The AWL Op Shop in Nerang is one of the cheapest op shops on the Gold Coast. Babies clothing is 50c, children's clothing ranges from $1 to $2 and they constantly have specials including fill a bag for $10 and buy 1 get 1 free. the staff are really friendly and when you buy from the AWL the money goes straight towards helping stray and abandoned animals- a worthy cause!

We tried a couple of childcare centres before we found ABC Pacific Pines and I am so glad we did. My little boy has been attending the centre for 4 years and loves it. The staff are friendly and really take an interest in the children that they look after - most of them have their own children attending the centre. We have been really lucky to have had the same teacher for all 4 years. I highly recommend ABC Pacific Pines.

Approximate cost: $68 a day

Snap Fitness has only recently opened in Pacific Pines. It's is great value. cost approx $11 a week and it is open 24 hours a day for members and have staff available during the day if you prefer to work out then. If you need some help they also have personal trainers available if you need someone to develop a work out routine for you. The staff are really friendly too..

Approximate cost: $11 per week

I highly recommend having a kids birthday party at Hungry Jacks, Oxenford. The party area is soundproof, the play area is covered and the price per child was so cheap compared to other HJ's,McDonalds. We opted to take our own cake and party bags. They provided the food for the kids (chips/toy/ drink/nuggets or burger) and the games and 2 hosts for 1 1/2 hours. We had 19 children and in total it only cost us $123 which equated to approx $6.50 a child. They even threw in free tea / coffee/ soft drink for all the parents (which in itself would have cost over $50). So if you are looking at a cheaper alternative for a kids birthday party where you don't have to do anything, i would definately recommend hungry jacks at Oxenford.

Approximate cost: $6.50

I love freshly baked bread. Bakers delight at Helensvale Plaza have yummy bread. the staff are friendly and within a few visit they remembered me as a customer. They always throw in a free fun bun for my little boy when i buy bread -which is really nice. they sell two loaves of bread for $6. which is pretty good value.

I've been going to the Helensvale Tavern for many years. the food is fantastic and they have great menu variety to suit everyone. Meals range from $13 up to about $25 but if you dine there on a monday or a tuesday night, its buy 1 meal get 1 fre (with any drink purchase). Its also family friendly with an indoor kid games area. Top spot!

Approximate cost: $20