It seems like holidays like Mother’s Day and Father’s day end up being ones that we don’t plan for, or that cost us more than we think. But, as a mom, I can honestly say that the best Mother’s day gifts are the gifts from the heart. My kids are still young, but my husband doesn’t have them buy me a Mother’s day gift, or take me out for lunch. Instead, they make cards for me, and usually do some type of craft. Some years my husband has purchased inexpensive craft supplies and they’ll make something that will last (such as a clay heart that says “mom†on it, or a little box they painted and glued their picture on).
I realize not everyone has time to make a nice gift, but I think you’d be surprised what you can come up with. What about making “gift certificates†to do something at a later date with your mom. Maybe you could clean her house, mow her yard, plant her some flowers, etc. Or perhaps you could make her a nice lunch or dinner and just let her relax. I know a great gift for me would be for my family to clean the house! You shouldn’t allow Mother’s Day (or Father’s Day) to create financial stress.
Also, check out your local dollar store for a card. I buy almost all of my cards throughout the year at a dollar store, unless it’s a card we make.  Often they are even less than a dollar. I never buy cards for children’s birthday parties. I have my kids make the cards for their friend’s birthdays. They love putting their own personal touches on the card.
If you have a little more time and enjoy being a little more creative, why not try some of the gifts in a jar? I found some recipes you may want to check out.
I hope that gives you some ideas on how to avoid the financial pitfalls that often come with Mother’s Day! Don’t get me wrong…there’s nothing wrong with giving Mom gifts. But, if finances are tight, I’m sure Mom understands if you can’t manage it.
Now for some other good stuff!
All You Magazine May Coupon List – FrugallyThrify has been kind enough to provide us a list of coupons that will be in Walmart’s All You Magazine that hits the newsstands soon. You can check it out here to see if you want to stop by and pick up a copy. I believe it retails for $2.49 per issue if you buy it at Walmart, but you can get a subscription for less. However, I will tell you that sometimes the subscription version has less coupons than the newsstand version.
Walmart Deals – Iheartthemart.com has a list of the Walmart deals starting 4/27. You can find the list here.
For local calendar events:
For Delray Beach, click here.
For Boynton Beach, click here.
For Boca Raton, click here.
Now, on to the deals this week!
Know the Lingo BOGO – Buy one, get one free SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers) RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers) PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers) GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers) Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons. If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.  You may also want to check out The Thrifty Mama’s post on Whole Foods deals here.
Publix Greenwise:Â Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
For Publix “Super Deals†for 4/25-5/4, please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 4/25-5/4, please click here.
For Publix Advantage Buy Flyer sales, please click here.
Renita’s Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://www.simplycvsshopping.com/
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.thesimpledollar.com
http://www.iheartthemart.com E-Book now available!
I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please clickhere.
Kindle book now available!
My book is now available for the Kindle! Please click here!
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?†For more information, visit her website athttp://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
“Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place.” http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
