Author: Sam Alvarez

Sam is a writer and marketing manager at Shopkick who loves a good deal almost as much as a good iced coffee. Her favorite place to earn kicks? Target, of course!

How to Earn Free Gift Cards in College With Shopkick

Posted on by Sam Alvarez

Let’s face it — college life is all about juggling tight budgets and making the most of every dollar. Between buying groceries, dorm supplies, textbooks, and the occasional late-night snack, expenses add up fast. But what if you could earn free gift cards in college just by doing your usual errands?

That’s where Shopkick comes in.

Shopkick is your ultimate sidekick for turning everyday shopping into real rewards — like gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, Target, and more. Whether you’re grabbing snacks at Walmart or browsing online at Best Buy or Ulta Beauty, you’ll earn points (called kicks) just for doing what you already do.

Turn Errands Into Free Gift Cards

Picture this: you’re running to Target for snacks and dorm essentials, and by the time you check out, you’ve already earned rewards toward your next gift card. That’s exactly how Shopkick helps you earn free gift cards in college — no extra effort required.

Here’s how it works:
  • Scan items in-store. Visit stores like Walmart, CVS, or Target, open the app, and scan featured items. No purchase required!
  • Submit receipts. Bought something? Snap a photo of your receipt through the app to earn kicks
  • Link your accounts. Shop online at Walmart, Target, and more retailers, and earn kicks automatically
Kick tip: Every 250 kicks = $1 in rewards. That might not sound like much, but you can easily rack up hundreds of kicks in a single shopping trip. For example, 1,250 kicks = a $5 gift card — hello, Starbucks run!

Make Every Dollar Work Harder

College budgets can feel tight — but Shopkick helps you stretch every dollar while still enjoying the things you love. It’s the easiest way to earn free gift cards in college without changing your routine.

Here’s how you can maximize your kicks:
  • Earn rewards on snacks: Whether it’s granola bars, ramen, or late-night chips, you can earn kicks on the snacks you buy anyway
  • Grab cleaning and laundry essentials: Earn kicks for stocking up on detergent, disinfecting wipes, or tissues
  • Scan while you browse: Just hanging out in Target with friends? Open Shopkick and scan a few items to earn kicks — no spending necessary
  • Redeem for gift cards: Save up your kicks and redeem them for gift cards to Amazon, Best Buy, or Target when you need a study break treat or a little self-care splurge
With Shopkick, it’s like getting rewarded just for showing up to do your errands.

Your Campus Survival Kit (Powered by Shopkick)

Earn free gift cards in college while keeping your dorm stocked and your essentials covered. Shopkick fits seamlessly into your campus routine — no extra steps required.

Here’s how to integrate Shopkick into your daily college routine:
  • Target runs, reimagined: Scan featured products while grabbing school supplies or snacks
  • CVS receipts are gold. Cold meds during flu season? Candy before a late-night study session? Upload those receipts
  • Late-night food orders: Shopkick partners with select services, so you might even earn kicks from your next pizza order
  • Versatile rewards. Use your kicks for gift cards toward self-care, grocery runs, or a surprise coffee for your roommate
Pro tip: Set a weekly kick goal. For example, earn 1,250 kicks each week and cash out a $5 gift card for coffee, dorm decor, or dorm snacks.

Shopkick: Your Budget-Friendly College Companion

College life doesn’t mean giving up what you love — and with Shopkick, it doesn’t mean blowing your budget either. You can earn free gift cards in college for things you’re already buying. Just scan, submit receipts, or shop online and start racking up kicks.

Download the Shopkick app today and turn everyday errands into rewards — so you can live your best college life, treat yourself, and stay on budget.

Your Ultimate School Supply Checklist: Pre-K to Middle School Must-Haves

Posted on by Sam Alvarez

Getting ready for a new school year can feel like a whirlwind, but having a solid school supply checklist makes all the difference. The right essentials help students stay organized, focused, and confident from day one. Whether your child is entering Pre-K, moving up to middle school, or you’re looking to contribute to their classroom, this checklist has you covered. From everyday must-haves to thoughtful extras, we’ll help you navigate what’s needed for a successful start to the school year.

The Essentials: Pre-K to Grade 5

When it comes to elementary school, there are some go-to supplies that almost every teacher requests. These basics keep younger students equipped for a range of activities, from creative projects to writing practice.

Here’s your school supply checklist for Pre-K to 5th grade:

  • Crayons (24-count): Bright colors spark creativity, and the 24-pack ensures kids have plenty of options
  • Glue sticks: Perfect for arts and crafts without the mess of liquid glue
  • Child-safe scissors: Small hands need scissors designed with safety in mind
  • Pencils (Ticonderoga preferred!): Reliable and durable, these are a classroom favorite
  • Pencil box: A sturdy container helps keep supplies organized
  • Erasers: Mistakes happen — these are a must
  • Wide-ruled notebooks + folders (solid colors): Teachers often request specific colors to keep students organized
  • Tissues: Always needed during cold and allergy seasons
  • Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes: Help keep shared spaces clean and germ-free
  • Ziploc bags (sandwich + gallon): Handy for organizing items or packing snacks
  • Dry-erase markers: Useful for whiteboard activities

Tip: Save money by buying in bulk. Split the cost with another parent so everyone gets what they need while keeping expenses manageable. It’s a win-win!

For the Middle School Crowd

Middle school brings new challenges and responsibilities, which means students need more specialized supplies to tackle their assignments. As tweens move into higher grades, their school supply checklist becomes a little more advanced.

Here’s what to add to your shopping list:

  • 3-ring binders, dividers, and lined paper: Help keep notes and subjects organized
  • Mechanical pencils + refills: Convenient and mess-free
  • Colored pencils and highlighters: Make notes more visual and engaging
  • USB drive or stylus: Great for schools using tablets or laptops
  • Lysol® Spray or Wipes: Keep lockers and desks germ-free
  • Reusable water bottle: Hydration helps focus
  • Lunch tote: Insulated and reusable is the way to go

Tip: Encourage your child to pick their own folder colors or planner designs. Giving them ownership over their supplies can inspire better organization and make schoolwork more enjoyable.

Bonus Supplies Teachers Will Love

Teachers work hard to create a positive learning environment — and a little help from parents makes a big difference. While these items may not be on the official school supply checklist, they’re always appreciated.
  • Extra glue sticks or pencils: Useful for students who run out mid-year
  • Post-it notes: Great for reminders and quick notes
  • Sharpies + dry-erase markers: Help with labeling and classroom activities
  • Disinfecting sprays, tissues, and hand sanitizer: Support a clean, healthy space
  • Gift cards: Offer flexibility for classroom needs

Tip: Label everything, even small items! It helps avoid mix-ups and ensures your donation is used where it’s needed most. Even one item from a teacher’s wishlist can make a big difference.

Start the Year Strong

Grab your school supply checklist, head to your favorite store, and start the school year with confidence. And if you can, toss in a few extras for your child’s classroom — even small contributions make a big difference.
Want to earn rewards while you shop? Download the Shopkick app to get kicks for scanning and submitting receipts on school essentials and more. It’s a simple way to save while checking everything off your list.

Smart Shopping Tips & Rewards: Welcome to the Just for Kicks Blog

Posted on by Sam Alvarez

Welcome to Just for Kicks — the official Shopkick blog designed to help you save more, earn rewards, and make everyday shopping a little more joyful. Whether you’re a savvy deal-seeker, a long-time Shopkicker, or just someone who loves discovering smart shopping tips and ways to spend more wisely, this blog was created with you in mind.

Let’s face it… balancing budgets, finding new favorite brands, and staying on top of deals can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created a space where you can find shopping tips, product picks, lifestyle hacks, and kick-earning strategies straight from the Shopkick community all in one place.

With the right tools (and a few extra kicks), smart shopping doesn’t have to be complicated!

Why Just for Kicks Is Your New Favorite Blog

Shopping isn’t just a weekly errand — it’s a habit worth rewarding. That’s where Just for Kicks comes in. From smart shortcuts to bonuses, we’re here to make every trip feel a little more worth it.

We know you’ve got a lot on your plate. Grocery lists, family needs, work schedules, budgets — all of it adds up. This is why our goal is to break things down in easy, bite-sized posts that make saving money simple and even a little fun. Think of us as your friendly shopping sidekick, always ready with:

  • Real-world savings advice (not just coupon clipping!)
  • Seasonal product recommendations to help you shop with purpose
  • Kick-maximizing tips so you can earn rewards even faster

From small wins (like stacking deals on your weekly grocery run) to bigger moments (like planning a budget-friendly holiday), we’re here to make sure you never miss a chance to save.

What You Can Expect from Just for Kicks

Every post on this blog is created to help you stretch your budget, simplify your life, and get more out of every shopping trip. Here’s a peek at the types of posts you’ll see:

💸 Savings tips you can actually use

We share simple, actionable ways to save — from combining retailer promotions with kick offers to finding hidden gems in your favorite stores.

🛒 Product picks that go the distance

Expect curated shopping lists, seasonal guides, and must-haves that balance quality with value. Whether it’s back-to-school essentials or your next self-care Sunday haul, we’ve got you.

🏠 Life hacks for everyday wins

We’re here for more than just shopping. Our lifestyle tips help you organize your space, plan meals on a budget, and reduce everyday stress.

🌞 Seasonal guides year-round

Think holiday gift guides, fall refreshes, summer road trip tips, and more — all built around saving smarter during key times of the year.

🎯 Kick-earning strategies that work

Start by browsing our latest posts for trending deals and seasonal shopping tips. Bookmark the ones you want to revisit and share them with fellow Shopkickers. You can even build your weekly shopping list around our product spotlights and tips!

We recommend checking back weekly for new posts and fresh, relevant tips and tricks!

Just for Kicks, Just for You

At Shopkick, we believe that shopping should be fun, savings should be simple, and every shopping trip should leave you feeling like you just scored a deal. Explore Just For Kicks to find new ways to save, earn, and shop smarter. If you’re looking for smart shopping tips and new ways to stretch your budget, bookmark this blog and check back weekly!

And if you like what you see? Share the blog with a friend or invite them to Shopkick so you both earn bonus kicks.

Happy saving — and welcome to your newest go-to tool for smarter shopping.

Start exploring now — and don’t forget to download the Shopkick app to earn while you shop!