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Home > General > Topics:  Shopping Tips
15 Treats You Can Buy for Under $5

Submitted by: Tip Hero  01/30/2012 10:30 AM
 
Here at Tip Hero, we're always talking about ways to do things more cheaply, or better yet, for free. However, everyone needs the occasional splurge. That doesn't mean that blowing hundreds of dollars at the mall is a smart thing to do when you're in the mood to treat yourself. Sometimes, just $5 or less can go a long way when a little pick-me-up is in order. Here are some of Wise Bread's best ideas:



  • The Ubiquitous Latte: the cost of buying a latte everyday will definitely add up quickly, but the occasional latte as a treat or pick-me-up is another story. Feeling like you need a yummy treat or going out with a friend for a quick date? Opt for a latte at your favorite coffee shop.

  • Fresh Flowers: though these don't last very long, they're a nice thing to splurge on once in a while. Of course having a garden would allow you to have flowers at your disposal. But if you aren't growing flowers, less than $5 for a fresh bouquet to brighten your day could be money well-spent.

  • An Accessory: if you're in the mood to splurge on shopping, why not consider getting an inexpensive accessory? At a discount store like TJ Maxx or Marshall's, or at a thrift store, you could easily walk away with a scarf, belt or piece of costume jewelry for less than $5. And that little thing might just be enough to satisfy your shopping craving...for now.

  • Used Books: sure, you can check books out of the library, but sometimes you can score several books at a used book store for less than $5 that you can keep, mark-up, highlight, etc.

  • A Cheap Show: whether it's a comedy or theater show where "donations are accepted," or a local bar where a band is playing where there's a $5 cover, the occasional cheap show is a great way to splurge and enjoy a couple of hours of entertainment.


What are your favorite things that you can buy typically for under $5?



For more ideas, head over to Wise Bread's 15 Fun Things to Buy for Under $5.
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Comments:
 
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I buy myself a ticket to an afternoon movie at our $1 movie. I have to wait for blockbuster movies but I really enjoy the movie when it costs less.
 
Posted by GwenDee on February 03, 2012 9:30 PM
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1) Rent a movie from the local video store for about $4, or from the Redbox for $1. (That's assuming you can't find it at the library for free.)
2) Buy yourself a new song on iTunes or Amazon.com for a buck.
3) Chocolate--the good stuff. Skip the supermarket checkout and try the natural foods store for organic, Fair Trade, luxury brands like Divine or Dagoba. Trader Joe's also has an organic "truffle" bar for only two bucks.
4) Skip the cut flowers and get a houseplant that you can enjoy all year. This time of year, you can find lots of them at home centers, garden centers and even supermarkets.
5) Dollar store shopping spree. Hey, everything's a dollar, so everything is fair game. Balloons, tchotchkes, glassware, candles, a box of crayons, whatever takes your fancy--any five items you like will fit within your $5 budget. (Okay, *four* items if you include the sales tax.)
 
Posted by haverwench on February 04, 2012 10:50 AM
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My favorite treats you can buy for under $5:
A 20 ct box of Stash Chai tea.
A bottle of bubble bath liquid, a dark chocolate bar and a small scented candle.
A bottle of Barefoot or Sutter Home wine.
A Redbox movie, a pack of microwave popcorn and a can of soda pop.
A bottle of scented lotion from Bath & Bodyworks.
A variety of herb seeds to plant.
12oz of ground Seattle's Best coffee.
A lovely houseplant.
A used paperback.
Krusteax Scone Mix and raspberry preserves.
Simply Orange Juice and inexpensive champagne.
A bottomless strawberry lemonade at Red Robin.




 
Posted by blingingqueenbee on February 05, 2012 3:24 AM
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I just bought two handmade silk roses (two for $5) from a guy selling them door-to-door who needs to feed his family. Times are tough in the current economy and it makes me feel good to help someone out without breaking my tight budget, plus I treated myself to a Valentine's gift!
 
Posted by jreedstocker on February 11, 2012 7:52 AM
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