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Win 125,000 Kicks with Shopkick

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We think your week is about to get even better…because we’re giving away 125,000 kicks to four Shopkickers! We know we’re looking for big and small ways to celebrate during 2021, and we know you are too. So, we’re bringing the fun the best way we know how – by giving you a (big) bump for your next shopping trip (or series of trips).

Our Shopkickers are the people, just like you, who engage with us and each other. You’re eager to share the products you’re discovering, the recipes you’re loving, the ways you’re saving money, how you’re earning kicks, where you’re redeeming your kicks, and so much more. Our app keeps getting better, and that’s because of you! 

So, we want to see how you Shopkick!

Entering is easy: 

  1. Snap a photo or video showcasing how you use Shopkick in your everyday life. This could be a video of you discovering lookbooks or a photo of you shopping in stores or online. We’re open to anything and everything – it’s all about you and your experience!
  2. Upload your photo or video in the app or from your desktop. Click here and follow the steps!
  3. Share the 125,000 kicks giveaway news with your friends, family, and followers on social media by using the hashtag #ShopkickPays
  4. Make sure to enter by 11:59 PST on Sunday, March 21. 

We’ll be revealing the four 125,000 kicks winners on Tuesday, March 23! We can’t wait to see your entries and all of the ways you earn kicks. Good luck!

Cozy Winter Soup Recipes

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What are your favorite meals to enjoy during the winter? This season, we’re leaning into all things cozy more than ever before. And, for us, that means soup is our most popular meal on our family menus! We’re fans because soup tastes delicious on cold days. Plus, it’s easy to pair with other simple menu items (hint: grilled cheese). Not to mention, a single soup recipe also typically makes multiple servings, which means leftovers you can enjoy later in the week or freeze for future meals. Below, you’ll find five winter soup recipes that will quickly become family favorites in your household!

Sausage Meatball Soup:

There’s no other way to say this other than to say this soup is incredible. It’s hearty and filling, and just like The Kitchn says, there’s something so fun about finding a mini meatball on your spoon! The core ingredients are sausage, spinach, and Ditalini pasta, and the additional ingredients provide plenty of flavor. The result is a soup you will truly enjoy well beyond the final serving!

Tip: When we made this soup, we added an extra cup of pasta to make it even more hearty. We were not disappointed!

Vegetarian Kale Soup:

This soup combines many foods you have likely enjoyed before – kale, potatoes, and cannellini beans – into a recipe that you can cook in one single step! Outside of peeling and chopping, the only other work you will need to do is to pop everything in the pot and simmer for 25 minutes. This is perfect for a relatively quick weeknight meal!

Cozy Chicken and Dumplings:

When a soup has more than 3,500 positive reviews, it’s one you simply must make! Chicken noodle soup is a forever favorite, and chicken and dumpling soup offers a wonderful alterative. To cook this soup, you will need chicken and dumplings you will make yourself (the steps are doable). Add vegetables and heavy cream (plus, a bit more), and you will have a hearty winter soup recipe with plenty of leftovers. 

French Onion Soup:

For some reason, French onion soup sounds like an excellent idea for Sunday night dinner! It offers warmth with plenty of flavor, and you could also serve it as a first course to a larger dinner. Just in case you need more convincing, this recipe calls for Gruyere cheese. Need we say more?

Tomato Soup:

This tomato soup is billed as “the best ever” by Taste of Home, and we’re on board! Various types of tomatoes are needed for obvious reasons, but the surprises come from the carrots that are also required! We’re intrigued, and we’re also planning to whip up grilled cheese for the ultimate pairing. Keep this in mind for your next snow day!

What’s your favorite soup recipe to cook? Share it with us on Facebook!

What to Buy, Make, Bake, Sip, and Watch for Valentine’s Day

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We’re celebrating all of the holidays this year, and Valentine’s Day is this Sunday, February 14! Though not everyone enjoys seeing all of the red, pink, and white, we are completely on board with any holiday that celebrates love and positivity. Whether you are searching for simple and fun Valentine’s Day cards your kids can DIY for family, friends, and classmates or a fun movie to watch as a family, we have you covered below. We’re sharing what to buy, make, bake, sip, and watch to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home!

Buy:

The winter can feel long, and flowers are a quick way to brighten any mood or space. Stop by the grocery store and treat yourself to a bouquet or add one to your cart for a Covid-safe delivery to a loved family member.

Make:

Rather than purchasing Valentine’s Day cards this year, why not turn them into a fun craft? We’ve found excellent sources for your kids to make their own cards. Messy Little Monster, Oh Joy!, and  Studio DIY (these are fun for adults, too!) all shared printable Valentine’s Day cards. Also, The Pioneer Woman shared nearly 40 cards you can DIY! 

Bake: 

We have been craving sugar cookies, and Ashley Brooke Designs shared a recipe that is allergy-friendly. Learn how to make her gluten-free and dairy-free sugar cookies! Because half of the fun of sugar cookies is decorating them, don’t forget the icing, sprinkles, and cookie cutters.

Sip:

We’re almost certain you have a go-to cocktail, but when was the last time you made a mocktail? Serve Valentine’s Day drinks your kids can enjoy too when you make one of these recipes from Parenting – we have to say the Shirley Temple with Pop Rocks caught our eye! We also spotted this Hibiscus Mocktini from Real Simple.

Watch:

Once your cookies are out of the oven and your mocktails are set, you’re ready to watch a movie! A rom-com is a must for Valentine’s Day. The Today Show launched a bracket with their top picks. If you’re looking for more kid or teen-friendly flicks, what about turning on “The Parent Trap”, “The Princess Diaries”, or “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”? The final suggestion is based on a beloved YA book series with the same name by Jenny Han – teens love it! 

How are you spending your Valentine’s Day? Let us know how you plan to celebrate on Facebook!

How to Create a Kansas City and Tampa Inspired Super Bowl Menu

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The Super Bowl kicks off this Sunday, February 7, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face off against the Kansas City Chiefs! In between choosing the team we will cheer on, learning more about the first poet to perform at a Super Bowl (we’re looking at you, Amanda Gorman), and replaying all of The Weeknd’s hit songs prior to the Super Bowl Halftime Show, we’re in the middle of planning our menus. So, what should you drink and eat on Sunday? Here are the key menu items to include if you want to honor Tampa and Kansas City!

KANSAS CITY:

Drink:

Kansas is known for a classic drink most often enjoyed in the morning – coffee! Think about brewing your go-to brand and enjoying it hot or with ice. If you would prefer to sip on something alcoholic, you’ll want to turn to beer. Kansas is known for their breweries!

Appetizer:

You can never have too many appetizers, so we recommend adding barbecue ribs, fried chicken, and onion rings to your menu. The first two don’t need any additional explanation, but onion rings make the list because they’re often included in a famous sandwich called the Z-Man, which involves brisket with barbecue sauce, provolone cheese, and the infamous onion rings.   

Main Course: 

This main course may sound like an odd pairing, but chili and cinnamon rolls are a favorite in Kansas! You’ll tick off your sweet and savory boxes with this course. 

Dessert:

Of course, a Super Bowl menu wouldn’t be complete without dessert, so you’ll want to turn to pie! This is where your Kansas City and Tampa menus can easily overlap because pie is a popular choice in Florida too.

TAMPA: 

Drink:

For non-alcoholic fun, you will want to start your Super Bowl celebrating by toasting with glasses of orange juice – a Florida favorite. If you do want to add an alcoholic drink to your menu, a Mojito is the way to go!

Appetizer:

Tampa is home to a number of great spots to stop for tacos, so salsa is a must for your first course. Rather than serving a traditional recipe, make it mango!

Main Course:

Cuban sandwiches are a Tampa favorite, so it gets the nod for the main course! A Cuban sandwich is made by combining salami, ham, pork, cheese, and fixings together (here’s a great recipe!). Think about cutting the sandwich into halves or quarters to make things more bite-sized.

Dessert: 

As we mentioned above, celebrate Tampa and Kansas City together by serving pie for dessert. Key Lime pie is a favorite in the Sunshine State!

What’s on your Super Bowl menu? Share with us on Facebook!

5 Simple January Delights

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With the year mark of the pandemic quickly approaching and January’s long winter days feeling slightly longer, we’ve noticed families are searching for new, small ways to celebrate. After all, many times it’s the small things that can make us smile the most! If your family is also looking for fun ways to make sure the days don’t seemingly blend together, we’re here to help. Below, we’re sharing five simple things you can do with your family that are sure to make everyone’s day feel a little extra special.

1. Picnic Indoors:

Picnics remind us of warm spring and summer days, but they’re equally as enjoyable during the winter. Whip up a fun menu of picnic foods (this article is sure to help!) and make sure to pack all of the picnic necessities (take a peek at this piece!). Then cart everything to your family room and setup your picnic inside. You might be eating steps away from your kitchen, but even the small change of scenery will help to create a memorable experience for everyone.

2. Go Ice Skating:

Research the locations where you and your family can go ice skating in your hometown! Cities often put ice skating rinks into place downtown, so see if there’s one where you live. You can also visit an indoor rink to skate without some of the elements. Ice skating is a great way to get everyone moving, potentially try something new, and stay socially distant.

3. Plan a Sunday Brunch:

Make your Sunday extra special and plan a complete brunch menu! This article has plenty of recipes to inspire your menu. If you want your meal to feel even more celebratory, create invitations to invite your kids to the fun. Then ask them to make decorations. A Sunday brunch together might become a weekly favorite!

4. Make Someone Smile:

If you find that you’re feeling down, one of the best things to do is to reach out to someone else. In this case, consider doing a random act of kindness. Send a note, purchase coffee for the person behind you, or buy flowers for a friend. There are plenty more ideas for you to consider here!

5. Sip a Warm Drink:

The winter is the season to lean into all things cozy, and warm drinks are a must-have! Try making hot chocolate, sample coffee or tea you have never tried before, or make your own hot apple cider. Once you have your drink of choice, sink into your couch to watch a movie, catch up on a show, or read a book!

How are you spending your January? Let us know your family’s favorite simple activity on Facebook!

3 Goals You Can Reach in 2021: Part 3

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In case you’re just joining us, we’ve been detailing how to take steps toward nine of the most common goals people set every year in January. We’ve talked about how to workout and read more, how to stick to a budget, and how to lessen screen time (even during a pandemic!). There’s more for you to explore here and here. 

As a reminder, we’re sharing simple steps you can start doing today to make goals a reality rather than something you simply write down. Today, we’re going to talk about the final three goals of the most popular annual goals: how to be more eco-friendly, how to stay organized, and how to try new recipes. Let’s keep the goal setting going! 

Be More Eco-friendly: 

Supporting and being kinder to our environment is an ongoing endeavor, rather than something we can solve in one swift motion. But, if we all make even small changes, they do add up! So, consider the ways your family lives, and think about ways you might be able to make revisions. Here are a few ideas:

Recycle: Many communities pick up recycling each week or there are centers within driving distance where you can drop off your recycling. Rather than tossing water bottles, soda bottles, jars, newspapers, and more into the trash, consider rinsing them and placing them into a recycling can instead.

Reusable Bottles & Dinnerware: Consider choosing to use a reusable water bottle throughout your day rather than single use plastic. You can also opt to skip using paper plates and plastic utensils and instead turn to everyday dinnerware that can be washed and used again and again. 

Use Reusable Bags: When you make a trip to the grocery store, how many plastic bags do you typically leave carrying? Likely a lot, which is totally normal! Purchase a few reusable bags you can use each week to cut back on waste. The great thing about reusable bags is they can typically fit more than an average plastic bag, which means you’ll need to make fewer trips back and forth to your car to bring everything inside.

Get Organized:

Whenever the word “organize” is mentioned, typically feelings of overwhelm follow. But, they don’t have to! Rather than thinking you need to completely organize and overhaul your space at once, why not break things down into steps? Here are a few ideas:

Tackle One Area: This might look like a room, or it might look like a drawer! There aren’t rules about how slow or fast you need to organize.

Set a Timer: Think about seeing what you can get done in a block of time. Five, 10, 15, or 60 minutes will definitely allow you to make a dent or complete an entire project! 

Look to the Pros: There are plenty of articles about organization, and some of them are definitely worth the read! We like this piece by Real Simple about how organization pros create order. The tips are 100% doable!

Tidy: Whether it’s at the end of the day or one day a week, think about tidying up your space. Organization doesn’t work unless you do, and your new process will take time to get used to. The key thing is remembering how you feel when everything is in order!

Try New Recipes:

If you’re becoming tired of your meal rotation, it’s likely time to mix it up. Consider trying even one new recipe each week. 

Think about collecting recipes to try and pinning them onto a board on Pinterest. Move the ones you love to a new board after you’ve made them, and delete the ones you know you never want to make again. You can also mix things up by trying rotating through new recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack, so your list is never completely filled with recipes that have many steps (dinner recipes, we’re looking at you!).   

We also post plenty of recipes in the app!

Now that we’ve reached the end of our review of some of the most popular goals and resolutions, which ones are on your list? Let us know on Facebook!

3 Goals You Can Achieve: Part 2

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We’ve almost officially reached the middle of January! So, how are you doing with your goals? Have you set goals for the year, or are you still working through what you would like to accomplish this year? Keep in mind, there truly isn’t anything magical about January 1. You can set a goal and start taking small steps toward achieving it at any time!

Last week, we shared the first part of our goal setting series where we’re walking through some of the most popular goals people set each year. The fun part is we’re sharing simple steps you can do today to start working toward reaching each goal, rather than solely having them written down without a game plan. Today, we’re digging into how to read more, how to stick to a budget, and how to spend time with family and friends (yes, even during COVID-19; stay with us!). Keep reading, and make sure to tune back in next week for the third – and final – part of our series!

Read More: 

If books are on your mind, we’re here to help! This goal definitely relates to spending less time on screens, but we thought it deserved its own section. 

Consider starting slow by setting a goal to read 1 book/month. Then try to read 10-20 pages per day or set aside 15-30 minute windows of time to read. The best thing to do is to find a consistent window of time each day to carve out this routine! 

Another idea is to read books that have been turned into movies or TV shows (we compiled a list that you can find here!). Knowing you can experience how a creative team took a book from the page to the screen can be a great motivator to finish a book.

If you’re looking for great books to enjoy throughout the year, Good Housekeeping released a list of the most anticipated books of 2021!

Stick to a Budget: 

There are plenty of articles and tips about how to create and stick to a budget, but we’re here to share simple ways you can stay on track! 

One place to easily spend more each week than you may have originally intended is at the grocery store. So, make a list before you shop. Then stick to your list even as you wander down the aisles. Another idea? Don’t shop when you’re hungry! Because we’ve done it, we can confirm the rumors are true: you do, in fact, purchase more if you shop while dreaming about your next meal or snack.

Another simple thing to do to keep your budget on track is to use Shopkick to your advantage! In between interacting with us on Instagram and Facebook, pop onto the app and explore the Discover page – glance through lookbooks, watch videos, and see how you can earn kicks on your next shopping trip. Once you reach your chosen kick goal, redeem your kicks for a gift card that you can use when you next pick up the essentials on your list. Shopkick is free to use! What budget tip could be better?   

Spend More Time with Family & Friends:  

COVID-19 has definitely changed how we spend time with family and friends and, of course, how often we can gather together. But, that shouldn’t stop you from checking in on your favorite people! Many of us are suffering from Zoom fatigue once we reach the end of the day or week, so we highly recommend taking what some might call an “old fashioned” approach: pick up the phone. 

Plan a time to catch up with a friend or family member, and make it a weekly date! To feel even more connected, you can both plan to engage in the same activity, whether that’s talking while you’re taking individual walks, driving home from work, or catching up on chores (a phone call makes laundry more fun!). A call with someone you love will brighten your day!

We’re here to cheer you on! Keep sharing your progress with us on Facebook as we all work toward achieving our goals (and more) in 2021.

How to Jumpstart Your 2021 Goals: Part 1

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The first week of the new year often provides many of us with a much-needed boost of energy after a relaxing week and a half of family time and never quite knowing what day it is. We’re excited to embrace schedules again, and many of us are also ready to start tackling our goals.

We’re more than optimistic about everything we hope 2021 has in store, but we’ve also been feeling a bit more cautious as we set our intentions for the new year. If you’re feeling uncertain about planning big things for the year ahead due to Covid-19 or you’re not quite sure how to start working toward your goals, we thought we would break down some of the most common goals or resolutions so often set on January 1 in a two-part series. 

Today, we’re detailing ways to travel, lessen screen time, or workout more in 2021. And, we’ll be back next week with our second installment of our goals series! 

Let’s kickoff 2021 with positivity and put your goals into action together! 

Travel:

Throughout 2020, travel looked different for many of us, and we have a feeling that will continue for much of 2021. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t explore! 

Look into hiking trails to experience, nearby towns you have never explored, museums and zoos that have long been on your list to visit, and lakes and beaches to frequent as the weather warms up again. Although each option may be close to home, we do believe you can still create plenty of memories with your family! 

If you’re still missing your favorite city or attraction, take a peek on tourism websites to see which museums and sites are offering virtual tours (here + here for ideas!)

Lessen Screen Time:

Our days are spent on Zoom, and we’re reaching for our phones more than ever before. Many people have a desire to lessen screen time for themselves and their kids, and it’s definitely possible!

Consider creating specific windows with start and end times for being on a screen. You can set limits on your smartphone for specific apps, and your phone will notify you when you’ve hit your limit. The key is then walking away! Another idea is to cultivate a new hobby that’s away from your screen – reading, crafting, or working on a home improvement project are all popular. Lastly, think about schedule game nights with your family.

The best way to start a new habit to stop an old one is to find things you are more excited to do than anything you can experience on a screen. It’s possible! 

Workout:

Many people set fitness goals as a new year begins, so the key is to get moving! But, sometimes the next question is how?

One idea is to start simple – create a window to take a 15-30 minute walk outside. Even if the temperatures are less than ideal (it’s winter after all!), wrap up with a coat, hat, and gloves. Once you get moving, you will warm up; we promise! Create a playlist, find a podcast you enjoy, or choose an audiobook to listen to while you walk. 

If your goal is to take workout classes, search for ones you might enjoy on YouTube (here’s a list of great online classes). You can also sign up for an app, like Peloton, for less than $15/month to take a variety of classes.

Think about asking a friend (or many!) to join you on your fitness journey. Then, text each other to check in to see who has completed their workout for the day. Accountability groups can work wonders to keep you on track!  

What step can you take today to start working toward your goals? Keep the encouragement going on Facebook!

11 Fun Family Activities for Winter Break at Home

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In between celebrating the holidays this week and counting down to the new year next week, many families will be spending time at home together. We always enjoy the final two weeks of the year because they feel both fun and relaxing at the same time. Even though we have spent more time at home than ever before this year, there are still fun ways to make your time off feel like a true staycation. So, we’re detailing 11 fun family activities you can do at home with kids of all ages! 

Build a Fort:

Kids (and adults!) love building and spending time in forts, so gather pillows and blankets together and start building. You can even add string lights inside! Think about naming your fort and drawing a sign to make things official. Cozy up inside and watch a movie, read a book, play a game, or tell stories together.

Write a Story:

Your kids likely have books they love to read and reread again and again. To spark their imaginations, ask them to write their own story complete with words and illustrations. Computer paper is perfect for this because you can easily have the pages bound together at an office supply store. You can also tell stories aloud or write a family story together. Whatever you and your kids create will become a new favorite!

Do a Scavenger Hunt:

We know many of you love to spend time outside! One of the easiest activities to do is to take a walk. To keep kids entertained, think about doing a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood while you stroll. Decorations will likely still be on display for much of this week and next, so consider giving Studio DIY’s scavenger hunt a try!

Make a Calendar: 

Rather than purchasing a calendar, create your own with photos you have captured this year! Sites like Minted and Shutterfly have great easy-to-use options to create desk and wall calendars to use in your home or work-from-home office spaces. Ask your kids to help you to choose the photos and design each month together! You’ll love looking back on past memories throughout 2021. 

Do a Puzzle: 

Puzzles are a great activity you can complete all in one sitting or return to throughout an extended period of time. Working on a puzzle on the floor always works well because there’s plenty of space. If you’re working on a larger puzzle, however, you will likely want to house it in a spot that it can stay until it’s complete. A card table, desk, or dining room table works wonders for this purpose! Then you can add a piece or two whenever you walk past or settle in for a longer session. Stores like Target and Walmart have puzzles, and you can also find them at bookstores. If you want to make your own from a photo you captured, look into Zazzle!

Play Board Games:

If you can’t quite remember when you last played a board game together or you play them frequently, choose one to play together! You can even create a tournament where you play multiple games throughout the week or weekend, and the person with the most wins gets a prize.

Send Mail:

During the holidays, many of us are sending and receiving holiday mail. But, once January arrives, the “fun” mail tends to stop. So, ask your kids to draw pictures or make cards for friends and family. Their January days will be brightened instantly!

Make a Wrapping Paper Craft:

Before you throw away the wrapping paper that’s tossed aside after opening holiday gifts, think about saving it. We spotted this article from Buzzfeed that details plenty of crafts you and your kids can make from wrapping paper as a way to reuse it! 

Play with Water:

Even though it may be a little cold in many areas to go swimming in a pool or the ocean, that doesn’t mean your kids can’t play with water. Young kids love to “help”, so have them wash their toys in the bath or sink. You can also play with water beads! Another simple idea? Add bubbles to a bath. 

Donate Toys:

The holidays typically mean adding more toys to your collection. If your kids have toys they no longer play with or you simply want to create more space in your home, why not spend time choosing toys to donate. Think about placing a number around the donation, like 5-10 toys, and then asking your kids to review what they love and what they really don’t play with as much anymore. Giving old toys a new home means they can keep being enjoyed, which is the goal!

Have a Spa Day:

The week in between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one we hope is relaxing. To enhance the relaxation and fun, host a spa day at home! Purchase face masks you have yet to try, do manicures and pedicures, soak your feet, and enjoy a bubble bath. This is also the perfect time to officially wear sweatpants and leggings! After your day at the “spa”, read a book, catch up on a TV show, or watch a movie…and order takeout.

A quick tip: bookmark these ideas for the winter and rainy days! Most of these ideas aren’t holiday specific, so refer back to them whenever you need an idea for something fun you and your family can do inside together. As always, make sure to keep the conversation going on Facebook!

5 Ways to Save Money Before the Holidays

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Believe it or not, we’ve officially made it to mid-December — and if it feels like the month is flying by, you’re not alone. Hanukkah is well underway, and Christmas is just around the corner. With holiday to-do lists growing by the minute, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — especially when it comes to staying on budget.

If you’re still checking off gifts or prepping for celebrations, don’t worry — it’s not too late to save! Here are five simple ways to keep your spending in check while still embracing the season.

1. Watch for Last-Minute Sales

Retailers (big and small!) are still rolling out daily deals as they aim to hit their end-of-year goals. Flash sales — especially on clothing and accessories — can change quickly, so it pays to stay alert. Keep an eye on your inbox if you’re signed up for brand emails, or check your favorite store’s website regularly. The sale you’ve been waiting for could drop any day!

2. Redeem Your Kicks

When’s the last time you checked your Shopkick balance? If it’s been a while, now’s the time. Redeem your kicks for gift cards to help cover the cost of those final items on your list. Whether it’s a toy, tech, or last-minute stocking stuffer, using kicks to shave down your total feels like a holiday win.

3. Stick to Your List

Extra store runs are par for the course in December — but they’re also where unplanned spending sneaks in. Before you head out, make a list of what you truly need and commit to sticking with it. If something unexpected catches your eye, pause and decide: is it worth editing your list, or will it blow your budget?

4. Shop Online + Pick Up In-Store

This hybrid method has become a holiday hero. You still earn kicks, you avoid shipping costs, and you dramatically reduce impulse buys by only shopping from your pre-planned list. Plus, many retailers offer same-day pickup — and it’s a great way to avoid crowds and stay socially distant. It’s efficient, cost-effective, and safer.

5. Go Homemade

When it comes to heartfelt gifts, DIY almost always wins. Whether it’s a batch of cookies, a framed photo, a handmade ornament, or a home-cooked meal, these gifts are thoughtful, personal, and budget-friendly. Best of all, they show your loved ones how much you care — without maxing out your wallet.

What are your go-to ways to save this season?
Share your best tips and ideas with our community on Facebook — we’d love to hear how you’re making the most of the holidays, your way.

How to Get into the Holiday Spirit in 2020

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For many of us, 2020 has felt long as we have navigated a year unlike anything many of us have ever experienced. As a result, much like the many months before it, the holidays feel different. For some, there’s a big desire to really dive into all things festive and happy – something known to tackle in a joyful way. For others, there’s a hesitancy to celebrate the season and a lack of excitement where a bountiful spirit typically resides. If you fall into the second camp, know you are definitely not alone. 

We have heard plenty of people remark they’re feeling more “bah humbug” than usual, so we thought we would piece together 10 easy ways you can still inject December with joy even during a holiday season that feels vastly different from any other. Keep reading for fun holiday ideas you can do alone or with family or friends, and a big bonus: they won’t break the bank!

1. See the Holiday Lights: 

Many cities and towns have drive-through light shows, and a quick search will likely cause a few to pop up in your area. Pick a date, and visit one! Most displays include themed lights that are larger than life, and the majority of shows also suggest tuning into a radio station that’s playing a soundtrack of holiday music.

If your area doesn’t have a light show, you can always go for an evening walk through your neighborhood to take in the lights where you live! Grab a flashlight for your stroll, and don’t forget to whip up mugs of hot chocolate to go to stay warm.

2. Do a Holiday DIY:

There are plenty of crafts you can tackle by yourself or with your kids! Purchase a gingerbread house kit and start building; make your own ornaments; create a garland. The options are endless, but here is a great place to start for kids!

3. Watch a Holiday Movie:

Whether you tune into a cable channel or scroll through your go-to streaming services, there are plenty of holiday movies to enjoy. Plan to watch your seasonal favorites, as well as a few new-to-you flicks this season. If you’re looking for a list of classic holiday movies, this article will help to point you in a direction!   

4. Volunteer:

Think about contacting organizations in your area to see if any are looking for volunteers, purchase toys for kids who might not receive presents, contact a local nursing home to see if their residents would like to receive cards, or make a donation to a charity you admire. Helping others is a great way to connect and brighten your spirits and theirs.

5. Take in a Holiday Performance:

Due to Covid-19, many performances are now happening virtually online in order to keep guests and performers safe. The great bonus of this is you can enjoy performances from other cities in addition to your own. City ballets, including the New York City Ballet, are going to air performances of “The Nutcracker”, and musicians from Carnegie Hall are also streaming to virtual crowds. 

6. Bake a Holiday Recipe:

The holidays don’t feel quite like the holidays without time spent in the kitchen! Last week, we shared 10 holiday cookie recipes that are all delicious. Choose one, source your ingredients, pick a time, and get baking! 

7. Listen to Holiday Music:

It’s officially Mariah Carey season, and we are welcoming “All I Want for Christmas is You” every time it plays. Whether you’re working from home, spending time in the kitchen, or simply relaxing, tune into a holiday music station. There are plenty of options from jazz to classics and pop to kids’ (and everything in between). Hearing a few festive songs might help to brighten your spirits!

8. Read a Holiday Book:

There are books for every season, and there are a number of books set during the holiday season! They always feel particularly cozy to enjoy during December (and even January), and we think you will agree. “One Night in December” by Josie Silver is a great read, and Oprah Magazine found 34 other holiday themed books. If you’re looking for holiday books for kids, Studio DIY has a great roundup! 

9. Send Holiday Snail Mail:

This year, a trip to the mailbox has felt like an event. So, keep the snail mail coming for your family and friends! Think about picking up a box of holiday cards and writing a note in each one to your recipient. You can even DIY your own cards for an extra holiday project!

10. Remember: This Year is Different:

Though it may seem odd to end on this note, it’s important to point out that this year is different. We’ve navigated a lot, and there’s still more to come. So, give yourself some grace. If you don’t tick off as many holiday to-dos as you have in the past, that’s okay! Enjoy what you do decide to do, and remember less can definitely be more.

How are you getting into the holiday spirit this year? Join us and share on Facebook!

10 Tried & True Holiday Cookie Recipes

Posted on by shopkick

The holiday season is officially underway, and the month of December always makes us want to spend even more time in the kitchen. Even though we might not be gathering this year, we still plan to honor holiday traditions. And, it wouldn’t feel like the holidays without cookies!

We’ve done the hard work for you and scoured the web for what we think are some of the best holiday cookie recipes. They’re all what we’re calling tried and true favorites, and we’re sharing the details for 10 of the top recipes we’ve found below. Plan to spend a festive night baking on your own, or spend a Saturday or Sunday whipping up cookies with your kids as a fun holiday activity. 

No matter what you decide to make, we hope you discover a recipe you will make year after year!

Snickerdoodle Cookies:

You can’t go wrong with a melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon sugar cookie! Snickerdoodles are a great option to make with kids because you can form the dough, and your kids can add the cinnamon sugar coating. As a note, the yield is typically high for Snickerdoodles, and this recipe will leave you with four dozen cookies!

Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Chocolate chip cookies are not necessarily seasonal, but we do always find ourselves baking a batch (or many!) during the holidays. We have yet to uncover a recipe that’s better than the one from Nestle Toll House, so we’re sticking with it. A key for great chocolate chip cookies that aren’t flat is to make sure to add the dash of extra flour the recipe suggests!

Old Fashioned Sugar Cookies:

Sugar cookies are another classic all-year-long recipe, but just like chocolate chip cookies, they’re always a welcome treat during the holidays! We all love sugar cookies for their taste, plus they’re perfect for kids to decorate. Add a few cookie cutters to your cart, and don’t forget the sprinkles and icing! This Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie recipe is excellent, and there’s also step-by-step instructions in case you want to make your own icing.

Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies: 

Please be warned: these cookies are delicious! Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies feature a cookie that’s dipped in crushed pecans or walnuts. Once the cookies are out of the oven, you will flatten the center and add your jam. Raspberry jam tastes wonderful, but any fruit jam will do!

Gingerbread Cookies:

It wouldn’t be a holiday cookie recipe roundup without Gingerbread Cookies! The fun of Gingerbread Cookies is they are perfect to cut out and decorate, particularly with royal icing. Keep in mind, similar to bread, the dough needs rise for 2-8 hours, so this is a recipe you will likely work on in shifts. 

Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies:

We love the fresh taste of mint during the holidays, and candy canes are a must-have treat! This cookie recipe calls for both chocolate and candy canes. The cookies are chocolate, and the outer surround is where you will taste the candy cane pieces. Because the pieces are crushed, mints work too! 

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies: 

Few combinations are tastier than peanut butter and chocolate, and Peanut Butter Blossom cookies feature both! The cookie is where you will find the peanut butter, and the chocolate is added in when you place a Hershey Kiss on top. These are another simple and easy recipe to make with kids because they can easily add the chocolate!

Ginger Eggnog Sandwich Cookies:

Two of the most classic holiday flavors are ginger and eggnog, and this recipe combines both! The cookies are where you will find the ginger flavor, and the taste of eggnog is incorporated into the icing that will be sandwiched in the middle. The recipe yields 16 sandwich cookies, and they sound perfect to enjoy while watching a holiday movie! 

Spritz Cookies:

Spritz Cookies are known for their shapes and buttery taste, so we had to make sure to add them to our list! The dough is simple to make, and they’re also easy to decorate with sprinkles. The step that can sometimes prove tricky is working a press. Yes, these cookies require a specific tool – a cookie dough press – that forms them into their holiday shapes. 

Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies:

If you have ever watched “The Great British Baking Show”, you know how much the bakers love to combine chocolate and orange. We’re here to add our stamp of approval! Sally’s Baking Addiction shares some of the best cookie recipes (and general baking recipes), and this one for Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies is a winner. If you’re looking for another chocolate and orange cookie recipe, this one also gets an honorable mention!

Which holiday cookie recipes will you be baking this year? Share your favorites with us on Facebook!