It has been a rough few years for the economy, with the recession and increased unemployment rate of 9.6%. With around 95,000 jobs lost in September 2010 alone, this news is causing quite the commotion.
Though an unemployment rate of 9.6% may not affect Oprah or Lady Gaga, the unemployment rate is not unlikely to have hit home. These featured inexpensive purchases will help you through tough times. From penny jewelry to trash can couture, these frugal finds will make you and your wallet smile.
44 Frugal Finds
Sure to Come in Handy for the Increased Unemployment Rate of 9.6%:
Armida Ascano — Oct 8, 2010 — Eco
42
Cheap Sneakers
Payless to Brand Hip $35 Shoes
41
DIY Screen Printing
The Yudu Machine Makes Sweet Custom T-Shirts
40
Cardboard Origami Shelters
The Tine Hovsepian 'Cardborigami' Unfolds for the Homeless
39
DIY Air Conditioning Units
The Homemade Air Conditioner is Inexpensive and Easily Assembled
38
Fierce Adhesive Fashion
These Duct Tape Dresses Stick it to Simplistic Style
37
Trash Can Couture
Simon Rasmussen Promotes Fashionable Upcycling for Spring 2011
36
Video Tape Tables
Luisa Montealegre Turns Old VHS Tapes into Awesome Tables
35
Thrift Store Fashion Labels
Cheap Monday Launches Grunge-tastic Fall Line
34
Disposable Wedding Cakes
Credit Crunch Bridal Baked Goods for Rent
33
Cardboard Home Decor
Recession-Friendly Interior Design From Giorgio Caporaso
32
Corrugated Cat Habitats
Caboodle Eco-Friendly Cardboard Feline Furniture
31
Penny Jewelry
Coin Accessories for Fashionable Recessionistas
30
Recession Conscious Footwear
Uniqlo Shoes is the Latest from the Japanese Mega-Retailer
29
Solar Parking Garages
The Car Arc Solar Shelter Harnesses Solar Energy for e-Technologies
28
Recyclable Folding Cardboard Stool
Flat mate
27
Paper Bag Fashion
Sasha Pivovarova Wears High Fashion Scraps for W Magazine
26
Recession-Proof Cars?
Lexus HS250 Hybrid Projected to Sell 25,000 Units in First Year
25
Office Supply Couture
The Giles Fall 2010 Line Utilizes Everyday Materials
24
Frugal Vegan Photoblogs
Melody Polakow Shares How to Make Healthy Meals for $3.33/Day
23
DIY Laptop Blankets
Ars Technica Shows You How to Turn Your Favorite Blanky into a Useful Case
22
Frugal Lamp Design
Bic Pens Light Fixtures
21
$1 Starbucks + Free Refill
Starbucks Fights to Keep up with McDonalds
20
Recession-Proof Drugs
Sleeping Pills and Antidepressants Are Immune to Economy
19
Recession-Proof Footwear
Shoes for Crews Flourishes During Economic Downturn
18
Pet Recession Blankets
Snuggie Dog Matches Owners' Snuggies, Keeps Pooches Warm
17
DIY Presents
Budget-Friendly Holiday Gifts
16
Extreme Self-Sufficiency
Glue Assisted DIY Hair Transplant for Male Pattern Baldness
15
iPads as Bookends
Dominic Wilcox's iBookends ‘For the End of Books'
14
Credit Crunched Toys
The Secret Life of Toys Proves That Action Figures Feel the Recession Too
13
Modern Recession Recipes
Budget-Friendly Ways to Beat Hunger
12
Recession Era Toys
Discovery Paper Recycling Studio Is An Eco-Friendly, Fun DIY
11
Automotive Algae Fuel
Bill Gates Funds Sapphire Energy
10
Recession-Proof Flea Markets
Troubled Times Make Brooklyn Flea More Popular Than Ever
9
Unemployment Tomatoes
Colorado Man Continues Family Tradition to Ease Hard Times
8
Inexpensive 3D Camcorders
The Aiptek 3D Camcorder Turns a Regular Joe into James Cameron
7
Group-Based Deal Delivery
Groupon.com's Discounts Encourage Word-of-Mouth Promos
6
Revivals of Secondhand Books
Used Book Sales Surge During Tough Economic Times
5
Brewable Water Purifiers
Nanofiber-Lined Tea Bags are Efficient, Inexpensive and Easy to Use
4
Crowd-Funded Startups
Outvesting Helps Irish Companies Using a Grassroots Approach
3
Recession-Friendly Restaurants
Potager Natural Cafe Has Mismatched Furniture & No Prices
2
Recession-Friendly Greeting Cards
Hallmark Wants You to Feel Better for Under a Dollar
1
Recession Wienies
DIY Homemade Sausages For Easy Credit Crunch Munching
Related Ideas
Homeless Support Backpacks
The Makeshift Traveler Backpack Has a Solar Panel and More
Optimized Movie-Goer Jackets
M&M's Dropped a Snack Jacket to Enhance the Theater Experience
Apparel Brand Category Expansions
Ref Jewelry Marks a Lifestyle Expansion for Reformation
Collectible Shopping Bag Charms
Jellycat Created a Limited-Edition Amuseables Space NK Bag Charm
Carryall Crochet Bags
lululemon's Cotton Crochet Shoulder Bags Embody Casual Summer Style
Extreme Insulation Winter Jackets
The Shackleton Fuchs Down Jacket is Rated to Survive the Rockies
Playfully Nostalgic Pink Apparel
Juicy Couture x Madhappy Debut a Limited-Edition Collection
Cozy Streetwear Cartoon Collections
The UGG x Palace x Looney Tunes Capsule is Playful
Nostalgic Crayon-Inspired Jewelry
Nadine Ghosn Crayola Pack Collab Debuts as Limited Edition
Luxury Fashion Bag Charms
Miu Miu Introduces a Luxury Range of Adorable Bag Charms
Cosmetic-Toting Tumblers
The e.l.f. Cosmetics and Stanley Collab Introduces Lip Oil Holders
Luxury Handbag Subscription Tiers
Zero Collective Offers the Handbag Club Membership
Luxury Sparkling Tote Bags
Swarovski celebrates 130 years with tote bag and juice collaboration
Pre-Owned Travel Collections
Rimowa Re-Crafted Turns Dents into Desirability with Vintage Luggage
Fashionable Eyewear Collections
Specsavers Canada Embraces Projected Fashion Trends in 2026
Luxury MP3 Player Purses
The Louis Vuitton Music Player Wearable Wallet Arrives This Spring
Luxe Supermarket Minimal Fashion
Erewhon Supermarket and Merci Join on a Special Capsule
Y2K Jewelry Collabs
Claire's x Sliving Brings Paris Hilton's Style to a New Generation
Grocery Store Merch Ranges
The ALDI Spring Apparel Collection Has Items for the Whole Family
Wellness Swap Pop-Ups
Bragg's Trendy Trade-In Helped People Exchange Fads for ACV
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
Y2K Aesthetic-Inspired Apparel
The Gloomy Bear X Sophie Powers Collection is Edgy and Cute
Elegant Everyday Bag Designs
The Fendi Way Handbag Collection is Luxurious and Ultra-Chic
Circular Runway Fashion Events
eBay Endless Runway Brings Pre-Loved Styles to Fashion Capitals
Glamorous Party-Ready Accessories
LarAllan Presents Statement Bags for the Holidays
Party-Ready Collectible Bags
BuzzBagz is the First-Ever Limited Accessory Drop from BuzzBallz
Private Label eCommerce Groceries
Amazon Grocery Will Feature Over 1,000 items with Many Under $5
Millennial Pink-Inspired Apparel
UNIQLO Features Practical Spring Pieces in Signature Pink Hues
Playful Dry Shampoo Collabs
Odele x Susan Alexandra Launch the ‘Touch-Ups To Go’ Bag Charm Set
Accessible Luxury Goods Platforms
Zero Collective Makes Designer Handbags Affordable for Canadians
Affordability-Focused Game-Day Campaigns
Kroger Offers Discounts on Snacks, Beverages & Foods
Winterized Clog Designs
The Birkenstock Utility Felt Pack Features Wool and Leather Details
Potato-Inspired Jackets
Aldi's Jacket Potato Jacket Pays Tribute to a Top-Selling Comfort Food
Retail Overconsumption Campaigns
Coachtopia's 'The Wasted Parts' Explores Overconsumption Culture
Whisky-Filled Stockings
Fireball's Slappable Whisky Stocking Helps to Alleviate Holiday Stress
Fashionable Tequila Accessories
Kendall Jenner's Tequila Brand Dropped 818 Minis for 8.18 Day
Crystal-Studded Grocery Totes
Swarovski and Erewhon Partnered for a New Accessory and Juice
Toy-Inspired Jewelry Collections
The Polly Pocket x Nadine Ghosn Collection is Made with 18K Gold
Glam Pet Adoption Pop-Ups
Uber Showcats Puts a Spotlight on Rescued Cats Available for Adoption
Gen Z Concept Stores
UO Insiders Insights Informed the UO x Glendale Store Experience
Urban Deconstructed Fashion
The Louther x Carhartt WIP FW25 Capsule Reimagines Workwear Staples
Meditative Trash Campaigns
Hefty's Trash Time Out Provides Support During the Holiday Season
Daily Style Accessible Fashion
The Demi Lovato x Amazon Essentials Line Offers Chic Staples
Grocery-Themed Holiday Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics Presents the Playful Benemart Collection
Unique Goggle Glasses
Walton Goggins Brings Style and Innovation with His Goggle Glasses Brand
Stylish Poppy-Inspired Cooler Bags
Out of the Woods Debuts the Poppy Collection
Crocheted Condiment Covers
Heinz's Grandma’s Darling Campaign Dresses Up Mayo Jars
Fashion Rental Partnerships
Lulu Guinness X By Rotation Bring Iconic Handbags to the Scene
Stylish Iridescent Coffee Carriers
Costa Coffee Spring Merchandise Comes in Several Styles
Pre-Loved Wardrobe Auctions
From the Collection: Emma Chamberlain Brings Coveted Styles to eBay
Limited-Edition Makeup Carriers
Rabanne's Exclusive 1969 Makeup Clutch Bridges Beauty and Fashion
2000s Rom-Com-Inspired QSR Capsules
Auntie Anne’s Launches Y2K-Inspired Holiday Merchandise
90s-Style Cosmetic Cases
e.l.f. Cosmetics x Caboodles and Laurel DeWitt Created a New 'It Bag'
Practical Valentine's Candies
Sweethearts Conversation Hearts Share "Love in This Economy" Phrases
Chic Whimsical-Film Collections
Marc Jacobs Unveils its 'The Wizard of Oz Capsule'
Valentine's Jewelry Exchanges
The JCPenney Ex-Change Turns Once-Loved Pieces into a Fresh Start
Essential Shopping eCommerce Promotions
Amazon Everyday Essentials Week Will Offer Up to 40% Off
Smartphone-Integrated Water Bottles
frank green’s Emotional Support Bottle Features an iPhone Air
Statement-Making Oatmeal Outfits
Quaker Oats Debuted a Porridge Dress at London Fashion Week
Character-Driven Fashion Newsletters
The RealReal Creates The RealGirl Luxury Consignment Series
Luxury Handbag Dupes
The 'Wirkin' Bag is Redefining Affordable Luxury and Dupe Culture
Makeup Vending Machines
Irá Booth Offers On-the-Go Makeup with Style and Technology
Character-Inspired Beauty Tools
Conair Launches Wicked-Themed Hair Styling Collection
Whimsical Patterned Diverse Fashion
Kate Spade and Target Work Together on a New Collection
Poetic Secondhand Campaigns
Depop's Where Taste Recognizes Taste Celebrates Style Doppelgangers
Miniaturized Minimalist Pouch Packs
The UNIQLO Round Ultra-Mini Bag Comes in Many Colors
Americana Retailer Merch Ranges
The 7-Eleven Reel Convenience Range Has Apparel and Accessories
Artful Holiday Gift Sets
Marimekko Holiday Gift Sets Japan Exclusive Debut This Month
Empowering Fashion Campaigns
Coach's Spring 2025 Campaign Celebrates Personal Time Management
Female-Focused Smart Wallet Solutions
iWallet Corporation Announces the iClutch Smart Wallet
Playfully Branded Hair Clips
e.l.f. Cosmetics Joined Forces with Jenny Lemons
Kitchen Freshness Devices
The Febreze TRASH Odor Fighter Reduces Up to 99% of Trash Odors
Cartoon-Inspired Apparel Capsules
The SpongeBob SquarePants Capsule Brings Eco-Conscious Fashion
Comfortably Lined Clog Offerings
Crocs Launches ' Fuzz Fest' for Cyber Monday
PTO-Themed Vacation Competitions
siggi’s Debuts the PT-YO Challenge to Help Consumers Use Up PTO
Film-Inspired Limited-Edition Jewelry Collections
8 Other Reasons Taps Wicked: for Good for Inspo
Adorable Character Merchandise Offers
The Line Friends Store Launched Black Friday Deals
Retailer-Branded Rewards Merch Ranges
My Sheetz Rewards Program Debuted New Merch
Lifestyle Brand Jewelry Ranges
Laura Ashley Jewelry Includes a 60-Piece Collection
In-Store DIY Packaging Stations
Taco Bell UK is Uniquely Supporting Circular Fashion Sellers
Celebrity-Curated Eyewear Collections
GlassesUSA.com and Shenseea Launched a Summer Eyewear Edit
Domestic Violence Awareness Campaigns
GlassesUSA.com Joins The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Retailer-Branded Holiday Apparel
7-Eleven's New Seasonal Merchandise is Themed Around Christmas
Playful Crayon-Inspired Fashion Lines
Lee & Crayola Launch Colorful Workwear-Inspired Garments
Product-Inspired Halloween Looks
Aldi and EllaDoesFX Created a Look Inspired by Professor Peppy
Affordable Holiday-Ready Grocery Campaigns
Meijer is Making Thanksgiving More Financially Feasible
UV-Activated Sunglasses
The goodr x Cheetos Collection Shares Bold, Playful Designs for Snackers
Charity Celebrity Closet Sales
Vestiaire Collective & Paris Hilton Debut a Charity Closet Sale
Affordable Quiet Luxury Handbags
Call It Spring's Josiie Bag is Made from 100% Vegan Leather
Nourishing Comfort Kits
Bob Evans' Giveaway Helps to Alleviate the Stress of Tax Season
Interchangeable Themed Shoe Charms
Coach Debuts Shoe Charms to Captivate Gen Z Audiences
Tax-Themed Retailer Promotions
This 7-Eleven Tax Day Promotion Offers Instant Winnings
Affordable Summer Home Kitchenware
Dolly Parton Expands her Heart & Home Collection
Meaningful Jewelry Gifts
Bluboho X Fashionista Introduce a Timeless Gift for Your Future Self
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Collaboration Denim Hair Accessories
The Goody x Lee® Collection Pays Homage to Americana Style
Low-Cost Back-to-School Campaigns
Target Back-to-School-idays Offers Discounts Up to 30%
Tax Season Jeans
Jackson Hewitt's Limited-Edition Refund Jeans Hold a Tax Refund
Brand-Led Disaster Relief Efforts
COOFANDY & Others Offer Support During the Wildfires in the US
K-Pop Idol Wardrobe Auctions
JOOPITER Launches LISA: Off Duty Auction Featuring LISA's Wardrobe
Colorful Youth Fashion Collections
Joe Fresh and Life at Home™ Have Partnered with Crayola
Expanded Wellness Retail Assortments
Target Added 30% More Wellness Products to Its Shelves
New Year Retail Promotions
Target Circle Members Can Score a Complimentary Item This January
Anti-Shrinkflation QSR Initiatives
These Jack in the Box Value Deals Offer Ample Food and Drink
Coziness-Focused Winter Fashion Campaigns
Arach&Cloz Launched the 'High Five to Cozy' Campaign
Miniature Household Cleaners
The 5% Collection by Grove Co. Shares an Important Recycling Reminder
Easter-Themed Retailer Candy Deals
This 7-Eleven Easter Promotion Offers a Number of Sweet Deals
Low-Cost Thanksgiving Grocery Deals
The ALDI Thanksgiving Basket Feeds 10 for Less Than $47
Wealth Gap Pop-Ups
Oxfam's Pie Society Served the People’s Pie & Mash and The Upper Crust Special
Tailored Americana Fashion
Gap Launched Its Premium GapStudio Sub-Label with Collection 01
Grocer-Branded Merch Ranges
The EREWHON Winter 2024 Merch Collection is Here for the Holidays
Youthful Corporate-Inspired Capsules
Pacsun Drops 'The Corporate Edit'
Travel-Focused Holiday Promotions
Ricardo Beverly Hill is Running a Festive Promotion This Season
Need-Based Public Fundraising Initiatives
The Salvation Army Urges Public Support in New Campaign
Free Grocery Sweepstakes Promotions
This Grocery Outlet Program Features Two Grand Prizes
In-Store Cancer Support Programs
JCPenney and Look Good Feel Better are Hosting Workshops
Cost-Effective Confectionery Items
World of Sweets Highlights Key Easter Trends Amid Rising Costs
Wildfire Relief Luggage Donations
Ricardo Beverly Hills is Donating Luggage to Those Affected
Redesigning Restful Moments
The ANEW Project Turns Daily Objects into Mini Retreats
Low-Cost Holiday Retailer Guides
The Dollar General Holiday Toy Guide Has Options Under $20
Professional-Grade Luxury Care Products
FASHIONPHILE Launched the Investment Protection Collection
Celebrity-Fronted Luxury Bag Campaigns
Gucci Debuts 'Beauty and the Bag' with Kate Moss
Low-Cost Shirt Pop-Ups
Monzo's 1p Shop Lets Football Fans Pick Up an Official Kit for a Low Price
Skilled Trades-Supporting Brand Initiatives
Carhartt Donates Through Its For the Love of Labor
Inflation-Themed Lighters
Money-Lighter Lights Cigars with $100 Bills During Inflation Times
Phone Case Blind Boxes
CASEKOO’s Holiday Blind-Box Sale Delights Tech Enthusiasts
Discount Retailer Rewards Apps
Poundland's 'Poundland Perks' Program Unlocks Exclusive Discounts
New Year Retailer Promotions
The Tesco Everyday Low Prices Promotion Cuts 3,000 Price Points
Adventurous Summertime Retailer Promotions
The Maverik Summer Deals Prioritize Cost Savings
Expansive Child Product Ranges
The Latest Target Baby Products Will Come in Many Options
Resilience-Focused Children's Books
Savvy Suzanna Inspires Young Entrepreneurs with Creativity
Spring Break Diner Bags
Denny's Spring Break Pass Fanny Packs Offer Free Food for Spring Break
Low-Cost Autumnal Accessory Ranges
The Meijer Halloween Collection is Priced at $10 or Less
Satirical Feminist-Forward Ads
A Spotlight on Underpaid Women Shakes Up Belgium’s Employee Day
Smart Spending Tools
Affordability Calculator Helps You Evaluate True Cost Of Purchases
Nostalgic Slap Bracelet Giveaway
The Human Bean Gives Slap Bracelets With its 90s-Inspired Drinks
Affordable Easter Meals
Kroger Delivers a Curated Holiday Meal at Under Six Dollars Per Person
Specialized Industrial Workwear Donations
RefrigiWear Contributes to Disaster Relief Efforts
Long-Term Food Insecurity Efforts
Jack and Jill of America Debut a 100,000-Hour Service Challenge
Trucker Gear Collections
The American Association of Owner Operators Debuts a New Line