Shop and Save with Shopkick Over Labor Day Weekend

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

Online Labor Day Sales | www.shopkick.com

FASHION: 

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

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

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

BEAUTY:

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

DÉCOR:

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

FUN: 

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

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

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

Top 10 Tech Must-Haves for Back to School

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!

Shop for Groceries Online and Save with Walmart Grocery

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

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

Online Shopping

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

Pickup or Delivery

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

Purchase What You Need

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

Shop Other Departments

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

You Can Earn Kicks

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

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

Shop Amazon Prime Day Deals with Shopkick

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

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

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

Amazon Devices

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

Amazon Fashion

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

Amazon Subscriptions

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

Amazon Home

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

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

Top Three Last Minute Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day

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

1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

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

2. See a Game with SeatGeek

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

3. Stock Up on Tech

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

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

Top 5 Apps to Use While Shopping in Stores

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

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

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

1. Target:

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

2. Shopkick:

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

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

3. Ebates:

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

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

4. Fetch:

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

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

5. RetailMeNot:

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

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

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

Three Ways Shopkick Can Replace Walmart Savings Catcher

As I have gotten older, I have started to appreciate any time I get to spend with my girlfriends so much more. Some of us live in the city while others have opted for the suburbs. To add even more layers to our group, we’re all experiencing different life stages too. Though we may be different, our conversations always flow easily from our careers and our passions to our families and even ways we’ve found to save money.

During one of our most recent nights in, we ended up diving into where we shop and which stores we favor most for different items. Of course, Walmart was a fan favorite! As a result, it was inevitable for us to share our views on Walmart’s recently announced decision to stop supporting their Savings Catcher program.

Like so many others, a few of my friends have saved hundreds by submitting their receipts to Walmart who then reimburses them if they found products offered at lesser prices. Some have used their savings from Savings Catcher to pay for vacations, others have rolled their money forward to pay for future shopping trips, and a few have opted to save up their savings in order to purchase holiday presents. Naturally, the closure of the program is an upsetting one!

Outside of using Savings Catcher, I’ve also found Shopkick is a great way to save even more. While I won’t be able to continue to use Savings Catcher, I can still continue to use Shopkick. So, I shared three ways my friends can join me and start using my go-to shopping app, and I thought I would share them with you too!

1. Earn Kicks Without Making Purchases:

The biggest bummer about Savings Catcher is you can only save when you discover a product you’re purchasing is offered less at another retailer. With Shopkick, you can earn kicks whether you’re making purchases or not. Open the app when you’re walking into stores and earn kicks simply because you went inside of a store. Scan products while you’re walking around (you can even scan at Walmart!) to continue to earn. Watch videos in the app, and discover new inspiration by viewing lookbooks at home. I think saving when you’re not spending is a total win, but of course you’ll earn gift cards much faster if you make purchases.

2. Shop Online & In-Store:

You can use Savings Catcher online and in Walmart’s stores, but those are the only places where the program works. With Shopkick, you can earn kicks at a complete variety of retailers both in-stores and online. Some stores offer opportunities to earn by walking in, scanning, and submitting your receipt, and others offer the chance to earn kicks when you purchase your items with a credit card that’s linked to your Shopkick app’s account. I would much rather be able to save while I shop at a variety of stores I visit all the time than just at one store and only if I can find the product cheaper elsewhere (which takes time too).

3. Redeem Kicks for Gift Cards:

My friends are most upset about losing one way they frequently turn to, to save money, but I reminded them they can create a similar experience through Shopkick. Each time they earn kicks, they count toward their grand total. Once you earn as few as 500 kicks, which I’ve done in a single day of errands, you can redeem your kicks for a gift card to retailers you frequent, like Starbucks, Target, Amazon, and even Walmart. Use your gift card to treat yourself, help pay for items for a vacation, or to pay for gifts during the holidays (aka: all of the things you were doing through Savings Catcher, but now you can earn kicks through many avenues!).

My friends joined Shopkick during our girls’ night, which was the first time I ever witnessed so many friends joining an app at the same time. Savings Catcher users, join us and continue to save while also earning gift cards with Shopkick!

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

P.S.: Even MSN recommends Shopkick as a replacement for Savings Catcher!

Shop with Shopkick

We always share our favorite finds in lookbooks, which you can find on the Discover page of the app! But, we’ve decided we want to share them outside of the app, which is why we’re thrilled to share what we’re shopping on our blog too. Just like you check the app often to discover new products and stores, make sure you visit the blog too for additional links. Now, let’s shop!

Mother’s Day:

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 12, so it’s time to find the perfect gift for mom. We’ve rounded up skincare, hair care, perfume, and makeup products we think she will love. Make your mom’s beauty shine!

Adventure for Every Budget

My friends and I frequently talk about traveling together. We love to see where our bucket list destinations align just as much as we enjoy learning about newly discovered gems close to home that will make a staycation feel special with a hint of luxury. After any of our conversations, I feel equally as inspired to book a flight as I do to purchase a hammock or candles to make my nights and weekends in feel more like a hotel stay. My takeaway is always this: Traveling is possible on any budget; sometimes you just need a few ideas!

$99 or Less:

I live in the Northeast, so a walk outside during the first signs of spring always feels like a vacation – it’s such a treat! After spending so many months inside, now is when I start to spend as much time outside as possible. My favorite thing to do outside? Read! In my opinion, the best way to completely enhance any book is to read it in a hammock because I always feel like I’m at the beach rather than in my backyard.

$100-$349:

With its history and location, San Antonio, Texas is 100% on my radar! I think this would be such a fun spot to go with family or a group of friends. Plan to visit the Alamo and stroll along the River Walk to explore great eats and views. Orlando and Los Angeles are both great options at this price point too! And, when you book with Booking.com or Hotels.com, you can earn 10 kicks per $1 spent from today through Tuesday, April 16.

$350-$999:

I visited New Orleans, LA for the first time last year for my birthday, and this southern city blew me away! The food, particularly the beignets, is delicious, listening to jazz live is not to be missed (Preservation Hall was my favorite spot!), and there is plenty to see by wandering around the French Quarter. New York, Austin, and San Diego are forever on my radar too!

$1000+:

If you’re dreaming of heading abroad, now is the time to book your trip with Booking.com and Hotels.com! Consider traveling to Macchu Picchu, Peru to see the Lost City of the Incas; see the Sydney Opera House and say, “G’day, Mate!”, in person; expect to find sun, sand, and sea in Lagos, Portugal; book what looks like it would be the most beautiful trip of them all – Fiji!

Whatever your budget, traveling doesn’t have to stay on your bucket list, especially when you can book through Booking.com or Hotels.com through your Shopkick app and earn 10 kicks per $1 spent through April 16! Make a trip a reality this spring; you deserve it!

Blue Weekend is HERE!

The best weekend of the spring is HERE, and we are not talking about March Madness! It’s Blue Weekend! Every few months, we gather together with our go-to brands to bring you some of the biggest kicks you can earn in stores and online. Whether you opt to walk into stores while running your weekly errands, purchase an item to treat yourself, or shop from the comfort of your couch, you will not want to miss the deals popping up this weekend in the app!

Here’s where I’ll be shopping:

Target:

Rumor has it there will be BIG kicks dropping tomorrow for simply walking into Target! I shop at Target every weekend, and I cannot pass up the opportunity to earn kicks by returning to a store I know I’ll visit anyway. This is going to make my Target run so much sweeter, especially because I know I’ll be able to earn a gift card between the walk-in kicks I’ll earn and the additional kicks I’ll earn through scanning!

T.J. Maxx:

Spring has finally sprung at least partially in the Northeast! Every time I welcome a new season, I always have to pick up a few new things for my wardrobe. I’ll be perusing (and purchasing!) new styles this weekend at T.J. Maxx, and I know a few new outfits to wear while I’m working out are definitely on my list. P.S: I’ve heard you will be able to earn amazing kicks by walking in, followed by even more kicks when you purchase with your linked card!

Harry & David:

Have you ever tried Moose Munch? My friends and I were obsessed when we were in high school, and I’ve never stopped enjoying it as a sweet treat. Harry & David just launched as a new Shopkick partner just in time for Blue Weekend! Plan to join me in earning kicks for scanning and purchasing. And, don’t miss this Facebook post! You’ll want to be in the know to win Moose Munch and 200 kicks from Shopkick!

Amazon:

This weekend, you can earn double the kicks for all Amazon Fashion purchases, which includes amazing brands like Lark & Ro, as well as jewelry, shoes, and handbags, when you shop with your Shopkick app. Go ahead, treat yourself!

Groupon:

I also know I’ll be visiting Groupon’s site this weekend! I have friends and family visiting over the next few weeks, and we’re making plans to go into the city. I always like to peruse Groupon’s deals and suggestions for activities and restaurants because the site not only allows me to earn extra kicks but I can also save so much money on places we likely would have visited anyway!

Don’t miss out on any of the Blue Weekend fun. Make sure to visit this post and this post on Facebook to enter to win kicks from Shopkick!

How to Travel for Spring Break on a Budget

Spring break has always offered the first hint of the warmer weather to come, which is why I have a longstanding love for spring break travel. From elementary school through college, my family typically opted to go on a getaway even if we only actually spent a few nights away from home. Our goal was always simple: travel to a destination that did not have snow in the forecast. Even now with many years separating me from the time I spent as a student, March is spring break season in the same way that September signals back to school.

As much as I have always enjoyed the trips I have taken in March, I have always completely understood two of the most common problems that prevent others from taking a trip themselves: where to travel and how to keep the trip budget-friendly. Both aspects can easily become quite daunting; however, I have discovered two wonderful workarounds: Shopkick’s travel wheel and Booking.com and Hotels.com!

Spin the Travel Wheel:

Whenever I used to feel indecisive, I would sometimes find my Magic 8 Ball. I knew it didn’t have any true powers, but I knew how to best solve a problem if I found myself hoping it would say a particular answer as I shook it. Spinning Shopkick’s travel wheel offers the same type of feeling, but I think we can all agree solving where to travel on your next vacation is a fun “problem” to have!

The wheel has plenty of great destinations throughout the United States for trips of all kinds. From areas you can easily drive to throughout the South, like Charleston, Walt Disney World, and New Orleans, to places that are only a flight away, like San Diego, Yosemite, and even Mexico, there are plenty of locations (and ideas about what you can experience) right here. Where will the wheel tell you to travel to?

Book Your Trip with Booking.com or Hotels.com:

Once you decide on your spring break destination, make sure to hop over to Booking.com and Hotels.com from your Shopkick app! You will want to make sure to book through the app because you can earn 10 kicks/$1 spent between now and Sunday, March 10, for all of the spring break travel you book. It’s like earning 4% back in kicks! Both websites have incredible budget friendly options for all of the destinations we’ve mentioned. And, the great news is you can redeem your kicks for a gift card to use during your vacation. What could be better?

Now that we’ve solved two of the most common spring break problems together – where to travel and how to save money – tell us: Where will you travel during your spring break? Where is your favorite spring break destination from past trips? Let us know on FacebookInstagram, or Twitter! Make sure to join our social media fun too because you will discover a whole community of passionate Shopkickers just like you.

Earn MONUMENTAL Kicks for Presidents’ Day Weekend

Presidents’ Day weekend has officially arrived. These next few days have long received my vote as some of the best of the winter. I think that’s due in part to being able to enjoy a celebratory weekend off with friends and family. In between catching up and adventuring around town, our time together is also typically punctuated by shopping the holiday sales. This year they are even more worthwhile thanks to Shopkick! Let’s peruse the top five categories, shall we?

Athleisure:

I just heard this is the time of year when New Year’s resolutions are put by the wayside. Not this year! If working out and reaching your fitness goals is on your agenda for the year, let’s keep the momentum going.

Stop into Modell’s to get your fitness into gear with all of your sport’s must-haves as well as a new pair of sneakers. You can also shop and earn big kicks at Fabletics! Sometimes working out is all about confidence and wearing what you love will help.

Everyday:

Whether you’re prepping for spring cleaning or wanting to stock up on all of your family’s must haves from food to toiletries, Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to check things off of your list! Walmart.com has everything at fantastic prices, and you can also shop in bulk through Sam’s Club! Both stores are offering big kicks online this weekend when you shop through your Shopkick app.

Fashion:

I have spring fashion on my mind thanks to upcoming trips {LINK TO TRAVEL BLOG} and the arrival of warmer temperatures, which means I’m already looking at spring fashion. Wedding season, spring break, and every day in between, pick up new pieces online from Forever 21 with Shopkick!

Home:

If you’re planning to relax this weekend and catch up on your must-watch list, consider purchasing a subscription to Hulu! Some of the best shows are streamed through them, and you can also rediscover old shows and movies you haven’t seen in ages. It sounds like my kind of weekend! While you’re watching, you can also browse online for new home décor with Amazon Home, Overstock, and Big Lots.

Kids’ Style:

How often do you spot styles meant for kids and think, “I wish they made that in my size?” It comes to mind all the time for me! While that might not happen, there is still so much enjoyment to experience while shopping for your favorite kids at Carter’s and OshGosh B’gosh! This weekend, both brands are offering double the kicks when you make purchases in store with Shopkick.

How are you spending your Presidents’ Day weekend? We hope you earn MONUMENTAL kicks!