Parenting Archives - Page 4 of 4

Back to School Savings

Posted on August 1, 2018 by shopkick

Although we all may want the long days of summer to last all year, there is one major perk to going back to school: shopping! When I was a student, back to school shopping was such a highlight that I always chose a day during the week, wrote it down in my planner and circled it, and then started my very own countdown.

Before my back to school shopping day, I would review all of the supplies I needed (and every last thing I was convinced I should add), tally up my budget, and plan my day based on which store I wanted to visit first and which store I wanted to save until last. Whether I was prepping to go back to high school or mentally preparing for another year of college, back to school shopping always felt like its very own end of summer holiday.

Though I may not be heading back to class, I still look forward to the season every year because it’s a chance to offer my tried and true back to school shopping tips and tricks! And, they’re even better now thanks to Shopkick! Let’s review a few of my favorite retailers for back to school shopping and what I recommend purchasing below.

eBags

I cannot be the only one who opts to analyze every last feature a backpack has to offer. In high school, that meant determining if the backpack offered enough support for my back and shoulders as I carried books and binders for four classes everyday across two campuses (we didn’t have lockers). In college, I was still concerned about support, but I needed the added feature of a safe, padded spot for my laptop. eBags.com has so many fantastic options for backpacks perfect for high school (JanSport was my go-to!) and those suited for college (North Face was a favorite, but I’ve heard fantastic reviews about Tumi!).

Also, make sure to take a peek at all of the suitcases and duffels available through eBags. They’re wonderful to use when moving onto campus, and a great suitcase will serve you well as you travel home, go on vacation, and even study abroad throughout college.

HSN

If you have yet to peruse HSN for back to school shopping, be warned: you’re going to add so many great pieces to your list! Outside of scheduling classes and making sure I had the correct edition of all of my required books, my computer was always my top concern in college. You can purchase a new laptop or desktop computer through HSN because they carry all of the top brands, like Apple, HP, and Dell. Plus, if you’re in charge of bringing the TV, you can add a new flat screen to your cart too. Outside of electronics, you can also stock up on kitchen supplies for your dorm or apartment (HSN has small appliances, kitchen tools, and even plates, silverware, and glasses at the ready). And, they carry such fun lines of clothing, and they have makeup. It’s like one stop shopping for back to school!

Jet

Can we all agree there is nothing quite like new school supplies? Jet has an amazing selection of every last thing you will need for class – binders, pencils, pens, notebooks, highlighters, and even backpacks. Plus, their team has curated a special section for high school! Even though wandering through the aisles is fun, shopping online with Jet is so much more efficient! Plus, when you use Shopkick, you’re saving money on your supplies. Shopkick and school supplies – it’s a dream combination!

Amazon

I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t shop on Amazon! The deals are incredible (and even better when you shop with Shopkick to earn kicks!), and you cannot beat the variety. Rather than simply adding all of your usual purchases to your cart, I highly suggest pausing to shop their collections from Ella Moon and Mae. The pieces are quality basics, trendy while still feeling classic, and many can be dressed up for a presentation or dressed down for a typical day in class. Anything that can serve double duty is a must in my book!

Also, let’s talk about study breaks. You will 100% need them, and breaks will help increase your productivity and prevent you from burning out. Reading for fun is one of the most underrated hobbies, and I cannot recommend reading a few pages every day from a great author you enjoy on your Kindle. Another option? Audible! Whether you’re riding the bus, train, or subway, driving your car, or walking in between classes, listening to an audio book is a great way to disconnect from schoolwork even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. Stay refreshed so you can be your best!

Boxed

Let’s talk about food! The best thing I ever did when I was in high school and college was purchase in bulk. My parents and I would review what I planned to bring for lunch and what I wanted to enjoy as a snack once I got home, and then we would shop together to purchase things in bulk (my choices rarely wavered!). That ritual carried over into college, and I would have definitely shopped through Boxed! Rather than visiting stores in person, you can simply shop online and have all of your favorite foods shipped directly to you. Pro tip: get your roommates in on the game so you can all shop together and save by earning kicks through Shopkick!

Where are you shopping for back to school? What’s at the top of your list?

How to earn free movie tickets for your entire crew

Posted on May 23, 2018 by shopkick

I don’t know about you, but my kids just can’t get enough of Marvel and Star Wars movies. Some days it seems like my kids are all about Captain America one minute and Kylo Ren the next. I shouldn’t complain too hard, though, because I know exactly whose fault this is—mine. I used to love superheroes and sci-fi growing up, and I couldn’t wait to share it with my kids when they got old enough.

The only hangup though is that nowadays spoilers are always a concern. Nobody wants to find out a major plot twist before actually seeing a movie. So, my kids are always insistent that we see the movies on the day they come out, and hey, if I’m being honest, I’m afraid of spoilers, too. You never know when someone’s going to drop one on Twitter! Problem is that all those first-run movie tickets get pretty expensive for the entire family. That’s why I’ve recently put my tech-savviness to the test and searched for apps and other ways to earn free movie tickets.

And you know what I’ve found? There are actually plenty of ways to do that out there! These ways are actually pretty diverse, but I’ve found a few good ones that work for me, and, as much as I’ve always loved Iron Man, there’s just something special about watching him on the big screen with the kids at a showing you got to attend with free movie tickets.

Earn Free Movie Tickets Through Theater Rewards Clubs

In doing my research online on ways to earn free movie tickets, I found that one way was through joining a theater rewards club offered by the company that runs the multiplex in your town, AMC, Cinemark, or Regal, for example. Luckily for me and my little crew of Marvel fanatics, we have one of those programs where we live that gives you discounted popcorn on Tuesdays, free tickets on your birthday, and points that let you earn free movie tickets the more you go.

So yeah, there’s really no reason not to sign up for this one. You typically just have to provide a valid email address and put up with the occasional advertisement email, which sometimes actually includes a great deal such as two-for-one tickets. You can search for your local theater online to find out if they offer this, or keep an eye out for more info next time you head out to a show.

Earn Free Movie Tickets Through Advanced Screenings

This second option is maybe not as reliable as the first one, but it can sometimes be a lot more fun. It involves being on the hunt for free advanced screenings. Theaters often do these to gauge audience reactions to films or to start generating positive word of mouth. Now, for someone like me who’s trying to take the entire crew of kids to the show, it’s tough to find one that has the number of tickets I need.

What makes it just a little bit easier though is that there are actually several reputable websites that have information about tracking down free advanced shows. Some of the sites I’ve found include Sony Screening, Gofobo, and Wild About Movies. I must say though, that they’re almost always limited to major metropolitan areas, but once in a while, they have an offer in a smaller town. Just make sure you check the sites regularly.

Earn Free Movie Tickets Through an App

The best way I found to earn free movie tickets though is with an app called Shopkick. Shopkick is what’s known as a third-party shopping app, and how it works is that it gives you points for the normal things you do while you’re out shopping. When I’m using Shopkick, I get points for stuff like making purchases, scanning the barcodes on certain items for more info, and even for just walking into the store.

Then, I can trade those points in and get paid in gift cards, including gift cards to my local theater. It’s really cool, and I’ve actually started to like shopping more because of it. Before, I used to look at shopping as a serious hassle, something I just had to do and get over with. Now, it’s a lot more like a fun scavenger hunt for points, points that I can use to earn free movie tickets for me and my crew. Basically, these days I’m turning my old annoying grocery shopping trips into superhero movies!

Put them all together, and you basically have your own Avengers team of superheroic value techniques helping you reduce the amount of money you spend on movies.

One thing I should mention before we wrap up here today is that you can actually use all three of these techniques to maximize your productivity as you earn free movie tickets. You can and should use your movie rewards program every time you go watch a film, just like you can and should use Shopkick each time you go to the store. One of the keys to making this work is consistency, sticking with these apps and using them all the time.

Put them all together, and you basically have your own Avengers team of superheroic value techniques helping you reduce the amount of money you spend on movies. At least that’s the way I look at it. But as I said, I grew up with superheroes and Star Wars and all that, so forgive me for being kind of a nerd!

Ready to start having fun with your shopping while at the same time earning free movie tickets for your entire crew? 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 Maglara

Shopkick Survey: What’s Keeping Mom Up at Night?

Posted on May 9, 2018 by shopkick

With Mother’s Day around the corner, we asked Shopkick moms what’s most on their minds this year.

In a survey of over 5,600 moms across the country ranging from ages 18-71, we uncovered how moms feel about raising children in light of some of today’s news. From Millennials to the Silent Generation, from Californians to Floridians, find out how moms are engaging their children in dialogues about what’s happening in the world below!

On Mom’s Mind

Biggest Concerns: Physical safety for their children is the #1 concern for moms today (30%), followed closely by financial security (26%), according to survey results. For single moms, specifically, financial security (33%) is the predominant concern, while physical safety remains a close second (30%).
Fostering Conversations: 75% of moms are engaging their children in conversations about such current events, with school safety as the #1 topic of discussion (37% of moms engaging). Racial equality (25%) comes in second, followed by gender equality (11%), and presidential politics (8%).
Generational Differences: The up-and-coming generation of mothers in Gen Z are most concerned with financial security (38%), and the most likely to discuss gender equality with their children (17%). Millennial moms place nearly equal emphasis on discussing school safety and race equality (31% and 30% respectively). Moms that fall into the Silent Generation spend the most time of all age groups discussing presidential politics (25%) and racial equality with their children (38%).
Across the Country*: New York moms are the most likely (80%) to engage in conversations with their kids about the outlined issues (money, physical safety, online behavior and privacy, health and bullying), topping Florida (78%), California (76%), Illinois (75%) and Texas (73%).* Moms in Illinois spend the most time discussing and teaching their children about school safety (44%).

Shopping Values

Shopping Their Values: When it comes to managing household finances, the overwhelming majority of moms (78%) state they shop their values and are impacted by a brand’s ethics when considering where and what to purchase. However, only 25% of moms change where or how they spend based on their political beliefs.
Different Generations: Silent Generation and Gen Z moms are more likely to adjust their shopping habits based on their political beliefs (35% versus 25% of moms in the middle generations).
State by State*: Floridians are the most likely (80%) to match their shopping habits with their values and to be impacted by brand ethics. Moms in Illinois are second only to those in California in their likelihood to change where and how they spend their money based on political beliefs (28% and 31% respectively).

Shopkick conducted a survey of over 5,600 users who self-identified as mothers to uncover the issues of most concern and their shopping decisions. Shopkick classifies age groups as: Silent Generation (over 71), Baby Boomer (54-71), Generation X (42-53), Xennial (33-41), Millennial (20-32), and Generation Z (under 20). The survey was conducted between April 6 and 12, 2018.

*Based on the top 5 states (California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois) in terms of volume of respondents.

The best pharmacy rewards program apps for your smartphone

Posted on January 10, 2018 by shopkick

Having three boys who are all pretty close in age can be a lot of fun. They’re always inventing games to play with each other, having loud and crazy video game sessions downstairs, and just making me laugh until my sides literally hurt.

I, of course, love that my boys get along so well, but sometimes wish they weren’t that close to each other, like when it’s cold season and, like clockwork, they all seem to get sick at the same. exact. time. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear they plan it! One starts with the sneezing, sniffles, and runny nose and, before I know it, there’s a chain reaction of sick boys curled up in blankets surrounded by Kleenex.

Doctors visits, prescriptions, and jug after jug after jug of Gatorade don’t fit into my regular monthly budget; I never really plan to spend as much as I do each winter at the pharmacy. Luckily, I’ve become quite the expert at which are the best pharmacy rewards program apps—and why!

These pharmacy programs can really help you find products you need on sale and earn rewards points you can trade in later for cash back in the form of gift cards. If your family is anything like mine, believe me, the day will come when you’ll be grateful you downloaded your pharmacy rewards program apps.

The Best Pharmacy Rewards Program Benefits and Mobile Apps

Our town has plenty of pharmacies for me to choose from when my boys get sick, from CVS to Walgreens to Target to our local grocery store—and I think I’ve tried them all. As a result, I’ve enrolled in a pharmacy rewards program at basically every one of the pharmacies within driving distance of my house.

The first step when trying to maximize your savings is to enroll in multiple rewards programs. Let’s start with the branded store-sponsored programs first before we get into shopping apps you can use at multiple locations. Here are the best pharmacy rewards programs available from specific stores:

Walgreens Balance Rewards: This is a simple program that gives you points for making purchases at Walgreens. When you accumulate enough points, you can trade them in for savings. It doesn’t get much simpler than that! The program is available on an easy-to-use mobile app, too. Another great benefit of this program is that it gives you access to something called Register Rewards, which are coupons you earn at checkout, usually somewhat related to the things you just bought. They won’t save you money on your first stop, but if you’ve ever had three sniffly boys at home, you know that you’ll probably be back at Walgreens in a day or two and can redeem your savings then.
CVS ExtraCare: We are fortunate enough to live directly across the street from a CVS. So close, in fact, that when one (or all) of the boys are under the weather, I can just buzz on over there and grab them the tissues, juice, or decongestant they need to feel better without even starting up my car. Oh, and with the CVS ExtraCare program, I can take advantage of some fantastic savings while I’m there—2% cash back on most purchases, to be exact. Almost every time you use your CVS ExtraCare card, you rack up rewards points. Then, those reward payouts are issued to you on a quarterly basis, coming as a nice little surprise on the first of January, April, July, and October. Like the Walgreens Balance Rewards program, this one is also available on a mobile app, making it super convenient. Maybe 2% seems small to you now, but, trust me, it really adds up—especially during cold and flu season!
Target REDcard: This one is a little different than the other two programs because it’s also a credit or debit card, but if you go to Target as much as I do, it really would benefit you to sign up! With this card, you get these great benefits:
- 5% savings in-store and online
- Free shipping on most products you buy online
- Access to an extended return policy

How to Pair the Best Pharmacy Rewards Program with a Shopping App

My boys make a really great team—when it’s not cold season anyway—but one team I like just as much is pairing a shopping rewards app with the programs offered directly by my favorite pharmacies. My pick for the best shopping rewards app is Shopkick, which can be paired with any of the best pharmacy rewards programs I described above.

How Shopkick works is just so simple: I go to Target or CVS or Walgreens to get my boys their meds (or anything else the house needs) and Shopkick gives me points for the things I do while I’m out shopping, like scanning barcodes for more info on featured products, making purchases, and even just walking into some stores. When I’ve earned enough points, called kicks, I can trade them in for gift cards to my favorite stores. And, I can do all this while enjoying the many benefits of the store-branded rewards programs. It basically doubles my savings!

When I’ve earned enough points, called kicks, I can trade them in for gift cards to my favorite stores. And, I can do all this while enjoying the many benefits of the store-branded rewards programs. It basically doubles my savings!

Obviously, I’m never happy to see my boys start to feel crummy, but having these great rewards program apps on my phone to help lessen the costs has been a real lifesaver for me and my budget. I honestly don’t remember how I used to get by without programs like Walgreens Balance Rewards, CVS ExtraCare, and my shopping sidekick, Shopkick.

I could go on and on about the benefits of the best pharmacy rewards programs out there, but I think I just heard one of my boys sneeze. Now I have to listen for any subsequent coughing or sniffling; it may be time to run to the store again and rack up some more pharmacy savings and rewards.

Ready to combine your favorite pharmacy rewards program with the best all-in-one shopping rewards app? 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 your local Target, CVS, or Walgreens, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for daily shopping inspiration.

Image courtesy leaf

Holy wholesale: Boxed brings smart shopping to Shopkick

Posted on August 21, 2017 by shopkick

Holy wholesale! Boxed, the awesome online wholesaler, has launched with Shopkick. Stock up on just about everything you need and get free gift cards in return. When you visit Boxed or make purchases from them through the Shopkick app, you’ll be able to earn Shopkick points (called “kicks”). Redeem those kicks for free gift cards to stores like Best Buy, Sephora, and much more.

Bulk shopping means big savings

Wholesale sizes mean you get more for your money and shop less. Boxed delivers bigger savings without membership fees everywhere in the lower 48 states. What’s not to love about a 2 day shipping time? You even get free samples with your delivery! Boxed has the A+ lineup you need to stock up for back to school shopping in minutes. Don’t have Shopkick? Download it today and join the millions of Shopkickers who have redeemed over $63.8 million in free gift cards.

Jet launches with Shopkick for easy back to school shopping

Posted on August 6, 2017 by shopkick

Ace back to school shopping while earning free gift cards when you get school supplies from Jet.com with Shopkick. Now you can earn points (called “kicks”) when you visit or make purchases from Jet through the Shopkick app, and redeem those kicks for free gift cards to Walmart, Sephora, Best Buy and more. That means for every item you check off your kids’ school shopping list, you earn something back for yourself!

What Can I Buy On Jet?

Shop everything from snack food to cat food and beyond. Save on everyday essentials and get free shipping with a $35 purchase. Thousands of items arrive within 2 days and returns are always free. What’s even more rewarding is now you can earn 4 kicks for every $1 you spend at Jet. Make sure you navigate to Jet through Shopkick to get credited for your purchase. New customers get 15% off their first three orders with the code SAVE15 (minimum order $35, max discount $20, ends 9/1/17). Shopping and earning have never been so easy.

Don’t have Shopkick? Download it now and start earning free gift cards.

Shopkickers love Jet, especially for back to school shopping! Common school supply lists are even broken down by grade level! Easy peasy! Save time and money, and get rewarded when you shop from Jet with Shopkick today.

Awesome supplies you can buy on Jet

Top work from home jobs for Moms

Posted on August 3, 2017 by shopkick

After I had my daughter I wanted to earn extra money, but I knew I didn’t want to put my daughter in daycare to do it. I started looking for work from home opportunities and — after sifting through the scams and pyramid schemes — I was happy to see just how many great opportunities are out there that offer a flexible schedule and other features that were important to me as a mom. I ended up finding work that let me be the stay-at-home-mom I wanted to be while still bringing some income into the household.

A few of my friends asked if I could help them find something similar — here are a few of the best work from home jobs I found during my search.

Get Paid to Talk on the Phone

No, you won’t be chatting with your friends, but this is work almost anyone can do, and there are plenty of work from home customer service jobs out there. Many of these opportunities don’t even require past experience so as long as you have a little office space, you’re qualified!

Get started at: LiveOps.com, ariseworkfromhome.com, arise.com, windycitycallcenter.com, workingsolutions.com, careers.concentrix.com

Write the Next Great American Novel

Ok, not really. But if you have a knack for writing, graphic design, or some other creative talent, you may be able to find work as a freelancer on sites like Guru and Upwork. I did this, and I was able to earn some money while the kids were watching Frozen again.

Get started at: Upwork.com, Guru.com

Help Companies Market Their Widgets

I had a friend who had worked at an ad agency for years before she left the workforce to raise her kids. She missed the work, so she was pretty thrilled when she learned that there were many stay-at-home opportunities in the marketing field. She was able to find remote work with an agency that offered her the flexible schedule she needed. Plus, she never missed the kids getting off the bus!

Get started at: Guru.com, Upwork.com, Flexjobs.com, Jobspresso.com

Watch TV and Earn Money

Yes, there is more to it than that. You’ll also have to caption the videos that you watch. Some of the video caption companies that offer remote work don’t require any experience, and you set your own schedule. One mom who did this said she loved the fact that she was able to stop and start instead of having to work a set number of hours all at once. That’s something that any mom would appreciate!

Get started at: Rev.com, abercap.com/careers/, captionmax.com

Influence the Next Generation

Several of my friends are teachers who truly loved the work they did. One said she loved challenging the kids to be their best, and that she really missed it when she quit to stay home with her twin boys. When her twins were about a year old, she found a remote teaching job, and she’s been doing it ever since. She only works a few hours a day, but could work more if she wanted. She teaches kids in the U.S. and in other countries and calls her job “the best of both worlds,” because she gets to raise her boys and do the work she loves.

Get started at: t.vipkid.com.cn, apus.jobs, connectionseducation.com, tutor.com

Help Heal the Sick

Of all the remote opportunities I found, I have to say this one surprised me the most. I didn’t think there’d be any work-from-home jobs for my nurse friends, but I was wrong! One friend explained that she really just wanted a way to keep her skills sharp (she’s an RN) while also taking a few years away from her hospital job to spend time with her daughter. She landed a remote nursing job that lets her keep her skills up while still being home for every one of her daughter’s milestones!

Get started sykesassistance.com, piedmontcareers.org, altegrahealth.com/careers, 83bar.com

Have you found a great work from home opportunity? Tell us on twitter @Shopkick

Maximize your back to school savings

Posted on July 7, 2017 by shopkick

Back to school shopping lists these days contain a lot more than just boxes of pencils and crayons. There are folders, ear buds, school backpacks and sometimes even laptops that make up the growing list. If you have to shop for more than one child, it can feel like Christmas in August. Back to school shopping is big business and is expected to grow 4% in 2017 compared to 2016 sales. That’s saying a lot because back to school sales set a record last year. Although it is obvious people are spending money, you don’t have to break the bank to get your kids off to school. Knowing some saving tips as well as the best times to buy certain products can make all the difference if you’re hoping to get to the head of the class as a savvy shopper.

Back to School Clothes

Meet my New Bestie, “Clearance”

End of summer sales can be your BFF.

Since many kids go back to school at the end of August when the mercury is still rising, they’re still going to need summer clothes. You can get great deals on clearance racks with end of the season sales. Many of this merchandise starts getting marked down after Fourth of July. This is a great time to stock up for that first month or two of school.

Sales Tax-free Week

Many states have a sales tax-free week during the summer. This is when parents across the country flock to stores to take advantage of buying items like new school shoes, jeans, jackets and any other items. Since each state has different rules, it’s best to check out where your specific state stands so you can get the best deals and stretch your dollar. Many of these tax-free holidays land in late June and August.

Back to School Supplies

Take Stock

These days many teachers will send home a school supplies list the last day of school so students have all summer to get ready.

When you get the list first take stock of what you have at home and what is salvageable from the previous year. You may be surprised to discover how many things you don’t have to buy brand new.

Dollar “Dazed”

Once you know what you do need to buy, take a trip to your favorite dollar store and get dollar dazed by all of the school supplies. You can grab a good sized multi-pack of pencils, pens, erasers, and even crayons for just a buck each. Kids don’t need designer school supplies. As long as they write, get the job done, and don’t cost you a fortune, everyone’s happy. If you still want to hit the big-box stores, experts advise to go in July. There may be deals to be had there because retailers know everyone typically rushes to the store in August and many are not thinking back-to-school shopping while they’re still going to the beach in July.

Backpacks Don’t Need Characters.

Getting a new backpack for the start of the school year is a rite of passage. But, try not to get stuck in the character trap with your kids. According to Money magazine, backpacks, lunch bags and any other school supply with a character’s face are typically 20 to 30 percent more than plain items. If a themed backpack is a must have, experts advise telling your child he or she can decorate the bag with stickers or something else with a character face.

Price-Match

Don’t be embarrassed to price match. There’s nothing shameful about saving money, is there? Quite the contrary; saving money can give you a rush! If a store like Wal-Mart offers a price match policy, take them up on it, even for school supplies.

Timing is Everything

For big ticket items like laptops and notebooks, one of the best times to buy is between the last week of July and the first three weeks of August. Retailers know college-bound students and students even younger will be looking as they do their back to school shopping.

Since back-to-school shopping is often referred to as one of the biggest shopping seasons of the year, set a budget as you would during the holidays. Besides helping you save money, it will also teach your kids the value of a dollar and how to stretch it. Happy shopping and saving! Want to save more while shopping back to school? Download the Shopkick App to earn free gift cards while shopping.

Going to Disney: 5 money-saving hacks for planning a cheap Disneyland trip

Posted on June 21, 2017 by shopkick

Disney may be the happiest place on Earth for you and your loved ones, but your bank account might not feel the same way. According to Hipmunk, in 2016 the cost of a Disneyland trip would cost a family of four an average of $1,624 in airfare, $2,128 to stay four nights in a Disneyland Resort Hotel, and $1,010 for park admission tickets for four days. Don’t forget to add in the costs of souvenirs, dining, and other must-have experiences!

The good news is that with a little faith, trust, and creative planning, you can take advantage of several money-saving tips when it comes to planning a Disneyland trip. Here are a few we recommend:

Take advantage of points programs

Booking flights and hotel rooms are often one of the most expensive parts of a Disneyland trip, but with all the mileage and points programs out there, you can significantly cut back on these costs.

Signing up for a travel credit card like Barclaycard Arrival Plus World Elite MasterCard or Capital One Venture One will allow you to rack up travel points with every dollar you spend on the card. Richmond Savers even figured out a formula for using these types of credit cards to take your family to Disneyland for nearly free.

Use your kicks

Shopkick user Courtney Cole discovered a really smart way to use her kicks to earn some extra spending money for her family’s upcoming Disneyland trip. “My daughter is three-and-a-half and we promised her a Disneyland trip as an incentive for potty training. Because I’m in Target all the time, I started using the Shopkick app a lot more and used my kicks to buy Target gift cards, which I then used that to buy Disney gift cards. I would go to Target, check in, scan everything I could and get those kicks.”

During her family’s Disneyland trip, Courtney used her gift cards to buy things that might normally be over budget. “I knew I was going to spend money on meals, toys, and a princess makeover,” Courtney explains, “But because I used my kicks to buy the gift cards, I didn’t have to feel bad about it.”

Due to the success of this trip and her ability to accumulate so many kicks with only a few months prep, Courtney and her family have another Disneyland trip in the works. “I plan on making more of an effort and saving up my kicks to do the trip next year. That’ll give us a whole year worth of kicks to use in the parks.”

BYOFD (Bring your own food and drink)

image credit: bentolunch.net

Food and drinks in the park can cost a pretty penny, but sometimes you just need to splurge on a Dole Pineapple Whip or indulge in Chef Mickey’s Character Dining experience. The key is finding a balance. Before you leave, plan out which meals, snacks, or drinks you most want to splurge on in the park. Bring everything else with you.

According to the Disneyland website, guests can bring coolers that are 18”x25”x37” and store them in the rentable lockers by the Disneyland Park main entrance. You can also bring in hydration backpacks, which are great for storing water and any souvenirs your little ones might pick up throughout the day. Just remember you can’t bring any alcohol with you into the park.

Snag discounted admissions tickets

Are you a member of AAA? Do you plan on taking a youth group of 10 or more kids to the park? Are you or your spouse in the military? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be able to take advantage of special Disneyland park admissions prices.

If not, don’t worry. There are other ways to snag discounted admission tickets, but it can be tricky and risky to do so online so proceed with caution. The key is finding a reputable discount ticket source. MouseSavers (a website dedicated to helping you save money when it comes to all things Disney) recommends using aRes Travel for discounted tickets.

Go during the off season

Last year, Disney rolled out demand pricing for park admission. On certain high-demand days, the ticket prices increase, while days with less traffic are less expensive. These off-peak times are usually after the holidays—January and February are ideal—and from the end of August until mid-to-late October.

When it comes to the resorts, Disney offers three “seasons”. Around January, February, and the first three weeks of October, November, and December is the Value Season. If you manage to time it right, Value Season is the least expensive and least crowded time to book at the resorts.

Do you have a money-saving tip when it comes to trips to Disneyland? Share with us @Shopkick on Twitter #ShopkickBlog

4 cooking games to make meals more fun together

Posted on June 20, 2017 by shopkick

When family and friends gather in the kitchen, there are bound to be plenty of laughs and great dishes. Sometimes, though, the party could use some “oomph” and that’s where playing fun cooking games can be your secret weapon. Start planning your next get-together with a cooking theme and play one of these fun kitchen games.

Mystery Ingredient Challenge

We’re all familiar with popular cooking television shows, so imagine bringing those shows to life in your own home! Invite a few friends over for a themed night surrounding a mystery ingredient. A few days before the party assign each guest to create either an appetizer, main course, or dessert featuring the mystery ingredient. You could also focus on just one dish (like the dessert) and have everyone create their own unique and fun version.

Cooking Show Charades

Another great idea to combine cooking with a traditional group game is Cooking Show Charades. This will work best if you are familiar with popular cooking shows, but the options should be some kind of TV personality or show styles like a southern chef, homemaker, cake decorator or grill master.

Try it with specific ingredients or dishes if you’re brave! You’ll have to decide if talking is allowed, but acting out your charades pick while your dinner guests try to guess who or what you are is a recipe for a good time. Get into it and have fun!

Cooking Bingo

A great game to play with kids in the kitchen is Cooking Bingo! You’ll need to create a few bingo boards ahead of time with squares consisting of common ingredients, utensils, cooking methods, and phrases like “preheat the oven.” As you make dinner, you’ll go about your business and talk your way through the recipe while the kids keep their eyes and ears open so they can mark their bingo squares — and maybe learn a little! Laminate the bingo cards and have them use stickers, small candies, etc as markers. The first one to yell “Bingo” gets a prize – maybe the dessert of their choice!

Play Dough Chef

This one is for the younger crowd, the ones who are a bit impatient while you prep and prep — keep them busy creating their OWN dish. This works great for pizza night – supply some extra pizza dough and let them play with the stretchy, sturdy dough, making shapes, sculptures, and animals. Throw in a few cookie cutters, and they’ll be fully entertained ”cooking” alongside you. While you focus on the main course, they’ll be safe from the hot oven, sharp knives, and other kitchen hazards.

The best part is that you’ll be able to bake their finished creations, and they’ll be able to eat them! Supply some dipping sauces and turn their entertainment into a perfect pre-dinner snack to tide them over. Heck, you might even find this a hit with older kids and young adults!

Entertaining your dinner guests does not have to be expensive or elaborate by any means. By simply being creative in the kitchen and using one of these fun cooking games, you can create memories and delicious meals anytime!

10 free summer activities for the kids

Posted on June 20, 2017 by shopkick

Ahhh, summer. You’ve been waiting for it to roll around since it ended last year. The sun is shining and everyone seems to be in a better mood — but two dreaded words from your kids can switch that mood faster than you can say summer vacation.

“I’m bored.”

What do you do to battle that summer boredom? Since every day can’t be a trip to the zoo, it’s important to find other summer activities that won’t cost you a penny. Sound good? It’s time to get on board the free summer activity train!

Park it at the Park.

Parks are a great place to spend the day with the kids. From swings to slides to sandboxes, you won’t hear “I’m bored” until you get home!

Pack a lunch and some snacks and make a day of it. Don’t forget the sunscreen! If you frequent the same park often enough chances are you and your kids will also make new friends. It’s a win-win!

Make a Splash.

Splash pads and local beaches are a great way to keep busy for free. You may hit a speed bump when it comes to parking. But, you can usually side-step any parking fees by parking on side streets and walking a bit. Get your exercise and beach time in all at once.

Sea Shell Art.

While you’re at the beach have the kids pick up some sea shells. They’re free!

Bring them home and make pictures by gluing them to cardboard, or decorate old picture frames. This is a boredom buster that can linger throughout the summer.

Take a Hike.

Hikes are a great way to get outdoors and exercise during the summer.

Find a local trail that’s not too difficult for the kids. Bring along plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen and you’re ready to take a hike.

Don’t Pass up Free.

Check your local library for free passes to museums and other attractions. Benefactors sometimes donate free passes that you can borrow throughout the summer. It’s a great way to turn a $100 trip into a free one in just a matter of minutes!

Free Summer Jammin’.

Many local communities hold free concerts throughout the summer.

Do some digging at your local Department of Parks and Recreation to see what’s planned. Pack a picnic and make it a night of family fun for free!

Visit a Farm.

Kids and animals go together like peas and carrots. Check out local farms in your area.

See what animals are around. Many times you’re allowed to bring along food for feeding.

It’s Library Time.

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean the learning and reading stop.

Check out your local library for books as well as free events. Many libraries host craft events and free movie viewings. Read a book for free and get involved with activities that are available in your area.

Take the Time to Volunteer.

Got some free time on your hands? Want to teach your kids valuable lessons while keeping them busy? Volunteering is a great way to do this. Summer is the perfect time to take part in beach and park clean-up days. Keep your eyes and ears open for events near you.

Free Workshops.

Stores like Lowe’s hold free build and grow workshops on Saturdays. These events teach kids the skills to make so many projects. Hammer out boredom during these workshops! Be sure to sign up in advance. While you’re there, earn your kicks with our Shopkick app!

Who said summer fun had to break the bank? There are plenty of free activities for kids that will leave you wondering what took you so long to find them!