We all love to attend weddings, especially if it’s a close friend or family member getting married. No one wants to miss that person’s special day because they can’t afford it. We’ve compiled a list of helpful tips that will help to curb the costs that a wedding brings. You’ll still be able to support the couple and have a great time without breaking the bank. After all, isn’t that what weddings are about?

Pass on pre-wedding activities: A major reason why weddings are so costly is because of all the parties and activities that lead up to the big day; the engagement party, bridal shower and bachelorette party. Sure all these events are fun to attend, but they also accumulate and end up costing you a pretty penny. It’s not necessary to attend every single event or give gifts for every occasion. It’s best to pick the event that you’d most like to attend and show your support for the bride there. It’s perfectly okay to decline and say that you have other plans. If you feel bad for doing so, then you can always take the bride out to private lunch to make up for the events you missed. This will allow for some more personal, one-on-one time with the bride and end up costing you less in the long run anyway!

Get creative with gifts: If you decide to attend all of the events and activities that lead up to the wedding, then consider thinking outside the normal registry and monetary gifts. Instead, give something that is homemade or has a lot of sentimental value behind it. These gifts tend to be budget-friendly and are usually the best because they actually mean something to the bride. They also require a great deal of thought, so the bride will know that you truly chose this gift just for her. For instance, if you’ve known the bride for quite a few years, it would be fun to give her something that reminds her of those times you spent together with an old picture of you two.

Plan lodging options: Getting a hotel room for the weekend can consume the major portion of your travel costs, especially during inflated “wedding season” or “summer” prices. If you only live a few hours away from the venue, consider skipping the hotel all together. If you plan on drinking, consider carpooling with other attendees so only one person will have to stay sober for the event. Another option is to share hotel rooms with other guests who are attending the wedding (only if you’re comfortable with them, of course). You’ll be able to split the cost with them, and if it’s only for one night it shouldn’t be too bad. Lastly, when searching for lodging it’s important to use websites that will give you the best rates such as Priceline and Travelocity.

Go vintage for outfits: Many of us feel the need to purchase a whole new wardrobe for a wedding ceremony; however, this is unnecessary and very costly. Chances are you already have something in your closet that would be perfect for the wedding, but if you’re one of those people who wouldn’t be caught dead wearing the same thing to two different weddings, then this is a great opportunity to utilize your friend’s closet. This way you won’t be a “repeat offender” when it comes to your outfit or have to pay the hefty price tag for a new outfit (that you’ll probably wear once anyway). Another thing that can save you upwards of $150 is to do your own hair and makeup. If this isn’t your strong suite, ask a friend to help you out! Chances are at least one of your friends is pretty good in this area. It doesn’t need to be perfect. After all, it’s the bride’s day to shine and not yours.

Split the wedding gift: Generally, the wedding gift is the biggest (and most expensive) gift you’ll give the bride and groom. To help reduce costs, go in on a wedding gift with other guests. There’s nothing wrong with doing this. This way, you’ll be able to get the couple something nicer than what you would be able to afford on your own. Chances are the nicer gift will be something that the couple actually wants and needs. After all, how many pots, pans and casserole dishes do they need?

As you start to receive all your Save The Date’s in the mail and RSVP to your weddings this season, make sure you keep these tips in mind. Attending a wedding is great experience and definitely something you shouldn’t miss out on because of financial struggles. We hope that these tips allow you to reduce the high cost of attending a wedding, while still being able to have fun and support the couple. Enjoy & happy savings!

The post Five Money-Saving Tips for Weddings appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

Congratulations to our winner, Christine!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Stay tuned for another giveaway very soon!

The post Shopping Confidential Giveaway-Winner Announced! appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

Personalized Photo

A treasured picture in a special frame is a meaningful gift for graduates of any age. For the high school grad going off to college, it might be a comforting reminder of home. Choose a photo that will mean the most to the graduate, whether it is of family, classmates, or of the graduation ceremony itself. Pair the photo with a frame that includes an inspirational message or even a simple “Class of 2013.” Picture frames can also be engraved with a special message to make them even more unique.

Personal Pillow or Blanket

Have you ever seen those pillows and blankets with pictures put right into the material? Doing this for the graduate with a picture of friends, special memories, or perhaps the cherished family dog will mean a lot. A pillow or blanket is a perfect gift for the high school grad to take away to college or for the college grad to take to a new home. If the grad has a favorite pillow already, you might consider sneaking it out to add that special photo. You can be creative on this. Photos can also be added to coffee mugs, bags, and key chains, to name several ideas.

The idea of a t-shirt blanket has also become a popular graduation gift to give over the past few years. The blankets are made out of old t-shirts that remind the graduate about that certain time in their life. Popular t-shirts to include in the blanket are sports team shirts, club/organization shirts, shirts from special events they attended, shirts from places they traveled and etc. You can collect these shirts over time and when graduation rolls around you can surprise your graduate with the meaningful blanket that will remind them of all the great times they had. Whether your graduate is heading off to college or about to enter the “real world,” the t-shirt blanket is an affordable and one-of-a-kind gift to give any graduate.

Meaningful Book

A book is another meaningful gift when made personal to the recipient. A college grad might appreciate a simple cookbook or a book about being successful. Spiritual themes may be appropriate for the high school grad who is anxious about being on his own for the first time. Any book can be personalized even more with an inscription. Write just inside the front cover to commemorate the date, the occasion, and your best wishes for the graduate.

Engraved Jewelry

Jewelry is another gift that most people enjoy. Engraving a piece makes it that much more meaningful. A short message and date on the back of a watch or locket makes this type of present unique and personal. This gift carries special memories every time the graduate wears it away from home.

Personalized Card

I’m always big about cards. Including a card with a gift, or just giving a card alone, personalizes the gift and captures the moment forever. A card can say so much that nothing else can. There are sites such as Snapfish where you can make your own cards to say exactly what you want. Sometimes you can find just the right card that says what you’re feeling. Adding your own words says even more. The graduate will appreciate the sentiments and will have something to look back at to relive the moment, something that will be very comforting when times are tough.

Consider personalizing the gift you choose for your special graduate. This will result in a meaningful gift that will always be remembered. These graduation gift ideas are sure to become special mementos in the graduate’s life.

Author Bio:  Tiffany Faming is a freelance writer and English teacher. She writes on family, saving money, home decoration, and gardening. Please go to her site to see useful tips on various topics.

The post Customized Graduation Gift Ideas appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

I hope everyone had a great week and has an even better weekend! Whether you’re on the East Coast battling Hurricane Andrea (like us) or on the West Coast enjoying beautiful, sunny weather, make sure you shop smart this weekend! You can maximize your savings and get the BEST deals this weekend by combining discounted gift cards from Gift Card Rescue, store sales, and mobile coupons from SnipSnap!

Here are some of the best deals we’ve found this week:

Discounted Walgreens Gift Card→Purchased $42.69 gift card at 6% off→Paid $40.12

Savings of $2.57

Purchase Allegra Allergy 180 mg Tablets 24 Hour→Original $28.99→Sale $23.99

Savings of $5.00

SnipSnap $5 Off Allegra Allergy Purchase→Original $23.99→With Coupon $18.99

Savings of $5.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sale & SnipSnap→$12.57

Discounted Bath & Body Works Gift Card→Purchased $84.46 gift card at 12% off→Paid $74.32

Savings of $10.14

Purchase 14 Signature Anti-Bacterial Foaming Hand Soaps→Original $77.00→On Sale -> $40

Savings of $37.00                                    

SnipSnap $10.00 Off $40 Purchase Coupon→Original $40.00→With Coupon $30.00

Savings of $10.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sale & SnipSnap→$57.14

Discounted Victoria’s Secret Gift Card→Purchased $60.00 gift card at 10% off→Paid $90.00

Savings of $6.00

Purchase Body by Victoria Perfect Coverage Bra→Original $42.00→Sale $31.50

Savings of $10.50

SnipSnap $10 of a Bra Coupon→Original $31.50→With Coupon $21.50

Savings of $10.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sale & SnipSnap→$26.50

Discounted Sports Authority Gift Card→Purchased $111.53 gift card at 15% off→Paid $94.80

Savings of $16.73

Purchase TOMMY ARMOUR EVO Golf Stand Bag→Original $129.99→Sale $109.99

Savings of $20.00                            

SnipSnap 20% Off Purchase $100 or More Coupon→Original $109.99→With Coupon $87.99

Savings of $22.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue & SnipSnap→$58.73

Discounted Toys”R”Us Gift Card→Purchased $100.00 gift card at 10% off→Paid $90.00

Savings of $10.00

Purchase Summersault 4-Piece Crib Bedding Set→Original $109.99

SnipSnap $30 off Crib Bedding Sets→Original $109.99→With Coupon $79.99

Savings of $30.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue & SnipSnap→$40.00

Have a great weekend & happy savings!

The post When Discounted Gift Cards & Mobile Coupons Collide: Volume Four appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

Our goal is to collect the best shopping tips for each major merchant and create a list that you can use before you shop to help save you more! 

For the first week of the Shopping Confidential Giveaway Series we will be featuring popular department store, Kohl’s! To enter for your chance to win a free $50 Kohl’s gift card, simply leave a comment on this blog stating your best tips for saving the most money when shopping at Kohl’s. The winner of the $50 Kohl’s gift card will be drawn on Tuesday, June 11th. Good luck and we hope everyone enjoys this new series!

The post Shopping Confidential Giveaway Series appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

1.) Visit the public library. The library is a terrific and an often over-looked place to take kids during the summer. A trip to the library can provide kids with a fun, educational and not to mention cost-efficient mini field trip. During the summer many libraries host free summer programs for kids such as story time, craft hours, author readings and contests. This is a great way to promote learning in a fun environment.

2.) Take a trip to the movies. Regal Entertainment Group has just announced their 2013 Regal Summer Movie Express, where anyone can enjoy movies for only $1.00 on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s at 10:00 am. This is a great way to treat kids to the new movie they’ve been wanting to see without paying those over-priced ticket costs. For more information and to find a participating location near you, click here.

.3.) Explore nature and it’s wildlife. Visiting a national park or wildlife refugee is a great way to show kids about the importance of caring for the environment. Best part is, many of these centers offer “free admission days” in the summer months. Contact the park before you go for more information on free admission days, what to bring when you visit and special events going on. Make sure you pack a light lunch because chances are, the food offerings are slim and over-priced.

4.) Volunteer in the local community. Teaching kids about the benefits of volunteering and getting involved in the local community is invaluable. Contact local organizations such as animal shelters for more information on volunteer opportunities. Chances are they’re more than willing to accept volunteers and I’m sure your kids would be more than happy to play with dogs and cats for the afternoon.

5.) Get involved with local Parks and Recreation programs. Most areas have at least some forms of a Parks and Recreations Department. These organizations are funded by your tax dollars, so most of their basic features are offered for free. For example, pack a lunch and take a trip to different parks with playgrounds and jungle gyms. Some parks even have lakes where you can take out paddle boats and canoes for free. Contact your local department for more information on free activities.

6.) Turn your backyard into a campsite. The cost of taking a camping trip can add up quickly, avoid this by taking a camping trip in your backyard. Set up a tent, bring snacks, sing campfire songs, tell stories and make smore’s for the full camping experience. This is a great opportunity to bond with your kids without the distractions of television, video games and the internet.

These are just few ways you can save money this summer and have fun with your kids. Summer is a great time to plan fun activities with your family, so take advantage of the warm weather, get outside, and enjoy the time with your family. The best part is, it’s free!

Happy Savings!

The post Budget-Friendly Summer Activities appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

Welcome to week three of our Maximize Your Savings series with Snip Snap Mobile Couponing App! I hope everyone finds that this a great resource on how to get the most “bang” for your buck. Our goal is to show you how much you can save each week by combining current mobile coupons, store sales and discounted gift cards. The potential total savings when you combine all three of these resources is simply amazing! Make sure you take advantage of these deals while they last!

Here’s what you can save this week:

Discounted Sears Gift Card→Purchased $83.94 gift card at 9% off→Paid $76.38

Savings of $7.56

Purchase Samsung Smart Blu-ray Player→Original $99.99→Sale $89.99

Savings of $10.00                       

SnipSnap $10 off $30 coupon→Original $89.99→With Coupon $79.99

Savings of $10.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sales & SnipSnap→$27.56

Discounted Pier 1 Imports Gift Card→Purchased $50.00 gift card at 20% off→Paid $40.00

Savings of $10.00

Purchase Round Mirror Wall Decor→Original $79.95→Sale $49.98

Savings of $29.97                                    

SnipSnap 20% off entire purchase coupon→Original $49.98→With Coupon $39.99

Savings of $9.99

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sales & SnipSnap→$49.96

Discounted A.C. Moore Gift Card→Purchased $30.00 gift card at 15% off→Paid $25.50

Savings of $4.50          

Purchase My Image Bracelet Maker→Original $34.99→Sale $24.99

Savings of $10.00                       

SnipSnap 25% off entire purchase coupon→Original $24.99→With Coupon $18.74

Savings of $6.25

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sales & SnipSnap→$20.75

Discounted Yankee Candle Gift Card→Purchased $51.82 gift card at 15% off→Paid $44.04

Savings of $7.78        

Purchase Three Large Jar Candles→Original $83.97 ($27.99 each)→Sale $51.00 (17.00 each)

Savings of $32.97                       

SnipSnap $20 off $45 or more coupon→Original $51.00→With Coupon $31.00

Savings of $20.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sales & SnipSnap→$60.75

Discounted Dick’s Gift Card→Purchased $112.02 gift card at 17% off→Paid $92.97

Savings of $19.05

Purchase Nike Men’s Tiempo Soccer Cleats→Original $159.99→Sale $119.97

Savings of $40.02                       

SnipSnap $20 off $100 or more coupon→Original $119.97→With Coupon $99.97

Savings of $20.00

Total Savings with Gift Card Rescue, Store Sales & SnipSnap→$79.07

Let us know if you use any of these tips & happy savings!

The post When Discounted Gift Cards & Mobile Coupons Collide: Volume Three appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

Our first blogger not only has great, tasty, recipes that are wallet-friendly, but also has an extremely inspiring story about her journey as a mother. Carrie from the Frugal Foodie Mama, has encountered her share of trials and tribulations throughout motherhood, but she never let that stop her. Throughout her struggle with fertility, she turned to blogging as a form of therapy and a way to share her recipes and journey to others.

Despite her complications, Carrie is the mother of two happy and healthy children; a 14 year-old boy and newborn girl.  Since becoming a stay-at-home mom after her daughter was born, Carrie has made it a point to become more budget conscious and fabulously frugal. While living on a single income isn’t easy during these touch economic times, she explains that being home with her children is definitely worth it.

Carrie’s blog features a variety budget friendly recipes, product giveaways, stories and advice on motherhood, and eco-friendly tips. Her Facebook page has over 1,800 likes, her Twitter page has over 1,500 followers, and her Pinterest page (my personal favorite) has over 8,000 followers! It’s apparent that she’s doing quite well as a frugal foodie blogger. I believe the main reason for her growing popularity is because of her quality content and personal stories. Her blog and social media sites are definitely worth checking out!

The post Blog Spotlight: Frugal Foodie Mama appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

Where you can save this week:

Discounted American Eagle Outfitters gift card→Purchased $100 gift card at 20% off→Paid $80

Savings of $20.00

Purchase AE Sparkle Chiffon Dress→Original $59.95→On Sale $49.99

Savings of $9.96

SnipSnap $10 off $40 American Eagle Outfitters coupon→Original $49.99→With coupon $39.99

Savings of $10.00

Total Savings with SnipSnap, store sale, and Gift Card Rescue→$39.96

Discounted Michael’s gift card→Purchase $40 gift card at 20% off→Paid $32

Savings of $8.00

Purchase Recollection Scrapbook album→Original $29.99

SnipSnap 50% off Michael’s scrapbook coupon→Original $29.99→With coupon $14.99

Savings of $15.00

Total Savings with SnipSnap and Gift Card Rescue→$23.00

Discounted Longhorn Steakhouse gift card→Purchase $60 gift card at 10% off→Paid $54

Savings of $6.00

Purchase→Cowboy Pork chops entrée $15.99 and Longhorn Shrimp & Lobster dip appetizer $9.49

SnipSnap Longhorn Steakhouse free appetizer coupon→Original $25.48→With coupon $15.99

Savings of $9.49

Total Savings with SnipSnap and Gift Card Rescue→$15.49

Discounted Barnes & Noble gift card→Purchase $80 gift card at 15% off→Paid $68

Savings of $12.00

Purchase Inferno by Dan Brown→Original $29.95→On Sale→$17.97

Savings of: $11.98

SnipSnap 15% off any item Barnes & Noble coupon→Original $17.97→With coupon $15.27

Savings of $2.70

Total Savings with SnipSnap, store sale, and Gift Card Rescue→$26.68

Discounted CVS gift card→Purchase $100 gift card at 8% off→Paid $92.00

Savings of $8.00

Purchase→Crest 3D Whitestrips Vivid Dental Whitening Kit→$31.99

SnipSnap 20% off CVS coupon→Original $31.99→With coupon→$25.59

Savings of $6.40

Total Savings with SnipSnap and Gift Card Rescue→$14.40

Hope you enjoyed this week’s savings! Let us know if you use any of these tips and how much you save by combining discounted gift cards and mobile coupons! Make sure you check out the SnipSnap website and blog for more great tips! Happy Savings

The post When Discounted Gift Cards & Mobile Coupons Collide: Volume Two appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.

Memorial Day is a time to honor the United States Armed Forces, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your three-day weekend with family and friends. If you’re like most people, you plan on taking advantage of the long weekend by traveling and taking advantage of all the great Memorial Day sales. No matter your plans, we’ve compiled some tips on ways you can save money while enjoying your weekend.

The most cost-effective way to spend your weekend would be to stay home. This is pretty obvious and might not sound like the most exciting option, but this could create a great opportunity for you to spend some quality time with your family. You could enjoy the outdoors by going to a park or have family and friends over for a potluck barbecue, so you’re not stuck making and paying for all the food.

If you’d like to have decorations, games and entertainment at your get together, Pinterest offers a plethora of frugal party ideas. One great Pinterest to check out for hosting a frugal party is Heidi from The Frugal Girls. Her Pinterest features several party resources such as organization tips, snacks and appetizers, kid’s crafts and activities, and DIY party décor. Her Pinterest is just one of the many resources you can use for hosting a budget-friendly Memorial Day barbeque.

If hosting a party is not in your weekend plans then maybe traveling is. If you plan on going out of town, there are several ways you can save money during your mini-vacation. Before you leave for the weekend, make sure you check your tire pressure. Your tires should all be equally inflated to the proper amount; this ensures that you’ll get optimum gas mileage and in return you’ll save on fuel costs. When you do have to fill up, you can make sure that you get the best price of gas around by using the GasBuddy app. This app will pinpoint your location and give you directions to a gas station in your area with the lowest price. While you’re traveling, pack a cooler with snacks and drinks for the trip. By doing this you’ll save time, money, and not to mention your waistline.

One of my personal favorite things about Memorial Day is all the great sales that stores like to have. This is a great opportunity to save on the things you need or want. Like those beautiful, over-priced shoes you’ve been lusting after all month. Yeah, those could be yours this weekend and with a few tips you’ll be able to get them for the lowest possible price.

If you know where you’ll be shopping this weekend, go to GiftCardRescue.com and purchase a discounted gift card to the store where you’ll be shopping. This is the first way you can save. Next, search for any current coupons that the merchant is featuring. You can do this by checking out sites like RetailMeNot or mobile couponing apps like SnipSnap. These will give you the most current coupons for whichever store you plan on shopping. Last, take your discounted gift cards and coupons to the store with you this weekend. Lots of new items will be marked down for the holiday weekend, so apply these to your purchase. These are three great ways you can save this weekend, and when you apply them all you can save a boat-load of cash!

I hope all these tips help you to save money this Memorial Day weekend! No matter how you decide to spend your weekend, make sure you find some time to relax and enjoy your extra day off! Remember, if you see or know a member of the United States Armed Forces; thank them for all that they do!

Have a great holiday weekend & happy savings!

The post Save Money This Memorial Day Weekend appeared first on GiftCardRescue Blog.