Shop and Save for the Holidays: Blue Weekend is Here!

One of our favorite weekends is back once again, and it’s back just in time for the holidays! It’s Blue Weekend! This celebratory shopping event will unite Shopkickers from around the country together to check off even more of the gifts on your list. Whether you’re shopping for parents, partners, kids, or friends, December 14-16 is the time to shop, save, and earn kicks!

To help you earn the most kicks possible and to make sure you’re well on your way to redeeming your kicks for gift cards before Christmas, we thought we would highlight a few of the best places to shop during Blue Weekend for décor, style, athletic, tech, and kids’ finds. Let’s dive in!

Décor Finds:

Gifting décor is one of the easiest ways to bring joy to parents, friends, and hostesses this holiday season! Consider popping HomeGoods in order to discover some of the most unique pieces at some of the lowest prices. Items like pillows, throws, and mugs always add to the festive cheer, and they definitely have a holiday theme. Just make sure to note, the kicks for HomeGoods are only available in select states!

Yankee Candle also offers plenty of wonderfully scented candles, and you can also personalize them. It’s the ultimate holiday gift!

Both stores are wonderful places to shop for White Elephant or Secret Santa gifts – give something they will love rather than a gag! Just by walking in to select HomeGoods or Yankee Candle, you will earn kicks, and there are more available when you submit your receipt at Yankee Candle!

Style Finds:

We’re certain you have plenty of fashion fans on your holiday gifting list, and TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ulta Beauty are three of our go-to spots!

TJ Maxx and Marshalls are both filled with name brand pieces at incredible prices, and it’s never a surprise to find a host of designer items in either store (or both!). Is there a better feeling than gifting your family and friends the designers they love? It feels like the ultimate surprise! Expect to earn kicks simply by walking inside either or both stores!

If you have a haircare, skincare, or makeup fan amongst your family and friends, Ulta is the store to visit! Their team of experts will be able to effortlessly guide you toward products to pamper your loved ones, and many of them may be from brands you haven’t thought of yet. Be prepared to find name brand and designer finds, fragrances, and more that will look amazing wrapped under your tree or tucked inside of a stocking. Make sure to link your credit card before you make your purchase in order to earn kicks!

Athletic Finds:

Many of us are starting to experience winter’s coldest temperatures, but that doesn’t mean we all still don’t want to work toward our fitness goals! If your friends or family thrive when they’re able to work-out or if they’re setting new fitness goals for 2019, help to hold them accountable by gifting them everything they will need from some of the top brands.

Shop at Reebok for traditional and on-trend sneakers, socks, and workout gear. Plus, they have specific finds for sports! Shoe Carnival has a plethora of top shoe brands, particularly if you’re shopping for sneakers. Modell’s Sporting Goods has plenty of workout gear and gifts for sports fans (you need to be ready to cheer for your teams post-workout!). Just note, the kicks for Modell’s are only available in select states! The ladies on your list will love Fabletics budget friendly finds because all of their workout gear is on-trend, plus the company was started by Kate Hudson. Does it get any better? In order to maximize your cool down, stop into Jockey for the best loungewear your recipients will love to wear (and, don’t be surprised if you walk away with a few new finds for yourself too!).

All of these brands are offering kicks by walking inside the stores, which totally counts as exercise!

Tech Finds:

The holidays are the time for new tech, and Best Buy is the place to go! Step inside one of their many stores, and think about upgrading your phone. You can also prep for awards season and the Super Bowl by purchasing a new TV, and you should stock up on movies and seasons of favorite shows too. Don’t forget to peruse their selection of cameras, computers, and printers. Make this the best tech year yet! Don’t forget to link your credit card before you make your purchase.

Kids’ Finds:

We don’t know about you, but we always become the most excited to shop for all of the kids on our lists! Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh are two of the first places we visit every time. They have adorable clothes for babies and toddlers, plus they also have clothing for older kids too. Find pajamas, tops, pants, and shoes in palettes they will love! Both brands are offering kicks to Shopkickers who walk inside, plus you can earn even more when you shop with a linked card.

If you’re searching for a new toy set for a boy or girl, LEGO® should be on your list! Walmart and Target sell many of their building sets, and we speak from experience when we say they provide hours of imaginative, building fun. Kids are able to explore other worlds while they piece together their sets, whether that means escaping to soar with a favorite character or pretending to be an entrepreneur. The options are nearly endless, and the kids on your list will have plenty of indoor fun ahead of them during the holiday season and well beyond!

Where will you be shopping during Blue Weekend? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Make sure to join our social media fun too because you will discover a whole community of passionate Shopkickers just like you.

Gifts for All: Shopkick’s Holiday Gift Guide

December is here, which means gifting season is in full swing! If your calendars are anything like ours, you likely already have a host of holiday parties on the docket. Plus, you’re probably trying to fit in holiday shopping (and plenty of fun!) amidst all of the hustle. If your list is long and your gift ideas are short or you’re simply hoping to bring extra cheer to your recipients this year, we thought we would share our holiday gift guide with you. We’ve even organized our guide into five categories for you: Gifts for Hostesses, Gifts for Ladies, Gifts for Gents, Gifts for Kids, and Gifts for All. Let’s get to it!

Gifts for Hostesses:

You’ve heard it before, and we’re going to remind you again: never arrive empty handed! We think the host of each of your holiday parties deserves a little something extra. Though an extra treat or dish is always appreciated, we enjoy giving something more personalized that feels as though it’s solely meant for your host. Pro Tip: Make sure to shop with Shopkick in order to earn kicks towards gift cards!

Candles always set the scene and provide ambiance at any party (and well after), which is why candles from Yankee Candle are always a go-to! Their scents are delectable, which makes them feel like an even more luxurious gift. What’s more is Yankee Candle also has a great option to create a personalized candle for your hostess! Simply choose your candle and scent, add a photo, and write a note. It’s a gift your hostess has likely never seen before and won’t soon forget.

Décor is another great option for hostesses! TJ Maxx has in season and on trend pieces, and their selection is always budget friendly. Think about adding cozy throws, festive pillows, and other accents to your cart. Of course, holiday wine or beer glasses and your hostess’s favorite cocktail works too! Everyone always appreciates a new holiday mug paired with hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.   

Gifts for Ladies:

If you’re searching for a new find for your grandma, mom, aunt, sister, or best friend, take note! We always happen upon fun finds for ladies that they might not think about on their own.

Brighton is an excellent source of beautiful, high-quality handbags, shoes, and accessories perfect for any of the ladies on your list. They have bags for every purpose too! Ladies with new jobs or soon-to-be graduates will get so much wear out of a new tote with plenty of room for her laptop. Your mom will love her new shoes, and your grandma will think her new jewelry is gorgeous. Plus, your best friend and your sister will covet their new personalized pieces. So many options, and you will earn kicks while you shop using Shopkick!

January is the time when so many kick start new workouts, so make sure she’s ready for her new routine (or to simply continue the one she’s done for years!). Reebok is one of our top places to search for new workout wear, especially sneakers. And, Fabletics has some of the most fun athleisure options (think: patterns, leggings with iPhone pockets, and on-trend styles). She will have her best year yet, and you will earn kicks on the pieces that will get her ready.

If the ladies on your list love great skincare, makeup, and hair products, Ulta is the place to go. They have a great holiday gift guide on their site, which is worth an exploration. Make sure to visit the store in person too because you can earn kicks on your purchase, and their staff of beauty experts can help guide you toward great new products she hasn’t tried yet, including her new favorite scent.

Gifts for Gents:

We hear dads, husbands, boyfriends, grandpas, and brothers are notoriously some of the trickiest to shop for.  We’re here to put that rumor to rest while helping you to earn kicks when you shop with Shopkick.

Best Buy is always one of our first stops when shopping for gents. They have every tech device he could want, including a new phone, a wireless printer (he needs one, trust us!), movies, music, cameras, and TVs. Surprise him with any (or all!) of the aforementioned, and you will receive the award for Gift of the Year.

You also cannot go wrong with Amazon Devices! Make all of his smart home dreams come true with an Echo or Alexa. Gift a tablet perfect for browsing or binging TV shows and movies on the go with Amazon Fire. Help him meet his goal to read more with an Amazon Kindle. The options are nearly endless!

For the ultimate lounge or active wear, think about shopping with Jockey! The quality and comfort are always on point. If the gent on your list would love a new pair of shoes (think: work, fashion, or sport), Shoe Carnival is the place to go!

Gifts for Kids:

Toys are on the wish lists of kids everywhere, which is why we like to gift something a little different!

One of our forever stops when searching for kids’ gifts is Carter’s and OskKosh B’gosh because we can earn kicks while we shop thanks to Shopkick. Their selection of kids’ clothes is always fun and budget friendly, plus the faces of the kids we know light up when they see new tops, pants, dresses, and pajamas featuring their favorite colors, hobbies, and characters. Another idea? Take the kids on your gifting list out for a special shopping trip with you where they can choose their own items!

Another great stop for kids’ gifts? Mouse + Magpie! The brand is an online hub for creative pieces for kids, including towels, blankets, décor, and more that encourage kids to use their imaginations. All of the products are designed by artists, so the quality is incredible. To offer an even better peek, check out their gift guides for boys and their gift guides for girls! Both are brimming with fun ideas.

Gifts for All:

Few things compare to enjoying an experience together! Groupon is the place to go for experience gifts your whole family will enjoy. Stop by the site to see what’s happening in your hometown (think: concerts, plays, restaurants, and attractions), and make a point to visit in advance of trips or while you’re traveling. Don’t be surprised when you save more than you thought possible, and you will be earning kicks when you shop with Shopkick!

What gifts are topping your list for everyone in your life? We’re always searching for new ideas to add.

Make sure to download Shopkick for free, and join us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more shopping inspiration!

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!

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.

7 Things Moms Really Need When The Kids Go Back To School

With summer coming to a close and fall kicking into full swing, it’s finally time for the kids to rush off back to school. On one hand, the daily activities, endless pool days and lack of school structure that filled your summertime schedule left you happy to spend time with your kids, but you also may feel much more exhausted than you expected! That is why this back-to-school season is the perfect time for you to find ways to cultivate a little rest and relaxation at home!

Before the school year gets too hectic, use the first couple weeks of back-to-school as a self-care recharge frenzy! You finally have six hours of uninterrupted time to regroup before diving into the demands of the school year and family life. You are (dare I say?) … free. Check out these ideas for things you can easily do to truly wind down, mama! You won’t regret any of them.

1. Stay-at-Home Spa

Create a mini-spa experience at home. It’s so easy to set up a self-care station with manicure and pedicure essentials, skin care, and face masks. Put on your favorite show and relax while your nails dry! No doing dishes for you.

2. Beauty Bath

Not only are bath bombs the most aesthetically pleasing invention ever, but they also make your skin feel amazing. Set up a warm bath with some of your favorite bath bombs and rose petals, and don’t forget to light at least one incredibly scented candle to really set the mood!

3. Sweat It Out

Between summer camp, sports practices, and pool days, you rarely had time to exercise. Use these few hours to get back into a healthy routine whether that means yoga, the gym, or running around the neighborhood. Don’t forget to wear breathable clothes and stock up on your favorite reusable water bottles.

4. Netflix Binge

One more episode of anything on Nickolodean could make you cry at this point, so why not have a binge on your favorite TV shows and movies during the day? It’s only been, what, a year since you last saw a movie you wanted to see? You deserve it!

5. Read A Book

Some of the best moments in life are the smallest moments. Happiness is usually found in between the pages of a really good book. Find your favorite genre and curl up in bed or outside and enjoy the beauty of turning one page at a time.

6. Solo Pool Day

With just a few weeks of warm weather left, you should be rushing to the pool for the most relaxing day yet! Grab your softest beach towel, most comfortable swimsuit, and get ready to snooze in the sun.

7. Take A Nap

Sleep is so important for your body to feel your best physically and mentally. It aids in focus, wellbeing, and your ability to take care of others. Take a guilt-free nap, and wake up refreshed and ready for the afternoon rush when the kids get home!

Whether you loved the back-to-school season rush or felt stressed by the frenzy of it all, it is important to stop and take a moment for yourself. Take a relaxing bath, exercise in new fitness gear or take a much-needed nap! Do things differently and pamper yourself in the few hours you have free before the after-school rush kicks in. You deserve it.

*To see more products and ideas that can help you relax and unwind, check out the Shopkick App! It allows you to shop for products you need and earn points back, called kicks, to redeem gift cards. Happy Shopkicking!