Race Prep: Get Ready for Black Friday in 5 Steps

For years, Thanksgiving has nabbed my number one spot for Favorite Holiday. From baking pies with my best friend the night before to gathering together with my family for dinner on Thanksgiving, I love everything about it! With that said, there’s always one moment I enjoy most: Black Friday prep during Thanksgiving morning. This is like my Super Bowl.

Just like a runner training for a race, Black Friday is all about the prep! In order for you to not only survive but thrive during the biggest shopping weekend of the year, I thought I would share my five best tips with you. Consider this a peek inside my own personal Black Friday Shopkick game plan!

1. Gather:

Before you set out on your Black Friday race, put together a list of all of your gift ideas for your friends and family. Throughout the year, I tend to keep a running list of ideas in my phone. Just before Black Friday, I’ll explore my ideas, pull out the ones I think will work best, and create a holiday gift guide in my phone to refer back to as I jump from store-to-store. I find this list is a great way to feel organized and focused rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.

2. Plan:

Every year on Thanksgiving morning, I turn on the annual parades and peruse all of the Black Friday ads. I cannot be the only one who gets a serious adrenaline rush when I spot items on my list that are going to be on sale! Once I’ve viewed all of the ads and pulled my favorites, I create a route. This piece is key. Knowing which stores I will visit (and which ones will be offering big kicks when I use Shopkick!) helps me plan my route ahead of time rather than making rash decisions while I’m driving in the dark. I tend to visit my furthest point first and then shop my way closer to home. Pro Tip: Review how to earn kicks on Shopkick if you’re feeling a little rusty, visit the Explore page for tons of inspiration, and make sure you’re signed up for emails from Shopkick to be among the first to know when new deals drop!

3. Fuel:

Your list is prepped and ready, but are you? If you’re planning to be the first to nab a great deal, this is the time to bring out the camping year. Find your beach chair, grab a sleeping bag, and don’t forget a lantern, charger, and snacks! If you’re going to be waiting outside for your number one store to open, make sure you have all of the fuel you will need. This is the time to let your inner Boy or Girl Scout shine. Those scouting badges are about to be worth their weight in gold.

4. Pace:

Just like a race, Black Friday is a marathon not a sprint. My family and I tend to enjoy an earlier dinner together, which means I can visit my first store (or stores!) on Thanksgiving night (I can’t say I’ve ever camped before a store opening, but I definitely do know how to prep for one – see above!). I love crossing a few gifts off of my list just before Black Friday’s official start because it means I can stop for breakfast in the morning before the rest of my shopping commences. Also, I never panic if I can’t find an item or a size is sold out. Cyber Monday is (literally!) on the horizon, and I know I won’t miss out on the deal.  

5. Medal:

Once your car is filled with merriment and you have earned hundreds of kicks while using Shopkick in stores (and online!), it’s safe to say you will have earned your Black Friday medal. Seriously, you’re about to be on your way to having Expert Shopper Status, and that deserves a reward. Cash in your kicks for a gift card to your favorite store, and make sure to treat yourself. You did it!

Let’s crush Black Friday, Shopkickers! It’s time to get on the race course.

Earn Head to Toe Kicks at The Body Shop, Forever 21, and Footlocker

Does anyone else feel as though the holidays are arriving early this year? It may only be the beginning of November, but I’ve felt as though I’ve been prepping since just before Halloween. My first gifts have already been purchased, I’m constantly adding new gift ideas for friends and family to my list, and I’m searching for holiday outfits for December (and beyond!).

Today’s retailers are the perfect place to go for holiday gifts, outfits, and January’s fitness prep! Get ready to love finds from The Body Shop, Forever 21, and Footlocker. All three stores have pieces for everyone on your list, including you, and you can earn kicks when you shop with Shopkick.

The Body Shop:

If there’s one thing that feels like a necessary luxury to me, it’s bath products. Between mornings spent running and days spent working (plus, every activity in between!), purchasing wonderful lotions, body washes, skincare products, and makeup always feels like a necessary indulgence. Using any combination of these products from The Body Shop always feels like such a treat!

The Body Shop’s body butters are some of my favorites, especially during the cold, long, and very dry winter months when my skin can’t seem to soak up enough moisture, because they provide the best kind of relief. Did I mention they have amazing scents? Anything that smells like citrus wins in my book! Their body washes are cleansing and hydrating. Facemasks are fun to do on the weekends, especially if you invite your girlfriends over for a spa night paired with movies or Netflix. And, The Body Shop’s makeup line is wonderful if you’re looking to pick up any new shades for the holidays (hello, red lipstick!).

Bath products make some of the best gifts whether you’re stuffing a stocking, treating your mom, aunt, or sister, or introducing your best friend to a new must-have. Make sure to shop all of the products at The Body Shop with Shopkick so you can earn kicks!

Forever 21:

No matter the season, I always enjoy shopping at Forever 21. I have found some of my most unique pieces thanks to them! Plus, Forever 21 has an excellent selection of dresses, skirts, and blouses for every party from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Because their finds are always budget friendly, I never question picking up a selection of new pieces so I can easily mix and match for events and every day.

Not only do they have a great selection of clothing, but they also have a fantastic selection of accessories. Expect to find flats, heels, boots, and even sandals at the same incredible prices you’re used to paying for clothing. Plus, you can also stock up on statement jewelry. Forever 21 also launched their Holiday Guide, which has recommendations for all of the ladies on your list.

Forever 21 makes shopping so easy, and their great prices and fun finds make trying new trends even more enjoyable. Shopping at Forever 21 is now even better and more budget friendly because you can shop through Shopkick and earn kicks!  

Foot Locker:

My favorite way to start any morning is by running. Excellent shoes are key for running, which is why one of my go-to brands is Asics. Their sneakers provide an excellent level of support, and they’re designed with runners in mind. Foot Locker is a great place to purchase Asics! Not to mention, they also carry a host of other brands, like Adidas, New Balance, Nike, Ugg, and Vans, for virtually any other shoe need you have.

Not only are sneakers key, but I find I feel more prepared for any workout when I’m wearing clothing that makes me feel confident. Foot Locker carries athleisure too! They have everything from leggings and shorts to tees and dresses for any type of workout. The best part about wearing great athleisure outfits is you can transition from your workout into running errands without ever having to change. Anything that saves time is helpful!  

The best goals don’t begin on January 1. Instead, the best way to reach your goals is by starting as soon as possible. So, stock up on sneakers and athleisure from Footlocker now to start (or continue!) your fitness journey. You’ve got this, Shopkicker!

Whether you’re stocking up on the best bath and body products from The Body Shop, filling your holiday wardrobe at Forever 21, or getting a head start on your new fitness attire at Footlocker, now is the time to shop with these great brands with Shopkick.  

The Best in Home Décor with Big Lots, Casper, Houzz, and Pier 1

When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, “interior designer” has to be one of the most unlikely answers. And, yet, that was the answer I gave for over half of my life.  Although my career aspirations did change (hello, writing!), my love for home décor has never wavered. With that in mind, I thought I would introduce you to a few of my favorite home décor brands. Big Lots, Casper, Houzz, and Pier1 are about to become four of your best home décor resources. Get ready to earn kicks and save, Shopkickers!

Big Lots:

Big Lots is one of the best one stop shops for all things home. They have a vast selection of furniture, including outdoor pieces, plus they also have an incredible selection of bedding and linens, all things bath, appliances, and even seasonal décor. With all of this in mind, one of my favorite sections to peruse on Big Lots is area rugs.

Although most stores have area rugs in store, I find they never have a ton on the floor. As a result, I always end up shopping online with Big Lots. Area rugs are one of the best ways to add color and texture to a space, and my best tip is to decide on the size rug you would like to purchase for your space before you start shopping. Once you’re on the Big Lots site, filter your search so you’re only shown options that match your criteria. I’m certain you will find an area rug you love!

Casper:

Everyone who purchases a Casper mattress is always amazed by five things:

  1. You can purchase your Casper mattress online! You can compare and contrast the features of their three mattress options – The Wave, The Casper, and The Essential – in order to find the mattress you feel will suit you best before you order.
  2. Casper mattresses are reasonably priced! In the past, a mattress has always felt like such an investment. However, Casper’s price points make mattress shopping completely affordable. Prices start at $350 and go up to $1,250 for a five-layer mattress, Casper’s Wave.
  3. Your new Casper mattress will ship to you in a box! Watching your Casper mattress come to life before your eyes is such a fun sight to see.
  4. Casper mattress are comfortable! I have yet to hear anyone say they don’t love the comfort of the three options from which you can choose.
  5. You can experience a Casper trial period! Casper’s motto is try your new mattress for 100 days. If you don’t like it, they will pick it up and offer a refund. If it’s not for you, that’s okay (but, I highly doubt you will be returning it!).

Houzz:

When you’re choosing your pieces for your home, I think it has to be done with visuals. Houzz not only has plenty of products you can shop on their site for any room in your home, but they also offer features where you can shop all of the products in sample rooms they have designed. There’s nothing like seeing products in action, specifically seeing how they pair with other pieces in terms of size.

Asking for recommendations is great, but what if you could find recommendations that are vetted from home design pros? That’s another great feature of the Houzz site! You can not only shop products, but you can find professionals who can install them in your house. Do you really want to be the one to install your new sink? Unless you’re Chip Gaines, I think not.

Pier 1:

If I’m honest, half of the furniture in my house is from Pier 1. No matter if I’m purchasing a desk, a sofa, or a new dining set for my kitchen, the quality, design, and comfort are always on point. And, if I ever have questions, their customer service is top notch!

Not only can you purchase furniture on their site, but they also have some of the most unique pieces of décor, especially for the holidays. They have plenty of Christmas decorations, including trees and ornaments, and they also have a fantastic selection of plates, glasses, and silverware that are as functional as they are luxurious and fun for holiday parties.

Did I mention you can search “Joanna Gaines” in their search bar, and the Queen of Magnolia’s line loads right away? You can and you will want to add it all to your cart.

Happy shopping for your home, Shopkickers! Let us know what you purchase in the comments, and make sure to join our community of Shopkickers on Facebook and Instagram.

How to Travel, Save, and Earn Kicks with Hotwire

What destinations are on your travel bucket list? If you were to ask us that question, we could easily (and quickly!) name multiple destinations in the United States, Caribbean, and beyond.

There are so many cultures, sights, and cuisines we would love to experience, and we have found traveling is one of the best ways to do all three. Plus, we always feel relaxed and reinvigorated after an adventure to a new place whether it’s an hours long plane ride or a quick drive away.

The decision to travel is never a difficult one to make, but how to find the best rates, when to go, where to stay, and what to see always gives us pause. It’s easy to spend hours upon hours researching your destination, and sometimes that research takes away from the fun. But, we think we’ve uncovered one of the best kept travel secrets: Hotwire!

We once thought Hotwire was simply a site to price compare hotels and flights, but we’ve uncovered there is so much more to the site and brand that makes traveling seem that much more attainable. From saving you time to saving you money, we’re sharing our three favorite Hotwire features below. Get ready to earn kicks with Shopkick while planning your next trip!

Tripstarter:

Having an open mind while traveling always serves us well, and the same philosophy will serve you well while planning your vacation with Hotwire through Shopkick. One of the mysteries of traveling are the questions you’re always anxious to answer: When are flights the most reasonable? When are the best rates available at hotels? What is there to see, do, and eat? What about the weather; when is it the best? By opting to use Hotwire’s TripStarter feature, all of your questions will be answered quickly, easily, clearly, and on one website.

When you visit the TripStarter page, enter in your starting airport followed by your destination. Once you enter both pieces of information and search, TripStarter will begin loading information for you. You will be provided with a chart that details the cost trends for hotels, and when you click the tab at the top you will also be able to see cost trends for flights. Temperature details are always available, as well as the average weather patterns (i.e.: average rainfall). When to save, where to stay, and preferred activities to experience are also listed in a sidebar. You can even see the best deals for the next 30 days! Once you decide on your destination with help from Hotwire’s TripStarter feature, you can continue booking from the same screen.

The best way to keep traveling fun is by limiting how much you need to research, and Hotwire’s TripStarter feature makes sure you’re on your way to enjoying your trip without any hassle!

Hot Rates:

Wherever your travels take you, choosing where to stay can feel like one of the most arduous decisions to make. There are seemingly endless reviews available online, plenty of areas to explore, and multiple places to check for rates. However, Hotwire answers all of these questions (and more!) with their Hot Rates feature!

To use the feature, simply enter your travel dates, destination, and number of guests staying in the room. Once you submit your query, Hotwire immediately loads a number of results at the top of your search that are marked as Hot Rates. The Hot Rates indication means the hotel is discounted by up to 60%. You are still able to see how many reviews the hotel has received from other customers (Hotwire shows reviews from trusted source, TripAdvisor), and you can also see where the hotel is located to make sure it’s in line with the areas in which you hope to explore.

Part of the reason Hotwire can offer the rates at such a discount is because they don’t reveal the name of the hotel until after you book. However, if you click on the listing, there is a feature where Hotwire will reveal that your potential hotel is one of four options. At this point, the names of the hotels are featured for you to click on and explore, and they are always four star hotels!

If you’re willing to be slightly adventurous, Hotwire’s Hot Rates feature is a fantastic way to save without losing an ounce of luxury while traveling! Don’t forget to book through Shopkick’s app in order to earn kicks and gift cards for your trip.

Same Day Arrival:

When was the last time you booked a spontaneous getaway? They’re fun because they feel like an unexpected adventure! In order to keep your spirits high as you embark on your surprise, we highly recommend Hotwire.

The myth about booking a getaway, particularly a hotel, at the last minute is you won’t be able to save any money. However, Hotwire teams up with some of the most desirable hotels in any given city to offer you the best rates. Whether they’re one of the most popular hotels or it’s simply an off time to travel, many hotels and resorts frequently don’t sell all of their rooms for a given night. In order to continue to sell, these same resorts sell their rooms through Hotwire at a discount!

We recommend exploring Same Day Arrival rates on Hotwire through Shopkick. Enter your travel dates, destination, and guest count on Hotwire’s homepage. Then see what rates result in your search. You can also pair your Same Day Arrival rate search with Hotwire’s Hot Rates feature to save even more. Plus, you will earn kicks when you book!

Hotwire, Shopkick, travel, and savings has to be one of the best combinations! We cannot wait to hear about the kicks you earn and which gift card you choose to redeem to use on your next adventure. Where will your travels take you?

How to Celebrate Halloween in Three Easy Steps

What is your favorite Halloween memory? Whether it was a character, animal, dream career, or favorite food, I loved choosing my costume every year. I loved dressing up, marching in school parades, and going trick-or-treating every year. Because I have such fun memories, Halloween is still one of my favorite holidays. I always add a new décor piece or two to my collection, I never miss the chance to go on a haunted hayride, and I love throwing Halloween parties for friends.

The idea of prepping for a holiday is especially enjoyable, so I thought I would share how you can prep and save for Halloween with Shopkick in three simple steps.

Add Décor:

Carving, or at least purchasing, pumpkins in honor of Halloween is always a given! Rather than creating a freehand design, I keep a kit on hand filled with templates to make carving fun and easy. I originally purchased my kit from Walmart, and I know they still stock them. Even if this is the only festive piece of décor you have, you and your home will certainly be in the Halloween spirit.

If you want to take your décor up a notch, consider purchasing dish towels and a new candy bowl for your neighborhood’s trick-or-treaters from Kohls.com. Then swing by your local T.J.Maxx and Marshall’s to pick up a few new decorative items, like pieces for your mantle, doorstep, kitchen, or even your kids’ rooms. Another great tip is to purchase a new fall scented candle from Yankee Candle. Not only will the scents feel festive for Halloween, but you can continue to light your candle throughout the season.

Make sure your Shopkick app is open while you shop for your décor with all of the retailers I mentioned because you will earn kicks with every purchase!

Purchase a Costume:

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for your kids, costume shopping is always one of the most fun aspects of Halloween! Now, shopping has become much easier because so many retailers offer costumes online, plus you can earn kicks on your costume purchases when you shop with Shopkick.

Walmart.com has quite a selection every year, and you can easily purchase a few costumes in different sizes so you, your partner, and your kids can try every piece on at home. If your kids love playing dress up, think about ordering their costume one size larger, so they can continue enjoying it for months to come!

If you’re looking for other options for yourself or simply hoping to find accessories, Kohls.com, Marshall’s, and T.J.Maxx always offer budget friendly finds to add to your outfit. Jet.com also has great fashion finds, and Ulta is the perfect place for Halloween ready makeup and hair supplies.

Entertain with Ease:

When you’re throwing a party, the best thing to do is purchase everything in bulk. I love ordering from Boxed.com with Shopkick because I’m able to earn kicks while ordering everything from beverages and snacks to household essentials and candy (of course!). Rather than pulling out any of your dinnerware, use paper and plastic. Your guests are attending your party because they want to spend time with you and each other, and I guarantee they will agree with the ease of your party.

For an added dose of fun, book a visit to a haunted house or a ride on a haunted hayride on Groupon through Shopkick! Tickets are typically less expensive when you purchase them through Groupon, and you will earn kicks towards free gift cards. Regardless of the price, haunted houses and hayrides are always worth it. There’s just something about a fun spook that enriches relationships and makes everyone laugh!

Whether your Halloween plans are simple or elaborate, I know you will have even more fun this season because you’re earning kicks and saving thanks to Shopkick. Enjoy making your memories!

How to Upgrade Your Closet for Fall on a Budget

The fall season has arrived, and that means it’s time for a closet upgrade! I love stocking up on cozy fall boots, durable jackets, distressed denim, and new accessories. One of my favorite ways to begin my fall-haul is by clearing out my summer clothes and selling them. Then, I can stock up on a mixture of timeless and trendy pieces!

Poshmark – Buy & Sell

Poshmark is an incredible online community and app that allows its users to sell and purchase used and new clothes from other users. They like to call it “shopping from the closets you covet”. One thing I always do when fall rolls around is list all my trendy summer pieces that I am ready to part ways with. I love using the money I earn to purchase designer fall boots or roomy tote bags. You can shop by designers and brands, such as Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade, and more!

Lucky – Iconic & Timeless

After selling my clothes, I start my mission to build my closet’s basic pieces. Lucky has the absolute best timeless denim and jackets that last for years to come – totally worth the price! Lucky also offers bohemian chic jewelry, tops, and belts I can’t help but snag. They are simply the best!

Charlotte Russe – Fun & Trendy

After I stock up on timeless basics, I love to mix in fun and trendy pieces I know will stand out during the season. Charlotte Russe is perfect for finding all things on-the-verge because they update their inventory constantly with new pieces. Whether you’re looking for the perfect newsboy hat, patent belt bag, or lace bodysuit, Charlotte Russe has all of the season’s hottest trends!

One thing that won’t be cold this fall season is my wardrobe! You can be ready for the upcoming fashion season too by parting ways with old clothes, stocking up on classic pieces for your closet’s foundation, and then adding trending and daring items to accessorize. This season, you can shop Poshmark, Lucky Brand, and Charlotte Russe while earning kicks for every dollar you spend. That translates into a gift card which means – you guessed it – more shopping!

Happy Shopkicking!

5 Benefits of Shopping with QVC

I have to be honest, I’m a self-admitted shopaholic. I can’t resist the urge to freshen up my wardrobe, makeup, and home décor every time beautiful autumn rolls around. Maybe it’s because I love the feeling of entering each new year as a better version of myself, and I feel I can put my best foot forward with a transformation in my style. One of my favorite places to shop with Shopkick as I add to my style each year is likely a brand you’ve heard of before: QVC.

QVC does the famous live streaming on TV where you could always find your mother and grandmother shopping using their remote and telephones. But, one thing most people don’t know is they have started to cater to younger generations too, and they are simply AMAZING. I love shopping on QVC, preferably through their online e-commerce website, because they make it incredibly easy to shop and pay. Here are 5 benefits and reasons why I will always shop on QVC:

Live Stream – Product Demos

QVC has a wonderful marketing strategy of providing live streams of all product demos that they continuously update on their website and YouTube. They also show their live streams on television. You can see your products being displayed in real time, like the host twirling in the perfect cashmere sweater or a model getting airbrushed with the right foundation shade. It’s a great way to see the products in action!

Selection

QVC offers all types of products, and they deliver the best selection in all things home, fashion, beauty, tech and more! Inventory is added daily, so you can always find exactly what you are looking for and even some things you didn’t realize you were looking for!

Quality and Top Designer Brands

With brands such as Vince Camuto, Josie Martin, and Dooney & Bourke, it’s no wonder QVC is known for selling quality, designer products. Whether I am shopping for a new purse, shoes, or even a vacuum, I know I’m getting the best quality there is! That’s what they stand for: Quality, Value, Convenience.

Flex Pay

QVC offers an easy-to-pay option that breaks up your payments into smaller but more frequent payments if the original sum is too much for you! Instead of paying around $1,000 for an already great deal on a new Apple MacBook Air, I can space out 6 payments of $168. This takes the stress out of purchasing and allows me to get what I need, when I need it!

Daily Deals

QVC runs promotions for a handful of products every day that they call “Today’s Special Value.” I always check for these special deals because they usually have wonderful products at incredibly affordable prices like insulated totes, new Amazon tablets, and cozy home décor.

Since 1986, QVC has provided the most trusted source of brand name fashion, home, and beauty products to millions of shoppers worldwide. The best part of QVC is their approach to home shopping that offers true-to-word Quality, Value, and Convenience. Whether you are looking for a durable and colorful kitchen pan set, the perfect cashmere cardigan for fall, or a flawless foundation shade, QVC will show you the brand names and products you can trust and will treasure for years to come. Now you can earn kicks for every $1 spent when you purchase through QVC using your Shopkick app.

Happy Shopkicking!

The Ultimate List of Free Apps That Give You Gift Cards

The Ultimate List of Free Apps That Give You Gift Cards

My daughter has been business-minded since birth. The lemonade stand that she set up this summer has recently morphed into an apple cider shack (and I think she’s drawing up plans for a hot cocoa house to launch in December). She’s so committed to her beverage business that we even bought her a smartphone to use for accepting debit card payments via an app. She’s only in the third grade, but this kid has not one, not two, but three piggy banks.

A few weeks ago she was given a class assignment to let her imagination run wild and come up with a new invention that would be helpful for the world at large. It really was no surprise to my husband and I that her “invention” had a focus on earning money. Her idea? How about if that app she uses to collect money for lemonade could help her earn money for lots of other things as well, like washing the dishes and sorting laundry? Our girl certainly is clever. She didn’t manage to talk us into paying her for helping out around the house, but she did get us thinking about whether or not there were apps out there that would pay us for doing little tasks. Believe it or not, there are!

If you haven’t browsed the app store lately, you should! There is a whole list of apps that give you gift cards available these days—and all of my favorite ones are free to download and use. Each one works a little differently, but what they all have in common is that they help users earn gift cards by doing quick and simple activities, like taking surveys, posting photos to social media, or even scanning barcodes at stores (which is like getting paid to grocery shop!).

There are two morals to this story. One: kids these days really are as tech-savvy as they say! Two: chances are you’ll be able to find an enjoyable way to use your smartphone to get free gift cards. And so, without further adieu, here is my ultimate list of free apps that pay out gift cards.

The Ultimate List of Apps that Give You Gift Cards—for FREE


Shopkick turns every trip to the store into a super fun scavenger hunt for points, which the app calls kicks. It’s super easy to use, and the tasks that users have to complete for kicks are ones you do every time you go shopping anyway. At its core, Shopkick is a free app that pays you to shop. For example, if you download the app, then walk into a partner store, you’ll earn kicks. Scan featured item barcodes, get kicks. Buy a featured item, get more kicks! Shop from your sofa using the app, get kicks!  Once you’ve earned enough kicks, you can then trade them in for gift cards to a super wide range of stores that you shop at all the time. One of my favorite things about Shopkick is that you really don’t have to go out of your way at all. What’s also cool about Shopkick is that you can combine it with other shopping rewards apps—or any of the other apps listed above that you’re thinking about downloading!

For example, Shopkick works really well with Mobee, one of our featured apps below. Really, you can combine Shopkick with any of the best free smartphone apps that pay you! And, Shopkick is so easy to use and has a great social media community of like-minded users who are always giving out tips about everything from deals on certain products to their tips for maximizing the number of kicks you can earn. It’s a small thing, but it makes a BIG difference.

How the app works:

An incredibly easy-to-use and intuitive app, Shopkick turns regular shopping trips into fun scavenger hunts for points

How much users earn:

Varies by store visit, with little restriction on how many kicks users can accumulate

Gift cards available:

Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, Sephora, Amazon and many, many more.

Minimum amount to cash out:

$2.00

You know the lock screen on your phone, the one you see every time you hit a button on your device without unlocking it first? That screen can give you free gift cards. Well, with the help of Fronto, that is. All you have to do is be willing to swap out whatever you have there now, whether it’s stock wallpaper, a photo from your vacation, or a cute snapshot of your kids (sorry, kids, but no one will be complaining when the first free gift card is rewarded!). Instead, you’ll receive news and ads selected by Fronto. Every time you view one of these of ads, you’ll earn points. Sometimes the app will ask you an interactive question to help you earn some extra points. Once you have earned at least $10 worth of points, you can exchange them for, that’s right, free gift cards! A word of advice, though, for those of you who are tethered to your phone all day like I am: Fronto can be a bit rough on your data plan and your battery life, so make sure you have available data—and several chargers—before you download it.

How the app works:

Users view ads on their phone’s lock screen for points

How much users earn:

Anywhere between $.01 and $2.00 per interaction

Gift cards available:

Amazon

Minimum amount to cash out:

$10.00

Here’s something my kids have trouble believing… I used to be young, just like them. In fact, when I was fifteen I even had a job bagging groceries at the local supermarket. What I remember most was how the managers were always encouraging us to smile and be polite because the owners of the store liked to bring in mystery shoppers, regular people who shopped at the store and then afterward evaluated how the employees treated them. Mobee turns its users into mystery shoppers, each of them on a mission to visit specific stores and restaurants, eat or shop there, and then answer questions about the experience. Sometimes, users are also asked to take photos. Each of these missions lasts between roughly 10 and 15 minutes and is worth between $1.50 and $12, with the higher rewards missions taking the longest amount of time. I recommend this app if you live in a city as urban areas will offer the most opportunities to complete missions. You can even use Shopkick to have a blast hunting for kicks inside the store, and then afterward you can use Mobee to answer questions about your shopping experience.

How the app works:

Users visit a store or restaurant, then answer questions about their experience.

How much users earn:

Between $1.50 and $12.00 per mission

Gift cards available:

Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, and many more.

Minimum amount to cash out:

$5.00

The Ipsos app’s mission is to find out what the public thinks, especially when it comes to topics like advertising, politics, and other sources of debate on the national level. The way Ipsos works is that the average user receives about 8 survey invitations each month, which they can then accept or deny. For completing each survey, users get points that can later be cashed in for prizes, including gift cards to many different places. There are so many different survey apps out there, with more and more new ones seeming to pop up every week, but Ipsos is certainly one of the most popular. If you are looking for a survey app that will give you gift cards, know that you can use Ipsos via a smartphone app, which gives it a leg up over some other survey platforms that require you to use a desktop computer.

How the app works:

Ipsos sends users about survey invitations on a monthly basis can be completed in exchange for points

How much users earn:

Up to 90 points per survey

Gift cards available:

Starbucks, Facebook, Amazon, Target, and many more

Minimum amount to cash out:

500 points, which is equal to $5.00

SavingStar is a digital coupon app that pays users to shop at grocery and drugstores. More than 60,000 stores are part of SavingStar and they represent more than 100 retail chains. It’s generally free to use, but beware. If an account is inactive for 180 straight days, they will charge a fee of $3.99. To take advantage of SavingStar, users either link their existing store loyalty cards to the app or submit receipts after they make purchases. Their savings add up until they can eventually cash out through PayPal, Upromise, or even in the form of Starbucks, iTunes, or AMC Theater gift codes. If you frequently use loyalty rewards cards, this may be a great app for you. If your commitment to them is less than stellar, however, SavingStar may end up costing you money via its service fee.

How the app works:

Users link existing store loyalty cards to the app or submit photos of receipts after making a purchase

How much users earn:

This varies depending on the offer, much like paper coupons

Gift cards available:

Starbucks, iTunes, AMC Theaters, and many more

Minimum amount to cash out:

There is no minimum to cash out

I LOVE all social media platforms, but I think my all time favorite has to be Instagram. I love taking pictures of fun foods, my kids, my vacations, and even interesting cloud formations I see in the sky. And I know I’m not alone. Most—if not all—of my best friends take pictures and upload them to social media every day. CoSign helps users earn gift cards for this habit, turning those photos into rewards. Users just have to tag the images they’re already uploading to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or Tumblr and add additional information about the products that are pictured. Did you just buy a brand new scarf? Take a picture of yourself wearing it and then use CoSign to add the brand and price. It’s not just for clothes, though! Users can also tag a wide range of household goods, tech products, books, movies, and even food, among other things. When followers buy items that you’ve posted photos of, you then earn a commission of up to 35 percent, which you can opt to have paid out in cash or gift cards.

How the app works:

Users take photos of a wide range of products, upload to social media platforms, tag them with CoSign, and then add information such as the brand or price; when their followers buy an item, the user earns a commission.

How much user earn:

Up to 35 percent of the item’s sale price.

Gift cards available:

Varies, but cash payouts are also available

Minimum amount to cash out:

$40.00

One of my uncles used to buy my siblings and me scratch-off lottery tickets every year for Christmas. He’d hand them to us and then make the same joke: I got you up to $1 million! None of us ever won the $1 million prize, but we had tons of fun scratching them off and anxiously waiting to see if we had! Lucktastic is an app that lets users play games that are a lot like scratch-off lottery tickets, right down to the random rewards, while they view product ads. Each day, they get a new handful of tickets to scratch, which give you between 5 and 10 points. You then save your points and eventually you can cash them in for cash or gift cards. Also, like the lottery is the fact that there’s always a chance to win a $10,000 jackpot. Earnings, however, are much much much more likely to be on the smaller side. If you decide to download this app, scratching tickets with Lucktastic will only take a minute or two of your valuable time. Unlike the lottery, however, this app is totally free to use.

How the app works:

Users view ads and plays games that are similar to scratch-off lottery tickets

How much users earn:

Between $.0005 and $.01 per scratch-off, with a chance to win a big jackpot instantly

Gift cards available:

Amazon, GameStop, Fandango, and more, as well as cash payouts

Minimum amount to cash out:

$10.00

While my daughter is still the business guru of the house, my husband and I have also gotten into this idea of earning a little side money with the help of our smartphone apps. Since downloading Shopkick, my personal favorite app that pays, I’ve earned quite a few Starbucks gifts cards—and my husband just snagged one for Best Buy! And our little genius who planted the idea to look for these apps in the place? Her birthday is coming up and I think we’ve just earned enough kicks to wrap up a Target gift card for her. It’s her favorite place to shop for aprons, pitchers, and wooden spoons!

App: How the app works: How much users earn: Gift cards available: Minimum amount to cash out:
An incredibly easy-to-use and intuitive app, Shopkick turns regular shopping trips into fun scavenger hunts for points Varies by store visit, with little restriction on how many kicks users can accumulate Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, Sephora, Amazon and many, many more. $2.00
Users view ads on their phone’s lock screen for points Anywhere between $.01 and $2.00 per interaction Amazon $10.00
Users visit a store or restaurant, then answer questions about their experience. Between $1.50 and $12.00 per mission Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Starbucks, and many more. $5.00
Ipsos sends users about survey invitations on a monthly basis can be completed in exchange for points Up to 90 points per survey Starbucks, Facebook, Amazon, Target, and many more 500 points, which is equal to $5.00
Users link existing store loyalty cards to the app or submit photos of receipts after making a purchase This varies depending on the offer, much like paper coupons Starbucks, iTunes, AMC Theaters, and many more There is no minimum to cash out
Users take photos of a wide range of products, upload to social media platforms, tag them with CoSign, and then add information such as the brand or price; when their followers buy an item, the user earns a commission. Up to 35 percent of the item’s sale price. Varies, but cash payouts are also available $40.00
Users view ads and plays games that are similar to scratch-off lottery tickets Between $.0005 and $.01 per scratch-off, with a chance to win a big jackpot instantly Amazon, GameStop, Fandango, and more, as well as cash payouts $10.00

Ready to explore the best free shopping app that helps you earn free gift cards—and have fun doing it? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with us.

And, if you love social media as much as you love stretching your budget, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy william.perugini

How to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping

As someone whose absolute favorite hobby is shopping, Christmas is a great time of year for me. I love the togetherness and the cheer that holiday shopping brings, but there’s also the sales. Oh, the sales. And, what better reason is there to shop than during the gift-giving season? If you’re a savvy shopper, you can get gifts for the entire family while also scoring all kinds of incredible deals on clothes, appliances, and anything else that interests you. However, making the most of holiday shopping isn’t entirely about sales.

Make no mistake, hunting down the best bargains and sales is a big part of being the best Christmas-time shopper that you can be, but there are also other ways to maximize value during the holidays as well. Over the years, I’ve found a number of great ways to use my regular everyday shopping to help fuel my savings during the holidays. Today, I’ll share with you how to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping tips.

With these tips, you’ll learn how to earn money for Christmas gifts without even going out of your way. In fact, the normal things you do when you go out shopping for groceries, shampoo, and clothes, for example, will be all that you need to maximize value, which for me is the surest way to also maximize holiday cheer!

How to Earn Money for Christmas Gifts: Shopper Loyalty Programs

If you’re looking into how to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping, one way is to use the incentive programs that many stores offer their loyal shoppers. These stores include WalMart, Target, Best Buy, Sephora, and Starbucks—and the exact details vary depending on the store, especially as it applies to the type of rewards you can earn. But, essentially, they work the same.

These programs give you rewards for shopping at the same store. The more you shop there, the more rewards you can potentially earn. The key is to make sure to get the most out of these types of programs by always remembering to use them when you’re at the store.

How to Earn Money for Christmas Gifts: Shopping Rewards Apps  

how to earn money for christmas gifts before you go shoppingUsing customer loyalty programs that give you rewards for shopping repeatedly at a single store isn’t the only way to earn money for Christmas gifts. In fact, there’s something called a shopping rewards app that you can use to incentivize your everyday shopping at a variety of stores. Depending on what app you choose, you can use these programs to potentially reap rewards for nearly every purchase you make.

How these apps work is pretty simple. Download the app, and then use it when you go shopping. There are a few different ways these apps can work. Some are what I call couponing apps, which work like old-school coupon clipping. Others give you points for the things you already do when you’re out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then redeem those points in the form of cash back rewards and even gift cards, both of which you can use to buy your family and friends Christmas gifts this year!

How to Earn Money for Christmas Gifts: Shopkick

I think the absolute key for how to earn money for Christmas gifts with everyday shopping is to find the right shopping rewards app, one you’ll actually want to use all the time so you don’t have to worry about being consistent. My personal favorite is this app called Shopkick. You get points for all those everyday shopping activities I described above. Shopkick turns what would otherwise be boring and routine trips to the store into a fun game; kind of like a scavenger hunt for savings and points.

Everyday shopping isn’t the only way that you can use Shopkick to earn points. There are ways to earn money you can use later to buy Christmas gifts without even leaving the house. In fact, there are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

There are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere.

Sales are great, and half the fun of the holidays is hunting them down. But, even the best sale means you’ll have to spend some money. Let’s say you find 10 great sales – that’s still 10 purchases you’ll have to make. So, why not find ways to earn money while you’re at it?

Shopkick is my absolute favorite way to save during my everyday shopping throughout the year. I’m also such a dedicated Shopkicker that I’ve earned more than my fair share of rewards through the app and by shopping online as well. I’m sure you’ll enjoy the savings too. I mean, who wouldn’t? The best way to maximize your savings is to use Shopkick throughout the year so that when the holidays roll around, you’ll have tons of extra cash to fuel your purchases.

Ready to learn more about how to earn money for Christmas gifts this holiday season?Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy MinDof

How to earn cash for shopping so you can shop even more

No matter how much shopping I seem to do, I can always think of additional things I’d like to buy, browse, or learn more about. Shopping is definitely a rewarding hobby. I can always count on being able to shop on any given afternoon or early weekend morning when I have nothing else going on.

In fact, if I had unlimited money, I imagine that I’d find myself out shopping all the time. Unfortunately, I do have a limit on how much I can spend. That’s why I’ve found a way to earn cash for shopping. With shopping rewards apps, I can earn cash for shopping so I can do even more shopping. It’s a great way to infuse my budget with extra cash that allows me to do more shopping than ever before.

Today, I want to share everything I know and love about shopping rewards apps. Come along with me as we discuss how to earn cash for shopping! Chances are, you’ll be kicking yourself just a little bit for not knowing about this sooner.

Earn Cash for Shopping with Shopping Rewards Apps

First things first, in order to earn cash for shopping with a shopping rewards app, you really must understand the ins and outs of a shopping rewards app. Simply put, it’s an app that lets you earn discounts and rewards for all kinds of shopping, from shopping for groceries to shopping at the mall for the latest fashion trends.

However, there are many different shopping rewards apps from which to choose, including two types you can use to earn cash for shopping. Let’s take a look at the two types:

  • Coupon Shopping Rewards Apps: The first type of shopping rewards app is what I like to think of as a coupon app. Oftentimes an app like this feels like a throwback to those old-school days of taking a pair of scissors and clipping physical coupons out of the Sunday newspaper. Some of these apps require you to actually scan paper coupons, which you can then store in your phone and use when you’re out like normal. Others let you select from a number of online deals. What’s important is finding one you’ll use regularly in order to maximize your savings and invest back into more shopping!
  • Points-Based Shopping Rewards Apps: Points-based shopping rewards apps are actually my personal favorites, and how they work is that they give you points for things you do when you’re out shopping. The exact nature of these apps vary—and we’ll definitely get into some of my favorites—but the best are the ones that turn your shopping trips into a game so that you’ll want to continue using the app each time you’re out.   

Earn Cash for Shopping with the Best Shopping Rewards Apps

ways to earn cash for shoppingWhile there are many different apps you can use to earn cash for shopping, the exact ways to earn vary with each app. When choosing an app, I look for particular qualities that make using the app worth my time.

Here are some qualities that I look for in all of the best shopping rewards apps:

  • Free of charge: This one is so important. You shouldn’t have to pay money to earn cash for shopping. All of the best shopping rewards apps should be free. 
  • Available for Android or iOS: These days, I think people have a tendency to switch the type of phone they use. I know I do, and I don’t want to have to quit my shopping rewards app because of it. That’s why I highly recommend selecting an app that works with both Android and iOS devices. 
  • The option to shop from home: Online shopping has been a major change in the retail industry. It’s amazing to be able to shop at my favorite stores from the comfort of my home. If you like to shop online, you’ll want a shopping rewards app that rewards you for online shopping too.

Earn Cash for Shopping with Shopkick

While there are many different shopping rewards apps from which to choose, I have narrowed it down to the best app to earn cash for shopping. My personal favorite is Shopkick. With Shopkick, I get points for things I already do whenever I go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. I can then trade those points in for gift cards to my favorite stores, which I can then use to do even more shopping!

With Shopkick, I get points for things I already do whenever I go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases.

Not only that, but with Shopkick, I can also earn points on those rare days when I don’t feel like physically going out shopping. In fact, there are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more.

I think it’s pretty safe to say with Shopkick I’ve taken what was already a healthy shopping hobby and kicked it up a few levels. I can now earn cash for shopping, which I can then turn around and use to do even more shopping. It’s quite a revelation.

I highly recommend that you check out Shopkick. If you’re anything like me, you already enjoy the shopping you do now. But, just imagine what it would be like if you could do even more shopping.

Start using one of the best ways to earn cash for shopping to do even more shopping! Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with a free, smartphone app sidekick.

And, if you love social media as much as you love your smartphone, join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Dean Drobot

Celebrate Fall: Shop, Save, and Earn BIG Kicks with Shopkick

Fall has officially arrived, and we are celebrating! This season always brings to mind the of changing leaves, apple harvests, layered outfits, treats mixed with a few tricks, and a general feeling of coziness. With crisper temperatures in the air and a palette switch to moodier hues, we always feel we need to break away from the bold palettes of summer in our fashion and home décor choices in favor of pieces that honor the season. We’ve come to the conclusion we cannot be alone in our feelings of wanting to properly mix things up, so we thought a weekend of BIG KICKS was in order!

What can you expect? We have all of the details for you.

Get big kicks in stores
9/21-9/23
100 kicks
9/22 ONLY
100 kicks
9/22 ONLY
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
Ends 9/22
200 kicks
9/22-9/23
8 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks
9/21-9/23
100 kicks
9/21-9/23
10 kicks/$1
was 5 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
6 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
9/21-9/23
Linked debit cards must be run as credit in order to receive your kicks.
Get big kicks online
9/21-9/23

25 kicks/$1
was 15 kicks

20 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 7 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 4 kicks

15 kicks/$1
was 3 kicks
Some exclusions may apply. Please check the app for more information.

GET BIG KICKS IN STORES:

Even though the internet is always at our fingertips, there’s so much fun to be had when you shop in stores. You can see, touch, and feel products, try all of your finds on in store to find your best fit and avoid a trip for exchanges, and get advice from the pros. Plus, a day (or weekend!) of shopping is the perfect excuse for a girl’s day or night out – stop for lunch, browse through stores in person, and cap your day off with cocktails!

As temperatures start to dip, we like to make sure our selection of basics are at the ready. As much as we enjoy spring and summer’s warm temperatures and lengthy sandal seasons, some of the first pieces we’re most excited to wear again in the fall are jeans, blouses, and boots. TJ Maxx and Marshalls are two of the best stores to shop for all three. We’re always amazed by the bargains we find for pieces from top brands that allow us to keep our budgets in check.

Swapping accessories is another fun perk of fall! Brighton has a complete selection of unique jewelry pieces, including bracelets, necklaces, and rings that are unlike anything we can find anywhere else. Plus, the fall is the perfect time to swap out your purse for a new one in a deeper hue, and a new work tote is definitely in order. Just consider either one part of your back-to-school prep! Don’t forget to take a peek at Brighton’s fantastic selection of boots.

One of the best ways to stay inspired and on track with your fitness goals and routines are to look the part! Stop into Reebok and stock up on new workout gear, like tops, shorts, crops, socks, and sneakers. Their selection is wide, and their gear in on trend and in style for fall runs and classes and any errands you might run post-workout.

And, don’t forget to update your makeup! Even though your products may not have run out, the fall is a great time to toss products you have had for several months in favor of replacements. Talk to the pros at Ulta to make sure you’re using the best products for your skin, complexion, and overall look. They likely have a few suggestions for you that you may not have considered yet! Plus, Ulta also has one of the best selections of fragrance and hair products that sometimes feel hard to find.

GET BIG KICKS ONLINE:

Whether you’re prepping for the game and need a new jersey, shopping for new home gadgets in advance of fall’s biggest holidays, updating your towels or bedroom linens, or shopping for new clothes or shoes, Kohls.com always has some of the best deals! When you shop with Shopkick you will earn kicks, plus Kohls.com is constantly running additional sales. It’s a complete win-win shopping experience!

Whenever we’re looking for on trend pieces, we always visit ASOS.com! The brand’s online retail space is so vast it makes us feel as though we’re browsing in store. It’s a great place to shop to try out new-to-you pieces you’re not quite ready to invest in yet, and ASOS also has a wonderful selection of dresses and more for special events (wedding, formal, and holiday seasons, we’re looking at you!).

Overstock.com has a plethora of products from which to choose, but we’re always drawn to their home décor pieces, including their furniture! Browse their linens and accessories, and then pop over to explore their wide selection of area rugs, furniture, appliances, and more! The fall is one of the best times to revive your home because falling temperatures will have you spending much more time indoors very soon. Create a space you enjoy!

If you’re searching for an online destination that has a little bit of everything on your list, HSN.com is the place to go! The site has a complete selection of tech, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, and more, as well as a complete selection of home appliances, clothing, beauty, and more. We can never visit their site without leaving with at least one shipment on its way to our doorstep!

When we think of appliances, we immediately think of Sears.com! The online giant has some of the best deals all year long for large and small appliances, including dishwashers, washers and dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, and even ovens. Now is the best time to make sure the appliances in your home are ready to roll because there are a host of holidays on the horizon! If you’re looking for baby clothes, new outfits for yourself, fitness equipment, or new tools, you will find those and more too!

What’s on your fall shopping list?

If you haven’t downloaded Shopkick yet, make sure to change that ASAP before you set out on your fall shopping journey! Earn kicks in stores and online with all of the retailers we mentioned above as well as many more. Then cash in your kicks for free gift cards! Fall shopping has never felt so budget friendly.

Easy money: 3 ways to earn by watching videos for techies

Like a lot of people my age, I grew up playing video games on Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation. I can remember the days when I used to come home from school, finish my homework, and then plant down and immerse myself in the television. One of the things I liked about video games the most, which I may not have realized at the time, was they pushed me to learn some key lessons.

By playing video games way back when, I learned the value of investing time in things like training and practice in order to beat challenges. I think this has stuck with me throughout most of my life, especially now that I’m an adult (or trying to be, anyway) who has to manage his own budget. I work really hard at my job, but I also have found a couple of ways to earn extra money that reminds me of finding shortcuts and other tricks in video games. More specifically, I’ve figured out how to earn easy money by watching videos via apps.

It really is a great “cheat code” for your budget, and it’s so effective! Today, I want to share three of my favorite apps I use to earn money by watching videos. To be totally honest, these aren’t as fun as playing video games, but with all the savings you’ll start to get through these apps, it’ll be no time at all before you can buy new video games and have fun. There are a lot of apps that let you earn, but I generally like to stick to three. Let’s take a look now!

Earn by Watching Videos With Make Money Earn Free Cash

One of my favorite games growing up was called Street Fighter, and it actually was what it sounds like: fighting in the street. This first app that you can use to earn money by watching videos has very little in common with that video game, save for also having a super telling name. That’s right, it’s called Make Money Earn Free Cash. To put it in the most basic terms, this is a very no-nonsense app that’s also a ton of fun to use, especially if you like learning about other new apps like I do.

ways to earn by watching videosYou don’t have to be a big techie like me to use it. All you really have to do with Make Money Earn Free Cash is download the free app, watch videos, and then complete the offers they give you from sponsors, which usually requires something like signing up for mailing lists or taking surveys. You have to do a bit more than watch videos, and obviously, this isn’t always fun, but sometimes you learn about really cool new apps, and to someone like me, that’s invaluable.

Earn by Watching Videos With App Trailers

The next app on our list is called App Trailers, and it actually has somewhat of a direct connection to video games, albeit a loose one. Like the other apps that let you earn money by watching videos, this one simply gives you videos to watch and rewards you for watching them. The cool thing is App Trailers lets you watch a lot of videos about things like video games.

Since I first started using App Trailers, I’ve watched videos about games from EA, Rovio (which makes Angry Birds), and plenty of other companies I like to follow in my free time anyway. The more videos I watch through App Trailers, the more points I’m able to rack up. Eventually, I can trade all of my points in and get paid via PayPal or in Amazon gift cards, kind of like incentive systems in video games!

Earn by Watching Videos With Shopkick

You know how video games often save the biggest and best weapons, levels, and foes for the very end? Well, in that tradition I’ve saved my favorite app you can use to earn by watching videos for last, too. It’s called Shopkick. How it works is you can use it to earn free gift cards by watching videos and also just by going shopping for groceries. Shopkick gives you points for things you do everytime you go shopping, such as walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards. That’s not all, though.

There are tons of ways people who use Shopkick can earn rewards right from the app without even physically going anywhere.

There are tons of ways people who use Shopkick can earn rewards right from the app without even physically going anywhere. These include watching videos and instant surprise kicks earned from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and, my personal favorite, Best Buy. And, guess what Best Buy sells? That’s right—video games!

I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid plenty of people told me I was wasting my time by playing too many video games. They felt I should be doing stuff like reading and studying instead. To be clear, I love to read, and I did study quite a bit when I was a kid. But, I also think there was a lot of value in playing video games. In fact, I’m not entirely sure I would have so easily figured out how to earn money by watching videos without it.

So, I highly recommend using these apps, especially Shopkick. Not only do I earn by watching videos through Shopkick, but I also get points (and eventually rewards) every time I go out shopping. With Shopkick I actually like going to the store because it makes those trips feel like fun scavenger hunts for points.

Ready to start to earn by watching videos on your phone and other smart devices today? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

And, if you love using your smartphone to stay up on social media, join us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy Shutterstock