Shopping Secrets: How to Find Printable Coupons on Facebook

February 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment

There are tons of printable coupons on Facebook, but exactly how do you find them?

One way is to make an interest list with your favorite retailers and scan the feed to see what pops up.

Or, you could check The Savvy Squirrel, which has a whole category devoted to them. The latest list, updated 2/19, features baby and kid-related coupons for Ella’s Kitchen 100% Organic Products, Happy Tot or Happy Baby Pouches, Munchkin Clip Lock Cup, TAG Reading System and lots more. Other sites list them, too, but The Savvy Squirrel is the only one I’ve seen that makes a big list of them organized by category.

Stretching a Buck, The Krazy Coupon Lady, Free Coupon Alerts, Expanded Ramblings, True Couponing and Fabulessly Frugal also have categories for Facebook coupons. Bookmark them!

Do you know of any other sites that list Facebook coupons? Let us know!

Related: 19 Baby Swap & B/S/T Groups to Check Out on Facebook

Read more Shopping Secrets posts

Filed Under: Coupons, Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets

25 Baby Swap & B/S/T Groups to Check Out on Facebook

February 11, 2013 By 3 Comments

As I’ve said many times before, budget savvy parents can save big bucks buying second hand. One of the newest ways to do so is through trading groups on Facebook.

Baby Cheapskate’s Baby Gear, Toy and Coupon Exchange Facebook group, which launched just a couple of months ago, has become popular among readers quickly as a way to stock up essential gear for less and unload outgrown and unneeded stuff. There are many, many other trading groups on Facebook, too, and I’ve made a list of them below.

I’ve included the most popular groups I can find. I can’t vouch for the activity level or membership restrictions for the closed groups, though, as one can’t see the posts without joining.

Tip: Always read and abide by group guidelines.

Brand Specific Groups

Babywearing

Clothing or Shoes Only

Cloth Diapers

Other

There are many other groups to discover than aren’t on the list as well. To find them, try a Facebook search for b/s/t, bst, and/or baby swap. Add the name of your city and you’ll probably turn up some local groups, too. You can also turn up a bunch by Googling.

To learn more about how to save with second-hand baby items, check out my book, The Baby Cheapskate Guide to Bargains.

Filed Under: Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets

The ABCs of Affording Preschool [Updated]

January 11, 2013 By 4 Comments

The preschool application process for kids three to five is quite an eye opener for many parents. If you’re like me, you had no idea that getting your child into her first preschool program could be just about as involved as applying to college. Enjoy this updated article about how to afford tuition more easily.

When to Start Looking

In many areas, the demand for preschool outpaces supply, so it pays to start your research early. I’ve heard stories of some parents putting their children on the preschool waiting list before they were born! Hopefully things won’t be so extreme in your town. Still, it’s smart to start researching preschools a year ahead and plan on touring schools and submitting applications at the beginning of the year in which you’d like your child to start. Most schools offer open houses and enrollment periods as early as January.

How Much?

Accompanying the question of how to get your child into a good program (for most of us anyway), is the equally important consideration of how you’ll afford it.

A recent survey of Parents magazine readers who use child care reveals that 84 percent of surveyed parents feel that finding affordable, quality care is either a challenge, very hard, or impossible. And yet despite the challenge of finding affordable care “only about 23 percent of moms and 3 percent of dads stay home full-time with their kids.”

It’s no wonder parents have a hard time. Preschool tuition costs generally run anywhere from about $250 to $1000 per month. That’s $3000 to $12,000 a year. Yikes! That price varies wildly according to your region, the type of preschool and the number of hours per week your child will attend.

Some types of childcare tend to be more affordable than others. Church-based preschools are some of the most affordable schools around. Whereas a local Montessori school in my area charged around $1000 a month, the church-based school we loved charged less than $300. Co-ops tend to be more affordable, too, but require a time commitment from parents. Even if your school’s not a co-op, see if you can work off a portion of your tuition by spending a few hours per week at the school.

The cost of full time care for a pre-K kiddo in my state (Georgia) is around $500 a month. You can find out average childcare expenses in your state here (.pdf) Note: The cost may be more manageable if you can pay in installments. Look for a school that lets you pay monthly rather than asking for a year’s tuition up front or in two payments.

Important Questions for Potential Schools

Schools are pretty upfront about how much they charge. Still, there are a few crucial questions you should ask potential schools before you make any committments. They’ll help you avoid sticker shock later.

  • Ask about scholarships and tuition assistance.
  • Ask if you can get a discount when you enroll more than one child at a time.
  • Ask about activity and materials fees and any other fees beyond tuition that you’ll be asked to pay.
[Click the link below to read the rest of the article.]

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Filed Under: Baby Cheapskate 101, Essential Articles, Frugal Living, Parenting Guides, Shopping Secrets

BC’s Baby Bouncer and Rocker Buying Guide [Plus Buy-It-Now Prices]

January 10, 2013 By 2 Comments

Though I’d stop short of calling them a necessity, baby bouncers and rockers can be a handy place for baby to hang out with the rest of the family or catch a few ZZZs. Prices range dramatically, starting at under $25 for a basic model and topping out over $200 for a sleek european model. As with swings, Fisher-Price models are the top sellers.

With the exception of a couple of models listed here that convert to toddler rockers, babies will only use bouncers and rockers until they’re about 25 lbs. (sometime around a year old for many babies). and will probably enjoy using it for far less time than that– another great reason to do some serious bargain hunting.

Wait for a great sale (30% off or more) or try to find a gently used one at your local kiddie consignment shop, on Craigslist, or at a yard sale or consignment sale. A quick check of my local Craigslist board today reveals several gently used bouncers from $10. Just remember to check for recalls before you buy.

When choosing a model, look for non-skid feet, good bouncing/rocking/gliding action, and a three point harness. Popular extras include vibration, music, lights and toy bars.

Top Bouncers and Rockers

Here’s a rundown of the most popular and highly rated baby bouncers and rockers out there. I’ve linked to the items at Amazon so that you can learn more and read reviews.

Note: “Buy It Now” (BIN) prices are what I consider “very good” prices on the item. They’re the best sale prices you can expect to find fairly regularly, based on records of previous sales. Don’t confuse these with the “lowest price ever” price. You may be able to  beat this price if you happen onto a unusually great sale.

Fisher-Price Infant To Toddler Rocker. Grows with your child. Infant seat converts to toddler rocker for use up to 40 lbs. List price: $49.99. BIN = $35 to $40, depending on model.

Newborn Rock n’ Play Sleeper. List price: BIN = $40. This item has been recalled and is currently unavailable. I expect it to be available for sale again soon.

Fisher-Price Bouncer (My Little Snugabunny Bouncer, Rainforest, Luv U Zoo, etc.). Basic bouncer with vibration. List price: $39.99. to $44.99. BIN = $34 to $36, depending on model.

Tiny Love 3 in 1 Rocker Napper. Three reclining positions. Converts from baby seat to napper. Later converts to rocker for use up to 40 lbs. List price: $99.99. BIN = $73

Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bouncer. Motorized bouncer glides front to back or side to side. Two gliding speeds. Seat rotates 360 degrees. List price: $99.99. BIN – $75

Baby Bjorn Babysitter Balance: Three seat positions for play, rest and sleep. Stylish, but pricey. List price $189.95. BIN: $127

Tiny Love Gymini Bouncer: Features adjustable arches, lights and vibrations. Two reclining positions. List price: $54.99 BIN = $42.50

Bright Starts Bouncer (budget buy). Vibrates. 3-point harness. List price: $24.99. BIN – $22.49

4Moms Mamaroo Classic. Similar in motion to the Sweetpeace, the Mamaroo bounces up and down and sways from side to side. mp3 jack. Plug in only. BIN = $197

Related: BC’s Baby Swing Buying Guide [Plus Buy-It-Now Prices]

Filed Under: Baby Gear, Buy-It-Now Prices, Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets, Swings and Bouncers

BC’s Baby Swing Buying Guide [Plus Buy-It-Now Prices]

January 7, 2013 By 2 Comments

Swings can be tricky. There are dozens of models on the market with varying features. At the same time, some babies love swings while others can’t stand them.

If your baby likes his, they can buy you some much needed rest or shower time as he snoozes away. If he doesn’t you’ve just shelled out $50 to $200 bucks for a large and useless piece of plastic that you’ll be stepping around every day.

With some smart shopping and a little luck, you’ll find a winner and get a good deal on it. This should get you started:

How to Choose

Desirable features include a 5 point safety harness, excellent stability, a variety of speeds and sounds, and a flip or fold out tray (for easy access). To figure out what else you need in a swing, ask yourself these questions:

  • How will we use it?
  • How much room do we have for storage and use?
  • Do I need to be able to plut it in?
  • What other features are must-haves?
  • What’s my budget?
To get a feel for different models, read reviews and watch review videos on You Tube. Go to the store and check out the display models. Ultimately, of course, your baby will decide whether the gear you got is any good. That’s why it makes sense to try to borrow a swing from a friend so you can see how she takes to it.

If that’s not an option, try to find a gently used one at your local kiddie consignment shop, on Craigslist, or at a yard sale or consignment sale. A quick check of my local Craigslist board today reveals full-sized swings from $35.

Another thing many expectant parents don’t realize is that babies will only use a swing until they’re about 25 lbs (sometime around a year old for many babies). and will probably enjoy using it for only a few weeks– another great reason to do some serious bargain hunting. Just remember to check for recalls before you buy.

Here’s a rundown of the most popular and highly rated baby swings out there. I’ve linked to the items at Amazon so that you can learn more and read reviews.

Note: “Buy It Now” (BIN) prices are what I consider “very good” prices on the item. They’re the best sale prices you can expect to find fairly regularly, based on records of previous sales. Don’t confuse these with the “lowest price ever” price. You may be able to  beat this price if you happen onto a unusually great sale.

 Full-Sized Swings

Fisher-Price, Graco and Bright Starts are the big players in the swing market, and Fisher-Price swings are by far the top sellers.

The Fisher-Price Cradle N Swing is the top seller, hands down. It was even a runner up on BC’s Best Baby Products of 2012 list. This full-sized swing can swing sideways or back and forth, includes a motorized mobile and offers the option of plugging into the wall. Can fold for storage. Buy-it-now prices range from $100 to $129, depending on the model:

 Spacesaving and Portable

If you’re short on space and/or cash, or you need to be able to take the swing to grandma’s, consider a portable swing.

Innovative Swings

Hey experienced parents–does or did your baby like a bouncer or swing best? Respond to this quick Facebook poll and let me know!

Coming soon: BC’s Baby Bouncer and Rocker Shopping Guide

Filed Under: Buy-It-Now Prices, Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets, Swings and Bouncers

Shopping Secrets: Year-End Clearance Clothing and Shoe Sales [What to Expect]

December 22, 2012 By 2 Comments

With Christmas just days away retailers are itching to close out the holiday shopping season and move into “spring preview” mode. Believe it or not, those of us in warmer climates can look forward to seeing swimsuits show up at Target during January. Brrr!

To make room for new items, stores need to clear out the cold-weather merch. In fact, several winter clearance sales start this week, making the days just after Christmas a fabulous time to stock up on kids’ cold weather wear for next winter. Read on! I’ve got the who, what, when and where to help you make the most of winter clearance.

These sales are already on:

  • Gymboree.com‘s clearance sale is already on, with 50% off all regularly priced items.
  • “Ginormous clearance sale” at Osh Kosh with prices starting at $4.99. Extra 20% off clearance.
  • Up to 70% off baby items at Carters.com during their year-end baby sale.
  • BabyLegs.com just kicked off their clearance sale. Save 75% when you spend $75 or more with code WINTER75OFF through 12/31.
  • Save 20% to 50% on baby clothes and shoes at Diapers.com.
  • Zappos, which hardly ever runs a sale, is running a clearance one now. Save on shoes, clothing and more.

Last year’s sales

Sales are pretty predictable. Most retailers repeat the sale they have every year with a few tweaks. Here’s what we saw last year:

Note: some winter clearance sales are already on, but stores aren’t publicizing them much right now. Check to see if that’s true for your favorite store.

Coats and Outerwear

  • Expect the best deals on kids’ winterwear just after the holidays and continuing through March. This is a great time to stock up for the following season. Several big post-holiday sales actually started before Christmas last year.

Shoes

  • Save up to 60% during Stride Rite‘s clearance sale, which started before Christmas last year.
  • Robeez.com took 50% off “giftable styles” at the same time.  Robeez has also been known to run a sale with up to 50% off during the second week of January.
  •  Shoes.com released both an extra 20% off clearance and extra 25% off clearance coupon last year in January (in that order). Right now Shoes.com has 20% off site wide with code HOLIDAY20 (ends today).
  • ShoeSteal.com usually takes up to 75% off kids’ shoes during  the third week of January. They’ll probably offer a coupon code to go along with it.
  • Pediped.com‘s Purchase for a Purpose sale usually starts at the end of week 1. Save up to 50%.
  • See Kai Run had a 50% off boot sale during week one last year.

Clothing

  • Up to 80% at The Children’s Place during their Monster Sale (priced as marked). Save an extra 20% with code.
  • Up to 50% off online at OldNavy.com (priced as marked). Up to 75% off in stores.
  • An extra 20% off sale items at Gap.com with coupon code. Gap has up to 50% off in stores right now and an extra 40% off all sale styles (show this to cashier).
  • Everything at Crazy8.com was $11.99 and under. In stores, too.
  • Up to 70% off at 77kids.com when you take an extra 30% off clearance (priced as marked).
  • 40% off already reduced girls’ clothing at Justice with code for a total of up to 75% off.
  • Up to 60% during LLBean‘s Winter Clearance sale. Free shipping.
  • Nordstrom had hot clearance deals on clothes and shoes during their Winter Savings Event in week two.
  • Kohls.com had marked their winter clearance stuff 60% to 80% off by mid January.
  • DisneyStore.com‘s Twice Yearly Sale started during the last week of December last year with up to 70% off.
  • Target generally runs a winter clearance sale on kids’ clothes during week three.
  • Babies R Us usually has 50% off clearance clothing in stores for a couple of days right after Christmas.

 Shopping Tips

  • Don’t see your favorite store on the list above? Try Googling “winter clearance” plus your favorite store to pull up posts about last years sales. Check the dates in the posts to see when you can expect the sale to start.
  • Before the sales start, make a list of items you’re interested in purchasing. Take a look around at stores and become familiar with items you’re interested in buying. You might even bookmark the items. I like to buy all my son’s winter clothing for next year between now and March, including next year’s winter coat, fleece sweaters, hats and gloves, winter pjs, and jeans. I try to buy when they’re 40% off or more.
  • Before you buy, be sure to Google the name of the store plus “coupon” to see what’s out there in the way of discounts and free shipping codes.
  • Remember that winter clearance sales happen at kiddie consignment stores, too. Call your local stores to see when theirs are.
  • Keep track of what you buy. I box up my winter clearance bargains, label the outside of the box with what’s in there, and pop the box in the top of my son’s closet. As fall approaches, I’ll take it down and go through it to remind myself of what I have before I buy anything else.

Looking forward to any others? Know of any sales or tips I missed?  Let us know in the comments!

Count on Baby Cheapskate to keep you posted as winter clearance sales go live. 

Filed Under: Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets, Winter Clearance

Price Matching is Hot this Holiday Season [Find Out How to Do It]

October 17, 2012 By 3 Comments

If this week’s headlines are any indication, price matching will be hot this holiday season.

Brick and mortar stores see price matching as a way to fight back against “showrooming” by customers who try out products in store but buy online from stores like Amazon or even at other brick and mortar retailers.

Though it may seem like a somewhat obscure practice, more stores will allow you to price match than you may think (see the list below for some). Stores’ price matching policies usually  exclude internet-only retailers, but this year we’re seeing some exceptions.

Target, for example, will price match against Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy and Toys R Us for several weeks this holiday season. And if you’re shopping for a video game system, you’ll be pleased to know that Best Buy evidently plans to roll out Amazon price matching, too. Word has it that there are exclusions, though. For example, you can’t price match for several days before and after Black Friday (see policy for details).

Want to know how price matching works? Read on.

7 Essential Price Matching Tips

  • Stores with price matching policies generally accept prices from “competitor” brick and mortar stores only.
  • Read the fine print on price matching policies carefully. Print out the store’s price match policy and take it with you along with the ad from the store you want them to price match with. That way you can show the manager if there’s any question.
  • Items must be identical–same variety, quanitity per pack, etc.
  • Tell the cashier you’re going to be price matching before she/he rings up the item.
  • You can generally use coupons when you price match (yay!).
  • As with coupons, the store manager has the final say about whether the store will price match or not.
  • Sometimes you can price match items up to a week or so after you buy. See stores’ price matching policies to find out if yours will.

Think price matching still sounds intimidating? The Krazy Coupon Lady has a terrific video walking you through a price match at Walmart.

Price Matching Policies at Popular Stores

What about you? Have you ever tried price matching? How did it work out?

Do you think you’ll try it this holiday shopping season? If so, I’d love to hear about your experiences.

Read More:

Filed Under: *Hot Holiday Deals *, Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets

How to Scare Up the Best Deal on Kids’ Halloween Costumes [Part 1]

September 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

There are dozens of retailers on line and off selling Halloween costumes. How on earth can you make sure you’re getting a good deal?

In Part 1 of this revamped and expanded popular BC post I’ll share my best Halloween costume shopping tricks, and in Part 2, you’ll find out which stores have the best deals right now.

PART 1: THREE STEPS TO FINDING THE VERY BEST DEAL

Step 1: Head to the store to browse

It’s really not that hard. The first step, assuming you haven’t been able to find a great costume second hand and don’t care to DIY, is to head to a brick and mortar store with a good selection and just browse to get an idea of what your child wants to be.

Choose a costume and look at the tag to find the manufacturer. There are really only a few manufacturers out there (that’s the secret retailers don’t want you to know). Once you know who makes the costume and what it’s name is, you can easily do a price comparison.

It’s also a good idea to find your child’s size while you’re in the store so that you can order online without fear that the costume won’t fit.

Step 2: Compare prices online

Next, go to the price comparison site of your choice and type in the exact name of the costume (for example, “Skelebones” instead of “skeleton costume”. That should bring up a list of the retailers that carry it. Expect prices to vary widely.  Don’t be surprised if you find that prices on the same costume vary by $10 or more.

It’s a good idea to manually check for the costume at discount stores like Walmart.com, Target.com, and Amazon.com. Be sure to get free shipping.

Check for coupon codes at the store (just Google the name of the site plus “coupon” to pull them up). If you like shopping through cash back programs (Upromise, eBates, etc.) be sure to do so.

Step 3: Wait for the best savings

Right now you can expect to find discounts of 25% to 30% on costumes. If you really want to save, it’s best to wait until after October 1 to buy. That’s when retailers start getting nervous about clearing costume inventory and marking down prices.

You should easily be able to find discounts of 40% or more on October 1, with discounts increasing to 70% or so by a week before Halloween. One year, Old Navy had Halloween costumes for $2 four days before the big day. Of course if the costume is hard to find, it may be better not to wait, since selection will be better now.

What are your best Halloween shopping tips?

Find out where to find the best deals NOW in Part 2.

See more Halloween savings tips on Baby Cheapskate.

Filed Under: *Halloween*, Shopping Secrets

Shopping Secrets: Finding Scary-Good Deals on Second Hand Halloween Costumes

September 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Enjoy this updated re-posting of a popular article from last year:

Halloween costumes don’t get a lot of wear, so it’s pretty easy to find great deals on gently used costumes on the second-hand market, especially if you start looking now. In fact, you may be able to get your child’s costume for free! Here are my best tips for saving 50% or more on Halloween costumes for babies, kids and toddlers:

  • Costumes often don’t change much from year to year. Start your search by browsing new costumes online and choosing a few favorites to hunt for on the second hand market.
  • Check your local Freecycle board for freebies. Mine had a few when I looked this morning. If you don’t see anything, post a “wanted” message and see if anyone responds.
  • You might also organize a costume swap with friends, your neighborhood, church, or preschool. You could do it via email or get together in real life.
  • Call your local consignment stores to see if they have any in stock. They might cost a little more there, but they’ve been checked over more carefully than some of the other second-hand sources.
  • There are lots of costumes on Craigslist right now. eBay.com is a great place to look, too. Each has its plusses and minuses. With Craigslist, you’ll have to arrange to pick up the costume from the seller. On eBay you’ll have to contend with bidding or buy it now and possibly pay a higher price. I searched for  two popular toddler costumes– the bumblebee and the dragon– on Craigslist and eBay to see what I could scare up: The Bumblebee was as low as $8 on my local Craigslist. On eBay, it was as low as $12.99 in the Buy it Now section. The Dragon was as low as $15 on Craigslist and as low as $8.95 on eBay.

Keep in mind that you can also use these sources after Halloween to recoup some of your costume costs.

Related posts:

Filed Under: *Halloween*, Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets

Baby Cheapskate’s Top Toys Week: What Makes a Good Toy?

September 10, 2012 By 3 Comments

There are lots of great toys out there and a whole lot that aren’t worth spending money on.

But what makes a good toy, anyway? It’s a question we’ve pondered many times over the years here at BC. If you stop to think about which toys have the best staying power in your household and what they have in common, I’ll bet you’d come up with the same list of traits we have.

We’re not the only ones trying to list the best toys, though. I’m sure you’ve seen the “Toy of the Year” medallions and other awards on toys in the toy aisle. This week we’re going to take a look at toys that show up on award lists put together by Dr. Toy, the Parents’ Choice Foundation and the Toy Industry Association.

As you’ll see in the Top Toys post this week, most of the lists (but not all) use the same criteria:

Toys with Staying Power

  • Are age appropriate. Toys meant for older kids can not only be dangerous for younger ones, but can be confusing or boring since kids haven’t acquired the skill or understanding they need to use them.
  • Can be used in more than one way as kids grow and learn.
  • Let kids be creative. They allow kids to create imagined worlds and scenarios.
  • Encourage extended attention. Kids play with them for more than a minute.
  • Foster  skill development. The best toys help kids build language, motor, social or problem solving skils while they play.
  • Appeal to the senses. They’re fun to look at, touch, and listen to.

On the flip side, toys destined to be forgotten

  • Aren’t interactive. Kids watch them do what they do rather than participating actively.
  • Are one-trick ponies. There’s only one way to play with them.
  • Make noises so annoying that mom or dad makes them disappear forever (*cough* Zhu Zhu Pet *cough*)
  • Require you to keep buying accessories, refills, etc. in order to maintain your child’s interest.

As you read this week’s Top Toys posts, think about how the toys on the lists fit into the criteria above. Train your brain to spot the deals and the duds!

I’d love to hear what you think about the toys on the lists. Be sure to share your opinions in the comments or on Facebook.

Browse other Toys posts at Baby Cheapskate

Browse BC’s Toys that Get Played With lists

Filed Under: Deals & Sales, Shopping Secrets, Toys, Toys That Get Played With
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