Hint: It’s probably the most important person in your life.
gifts
It’s a Deal: Buy Two Games or Puzzles, Get Third Free
Now through October 26, when you buy two games or puzzles online from Barnes & Noble, you’ll get a third game or puzzle for free. The retailer is also offering $5 off online toy purchases of $10 or more, now through October 25.
Friday List: 191 Good, Bad, and Ugly Money Tips
Good, as in karma from accepting hand-me-downs graciously. Bad, as in “money jerks” who don’t pitch in for their share of restaurant bills (tips included) or who are constantly hitting you up to contribute to fundraisers. And Ugly, as in regularly checking the obituaries—so that you can anticipate where you’re likely to be able to …
Have You Raided Your Piggy Bank Lately?
Apparently, plenty of Americans have been doing just that. And because of the big influx of old nickels, dimes, and quarters into the system, there’s very little demand for new coins—specifically, the new collectible quarters featuring national parks.
Shout Out: ‘The Gift Card Minefield: How to Get Your Money’s Worth’
When your goal is to give someone money to spend, doesn’t it seem odd that you’d need to have a conversation about getting “your money’s worth”? Why wouldn’t you just give, um, money?
It’s a Deal: Buy Two Toys, Get Third Free at Toys R Us
During Geoffrey’s Birthday Toy Sale at Toys R Us (lasting through September 25), when you buy two LEGO construction sets, Barbie Dolls, LeapFrog Learning Toys, video games priced up to $19.99, and toys from Playmobil, Mega Bloks, Playskool, Melissa & Doug, and Hasbro, you’ll get a third free.
So Is It a Good Idea to Give Gift Cards Now?
Not really, even with new federal rules ensuring that cards won’t expire for at least five years, and that “dormancy fees” can’t take away from a card’s monetary value unless you haven’t used the card in a year.
It’s a Deal: 35% Off Photo Gifts at Snapfish
Use the coupon code 2010GRAD (thanks Bargainist) to get 35% off graduation gifts at digital-photo site Snapfish. The code is valid for orders made by May 31.
Mother’s Day: 33 Ways to Show How Much You Appreciate Her, Without Dropping a Ton of Cash
The founder of Mother’s Day says you shouldn’t send a telegram to Mom on her special day—so damn, it’s back to the drawing board for me. Here, some other ideas …
Gift Cards: More Consumer-Friendly, Still Not Better than Cash
After floating the idea of limiting fees and restrictions on gift cards last fall, the Federal Reserve has finally finalized a new set of rules. Even so, I’d still make the case that cash is the better, certainly more practical, and arguably more thoughtful gift, even if there are those who think of it as crass. So if anyone’s shopping for me …
3 Flukey Ways to Make or Save a Little Cash
Without minimal effort, these quirky strategies can net you a little bit of money in your pocket.
What Not to Buy for Valentine’s Day
Stay away from these gifts unless you’re completely, absolutely, one-hundred percent certain that your Valentine will like and appreciate them. And even then, are you sure?
