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
44
Cheap Sneakers
Payless to Brand Hip $35 Shoes
43
DIY Screen Printing
The Yudu Machine Makes Sweet Custom T-Shirts
42
Cardboard Origami Shelters
The Tine Hovsepian 'Cardborigami' Unfolds for the Homeless
41
DIY Air Conditioning Units
The Homemade Air Conditioner is Inexpensive and Easily Assembled
40
Fierce Adhesive Fashion
These Duct Tape Dresses Stick it to Simplistic Style
39
Trash Can Couture
Simon Rasmussen Promotes Fashionable Upcycling for Spring 2011
38
Video Tape Tables
Luisa Montealegre Turns Old VHS Tapes into Awesome Tables
37
$10 Hand-Held Braille Writer
36
Thrift Store Fashion Labels
Cheap Monday Launches Grunge-tastic Fall Line
35
Disposable Wedding Cakes
Credit Crunch Bridal Baked Goods for Rent
34
Cardboard Home Decor
Recession-Friendly Interior Design From Giorgio Caporaso
33
Corrugated Cat Habitats
Caboodle Eco-Friendly Cardboard Feline Furniture
32
Electric Styrofoam Appliances
The Little Fat Fridge from Promise Design
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
Optimized Movie-Goer Jackets
M&M's Dropped a Snack Jacket to Enhance the Theater Experience
Highly Affordable Fashion Launches
Kanye West Alters Prices to $20 On YEEZY SUPPLY Drop
Food Waste Sneakers
Hellmann's Canada Launched 1352: Refreshed Sneakers with Food Waste Items
Aesthetic Discount Retailer Haircare
The Crown Hair Society is Launching in Family Dollar
Festively Fashionable Cafe Kitchenwares
Starbucks Holiday Drinkware Comes in Many Styles
Chic Olympic Surfer Fashions
The Oakley Offshore Collection is for Team USA for the 2024 Olympics
Cosmetic-Toting Tumblers
The e.l.f. Cosmetics and Stanley Collab Introduces Lip Oil Holders
Exaggerated Reclaimed Leather Totes
'The Bag' by Oson is Oversized and Unstructured
Luxury Fashion Bag Charms
Miu Miu Introduces a Luxury Range of Adorable Bag Charms
Beauty Refill Pod Systems
JUNOCO Furthers Its Sustainability Efforts with a New Packaging System
Sustainable Repurposed Shirts
Olivia Wilde Unveils a New Eco-Friendly Collaboration with ThredUp
Celebrity-Backed Used Furniture Sales
Kaiyo Collaborates with Sonja Morgan from Real Housewives
Anti-Consumerism Subscription Services
The 'Nothing' Subscription Service Literally Offers Nothing
Festival-Ready Fashion Rentals
The Festival Closet by IHG x Pickle Lets Guests Rent Looks for Free
Y2K Jewelry Collabs
Claire's x Sliving Brings Paris Hilton's Style to a New Generation
Retro Sci-Fi Clothing Collections
These UNIQLO x Star Wars Styles Celebrate May the Fourth
Inclusive Singer Clothing Collections
This New Jessica Simpson Collection is Arriving at Walmart
GenAI Thrifting Tools
ThredUp's AI-Powered Shopping Tools Support Unique, Sustainable Finds
Accessible Luxury Goods Platforms
Zero Collective Makes Designer Handbags Affordable for Canadians
Meditative Trash Campaigns
Hefty's Trash Time Out Provides Support During the Holiday Season
Lighter-Holding Phone Cases
A Celeb Duo Inspired BIC EZ Reach Lighters' Hold the Phone Case
Fall Farmhouse Staples
Target Unveils a New Collaboration with Chip and Joanna Gaines
Eco Storytelling Workwear Campaigns
Patagonia's We Can Get There From Here Tells is Inspiring
Jewelry Advent Calendars
The 24 Days of Olaeda Jewelry is for Fashion-forward Women
Inclusive Beauty Campaigns
The e.l.f. 'Judge Beauty' Campaign Will be Featured at Super Bowl 2024
Repurposed Patchwork Footwear
ReImagined by UGG Gives New Life to Leftover Leathers & Suedes
Hilarious Judicial Beauty Ads
e.l.f. Cosmetics Debuts "Judge Beauty" Campaign
Actress-Inspired Fashion Collections
QVC Partners with Jennie Garth on the 'Me' Collection
Celebratory Hazelnut Spread Jackets
The Nutella Zip-Up Marks the Brand's 60th Anniversary
Retail Overconsumption Campaigns
Coachtopia's 'The Wasted Parts' Explores Overconsumption Culture
City-Inspired Glasses
GlassesUSA.com Launches Champion Eyewear Collection for Urban Lifestyles
Best-Selling Adaptive Apparel
Anthropologie Launches a New Adaptive Apparel Capsule
Fantastical Hyper-Utility Fashion Liness
Outlier's Fall 2024 is Titled IDEAS 7 - Dirty Dirty Jobs
Regenerative Designer Fashion Shows
eBay will Host an 'Endless Runway' Showcasing Pre-Loved Looks
Grocery-Themed Holiday Cosmetics
Benefit Cosmetics Presents the Playful Benemart Collection
Anti-Shrinkflation Pizza Campaigns
Domino's MOREflation Will Offer More Food for the Same Price
Festive Convertible Sweaters
The Zip-Off Holiday Sweater Celebrates Hot Pockets Going Sleeveless
Limited-Edition Makeup Carriers
Rabanne's Exclusive 1969 Makeup Clutch Bridges Beauty and Fashion
Million-Dollar Bags
Louis Vuitton's Millionaire Speedy is an Exclusive Style with a High Price Tag
Tomato-Themed Y2K Apparel
Lisa Says Gah Taps Hunt's for the 'Tomato Girl' Collaboration
Whimsical Jelly-Style Eyewear
Gentle Monster Releases the New GENTLE JELLY Collection
Beauty-Inspired Vibrant Water Tumblers
A New Collection of Quencher Tumblers Join Stanley's Roster
Second-Hand Styling Series
Channel 4 & Vinted's Second-hand Showdown Spotlights Pre-Loved Fashion
Attachable Candy-Shaped Pockets
The Christian Cowan SS 24 Collection Features Oversized Pockets
Affordable Artisan Handbags
Patricia Nash Designs Offers a Line of Artisan Handbags & Accessories
Sickness Survival Kits
The Halls Man Cold Relief Kit Helps Sufferers Get Through Cold & Flu Season
90s-Style Cosmetic Cases
e.l.f. Cosmetics x Caboodles and Laurel DeWitt Created a New 'It Bag'
Modern Women-Exploring Luxe Fashion
The Fendi SS24 Series was Unveiled on the Runways
Whimsical Garbage Bags
Staff Expands Its Collection with Playful Garbage Bags
Chic Whimsical-Film Collections
Marc Jacobs Unveils its 'The Wizard of Oz Capsule'
Heiress-Created Homeware Collections
Walmart is Launching Paris Hilton's Be An Icon Collection
Oversized Denim Campaigns
Pacsun Co-Created Better in Baggy with The Pacsun Collective
Sitcom Smartphone Accessories
The FRIENDS x CASETiFY Collection Marks the Show's 30th Anniversary
Augmented Outerwear Mirrors
Ugg's Flagship Highlights Cold Weather Apparel with a Zero10 Mirror
Nostalgic Bodycare Revivals
Lush Brought Back 45 Previously Discontinued Retro Products
Reliable Utilitarian Workwear
Carhartt Unveils Premium Workwear for Fall Season
Experiential Social Clubs
Marshalls' Good Stuff Social Club Empowers & Connects Women
Low-Cost Back-to-School Promotions
The Dollar General Back-to-School Campaign is Launching Now
Food Waste-Crafted Shoes
Frank and Oak Showcase a New Circular Zero-Waste Sneaker
Affordable Home Fragrance Collections
Dollar General Debuts a Fragrance Line with Slatkin + Co.
Lifestyle Brand Jewelry Ranges
Laura Ashley Jewelry Includes a 60-Piece Collection
Vintage Americana Fall-Ready Fashion
Universal Works Unveils Far From Memphis for FW23
Whisky-Filled Stockings
Fireball's Slappable Whisky Stocking Helps to Alleviate Holiday Stress
Sheepskin Grocery Store Clogs
The UGG Tazz X EREWHON Clogs Pay Homage to Los Angeles
Retro 3D-Printed Bags
Coperni's CD-PLAYER Swipe Bag Resembles a Portable Music Player
Nostalgic Fragrance Campaigns
Impulse & Frankie Bridge Faithfully Recreated Iconic 90s Looks
Accessible Fashion Tours
The Walmart Style Tour Shares Personalized Color Analysis & Styling Tips
Festively Branded Sweater Collections
Unilever and notjust Collaborated on Christmas Jumpers
Artist-Inspired Lifestyle Collections
Dumbgood Releases a Range, Inspired by Paul Frank
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Fashion-Forward Grocery Totes
The Latest Waitrose x Lulu Guinness Tote is Made of Recycled Plastic
Functional Accessible Leather Bags
HOBO Offers Stylish Leather in Belt Bag, Tote, and Sling Bags
Wasteful Shopping Billboards
Not On The High Street's Billboards Highlight a "Don't Gift Guide"
Handpicked Vintage Collections
Thrift+ Launchers a New Partnership to Source Vintage Fashion
Low-Cost Country Star Housewares
The Dollar General Dolly Parton Collection Has Around 50 Items
Racism-Combatting Handbag Designs
Grey Brazil Has Designed the Anti-Racist Handbag
Ohio-Based Refill Stores
Reduce & Reuse Refillery Helps Save Money and Reduce Packaging Waste
Product-Packed Beauty Tote Bags
The Fenwick Summer Beauty Tote Has Handpicked Beauty Products
Low-Cost Cereal Promotions
The Lucky Charms 60th Anniversary is Being Celebrated with $0.60 Boxes
Adorable Character Merchandise Offers
The Line Friends Store Launched Black Friday Deals
Gorpcore-Inspired Retailer Fashions
The ALDI Fall Merch Collection is Arriving with Many Styles
Paranormal Cartoon Apparel
JOURNAL STANDARD and Ghostbusters Release a Vintage Apparel Capsule
Purpose-Driven Popcorn Snacks
Gourmet Popcorn is on a Mission to Create Jobs
Minimal Affordable Sub-Labels
Target Presents its Own No-Frills Brand with Minimal Design
Revamped Private Label Ranges
The Target up&up Collection Has Been Expanded and Updated
Stress Reduction Finance Apps
The 'MoneyCoach' App Takes the Anxiety Out of Money Management
Reassuring Job Search Tools
YANA Helps Job Seekers Feel Less Alone in Today's Job Market
Artful Illusory Ads
giffgaff's Large-Scale Illusion Artwork Challenges Inattentional Blindness
Wasteful Fashion Campaigns
Vestiaire Collective Reminded People to Shop Mindfully on Black Friday
Playful Eco-Friendly Tech Accessories
The Samsung Eco-Friends Collection Has 55 Products
Small-Format Retailers
Nordstrom’s Small-Format Strategy 'Closer to You' is Expanding Until 2025
Income-Centric Animated Comedies
Universal Basic Guys Follows Two Characters Earning 3k Monthly
Scuffed-Detailed Fall-Centric Boots
The Elder Statesmen Presents a New UGG Collaboration Series
Wax Jacket Rental Services
Barbour Teams Up with Oxfam at Glastonbury on a Charitable Initiative
Blockbuster Shopping Campaigns
Walmart Reunited the Mean Girls Cast for Its Black Friday Ads
Lucrative Sunglasses Promotions
Neven Offers a Buy-One-Get-Two-Free Promotion
Luxury Consignment Services
eBay Offers Luxury Consignment for Designer Handbags
Affordable Deadstock Apparel
SHEIN Ventures Into Sustainable Production with a 30-Piece Capsule
Low-Cost Thanksgiving Grocery Deals
The ALDI Thanksgiving Basket Feeds 10 for Less Than $47
Small Business Grants Program
eBay Kicks Off Its Fifth Annual Up & Running Grants Program
Gargantuan Sustainable Jeans
These Gigantic Jeans Will Be Upcycled Into Other Products
Sustainable Festival Pop-Ups
Barbour and Oxfam Debut a Sustainable Rental Pop-Up at Glastonbury
Shared Fashion Pop-Ups
eBay UK is Inviting Love Island Fans to Shop the Nation’s Shared Wardrobe
Affordable Lifestyle Directories
'I Have This Friend' Makes Aspirational Living More Accessible
Environmentally Friendly Joint Furniture
FLOR and ECONYL Join Forces on a New Collection
Low-Cost Holiday Retailer Guides
The Dollar General Holiday Toy Guide Has Options Under $20
Youth Intern Social Stunts
Louis Vuitton Hires a 13 Year Old Intern After Sketches Went Viral
Celebrity-Backed Vacation Collections
Joe Fresh and Roxy Earle Launch a Vacation Capsule
Savvy Personal Finance Platforms
'Savewise' Personal Finance Tools Helps Maximize Every Dollar
Short Film-Inspired Ads
Apple’s New ‘The Underdogs’ Ad Features Various Apple Products
Joy-Inspired Beauty Campaigns
Ulta Beauty Launches the Joy Project, a Ground-Breaking Study
Meaningful Jewelry Gifts
Bluboho X Fashionista Introduce a Timeless Gift for Your Future Self
Convenience Chain Golf Collections
7-Eleven Unveils its new Convenience Tour Golf Collection
Closet-Clearing Challenges
Traid's Closet Clear-out Challenge Boosts Garment Donations
Festive Grocer Product Lists
These Seasonal ALDI Finds Have Been Unveiled for the Holidays
Discount Retailer Rewards Apps
Poundland's 'Poundland Perks' Program Unlocks Exclusive Discounts
Outrageous Toe-Like Sandal Charms
Crocs Introduces the Polarizing Toe Jibbitz for its Shoes
Actress-Backed Retail Giveaways
The Target Circle Holiday Giveaway Stars Hilary Duff
Money-Saving Holiday Meal Deals
The Kroger Freshgiving Meal Feeds 10 for Less Than $5 Each
Hobby-Funding Sweepstakes
Starburst's Pink Passion Protection Program Fuels Creativity with Cash
Kitschy Private Label Kitchenwares
These New LIDL Kitchenwares Come in Many Affordable Options
Third-Party Coupon Providers
Instacart Taps Ibotta to Provide Customers with Digital Coupons
Money-Saving Grocery Apps
Schnuck Markets and Upside Launch a Co-Branded App for Rewards
Curated Autumnal Retailer Collections
ALDI Finds for September Help Shoppers Kick Off Fall
Parental Guidance Shopping Apps
The 'Auggie' App Connects Experienced Parents to New Ones
Holiday Meal Savings Campaigns
The Dollar General 'Decked Out In Deals' Campaign is Cost-Conscious
April Fool's Lifestyle Collections
Nugget Introduced Its 'Most Trendiest - High Endiest' Line Yet
Teacher Appreciation Giveaways
GIMME Beauty's Back-To-School Campaign Focuses on Teachers
Wedding Day Emergency Kits
The Stylish Bride Aims to Alleviate Wedding Day Anxieties with This Kit
Grocery Store Ad Spots
Morrisons, the UK Supermarket Chain, Celebrates Its Low Pricing in This Ad
Accessible Festive Grocer Products
The ALDI Holiday Assortment Has Over 70 New Items
Last-Minute Gifting Ads
Uber Eats' Money Can Buy You Class Features RHoNY Stars
Luxury Resale Memberships
Rebag's Rebag+ Membership Offers Unprecendented Flexibility
Back-to-School Retailer Discounts
The Asda Mega Event Price Drop Offers Savings for Students
Temporary Retirement Sweepstakes
Coors Light is Helping Adults to Experience the Retiree Life
Money-Saving Shopping Extensions
The Karma Extension Tracks Price Drops for Online Shoppers
Personal Financial Assistants
Timmy Offers Tailored Suggestions to Improve Spending Habits
Tax Season Cocktails
TGI Fridays is Serving The Tax Break to Alleviate Adult Stresses
Discount Retailer Promotions
The Poundland 'Price Pounders' Campaign Focuses on Cost Savings
Trucker Gear Collections
The American Association of Owner Operators Debuts a New Line