Valpak.com Shopper & Coupon Blog: November 2005

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Low Price Gifts For Guys

Don’t break the bank shopping for him this year. Here are five great gift ideas for men under $50!

Craftsmen 25 pocket Tool Duffel: For the do-it-yourselfer who's been accumulating tools but could use a way to keep them organized and carry them around to do projects. In small homes or apartments it can be tucked into the bottom of a closet or on a shelf in the garage so all the tools are where they're supposed to be. Inside and outside pockets and inside loops to keep tools organized and many tools visible. Available at Sears for $29.99. They are currently offering a rebate on shipping thru 12/18.

Timex Men’s Stainless Steel Chronograph Watch: Features include chronograph, brushed stainless steel case and bracelet, white dial with goldtone hands and stick hour markers, date calendar at 4:00, second hand, goldtone bezel ring, indiglo night light, water resistant to 50 meters, mineral crystal, Philippines quartz movement, and deploy clasp. Available at Overstock.com for $39.99.

Bell Howell Keychain Digital Camera: Features include takes up to 80 photos, self timer, records 10 second digital video, can be used as a web cam, 100 pixels, 16MB memory, Arcsoft Digital Imagery software, USB cable, AAA battery, protective carry case, and keychain attachment. Available at Overstock.com for $26.99

Acqua Di Gio Cologne by Giorgio Armani: 1.7 oz EDT Spray. The water fragrance of Acqua di Giò Pour Homme is typical of the understated elegance of Giorgio Armani. The brisk scents of marine and citrus; bergamot, mandarin, neroli, blend with rosemary, patchouli, and amber. Crisp top notes are followed by the herbal aromatic and subtley sensual scents of the middle and base notes. The result is a fresh and casual fragrance inscripted with Armanis own signature. Available at Perfume.com for $41.89.

Jensen SMP215 32MB MP3 Player: Sleek and stylish, Jensen's 32MB MP3 player has an expansion slot for Smart Media Cards and wraparound headphones for high-quality sound. It comes with a 90 day warranty. Available at SmartBargains.com for $39.99.

Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Black Friday Savings

Black Friday is almost here. If you don't know, Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving when stores kick off their Winter/Christmas sales. This day is also is when most of the stores have the best deals. The only downfall is that you have to be up bright and really after that big Thanksgiving Day meal. However, for the savings I know I will be at the stores. This day of savings gives us a great opportunity to get most of your Christmas shopping down and still get the great savings at the same time.

There is a Black Friday web site.

This site lists 20+ stores including Wal-mart, Target and Toys R Us.

The Black Friday also has a section called Coupons/Rebates . Currently they have some coupons listed. But these are updated all the time.

Sign up for the Black Friday 2005 mailing list to receive site and deal updates.

Happy Thanksgiving and fun shopping on Black Friday!

Monday, November 21, 2005

Cookware Savings

It has happened to many of us before. Thanksgiving morning comes. You begin to mash the potatoes and stuff the turkey only realize, halfway through the process, that you forgot to replace that broken mixer/roasting pan/serving dish from last year. This year you still have time and we have great online offers to share with you.

Cooking.com is having a closeout sale! Save up to 50%.
Order from CHEF’S and get free shipping on purchases of $99 and up. This offer expires 12/24.
Linens ‘n Things has discounts on select cookware and bakeware items.

Check them out now before the offers expire!

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

The Couponizer®

Having trouble keeping your coupons organized?

Let me introduce you to The Couponizer.

The Couponizer is a portable system for organizing, storing, and accessing coupons while you shop. It is the perfect size to fit in a purse, backpack, or just to carry in the store all by itself.

Here are all of the components that make up The Couponizer System:

The Couponizer™ - wire bound booklet for storing coupons

The Couponizer User Guide - a guide with instructions on using the system as well as tips on smart spending, budgeting and the history of coupons!

CoupStacker - presorting mat to use while clipping coupons - a real time saver!

Shopping List

CoupTracker - a place to record monthly spending and saving

Scissors

Carrying Bag

Valpak.com users can SAVE 20% using the code “177160” when checking out.

Friday, November 11, 2005

Luggage Discounts on the Net

For many of us the holidays bring traveling. If you’re need in of luggage check out some of the savings I found online:

Macy*s - Save from 20%-50% and get free shipping for purchases over $125.
Overstock.com – Save from 25%-75% and every order ships for $2.95.
LuggagePros.com – Closeout on select Samsonite items, 15% off select Hartmann items and up to 65% off Travel Pro merchandise. Plus, they offer free shipping for orders over $100.
Ebags.com – As a Valpak.com user you can get $25 off of any purchase that is $75 or more!

Remember, just like offline sales, these savings won’t last forever so click there quick!

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Holiday Shopping and Saving Tips

With the holidays getting closer, we all start to look at sale prices. But have you ever thought is the sale price really the best price?

The Federal Trade Commission offers some tips on making sure if you are getting the best deals. A few tips are:

Shop around

Read sale ads carefully

Take time and travel costs into consideration

Look for price-matching policies

To read more, visit Holiday Shopping: Is a Sale Price Your Best Deal?

Surf around for the best price

Use a comparison Web site, such as Bizrate, Shopzilla, Froogle or PriceGrabber to compare prices on similar products from thousands of merchants. These Web sites also offer customer reviews and merchant ratings.

For computer-related products, Buy.com and TigerDirect are good places to look for items that offer rebates.

Find what you want online. But before ordering, go to Google or MSN Search and enter the merchant's Web site with the word "coupon" or "promotional code." You may be able to get a discount on your purchase or shipping costs or both.

To read more, Visit Savvy tips for shopping online.

As always, remember to visit national online merchants, such as Target, Wal-Mart, Barnes and Noble, and , Sears.

Valpak.com also has local savings for restaurants and dining while out and about during your holiday shopping.

Monday, November 07, 2005

Culture Your Kids For Cheap

Exposing your kids to cultural activities, such as museums, art galleries, plays and gardens helps them develop intellectually. While these activities can be expensive here are some ideas to broaden their horizons without breaking your budget.

Look for plays and concerts at local community theaters. Shows running at small, local theaters are always less expensive than those running at larger performance arts centers and the quality of the performances are still good. Also, if your child is enjoys what they see, local theaters are always looking for volunteers to help with costuming, set design, even being on stage, so it’s a great way to get your child involved for free.
Check local museums for children days. Many museums will have days or times set aside for families and they are generally free or reduced admission. Keep in mind, to leave while your child is still enjoying themselves so that they will be anxious to come back. Keeping them there until they are bored will them with a negative perception.
Look for new art galleries opening up. New galleries usually have at least one open showing of their artwork. Sometimes snacks are even provided at these events. Look for them after work or on the weekends.
Go online. Type in the URL yourcity.org to find out about upcoming events in your area. Most often, city sponsored events are free or small charge to the public and include things such as art walks, symphonies in the park, craft days, etc.

Don’t forget to visit Valpak.com Entertainment and Travel section for specific savings on activities with your children.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Cut Back on Your Grocery Bills

Here are some tips to save time and money at the grocery store without sacrificing health.

Shop early and alone. When you shop earlier in the day, you get through the store faster and spend less. Also, when you shop alone you don’t have the "little helpers" that boost your bill.
Set your shopping mood. You are more likely to reach for expensive snack foods if you’re tired or angry.
Grocery stores are for groceries. Items such as painkillers, toothpaste and contact lens solution tend to be more expensive at grocery stores.
Stick to the edges. Generally, healthy, less processed foods, such as dairy, fruits and meats are around the edges of the store. The main areas where you are walking tend to be scattered with high priced items so avoid such areas if possible.
Give the shelves the once-over. Items the grocery stores most want to sell (usually the high priced brand named items) are on the shelves between knee and shoulder height. You can save up to 40% by buying house or generic brands.

For more great grocery saving ideas read 20 Ways to Slash Your Grocery Bill.

Valpak.com Shopper & Coupon Blog