Hello, my name is Kate and I am a Gymboholic. Not familiar with this particular addiction? Well, maybe you should escape while you can! I am officially addicted to the children’s clothing store Gymboree.  Like, I-try-to-get-every-piece-from-a-line addicted.

The addiction wasn’t immediate when my son was born. No, I tried to resist Gymboree, I truly did. But the adorable designs, coordinating pieces and really good deals got me hooked. Yes, I said good deals. You think I can afford 30 bucks for a shirt for my 12 month old? Heck, no. But, if you shop right, you can get a pretty good looking wardrobe or special occasion outfits for a fraction of the price. And your reward is children with wardrobes that put yours to shame.

Gymbucks are the primary marketing ploy coupon. At select times a year, you can earn a $25 gift certificate for every $50 you spend at the store, Outlet or online. The Gymbucks can only be redeemed during a ten day period. The first morning of Gymbucks redemption you can usually find me standing at the door of my local Gymboree, Gymbucks clutched in one hand, shopping list in the other, patiently waiting for the store to open. I’m not kidding. (I almost caused witnessed  a  riot last year when the woman opening the store was ten minutes late to work the first morning of Gymbucks redemption. It wasn’t pretty.)

But, Gymboree prices are steep so Gymbucks alone isn’t enough to get my attention. I only buy things when they go on sale (usually 4 – 6 weeks after hitting stores ) and I always shop with coupons. If you time it right, you can always use a Gymboree Friends and Family or seasonal coupons (usually for 20 – 30% off) during Gymbucks earning and redemption. Check the ShopAtHome.com Gymboree page for current coupons!

My husband calls my obsession with Gymboree unnatural. I call it smart shopping. One thing I know for certain? My kids look darn cute in their clothes.