10 Indulgences for Mom for $10 or Less

Dear Moms,

I hope that you are treating yourselves right. Sometimes it’s difficult to remember that you are a separate entity from your family (well, it is for me anyway) and that it’s absolutely ok to treat yourself to something every once in a while. It’s amazing how the little things mean so much.

So here’s a list of little indulgences that can be enjoyed for $10 or less – the right amount to spend to treat yourself without making a huge dent in your pocketbook.

10. Monthly Subscription Boxes

I discovered subscription boxes a little over a year ago and I love them. Two of my favorites are only $10 a month! Birchbox is one of the original beauty boxes, and at $10, it’s a great way to treat yourself to a skincare, haircare, makeup and perfume samples. If you love what you’ve received, you can order full sized versions from their shop. There are often incentives to join. (try googling “Birchbox promo codes” to see what’s out there.) Ipsy is another inexpensive subscription that includes a monthly bag containing 4-5 beauty products. The products contained in ipsy bags are a mix of deluxe samples as well as full sized products. (For more subscription box ideas, check out this post!)

9. Bubble Bath

When I do get time to myself, there is nothing more relaxing to me than a good soak in my garden tub. My go-to bubble bath is Avon. It’s normally right at $8 a bottle, but Avon often runs sales; the most recent I saw was 2 bottles for $9.99. Pair a bottle of bubble bath with my next two indulgences, and you’ve got a winning evening in my book.

8. Magazines

I try not to let my magazines accumulate, but I subscribe to a ton. You can often find deals on LivingSocial and Groupon for good deals on subscribing to your favorites. Single copies of magazines are cheapest at Sam’s Club (where they are discounted off of the cover price), or organize a swap with friends who don’t subscribe to the ones that you do! There are magazines for all sorts of interests; from celebrity gossip to parenting tips.

7. Wine

I am not a connoisseur by any stretch. I pick wine by its funny name or interesting label. Many tasty varieties hover around the $7 mark.

6. Netflix

Netflix has been my saving grace over the last few weeks, since having a baby. We have our account set up with separate profiles for my husband, myself and the children, and I love the fact that my list is populating by what I’ve watched already. It’s awesome to pick up the remote and easily find a favorite in the middle of the night while I’m nursing my newborn. Plans start at $7.99 a month.

5. Smoothies

I discovered Tropical Smoothie Cafe during my last pregnancy, and often indulged in these tasty fruity treats. Most of them are $5 or less (with tax), and contain yummy blends of fruits and yogurt. Warning: they are NOT diet friendly! (Or you can make your own!)

4. Scratch Off Lottery Tickets

Yes, it’s gambling, but as a very occasional treat, a scratch off lottery ticket is a fun little indulgence. Plus the proceeds go towards education. And you never know, you might actually win! (fingers crossed)

3. Ice Cream

I’ve always been a big advocate of spending a premium price on a small amount of ice cream because once I eat it, it’s gone. No high calorie temptations hanging around in the freezer calling out my name in the middle of the night! Cold Stone Creamery’s “Love it” size is $4.79 with tax, and the Columbiana Drive location offers a punch card for frequent visits. (I’ve finally earned a freebie!)

2. Nail Polish/Lip Balm/Hand Cream

There is something about a new color, a new fragrance, a new FEEL that can make you feel like a new YOU. These items are in abundance from the ultra cheap Dollar Store purchase to the refined Bath & Body Works (or higher quality). It’s easy to find an indulgence in this category for $10 or less.

1. Coffee

There are many chain locations for coffee in Columbia, but if you want a truly delicious deluxe coffee beverage, you must try a Mayan Mocha from Loveland Coffee in Irmo. It’s spicy, rich, and indulgent, and less than $5 for a medium. If you are in the downtown or 5 Points area, definitely stop into Drip. Handmade coffee from scratch as you wait, the quality and taste are far above many of the other places you’ll find in Columbia. We recommend the Honey Vanilla Latte – definitely not something you’ll find at your chain coffee shop – and at less than $5 for a large, your wallet doesn’t have to feel guilty.

So, moms, please don’t neglect yourselves. You work hard, you play hard, and you deserve a treat every now and again.

How do you indulge yourself? Leave us your ideas in the comments!