Tag: Best Buy

Top 10 Tech Must-Haves for Back to School

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

1. Computer/Laptop:

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

Where to purchase? Best Buy or Apple.com

2. Programs:

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

Where to purchase? Best Buy

3. Calculator:

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

Where to purchase? Best Buy or Walmart.com 

4. Headphones:

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

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

5. Smart Watch:

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

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

6. Roku TV:

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

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

7. Kindle:

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

Where to purchase? Amazon Devices

8. Smartphone:

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

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

9. Backpack:

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

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

10. Gaming System:

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

Where to purchase? Best Buy or GameStop.com

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

How to Take 10,000 Steps with Shopkick

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

1. Complete a Scan Scavenger Hunt

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

2. Run all of your errands in one day

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

3. Head to the mall

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

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

Top Three Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

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

1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

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

2. See a Game with SeatGeek

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

3. Stock Up on Tech

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

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

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

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

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

Décor Finds:

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

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

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

Style Finds:

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

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

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

Athletic Finds:

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

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

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

Tech Finds:

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

Kids’ Finds:

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

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

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

Gifts for All: Shopkick’s Holiday Gift Guide

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

Gifts for Hostesses:

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

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

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

Gifts for Ladies:

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

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

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

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

Gifts for Gents:

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

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

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

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

Gifts for Kids:

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

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

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

Gifts for All:

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

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

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

How to get a free gift card on every trip to Best Buy!

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With the stream of exciting opportunities we’ve announced over the last week, it’s hard to believe we still have more to tell you, BUT WE DO! Starting today you will have over 250 scans available every week at Best Buy! Yes, you read that correctly: Two. HUNDRED. and Fifty. Scans!

Dancing Best Buy associates SNL gif

For those Shopkick users who have been with us for a while, you may remember back in July when we launched weekly scans at Best Buy. We started with 300 kicks available per week, and with the addition of more scans, you’ll now be able to earn over 1,000 kicks every week at Best Buy. Needless to say, this is taking it to a whole new level.

How to see all 250+ scans available each week:

  • If you haven’t already, download the Shopkick app

  • Open the app to check out the stores nearby, and click on the Best Buy icon

  • Scroll down to see the categories of available scans

  • Swipe left to view all the items available in each category

  • Not a fan of scrolling? You can also jump to specific categories to see the full number of scans available in each department

Best Buy gift cards with Shopkick

 

How to quickly earn a free gift card at Best Buy.

In order to help you earn gift cards as fast as possible, we asked a few top earning Shopkickers for some tips and tricks. Here’s a few to get you started:

Get your phone out early

“Make sure you have the app open when entering Best Buy and start at the back of the store by the TV’s.”  -Karen S.

Look for clues

“Always look for the red sign next to the price, it indicates that the item is on sale and could be what you’re looking for.” – Kurt J.

No need for heavy lifting:

“If you can’t find or reach the barcode on the item, use the barcode on the price tag.” -Abby J.

Get more kicks for purchasing

“Always be on the lookout for some great clearance or sale deals, the best part is you get points off your purchases.” -Marcella Z.

(and if anyone asks what you’re up to…)

“Most people are curious about what Shopkick is and once I give the details, they are interested in trying it out themselves. I give them my invite code and it’s a win/win for us all.” -Neeka D.

Happy Shopkicking!

Contest: win a $1,000 Best Buy gift card

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** this contest has ended **

Summer is upon us and what better way to kick off the season than with an electronics makeover for your home! Whether it’s a new TV, a kitchen redesign, or laptop for school, tell us what you’d do with $1,000 at Best Buy and you could win it!

How to Enter:

  1. Download Shopkick 
  2. Head over to the My Lists tab
  3. Make a list of everything you’d buy with $1,000 at Best Buy
  4. Share a screenshot on Instagram or Twitter and make sure you include #ShopkickSummerSweepstakes and @Shopkick to be eligible to win

Winners will be announced Monday, 7/10

Can’t get enough Best Buy?

This summer Shopkick is also bringing you fresh Best Buy scans every week! Check back every Sunday in the app for the newest kicks and weekly deals.

Happy Shopkicking!