10 Splurges for Under $10.00

Today's economy may be a bit challenging. Companies and people are cutting back on expenses and even eliminating some things completely. However, this is no reason to deprive yourself from an occasional treat. The following list is to give you some great and inexpensive ideas on how to give yourself a little "pick me up" boost for under $10.00.

1. Buy a bagful of goodies from your local dollar store like Dollar Tree or the 99 Cent Only store. These types of stores are a treasure drove of knickknacks that cost only a dollar each. You can buy up to 9 items and even with sales tax added your total will be under $10.00

2. Check out Susie's Deals. Everything in the store is $5.99 or less, and they have locations throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and Utah. They carry clothing items for the whole family and many times they have items on sale for under $5.00. Nothing makes a person feel nicer than some new clothes.

3. A sparkly new accessory, like earrings, a ring, or bracelet. Low cost accessories can be found at major retailers like Walmart and Target. It's even more fun to go to the big department stores at the mall when they are having a sale. Many stores like Macy's or Kohl's not only offer sales, but sometimes they have sales where the clearance items are marked up to 80% off the lowest marked price.

4. Pick up a new book. Many retailers like Barnes & Noble or Borders have clearance sections in their stores. It's easy to find books under $10.00 at these locations. This is also gives you a great opportunity to pick up a book from an unfamiliar author. You never know what you will find, and who knows you may discover a writer who really "talks" to you.

5. Pamper yourself with a manicure. Most salons offer manicures for under $10.00. It's always nice and relaxing to let someone else pay attention to your needs.

6. Treat yourself to a bag of gourmet coffee. Instead of spending $5.00 or more on a single cup of gourmet coffee, buy a whole bag of coffee to enjoy at home or at work. There are so many different types of coffees available now that your biggest problem will be choosing which coffee to indulge in and not whether or not you can find a gourmet coffee.

7. Godiva Chocolate. Does anything "scream" luxury and decadence more than some rich, velvety chocolate, like Godiva? This is definitely a yummy escape "from your everyday life" via your mouth.

8. eBay is another great place to find deals on all kinds of items for under $10.00 (just be aware of the shipping charges).

9. Candles in all shapes and sizes. Candles come in a full array of shapes, sizes and scents. A few candles placed in your bathroom and around your bathtub will make you feel like your in a spa rather than "just" your bathroom.

10. An adventure. Pack a lunch and take a day trip somewhere nearby you've wanted to explore. However, don't you do the driving. Instead take a city bus or a metrorail to somewhere you've never been or haven't been to in a long time. This can be fun, relaxing and maybe even a little educational. Most buses cost under $2.00 and many offer day passes that cost around $5.00. This is a great way to spend a day just relaxing.