They really need the live bugs. There are other options besides crickets, though. Phoenix worms, horn worms, butterworms, roaches. Roaches, believe it or not are extremely easy to keep, breed and don't smell! Once your beardie is 16" there's also superworms which are super easy to care for and are a decent price. Avoid mealworms though..they have a hard outer shell (chitin) which is hard to digest, and their overall nutritional content is not that good.

Also, you could consider getting a juvie beardie, around 6 months or so, because they don't need to be fed as often, only once or twice a day. A baby needs to be fed 3 times a day.

Best of Luck!