Save Time with Amazon School Supply Lists

Back to school time saving tip: Amazon has loaded many schools' school supply lists on its website. While I can't swear by the price comparison versus hitting the local sales, it can certainly save you the headaches of kids who want a folder with ___ on it, or not finding any glue!

Check out their School Supply Shopping Site, and search by zip code to find your school!

Amazon 12 Days of Deals (updated for Dec. 12)

(updated 12/13/14)

Amazon's 12 Days of Deals has begun! Check out a sampling of what's out there for some last-minute gift ideas. Keep in mind that some of the older daily deals may actually extend through the holidays.

Deals for Dec. 13: 

It's all about the artist. Whether you're into two-dimensional art, a budding cartoonist or thinking about school orchestra, deals are to be had today (and some extend through the holidays.)
Just a few of the gift ideas:

• Deals on Prismacolor Colored Pencils and Illustration Markers

• Up to 50% Off on Mendini and Cecilio Student Band and Orchestra Instruments
  This violin is currently listing at an amazing $53.99!
    
  This flute is listed for $89.99!

Deals for Dec. 12 

Sports and Fitness is the theme today. Just a sampling of today's deals:

   

• Jillian Michaels Body Revolution 
• Up to 50% Off Franklin Sports Youth Uniform Sets
   
• 20% off Striiv Fusion Activity and Sleep Tracker with Smart Watch Functions All, Red/Blue/Black 
• Up to 50% Off Select SKLZ Baseball Training Aids

Dec. 11 deals:

• Lots of Disney apparel is 50% off today. Boys, infants, girls, even adults. Lots of toys and shoes as well.
•  40% off a lot of Star Wars toys (including Star Wars Legos) This Yoda storage bin I may have to get for my brother:
  
• Up to 30% off other Legos

• NFL, NHL, NCAA football and MLB youth uniforms 40% off

• 50% off portable speakers

What deals have you found this holiday season? Share your finds below!

Rebates on Christmas shopping with Ibotta

I confess: I'm in love with Ibotta. This app has helped me accumulate rebates on things I usually purchase (like milk, bread or eggs) as well as other grocery items the last several months. Now that Christmas is coming, I'm able to cash out those rebates for gift cards or a PayPal or Venmo deposit.

But if you're still shopping for Christmas gifts, now is the time to check out this app.

This month, Ibotta not only has rebates on online purchases, but it also has a deal for people who earn $10 in rebates, and our team earns $10 in rebates. So, if you did an online purchase, say $100 at Kohls.com, you'd get the $10 rebate that's already offered, but you'd also make progress toward YOU receiving another $10 in rebates.

What can you do to earn $10 in rebates?

Holiday shoppers can earn it with:

• $10 back on $100 purchase at Kohls.com.
• $10 back on $100 purchase from Nordstrom.com
• $10 back on $100 purchase from LandsEnd.com
• $10 back on $100 purchase from Macys.com
• $15 back on $100 purchase from White House Black Market
• $10 back on $75 purchase from Cabelas.com
• $10 back on $100 purchase from Champs.com
• $15 back on $50 purchase from Delias.com
• $5 back on $100 from Clarks.com
• $5 back on $100 purchase from Forever21.com
• $5 back on $50 purchase from Express.com
• $5 back on $50 purchase from JCPenney.com
• $5 back on $50 purchase from Lids.com

Christmas Gift Idea for a Girl Scout Troop: Custom Ornaments

As a Girl Scout leader, I'm always on the lookout for interesting ways to inspire the girls in our troop. I want them to believe that with time and effort, they can accomplish much. And, being that we are a church-based troop, I want them to always remember that faith is not separate from their actions.

I typically have not done Christmas gifts for my girls, though I've seen it discussed a lot on the leader Facebook groups I participate in. But I got a little divine inspiration recently from Pinterest. I stumbled on an image in my feed of an old prayer card with the Virgin Mary with Girl Scouts. The back simply stated the Girl Scout promise. I looked but didn't have much luck finding online - with the exception of finding a set of 100 in bulk. That, and if the other fourth-graders are anything like mine, no matter what the intention, the card would likely be lost in a corner someplace.

A trip to Michaels inspired me. There was a 1/2 off sale on porcelain ornaments. A little Modge-Podge, a printout of the image (scaled to about 3 inches square), and I had a unique gift that hopefully the girls will remember and keep in their homes as they grow up. All for roughly $1 per girl.

Amazon Deal of the Day: 75% off winter coats!

Amazon is offering 75% off winter coats as its Deal of the Day today. If you haven't yet picked up ones for your child or yourself for the winter, you may want to check them out!