Summer is almost here! As school draws to a close and the days get longer and warmer, it’s smart to stock up on items you will need to conquer your biggest challenges this summer. If you wait until the last minute buying those items out of desperation brings a higher sticker price. Plus you’re more likely to make a few impulse purchases when running out to buy that “one” thing. Here are my favorite Summer Stock Ups – plus the best places to get a deal on those items.
Sunblock
If you’re not already routinely wearing your SPF 30 or higher, it’s time to get serious about skin care. If you know what you need, finding a deal on what you need isn’t too hard. Consumer Reports just released its top buys for affordable and reliable sunblock. I was excited to see a number of brands for less than $10 on the list.
How to Save More Money:
If you’re purchasing sunblock in store, you’ll want to do a search for coupons on store apps like mPerks (Meijer) and Cartwheel (Target). After you purchase, don’t forget to check apps like Savings Catcher (Walmart) or ibotta. Amazon Subscribe & Save offers significant discounts if you purchase online, too. Another option is taking advantage of the rewards program at ULTA and using one of their regular coupons, too. Right now, you can get 20% Off one qualifying item.
Last thoughts: The Mayo Clinic says that sunscreen is designed to last at its original strength for up to three years. So, don’t forget to dig through your cabinets for last year’s stash.
Defunkify
You know I LOVE my homemade laundry detergent and it saves me hundreds of dollars every year. However, during the sweaty summer months, I need to up my laundry game every once in awhile. Enter Defunkify – a delightful and economic laundry detergent I swear by for gym clothes and anything that has a little extra stank.
It is available in some stores but primarily online. It’s eco friendly and at first you may bulk at its initial price, but realize that it only takes a tiny scoop of this wonder detergent to get all the smell out of your clothes.
How to Save More Money:
I buy my Defunkify through Amazon’s Subscribe and Save Program (learn how I rock Subscribe and Save here). This drops its price from $19.99 to $16.99 and friends, I think it’s worth every single penny.
Last thoughts: I’ve also used Defunkify to take the smell out of towels I have *ahem* forgotten about in the washing machine. It’s fragrance free which is a big deal for our family.
Jewelweed Soap
A couple of summers ago, I found that as an adult I am allergic to poison ivy. As a child, I could wander through patch and never have a break out. Now, if I look at a plant, I break out all over. I tried EVERYTHING. Each and every traditional over the counter product, prescriptions, the whole nine yards. Nothing worked until a Facebook friend suggested Jewelweed Soap.
This stuff is a miracle. You can purchase it a number of places online. My favorite is here. My guess is places like Fresh Thyme, Earthfare, Whole Foods, or a natural grocery store might have some in store.
How to Save More Money:
I don’t have too many strategies to save money on this one. However, there are online tutorials for how you can make your own Jewelweed Soap if you’re DIY like that. Another quick alternative for poison ivy is to use Dawn Liquid dish soap. Poison Ivy spreads through the oil on your skin. Dawn dries up that oil. Plus, the more friction you use when washing your skin after being exposed to poison ivy, the better. Be sure to shower or bathe as soon as possible to remove that oil.
Bandages and First Aid
Summer usually equals more scraped knees in our house. Bandaids and antibacterial gel don’t ever seem like something I need until I discover we’ve run out.
How to Save More Money:
Just like sunblock, if you’re purchasing first aid supplies in store, you’ll want to do a search for coupons on store apps like mPerks (Meijer) and Cartwheel (Target). After you purchase, don’t forget to check apps like Savings Catcher (Walmart) or ibotta. Amazon Subscribe & Save offers significant discounts if you purchase online, too.
Snacks
When the kids come home for the summer months, one thing is for certain. They are hungry every single hour of every single day. No one can afford to buy all the granola bars, all the pre-bagged, chips, and all the gallons of ice cream.
How to Save More Money:
D.I.Y. is the name of the game with summer time snacks. Consider what your kids like and balance that with some healthier alternatives. Whole foods like fruits and veggies will keep them fuller for longer. Popping popcorn on the stove, making your own granola, or freezing healthy popsicles will keep everyone eating healthier and for less cash.
Last thoughts: Want the kids to be more involved with planning and preparing meals this summer? Don’t miss my $50 ALDI Summer Lunches for Kids Meal Plan. Frugal Snack Ideas might also give you some more ideas!
Get your stock up on NOW before June hits. Make memories, not money mistakes during the lazy, hazy days of summer.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
