenses which reuse your existing frames), the company makes it easy to find something in your budget. Frames start at $88, and include free shipping and a 30-day return policy.
19. Lenscrafters
Best For In-Person Fittings
By combining the best of both in-person and online shopping experiences, Lenscrafters is changing the way people shop for eyewear. This even if they don’t have the corner on cheap prescription eyeglasses on the market.
In addition to accepting most major insurance plans, the company offers a hybrid shopping experience that allows you to order your lenses online, then get them fitted and adjusted at one of their 1,000+ locations.
The company offers a variety of popular brands including Ray-Ban, Versace, Michael Kors and Coach, among others. Because many of their glasses tend to be high-end brands, the prices are also higher — often running anywhere between $100 and $300 a pair.
The good news is that buying online eyeglasses from Lenscrafters might just save you money on contacts if you catch one of their promotions, such as a recent promo for 60% off a complete pair (frames and lenses) of designer glasses.
20. Lenskart
Best Customizable Frames
When it comes to customizability, Lenskart does it all. From clip-on tinted toppers to go with your prescription lenses, to transition glasses and blue light lenses, Lenskart has something for everyone. For having such a large variety of offerings, they also do a pretty good job keeping things affordable, with prescription eyewear starting at just $15.
The company offers a free one year warranty on all purchases as well as free worldwide shipping and a 14-day return policy. Join their mailing list and receive 20% off your first purchase.
21. SmartBuyGlasses
Best for Contact Lenses & Glasses
SmartBuyGlasses sells a bit of everything: from prescription lenses to sunglasses, and even contact lenses. They also offer a steady stream of savings promotions — like the current sale of up to 70% off glasses.
With super affordable frames starting at just $7, and a collection of luxury frames starting in the $200 range, there’s something for every budget at SmartBuyGlasses. Besides all the great deals you can score on eyewear, the company also offers free shipping and a 100-day return policy.
22. 39DollarGlasses
Best for Re-Lensing
As the name would suggest, eyewear from 39DollarGlasses starts at just $39. But that price isn’t just for frames: It also includes custom prescription lenses with UV protection. Like most online eyewear stores on this list, the company offers a wide variety of specialized lenses from progressive lenses to blue light lenses, as well as transitional lenses.
Besides these basic options, the company also sells sunglasses, contact lenses, and provides a re-lens program that allows you to put new lenses in old frames. Shipping is free for orders over $99, and 39DollarGlasses offers a variety of ongoing discounts for teachers, first responders, and members of the military.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Buying Eyeglasses Online
We’ve found the answers to the mostly commonly asked questions about buying eyeglasses online to help you make your decision.
What Is The Cheapest Place To Buy Eyeglasses Online?
Payne Glasses is currently the cheapest place to buy eyeglasses online, with frames starting at just $6. The company is also offering free frames (limit one per customer) for select styles for a limited time.
Is It Cheaper To Buy Prescription Glasses Online?
The short answer is yes, it’s often cheaper to buy prescription eyeglasses online rather than in person. According to a survey conducted last year by Consumer Reports, people spent over twice as much on glasses purchased in stores as those purchased online.
Can You Buy Progressive Glasses Online?
Yes, you can buy progressive glasses online. Most online eyeglass outlets can customize your frames with progressive lenses for an additional charge. Some affordable options include Payne and Zenni which both charge less than $30 for progressive lenses.
Why is Buying Glasses Online So Much Cheaper?
Buying eyeglasses at online-only stores is cheaper because the companies don’t pay many of the costs associated with a brick-and-mortar business (notably rent, overhead and retail employees). This allows them to cut costs on their online products.
Contributor Larissa Runkle specializes in finance, real estate and lifestyle topics. She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder.
When you join the Mi Abuelo’s Rewards program, you’ll receive “special offers” on your birthday. You’ll also receive a special offer upon joining.
4. Acapulco
Sign up for the Acapulco eClub and get a free entree on your birthday. Plus, you’ll get free chips and guac just for signing up.
Photo courtesy of Arby’s
5. Arby’s
Sign up for Arby’s emails and get a free small milkshake and curly fries on your birthday when you buy any sandwich. You’ll also get a free classic roast beef when you sign up.
6. Au Bon Pain
Join the Eclub, and get a free coffee and pastry on your birthday. You’ll also get a free coffee and bakery item just for signing up..
7. Auntie Anne’s
Download the Pretzel Perks app, and get a free pretzel after your first purchase of $1 or more. Plus, you’ll get ‘something extra special’ on your birthday.
8. Baja Fresh
Sign up for Club Baja to get a “special offer” on your birthday.
9. Baskin Robbins
Create an account, join the Birthday Club, and get a free scoop of ice cream on your birthday.
10. bd’s Mongolian Grill
Get a free bowl on your birthday with the purchase of another bowl when you join the bd’s Rewards eClub. Plus, get a free starter or dessert just for signing up. After you claim your initial freebie, you’ll be issued a $10 off coupon for your next visit.
11. Benihana’s
Register for the Chef’s Table, and you’ll get a $30 birthday certificate.
12. Big Boy
Joining the I Love Big Boy email club gets you a free dessert on your birthday and on your anniversary.
13. BJ’s Brewhouse
Join Premier Rewards Plus and get a free Pizookie for your birthday. What’s that? It’s a big, warm cookie smothered in ice cream… yum. What’s even better is you don’t have to wait for your birthday – you’ll also get a free Pizookie just for signing up.
14. Black Angus Steakhouse
Join the Prime Club to get a free steak dinner on your first birthday as a member. Plus, you’ll get a free dessert just for joining.
15. Bojangles
Get a free Bo-Berry Biscuit with a purchase on your birthday as a member of the Bojangles’ eClub. You’ll also get a free ½ gallon of Legendary Ice Tea with purchase when you sign up.
16. Bruegger’s Bagels
Members of the Bruegger’s Bagels Inner Circle will enjoy a free bagel and cream cheese on their birthday, and another free bagel and cream cheese just for signing up.
17. Buca di Beppo
You’ll receive a free pasta after signing up, as well as a $20 birthday gift for joining the eClub.
Tina Russell/ The Penny Hoarder
18. Buffalo Wild Wings
Sign up for Blazin’ Rewards to get free birthday wings during your birth month.
19. Carvel
Join Fudgie Fanatics to receive a free treat for your birthday. You can get a small soft serve birthday cone, take $2 off any cake (except for a small square) or take $3 off any sheet cake.
20. Chevys Fresh Mex
Members of the eClub get a free entree on their birthday. You can also get a free guac and chips just for signing up.
Get a free dessert for your birthday when you join My Chili’s Rewards Club. Plus, as long as you spend $5, you get free chips and salsa or a non-alcoholic beverage with every visit!
23. Chipotle
Join the Chipotle rewards program to get free chips and guacamole on your birthday when you make a purchase of $5 or more. When you sign up and make your first purchase, you’ll also get a free beverage.
24. Cinnabon
Subscribe to Club Cinnabon to get a free iced coffee on your birthday and a free order of BonBites for signing up.
25. Cold Stone Creamery
Get a BOGO coupon for your birthday by signing up for the My Cold Stone Club. You’ll also get a BOGO coupon just for signing up!
Photo courtesy of Culver’s
26. Culver’s
Enjoy a free “birthday treat” when you sign up for MyCulver’s.
27. Del Taco
If you join Del Yeah! Rewards, you can enjoy a regular-size premium shake for your birthday. If you’ve racked up more than 1,500 points, you’ll get your choice of a shake or any dessert — except for Caramel Cheesecake Bites.
Plus you’ll get two free The Del tacos when you sign up.
28. Denny’s
Sign up for Denny’s Rewards program online or via the mobile app. You’ll get 20% off your next visit, plus during your birthday month you’ll get “a delicious birthday gift.”
Get a free beverage on your birthday by signing up for the DD Perks Rewards Program. Giving your birthday isn’t required to join the program, but you’ll need to offer it up if you want your free coffee!
31. Edible Arrangements
Join Edible Rewards and receive a free 12-count chocolate dipped fruit box (valued at $29.99) during your birthday month as long as you’ve spent at least $29 in the past calendar year. You’ll also get a $5 coupon for signing up (valid for 30 days).
32. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Get a free egg sandwich with a purchase on your birthday when you join the Shmear Society — not totally free, but hey, you’ll need something to help wash that sandwich down. You’ll have 14 days to claim your reward.
33. Firehouse Subs
Sign up for Firehouse Rewards for a free medium sub on your birthday or in the six days that follow it.
34. First Watch
Get a BOGO breakfast, brunch or lunch for your birthday when you sign up for email updates.
35. Friendly’s
When you become a BFF Club member, you’ll receive a free birthday sundae and another free sundae just for signing up.
36. Godiva
As a member of the Godiva Rewards Club, you’ll get a free birthday chocolate offer every year.
37. Habit Burger Grill
Be sure to join Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub to enjoy a free Charburger on your birthday. You can sign up via the app on Android and iOS devices.
38. Hooters
Get 10 free boneless birthday wings when you sign up for Hootclub. You’ll also get a free appetizer of $8.99 or less when you sign up — and after every eighth visit..
39. Houlihan’s Restaurant and Bar
Email club members get a free birthday entree, plus $10 off just for joining.
40. IHOP
Sign up for MyHop and get a free shortstack of pancakes on your birthday.
Robin Hartill scored a free birthday sub she got from Jersey Mike’s Sub in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Tina Russell/ The Penny Hoarder
41. Jersey Mike’s Subs
Get a free birthday sub when you sign up for the email club.
42. Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme Rewards members receive a free Original Glazed Dozen on their birthday. You’ll also get a free doughnut when you sign up.
43. Longhorn Steakhouse
As a member of the Longhorn Steakhouse’s eClub, you’ll get “special offers and coupons” on your birthday. You’ll also get a free appetizer with the purchase of an entree when you sign up.
44. Marie Callender’s
Join the eClub, and get ‘exclusive email offers’ for your birthday and wedding anniversary. You’ll also get a special dine-in offer for signing up. The company also allows you to add family members so they can get birthday rewards.
45. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Sign up for Moe Rewards and get a coupon for a free birthday burrito, plus a free cup of queso just for signing up.
46. Nothing Bundt Cakes
Join the Nothing Bundt Cakes eClub and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday.
47. Olive Garden
Get a complimentary dessert on your birthday. No signup necessary.
48. On the Border
Join Border Rewards and get a “special surprise” on your birthday. Plus, when you sign up, you’ll get a free guacamole appetizer, dessert or non-alcoholic beverage.
49. Pei Wei
Sign up for My Wei Rewards and choose from these birthday freebies: crab wontons, traditional edamame, vegetable spring rolls or pork egg roll. The reward will automatically appear in your app seven days prior to your birthday.
50. Perkins
Members of the MyPerkins Club receive a “special gift” on their birthdays. Plus you’ll get a 20% off coupon for signing up. You will also be able to add your children ages 12 and under so they can get birthday rewards, too.
51. Pinkberry
Sign up for a Pinkcard or download the app, and receive a free yogurt on your birthday.
Get a free Italian ice on your birthday when you download Rita’s Ice App.
58. Ruby Tuesday
As a member of So Connected, you’ll get a choice of a free burger or a free garden bar entree on your birthday. You’ll also get a $5 off coupon for signing up.
59. Sbarro
Become a member of the Slice Society to get a birthday surprise. You’ll also get a free New York slice when you buy a beverage after signing up.
60. Sonny’s BBQ
Get a free Big Deal Combo meal on your big day by joining the ‘Q Crew, plus a $5 off $25 coupon just for joining.
61. Sprinkles
Receive a free cupcake (make that a baker’s dozen if you’re a Red Velvet tier member) for your birthday when you join Sprinkles Perks.
Hartill sips an iced coffee she got for free on her birthday at Starbucks in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Tina Russell/ The Penny Hoarder
62. Starbucks
Get a birthday beverage or food item as a member of Starbucks Rewards.
63. TCBY
Sign up for TCBY emails, and receive your first 3 ounces free on your birthday — as long as you’ve spent $100 at TCBY over the past year.
64. Texas Roadhouse
Sign up for the email club and you’ll get a free appetizer or a sidekick of ribs on your birthday.
65. The Melting Pot
Members of Club Fondue will get a “birthday voucher.”
66. The Spaghetti Warehouse
Join the Warehouse Club, and get a free meal on your birthday, plus a free appetizer with an entree purchase for becoming a member of the club.
67. Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Download the Tropical Smoothie Cafe app to be eligible for a “birthday surprise.” What you get depends on your loyalty tier, but it ranges from a $2 reward to a free menu item.
68. Uno Pizzeria & Grill
Join the Uno Extras program, and receive a birthday coupon, as well as a free individual pizza.
69. Waffle House
Make sure you’re a member of the Waffle House Regulars Club to receive a free waffle on your birthday. You’ll also get free hashbrowns when you sign up. Additionally, Regulars receive an Anniversary Bacon Coupon, seasonal coupons, and other offers throughout the year.
70. Wahlburgers
You’ll get a free non-alcoholic shake on your birthday as a member of the Wahlclub. You’ll also get $5 off your first order just for signing up.
71. Wienerschnitzel
Join the Wiener Lovers’ Club, and get “free food” each year on your birthday, plus a free chili dog for joining.
72. Zaxby’s
Sign up for the Zax Club and get a free “birthday surprise” , plus a free Big Zax Snak for signing up.
Entertainment
73. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
Join Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s Victory program and get a free movie ticket on your birthday every year. If you visit Alamo Drafthouse Cinema more than 50 times per year, you’ll get two free tickets for your birthday.
Getty Images
74. AMC Theatres
Become an AMC Stubs Insider to get a free large popcorn during your birthday month. If you’re a Premiere or A-List member, you’ll also get a free large fountain drink.
75. Harkins Theatres
Sign up for My Harkins Rewards and receive a $5 birthday coupon to use at the concessions.
76. Hard Rock
Sign up for Unity by Hard Rock to get a free dessert from the cafe on your birthday.
77. Redbox
Sign up for Redbox Perks and receive a free birthday rental (it must be used within 60 days). If you have made 50 purchases or rentals, you’ll get two free birthday rentals.You’ll also get a free one-night rental for signing up (that offer is valid for two weeks).
Clothes & Shoes
78. Anthropologie
As a member of the Anthro Loyalty program, you will get a “special treat to celebrate your birthday.”
Penny Hoarder senior writer Robin Hartill knows how to score the freebies on her birthday. Check out her haul.
80. Columbia
Members of the Greater Rewards program get a “birthday gift” in addition to a welcome gift from the sportswear and outdoor gear retailer.
81. Designer Shoe Warehouse (DSW)
Join the free DSW VIP Club to get a $5 birthday reward. You’ll also get $5 on your birthday if you spend $200 annually as a VIP Gold member, and you’ll get $10 if you spend $500 annually as a VIP Elite member.
82. Famous Footwear
Famously You Rewards members get a $5 birthday cash reward. You’ll also earn double points on all of your purchases during your birthday month.
83. JCPenney
Receive a birthday gift when you sign up for JCPenney Rewards. If you are not a JCPenney credit card member, you must have earned points within the last 12 months. If you are a credit card member, you must have made a purchase with your JCPenney Credit Card within the past 12 months.
When you join Navyist Rewards, you’re eligible for one free “birthday surprise.”
86. Target
As a Target Circle member, you’ll have access to exclusive deals and get 1% rewards on every single purchase. You’ll also get a 5% off coupon on your birthday, valid for 30 days.
87. Tilly’s
Joining Tilly’s Rewards gives you the opportunity to earn Tilly’s Cash. It also gets you a free “birthday surprise.”
88. Torrid
Sign up for Torrid Rewards and get a “special birthday gift” during your birthday month.
89. Uniqlo
Download the Uniqlo app to get a birthday coupon during your birthday month.
90. Victoria’s Secret
If you have a Victoria’s Secret or PINK credit card, you’ll get $10 in birthday rewards. If you’ve spent $500 in the past year, the birthday reward bumps up to $15.
You’ll also get a $15 reward during your half birthday month at this spending level. If you spend between $250 and $499 in the past year, the half birthday reward is $10. There is no half birthday reward if you spent less than $250 over the past year.
Here are even more discounts and free stuff for anyone who has served our country: Check out this list of 160 military discounts.
Beauty & Jewelry
91. Aveda
You need to pay $10 to join Aveda’s loyalty rewards program, but you’ll receive a birthday gift, as well as double points on your Aveda purchase.
Kendra Scott offers a 50% birthday discount on one fashion jewelry or color bar item. It also offers a 25% discount on fine jewelry, sterling silver jewelry or gold vermeil jewelry. You can also get 25% off a home goods item. Find out more information here.
94. Pandora
Members of the Pandora Club get a 15% discount during their birthday month. This offer can only be used one time and is valid on regular-priced jewelry only.
As an Ultamate Rewards member, you’ll get a free gift. If you’ve spent enough money to be a Platinum ($500) or Diamond ($1,200) member, you get an additional $10 coupon.
During your birthday month, you’ll earn double points on all of your purchases.
Miscellaneous
97. Ace Hardware
Ace Rewards members get $5 off for their birthday at participating locations. If you’ve spent $750 at Ace Hardware over a 12-month period, your birthday rewards get bumped up to $10 off, regardless of location.
98. Container Store
Join the Organized Insider program to get a birthday discount. The discount is 15% off if you have spent less than $300 in the past year, 20% off if you’ve spent between $300 and $999, and 25% off if you’ve spent $1,000 or more.
Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder
99. CVS Pharmacy
As a member of the ExtraCare program, you’ll get a free, $3 Extrabucks reward on your birthday, as well as 2% back every time you shop.
Members of World Market Rewards get a “surprise offer” on their birthday, plus a 15% coupon for signing up.
Pittsburgh-based writer Brynne Conroy is the founder of the Femme Frugality blog and the author of “The Feminist Financial Handbook.” She is a regular contributor to The Penny Hoarder. The Penny Hoarder staff also contributed to this post.
