It’s tax time- and that means for many of us, TAX RETURNS! Not always easy to know what to do with $3229 (the average US tax refund amount). Our friends at Straight Talk know how important it is to families to get the most bang for their buck and optimize those returns…they sent me a “ tax return” gift card to shop for some things to treat “myself” and my family. You can, of course, get the latest and greatest smartphones and Straight Talk accessories at your local Walmart store, plus you can also pick up some fun activities and splurges for yourself- or your family. This post about treating yourself with your tax return is brought to you by our friends at Straight Talk. Opinions are my own.
I decided that since I recently did treat myself to a pedicure and have a birthday coming up on Mother’s Day, that I really wanted to focus on finding some items to treat my whole family to some extra fun this summer. Things that will encourage time spent together, exploring and making new memories. (For a fleeting moment, that WiiU console was tempting me, but the great outdoors is more tempting and will last longer…)
I went to our local Walmart store last week to get some fun surprises for our family. We tend to spend most of our time outdoors in warmer weather, even for meals- we have a large screened in porch that most of our meals are eaten at. I wanted to look for some ways to have fun outside, for all of our family members. One thing we’ve been wanting to start doing more now that the kids are getting to a more independent age and stage is to do camping trips and also some newer outdoor activities we can enjoy together. Walmart has a ton of camping supplies, and we were able to grab some cots and sleeping bags so that we can each have our own, and not borrow from friends every time we end up camping.
I also grabbed a croquet set for some family fun. I vaguely remember having a croquet set as a kid, but we spent most of our summers on an island on Lake Winnipesaukee and we didn’t have “yard” to speak of, only woods on an incline, so there weren’t yard games to play. The day I met my husband’s family, we played croquet- and have continued to do so frequently at family gatherings through the years. We’re excited to have a set for our own house, so we can teach our kids to play (and win- my husband’s family is very competitive).
Other items I grabbed for some fun ways to treat ourselves to family time: cool kites, some water balloon launchers (for warmer days) and a Y Fliker scooter. Those are fun for ALL ages. Now we just need a really nice day to get these adventures started!
valerie g says
We are looking at getting one of these for my daughter since adding her to my plan would cost more.
Alena Belleque says
We’re going to Montana (where we grew up) for a wedding, and staying a week after that for our first family vacation. If we were to win this giveaway, we’d stay at a nice lodge near Flathead Lake.
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says
Perfect time for getting a new line! I know many that are using their tax return money for new service!
Emily says
We use our tax returns to help pay down any bills we incurred over the year, and then put some in a fund for a vacation.
Dogvills says
I have heard such great things about Straight Talk. I am slowly trying to get all of my family out of the big networks and contracts we are in and into these better priced plans.
Vera sweeney says
I have heard great things about straight talk wireless!! I love that you got outdoor stuff for your family with your tax return!
Sarah @ Must Have Mom says
This looks like an awesome plan! I’m going to keep this in mind for my teens, since they’ve been asking for phones.
Allie D. says
Since we just bought a house this past fall, we are spending our tax return on our very first home improvement project. I know that my sister spent some of her tax return getting her son his very first Straight Talk phone. He is getting more responsible, so she thought it would be good to reward him with his first phone. He was pretty psyched to get it.
Danielle says
I don’t get to treat myself this year. It’s the first year I have ever owed, but it’s because 2014 was the first year I had only self employment income. Oh well…
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I have never played croquet before. I bet my kids would love playing this game!
Shauna says
I tell you, it has been some time since I have treated myself. Sounds like you did a great job and got some great items. Thanks for sharing.
Liz Mays says
You guys are in for a ton of fun this year! Croquet can be a lot of fun on a hot day!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I am so bad about not treating myself, but I will treat my family. W had to buy a car with our refund, but a new phone would have been nice!
Chelley @ AisForAdelaide says
I am not treating myself this year… but we did pay off some CC- which is awesome! …we’re hoping to sell our house and buy something bigger- so I guess less debt is a treat!
Ann Bacciaglia says
This year i am going to go to a spa and have a massage. I will have to use the rest to pay off some bills.
Amy Desrosiers says
I wish I did not have to pay back! It would be awesome to get a refund to spend as I choose.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
It’s been years since i got a return, but it’s always a dream of mine to get one. Not sure what I’d spend it on but hopefully something just for me!
Jennifer says
That’s an awesome giveaway! I’d put that money exactly where I put my real return: Bills and savings.
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
That sounds like an awesome plan. Maybe for my son when he is a little older.
Kelsey Apley says
I know a lot of people use Straight Talk, my sister is one of them and likes it and is very affordable!!! We are using our tax return to go towards down payment for new home we are buying!