December is an expensive month in our house. Not only do we have Christmas but we also have my daughter's birthday. What does she want more than anything in the world this year? An American Girl doll. Now, I almost choke at the price but I also know that kids are growing up fast these days and the years are numbered before she's asking for a phone or the keys to the car so I'm holding onto this time tightly and relishing the fact that my baby girl (turning 10) wants a doll. That being said, as a savvy shopper, a frugal momma and someone who LOVES a great deal - I'm getting my daughter's American Girl doll for free! Yes, you read that correctly, FREE.
The best thing is, I didn't win it, I wasn't gifted it for the blog, it is something that anyone who is an RBC Rewards member can do too. This year I planned for the holidays by shopping for the things we needed all year long and putting them all on our RBC Visa card. This allowed me to accumulate RBC Rewards points. Now I'm taking advantage of my RBC Rewards points that I earned, to ease the financial burden of my holiday shopping.
Not only will I be able to get my daughter's birthday gift, I can get the teacher's gifts, hostess gifts, some holiday decorating done too and not spend a dime. Here's a breakdown of my plan.
Teacher's Gifts:
$25 Starbucks Gift Card - 3000 points
$25 Indigo Gift Card - 3000 points
Hostess Gifts:
$25 Bath & BodyWorks Gift Card to purchase nice candles and soaps - 3000 points
$5 Me to We "Thank You" Cards - 6500 points
Babysitter's Gift:
$25 iTunes Gift Card - 3000 points
Daughter's Gift:
$120 American Girl Beforever Samantha Doll & Book - 17,000 points
Holiday Decorating:
$50 Homesense Card - 6000 points
Holiday Shopping Value = $275 vs. Money Spent = $0
Okay, so the iMac Retina (on my wish list) is not quite within my grasp yet but I can start growing my points now and maybe later this year I'll be able to log back into RBC Rewards and get it.
Also, with over 100,000 items from Best Buy and Future Shop, as well as gift cards for over 40 popular retailers and access to merchandise from top brands and designers such as KitchenAid, Miele, Michael Kors, Pandora, Melissa & Doug, LEGO, Taylor Made and Calloway, I know I can find something for everyone on my list. Better yet, I can do it in my jammies in the evening after the kids have gone to bed which trust me, makes keeping the magic of "Santa" a lot easier as the kids get older. I love that I even earn bonus RBC Rewards points when I shop online through the RBC Rewards eMall (see, I’m building up for my iMac).
So savvy shoppers, here are some key things to remember to help you save money and create your holidays "on a dime":
Make Your List:
Check out the The RBC Rewards Holiday site to see their offers, special features and gift ideas.
Shop Early & Save:
Many of the retailers are offering early holiday shopping deals. This means that you redeem less points for these items which leaves you more points for other items on your wish list!
Take advantage of Black Friday:
Starting Black Friday (November 28) to Cyber Monday (December 1) the majority of retailers at the RBC Rewards eMall will be offering bonus points. This is key in allowing you to earn points faster which means more shopping later!
RBC Rewards Giveaway:
Throughout the holiday season RBC will be running a Not-So-Secret Santa Giveaway on Facebook. Comment on their post and tag a friend who would like the featured item for a chance to win. 3 people will be selected to win each item, plus the nominator of the winner will receive 5000 bonus RBC Rewards points!
Giveaway Dates & Items:
November 21 - KitchenAid Mixer
December 5 – DeWalt Drill & Saw
December 9 – GoPro4 bundle
As you all know, I love saving money and saving money at the holidays is even more exciting and important. RBC Rewards is MY holiday shopping destination, make it yours too!
This post was brought to you by RBC Rewards, but the opinions are my own.
For more information, please visit www.rbcrewards.com