treat yourself Archives

Blue Weekend is HERE!

Posted on March 22, 2019 by shopkick

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

Posted on March 6, 2019 by shopkick

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 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.

Earn MONUMENTAL Kicks for Presidents’ Day Weekend

Posted on February 15, 2019 by shopkick

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!

How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day on a Budget

Posted on February 7, 2019 by shopkick

When I think of February, Valentine’s Day always comes to mind first. I still remember the mailboxes I would create in elementary school before our annual Valentine’s Day parties, and I paid careful attention to the Valentines I chose to give out to friends. A personalized note was always a must! Although my mailbox creation days may be behind me, this holiday has always been about spreading positivity (and love!). As a result, I can’t help but celebrate every year because I’m convinced Valentine’s Day will always be one of my favorite holidays.

Announcing, Week of Love!

This year, we thought we would celebrate even more than usual, so Shopkick is launching Week of Love today! We’re sharing how to celebrate Valentine’s Day on a budget by teaming up with some of your favorite retailers to give you the chance to earn big kicks as you get ready for the big day. Whether you’re prepping to celebrate with your partner, hosting a Galentine’s Day get together, or treating friends and family to a little extra holiday fun, there’s something for everyone!

Over the next week, make sure to check the app daily. That way, you will never miss that day’s reveal of the Week of Love Valentine’s Day retailer who is offering big kicks! As a sneak peek for blog readers, we can share a few of the places where you will want to shop for Valentine’s Day between now and next Thursday.

Valentine’s Day Gifts & Big Kicks:

You can find just about anything on Jet.com! The site is home to a wealth of top brands for home, entertainment, and fashion. Peruse the site, and pick up a new kitchen appliance, the coolest headphones, or even a new bag. There’s also a great kids’ shop!

I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who doesn’t enjoy a surprise delivery of flowers. Great news – 1800Flowers is in on the fun! I can’t reveal which day their kicks are going live, but I can say your blooms will be delivered in time for Valentine’s Day. If you want to do something extra special for your mom, this is the moment!

There will even be an opportunity to score big kicks on a great date night. Keep your eyes peeled for Fandango’s big kicks! Plan a cozy night with your partner or your girlfriends on Valentine’s Day at the movies. Going out to dinner or stopping for drinks before or after your screening is the recipe for a fun night together!

There will be even more retailers announced throughout the week, and you can also find plenty of gift inspiration for her and him in our lookbooks. Happy Week of Love, all!

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? Let us know!

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

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

Posted on December 14, 2018 by shopkick

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

Posted on December 12, 2018 by shopkick

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!

Race Prep: Get Ready for Black Friday in 5 Steps

Posted on November 16, 2018 by shopkick

For years, Thanksgiving has nabbed my number one spot for Favorite Holiday. From baking pies with my best friend the night before to gathering together with my family for dinner on Thanksgiving, I love everything about it! With that said, there’s always one moment I enjoy most: Black Friday prep during Thanksgiving morning. This is like my Super Bowl.

Just like a runner training for a race, Black Friday is all about the prep! In order for you to not only survive but thrive during the biggest shopping weekend of the year, I thought I would share my five best tips with you. Consider this a peek inside my own personal Black Friday Shopkick game plan!

1. Gather:

Before you set out on your Black Friday race, put together a list of all of your gift ideas for your friends and family. Throughout the year, I tend to keep a running list of ideas in my phone. Just before Black Friday, I’ll explore my ideas, pull out the ones I think will work best, and create a holiday gift guide in my phone to refer back to as I jump from store-to-store. I find this list is a great way to feel organized and focused rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.

2. Plan:

Every year on Thanksgiving morning, I turn on the annual parades and peruse all of the Black Friday ads. I cannot be the only one who gets a serious adrenaline rush when I spot items on my list that are going to be on sale! Once I’ve viewed all of the ads and pulled my favorites, I create a route. This piece is key. Knowing which stores I will visit (and which ones will be offering big kicks when I use Shopkick!) helps me plan my route ahead of time rather than making rash decisions while I’m driving in the dark. I tend to visit my furthest point first and then shop my way closer to home. Pro Tip: Review how to earn kicks on Shopkick if you’re feeling a little rusty, visit the Explore page for tons of inspiration, and make sure you’re signed up for emails from Shopkick to be among the first to know when new deals drop!

3. Fuel:

Your list is prepped and ready, but are you? If you’re planning to be the first to nab a great deal, this is the time to bring out the camping year. Find your beach chair, grab a sleeping bag, and don’t forget a lantern, charger, and snacks! If you’re going to be waiting outside for your number one store to open, make sure you have all of the fuel you will need. This is the time to let your inner Boy or Girl Scout shine. Those scouting badges are about to be worth their weight in gold.

4. Pace:

Just like a race, Black Friday is a marathon not a sprint. My family and I tend to enjoy an earlier dinner together, which means I can visit my first store (or stores!) on Thanksgiving night (I can’t say I’ve ever camped before a store opening, but I definitely do know how to prep for one – see above!). I love crossing a few gifts off of my list just before Black Friday’s official start because it means I can stop for breakfast in the morning before the rest of my shopping commences. Also, I never panic if I can’t find an item or a size is sold out. Cyber Monday is (literally!) on the horizon, and I know I won’t miss out on the deal.

5. Medal:

Once your car is filled with merriment and you have earned hundreds of kicks while using Shopkick in stores (and online!), it’s safe to say you will have earned your Black Friday medal. Seriously, you’re about to be on your way to having Expert Shopper Status, and that deserves a reward. Cash in your kicks for a gift card to your favorite store, and make sure to treat yourself. You did it!

Let’s crush Black Friday, Shopkickers! It’s time to get on the race course.

Earn Head to Toe Kicks at The Body Shop, Forever 21, and Footlocker

Posted on November 8, 2018 by shopkick

Does anyone else feel as though the holidays are arriving early this year? It may only be the beginning of November, but I’ve felt as though I’ve been prepping since just before Halloween. My first gifts have already been purchased, I’m constantly adding new gift ideas for friends and family to my list, and I’m searching for holiday outfits for December (and beyond!).

Today’s retailers are the perfect place to go for holiday gifts, outfits, and January’s fitness prep! Get ready to love finds from The Body Shop, Forever 21, and Footlocker. All three stores have pieces for everyone on your list, including you, and you can earn kicks when you shop with Shopkick.

The Body Shop:

If there’s one thing that feels like a necessary luxury to me, it’s bath products. Between mornings spent running and days spent working (plus, every activity in between!), purchasing wonderful lotions, body washes, skincare products, and makeup always feels like a necessary indulgence. Using any combination of these products from The Body Shop always feels like such a treat!

The Body Shop’s body butters are some of my favorites, especially during the cold, long, and very dry winter months when my skin can’t seem to soak up enough moisture, because they provide the best kind of relief. Did I mention they have amazing scents? Anything that smells like citrus wins in my book! Their body washes are cleansing and hydrating. Facemasks are fun to do on the weekends, especially if you invite your girlfriends over for a spa night paired with movies or Netflix. And, The Body Shop’s makeup line is wonderful if you’re looking to pick up any new shades for the holidays (hello, red lipstick!).

Bath products make some of the best gifts whether you’re stuffing a stocking, treating your mom, aunt, or sister, or introducing your best friend to a new must-have. Make sure to shop all of the products at The Body Shop with Shopkick so you can earn kicks!

Forever 21:

No matter the season, I always enjoy shopping at Forever 21. I have found some of my most unique pieces thanks to them! Plus, Forever 21 has an excellent selection of dresses, skirts, and blouses for every party from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Because their finds are always budget friendly, I never question picking up a selection of new pieces so I can easily mix and match for events and every day.

Not only do they have a great selection of clothing, but they also have a fantastic selection of accessories. Expect to find flats, heels, boots, and even sandals at the same incredible prices you’re used to paying for clothing. Plus, you can also stock up on statement jewelry. Forever 21 also launched their Holiday Guide, which has recommendations for all of the ladies on your list.

Forever 21 makes shopping so easy, and their great prices and fun finds make trying new trends even more enjoyable. Shopping at Forever 21 is now even better and more budget friendly because you can shop through Shopkick and earn kicks!

Foot Locker:

My favorite way to start any morning is by running. Excellent shoes are key for running, which is why one of my go-to brands is Asics. Their sneakers provide an excellent level of support, and they’re designed with runners in mind. Foot Locker is a great place to purchase Asics! Not to mention, they also carry a host of other brands, like Adidas, New Balance, Nike, Ugg, and Vans, for virtually any other shoe need you have.

Not only are sneakers key, but I find I feel more prepared for any workout when I’m wearing clothing that makes me feel confident. Foot Locker carries athleisure too! They have everything from leggings and shorts to tees and dresses for any type of workout. The best part about wearing great athleisure outfits is you can transition from your workout into running errands without ever having to change. Anything that saves time is helpful!

The best goals don’t begin on January 1. Instead, the best way to reach your goals is by starting as soon as possible. So, stock up on sneakers and athleisure from Footlocker now to start (or continue!) your fitness journey. You’ve got this, Shopkicker!

Whether you’re stocking up on the best bath and body products from The Body Shop, filling your holiday wardrobe at Forever 21, or getting a head start on your new fitness attire at Footlocker, now is the time to shop with these great brands with Shopkick.

The Best in Home Décor with Big Lots, Casper, Houzz, and Pier 1

Posted on November 2, 2018 by shopkick

When you ask a child what they want to be when they grow up, “interior designer” has to be one of the most unlikely answers. And, yet, that was the answer I gave for over half of my life. Although my career aspirations did change (hello, writing!), my love for home décor has never wavered. With that in mind, I thought I would introduce you to a few of my favorite home décor brands. Big Lots, Casper, Houzz, and Pier1 are about to become four of your best home décor resources. Get ready to earn kicks and save, Shopkickers!

Big Lots:

Big Lots is one of the best one stop shops for all things home. They have a vast selection of furniture, including outdoor pieces, plus they also have an incredible selection of bedding and linens, all things bath, appliances, and even seasonal décor. With all of this in mind, one of my favorite sections to peruse on Big Lots is area rugs.

Although most stores have area rugs in store, I find they never have a ton on the floor. As a result, I always end up shopping online with Big Lots. Area rugs are one of the best ways to add color and texture to a space, and my best tip is to decide on the size rug you would like to purchase for your space before you start shopping. Once you’re on the Big Lots site, filter your search so you’re only shown options that match your criteria. I’m certain you will find an area rug you love!

Casper:

Everyone who purchases a Casper mattress is always amazed by five things:

You can purchase your Casper mattress online! You can compare and contrast the features of their three mattress options – The Wave, The Casper, and The Essential – in order to find the mattress you feel will suit you best before you order.
Casper mattresses are reasonably priced! In the past, a mattress has always felt like such an investment. However, Casper’s price points make mattress shopping completely affordable. Prices start at $350 and go up to $1,250 for a five-layer mattress, Casper’s Wave.
Your new Casper mattress will ship to you in a box! Watching your Casper mattress come to life before your eyes is such a fun sight to see.
Casper mattress are comfortable! I have yet to hear anyone say they don’t love the comfort of the three options from which you can choose.
You can experience a Casper trial period! Casper’s motto is try your new mattress for 100 days. If you don’t like it, they will pick it up and offer a refund. If it’s not for you, that’s okay (but, I highly doubt you will be returning it!).

Houzz:

When you’re choosing your pieces for your home, I think it has to be done with visuals. Houzz not only has plenty of products you can shop on their site for any room in your home, but they also offer features where you can shop all of the products in sample rooms they have designed. There’s nothing like seeing products in action, specifically seeing how they pair with other pieces in terms of size.

Asking for recommendations is great, but what if you could find recommendations that are vetted from home design pros? That’s another great feature of the Houzz site! You can not only shop products, but you can find professionals who can install them in your house. Do you really want to be the one to install your new sink? Unless you’re Chip Gaines, I think not.

Pier 1:

If I’m honest, half of the furniture in my house is from Pier 1. No matter if I’m purchasing a desk, a sofa, or a new dining set for my kitchen, the quality, design, and comfort are always on point. And, if I ever have questions, their customer service is top notch!

Not only can you purchase furniture on their site, but they also have some of the most unique pieces of décor, especially for the holidays. They have plenty of Christmas decorations, including trees and ornaments, and they also have a fantastic selection of plates, glasses, and silverware that are as functional as they are luxurious and fun for holiday parties.

Did I mention you can search “Joanna Gaines” in their search bar, and the Queen of Magnolia’s line loads right away? You can and you will want to add it all to your cart.

Happy shopping for your home, Shopkickers! Let us know what you purchase in the comments, and make sure to join our community of Shopkickers on Facebook and Instagram.

7 Things Moms Really Need When The Kids Go Back To School

Posted on September 10, 2018 by shopkick

With summer coming to a close and fall kicking into full swing, it’s finally time for the kids to rush off back to school. On one hand, the daily activities, endless pool days and lack of school structure that filled your summertime schedule left you happy to spend time with your kids, but you also may feel much more exhausted than you expected! That is why this back-to-school season is the perfect time for you to find ways to cultivate a little rest and relaxation at home!

Before the school year gets too hectic, use the first couple weeks of back-to-school as a self-care recharge frenzy! You finally have six hours of uninterrupted time to regroup before diving into the demands of the school year and family life. You are (dare I say?) … free. Check out these ideas for things you can easily do to truly wind down, mama! You won’t regret any of them.

1. Stay-at-Home Spa

Create a mini-spa experience at home. It’s so easy to set up a self-care station with manicure and pedicure essentials, skin care, and face masks. Put on your favorite show and relax while your nails dry! No doing dishes for you.

2. Beauty Bath

Not only are bath bombs the most aesthetically pleasing invention ever, but they also make your skin feel amazing. Set up a warm bath with some of your favorite bath bombs and rose petals, and don’t forget to light at least one incredibly scented candle to really set the mood!

3. Sweat It Out

Between summer camp, sports practices, and pool days, you rarely had time to exercise. Use these few hours to get back into a healthy routine whether that means yoga, the gym, or running around the neighborhood. Don’t forget to wear breathable clothes and stock up on your favorite reusable water bottles.

4. Netflix Binge

One more episode of anything on Nickolodean could make you cry at this point, so why not have a binge on your favorite TV shows and movies during the day? It’s only been, what, a year since you last saw a movie you wanted to see? You deserve it!

5. Read A Book

Some of the best moments in life are the smallest moments. Happiness is usually found in between the pages of a really good book. Find your favorite genre and curl up in bed or outside and enjoy the beauty of turning one page at a time.

6. Solo Pool Day

With just a few weeks of warm weather left, you should be rushing to the pool for the most relaxing day yet! Grab your softest beach towel, most comfortable swimsuit, and get ready to snooze in the sun.

7. Take A Nap

Sleep is so important for your body to feel your best physically and mentally. It aids in focus, wellbeing, and your ability to take care of others. Take a guilt-free nap, and wake up refreshed and ready for the afternoon rush when the kids get home!

Whether you loved the back-to-school season rush or felt stressed by the frenzy of it all, it is important to stop and take a moment for yourself. Take a relaxing bath, exercise in new fitness gear or take a much-needed nap! Do things differently and pamper yourself in the few hours you have free before the after-school rush kicks in. You deserve it.

*To see more products and ideas that can help you relax and unwind, check out the Shopkick App! It allows you to shop for products you need and earn points back, called kicks, to redeem gift cards. Happy Shopkicking!

Calling all beauty lovers: Ulta Beauty is on Shopkick!

Posted on October 28, 2017 by shopkick

Now shopping for your favorite blush or finding the best shampoo is more rewarding and productive than ever. Treating yourself to rewards while shopping at any of the 1k+ Ulta Beauty locations across the country using Shopkick is as easy as one, two, three! Literally.

As if a trip to Ulta wasn’t enough of a treat, you can now earn kicks by scanning specific items in the aisles, shopping with a linked Visa or Mastercard and submitting receipts.

Here is how it works:

Step One: Scan

Scans are an easy way to earn rewards while you roam the aisles at Ulta learning more about the products you love. You can explore the hair aisle, get dizzy in the fragrance section, or check out some new must haves such as mascara or lip gloss, and get rewarded at the same time. Just scan the items on the Scans page to earn kicks! And don’t forget to earn additional kicks for completing all available scans in the store. It’s like getting a prize for breathing!

Step Two: Link Your Card

You can also make every Ulta beauty run rewarding by making purchases with a linked Visa or MasterCard. Every dollar spent brings in three kicks!

Step Three: Take a Picture

After picking up a new lipstick (or two or three) and that nail polish you’ve been wanting to try, earn additional rewards by uploading your receipt with kick-earning purchases to Shopkick. Simply take a photo of the printed receipt in the Receipts page and watch the kicks add up!

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Best Step: Cash it In!

When you are done shopping with Shopkick, redeem all your kicks for an Ulta gift card and start over! Of course, if you have other treats in mind, you can always check out the rewards mall.

Haven’t tried earning rewards at Ulta yet? Download Shopkick here.