Before I started to compile my list of bonus gift card offers this year, I stumbled across this post from The Review Wire.  It’s a great list that includes bonus offers from places like:

• IHOP
• Half Price Books
• Max ‘n Erma’s
• Steak ‘n Shake
• and more

A reader forwarded me a link to the West Chester Buzz so I had to go to the source….IKEA.  From now until August 15th Ikea (West Chester) is offering a free kids meal to all kids 12 and under.  Check out the fine print directly from IKEA.  But note that there is no other purchase requirement — this is a great deal!  Gather up the neighborhood kids and head on over to Ikea!

Not in the Cincinnati area?  Check with your local IKEA store.  I’ve seen many others offering the same deal.

Ever heard of Groupon?  I hadn’t until a few months ago.  This website offers users a way to buy discounted products and services from local companies.  The catch?  There must be a big enough group for the deal to proceed.   And the deals are only on sale for 1 day (most coupons are valid for 1 year).  Today’s Cincinnati deal is from the Tropical Smoothie Cafe near the Voice Of Ameria park in West Chester.  Our family plans to visit the VOA park and museum this summer and so we’ll stop by and get smoothies — at half off — thanks to Groupon.  Want to join me?

Don’t live in Cincinnati?  No fear, Groupon is available in many other cities across the country.  I’m currently looking for deals in cities we’ll be traveling to this summer.  How about you?  Have you used Groupon?  Do you like it?

Want to save money on Spring Break?  You might want to look into getting an Entertainment Book for your destination.  Entertainment is now offering them at 50% off AND free shipping!

Popular destinations I saw on the list include:

• Orlando $17.50
• Hawaii $17.50
• Tampa $17.50
• Washington DC $17.50
• Orange County CA $20

And if you’re staying home, you can still save with a local edition.  Most editions are $17.50 — shipped free.

The Entertainment Book has saved our family money when we’ve visited Aquariums, Zoos, Museums, ate dinner, and even rented hotel rooms.

Please note, that Entertainment doesn’t not ship quickly.  They are most likely going to mail this media mail which can take 10-15 days.  They do offer faster shipping for a fee.

Related post on the Entertainment Book. And more about vacations.

Going on a trip this Spring?  If so, you might want to save a few dollars while you’re there.  Did you know that you can buy an Entertainment book for the area you’ll be visiting?  And right now Entertainment is having a SALE!  50% off plus FREE SHIPPING! Most of the books are under $20 shipped.  Every time we travel, I check out a local book.  It can save us tons of money while having fun.

Traveling to see the Mouse in Orlando or LA? There’s a book for that. Family in Texas? There’s 7 books. There’s even books for Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Get Discounts (many 2 for 1 or 50% off) at:

• Fancy Restaurants
• Bagel and Donut Shops
• Fast Food
• Hotels
• Attractions

I’ve seen this deal in the mail, at the grocery store, and in my e-mail.  So,  I checked it out for you. The Entertainment Book is being offered for $19.99….all books.  That’s just $19.99 shipped.  And if you want a second book, it’s only $15 more.  Regular price on these books are $30-$50 + $5 for shipping.  So, seriously think about picking up a copy for yourself.

What I like about the Entertainment Book:

• Hotel Discounts — up to 50% off the rack rate at hotels across the country
• Attraction Discounts – water parks, putt-putt, bowling, museums, and some sporting events
• Airport parking discounts
• Hair cutting coupons
• Local stores like Play It Again Sports, Paint ‘n Play, pet store, shoe store coupons
• 2 for 1 coupons for local fast food, as well as sit down restaurants

In just a few months you can save more than the $19.99 cost.

Want to know which book to buy?  Buy one for your local area and one for where you’re going on vacation or business.  If you’re traveling to Orlando to see the mouse or the whale, you can save a bundle with the Orlando Entertainment Book.  Going skiing?  Get a book for Vancouver, Denver, or Lake Tahoe.  Wherever you spend money.  Check out the book.  When we go out of town, I always check the Entertainment book and use at least the hotel discount.  Sometimes I can get a great car rental deal and also a few dollars off food and attractions is always welcome.

Now through DEC 31, 2009 buy a $20 gift card at Steak ‘n Shake and get a $5 certificate

(certificate valid Jan 4-Feb 28, 2010)

Must purchase at a local restaurant.

That’s like getting a free meal after the first of the year.

“Now when you buy $100 worth of Outback Gift Cards, you will receive a $20 bonus card and a FREE music download from Sugarland! Bonus card valid 1/1/10 through 2/10/10.”

For more details check out Outback’s direct link.

More Gift Card Bonus Deals – the list keeps growing….

More Gift Card Bonus Deals – the list keeps growing….

Just in time for gift giving…..buy a $100 Bonefish Grill gift card and get a $20 bonus card.  Cards are available at your local restaurant or online.

The Bonus $20 cards are valid only from Jan 1- Feb 10, 2010 — so plan accordingly.

More Gift Card Bonus Deals – the list keeps growing….