Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Shopping and Coupons

Get Rakuten Ebates Cash back for Online Shopping

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It's time to start your holiday shopping, and you can earn cash back for shopping at your favorite stores by going through Rakuten (f.k.a. Ebates) - no strings attached!  Thousands of stores participate with 1-25% cash back on your whole order, plus you'll usually find coupon codes that may … [Read more...] about Get Rakuten Ebates Cash back for Online Shopping

Build-a-Bear Count Your Candles Birthday Treat Bear

Build-a-Bear has a birthday treat that your kiddos will love! Bring a birthday kid into a store during their birthday month and "pay their age" for a special Birthday Treat Bear, plus special birthday fun!  Read below for more tips on how to save money at Build-a-Bear and make the most of … [Read more...] about Build-a-Bear Count Your Candles Birthday Treat Bear

Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show

Score some amazing handmade goods and art at the Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show on Sunday, March 22, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show Admission is $3 to the public, children under 12 are free. Tickets are only purchased at the … [Read more...] about Columbus Spring Avant-Garde Art and Craft Show

Find current and cheap gas prices in Columbus

Looking for the cheap gas prices in Columbus? Check out the charts to see the cheapest gas near you and around the city, according to GasBuddy. Gas prices are high right now, so saving money when you can is worth it. The Gas Buddy charts will show the 10 cheapest gas prices in each region of … [Read more...] about Find current and cheap gas prices in Columbus

Upcoming Consignment Sales in Columbus (plus consignment stores)

Buying new seasonal clothing, school clothing, toys, or baby items can get expensive. Babies and kids grow out of their stuff so quickly that consignment sales can save you lots of money. You'll get gently used items for a fraction of the price new! There are several upcoming consignment sales … [Read more...] about Upcoming Consignment Sales in Columbus (plus consignment stores)

Stock up on goodies at Cheryl’s Cookies Bake Sale

It's Cookie Time! Cheryl's Cookies Bake Sale is February 21 - March 1, 2026. That's right...the sale is multiple days (and multiple locations) to make your goodie shopping easier!   Cheryl's Cookies and Brownies Annual Bake Sale The sale offers a deep discount of up to 75% off retail on … [Read more...] about Stock up on goodies at Cheryl’s Cookies Bake Sale

Free Prom Dresses for students with Fairy Goodmothers

Prom is a core experience for many high school students, but not all families can afford to purchase a prom dress. Fairy Goodmothers helps high school students find their dream prom dress for free during three weekends in February and March 2026.  Not in need of a prom dress? Find out how … [Read more...] about Free Prom Dresses for students with Fairy Goodmothers

Shop 60+ vendors at Ohio Vintage Festival at Ohio Expo Center

Love vintage? Don't miss Ohio Vintage Fest on February 14-15, 2026 at the Ohio Expo Center. Ohio's biggest vintage clothing event is the perfect place to grab some vintage threads for yourself, or gifts for the vintage lovers in your life! Ohio Vintage Fest You'll find over 60 different … [Read more...] about Shop 60+ vendors at Ohio Vintage Festival at Ohio Expo Center

Christmas at Carfagnas, and other events through the year

Originating in 1937, Carfagna's has long been a Columbus staple for the best meats, Italian deli, specialty food products, and more. Since moving to 1440 Gemini Place and transforming into Carfagna’s Market & Ristorante, they are now an immersive Italian experience with a Market, Butcher shop, … [Read more...] about Christmas at Carfagnas, and other events through the year

Franklinton Holiday Market in Franklinton

Finish up your holiday shopping with a weekend of the annual Franklinton Holiday Market on December 12-13, 2025.  This annual holiday market is the perfect opportunity to support local artists and makers - AND get your holiday shopping and inspiration all in one. You'll find open … [Read more...] about Franklinton Holiday Market in Franklinton

Best Early Black Friday deals at Amazon

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Looking for the best Black Friday deals? You don't have to wait until Black Friday....Amazon is releasing deals now! Do your shopping now, and spend Black Friday with your family or friends instead! Audible Love audio books? Get your first 3 months for $0.99/month. As a special Black … [Read more...] about Best Early Black Friday deals at Amazon

Black Friday deals and Small Business Saturday in Columbus

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What do you do on the Friday after Thanksgiving? Do you get up early (or stay up late) for Black Friday shopping, or do you avoid stores like the plague? My only attempt at Black Friday shopping many years ago resulted in me skipping the attempt at shopping and spending the day at BW3's. I'll … [Read more...] about Black Friday deals and Small Business Saturday in Columbus

Save Money on Gifts through the Holidays

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Sometimes it feels like the holidays are all about emptying your wallet. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to save money on gifts, entertainment, and dining out through the holidays. I’ve gathered together some of my best tips – most having to do with shopping/gifts – … [Read more...] about Save Money on Gifts through the Holidays

Central Ohio Orchid Society Show + Sale at Polaris Fashion Place

Whether you grow your own orchids, want to grow your own orchids, or just like looking at flowers, the Central Ohio Orchid Society Show + Sale is fun for anyone! The show features prize-winning orchids and displays by neighboring orchid societies that have been judged and awarded by certified … [Read more...] about Central Ohio Orchid Society Show + Sale at Polaris Fashion Place

ChristmasFair Holiday Market 2025

Make it a plan to sleep in on Black Friday and do your Holiday shopping at ChristmasFair Holiday Market at the Ohio Expo Center instead on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 9 am - 4 pm, and Sunday, November 23, 2025 from 10 am - 4 pm. 150 artisans throughout the Midwest will be selling their … [Read more...] about ChristmasFair Holiday Market 2025

Living on the Cheap

Columbus on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.