I picked up these paint chips at my local Lowe’s store. I love that they have a window you can use to see an object behind the paint chip and see if it matches. The little window made it a great tool to take to the grocery store and look for green foods. JDaniel loves to have something to do while sitting in the cart. This activity was a lot of fun and a great way to both entertain and teach at the same time.

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We looked like we were having so much fun another mother of a two year old mentioned she would like to try this activity with her child.

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Want some free toys?  We are giving away over a dozen toys!  Tell us which one is your favorite and check out our giveaway page to see what you might win!

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Wikki-Stix are a great mess-free crafting activity. Our kids have used them as window art in the car, to mold into creatures, make rainbows, even have mock mini-swordfights. Being mess-freee they are great to take out and about.

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The B.H2-Whoa is an awesome mess-free doodle board, it comes with refillable water pens and is reversible with two coloring surfaces. Hours of doodling fun!  Look for it at Target.

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The game Loaded Questions: Junior is a fun way to engage your kids and learn something about them in the process.  Keeping score might not be possible in a car-ride, but the questions are sure to get some laughs out of your kids!

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Grab and Go Games by BriarPatch help your kids work on memory skills or pattern recognition during a car-trip or when stuck in a hotel.  They are packaged for traveling!  Want other game ideas?  Check out The Big Toy Book!

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Do you want a new book to read?  Even my youngest will sit and read while sitting in the Dr. office or driving and doing errands.  Basie & Paisley is a great series with themes, like bellybuttons or monsters who play polka music, that preschoolers just love full of bright pictures, sure to entertain your youngster!

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Why not make up your own story?  Pack these Rory Story Cubes by Gamewright and waiting for a table at the restaurant will no longer be a dull moment! The cubes have different images which you can incorporate into your story.  Brilliant!   The Big Toy Book referred these to us! 

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For a great selection of iphone apps developed for especially for kids, check out Pic Pocket Books. They have educational games, stories and lots of silly fun ideas to entertain your kiddos. Available at Pic Pocket Books & Amazon.

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Getting the kids their own Kidz Gear Wireless Car Headphones means you don’t go crazy with kids music or DVDs during your trip! Check out KidzGear!  They also have a wired version.

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Eddie Bauer has a Travel Tray
that attaches to car-seat straps. It is perfect for containing toys and snacks during road trips!  I am looking forward to using them on our road trip – hopefully, they will cut down on the amount of dropped toys!  Note: Not a great drawing surface.  Available at Target.

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Going out to eat? Second to waiting for a table, being patient waiting for food to arrive can be difficult for any kiddo.  These buildable straws will keep any kiddo happily hydrated and engaged. Note: Not suitable for young kiddos.  Available at Museum Tours.

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Quiet play is always a good thing when cooped up, either in a highchair at the restaurant or on the confines of a car!  Cahootie Catcher has a wide variety of cootie catchers for your kiddos to decorate with stickers, manipulate, pick the outfit of their person, ask eachother questions or create a story.  These are especially loved by kinetic kids.

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Finger puppets are our activity bag.  Your kids can use them to create a pretend world.  My son loves the animal finger puppets at Ikea, he likes having the animals chase each other.  My daughter loves the little people series.  I love how they are small!  I can easily stuff several in my pocket for a last min errand-trip.

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Museum Tour has some terrific Magna-Tiles that are great to build with.  As they stick together they are easy to use in the car with a travel tray or while waiting at the Dr. office.

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B. Toy’s Stackadoos
are easy to grab and stick together making them another great item to pack in your diaper bag to entertain that bored preschooler.  They can also be used to help your child develop pattern recognition.

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We are having a giveaway of over a dozen of these toy guide items, with several other items from other sponsors added to the giveaway bonanza.  Be sure to join in the fun!

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Quirky Momma was not paid for any of these reviews.  All products included in the giveaway/guide are toys we love or have on our wish list.  Some review toys were given to us as compensation.

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Salvage Grocery Stores Listed by State

Alabama

Alexander City, Walker’s Bent-N-Dent, 16 Main Street, 256-377-1733
Andalusia, Family Discount Foods, 22709 Highway 55, Ph 334-881-0169
Anniston, Boo’s Salvage Grocery, 3100 Noble St., Ph 256-235-2008
Anniston, C & D Salvage Grocery, 5139 Eulaton Road, 256-237-0224
Anniston, Paw Paw’s Salvage Grocery, 229 South Wilmer Ave., 256-237-2506
Luverne, Bobbies Discount Grocery, 903 West 3rd. St. 334-335-2626
Lynn, Lynn Salvage Grocery, 344 East Main Street, 205-893-5103
Nauvoo, County Line Salvage Grocery, 15759 Highway 5, 205-697-2400
Piedmont, Piedmont Salvage Grocery, 106 East Alabama Street 256-447-8602
Shelby, Shelby Discount Grocery, 4814 Highway 47, 205-670-0038
Verbena, Sandy’s Bent-N-Dent Grocery, 6545 US Highway 31, 205-755-4301

Arizona

Cornville, Grocery Surplus Outlet LLC., 9435 Cornville Road, 928-639-3869
Mesa, American Discount Foods, 308 South Extension Road. #108, Ph 480-649-4495
Peoria, The Dented Can LLC, 9501 W Peoria Ave Ste 11, 623-486-9646
Quartzsite, Discount Groceries , 1558 West Main St., 928-927-4301
San Luis, Green Tree Grocery Outlet, 520 N. Archibald Street
Yuma, Green Tree Grocery Outlet, 495 E. 10th Street, Ph 928-329-6664

Arkansas

Alma, A to Z Discount Grocery, 4810 North Highway 71, 479-632-8348
Amity, Amity Salvage Grocery, 637 West Thompson St., 870-342-9506
Harrison, South Harrison Harrison’s Bent & Dent Grocery, 3864 Highway 7 South, 870-391-2210
Harrison, Wholesale Outlet, 519 North Main Street, 870-743-5248
Huntsville, Ma & Pa Bent N Dent Groceries, 15045 Highway 412, 479-738-6272
Midland City, Discount Groceries, Highway 231 South, 334-983-1250
Mulberry, Higgen’s Produce, 3741 Mulberry, 479-997-8601
Nophlet, Z & C Salvage Grocery, 300 W Padgett Street, 870-665-9692
Salem,Highway 62 870-895-4800
Van Burean, The Bigger Bargain, 804 Fayetteville Rd, Ph 479-471-0007

California

Atascadero, Grocery Discount Center, 7075 El Camino Real, Ph 805-460-9341
Bakersfield, Manny’s Discount Grocery, 522 East 19th Street 661-328-0703
Bloomington, Oliver’s Discount Grocery, 18829 Valley Blvd., 909-874-0915
Bodfish, Manny’s Discount Grocery, 3864 Lake Isabelle Blvd., 760-379-3115
Delano, Grocery Discount Center, 1835 glenwood st, 661-281-5445
Oakhurst, Grocery Discount Center, 49333 Road 426 Suite B, 559-683-5429
Redwood City, Grocery Outlet, 1833 Broadway St, Ph 650-364-7406

Colorado

Arvada, Friday Store, 5636 Newland Way
Brighton, Robb’s Inc., 301 S Main St.
Colorado Springs, WestSide BargainMart, 3135 W Colorado Ave., Ph 719-685-4500
Colorado Springs, Extreme Bargains, 2727 Palmer Park Boulevard, Ph 719-448-0757
Colorado Springs, The Open Box, LLC Discount Electronics, 2727 Palmer Park, Ph 719-448-0759
Dacona Discount Grocery, 913 Carbondale Drive, Ph 303-833-5005
Fort Lupton, Robb’s Inc., 511 McKinley Avenue, Ph 303-857-1459
Greeley, 12th Street Pantry, 716 12th Street, Ph 970-356-7747
Loveland, Esh Discount Grocery, 4221 West Eisenhower, Ph 970-612-0160
Monte Vista, Sunshine Salvage LLC, 10978 S County Rd 5E, Ph 719-589-9069

Delaware

No Stores Found, Yet.

Florida

Bradenton, Petrik Salvage Market, 1721 9th. Street West, 941-747-3194
Dade City, Tin Can Pams, 14444 7th St. 352-567-3719
Groveland, Groveland Discount Grocery, 141 Howey Rd, 352-429-4299
Hialeah, Miami Depot, 2915 West Okeechobee Road, 786-337-8334
Lake Alfred, Discount Foods, Inc., 750East Alfred St. (Hwy 1792), 863-956-5253
Ocala, Oma’s Gerneral Store of Ocala, LLC., 2640-A NW 10th Street, 352-401-9330
Palatka- East Palatka,Discount Groceries & More, 227 South U.S. Highway 17, 386-325-7910
Palmetto, V J’s Grocery Inc., 737 8th Ave West Suite A 941-729-2776
Ruskin, Gully’s Surplus Grocery, 720 N. US Highway 41, 813-645-4801
Saint Augustine, Discount Groceries & More, 233 State Road 16, 904-827-0660
Tampa, D & S Bargain Store & Salvage, 6222 E Columbus Dr, 813-621-3811
Tampa, Fernandez Wholesale Grocery, 6702 E. Broadway Ave. 813-626-7959
Wildwood, Tin Can Pams, 1006 N Main St. 352-748-4666
Winter Haven, Discount Foods, Inc., 801 Spirit Lake Rd 863-299-6271
L & G Discount Grocery Store Stuart, FL 2201 SE Indian St,Stuart, FL, 34997 772-287-1404

Georgia

Brooklet, Discount Foods, 533 US Highway 80 East 912-842-5656
Buford, Hill Brothers Grocery & Salvage, 122 E Shadburn Ave 77-945-7218
Carrollton, T & W Salvage Grocery, 3947 North Highway 27, Ph 770-838-9897
Cartersville, B & B Salvage Grocery, 1350 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy SE 770-382-7041
Cedartown, Brooks Salvage Grocery , 1028 East Ave 770-748-4881
Columbus, Nick N-Dent, 1167 Henry Avenue 706-576-6840
Hinesville, Tin Can Sam’s Discount Grocery, 4215 B. West Oglethorpe Hwy. 912-876-7231
Temple, Robinson discount Grocery, 321 Sage Street 770-562-1317

Idaho

Boise Grocery Outlet (Boise Canned Foods) 5544 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83706-1165 (Thanks Neil)

Illinois

Arcola, Country Salvage Store, 427 East County Road 200N, 217-268-3698
Wayne City, Greenfield Discount Grocery, RR 2 Box 136, on Highway 15 618-895-2025

Indiana

Goshen, The Dented Can, 25743 State Road 119 574-862-2212
Warsaw, Sherman & Lins Discount Grocery, 1900 East Winona Avenue, 574-269-4320

Iowa

Evansdale, Joker’s Surplus Grocery, 3541 Lafayette Rd, 319-235-8916
Kalona, Central Discount Grocery, Turn East at Cheese Factory on Hwy 1.
Oelwein, County Line Surplus Grocery, 101 County Line Rd East, 319-283-1440

Kansas

Topeka, M & M Surplus, 5614 Southwest Topeka Boulevard # 6, 785-267-7000

Kentucky

Campbellsville, Dent & Ding Discount Grocery Store, 1034 South Central Ave., 270-469-5395
Irvington, Joe’s Salvage Grocery, RR 2 270-668-1343
Irvington, Ridgeview Salvage Grocery, 7510 E Highway 60 270-536-3503
Louisville, B & E Salvage Company, Inc., 4602 Greenwood Road, 502-995-3330
Louisville, B & E Salvage Company, Inc., 8504 Shepherdsville Road 502-969-0218
Louisville, B & E Salvage Company, Inc., 8645 Preston Highway, 502-968-6638
Louisville, Better Bargain Salvage Mart, 7207 Lower Hunters Trace 502-447-9023
Louisville, M & M Salvage, 4306 Cloverleaf Dr 502-634-9511
Muldraugh, Po Boy & Girl Salvage, 118 North Dixie Highway 502-942-0602
Okolona, B & E Salvage Co, 8504 Shepherdsville Road 502-969-0218

Louisiana

Folsom, The Salvage Store, 82540 Highway 25 985-796-9114
Kentwood, B & D Salvage Grocery, 600 1st Street 985-229-5323
New Orleans, Suda Salvage Company, 5821 Jefferson Highway 504-733-3660
Pearl River, Hickory Salavage Company, 67736 Highway 41 985-863-5498

Michigan

Bay City, Blue Knight Salvage Foods, 3286 South Huron Road 989-686-5540
Brown City, Bailey’s Variety Store, 4771 Bailey Road, 989-761-7714
McBain, Pineview Discount Store, 9200 South Burkett Road 231-825-2892
M&B Foods, in Grandville
Wiseman’s Corner, on 28th St. SE. Grand Rapids

Minnesota

Minneapolis, So Low Grocery Outlet, 3115 E. 38th Street 612-729-7281
New London, Pete’s Surplus, Junction Highway 9 & 71 320-354-2626

Mississippi

Batesville, Wanda’s Salvage Grocery, 109 Highway 51 S 662-563-0476
Booneville, Discount Grocery, 519 East Church Street 662-728-6409
Booneville, R & W Salvage Grocery, 2016 East Chambers Dr. 662-728-0099
Brooklet, Discount Grocery, 533B US Highway 80 East 912-842-5656
Burnsville, Dollar Wise Discount grocery, 373 Highway 72 662-427-8840
Collins, H & P Salvage Grocery, 466 Highway 35 601-765-0009
Fulton, L & R Discount Grocery, 706 South Adams Street 662-862-2925
Grenada, Discount Grocery, 23291 Highway 8 East 662-294-9950
Hattiesburg, Hiatt’s Discount Grocery, 819 Edwards Street 601-554-8232
Houlka, Pat’s Salvage Grocery, 3207 Highway 15 North 662-568-7734
Mantachie, Shop & Save Discount Grocery, 3562 Highway 371 North 662-282-7820
McComb, A-1 Grocery Salvage, 509 Pearl River Ave 601-684-0571
Mize, Highway 35 Salvage Grocery, 16944 Highway 35 601-733-0490
Moss Point, Cheap Charley’s Surplus Salvage Groceries, 11200 Highway 613, Ph 228-474-8995
Oxford, Direct Salvage Grocery, 294 County Road 101 662-513-0736
Poplarville, Poplarville Grocery & Salvage, 229 Highway 11 S 601-795-2801
Poplarville, Super Salvage, 208 North Main Street 601-795-6655
Purvis, Purvis Salvage and Grocery, 309 Highway 589 601-794-5544
Tylertown, B & B Grocery Salvage, 309 Beulah Ave 601-876-9514
Tupelo, Food Bargains, 1136 W. Main Street, 662-840-8037
Vardamann, Dao’s Grocery Salvage, 118 Main Street 662-682-9898
Verona,Penny Pinchers Discount Grocery, 5035 Raymond Ave., Ph 662-566-0011
Vicksburg, Captain Jack’s Bent & Dent, 1901 N Frontage Rd 601-638-7001
Vicksburg, Jimmy’s Salvage Grocery, Highway 61 South 601-634-1040
Water Valley, Highway 9 Salvage Grocery, 654 Highway 9 W 662-473-9880
Waynesboro, D J’s Salvage Grocery, 119 Mississippi Dr. 601-671-0753
Wiggins, Super Savers Discount Salvage Store, 734 Magnolia Drive South 601-928-4483

Missouri

Ava, P G’s Salvage & Surplus Grocery, 300 North Jefferson 417-683-5654
Birch Tree, Beavers Salvage Grocery, Highway 60 West 573-292-3664
Cabool, Shetler’s Discount Grocery, 200 Industrial Park, 417-962-2251
Grandin, Second Chance Market, RR 2 Box 142-En, Ph 573-593-4542
Houston, Stilley Discount, 1591D North Highway 63 417-967-0253
Jackson, Lane’s Salvage Groceries, 1227 Old Cape Road 573-243-1805
Jamesport, Hutch Brothers Outlet, 208 West Auberry Grove 660-684-6324
Mountain Grove, The Discount Grocery, 6893 Outer Rd. 417-746-4233
Oran, Dent N Save, 23146 US Highway 61, 573-262-2345
Piedmont, Janet’s Salvage Grocery, Junction 34 & 49 573-223-7420
Rolla, I-44 Surplus Discount Grocery, Exit 189, 11101 Old Highway 66 573-364-6006
Salem, Carolyn’s Discount Grocery, 300 South Main St. 573-729-2946
Sedalia, 65 Discount, Inc., 5150 S Limit Avenue 660-826-9242
St. James, J & J Distributors Salvage & Surplus, 138 West Washington Street 573-265-6084
St. Louis, Cherrick Distribution, 4215 Clayton Avenue 314-652-3636
St. Louis, Friedman RR Salvage Warehouse, 5149 Mlk Drive 314-367-5464
Thayer, Lane Salvage Groceries, 105 Holmes Rd, 417-264-7997
Thayer, Martin Salvage Grocery, Nettleton Road (Route 3 Box 3030) 417-264-7699
West Plains, Corner Salvage Grocery, 1026 Saint Louis St. 417-255-9188
Winona, Ken’s Good Stuff Store, 303 Ash St 573-325-4437

Montana

Thompson Falls, Grocery Surplus Store, 5460 Highway 200 406-827-6373
New Hampshire Discount and Salvage Grocery Stores
Westmoreland, Stan’s Discount Groceries, 1017 Route 12 603-399-7737

New Jersey

Paterson, Giant International Trading Co. Inc, 91-97 East Railway Avenue 973-977-9272

New York

Syracuse, Northway Discount Grocery, 212 West Division Street 315-422-9979

North Carolina

Charlotte, A Discount grocery, 2208 South Blvd. 704-344-0611
Denver, Bargain Center Groceries, 3825 North Highway 16 704-489-2262
Fayetteville, B J’s Salvage Grocery, 039 Camden Rd. 910-426-9670
Forest City, J’S Salvage & Discount 763, 763 US Highway 221A, 828-248-1173
Granite Falls, George’s Grocery Salvage, 3846 Mutt Marshall Lane, Ph 828-396-4320
Granite Falls, Odum’s Salvage, 2474 Connelly Springs Road 828-728-6221
Kings Mountain, Super Discount Grocery, 108 West Gold Street, 704-481-0307
Lexington, Salvage Grocery, 4180 NC Highway 8 336-357-0402
Lexington, The Bargain Box, 158 Wiley Lane 336-472-1308
Salisbury, Discount Salvage Foods Of Salisbury, 3115 South Main Street 704-633-3006
Thomasville, Holly Hill Salvage – No 2, 13 Boyles Street 336-476-6462
Tyron, Jon & Jay’s Discount Groceries, 1005 South Trade Street, 828-859-3005

Ohio

Circleville, Discount Grocery Outlet, 900 South Pickaway Street, 740-474-6501
Kinsman, Kinsman General, 6416 Kinsman-Nickerson Rd.
Lima, Daly’s Discount Groceries, 506 North Main St. 419-225-2907
Orwell, M & L Salvage, 640 East Main Street440-437-5714
West Farmington, Bontrager Salvage Grocery, 172 Second Street, 330-889-3678

Oklahoma

Oklahoma City, Big Giant Warehouse, 3600 Southwest 29th 405-681-3336

Oregon

Lebanon, The Grocery Depot, 1775 S. Main St.541-258-3442

Pennsylvania

Bedford, Little Barn Discount Groceries, 6200 Lincoln Highway 814-623-2603
Ephrata, Sarah’s Grocery Outlet, 475 North Reading Rd 717-738-1107
Knoxville, R & J Discount Grocery, 202 West Main St. 814-326-4200
Lebanon, Sunset Grocery Outlet, 1650 North 7th Street, 717-272-4906
Mifflinburg, Wenger’s Grocery Outlet, 8035 Old Turnpike Rd (Rt.45) 570-966-5084
Newburg, B.B.’s Grocery Outlet, 20 Quigley Road.
Pittsburgh, K M L Sales Inc., 16 Sts 412-261-5542
Quarryville, B.B.’s Grocery Outlet, 581 Camargo Road.
Red Lion, D & K Surplus Grocery, 757 Delta Road 717-244-9398
Shafefferstown, B.B.’s Grocery Outlet, Route 419 North

South Carolina

Batesburg, Discount Grocery Salvage, 445 West Railroad Ave 803-604-1444
Leesville, Discount Grocery & Salvage, 445 Railroad Ave 803-604-1444
Rock Hill, Discount Grocery Safari, 1122 India Hook Road 803-327-2437

South Dakota

Belle Fourche, Robbs Inc., 1833 5th Avenue 605-892-4309
Pierre, Bent N Dent Discount Foods, 840 N Garfield Ave 605-224-1286
Hermosa, Pop’s Grocery Shoppe, 30 North Fergusen Sreet, 605-255-5977

Tennessee

Bluff City, Bluff City Salvage, 4277 Bluff City Hwy. 423-538-7501
Burlison, Bent N Dent, 9121 Munford Giltedge Rd 901-476-3000
Chuckey, R & B Salvage Grocery, 211 Bill Gourley Rd 423-257-7708
Dercherd, Bargain Barnes, 2108 Decherd Boulevard 931-962-0227
Fall Branch, Building 5, 18105 Horton Hwy. 423-348-7520
Gilt Edge, Bent-N-Dent, 9121 Munford Giltedge Rd 901-476-3000
Hohenwald, Discount Groceries and More, 644 E. Main St.
Hollow Rock, D & D Discount Grocery, 28105 Broad St 731-586-7569
Huntingdon, Pj’s Salvage Grocery, 9715 Highway 22 731-986-3589
Johnson City, Discount Grocery, 601 West Watauga 423-928-9200
Johnson City, Pierces Discount Grocery, 1207 E. Main St. 423-926-2250
Jonesborough, Pioneer Market Inc, 624 Old State Route 34 423-753-2020
Kingsport, McCoy Salvage Grocery, 2969 N John B Dennis Hwy. 423-288-8411
Knoxville, United Grocery Outlet, 6021 Chapman Highway 865-573-8000
Lebanon, Bud’s Salvage, 320 N. Cumberland Street 615-449-8085
Lebanon, House of Bargains, 300 North Cumberland St. 615-449-3393
Lexington, Highway 22 Salvage Grocery, 22915 Highway 22 North, 731-968-5242
Lexington, Warehouse Salvage, 873 West Church Street 731-968-5146
Limestone, R & B Salvage Grocery, 10320 East Andrew Johnson Highway 423-257-7708
Manchester Faye’s Discount Grocery, 101 North irwin Street 931-728-1920
McMinnville, United Grocery Outlet, 722 Smithville Hwy
Memphis, Discount Grocery Sales, 651 Jefferson Avenue 901-523-9515
Morristown C J Salvage, 4890 South Davy Crockett Parkway 423-318-6291
Murfreesboro, United Grocery Outlet 117 Se Broad St
Parsons, Brenda’s Salvage Grocery, 370 Cooley Aveenue 731-847-4363
Ramer, Eastview Bent and Dent, 7733 Highway 45 South 731-646-2660
Rogersville, United Grocery Outlet, 921 East Main Street 423-921-3878
Sevierville, Discount Grocery, 564 Winfield Dunn Pkwy. 865-428-6908
Winchester, Sonshine Shop, 1045 Dinah Shore Boulevard 931-968-0092
Yuma, Highway 22 Salvage Grocery, 22915 Highway 22 N 731-968-5242

Texas

Amarillo, Panhandle Salvage Store, 5811 South Western Street 806-358-3886
Channelview, S & C Surplus, 15703 Market Street 281-860-0055
Cleburne, Healthy Savings Discount Grocery, 1206 East Henderson 817-556-0713
Dayton, K & D Discount Grocery, 113 Bryan St. 936-258-0032
Fort Worth, Town Talk Foods, 121 N. Beach St (817) 831-6136
Hardin, Country Discount Grocery, Highway 146 at County Road 2010 936-298-9282
Hemphill, Adkins Salvage Grocery, Fm 83 409-787-4130
Houston, Capital Sales Damaged Freight Groceries, 5701 Almeda Rd 713-522-0285
Houston, Capital Sales Damaged Freight Groceries, 4663 Telephone Rd 713-649-8658
Houston, Jimmy Poole Grocery, 11658 Homestead Rd 281-442-0512
Kountze, West Discount and Salvage Grocery, 710 South Pine Street 409-246-8541
Thorndale, L & L Food Salvage & Merchandise, 109 South Main Street 512-898-2960

Vermont

Bennington, Boxes & Cans Discount Food, 160 Benmont Avenue, 802-440-8122
Bethel, Bethel’s U-Save Discount Groceries, 356 Pleasant St. 802-234-6330
Pownal, Discount Food & More, 2848 Route 7

Virginia

Glade Spring, Discount Grocery, 206 Town Square Street 276-429-4460
Richmond, Salvage Barn Inc, 5240 Hull Street Road 804-231-1187

Washington

Chehalis, J J Berry, 2141 Jackson Highway, Ph 360-748-1940
Deer Park, Discount Groceries and More, 124 E. Crawford St., Ph 509-276-2736

Wisconsin

Oxford, The Harvest Market, W7341 State Hwy 82 608-586-4303
Wautoma, Country Discount Grocery, W9483 Highway 21. 920-787-5000

Wyoming

Rawlins, Discount Grocery, 725 East Cedar Street 307-324-5445

…

I found this list on the forum, Frugal Village. The poster does not remember where she found it. If you are the original compiler of this list let me know so I can attribute it to you and thank you properly! You and your list has saved my family a ton!  Thanks for encouraging us to pinch some pennies!

Another idea to save money on groceries, check out grocery outlets too!

Thanks to Masahiro Ihara for providing our photo!  And thanks to Louisville
Business Directory for linking to us.

…

General:

1. Make a goal chart and as you save the amount of money or pay off debts, mark them off and reward yourself.  (Ex:  we can’t get that camera until our car is paid off).  The expense of the camera is minor compared to the interest I’ll save by paying off debts early.
2. We do the “packets” budgeting system.  All spending money we take out at the beginning of each month.  We then pay for everything with that cash, when it is gone there is no more till the next month.  This budgeting method works for us, find one that works for you!
3. Wait for a minimum of 24 hours before purchasing any pricey item.  Oh, and see if you can find something comparable used first!
4. If something breaks try to fix it or do without before going out and purchasing a replacement.  Try not to hire someone to fix things, rather swap services (see craig’s list).
5. To curb impulse buys, create a 30-day list. When you want to buy something, other than a true necessity (medicine or food, for example), put it on this list, with the date you added it to the list. And make it a rule that you can’t buy anything for at least 30 days after you put it on the list. And stick to it. You’ll find that you buy a lot less with this system.
6. Surround yourself with “frugal-minded” folk.  If you don’t have any friends who are willing to make a frugal journey with you try looking online, Frugal Village is a great network, and One Income Dollar and the Prudent Housewife are both great inspirational blogs.  We found it is easier to save when you are not surrounded by spend-happy folks.

Grocery:

7. Use a price sheet so that you can know if a “sale” is really a bargain or if you can find it cheaper elsewhere.
8. Buy meat that is on Manager Special (expiring that day or shortly after).  Cook that day and eat/freeze.
9. Mix ground beef with an egg and several handfuls of quick oats (makes the meat go farther).  Use in meatballs, meat loaf, etc.
10. Bake your own bread – let the yeast sit in sugar water till it smells fermented and use half the yeast (the most expensive ingredient in bread).
11. If you are big milk drinkers, buy whole milk and a box of dry milk and make your own mock-2% milk by mixing half whole, half non-fat dry reconstituted milk.  You have two gallons for a fraction of the cost.
12. Go meatless 1-2 nights a week.  You can substitute dry beans.  They are VERY cheap and filling.
13. Meal plan and coordinate so that leftovers can be utilized fully, yet keeping variety.  (Ex: Tacos day one, use left over taco meat day 2 for stuffed peppers)
14. Try to stretch as much time between shopping trips.  The fewer times you go shopping, the fewer chances you have to “impulse buy”.
15. ONLY shop from a list.  If it is not on the list DO NOT BUY IT.  It is best to make a check off inventory list of all things you could need and highlight what you’re out or low on.
16. Eat something small before you go.  It is harder to resist the temptation to over buy when you have an empty tummy.
17. Keep your change (dollar bills and coins) use this as your “fun fund”
18. Buy generic – many times this is considerably less than the alternative even if you have coupons.
19. Use coupons if you prefer something name brand and only if you buy that item regularly.  Also, ask if your grocery shop has “double days”.
20. Rather than buy a newspaper for the coupons, go to your library, usually they do not mind allowing you to clip the coupons you need… and your kids can attend story time at the same time!  OR you can go to this site for free grocery coupons and print the coupons you need online!

Household:

21. Wash your dishes by hand… I have a hard time with this one, I know it saves water/energy, but I love the convenience of my dishwasher!
22. Wash clothes in warm water and only if you have a full load to do.  Dry your clothes on the line and if you don’t like the “crunchy” feel, stick them in the dryer for 5 min with a wet rag after they’ve hung out.
23. Wash your clothes inside out so they will look nicer longer… and only wash if something is truly dirty.
24. If you like fabric softener, put some on a towel and throw it in with the dryer.  A quarter size “spill” on the towel can do about 3 loads – a great way to save softener!  Also, to make your detergent go farther, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the load and use half the detergent.  Baking soda is a soap booster and is cheaper than Arm&Hammer.
25. In the winter, use your dryer and stove during the early evening to help heat your home.  In the summer, use them in the very early morning (or not at all) to help keep your home cool.
26. Cook all your meals for a 2-week period (esp. in the summer) so that your oven only has to do the work one time for multiple meals.  Keep meals in the freezer and re-heat with the microwave – uses less energy, and you save time.  Also, having home-cooked freezer meals cut down on the tendency to order take-out when you’re having an exceptionally busy day.   It is possible to do this with a refrigerator’s freezer.
27. In the summer take a cold bath/wash rag to help you feel cool before bed, and keep the thermostat as high as possible or the A/C off if possible (we live in TX – its not possible).  Each degree change can save up to 3% on your energy costs!
28. In a room that has a tendency to be dark, put a mirror near the light to refract the light around the room.  One light bulb has the power of two with this trick!
29. Unplug items (toaster, shaver, cell phone charger, TV) when not in use.  Small amounts of electricity are still being used even if they are off, but plugged in.
30. Use Craig’s List to purchase used items (furniture, etc.) or freecycle or go to garage sales.  We’ve even gotten a number of items from the curb on trash day!
31. Buy paint from the “oops” counter at Home Depot or Lowes.  Also, if the color of your walls allows, add a faux finish over the existing color.  This uses a lot less paint and allows you to spruce up more rooms at a fraction of the cost.
32. Cut your cell-phone or house phone, you don’t need both.  If possible, become a single-phone family.  For long distance, calling cards are great!  You can usually find cards with under 2 cents a min!  Pay-as-you-go cell phone plans are great if you are not a big phone user.
33. Make your own household cleaners.  Vinegar, baking soda, Hydrogen peroxide, borax & bleach are all really cheap and you can make any and every household cleaner from laundry detergent to the equivalents of Windex and Comet from mixtures of those ingredients.
34. Check your insurance.  We were able to save $600 a year when we switched companies, combined our house and auto onto the same plan, and added $500 to our deductible.
35. Get a programmable thermostat for your household heat and water heater.  You can turn the temps down an hour or two after you go to bed, or during the warmer times of the day, or the times when you typically don’t use your hot water.  No reason to heat what is not being used!

Personal:

36. Get a buzzer and cut your hubby’s hair… if possible, have a friend cut your’s… Also, longer hairstyles do not need to be maintained as frequently as shorter ones.
37. Buy clothes for your kids used – they grow out of them so fast new is not worth it!  And used usually look just as good!
38. Limit the number of toys your children are able to have in the house.  This will lower the clutter, increase the value of the toys you currently own, increase your children’s creativity as they learn to play with less, and also will decrease spending on toys.
39. Try home remedies before Doctor visits.  Those co-pays can add up and its amazing how a humidifier, Vitamin C & some good ole’ rest will make the bugs go away!
40. Make gifts for holidays and birthdays, often these mean more than ones purchased at the store as they show you put time and effort into the recipient.
41. Make your own personal hygiene products (or do without).  Kimberly has a great blog documenting her withdrawl from her addiction to shampooing.
42. Cloth diaper your kiddos.  If you use this cloth diapering method your whole stash can cost less than a hundred dollars and can potentially be handed down to future kiddos.  Cloth diapering also encourages early potty-training!
43. Make your own baby food by pureeing what the rest of the family is eating, or you can use dehydrated and powdered veggies – if you like the convenience of those pricey jars.

Entertainment:

44. Eat out rarely if ever!  If you do eat out, only drink water.  Also, check your newspapers for discounts and grand openings; you can usually get more for your buck then.
45. Invite people over to your home rather than meeting them at a restaurant.  You’ll have more time to chat and if you plan your meal well, will save a bundle too!
46. Get movies for your Friday night from the library rather than Blockbuster or netflix.  They are usually free!  Also check out Hulu.  They have a number of TV shows online for free!
47. Either eliminate or see if you can combine any of the following: Internet, Television, Long-Distance, Cell Phones – We found that a calling card saves us tons on what would have been a long distance phone bill, and we get the TV shows we want through online streaming for free.
48. Set-up a baby-sitting swap with a friend who has children.  You’ll save money and know that someone “experienced” is watching your kids.
49. Find dates that are more events than just “going out to eat”.  These can sometimes save your budget and are usually more memorable.
50. See if you are near a Bass Pro shop or Cabella’s.  We take our kids there instead of the zoo.  It’s free to walk around and the stuffed animals don’t move so you actually get to see them!  Call ahead of time and be there for the fish feeding.

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Thanks to Amagill for the “money” photo!  For more “frugal reading”, check out The Homemaking Cottage – they have a great E-course!

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1. Jars of Fudge and Icecream fixings
2. Cake-in-a-Jar
3. Coffee Mixes with chocolate spoons
4. Hot Coco Mix with Chocolate dipped pretzels
5. Box of assorted cookies (Biscotti always looks fancy!)
6. Box of truffles
7. Cinnamon Roasted Nut Mix
8. Homemade Vanilla Extract – Sounds yummy!
9. Pastry Bag packages (drink mixes – they look really cute!)
10. Homemade soap – add a toy to the soap for a fun kid twist, great stocking stuffer
11. Tile Coasters
12. Glass Tile Necklace
13. Coupons of love
14. Koolaide Playdough
15. Goop
16. Make your own playdough or goop kit
17. I Spy Jars
18. Paintable Sidewalk Chalk Kit – or the paint if you know they’ll use it in a couple of weeks.
19. Snow Globes (or shaky bottles for the kids)
20. Bathtub Paint – encourage preschoolers to paint in an easy-to-clean way!
21. bottle cap magnet set, or use glass baubles like Brooke did here.
22. Sock puppets
23. Finger Puppets
24. Sock Monkey
25. Mop-Stick Horse
26. Hooded towels (or towel capes)
27. Baby leggings
28. Taggies Blanket
29. Bean Bags (with different colored and textured fabrics)
30. Geoboard
31. bracelet kit
32. Decorated Pillowcases
33. Felt Letter collection – encourage kids to practice making words.
34. Felt Shape Collection (tan travel board)
35. Homemade Crayons.  Recycle old crayons to make fun new ones!
36. Dress-up clothes
37. A family of Clothespin dolls
38. Capes – kids love them!
39. Aprons (matching mother daughter ones are always nice)
40. Necklace holder
41. Flower Hair Bow Collection
42. Placemats
43. Coasters (quilted, tea time ones, photos, curling ribbon, handprints, etc.  The possibilities are endless)
44. Handprint magnets
45. Bookmarkers (with a good book)
46. Set of homemade cards
47. Fabric Key Chains
48. Cinnamon ornaments/drawer scenters
49. Cloth napkins or hanky set
50. Crochet or knit dishcloths
51. Placemats
52. Bath Salts in a jar
53. Tote Bags
54. Knit a Scarf and Hat set
55. Date Night Kit (free babysitting coupon, bottle of wine, pasta kit, etc)
56. Make a scarf from Fabric with a simple straight-stitch (easy to sew)
57. Family calendar – Not quite “homemade” but you can have them personalized
58. Quilt or Blanket
59. Dehydrated fruit or jerky
60. Layered soup mix in a jar
61. Cookie Kit in a jar (or in bags wrapped up in a mixing bowl)
62. Pizza dough ingredients (with a jar of sauce and toppings)
63. Smores and Hot Coco Mix
64. Movie Kit (DVD or gift certificate for movie rental with popcorn, soda, candy, etc.)
65. Breakfast in a basket – include muffin mix, mugs, coffee, etc.
66. Canned Cakes or sweet breads
67. Homemade Candy (peppermint bark, Peanut brittle, Almond Roca, flavored marshmallows, etc.)
68. Applique  T-shirt, onesie, burp cloth, napkins, etc.
69. Screen print a T-shirt, tote bag, hat, etc.
70. Coupon holder with precut coupon collection (for the thrifty minded – Chelsea Said So is a great place to go to print relevant coupons off and here is a list of free samples)
71. Clove stuffed Orange Ornaments/Sachets
72. Half-Scrapbooked recipe book with a few of your favorite recipes inside and lots of room for giftee to fill it out
73. Scrapbook of your family for a distant relative (snapfish lets you make them digitally)
74. Embellished Towels (it’s amazing what a thick row of ribbon will do!)
75. Message or Photo board.  Add some photos of the person you are gifting with those they love!
76. Herb Kit (packets of seeds, dirt, a cute flower pot and a spade)
77. Make a mini-book of memories that you share with that person
78. Covered Journal/Book.  Add a flower pen for extra pizazz.  This crafty person creates covers from cereal boxes and even the carton of a Dora toy!
79. Hairbow Collection
80. Coloring wallet for the sketcher or child in your life!
81. CD mix of favorite songs
82. Fruit liqueror.
83. Canned Salsa or Pesto
84. Home-Canned Jellies or Jams
85. Homemade Paper Mache Pinata with a Styrofoam bat
86. Lip Balm
87. Cookie Cutter Windchime – Functional Art
88. Jar of Laundry Detergent and Home Cleaner Ingredients with a few bottles of essential oils (lavender and orange are great).
89. Collection of homemade buttons.
90. Holiday wreath.
91. Are you a photographer?  Offer to take a family portrait for them.
92. Make your own Dog biscuits for the dog-lover!
93. Activity Jar with ideas
94. Make a rug out of old clothes and blankets.  Here is another variation.
95. Homemade icecream ball with ingredients.
96. Do-your-own facial kit
97. Photo Book Mark (maybe add a favorite book to go along with it).
98. Personalize a clipboard with mod-podge and scrapbook paper.  Here are some great instructions.
99. Decorate a picture frame and include a photo.  Crafty Chic, has great instructions on how to make a scrapbook styled frame.
100. Let your kids go Jackson Pollock and make a canvas painting, use Fabric Markers to decorate a totebag.
101. Personalize a Children’s book, use old family photos and replace the heads of the characters.  Laminate and enjoy!

Want traditional stocking stuffer ideas?  It’s Quiet Now has a terrific list of preschooler-friendly stocking stuffers!  Thanks to Risager for photo use!

…and The Girl Creative has a number of crafts on her page!  Including numbered dice – great for preschoolers to learn double digit numbers!

Have some other homemade gifts that you’d like to share with the world?  Have gift lists or suggestions for the hardest to buy for?  Tell us about them!

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1. Air – vinegar & baking soda (gas) blowing up a balloon
2. Water -  drop a variety of items in water and see what happens, do they sink or float?
3. Earth – Go on a nature hike and identify non-living things, living things and signs of life
4. Plants – Make plant rubbings (leaves are great)
5. Bugs – Paint a symmetry butterfly picture.  Fold paper in half paint one half of the butterfly and fold over while the paint is wet to make a mirror image “butterfly”
6. Birds – Feed ducks at a local pond
7. Animals – Sound charades.  What sounds do these animals make?
8. Body – Use butcher paper and trace your body.  Cut your body parts off (make a head, torso, leg, etc.) and reattach with paper fasteners.  Now you have a body puppet.
9. Touch – Finger paint – explore with textures in different colors of paint (glitter, oatmeal, cornstarch, salt, spices, shaving cream, glue, etc.).
10. Taste – Make a food sculpture out of leftovers and then eat it.
11. Sound – Bang a pot to teach rhythm with a favorite song
12. Sight – Create spinning tops with a variety of primary colors.  What happens when the two colors mix?  What happens if there are lots of colors on the top?
13. Shapes – Make shaped buttons out of clay and small cookie cutters
14. Architecture – Try balancing a penny on a page of paper.  Is it easier if the paper is bended like a fan?  Like a book?  Cut into strips?  Woven?
15. Time/History – Make a timeline of your average day
16. Counting/matching – Play Uno – this game matches the color and the number
17. Physics – Find a hill and roll down it.  Roll other objects down the hill.  What things roll better than others?
18. Geometry – Try and fold laundry items into all circle shapes.  How can you a shirt or a towel flat and in a circle? Triangle?  Rectangle?
19. Geography – Play hide and seek with an item.  Kids have to give directions on how to find the item.

ACCK!  There are 35 weeks in the school year!  I am definitely in need of more themes!  Any suggestions?  I am compiling my activities to go along with each theme and will share them as I announce the “Theme of the week“.  Please comment or email me if you have any activity ideas to match the themes listed!

www.coupons.com
www.afullcup.com – it is like the “Grocery Game” only you don’t have to pay for it! It takes the weekly sales from your local store and matches them up against available coupons.
www.babycheapskate.com – lets you know which manufacturer has the cheapest diapers that week
http://freebies4mom.blogspot.com/ & http://www.thecouponclippers.com/ – You have to pay for it, but it is worth the savings.

Do you have any sites that you visit to help you save on your groceries? Let us know in the comments!