Redeem points for cash to fund your next shopping spree

Posted on September 10, 2018 by shopkick

I hate to admit this, but I think you can tell my age by the type of shopping sprees I’m always fantasizing over. When I was growing up, I used to fantasize about being one of those kids that got to run through Toys R Us stuffing as many things into their cart as they could as fast as possible. Then, when I was in my teens, I used to imagine a wealthy relative coming from overseas to fly me out to Beverly Hills to shop on Rodeo Drive. Now, I reminisce about old episodes of the game show Supermarket Sweep.

As I’ve gotten older, my fantasies have gotten a bit more mundane; they’ve also become more real. In fact, I’ve found a way to earn and redeem points for cash to fund shopping sprees. That’s right, and I’d like to share this magical way to redeem points for cash to fund your next shopping spree with you.

So stick with me today, because I’m about to let you in on the different ways you can earn and redeem points for cash to fund your next shopping spree. If you really want to get prepared, maybe go out and buy some comfortable shoes? You won’t necessarily be running through the aisles like I used to do in my fantasies, but, hey, it’s nice to have the option!

Earn and Redeem Points for Cash with Survey Apps

Let’s get the least exciting option to earn and redeem points for cash out of the way first: survey apps. Yes, I really think of all the ways you can make money from home with your phone, this one is my least favorite, but it still works so I find myself using it from time to time, even though I don’t like it as much as the other options on my list.

There are actually a number of different apps you can choose from that you can use to eventually redeem points for cash by first taking surveys at home on your smartphone. I personally find surveys a little tedious, but maybe you can try a few and find one that works for you. They all work pretty much the same: just download a survey app, enter your demographic information, and the app sends you surveys. The more surveys you take, the more points you can earn; it’s that simple.

Earn and Redeem Points for Cash with Couponing Apps

The second way to earn and redeem points for cash is kind of old-school. There are these apps I like to call couponing apps, and they work a whole lot like how cutout paper coupons used to work way back in the day. Thankfully, there a few different types of coupon apps to choose from.

The first type lets you select from a whole bunch of different coupons online that give you points when you go in to buy certain items. You can, of course, use these points later to get cash back to use on your future shopping sprees. The other kind of coupon app is even more like clipping physical coupons. You use your device to scan certain coupons, and then you use them at the store as if they were paper, which gives you money off your bill right then and there. Either way, you’re clearing space in your budget, and I’m sure we all agree that’s a very good thing!

Earn and Redeem Points for Cash with Shopkick

Of all the options on our list that you can use to earn and redeem points for cash, my absolute favorite is this app called Shopkick. How it works is super simple, too. Basically, Shopkick gives you points for the things you do when you go out shopping anyway, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then redeem the points you earn for gift cards to all your favorite stores. Save up enough of those gift cards, and it’s shopping spree time!

That’s not even the best part, though. There are even other ways to earn points with Shopkick, too. There are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

I can barely even remember what it’s like to go shopping without it!

Yes, all three of those types of apps are great ways for you to earn and redeem points for cash to fund your next shopping spree, but, truth be told, I like Shopkick the best because it’s just so much fun and it also has the most ways to earn points. I can barely even remember what it’s like to go shopping without it!

I love the steady stream of gift cards I’ve been earning with Shopkick in recent years. It’s fun to fantasize about sprees, but this really has become an integral part of my budget. I earn points while shopping for everything from groceries at Walmart to subscriptions on Amazon, and I love all the money I’m able to save with Shopkick gift cards!

Start using one of the best ways to earn and redeem points for cash to fund your next shopping spree. Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with a free, smartphone app sidekick.

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

Image courtesy ESB Professional

Get the most out of your budget with these apps that save you money

Posted on September 7, 2018 by shopkick

My oldest son recently wanted to buy a pair of high top sneakers even though he hadn’t yet grown out of his current pair, which basically looked brand new. On one hand, I was really proud of him for taking such great care of the nice shoes my husband and I bought for him. On the other hand, I realized he was long overdue for the speech about getting the most out of your things; and, since I could give him so many examples of how I get the most out of my budget, I was in a great position to give it.

I’ve really become a budget wizard. Yes, I know that’s not exactly the same as taking good care of your shoes so they last, but both jobs take a little bit of hard work, dedication, and a special touch. I actually think these days it might be easier for a mom like me to get more out of a budget than it is for a kid, like my son, to take great care of his shoes. You’re probably wondering why, and the answer is tons of great apps that save you money at our disposal.

That’s also what I want to talk about here today: how to get the most out of your budget with apps that save you money. I’ll start by talking about what these apps are and how they work before giving you a couple examples of the type of app I like the best, as well as some details about my all-time favorite. Just like I was happy to give my son a speech about his cool shoes, I’m happy to tell you about apps that save you money.

Types of Apps That Save You Money

The first thing you need to know when it comes to apps that save you money is there are several different types of apps that save you money. There are so many, in fact, it can sometimes be difficult to figure out where to start. Well, don’t worry because I’m here to help!

My general sense is the most common of the apps that save you money are survey apps, which are exactly what they sound like—apps that pay you to take surveys. Now, I’m not a big fan of these myself, but I might use them from time to time. Another common type is an app that pays you money to do small errands, like taking pictures and straightening displays. These are a little better, but still not my favorite. My favorites are the shopping rewards apps, which I’m going to talk much more about in the next section.

Shopping Rewards Apps That Save You Money

Shopping rewards apps, for those of you who have never heard of them, are apps that pay you to go shopping. Chances are, you go shopping all the time, both online and in person. Well, how these apps work is pretty simple: they give you rewards for doing certain things or buying certain products while you’re out shopping.

I should also tell you there are essentially two types of shopping rewards apps. One kind works like old-school coupon clipping. In fact, there’s even an app out there that has you use your phone to scan coupons that you can use later at the store. My favorites, however, are the shopping rewards apps that give you points for the things you do while you’re out shopping. Yes, these really exist!

My All-Time Favorite of the Apps that Save You Money

Of all the excellent shopping rewards apps that save you money, my all-time favorite is an app called Shopkick. How it works is a lot like what I described in the section above. Basically, Shopkick gives you points for all the things you do while you’re out shopping already, making it so you can get paid for buying groceries, for example. You can earn points (“kicks”) with Shopkick for things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards to many of your favorite stores.

Physically going out shopping isn’t the only way to get points with Shopkick, though. You can make money right from your phone. There are tons of ways Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

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

Now you know my secrets for using apps that save you money. I hope you’re already thinking of ways to put them to use getting the most out of your own budget. It really makes things so much easier on both you and your household—I know it definitely has for me.

I think everyone who goes shopping (and isn’t that all of us?) should be using Shopkick. I mean, it essentially turns each and every trip you make out to the store into a fun scavenger hunt for points, points you can trade in later for gift cards to your favorite stores. Trust me, once you start using Shopkick on the regular, you won’t be able to remember how you used to get by without it!

Are you ready to start getting the most out of your own budget with these apps that save you money, too? Well, simply download Shopkick and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered the rewards of shopping with us!

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

Image courtesy Dean Drobot

Fall is for Football: Let’s get ready to tailgate and cheer!

Posted on September 5, 2018 by shopkick

Every season feels as though it was designed specifically for the sport played throughout, and the fall makes football feel even more poignant. Perhaps this time of year makes you remember all of the Friday nights you spent under the lights in high school. Maybe you remember attending your very first game with family or friends and finding yourself completely amazed as you took in the sights and sounds of the field and players you cheer on in person. Perhaps it’s simply the joy found in cheering on your college, city, or town as they begin a new road toward records broken and games won. Whether it’s nostalgia that draws you to the sport or a complete devotion to where you reside, football allows those of us who are fans to feel a renewed sense of camaraderie. For these reasons, we cheer for Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays when our fall sport of choice kicks off once more.

Because football season is enjoyed best when you’re prepped and ready for all of the tailgates and cheering to come, we thought we would share our go-to products for you to keep on hand from our favorite stores, all while earning kicks for every $1 spent through your Shopkick app. Make sure to take a peek below or open the app now as we get ready for game time right along with you!

Get ready for Game Time

Walmart.com

There is an art to tailgating, and there’s nowhere better to stock up on supplies than Walmart.com! Add a new portable grill to your cart so you can make the best barbeque, and make sure to add all of your go-to barbeque ingredients to your cart too (hamburgers, hotdogs, rolls, and all of the fixings are key!). You can’t attend a tailgate without drinks, and water and soda are great to buy in bulk. A party isn’t a party unless you can enjoy your food and drinks, so don’t forget to purchase plates, napkins, cups, and utensils (not to mention trash bags!). A canopy tent can save the day when you’re enjoying your party in the parking lot of your stadium on a hot or rainy day. Lastly, would it be a tailgate if you didn’t have a football to toss? Of course not! You will want to add one of those too.

Boxed

Boxed is the place to go to buy in bulk! If you’re a seasoned tailgater, you already know all of your group’s favorite snacks to enjoy. So, why not save time and money by purchasing them in bulk in advance? Simply add bags from your order to your tailgate stash, and you will be ready to go well in advance of kickoff!

Kohls.com

If you’re attending a football game, you have to rep your team! Stop by Kohls.com’s NFL section to add long and short sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and more to your cart. You can also purchase an official jersey in honor of your favorite player. There are so many options, you will be able to wear something different for each week your team is in the mix to win! P.S: Your kids likely have spirit days at school, and football t-shirts and jerseys are perfect to wear!

SeatGeek

As much as we enjoy watching our favorite teams at home, there is nothing that compares to cheering on our players in person! If you are hoping to attend even just one game this season, we cannot recommend SeatGeek highly enough. Simply type your team’s name into the search bar on the homepage, press enter, and watch as all of your team’s upcoming games fill your screen. Then click on the one you want to attend. There you will find a whole listing of tickets for a complete variety of prices, and you will be greeted by a map of the stadium so you can see exactly where you will be sitting. Once you find tickets that meet your needs, purchase them! Many are e-tickets you will receive right away.

What are your top tips for tailgating? What team do you cheer on? Let us know in the comments!

Savor Your First Sip and Save with Starbucks

Posted on August 31, 2018 by shopkick

Whether it’s the feeling that time has paused as you enjoy your morning commute momentarily lost in your current read, the luxury experienced on vacation, or a long summer day filled with the perfect mixture of nostalgia from season’s past and a joy for the present moment, all three share a common theme: leisure. But, the happiness and relaxation found in moments of rest does not need to be limited to specific days. Instead, leisure can be cultivated every morning when you savor your first sip with Starbucks.

For many, including us, going to Starbucks for coffee (or tea!) is not something we do to simply check something off of our morning to-do list. Whether we’re on our way to work, leaving the gym, or running through drive through as we take our kids to school, Starbucks is more than coffee; Starbucks is a ritual. Although we’re all often in a rush to get to our destination, we’ve learned the best way to enjoy Starbucks is actually not on the go. Instead, the best way to enjoy Starbucks is slowly and with leisure.

In order to cultivate a more leisurely Starbucks experience, we have started brewing our coffee at home. That’s one of the not-so-hidden gem facts about Starbucks. The drinks you love to enjoy, whether it’s a French Press, pour over, espresso, or even just a regular cup, can be created on your own without a barista in sight with Starbuck’s brew guide. And, now you can save on select Starbucks products with select retailers in store and online with Shopkick! Simply open the app, scan your Starbucks products, and submit your receipt.

How to earn kicks while saving money

Step 1: Get kicks in stores or online by scanning or purchasing select Starbucks products

Step 2: Choose your favorite brew method

Step 3: Enjoy your coffee and savings

With the savings you earn by using Shopkick, you can create even more leisure in your day. Think about purchasing the coffee pot you’ve been eyeing that will make your Starbucks taste even more flavorful, opt to add the book you’ve wanted to read to your cart, or whip together a delicious brunch menu and invite friends over for coffee and conversation. Saving on Starbucks means you can design a better morning during the week or just on the weekend that feels indulgent and fulfilling. There is no better way to enjoy savings than that!

Your first step toward a new leisurely morning routine is as simple as enjoying your first sip of your morning cup with Starbucks at home. Welcome to the Morning Club. We’re so happy you’ve joined us to savor a few slow moments before the rest of the day begins.

Don’t have Shopkick yet?

Download it now to start earning free gift cards the fun and easy way!

Don’t miss out on big Labor Day kicks!

Posted on August 30, 2018 by shopkick

Ready for more kicks? Celebrate Labor Day with great deals and big kicks all weekend long! Earn tons of kicks in stores when you walk in and purchase using your linked card. Plus, earn kicks for every $1 spent online through the Shopkick app.

View the kick plan below or open your app to start earning. Happy shopkicking!

Get big kicks in stores

8/31 – 9/3

4 kicks/$1

was 2 kicks
*using your
Shopkick QR code

8/31 – 9/3

150 kicks

9/1 ONLY

150 kicks

9/1 ONLY

6 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks

9/2 – 9/3 ONLY

150 kicks

9/1 ONLY

6 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks

8/31 – 9/3

150 kicks

9/1 ONLY

6 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks

8/31 – 9/3

150 kicks

9/1 ONLY

6 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks

8/31 – 9/3

100 kicks

8/31 – 9/3

10 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks

8/31 – 9/3

200 kicks

8/31 – 9/3

8 kicks/$1

was 4 kicks

8/31 – 9/3

2 kicks/$1

was 1 kick
*also available at
fabletics.com

8/31 – 9/3

Linked debit cards must be run as credit in order to receive your kicks.

Get big kicks online

8/31 – 9/3

25 kicks/$1

was 8 kicks

25 kicks/$1

was 15 kicks

20 kicks/$1

was 9 kicks

20 kicks/$1

was 10 kicks

15 kicks/$1

was 7 kicks

10 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks

10 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks

10 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks

10 kicks/$1

was 7 kicks

6 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks

6 kicks/$1

was 4 kicks

Some exclusions may apply. Please check the app for more information.

Still need the app?

Download Shopkick today to start earning your free gift cards?

Get the Best Deals on Amazon With These 8 Techie Hacks

Posted on August 30, 2018 by shopkick

Amazon is something I’ve come to rely on in my life pretty heavily, and I have a sneaking suspicion I’m not alone. Scratch that! I know for a fact I’m not alone! Since first coming on the scene about two decades ago, Amazon has steadily gotten bigger and bigger, reshaping the way we shop, budget, and overall live. I know that’s definitely true in my life.

One of Amazon’s biggest success tactics has been a simple one: reeling people in with deals they just can’t refuse. Prices are low on Amazon, often lower than what you might find at the store. One of the things you’ve probably noticed is prices for items on Amazon can sometimes fluctuate, meaning you have to do your due diligence to keep an eye on them. Simply put, finding the best deals on Amazon can be a bit like wandering a maze. Well, with that in mind, what I want to give you today is the map or cheat sheet for finding the best deals on Amazon.

These eight great hacks for techies like me involve finding efficient ways to stay on top of prices or using apps to earn free Amazon gift cards. While a little different, all of these hacks offer a great way to get the most out of your budget and ultimately save yourself money. That’s something I know I’m excited about, and I’m sure you are too. So, without further ado, let’s get into eight techie hacks to get the best deals on Amazon.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 1: Search Online

Okay, so this piece of advice about how to get the best deals on Amazon might sound a bit obvious and not exactly like a techie hack, but the simple truth is it really works. You can often find the best deals on Amazon by using your favorite online search engine and entering “best deals on Amazon.”

The reason why this is so effective is there are plenty of publications out there that regularly round up the best deals on Amazon. Seeing as prices on the website tend to change all the time (sometimes from minute to minute if you click away) this is a really helpful thing to know about. Of course, these roundups won’t always have exactly what you’re looking for, but, who knows, you could end up getting a great price on something you forgot you needed.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 2: Join Amazon Prime

To get the best deals on Amazon, it’s crucial to join Amazon Prime. When users purchase a new Amazon Prime membership (the $119 membership, specifically) through Shopkick, they receive a $20 gift card. For that price, you get unlimited two-day shipping on the millions of items included in Amazon Prime, as well as associated discounts. I mean, I don’t think there’s any question about this one. If you don’t sign up for Amazon Prime, you just won’t be able to get the best deals on Amazon, no matter how many of the other techie hacks on this list you use!

In addition, signing up for Amazon Prime also gets you access to the Prime Video service, which has all kinds of cool movies and TV shows you can watch on your compatible devices. Plus, Prime Music has approximately 2 million songs that you can stream without having to listen to ads. You can pre-order video games through Amazon, often discounted by 20 percent.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 3: Learn to Love the Amazon Best Sellers List

Did you know that Amazon keeps a running list of its best-selling items? Well, if you didn’t, now you do! It’s really helpful when it comes to finding the best deals on Amazon. Why? Because it turns out that the overwhelming and vast majority of people really like to save money, and as a result, items that are marked down and listed at extremely affordable prices.

It’s also super easy to sort through the Amazon Best Sellers list because it breaks it down items into more than 30 different categories. There are also easy-to-read red and green arrows on the list that show you which products happen to be rising or dropping in popularity. That doesn’t necessarily help you find the best deal, but it is a cool little thing to check out. I highly recommend making this list a usual part of your regular Amazon browsing.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 4: Clip Amazon Coupons

Remember when you were a little kid and your mom or dad used to clip actual coupons out of the newspaper or from junk mail? I do. My mom used to keep her coupon clippings in a kitchen drawer. She must have gotten some great deals that way because she did it throughout my entire childhood. Part of getting the best deals on Amazon involves collecting coupons, too.

Thankfully, like everything on Amazon, you do it entirely online. You just head on over to the Amazon Coupons Hub and check out the digital coupons that are featured. When you find one, use the “Clip Coupon” button to save it to your cart. Then, it’s automatically applied to your total at checkout. It’s definitely easier than cutting out paper coupons with scissors and stuffing them into a drawer.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 5: Don’t Sleep on Amazon Warehouse Deals

I can also remember times when my dad used to love going to places like Best Buy and Target to see if there were any open box deals on display. I think usually these were items that someone had bought and returned. Obviously, the stores couldn’t sell them for full price because the boxes had been opened, but they could put them on sale at a discount for guys like my dad. There’s actually a section on Amazon that sort of recreates this experience!

The Amazon Warehouse Deals section is another place on Amazon where you have to be diligent and always check because the page changes a lot—sometimes even from minute to minute. Basically, the Amazon Warehouse Deals section includes products that have been returned, warehouse-damaged, refurbished, or used. It also includes products that are new, technically speaking, but don’t live up to Amazon’s usual quality requirements for various reasons. If any of that worries you, all of the products are tested and given a grade you can see. Sure, you may be taking a risk, but because of the way it’s set up, you won’t be in for a whole lot of surprises, which I find to be pretty awesome.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 6: Subscribe to Household Goods and Snacks

I have a confession to make. When it comes to getting the best deals on Amazon, there was one thing I ignored for way longer than I should have: subscribing to certain products. I’m sure you’ve noticed a lot of things you’re likely to repeatedly buy—things like toilet paper, toothpaste, or granola bars—have an option for you to subscribe at a lower price.

Well, I noticed that for a long time, but it wasn’t until now that I started to actually use the subscription service. I guess I was worried I wouldn’t need the stuff when it shipped or the savings wouldn’t be significant enough. Well, let me tell you, neither of those things are really a problem. You can space out how much you subscribe to purchase, and even if the savings seem minor at first, they really add up. I absolutely recommend subscribing household goods and snacks as a way to get the best deals on Amazon.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 7: Amazon Family

This is maybe the most specialized tip on to get the best deals on Amazon on our entire list because it basically only applies to folks who have a family. If you have kids, it’s a hack that will save you a ton of money. Amazon has a parent-focused page where you can find some really great deals on things like diapers, lotion, and other must-haves for little ones.

The best part, though, is by subscribing to those items—which any parent will tell you is a must given how fast kids go through basically everything—you can get up to a 20 percent discount. Remember earlier when I said subscriptions don’t seem to save you that much in the beginning? Well, this category is a definite exception! This is also where you can set up things like baby registries, which I’m sure all your friends and family will very much appreciate.

Amazon Techie Hack No. 8: Use Shopkick

Out of all the choices on our list, my absolute favorite hack is this shopping rewards app called Shopkick. Unlike the other techie hacks for the best deals on Amazon we’ve been through today, this one is actually a third-party app that gives you rewards for buying groceries and really any other type of shopping that you do. How it works is pretty simple. Shopkick gives you points for things you do when you go out shopping already, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards to your favorite stores, including Best Buy, Starbucks, and, of course, Amazon.

There are also literally tons of ways that Shopkick users can get rewards right from the app without having to physically go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also earn kicks for dollars spent by shopping Amazon Home’s selection through the Shopkick app. This is why I think Shopkick is my favorite out of all the great tips and strategies on our list. There are just so many ways to earn points that can get you free Amazon gift cards.

While you’re shopping on Amazon through Shopkick, users can earn kicks for dollars spent by shopping for Amazon Private Label Fashion brands, such as Lark & Ro, Mae, Ella Moon, and Arabella. These brands are Amazon’s own brands, and they’re great for stocking up on basics as well as more trendy pieces. Further, users can also shop for accessories, luggage, and even shoes while earning points! Users can also earn kicks when they purchase Amazon subscriptions through Shopkick, like Audible, Music Unlimited, and Kindle Unlimited.

These are just some of the tips and techniques that I’ve picked up during my many years of using Amazon. As an early adapter to things like online shopping, I like to think I have a pretty good handle on quickly figuring out how to get the most out of these platforms, and that includes finding the best deals on Amazon. I hope that my advice ends up being just as useful for you as it has been for me!

Like I said, though, my all-time favorite of all of these is Shopkick, which is a great way to save money on your Amazon shopping, as well as many of the other stores that you like to shop at. So, that’s my advice to you: learn the many ins and outs of getting the most out of the Amazon platform. You’ll be amazed at the deals you start to score!

3 ways to earn a free Sephora gift card before your next night out

Posted on August 28, 2018 by shopkick

There’s nothing like a great night out with the ladies. I know, if you know me, you’re thinking I say the same thing about brunch with the ladies, spin class with the ladies, and hitting the shops with the ladies. Hey, what can I say? I just absolutely LOVE my friends. Still, I think there’s something special about getting all dolled up for a night out on the town, especially if you can swap skincare and makeup tips while you’re getting ready together!

When it comes to hair and makeup, my absolute favorite store is Sephora. I swear, I could spend hundreds of dollars there and still not get all of the beauty products I wanted! There are just far too many great choices! Luckily, I recently found a way to earn a free Sephora gift card. Actually, scratch that, I found three great ways to earn a free Sephora gift card. Because I’d hate to think you wouldn’t have them to get ready for your next night out, I’ll share them with all of you!

So, stick with me and we’ll go over all three of these great ways to earn a free Sephora gift card before your next night out. If you’re anything like me, you’ll also want to take notes on all this so you can share it with your girlfriends the next time you see them!

How to Earn a Free Sephora Gift Card No. 1: Sephora’s Loyalty Program

The first way I recommend to earn a free Sephora gift card is to participate in Sephora’s own loyalty program. This is one of those great internal shopper loyalty programs that gives you perks for being a repeat visitor to stores. While this program technically might not give you a free Sephora gift card, it gives you plenty of things that are just as good as a free Sephora gift card!

For example, if you sign up, you’re automatically eligible for free beauty classes. If you go a step further and spend $350 or more in a calendar year, then you can earn yourself free monthly gift sets that are filled with samples from top brands, a free 45-minute custom makeover once a year, and the ability to sign up for free two-day shipping for an entire year for just $10. If you spend $1,000 a year at Sephora (which I’m honestly close to spending that amount), you can earn invitations to exclusive sales events as well as use of a private hotline with a Sephora beauty advisor who’s available to answer all of your questions.

How to Earn a Free Sephora Gift Card No. 2: Survey Junkie

Another slightly, less glamorous way to earn a free Sephora gift card is by taking surveys through Survey Junkie. It’s pretty simple. Basically, you put in all of your demographic information: age, gender, family status, where you live, etc. Then the app sends you relevant surveys. The more surveys you fill out, the more points you get.

You can then eventually trade those points in for—that’s right, you guessed it—a free Sephora gift card. I like this one because, to be totally honest, taking these surveys is really easy and doesn’t require a whole lot of thought. Sure it gets a little boring, but I can generally do some surveys in the morning when I wake up, on my breaks at work, or at night while I’m making dinner. When I take enough surveys, I can earn myself yet another free Sephora gift card!

How to Earn a Free Sephora Gift Card No. 3: Shopkick

My absolute favorite way to earn a free Sephora gift card is with this shopping rewards app called Shopkick. How it works is that Shopkick gives you points for the things you do when you go out grocery shopping, to the mall, or even to stores like Best Buy and Walmart. This includes things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade in the points you earned for a free Sephora gift card.

Physically going to a store isn’t the only way to earn a free Sephora gift card. There are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon and Walmart.

Physically going to a store isn’t the only way to earn a free Sephora gift card.

Like I said, there are a few different ways to earn a free Sephora gift card for your next big night out. I personally like to combine all three of these ways; I take surveys when I’m bored, participate in the loyalty program when I shop at Sephora, and score points via Shopkick when I shop at most of my other favorite stores. It really adds up!

However, Shopkick is easily my favorite. I just love how it turns all of my trips out to the store into a little scavenger hunt for points. I also really like jumping in on the jokes and other discussions on the Shopkick social media channel. It’s a great place to share tips about the app, or anything really. I highly recommend it!

Get to know the absolute best way to earn a free Sephora gift card before your next night out on the town with the ladies! Download Shopkick’s free app today and become a part of a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered just how much you can earn with the help of a free shopping sidekick.

And, if you’re on social media catching up with friends, be sure to also join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily fun and inspiration.

Image courtesy TY Lim / Shutterstock.com

How to make grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family

Posted on August 24, 2018 by shopkick

I know it sounds a little cliche, but there really is nothing like finding an activity that’s fun for the whole family. Making sure that the kids are having fun, of course, is always ideal when you have three boys at home like we do—it keeps them occupied and out of trouble! But, if you can find something that you and your partner also enjoy, well then you’re really on to something. Recently, I found an activity that we can all enjoy together that also helps me save money.

I’ve discovered a way to make grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family. It’s really a miracle! What I found was a shopping rewards app that helped me save money while I was out at the store and also turned the experience into a game. Before I knew it, my husband and I were looking forward to all the money that we would save while our boys were looking forward to the new game-like components. It really was a win-win situation for us.

So, today I’d like to share our secret with all of you. There’s just so much to love about having fun with the kids while shopping and saving money at the same time. I think it would be selfish to keep it to myself!

Making Grocery Shopping on a Budget Fun for the Whole Family: Find a Shopping Rewards App

The first step to making grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family is getting a shopping rewards app. For those who don’t know, these are apps that you can use to save money at the store. There are a few different types of these apps. One is a couponing app that basically simulates the old-school experience of clipping and using coupons.

The other works differently, giving you points for certain behaviors you do while you’re out shopping (more on exactly what those behaviors are below). To be totally honest, this is certainly the type of rewards app you’re going to want to go with. The reason being is that it’s much more like a game than couponing apps are and finding an app that works like a game is key to your kids having fun.

Making Grocery Shopping on a Budget Fun for the Whole Family: Teach the Kids How to Use It

The next step, of course, is making sure that your shopping process is fun for your kids. This is obviously a bit of a challenge. Speaking from my own experience, my boys seem to have an allergic reaction to walking into stores, one that causes them to start running around and wanting to leave immediately. This is where the shopping rewards app comes in.

With the right shopping rewards app, you can turn your trip to the store into a game. Many of these apps reward you points for doing things in the stores and points are something my video game-loving little guys can really engage with. Basically, it takes the daunting task of shopping and turns it into a challenge for them. Now when we go out, we spend the time in the car on the way to the store talking about how much fun it’s going to be earning points in the aisles. It’s almost like they look forward to shopping these days!

Making Grocery Shopping on a Budget Fun for the Whole Family: Embrace Shopkick

The last piece of advice for making grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family is also the simplest: choose the right shopping rewards app, which—in my opinion—is an app called Shopkick. How it works is that Shopkick gives you points for the things you do while you’re out shopping already, things like walking into stores, going down the aisles browsing products, and, of course, making purchases. You can then trade these points in for gift cards to so many different stores, including Walmart, Starbucks, and Best Buy.

Having all these different ways to get points is what turns it into a game that your kids can enjoy. Here’s a little tip: you can also use Shopkick when you don’t have the energy to go out with the whole family or even just to go out. There are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

Having all these different ways to get points is what turns it into a game that your kids can enjoy.

I hope your family starts to have as much fun using Shopkick as mine does. Going out shopping these days is such a different experience now that my boys are excited to help me earn points. Everybody gets something they want out of it!

Even better, though, is that our newfound love of Shopkick has given us another way to spend time together. I spend a lot of time at the store, but, now with Shopkick, my little guys are excited to come with me! Using Shopkick at the grocery store has turned shopping into a fun scavenger hunt for points.

Ready to start making grocery shopping on a budget fun for the whole family? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

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

Image courtesy vectorpouch

Get SWEET kicks this Blue Weekend plus a chance to win a Disney gift card!

Posted on August 23, 2018 by shopkick

The sweetest kicks of the summer are here! Earn up to 18,500 kicks when you walk in, scan, submit receipts, and make purchases with your linked card in stores like T.J. Maxx, Carter’s, Brighton, and more. You can also earn up to 25 kicks per $1 spent online through Shopkick on Groupon, Kohls.com, and many more! Check out our kick plan below or open the app now to start scooping up kicks!

Plus, get entered for a chance to win $500 in kicks toward a DISNEY GIFT CARD when you use your linked card as credit in stores, submit a receipt, or make a purchase online through Shopkick during Blue Weekend.

SWEET kicks in stores

August 24 – 26

50 kicks

Aug 25 only

50 kicks

Aug 25 only

150 kicks

Aug 25 only

4 kicks*

was 2 kicks/$1

150 kicks

Aug 25 only

2 kicks**

was 1 kick/$1

150 kicks

Aug 25 only

6 kicks

was 3 kicks/$1

150 kicks

Aug 25 only

6 kicks

was 3 kicks/$1

150 kicks

Aug 25 only

6 kicks

was 3 kicks/$1

100 kicks

10 kicks

was 5 kicks/$1

200 kicks

8 kicks

was 4 kicks/$1

*Scan your Shopkick QR code
**Also available at fabletics.com

SWEET kicks through the app

August 24 – 26

25 kicks/$1

Aug 24-25

30 kicks/$1

Aug 26

was 8 kicks/$1

25 kicks/$1

was 15 kicks/$1

15 kicks/$1

was 7 kicks/$1

15 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks/$1

15 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks/$1

15 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks/$1

15 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks/$1

10 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks/$1

10 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks/$1

10 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks/$1

10 kicks/$1

was 2 kicks/$1

15 kicks/$1

was 7 kicks/$1

10 kicks/$1

was 5 kicks/$1

15 kicks/$1

was 6 kicks/$1

10 kicks/$1

was 3 kicks/$1

Chance to win BIG at Disney

But wait, there’s more!

disney giveaway blue weekend

Get entered for a chance to win $500 in kicks toward a DISNEY GIFT CARD when you use your linked card as credit in stores, submit a receipt, or make a purchase online through Shopkick during Blue Weekend. Check out more details here: https://goo.gl/JYxdJH or open the app now to start scooping up the sweet kicks!

*Some exclusions may apply. Please check the app for more information.

Don’t have the app?

Download it here to start earning free gift cards for the shopping you already do!

Here’s how to earn cash back through PayPal on your next trip to the grocery store

Posted on August 22, 2018 by shopkick

I have absolutely no idea why, but I’ve always been a fan of games that are like puzzles. Not like jigsaw puzzles, but the kind that you need to really concentrate on to solve. My all-time favorite is Sudoku. I carry a big tattered Sudoku book with me everywhere I go. It’s seriously one of those things I don’t leave home without. However, another puzzle that involves numbers has also recently grabbed my attention: figuring out how to get as much cash back as I can on my trips to the grocery store.

One of the most effective ways I’ve found to solve the puzzle that is my monthly budget is by learning ways to earn cash back through PayPal on each and every one of my trips to the grocery store. The most effective way I found to do this is by using shopping rewards apps. That’s what I want to talk about today: how you can use shopping rewards apps to earn cash back through PayPal. I’ll also give you a recommendation for a great shopping rewards app that can help you earn free gift cards, too.

That’s right, the answer to solving your monthly budget puzzle is out there. You just need to know which apps you should download to use to solve it.

How Shopping Rewards Apps Can Help You Earn Cash Back Through PayPal

The first step in learning how shopping rewards apps can help you earn cash back through PayPal while shopping for groceries is, of course, learning all that you can about what shopping rewards apps are and what they do. Simply put, shopping rewards apps are exactly what they sound like: apps that give you rewards for shopping. For the purposes of our discussion here today, you want to make sure that the rewards you’re getting come in the form of cash back through PayPal.

There are basically two different types of shopping rewards apps. The first type is a coupon app, which functions a lot like old-school paper coupons. Basically, you get money off from your purchases, money that some of these apps funnel into an account that you can later use to get paid via PayPal. The other type gives you points for shopping and when you earn enough points you can get paid via cash back through PayPal.

My Recommended Shopping Rewards Apps to Earn Cash Back Through PayPal

There are two apps I often like to recommend to earn cash back through PayPal while at the grocery store. The first is Checkout 51, which is a cash back app for groceries that you can use to plan your shopping trip before you ever set foot in the store. You just download the app and you can start to browse hundreds of listed offers. When you find one for a product you plan to buy, you simply select that offer, head out shopping, upload your receipt when you’re done, and enjoy your cash back! It really is that simple.

The second one is called SnipSnap, and it’s one of those apps I described above that works a whole lot like paper coupons used to. With SnipSnap, you basically just use it to take pictures of printed coupons. SnipSnap then goes ahead and transforms them into digital, mobile-ready coupons that you can use when you go out to the store. Saving money while shopping for groceries really is that easy.

My last piece of advice is probably the most important: you should also use this app called Shopkick, which pairs nicely with the two apps above, earning you free gift cards to go along with your cash back through PayPal. How it works is that Shopkick gives you points for things you already do whenever you go out shopping, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for gift cards to your favorite stores.

What you choose to do with your extra room in your budget after you earn cash back through PayPal is up to you.

As if that weren’t reason enough to start using Shopkick, there are also tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more!

What you choose to do with your extra room in your budget after you earn cash back through PayPal is up to you. Some months it’s nice to help the kids get extra things they need for school, others it’s a great way to treat myself, especially when Shopkick starts earning me gift cards to Starbucks, which is a guilty pleasure of mine.

Get to work solving the puzzle of how to earn cash back through PayPal on your next trip to the grocery store. Download Shopkick’s free app today and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how much you can earn with the help of a shopping sidekick.

And, if you’re on social media catching up with friends, be sure to also join Shopkick on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a little daily fun and inspiration.

Image courtesy Primakov

These 3 mobile apps let you earn free gift cards by watching videos

Posted on August 21, 2018 by shopkick

I’ve always been an early adopter in terms of technology. What this means is that a lot of times, I just try out new developments in technology before all of the kinks have been worked out and they’re easy to use. For example, watching videos online. I can remember a time when if you wanted to watch sports highlights, you had to actually download clips to your computer over a dial-up connection that made you wait for hours. I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’ve come a long way since then.

These days, I can watch sports highlights in moments, and I don’t have to be anywhere near my computer. I can watch them easily on my phone or tablet, no matter where I happen to be. It’s a pretty far cry from those old days of screechy dial-up connections. And, obviously, I can watch more than just sports highlights, too. All kinds of videos are available online, from movie trailers to footage of new video games in action. One of the most impressive things to me, however, is that I can even earn free gift cards by watching videos. Isn’t that awesome?

That’s what I’m actually here to discuss with you today: three mobile apps that let you earn free gift cards just by watching videos. That’s right, not only can you quickly and easily watch videos on your smart devices via apps these days—you can earn rewards for doing it, too!

Earn Free Gift Cards by Watching Videos With App Trailers

The first app on our list is called App Trailers, and like we talked about above, it gives you points for watching videos that you can then trade in later for free gift cards. You should know, though, that you don’t get points for watching just any video. You have to watch the videos the app wants you to; but the cool thing is that they have a lot of videos about things that I’m definitely interested in, things like new technology and video games.

In the time since I started first using App Trailers, I’ve watched videos about games from EA, Rovio (which makes Angry Birds), and plenty of other companies that I like to follow in my free time anyway. The more videos I watch, the more points I’m able to rack up. Eventually, I can trade all of my points in and get paid via PayPal or in Amazon gift cards. It’s definitely worth your time if you’re interested in games like I am.

Earn Free Gift Cards by Watching Videos With Make Money Earn Free Cash

That’s right, it’s called Make Money Earn Free Cash. To put it in the most basic terms, this is one no-nonsense app, but it’s also fun to use, especially if you like learning about new apps. It’s pretty easy to use, too, so you don’t need to be a big techie like me. All that you have to do with Make Money Earn Free Cash is download free apps, watch videos, and then complete offers from the sponsors, which usually involves signing up for mailing lists or taking surveys. You have to do a bit more than watch videos, and obviously this isn’t always fun, but sometimes you learn about really cool new apps, and to someone like me, that’s invaluable.

Earn Free Gift Cards by Watching Videos With Shopkick

The last app on our list is actually my favorite. It’s called Shopkick, and why I like it so much is that you can use it to earn free gift cards by watching videos and also just by going shopping for groceries, or for other stuff, too. How it works is that Shopkick gives you points for things you do everytime you go shopping anyway, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. You can then trade those points in for free gift cards. It’s really cool, especially for someone like me who is just a little bit adverse to shopping.

There are actually tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to go anywhere. These include kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks earned from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon, Walmart, and, my personal favorite, Best Buy. Keeping up with new tech stuff isn’t cheap, but apps like Shopkick really help me afford the latest gadgets.

I hope you’re excited about learning how to earn free gift cards by watching videos. There really is nothing quite like getting free stuff in exchange for things you’d be doing anyway. It’s one of those things where after it starts to happen, you think to yourself, hey, I could get used to this. And let me tell you: you can.

There really is nothing quite like getting free stuff in exchange for things you’d be doing anyway.

When it comes to picking the exact app to use when you want to earn free gift cards by watching videos, I highly recommend Shopkick. It has a great and easy-to-learn interface. The real reason I like it best, however, is that it also gives you points for shopping, practically doubling the amount of free gift cards that end up coming your way!

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

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

Image courtesy notice44

3 techie-approved money making apps for Android phones

Posted on August 15, 2018 by shopkick

As a self-professed techie, I’m kind of picky about the apps that I download and use on my Android phone. I guess some might even call me a bit of a snob, and, hey, I admit it: I just don’t want to clutter up the home screen on my phone with a bunch of apps I don’t ever use, or even with apps that I’m not going to use all that much. Basically, when I download a new app, it has to be one that I’m really certain I’m going to get a lot from.

This is doubly true of money-making apps for Android phones. For those who don’t know, there are a lot of apps out there that advertise their ability to make you money, and, to be fair, plenty of them can. The thing is, I’m kind of a busy guy, and I don’t really want to mess with apps that aren’t going to make me much money. I’m also not a huge fan of apps that are going to take up a ton of my time. However, I have found three excellent money-making apps for Android phones that I would highly recommend.

The Best Money Making Apps for Android Phones No. 1: Make Money Earn Free Cash

The name for this app is hilariously straightforward: Make Money Earn Free Cash. Okay, I don’t know about you, but I’m on board with that, for sure. What makes this app even better is that it’s free to download via the Play Store on Android devices.

Simply put, this is one no-nonsense app, but it’s also fun to use, especially if you like learning about new apps. It’s pretty easy to use, too. All that you have to do with Make Money Earn Free Cash is download free apps, watch videos, and then complete offers from the sponsors, which usually involves signing up for mailing lists or taking surveys. Obviously, this isn’t always fun, but sometimes you learn about really cool new apps, and that can be a blast! When you’re ready, you can cash in your earnings via PayPal.

The Best Money Making Apps for Android Phones No. 2: App Trailers

The best part about this second money-making app for Android phones is that it’s actually a lot of fun to use. It’s one that gives you rewards for watching videos, which is something I do a lot online anyway. However, with App Trailers you don’t get points for watching just any video, you have to watch the ones they want you to, but the cool thing is that they have a lot of videos about things like new tech and video games.

In the time that I’ve been using it, I’ve watched videos about games from EA, Rovio (which makes Angry Birds), and plenty of other companies that I like to follow in my free time anyway. The more videos you watch, the more points you earn. Eventually, you can trade those points in and get paid via PayPal or in Amazon gift cards. It’s definitely worth your while if you’re interested in games.

The Best Money Making Apps for Android Phones No. 3: Shopkick

I’ve saved the best for last here today. Of all the money making apps for Android phones on my list, this last one is my absolute favorite. It’s an app called Shopkick, and how it works is that it basically pays you to go grocery shopping or any other type of shopping for that matter. Shopkick gives you points for the things you do when you go shopping anyway, things like walking into stores, going down aisles browsing products, and making purchases. Yes, it really is that cool.

You can then trade those points in for gift cards to some of your favorite stores, including Starbucks and Best Buy, both which are absolute musts for a techie like me who never turns down a quick boost of energy. Speaking of being a techie, there are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to physically go anywhere. These ways include getting kicks for watching videos and instant surprise kicks from going on Easter egg hunts in the app. Users can also get amazing deals where you can earn big points and rewards by shopping on your phone at stores like Amazon and Walmart.com. It’s really great. I don’t know how I ever did my shopping without it, but I can tell you for sure that it wasn’t nearly as much fun.

Speaking of being a techie, there are tons of ways that Shopkickers can earn rewards right from the app—no need to physically go anywhere.

I hope you find these great money-making apps for Android phones helpful. I like all of these, obviously, or I wouldn’t have put them on my list, but if I had to recommend just one, it would definitely be Shopkick. Let’s face it, even if we don’t like to go shopping sometimes, we all have to do it. Having an app that turns shopping trips into a scavenger hunt that actually pays you is a real game-changer.

I highly recommend using Shopkick. There are, of course, tons and tons of apps out there to choose from, with more seemingly popping up every day. Shopkick, however, is one that I know you’ll be glad to have on your phone. I definitely am, and, in fact, I’m pretty sure that I use it every day!

Ready to start using your own techie-approved money-making apps for Android phones? Download Shopkick for free and join a community of loyal Shopkickers who’ve already discovered how rewarding—and fun—shopping can be!

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

Image courtesy Creative Caliph