Happiness on the Cheap

They say that the best things in life are free. Well, I guess that must make whatever comes in second best pretty darn cheap as well. According to a recent post at WalletPop, money can indeed buy happiness--as long as you're spending it on someone else.

Happiness obviously isn't defined by how much coin you have in the bank or what shiny new things you own. But a certain level of giddy-eyed joy can be derived from snagging a cool gift or two for yourself or this month's BFF at the low, low prices of Cheap and Cheaper-still.

Here's a list of some things that can bring a smile to your face without sending your wallet to the edge of the ledge:

• iTunes - Download music, tv shows, and movies all for a relatively low price. Create the ultimate soundtrack for your day. Music, as they say, is the cure for what ailes you. So download at a bargain price and set the tone for your mood. Sure $.99 was better, but $1.29 per song is still a fairly sweet deal. Yes, I know what you're thinking, but that's illegal. Jammie Thomas-Rasset found that out the hard way. Not such a happy fun-time result there. Ouch! 
• Starbucks Via -This latest method of Starbucks to suck us all into their evil world of delicious mocha frappuccinos and non-fat, decaf soy lattes has really taken off. Via is all the rage. Now for just $9.95 for a box of 12 you too can experience a bit of caffeine nirvana that conveniently fits in your pants pocket or the palm of your hand.
• Sweet-tooth overload - Sure the trip to the dentist won't be cheap, but who cares about that right now? Now is the time to grab as many fifty cent or $1.00 candies from the local mom and pop store as you can. Who says indulgence is expensive? Feast away my cavity taunting friends. Times might be tough, but the price of gumballs hasn't changed since Carter was President. Yes, I am that old.
• Movie Matinees - We all know that once you tally up two movie tickets, one large box of popcorn, a couple of boxes of Junior Mints, and two medium sodas we'll need to take out a small loan just to cover the cost of going to see that hot new release. So my advice for a cheap and happy movie going experience is simple. First, never, ever go on opening night. Do you really need to be the first person you know to find out the secrets of Avatar? (Okay I do, but I digress...) Catch the matinee, go alone or go dutch, and sneak in your own food. Your total ticket price for the early-bird showings will cut your final payout by more than half. Finally, never ever let them talk you into super-sizing your food as it were. Trust me, all the jumbo size soda is going to do is cause you to run out of the theater in the middle of the good parts to, ahem, relieve yourself of the pressures of Coca-Cola overload. 
• Read - Yes, that's right, read. Stay home, grab a good book or, for you futurists out there, grab your Kindle and sit back and enjoy a free adventure or true life tale. Remember to smile occasionally at your wallet as it sits closed and full on the table beside you.

So those are some of the things that I enjoy. Again, the best thing of all is that I don't have to spend a lot in enjoying them. So how do you enjoy yourself without breaking the bank?