Skip to content

Category: b2c

The best Christmas shopping apps for the 2019 ho-ho-holiday season

Posted on by shopkick

The Best Christmas Shopping Apps for the 2019 Ho-Ho-Holiday Season

Every year, the weekend before Thanksgiving, my girlfriends and I get together for one last leisurely brunch before the craziest time of the year—the Christmas shopping season. We catch up on life, kids, jobs, but always share some of our favorite holiday season survival tips as well. This is, of course, in between mimosas and laughing so hard that our sides hurt. For us, that last brunch is like the calm before the storm, or, to borrow my husband’s description of it, a huddle and pep talk with the team before the big game that is Christmas shopping.

We all know that the Christmas shopping season can get pretty hectic, but having the support of my closest friends is a big help. My girls, and that last pre-holidays brunch, aren’t my only support systems, though. There’s a ho-ho-ho-whole world of holiday help available right on your smartphone! My girlfriends and I actually came up with a list of apps, aka Santa’s Little Techy Helpers, at our brunch this year. We pooled all of our favorites together, and narrowed the field, so without further adieu, here are the best Christmas shopping apps for the 2019 holiday season.

The Best Christmas Shopping Apps for 2019

Amazon Shopping App

One of the keys to my holiday shopping strategy is using a mix of online and brick-and-mortar shopping. And, you know what? I am far from alone. All of my girlfriends agree that they’re doing more and more shopping online each year.

The Amazon Shopping app makes our list of the best Christmas shopping apps for 2019 because out of all of the options on our list, the selection on Amazon is unparalleled. And the best part is that whatever you buy on the Amazon app will be sent directly to your door. Now you have time to go hunting in brick-and-mortar stores for unexpected finds to surprise friends and family on your list.

Pros:

The Amazon app is just so easy because it lets you check off so many things from your list by Christmas shopping from your smartphone. You can do your Christmas shopping while waiting in line, relaxing at home, or anywhere else you spend time on your phone, which, let’s face it, is everywhere these days. Amazon is also a great place to find unmatched deals on things like books, movies, and little stocking stuffers you know you’re going to need a lot of.

Cons:

I love Amazon, but using it to get everything on your list just removes the thrill of the hunt. If you’re like me, you won’t want to do all of your shopping through the Amazon app because it takes away the fun of finding great gifts in person that they won’t be expecting.

The Target App

Ah, Target, our hands-down favorite hang out for girl time. Before we were all married, we used to go there together for home decor, clothes, and makeup. Now, our Target runs are usually for baby and kid gear. One thing we never forget on our Target runs? The Target app, which is why it made our list of the best Christmas shopping apps.

The Target app allows you to do online shopping, find in-store deals, and plan trips to your local Target store for in-stock goods. It’s a crazy versatile app, and we all swear by it. The Target app has also recently integrated with the store’s loyalty program, Target Circle, giving users access to things like personalized perks, the chance to earn up to 1 percent back on purchases, and early access to sales.

Pros:

This is an essential and versatile app for anyone who shops at Target. You can use it to do everything from conducting receipt-free returns to finding exclusive savings. And, the wallet functionality on this app is easily among the best of any shopping app, making paying for your purchases fast and easy.

Cons:

Obviously, the Target app can only be used at Target. While Target is known for having something for everyone, it may be hard to find some of those super-specific items on your list. Like Amazon, the Target app is a good choice for getting the basics of your Christmas shopping done quickly and easily—as well as picking up some surprises along the way.

The Starbucks App

An absolute necessity for me while I’m getting my holiday shopping done is a hot drink from Starbucks… or several. The coffee drinks are perfect for both picking up my energy level so I can get everything done, as well as for warming me up in the wintery weather so I don’t freeze while I’m out there doing it.

The reason the Starbucks app makes the list of best Christmas shopping apps of 2019 is that it makes it oh-so-much easier for me to get my beloved Starbucks drinks. And, it’s also a great way to get stocking stuffers and small gifts for everyone from teachers to co-workers, like mugs, ground coffee, and—the ultimate stocking stuff—Starbucks gift cards.

Pros:

There’s a lot to like about this app, but if I had to break it down into two words, I’d say it’s free drinks. The Starbucks app lets you earn free drinks and food items by tracking how much you spend. And, you can use it to save time during the holidays by ordering your drink in advance so you can skip the line in the store.

Cons:

Sometimes it makes it just a little bit too easy to grab a quick coffee. I know I definitely have a tendency to overdo it with the coffee when I’m out shopping and I get locked into that intense Christmas shopping zone.

Instacart

Let’s face it, the holiday shopping season can be a bit hard on the budget. I know back in my younger days, I often needed to work longer days at the office to collect overtime during this time of year, or to cross my fingers and hope my annual bonus was a merry one. These days, I’ve found another helpful solution—Instacart.

Instacart pays you to go out and shop for others, which is a great way for someone who enjoys shopping as much as I do to shore up their budget this December. The fact that I get to spend my day shopping, help out others during the holiday season, and make money while doing it, is why this app lands on our list of best apps for Christmas shopping this year.

Pros:

Instacart allows you to do shopping for others and earn a little extra cash while you’re at it. Another major advantage is that you can essentially set your own schedule while you’re doing this. Unlike a part-time holiday job, you can easily take nights or days off, and you can just stop when you’ve made enough extra funds to finish up your list. It’s very convenient that way.

Cons:

The only real downside to Instacart is that it is actually work. I know I love shopping, but during the holidays, taking the time out to make a little extra money by shopping for others can be a challenge. If you’re a good planner, though, you can definitely make this app work for you.

Shopkick

Shopkick, simply put, is the one app on this list that can do it all while also making shopping more fun at the same time. Shopkick is an app that you can use to earn money for Christmas gifts with your everyday shopping. It’s not only one of the best Christmas shopping apps for the 2019 holiday season, it’s also the app that my friends and I love using All. Year. Long.

The way that Shopkick works is that you earn points, called kicks, for the things you are already doing while shopping. You can get your kicks by walking into stores, scanning featured products, as well as making purchases. That’s really all there is to it, and the end result is that it turns all of your trips to the store into a fun scavenger hunt for points, which you can trade for free gift cards to your favorite stores, or cash back.

Not only that, but there are also tons of ways that Shopkickers like us earn rewards right from the app—no need to even go anywhere. This list includes getting your kicks for watching videos, as well as getting instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts within the app. Users can also earn big points and rewards for shopping on their phones at stores like Walmart, Best Buy, and more. And, you can combine Shopkick with any of the other apps on our list.

Pros:

There are just a ton of pros for using Shopkick. Three of the biggest for Christmas shopping, though, are that you can combine it with the other apps on our list, you can get gift cards or cash back for your shopping to instantly boost your holiday budget, and you can make your shopping more fun, which is especially important when it comes to summoning the energy to finish your entire Christmas shopping list that last week before the 25th.

Cons:

There really aren’t any for Shopkick, which is the one app on our list today that does it all—and adds the fun of a scavenger hunt to all of your shopping trips.

Rakuten

When one of my girlfriends suggested Rakuten as one of the best Christmas shopping apps for 2019 at brunch, at first I was confused. I’d never heard of this app, but then she explained that Rakuten had previously been known as eBates.

Rakuten is another app that works really well with my personal favorite, Shopkick. The Rakuten app gives users cash back for online shopping purchases, which is a no-brainer budget boon during the holidays, especially when you’re also earning on Shopkick!

Pros:

Like all of the other apps on our list, this one combines really well with Shopkick. Meaning, you can receive cash back for linked purchases with Rakuten while also earning kicks toward gift cards for your purchases with Shopkick.

Cons:

When using Rakuten, you must manually start a “Shopping Trip” each time to earn cash back. If you don’t, your purchases aren’t tracked and you aren’t allowed to add previous purchases.

eBay

The next entry on our list is an old favorite of mine, eBay. I’ve been using this one for years and years, and it’s still one of my favorites for finding quirkier gifts for people on my list.

eBay’s setup is still pretty much the same as it’s always been: users put items up for auction, and buyers bid on them. I’ve found rare lamps, vintage clothes, and all kinds of out-of-print media with my eBay app. Whenever I want to surprise my friends and family, I go to eBay.

Pros:

This is a great place to find rare and eclectic items, sometimes for really low prices.

Cons:

Tracking and participating in auctions can be a bit time consuming during the holiday season, and there’s sometimes a risk associated with trusting that the item you’re bidding on will get to you exactly as it is presented online. Although, that last bit can be easily taken care of by making sure to check the sellers’ feedback sections.

Wish

Wish makes our list of best apps for Christmas shopping because of the deals you can find on there. Wish sells users unbranded items directly from the manufacturers, which enables them to offer those items at much lower prices. This was a new app to me this year, one that I’m grateful my girlfriends told me about, because I’ve already used it to find a wide range of gifts, including electronics, accessories, shoes, and more at far below retail.

Pros:

The prices and the selection on this app are great. It’s a good one to find deals on, and the unbranded status of the products also makes it a perfect app to use for finding gifts for folks on your list who have unique tastes.

Cons:

Wish doesn’t have quite the selection as stores like Amazon or Target, so what you gain in novelty and savings, you sacrifice a bit in being able to find something for everyone here.

So, there you are, the best Christmas shopping apps for the 2019 holiday season—as picked by my girlfriends and me at our annual pre-holiday shopping brunch. I should point out that we’re all seasoned and experienced shoppers who like to stay up on all the latest shopping trends, especially when it comes to apps like Shopkick that can make shopping more fun while also saving you money. I hope you’ve enjoyed the list, and I hope that you have as much fun as I do using these apps to find great gifts for your loved ones this year!

It’s time to get your kicks! Of the best Christmas shopping apps for 2019, Shopkick is the perfect choice to make this holiday season a truly rewarding experience. Download the app today and incorporate it into your Christmas shopping to start earning kicks instantly!

25 days of Christmas shopping: Saving tips for your 2019 budget

Posted on by shopkick

The Christmas season is officially here, and (sing it with me, now!) these are a few of my favorite things: goodwill, cheer, and Christmas shopping saving tips! Yes, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year, if you love Christmas shopping—which I do! 

With three boys in the house, Christmas is also my favorite season for building family memories (and not just because the threat of coal in their stockings keeps all of my guys in line!) My boys, however, are not the only ones on my list. Just like last year and the year before that, I have quite a bit of Christmas shopping to do. But this year, I have a list. I don’t mean my usual shopping list, it’s a list of 25 Christmas shopping saving tips that can keep my 2019 budget from turning as red as Rudolph’s nose. 

If you’re as excited to go holiday shopping for your friends and family as I am, here are 25 more great reasons to look forward to it! Consider these shopping savings tips my Christmas gift to you this holiday season.

25 Christmas Shopping Savings Tips for 2019

Get smart. And by that I mean, go Christmas shopping with your smartphone. December is cold—in some places, very cold! If you want to wrap up in a blanket and shop from your couch, you do you. And, there are plenty of apps out there that will reward for shopping, whether it’s online, in-store, or both—and I’ll be sharing all of my favorites below! 

2 | Get in the mindset that saving money can be fun. Which brings me to my next 23 tips….

Christmas shopping3 | Apps are your friends, so show them some love. My philosophy is that there’s strength in numbers during the holiday shopping season. You’ll want to roll with three or four apps like they’re your personal shopping crew.

4 | Charge your phone before you go shopping. Don’t think you need to be reminded in this day and age? Think again. Your phone is your lifeline to your apps, as well as your shopping list. Forgot what little Bobby wanted? Don’t worry, he emailed you an Amazon link. No idea what to get your dad? Call your mom. She’s the only one that knows he recently picked up skateboarding. Otherwise, you might be heading back to the mall to spend a little more later when you realize you haven’t yet nailed the perfect gift.

Get your kicks with Shopkick! I actually love using the shopping app Shopkick all year long, but it’s also my favorite way to earn money for Christmas gifts. Shopkick makes the crazy insanity that is Christmas shopping insanely fun, while also helping you effortlessly earn free gift cards for walking into shops, as well as for buying gifts in-store and online. Each year, my Christmas budget is getting bigger and bigger thanks to my Shopkick rewards. 

6 | Download apps that have holiday gift guides. These tech-based shopping buddies can give you ideas in every price range so you can check off every last person on your list this year without blowing your budget. 

7 | You must have an app that gives you cash back for purchases. There are apps that give you cashback by racking up points, as well as coupon-based apps that save you money upfront. As fun as Christmas shopping is, you know what’s even more fun? Getting paid to shop!

Christmas shopping savings8 | Use an app that introduces you to new products. I get it: familiar products are comforting. But haven’t you bought your grandma that same scented lotion for six years running now? She probably still has two bottles under her bathroom sink. Time to mix it up! Bonus: New products sometimes have introductory prices saving you some pretty pennies, or your favorite app may offer bonus points toward rewards when you buy featured products. 

9 | Don’t forget to socialize! Everyone’s busy this time of year, but you can usually make time to go out shopping together, so pick out an app that you can use with your friends when you do, turning the sometimes crazy business of Christmas shopping into a fun social experience. Some apps even let you earn points toward gift cards when you get your friends to download and sign up, which can go a long way toward saving this season.

Do not—and I repeat—do not be afraid to embrace coffee. It’s hard to really focus on how to save this holiday shopping season if you’re dragging. And, you may just find that you can cash in on a Starbucks card for a free coffee ahead of your afternoon spree if you were using your rewards apps wisely in the morning!

11 | And download the Starbucks app to get points for all the coffees you’ll be drinking—even the free coffees you earn from shopping rewards apps!

12 | Taking advantage of holiday shopping hours. Remember that staying out late is your friend, especially when combined with tips nine and ten above! Put those kids to bed, like I do, then stock up on the late-night deals offered at your local retail stores. 

13 | Download retail store apps. These store-specific apps reward loyalty for repeat business—because you and I both know that your Target runs are going to be daily instead of weekly this December.

14 |  Download the Target app. Speaking of Target, download their app pronto for an even better shopping experience at a store that has basically everything. If you need more convincing, just go ahead and refer back to the tip above!

Make time to browse. Yes, having a plan is crucial to successful Christmas shopping, but some of the best bargains I’ve found have been sales on things I didn’t even know I was looking for. You can browse in-store or in your favorite shopping rewards app.

16 | Download the Ulta app. The Ulta app is the ulta-mate (get it?) way to check your besties off your list. Oh, and while you’re at it, make sure to get yourself something from Ulta, too—since you’re saving so much this holiday season. You’ve earned it! And if you haven’t, I’m sure you’ll earn it very soon in the form of a gift card from your favorite shopping points app. 

17 | Give Google Opinion Rewards a try. For a cash influx to support your budget, try filling out some surveys through Google Opinion Rewards. It only takes a few minutes to earn and redeem rewards you can use to boost your Christmas budget.

18 | Find an app that gives you points for walking. Walking into stores, that is. Look, sometimes even your favorite store is a bust when you’re shopping for a specific person on your list, but the very best shopping rewards apps actually let you earn points and savings just for walking in the door of your favorite stores. 

19 | Don’t exceed the cash limit in your office Secret Santa this year. I know I’m always tempted, but I find I buy more creative gifts when I stick to the limit, while at the same time saving a bit of money on my shopping.

Download the Best Buy app. Tech and gadgets are the hottest gifts year after year. Best Buy has a very cool app if you have any tech-savvy friends or family members on your list—and you know you do. 

21 | Make sure you’re earning points for shopping online. We’ve mentioned this a few times, but it deserves its own place on this list. Make sure that the same app that gives you points for shopping in your favorite store, gives you points for the shopping you do online too. Because, let’s be honest, Amazon Prime shipping is an honest-to-goodness lifesaver, amiright?

22 | Try out coupon apps. I know, couponing is so 5 years ago, but there are some modern coupon apps, like Honey, that help streamline things, and that you can combine with apps like Shopkick to help you save even more money on your Christmas shopping—and your Christmas grocery list. 

23 | Go on a scavenger hunt. Remember tip #2? Saving money can be fun! Using the Shopkick app to go on the hunt for the perfect gift puts the playfulness back into your Christmas shopping—and helps you get back into the Christmas spirit of surprises, for yourself and your loved ones!

24 | Don’t forget to put all these apps you’ve downloaded to use. Take a moment to make a plan, and wake up your smartphone, before you step out of the car. When I’m really busy, I keep it simple: I open up Shopkick, and the app for the store I’m about to walk into. When I’m really, really busy, I just load up Shopkick, because almost no matter where I am, I’m earning rewards for browsing and buying. 

Don’t forget your own self-care. This is less of a Christmas shopping savings tip, and more of a tip for your own emotional well-being: take a quiet night for yourself at some point to simply enjoy the holiday season. Heat up some cocoa. Put on your bunny slippers. Watch your favorite holiday movie (Love Actually!). And sit back, relax—and maybe peek at all the rewards and savings you’ve racked up on Shopkick and the rest of your favorite shopping, coupon, and store apps.

The Ultimate Tip to Save While Christmas Shopping This Year

Christmas shopping saving tipsI want to leave you with some words of wisdom and encouragement. With Shopkick, there are tons of ways to 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 right within the app itself. Users can also earn big points and rewards by shopping on their phones at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more. I know I have!

With Shopkick, there are tons of ways to earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere.

I hope you find these Christmas shopping saving tips helpful—but I know you’ll like using Shopkick as much as I have. It’s just so much fun to get your kicks with it, earning points from things like walking into stores, going down aisles, browsing products, and making purchases. Plus, the money you save can make all the difference in your Christmas budget this year!

It’s time to get your kicks! Shopkick makes shopping a rewarding experience, no matter what time of the year it is. Download the app today and do your Christmas shopping to earn kicks and boost your 2019 budget from red to green! Then keep on using it into 2020 to keep the savings rolling in.

The best ways to earn cash back for shopping with friends

Posted on by shopkick

My best friend Ella and I have known each other for a very long time. We’ve conquered middle school together, high school, and now we’re so happy to be college students. Of the many things we do together, one of our favorites is shopping—we’re most definitely shopaholics. Ella always snags the best finds but I’m always on the hunt for the best bargains and deals. One day we were out shopping at Ulta and I asked her if she had any rewards to redeem for cash back and she had no idea that was even a thing!  

I’m not going to lie, it felt good to be the one helping Ella discover something new for a change. We spent the weekend chatting and I told her everything I knew about how shopping rewards programs help me stretch my money now that my budget is pretty tight in college. Together, we came up with three easy ways to earn cash back shopping with friends—and now we want to share with you, too!

Use Store-Specific Apps to Earn Cash Back When Shopping

The first idea for how to earn cash back shopping with friends that Ella and I came up with was to start using those apps that are specific to certain stores. Some of our favorite places to both shop and hang out—like Starbucks, Target, and Ulta—have their own apps. The point is to reward loyal shoppers there, and we’re happy to accept. If you have a different favorite shopping mecca, look them up on the app store. Chances are, they’re as tech-savvy as we are.

I just realized that coffee can taste as good as it smells (thank you, white chocolate mochas), so I’ve been using my Starbucks app a lot lately. Starbucks rewards you with special free items when you’re a frequent visitor, which my friends and I are—especially when we’re fueling up for a shopping spree or study session. 

My forever favorite, though, is the Target app. Target gives you special notifications about deals and sales so you never miss out on stocking up on lip gloss and other essentials at killer prices. And, if you like to sometimes just hang out and browse around at Target like we do, you can even use it to find out what’s in stock and what’s not. 

Some of our other favorite store apps include: 

  • Fandango
  • Sephora 
  • Marshalls
  • T.J. Maxx

Become an Instacart Shopper to Earn Cash

Expenses as a college student seem to rack up, especially when you have to buy actual textbooks. One way we’ve found to earn some extra cash for school expenses is by working part-time for Instacart. Basically, Instacart is a job where you get paid to go shopping for other people. This is what we’ve started to call the other Insta (the first one being Instagram, obviously), and Ella and I have already found plenty of ways to love it.

Here are some reasons we are Instacart-ing super hard lately:

  • Flexibility: The best part about Instacart is that it’s flexible, so we can go after classes, on weekends, or whenever else we feel like it, really. 
  • Cash: Plus, this is literally someone else paying you to go shopping. They tell you where to go and what to buy, and you get paid for it—sometimes as much as $20 an hour.
  • Time with Friends: And since it’s so flexible, you can easily make plans to do this together, which for obvious reasons is just so much more fun than doing it on your own—although that’s always an option, too.

How Shopkick Helps You Earn Cash Back Shopping with Friends

earn cash back shopping with friendsThe last (and, tbh, the best) way to earn cash back shopping with friends is through this app called Shopkick. There’s a lot to love about Shopkick, but, personally, I think the best part is that you can combine it with all the other ways to shop that we talked about above—especially the Starbucks and Target store apps. See, Shopkick turns going shopping into a scavenger hunt: you hunt down featured products to get your kicks (kicks are points that you can later turn into free gifts cards or cash back).

Ella and I absolutely love Shopkick, and there are endless ways to earn kicks, like shopping for leggings at Fabletics, checking out the newest makeup at Ulta, or even getting tickets to the movies early with Fandango through Shopkick’s mobile shopping option. We’ve been using it pretty much whenever we buy anything, whether it’s while we’re hunting for deals at the mall, working part-time for Instacart, or even just to earn money shopping online while hanging out in each other’s dorms. 

Shopkick turns going shopping into a scavenger hunt: you hunt down featured products to get your kicks.

So yeah, those are the best ways to earn cash back for shopping with your friends that I’ve found so far. Shopkick is probably our favorite because you can combine it with the other two. They’re all good, though, and it’s crazy to think that we ever went shopping before without earning points and rewards for it.

I hope this helps you up your own shopping game. Oh, and if I can give you one last piece of advice, it would be to combine Shopkick with your own Instagram stories. You don’t have to be as good at it as my best friend Ella (really, no one is), but you can have a lot of fun showing everyone that you know how you get your kicks. I know I do!

It’s time to get your kicks by earning cash back for shopping with friends! Shopkick makes shopping a rewarding experience in so many cool ways. Download the app today and head out on your own shopping scavenger hunt to start earning kicks instantly!

Image courtesy monstArr on BigStock

Five Tips for Easy Meal Planning with Shopkick

Posted on by shopkick

My social media feeds are currently filled with families celebrating the first few days of school for their kids. It seems almost everyone embraces the harmony this season brings! One of the common fall rhythms that is back once again is new requests for meal planning tips to enjoy after busy school and activity days. Whether you are a fellow parent celebrating the school year or a young professional cooking for one, I thought now would be a great time to explore five easy ways to meal plan with Shopkick.

1. Check Pinterest:

Pinterest always feels like a treasure trove of some of the best recipes. There are plenty of recipes for food sensitive family members, quick and easy one pan, pot, or sheet options, or new ideas to try for lunch. Bon Appetit, Cookie & Kate, Food Network, and SkinnyTaste are a few of my go-to accounts to review whenever I’m searching for something new. Plus, Shopkick has three boards filled with recipes – healthy recipes, easy cooking, and sweet treats – that are definitely worth a follow!

2. Explore the Discover Tab:

As you’re searching for new ideas or planning your grocery list, check the Discover Tab in the Shopkick app! Some of the most well-loved brands share simple step-by-step recipe ideas and easy to find ingredients. Plus, the Discover Tab is also a great spot to learn about recently released products. You can’t mix up your meal routine more than when you introduce a new find!

3. Plan It Out:

I love the ease of searching digitally, but once I’ve found my what I want to try I turn to paper. I find writing each day’s meal idea into my planner is my best bet because it’s a tool I use daily, and I like viewing a full week of plans at a glance rather than a single day. Typically, I’ll try 1-2 new recipes each week, reserve a night for pizza and another to eat out, and then add in tried and true favorites for all other days. That schedule helps to broaden my meal horizons while also keeping my realistic availability in check. Once you have a plan, make your grocery list!

4. Try Ordering Groceries Online:

Once your grocery list is ready to go, the most obvious step is to shop in person. However, if you’re short on time, try ordering groceries online from a store like Walmart Grocery. You can still purchase all of the brands and ingredients you buy every week, and you can add to your cart from the comfort of your house or even your car via your phone.

5. Save Your Favorites:

After you try a new-to-you recipe, decide whether or not you and your family enjoyed it. Then take things one step further, and pin it onto a Pinterest board noting the recipes you and your family enjoy. You can also create a second board of recipes you didn’t like to help to ensure you don’t make them again even if they pop up in the future. By doing this, you will collect a great variety of options over time, which will allow meal planning to become quicker and easier!

How do you and your family plan your meals? Chime in on Facebook and let us know!

Shop and Save with Shopkick Over Labor Day Weekend

Posted on by shopkick

Labor Day is only a few days away, which means some of the best sales of the late summer and early fall seasons are on the horizon! In between beach trips and pool days, I always like to check the online sales in order to score some of the deals I’ve been waiting for all season long. From fashion and décor to beauty and fun experiences, keep reading below to learn where you can save and earn extra kicks with Shopkick this holiday weekend!

Online Labor Day Sales | www.shopkick.com

FASHION: 

Summer is a favorite season, but it always feels refreshing to be able to add layers to styles once more as we welcome fall’s arrival. LOFT and Lane Bryant are both having great sales this weekend, and you can also earn elevated kicks. LOFT is a personal favorite of mine, and I also know many of my friends who are teachers love their options because they’re professional while still being comfortable and in style.

If you’re shopping for back to school or even slightly more formal styles to wear to dances, formals, or weddings, don’t miss the sales (and extra kicks!) currently happening at ASOS and Express. Both always have great prices, and the range of styles available at ASOS, in particular, is incredible!

As a new season begins, it’s also a great time to stock up on new undergarments. Make sure to check out Catherines and earn extra kicks!

BEAUTY:

The Body Shop offers a complete line of products, including skin, hair, makeup, body, and even fragrance. Who doesn’t love a place that’s known for their quality and how they honor their pledge to not test their products on animals that just so happens to be a one-stop-shop for all things beauty? Stock up on all of your favorites, especially if you’re in college or going back soon, and make sure to try new to you products as well with your Shopkick app!

DÉCOR:

I speak from personal experience when I say Pier 1 feels like a hidden gem while shopping for home décor! I always know I am going to find unique pieces that are high quality – two of my forever must-haves while searching for décor – every time I shop with them. And, their prices are always on point! Their pillows and blankets are two things I tend to purchase each season to bring new colors into my spaces, and Pier 1 is also one of my first stops whenever I’m looking for new furniture. Did I mention Joanna Gaines designs a line for Pier 1? She does, and the rugs are beautiful in person and incredibly soft. I could keep going, but I’ll let you see for yourself when you shop online with your Shopkick app and earn extra kicks! 

FUN: 

I always think the fall is one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors. So many of my friends plan hikes almost every weekend, and there’s also another group who loves to camp. There’s still time to canoe and kayak before it gets too cold. So, stock up on all of your adventure needs at Backcountry through your Shopkick app! They have nearly everything you could ever want or need for an outdoor excursion, and the quality of their products can’t be beat. 

Finally, don’t miss out on scoring deals with SeatGeek. Baseball season is still underway, football has kicked off once again, and there are plenty of opportunities to go to concerts and more. SeatGeek makes purchasing tickets easy, affordable, and fast. So, purchase tickets as a gift or as a way to gather friends and family together for an afternoon or evening out together. Make sure to use your Shopkick app to save and earn kicks!

Download Shopkick for free in time for Labor Day weekend, and join our Facebook community for more shopkicking fun!

Top 10 Tech Must-Haves for Back to School

Posted on by shopkick

It’s back to school season once again, and I can’t be the only one who feels like we were celebrating Memorial Day and the start of summer yesterday! Even though the summer is starting to come to a close, back to school season always feels like its own holiday. I am not heading back to school this year, but I still wanted to get in the spirit of the season. So, I culled through all of the back to school gear to create a top 10 list of tech must-haves for students, especially for high school and college students. Take a look below, and get ready to shop and save on tech this year!

1. Computer/Laptop:

A computer is a must for students. I have tried a number of different brands from HP to Dell, and I have to admit Apple is my favorite. I cannot recommend my Macbook Pro enough (I have a 13”) because it reboots quickly, runs the Adobe programs I started using while in college, and doesn’t need to be replaced for years.

Where to purchase? Best Buy or Apple.com

2. Programs:

Although Macbooks come equipped with Apple programs, I’m still a fan of the Microsoft Office suite. You can purchase your cloud access in store. Make sure to look for the option for Microsoft Office Home & Student because there is a savings.

Where to purchase? Best Buy

3. Calculator:

I still remember purchasing my first scientific calculator in middle school, and it felt like a right of passage. It’s not an inexpensive item, so the best thing to do is to shop for one in store at Best Buy or online at Walmart.com. The prices will likely be comparable, and you will be able to earn kicks toward a gift card which will feel like receiving cash back!

Where to purchase? Best Buy or Walmart.com 

4. Headphones:

Headphones are a must for all students, and they can easily serve many purposes. They’re great to have on hand during the day while studying in the library, going to the gym in between classes, walking around campus, and catching up on your favorite show without interrupting your roommate at night. Bose and Airpods are a few of my go-to options.

Where to purchase? Best Buy or Apple.com, HSN.com, QVC.com, or Walmart.com 

5. Smart Watch:

I haven’t purchased a smart watch yet, but my friends who are in grad school have said they are complete game changers during the school year! Those who have them say it’s helpful to be able to send quick texts back to friends and family on-the-go without having to pull out their phones, track steps to ensure they’re staying active in between classes, and have quick access to favorite apps. Of course, there are plenty of other benefits, like the most basic one of being able to tell time – a key thing to know while taking a test to ensure you complete the exam!

Where to purchase? Best Buy or Apple.com, HSN.com, or Walmart.com

6. Roku TV:

From my experience of purchasing TVs, Roku is definitely the way to go, especially for dorms! Being able to access apps like Hulu, Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube directly from your TV makes streaming even more fun and simple. The value is definitely there, and friends will definitely want to gather in your room or apartment which makes a great TV an investment in meeting others.

Where to purchase? Best Buy Note: Don’t forget to purchase a subscription to Hulu through your Shopkick app because you will earn kicks!

7. Kindle:

As a communications major, I had plenty of assigned reading for all of my classes. However, I still looked forward to reading a book of my choice at the end of the day. I find I complete books more quickly when I read them on my Kindle, and my Kindle is so lightweight which makes me feel encouraged to slip it into a bag while I’m on the go.

Where to purchase? Amazon Devices

8. Smartphone:

A smartphone is a natural choice for a student! Access to all of the typical capabilities of a phone are obvious, but the addition of apps and email at your fingertips is what makes a smartphone a must-have for high school and college students.

Where to purchase? Best Buy Note: While you can purchase a smartphone at many retailers in store and online, the major perk of Best Buy, outside of your ability to earn kicks, is almost every cell phone company has representatives in stores. Purchasing your phone and signing a new contract at the same time makes the process quicker and easier!

9. Backpack:

A great backpack is a must for every student! In every bag I purchase, I always look for a protected compartment for my computer. Look and size are also important, and I’ve always had great luck with Tumi, Jansport, and The North Face. The quality of all three has always been great, and I’ve been able to transition my bags from high school to college and then to my career without fear of looking too young.

Where to purchase? eBags.com, HSN.com, or Kohls.com

10. Gaming System:

A gaming system might not be an obvious choice for back to school, but it will provide a fun and quick way to make friends in college! A Nintendo Switch offers a great price point and system size. You will also have the advantage of being able to play classic games like Mario Kart and Super Mario Party. Dorm room floor challenge, anyone?

Where to purchase? Best Buy or GameStop.com

Make sure to shop for your tech with Shopkick, so you can earn kicks to redeem for a free gift card. Join the back to school conversation happening now in our Facebook community!

How to Make Grocery Shopping Fun for Kids

Posted on by shopkick

Rarely has grocery shopping ever felt like a chore. From meal planning to letting me push the cart, helping to place groceries in bags at checkout to loading our car before we left, my parents always did a great job of including me on a weekly task that always felt like fun. To this day, I still view grocery shopping in a positive light!

I can completely understand why grocery shopping with kids might not be at the top of everyone’s list of enjoyable things to do, but I think it can be a great experience if you keep a few things in mind. Below are five tips for making grocery shopping fun for kids (and you!). 

Meal Plan Together:

This may not always work, especially if you have kids with more picky palettes, but my mom always asked us what we wanted to eat for dinner that week while she was preparing her list. We would rattle off recipes we enjoyed (some were frequent repeats!), and we would see how many of us were on board. The ingredients for the winners were placed onto the list, and we could get excited about that week’s meals. We would always chat through breakfast and lunch options too.

I’ve always thought meal planning together works well because I was able to be involved in making meal choices. I also knew decisions had already been made prior to the grocery store, so I was less likely to ask to add items to the cart that had not already been talked about before shopping.

Go on a Scavenger Hunt:

Another way to make grocery shopping fun for kids is to make your shopping trip into a game. Playing I Spy is always an option, but I’ve found creating a scavenger hunt with help from Shopkick is even more engaging. Simply open your app, view the items available to be scanned at your grocery store, and try to find as many as possible while you’re walking down the aisles. It’s engaging for kids because they feel encouraged to shop through the store with you, and it offers them something fun to do while you fill your cart. Plus, you earn kicks (reward points) you can redeem for a free gift card! 

Opt for Kid-Sized:

The inventor of kid-sized carts deserves an award! I remember being thrilled the first time I spotted a kid-sized cart at my grocery store. I insisted on not only pushing the cart myself but also filling it with as many items as possible. Having “my own” cart kept me endlessly entertained, and I know I’m not the only one! Today, I love seeing kids pushing carts at the grocery store because I can tell they’re excited to add new items to their cart as quickly as possible. While a smaller cart might not be large enough for a weekly trip to the grocery store, it is perfect for when you need to run inside for a few additional items throughout the week! 

Watch Videos:

Another great way to use your Shopkick app while grocery shopping is to watch videos. There are often videos available after scanning items, which allows you to earn additional kicks. Plus, your kids can also explore the Discover Tab to earn even more kicks while they watch videos from the comfort of the cart. Again, you will be well on your way to a free gift card! 

Time Alone with You:

Grocery shopping was always something my mom and I did together, and this “chore” always felt special as a result. Now, I have many friends who opt to turn grocery shopping into a date with their kids. Often, they will ask their older child to grocery shop with them alone while their younger child stays home with their partner. They have found it’s a great way to encourage one-on-one time and check off an errand at the same time. The great thing about kids is they are typically completely entertained by simple tasks, especially if they get to spend time with you!

What are your best tips for making grocery shopping with kids fun and engaging? Let us know on Facebook, and don’t forget to download Shopkick for free!

Shop for Groceries Online and Save with Walmart Grocery

Posted on by shopkick

Do you enjoy grocery shopping? On certain occasions, I truly do. However, when my schedule is packed or there’s a more interesting invitation on the table, grocery shopping can truly be a pain. Although there are several services in my area that will deliver groceries right to my doorstep, I’ve always been skeptical. However, I put everything aside when Shopkick launched their partnership with Walmart Grocery!

Each week (sometimes several times each week), I stop into Walmart. It’s one of the best stores to go to truly save money, and I always know I’m going to earn kicks while I’m there. Simply put, it’s a store I trust for both prices and top products, and I knew I would experience the same great quality and competitive prices while shopping online with Walmart Grocery. Here’s why you need to give Walmart Grocery a try:

Online Shopping

Shopping for groceries online with Walmart Grocery is quick and easy. You can shop by department, event (back to school!), or even by the specific item. Once you see the item you would like to purchase, simply add it to your cart. My favorite feature is the ability to create a “favorites list” of products I purchase often. The list appears on the homepage of the Walmart Grocery site, which makes grocery shopping even faster because you can add items to your cart with a few quick clicks.

Pickup or Delivery

I live in an area where Walmart Grocery delivers, which is wonderful. However, if Walmart Grocery doesn’t deliver in your area, their team can still shop for you. The only thing you will need to do is park in a designated Walmart Grocery parking spot, and their team will bring your order out to your car.

Purchase What You Need

While I don’t yet have kids who will inevitably request items that are not on the list, I do have to contend with myself in the grocery store. The rule is to never shop while you’re hungry, and it’s something I rarely remember to abide by. New things always end up in my cart! While it’s fun to try new items, it’s not always helpful when I would rather stick to my budget. Shopping online with Walmart Grocery means I only purchase what I need!

Shop Other Departments

Walmart has nearly every item you could ever need, which is wonderful. And, I’m happy to report Walmart Grocery is the same way! Like I mentioned, you can shop by category or department. It’s so simple to shop for everything you need for back to school season with Walmart Grocery. Plus, you can also purchase items for babies and pets, as well as toys, sports equipment, and more. I also love their Stock Up section to purchase well-loved items in bulk.

You Can Earn Kicks

I always know I’m going to earn kicks when I shop in store (or online!) at Walmart, and I was thrilled to learn I can still earn plenty while shopping online with Walmart Grocery. To offer you an extra incentive, you will earn 450 kicks every time you order with Walmart Grocery through your Shopkick app. It’s worth a try already!

Have you tried Walmart Grocery? What’s the biggest perk you’ve found? Let us know on Facebook! 

Shop Amazon Prime Day Deals with Shopkick

Posted on by shopkick

Are you addicted to Amazon Prime? I signed up for a subscription a year ago, and I have been hooked ever since. I love the convenience of shopping online with Amazon, placing orders for the items I need without fear I’ll pay a hefty shipping charge (you never pay for two-day shipping!), and knowing my purchases will be dropped off on my doorstep within two days. Sometimes, I even happen upon a box the very next day! Plus, when you’re a member, you receive access to Amazon Prime Day, which kicks off TODAY!

If you are not yet an Amazon Prime member, I highly suggest jumping onboard right now. Better yet, sign up for your first year of Amazon Prime with Shopkick! When you do, you will immediately earn a $20 Amazon gift card you can use during a future shopping trip. Plus, you will be able to access all of the Prime Day deals happening today through 11:59 p.m. PST tomorrow, July 16.  

Not only can you earn a gift card for signing up for Amazon Prime with Shopkick, but you can also earn plenty of additional kicks when you shop the sale using the app. Here’s how:

Amazon Devices

Amazon Kindles are wonderful because you have access to a never ending supply of books right at your fingertips. If you’re a member of your local library, you can also download books right to your Kindle from your library’s app. It’s wonderful, and it makes traveling even more enjoyable because you can pack light with one device. Shop for a new Kindle through Amazon Devices and SAVE during Prime Day. Plus, you will earn extra kicks!

Amazon Fashion

Take a look at Amazon Fashion while you’re perusing all of the sales! Amazon has their own fashion brands, such as Lark & Ro, Mae, Ella Moon, and Arabella. Expect to find everything from comfortable basics and active wear to outfits perfect to wear to work. Similar to Amazon Devices, you will earn kicks when you shop Amazon Fashion brands through your Shopkick app!

Amazon Subscriptions

Have you tried Audible? It’s part of Amazon Subscriptions, and it’s a complete library of audiobooks. If you’re trying to read more books each month, Audible may be a great choice for you because you can listen on the go or while you’re relaxing on the beach. When you sign up for an Audible Gold membership with Shopkick, you will save. You can also check out Amazon Music Unlimited and Kindle Unlimited memberships.

Amazon Home

Amazon Home is always stocked with the latest finds for your home, whether you’re searching for décor or appliances. Expect to save money because Amazon always has some of the best deals. When you shop via your Shopkick app you will also earn kicks toward a gift card, which feels like getting cash back on your purchases.

 Happy Prime Day shopping, Shopkickers! Let us know your shopping strategy on Facebook.

How to Take 10,000 Steps with Shopkick

Posted on by shopkick

Do you have a step goal? Do you try to reach it daily? Rumor has it, we’re supposed to reach 10,000 steps per day, which is equivalent to just under five miles. That’s quite a walk! If you live in a city and walk from place-to-place or you’re a runner, it likely isn’t terribly difficult for you to reach that milestone. However, it can present a challenge for those of us who don’t live in cities or run and work while sitting down during the week. With that in mind, I have discovered three 10,000 step hacks thanks to our Shopkick community on Facebook. A hint? Scan everything! Let’s get into the details.

1. Complete a Scan Scavenger Hunt

We asked fellow Shopkickers why they enjoy earning kicks, and many were quick to note the app helps them get their steps in! The top way our users are reaching 10,000 steps per day is by taking a walk and participating in their own scan scavenger hunts while shopping in-stores. To join in on the 10K step fun, simply open your Shopkick app when you walk into stores, like Walmart and Target, where scans are plentiful. Then try to scan every item on the scan list! You will find you will take a tour of the store as you attempt to find each item, which means you will take plenty of steps.

2. Run all of your errands in one day

Another great way to get your 10,000 steps in is to save all of your errands for one day. I frequently do this during the summer because I find I would rather skip single errands in favor of creating more time to spend by the pool or at the beach. In the span of a few hours on Saturday or Sunday, I can pick up a birthday gift at the mall (and do an extra lap to clock even more steps!), stop by Best Buy to purchase new headphones (and earn kicks with my QR code!), stroll through Target (and earn kicks for scanning and submitting my receipt!), and stock up on my weekly groceries. It’s a win all around!

3. Head to the mall

Not only is the mall a great place to go to earn kicks at stores like H&M, Harry & David, and Yankee Candle, but it’s also one of the best places to go to walk. The mall is like a more fun version of a track: it’s air conditioned, completely protected from the elements of the outdoors, and there’s plenty to see to keep your mind occupied if you’re not a huge fan of exercise. Think about inviting friends along, so you can catch up while you stroll (and earn kicks!). You could also pop in earbuds, sign up for Audible or Music Unlimited through Amazon Subscriptions on your app, and listen to either while you walk.

Reaching 10,000 steps per day no longer has to feel like a stretch, especially if you make your steps fun and engaging with Shopkick! Make sure you’re part of our Facebook community for even more tips.

Top Three Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

Posted on by shopkick

It’s official, we have entered into the final days of our countdown to Father’s Day because this Sunday, June 16, is for dads! If you’re feeling as though it was just January and suddenly we’re about to experience the middle of June, I am right there with you. In case the fact that the year feels like it’s flying by has officially caught up with you and you’re not quite ready to celebrate, I thought I would help you get back on track. Below, let’s chat through three simple, easy, fun, and completely doable last minute gifts and ways to celebrate Father’s Day with your dad with a little help from Shopkick!

1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

If you’re on a budget but still hoping to do something fun, go on a kick scavenger hunt with your dad! Visit stores like Target, Walmart, or even the grocery store and see how many kicks you can earn by scanning throughout the store. You can even split up, set a timer, and see who can earn the most if you would like to have a friendly competition! If staying at home feels more your speed, open the app and view lookbooks and videos together. You can still enjoy a competition, and you will still earn kicks because they’re hidden throughout the content on the Discover tab! May the best shopkicker win! Shopkick Tip: You only need to earn 250 kicks to redeem for your first gift card, which can be earned in a single errand run!

2. See a Game with SeatGeek

In my opinion, experiences are always more enjoyable than things. This year, skip the tie and explore SeatGeek. You can purchase tickets to games, concerts, and more, and you could very well score tickets to enjoy on Father’s Day. Of course, another option is to purchase tickets and wrap them or simply place them in a card for you and your dad to enjoy together soon. Your dad will be thrilled time with you is on the horizon! Shopkick Tip: Make sure you shop for tickets on SeatGeek with your Shopkick app! Through this weekend, you can earn BIG KICKS per $1 spent, and you won’t want to miss out.

3. Stock Up on Tech

Dads love tech, and so do we! If you would like to check out the latest gadgets, plan an afternoon out together to explore everything Best Buy has to offer. He can view new televisions in person, finally purchase the new camera he’s been eyeing just in time for summer vacation season, stock up on phone accessories, buy a new printer (perhaps one to print family photos!), say “yes” to a new appliance, explore new movies and television shows, and so much more. Shopkick Tip: Once his cart is full and you’re checking out, make sure to present your Shopkick Best Buy QR code to the cashier before they click “total”! You will earn plenty of kicks, and you might just be able to redeem for a gift card too!

What are your top ways to celebrate Father’s Day? Join the conversation on Facebook and Instagram, and let us know!

Top 5 Apps to Use While Shopping in Stores

Posted on by shopkick

I have a question that’s often met with a great debate: Do you like shopping in stores in person, or do you prefer shopping online? I am not a stranger to the joys and pure convenience of shopping online. After all, nearly everything we need is at our fingertips without a closing time. However, I find it’s enjoyable, and often eye opening, to shop in stores. 

My allegiance to shopping in stores may be due to the fact that I truly love any excuse for an outing – I typically catch up on podcasts or audiobooks while I drive, and I often join with friends to shop together. Plus, I almost always discover something in stores that I would have scrolled past online, especially if I’m searching for a new piece to add to my current season’s wardrobe.

In the past, the point that may have encouraged me to shop online rather than in stores was the ability to save money by using apps. But, I have discovered great options that completely justify my in-store allegiance and create the same type of seamless experience. Whether you’re running to Target, shopping for clothes, or purchasing your weekly groceries, I like to think of these apps as the top five best apps to use while shopping in stores. Here’s the rundown:

1. Target:

Because it’s so easy to add one more thing to my cart when I’m shopping at Target, I have turned to Target’s app for years. Their app used to be called Cartwheel, but they merged the Cartwheel feature together with the ability to search and shop. The combination has proven helpful, so now I can look through Target’s weekly ad to see the latest deals, click through the Cartwheel ads to see which of my frequently purchased products or categories are on sale, and even see if my local store has something in stock without ever leaving the app. Paired with the ability to save 5% each time I make a purchase with my Target card, the app has been such a helpful way to save money in stores!   

2. Shopkick:

I discovered Shopkick last year, and I have used the app ever since! Shopkick allows you to earn “kicks” or points when you’re shopping in stores or online. I use the in-store shopping feature the most because I am able to earn kicks for simply walking inside. The walk-in kicks are typically awarded at the store’s entrance, so I like to make sure I have my app open when I arrive. While I walk down the aisle in stores like Target, Walmart, or even CVS, I scan products currently featured in the app to earn even more kicks. You can also submit your receipt when you have purchased products that you have scanned to earn even more!

My favorite feature about the app is I am able to cash in my kicks for gift cards or even cash back through PayPal whenever I’m ready. You only have to earn 500 kicks, which I can do in a single errand run, particularly if I am visiting Target and Ulta, to cash in for a $2 gift card. You can also cash in for gift cards of higher value! Last year, I saved my kicks and cashed in for a $25 gift card to take with me on my trip to Disney World. 

3. Ebates:

Thanks to a recommendation from a blog I read daily, I rarely shop without Ebates when I am shopping online. As long as you have their plugin turned on, Ebates notifies you whenever you’re visiting one of their partners’ websites where you can earn cash back. Last year, I realized they also offer the same feature in stores!

When you open the app, you can explore their “In-Store” section located at the bottom of your screen. There, you will uncover the many brands who team up with Ebates. Simply link your credit card in the app, and you will earn cash back on every purchase you make in the stores supported by Ebates! It’s a great way to save with very minimal effort. But, please note: your cash back arrives in the form of a “Big Check” once per quarter, so your cash back is not immediate.

4. Fetch:

The grocery store where I shop weekly is a family owned business, so it’s not supported by many of the most popular apps. They simply don’t know the company exists! That’s why I’m such a fan of the app Fetch.

Fetch is best used when shopping at the grocery store – any grocery store. What’s great is the app is filled with products from 250+ brands, like Breyers, Campbell’s, and Kraft. Whenever you purchase a product from one of Fetch’s supported brands, you can submit your receipt. The technology developed within the app compares the items you purchased with those currently highlighted on Fetch to uncover where you can earn points. The main downside I have experienced is you can only earn points when purchasing a brand’s specific product.

5. RetailMeNot:

RetailMeNot takes the questioning out of couponing and wondering whether you have all of the latest deals at your fingertips. I use RetailMeNot most when I am shopping in stores like The Gap, Pier1, and Staples.  Although the app does have cash back features, I use it most often for its coupons.

I cannot be the only one who tosses nearly every deal that arrives by mail only to realize later during the promotional period that I do actually need something from that store. It’s the worst! With RetailMeNot, I can find the coupons I previously threw away and present them on my phone at the cash register when I check out. Though I may have initially felt frustrated when I have tossed a coupon that arrived from a retailer, RetailMeNot saves the day because they have the same deals from the retailers saved in the app with none of the paperwork to cart around in my bag. Win-win!

Have I convinced you to shop in stores? What apps do you like to use to save money? Pro tip: you can pair multiple apps together to save when more while you’re shopping!