August 12, 2010

Thank you for visiting HomeschoolBytes again! Feel free to contact me with questions or suggestions. Make sure to subscribe to my RSS feed or get email updates any time I post new content.

With school supply season here, I’ve been picking up supplies and just found some fun deals on Amazon:

70 % and up off of Melissa & Doug Arts and Craft Supplies

Like this nice sticker collection for your princess – $5.73:

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

May 13, 2010

Borders has a great summer reading program for kids:

• Be 12-years-old and under
• Read any 10 books
• Fill out a form
• Bring completed form to a Borders to get a FREE BOOK!

The idea of listing books and winning a contest might be a great way to encourage a reluctant reader.

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

March 8, 2010

This Saturday at 10 am, the kids can go to your local Lowes and make a free wooden table top basketball game.  They also give the kids a free Lowe’s apron and patch for each project.  My kids really love the Lowe’s Build and Grow clinics.

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

March 6, 2010

With Easter coming, and March being ‘craft month’, Michaels has a whole bunch of craft projects available on upcoming weekends.  Some free, some you need to pay for some of the supplies. 

Today from 10 am to 1 pm, you can make little yarn people for free.

A great little outing if you’re having a slow Saturday.

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

February 4, 2010

Here’s a quick deal for you:

Zoobooks, who puts out a fun animal magazine for kids (awesome pictures!) also sells board books, soft cover books, and lots of other great animal stuff.  Anyway, there is a 10% off code “ZOOBOOKS” you can use on any of the products in their store.

If you’ve seen any of their stuff, you’ll know that they have incredible pictures of animals and then add in the science facts disguised as fun activities and information.  I know my little 1-year-old is totally fascinated by animal pictures lately, and he’s really been enjoying animal picture books from the library.

Or, if you’re interested in the actual magazine, here’s their current special: ”Get a FREE poster and FREE animal stickers with your Zoobooks magazine!”

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

January 18, 2010

If you like FREE – take a look at this list of Homeschool Freebies put together by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.  Free art lessons, woodworking projects, science kits, sample curriculum, and more.  Many are bonuses and samples offered by companies who sell to the homeschool crowd and there’s something for almost everyone.

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

January 5, 2010

After I just spent a ton on Amazon.com for Christmas, I thought I’d share this money saving tip:

I heard about Swagbucks on some money saving blogs, and decided to try it out.  You basically do your normal internet searching using the Swagbucks search engine, which combines results from Google and Ask.com, and every now and then, you get awarded some ‘Swagbucks’ for a search.  You can then redeem them for a whole bunch of prizes, including gift cards from places like Amazon, ITunes, Target, Paypal, etc.  

After a couple of weeks using it, I was up to 45 Swagbucks, and I just turned it in for a $5 Amazon Giftcard.  It’s not a ton, but since I do a lot of internet searching, it doesn’t cost me any extra effort or time, so why not?

Here’s what you do:

1. Sign up for a free Swagbucks account
2. I recommend installing the toolbar – it makes it easier to use, so I can type search terms right into my toolbar instead of going to the Swagbuck website.
3. Search as usual and earn Swagbucks.
4. Spend them on giftcards you want.
5. You can also earn extra Swagbucks when your friends sign up   (Thank you!)

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

January 3, 2010

I had to share this great deal – for anyone who uses Amazon, they are offering another 3-month free trial of their Prime membership when you add a specific book to your cart.  This gives you free 2-day shipping on all orders, and you don’t have to reach the $25 minimum for free shipping.

Here’s how:

1. Add this ‘textbook’ to your cart by clicking on the button that says:  “Add to cart with Free 2-day shipping”:  Pride and Prejudice
2. Sign in to your Amazon account.
3. Continue checking out until you get an offer for a free 3-month Prime membership.
4. Don’t actually place the order.
5. Return to Amazon home page.
6. Click on “Your Account” at the top right of page.
7. In the “Settings” box, 3rd one down, click on “Manage Prime Membership”
8. Select the option: “Do NOT upgrade” automatically.  If you don’t do this step, you will be charged $79 after your free 3 months are over.

That’s it – you’ve got free 2-day shipping for 3 months.  Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

December 15, 2009

Sorry for the long time away – the holidays with a family of 7 are a bit crazy

We took a trip to Vermont for Thanksgiving and just finished the happy chaos of gingerbread houses last night (my next upcoming post!)

Since I’m an avid bargain shopper, some friends have been asking how I get such good deals on Christmas gifts.  Here’s my secret:

I do a lot of shopping this time of year at Amazon.  Combined with the Free Month Trial of Amazon Prime, I’m able to get many of my gifts on sale with no tax, and shipped right to my door.

But, you have to hurry – there are only 2 days left to get gifts delivered in time for Christmas with Free Super Saver Shipping.

Here are a few of the tips I use to find the best deals:

1. Check out the Holiday Lightning Deals that come up throughout the day.  You can scroll through them in the morning, and see if there is anything you’re interested coming up that day.  Make sure to check back right on the hour, if it’s something popular.  There are usually plenty, but often for no more than 10 – 15 minutes.  For example, there has been a nice Lego set ($30-$50) come up almost every day for 50% off!  Or a big $25 Transformers toy for $9.99.  There are gone quick.
2. Check out the Movers and Shakers Page to find items that have suddenly increased in popularity.  This is a great way to find items that have suddenly dropped in price and are worth buying.  Click on you catergory on the left, ie. “Toys” to see what’s a deal.
3. Browse the list of items that are discounted 70% off or more on Toys.  Many toys are the cheapest they’ll be all year and make great additions to a ‘gift box’ you can keep in the closet and have on hand for future birthday parties, etc.
4. Check out the 18 Days of Video Game Deals, with the Special Deal of the Day - something new only for that day.
5. And if you’re looking for FREE:  Check out 25 Days of Free Holiday Songs - a new MP3 is added every day, and if you missed any, they are all available right now.  This makes for a great list to play for holiday background music on your computer.

Here are some examples of HOT deals today (Grab them quick, prices change fast!):

Lil’ Movers Vehicles – Tow ‘N Pull Tractor - $5.99 down from $17.99

20Q Harry Potter - $7.99 down from $24.99

Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Birthday Cake $9.99 half price from $19.99 (My 4-year-old LOVES this – he still plays with it a year later and ask me to make wishes and blow out candles!)

Trivial Pursuit Digital Choice $9.99 down from $49.99

Monopoly Family Championship $7.99 down from $24.99

Scene It? Deluxe Star Trek Edition$7.99 down from $29.99

There are seriously too many to list.  I enjoy browsing the lists above and finding gifts I know my family and friends will enjoy for half (or more) of the price.

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains

November 11, 2009

My younger kids love many of the LeapFrog learning products, so I though I’d share some great deals on Amazon right now.

Not only are the products marked down, like the popular Fridge Phonics down to $15 from $22, but if you use the code listed below for Fridge Toys (LPLFT900), it’s another 20% off, making it $12!

They say “while supplies last” so get what you want quickly!

• LeapFrog Tag Reading System - $10 off using code LPAHW100 at checkout.
• Tag Reading Books – $5 off Tag books using code LPASW500 at checkout.
• 20% off Tag Junior Book Pal using code LPTJH900 at checkout.
• 20% off Tag Junior Books using code LPTJB900 at checkout.
• 20% off Leapster Games using code LFLPGAMES at check out.
• 20% off of Zippity High Energy Learning System  using code LPZHW900 at checkout.
• 20% off of Zippity High Energy Games using code LPZSW900 at checkout.
• 20% off Didj system – code LPDHW900
• 20% off Didj games – code LPDSW900
• 20% off Clickstart My First Computer – code LPCSC900
• 20% off Clickstart games – code LPCSG900
• 20% off My Pal Scout, My Pal Violet, and Leapfrog Fridge Toys – use code LPLFT900

 For a complete list –>Complete List of LeapFrog Codes and Deals on Amazon

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains