Shopping for kids can be the most exciting, rewarding, and challenging thing you will do this Holiday Season. Often, the toys that children want, are the same toys as every other child making it quite difficult to track down that much demanded item. Remember the top toys when you were growing up? Perhaps it was a Rubik’s Cube, a Cabbage Patch Doll, or a Furby.  Do you find yourself in the position your parents were once in? Trying to hunt down the most popular toys, braving the crowds, and pushing and shoving through other eager parents?

Well why not take the stress out of the shopping experience and instead order the hot item online? That way, the only pushing and shoving you will be doing will be fighting your family for the computer! Shopping the Toys Extra Cash Back Event from ShopAtHome.com gives you the opportunity to shop from top retailers such as Kmart, Mattel, Walmart, and Toys ‘R’ Us who all supply the top toys of the season!

With Extra Cash Back, you can save up to 80% on the top toys this season! So whether you are fighting for that Zhu Zhu pet, Lego set, or Vtech V Reader, why not do it from the comfort of your own home? So get out there, start shopping, start saving, and find the best presents you can this year from ShopAtHome.com!

Shop The Toys Extra Cash Back Event From ShopAtHome.com!

Free Magic Light Brush on all orders over $40 from CrayolaStore.com! Enter FREELB at checkout to receive free gift, plus get 4% Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com!

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Go to the Crayola coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click SHOP NOW.
2. Stock up on Back to School items – just make sure you hit $40.
3. Use code FREELB at checkout to get your free Magic Light Brush (a savings of $21.99)
4. After you’re done, you’ll get 4% Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com!

2 DAY SALE!  Now through June 17th, take 20% off one item at SallyBeauty.com.  Just use promo code 555980 at check out!

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Go to the Sally Beauty coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and Click Shop Now.
2. Select one item (we recommend the straightening irons from FHI Heat) and place it in your cart.
3. At checkout, use code 555980 to get 20% off (if you already have a Sally Beauty Card, you may get extra discounts on your purchases).
4. Once you’re done, you’ll get an extra 10% Cash Back in your ShopAtHome.com account… saving you a minimum of 28% off retail!

Shop and Save this week at Borders! Get the latest Printable Coupon and save 40% off any list price at your favorite Borders Store!

Here’s How to get this deal:

1. Go to the Borders 40% off Coupon on ShopAtHome.com and click through to the site.
2. Print your coupon, and bring it to the Borders near you.
3. Select your item, and bring it to the counter with your coupon and Borders Rewards card.
4. Voila! 40% off!

Shop eBags Inventory Reduction Sale! Up to 70% Off + Free Shipping!

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Go to the eBags coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click SHOP NOW.
2. Click on the main banner for the Inventory Reduction Sale, and select your items.
3. No matter how much you purchase, you’ll get FREE Shipping!
4. Plus, once you’re done, you’ll get a whopping 12% Cash Back in your ShopAtHome.com account! For example, you can get the eBags Day Tour Backpack (retail $50) for only $13.19. That’s a savings of almost 75%!

More Deals!

Check out the amazing Freebies just added to the Free Samples section… and make sure to get your Printable Grocery Coupons for this month! You don’t want to be left out spending too much money at the Grocery Store!

Enter our NEW Facebook Giveaway! We’ve teamed up with Home Depot to give one lucky Facebook Fan a $500 Home Depot Gift Certificate!

Click here to enter NOW!

Irish or not, who can resist the fun that is St. Patrick’s Day? Between festive wear, shamrock crafts and kid-friendly reads there’s plenty of ways to spread green cheer with your little leprechaun.

Green Gear

No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without some green in your wardrobe – and this especially applies to kids. First stop for affordable holiday tees: Old Navy.  I love the Daddy’s Pot Of Gold shirt for the wee lasses (it shimmers… everyone say “ooooh”) and the Mom’s Good Luck Charm is perfect for every little one. At $7.50 a pop (plus 5% cash back from ShopAtHome) you can feel okay making this purchase even if your little one only wears it once or twice. If you insist on being more practical, a classic green polo or striped tee is perfect for the holiday.

Get Crafty

Anyone who knows me will agree that I am a bit challenged in the craftiness department. I just don’t have that gene. But, with a little inspiration even I can engage the kids in a little arts and crafts project.

Here’s an easy one that you can do with little to no skill and very few supplies: cut a piece of green construction paper into the shape of a shamrock. (If you’re as lame as I am, you can even print out a shamrock shape to use as a guide.) Have your toddler find green items from magazines and catalogs – he’ll love ripping the magazine up and you’ll love that this doesn’t require having actual craft supplies on hand – and then glue them onto the shamrock. I freely admit, this will not wow the neighbor when it’s hanging on your fridge, but it will cost next to nothing and is fun. And, of course, if you have actual crafty things, have your toddler decorate his shamrock with green glitter, felt, tissue paper or pipe cleaners. You can even raid your kitchen for green goodies like Fruit Loops.

Speaking of the kitchen, I prefer to eat my way through holidays so another great way to get your kids involved in St. Patrick’s Day is baking and decorating cookies. Grab an affordable shamrock cookie cutter, green food coloring, icing and sprinkles and you have an afternoon of messy fun with your kids. And, of course, all the fun that comes with eating your creations.

There are lots of amazing resources for crafts with kids online so my lame festive ideas are just a jumping off point.

Books o’ Fun

If your child is old enough to wonder why you’re suddenly celebrating all things green, there are a couple fun children’s books to consider adding to your library. And, as you know, the great thing about books is they’re relevant and fun to read year-round and regardless of the proximity to a holiday. The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever tells the tale of the Leprechaun family celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a parade. The rhyming story and bright illustrations will delight preschoolers and young grade schoolers, in particular. Interactive, lift the flap books are always a hit, and Hooray For St. Patrick’s Day is no exception as your child searches for the hidden leprechauns.

I hope these ideas put a little spring in your step and get you in the St. Patty’s Day mood!

Can you believe we’re almost at Valentine’s Day? I hope you’ve already gotten all the gifts for your sweetheart but if you haven’t, we have a couple of great deals (as well as an extended Extra Cash Back Event!) to help you out!

A FREE TRIAL on Pur Minerals’ signature, award-winning 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation (Travel Size) with code FREETRIAL2010 – just pay the cost of shipping (only available to NEW Pur Minerals customers, only 1 free trial per customer, promotion runs through 2/8-2/14).

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Head over to the Pur Minerals coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click the Free Trial coupon (it’s the only featured coupon) to head to their website.
2. Choose the correct color for your skin tone, and place it in your cart.
3. The coupon code should automatically be added to your cart (as well as some free samples!), but if not, type FREETRIAL2010 in the coupon or promotional code box.

Get kids and baby Jeans at GapKids: Buy one pair, get the second for $10 (ends 2/10) PLUS get 5% Cash Back Rebates through ShopAtHome.com!

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Head over to the GapKids coupons page and click the SHOP NOW button to head to the site.
2. Click the big jeans deal banner, and choose two pairs you’d like to buy for your little ones! The discount will come off automatically.
3. Once you’re done shopping, you’ll see 5% Cash Back rebates in your account within 60 days!

Now through 2/16/10, receive a FREE 6-Piece Gift + FREE Shipping with $75 purchase – code VALENTINE at checkout (a $104 value) when you shop at Clarins.com!

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Head over to the Clarins coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click the SHOP NOW button.
2. Choose $75 worth of products (I recommend the Extra Firming Bonus Kit), and place it in your cart.
3. Add the promo code VALENTINE to get free shipping and the 6-piece gift added.
4. Once you’ve made your purchase, you’ll receive 7% Cash Back Rebates in your ShopAtHome.com account, meaning you’ll receive $179 worth of products for $69.75 (a savings of 62%)!

Save 80% off Restaurant.com $25 Gift Certificate orders and receive a $15 FTD® Floral Reward. Use code HEART and Pay $2 thru 2/14/10.

Here’s how to get this deal:

1. Go to Restaurant.com Coupons page on ShopAtHome.com and click the SHOP NOW button.
2. Enter your zip code and choose the restaurant(s) you want to buy from.
3. Select a $25 Gift Certificate, and add it to your cart. Once in your cart, input the coupon code HEART to save 80% off!

Let’s Go WILD:

Today’s WILD Deal: Save 67% on Disney Fleece Blanket Sleeper for Infants! Now only $4.99!

Daily Deals:

Today’s Daily Deal: Get 24% Cash Back Rebates (normally 12%) at ProFlowers!
Thursday, Feb 11: Get 6% Cash Back Rebates (normally 3%) at Omaha Steaks
Saturday, Feb 13: Get 7% Cash Back Rebates (normally 5%) at Home Depot
Monday, Feb 15: Get 4% Cash Back Rebates (normally 3%) at Staples

We’re coming up on the last few days of the ShopAtHome.com Valentine’s Day Gifts Extra Cash Back Event! The event has been extended through the 10th so you still have a little time to get all of the gifts you need for your Valentine with up to 75% Bonus Cash Back Rebates!

Teen apparel is difficult to shop for because it seems as if the “newest trends of yesterday” are already “out of style” today! Aeropostale is a popular teenage store targeting 12-17 year old boys and girls that carry the latest teen fashion trends of tomorrow. This popular teenage apparel store contains high-quality, active-oriented merchandise that is trendy and affordable.

Shopping at Aeropostale will provide any teen with the latest fashion when it comes to clothing for boys and girls, socks, underwear, shoes and accessories such as sunglasses, purses, and jewelry. This store has become one of the most popular places for any teenager to shop because it keeps up with these fast changing teenage trends.

Shopping at Aeropostale will not only provide a teen with the latest teen fashion, but it will also save YOU money when using these bargain based Aeropostale Coupons at ShopAtHome.com. These coupons offer the best deals that you won’t be able to find anywhere else.

So, quit searching from store to store when trying to find those skinny jeans that your niece has been looking for. Use your Aeropostale Coupons and go to Aeropostale.com to find the perfect pair at a great price. Teenagers are always in need of book bags for school. So, don’t forget to check out the cute totes and purses they have in stock.

Teenagers are often nearly impossible to shop for these days, but Aeropostale makes it easy.  This teenage apparel store carries many graphic tees and zip up hoodies that’s teenagers could always use more of. So, don’t hesitate any longer, and use your Aeropostale Coupons from ShopAtHome.com and grab a couple graphic or solid tees that your teens are sure to wear.

Head to Aeropostale.com now for all your teenage shopping now; you are sure to find a price you love for the clothes they love!

Finding something to do with your child that is fun to do in any type of weather is often hard to accomplish.  Children enjoy activities that are “hands on” and lets them be creative and have fun! Finding an activity that has all of those things combined can be difficult. The Build-A-Bear Workshop has all these qualities and is a child’s dream!

The Build-A-Bear Workshop allows children to create the toy they want.  They no longer have to pick a toy that was made by someone else. At the Build-A-Bear Workshop, children can pick out the animal, the clothing, and create identification for the animal they created.  This Workshop allows children to personally create their favorite toy. Almost every person can remember their favorite toy growing up; let your children be able to personally create theirs.

Whether you are going to the Build-A-Bear Workshop for a play date, for a gift, or even for a birthday party, your children are sure to have fun! Creating anything that is unique and personal tends to be expensive. Being able to save money and still be able to give your children a special gift is possible when using Build-A-Bear Workshop Coupons. Saving money will allow you to make multiple visits to the Workshop or be able to purchase multiple outfits for your child’s furry friends.

The coupons that you are looking for are easier to find than you thought!  ShopAtHome.com has a variety of Build-A-Bear Workshop Coupons to choose from. The coupons are easy to find when you go to the ShopAtHome.com website and search for Build-A-Bear Workshop.  Once you have landed on the Build-A-Bear Workshop page, search through the coupons to find the ones you were looking for. After you have found the coupons you want, click on the large green Shop Now button to be directed to the Build-A-Bear Workshop website.

Look through the website and play around! There are many items to look at and games to play! The different opportunities available to your children at this store are nearly endless. Don’t miss out on an opportunity like this because it is too expensive, take advantage of the Build-A-Bear Workshop Coupons presented to you!

Give your child the chance to create a toy that is unique and personal to them! The Build-A-Bear Workshop provides the fun and experience your children want! So go have fun and create something truly special to them!

Learning starts early at Fisher Price with great games and toys for children of all ages. Every child at every age needs fun and games in their lives, and why not have them learn while they play!  Not sure what to do for your child at their age?  Fisher Price can help you as they have tips and a playtime guide available for different ages.

The amount of toys available can be overwhelming and you may find yourself asking what toys are good for your children.  No problem, head on over to the Fisher Price website and you can search for the toys that are right for your child depending on their age.  Playtime and games can help children develop much needed learning skills.  Fisher Price can help your child learn and grow while still having fun!

What could be better than having your child learn and play at the same time?  Doing all that at a discounted price!  Check out various Fisher Price Coupons to find great deals on toys and games for your family.  Finding these great coupons can be easy by simply going to ShopAtHome.com and searching for Fisher Price.  Many coupons will be available for you to look through and find the one that will help you save the most money.

After you have found the coupons that you would like to use, just click on the large green Shop Now button to be directed to the Fisher Price website.  From there, you can use your fabulous Fisher Price Coupons on your favorite games and toys.  Helping your child learn and play does not have to be expensive, nor does it need to be time consuming.

Shopping online can help you save some much needed time and will allow you to stay home with your loved ones.  Using Fisher Price Coupons is easy and hassle free! When you go to checkout, simply put in the promo code if necessary and you will receive the coupon you were wanting.  Whether you are looking for a dollhouse, a playset, or musical toys, shopping Fisher Price online will allow you to find everything you were looking for and more.

Keep learning fun for your child by purchasing toys and games through Fisher Price.  Advice from experts will help your child become the best they can be!

Every little girl dreams of having the perfect doll.  The American Girl Collection can make that dream a reality.  Each classic doll comes with a story of their life. There are thirteen historical characters in which to choose from.  Addy Walker is one of the historical characters in the American Girl Collection. Her story begins when she tries to escape slavery and continues from there.

Her doll has different books that describe her life and tell her unique story. She also comes with different outfits and accessories that can be put on her.  Every little girl will love to receive a doll, learn their story, and dress them to fit any occasion, making the dolls more interesting than just the ordinary toys most little girls receive.

Giving the dream gift to the little girl in your life is easy and now less expensive to do.  By shopping online and using American Girl Coupons, you can save both time and money.  Coupons are easily found by going to ShopAtHome.com and searching for the term American Girl.  All of the coupons available will be found on this page.  Shopping is easy by clicking on the large green SHOP NOW button.

Clicking on the button will direct you to the American Girl website where you will be able to find the perfect doll for the wonderful little girl in your life. After you have found the doll that you wish to purchase, simply continue on to the checkout to use your American Girl Coupons.  Enter in the promo code at the checkout if necessary to receive the discount you wanted.

Putting a smile on a little girl’s face is a great feeling.  That can be possible when shopping through the American Girl website.  Shopping online is easy and saves you money when using the great American Girl Coupons available to you through ShopAtHome.com.  Teach the story of their favorite doll by purchasing their books along with the doll.

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.

Before we get to the good stuff (i.e. shopping), I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself.  I’m Kate, a stay at home mom to two young kids and the proud wife of an Air Force pilot. When I’m not pretending to be a dinosaur with my son or helping my daughter learn to walk, I’m blogging about products, toys and services that make parents’ lives easier at The Shopping Mama. I’m always posting new product reviews and offering amazing giveaways so stop by and visit.

The holidays are rapidly approaching and you probably have a kiddo or two on your shopping list.  (And, because both my little ones have the misfortune of being born near the holidays, I have some major gift shopping and preparing to do.) Here are some suggestions to help you think outside the toy box when shopping for little ones this year.

1. Less is More

A toy doesn’t have to make noise, having flashing lights or dance to be a hit. I’m sure all parents can relate to the desire for games and toys that spark quiet play, but kids enjoy them, too.  Puzzles are a great option – they engage kids, are creative and there’s an enormous variety out there. I love Melissa and Doug puzzles and wooden play toys because they’re well made, colorful and help foster a little one’s imagination. You can find a great selection of Melissa and Doug on Target.com.

2. Remember the Batteries

If you do get a toy that requires batteries – BUY the BATTERIES.  Seriously, if you want to see a kid cry, ask him to spend 20 minutes watching you struggle to cut, unscrew and pry a shiny new toy from a box and then tell him you don’t have the batteries to make it work.  Trust me, that’s not fun.   I’ve found that many toy boxes are not explicit about requiring batteries so read carefully to be sure to get them if they are necessary.

3. Get Creative

Put together a fun and personalized box of art supplies by decorating a clear kitchen storage container (unused!) or an old shoe box and fill it with markers, stickers, crayons and colored pencils.  If you’re not up for the challenge, Land Of Nod has an amazing selection of arts supplies and crafting projects . My favorites are I’m Not Bored Any More Art Jar, In Stitches Embroidery Kit and Make Your Own Flip Book Kit.

4. Dress Up

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Clothes? What kid wants clothes?” But, put a kid’s name on a shirt and it’s suddenly more than boring clothes. The same applies to something featuring a favorite TV character or, for older kids, a band or tween heartthrob.  I can tell you my son will love you forever if you get him a shirt with Nemo or his first initial on it. And I could go on and on about dress up clothes! A princess crown or superhero cape are relatively inexpensive and guarantee tons of fun.

The most important thing to remember when buying clothes for any child is to check with the parents ahead of time to make sure you buy the right size.  You should also consider the season. We live in Florida, so a 6 month size sweater (no matter how beautiful) didn’t do us any good this past summer when my daughter was wearing that size

5.  Age Appropriate

When buying toys or games, pay attention to the suggested age.  We all think our own children are geniuses – and they are, of course – but a toy or game designed for an older age, skill level or milestone will do nothing but frustrate and bore a child. The folks designing and creating toys know what they’re doing so trust the guidelines and shop age and skill-level appropriate.

I realize my suggestions and tips are pretty toddler and baby-centric, but hey that’s my life.  What are some things to remember when shopping for older kids?