I don’t usually bother sharing the multitude of deals and offers I receive every day in my inbox, but here’s one I want to pass on.

Dover Publishing is offering free shipping on any order over $25 (that’s 1/2 of the usual $50 minimum order required for free shipping).  Use coupon code FHP25.  The offer expires 5/19/08.

As a follow-up to this morning’s post about offers put forth by Sears and Kroger, I have good news.  Kroger will not only accommodate those of us who expect to receive their stimulus as a direct deposit rather than as a physical check, they’re going to make participation easier and less complicated than Sears.

Here’s the email response I received from Kroger Corporate Communications contact Meghan Glynn:

Hi Elizabeth,
     Customers who do not have a hard copy of their government-issued checks may still take advantage of this offer with cash, a credit card or by presenting a valid personal check to the Customer Service center. Kroger Gift cards do not expire.  Bonus amounts cannot be used toward the purchase of alcohol, lottery tickets, pharmaceuticals or tobacco products.

     Amounts that differ from those outlined above will be turned into gift cards in $300.00, $600.00 or $1,200.00 increments with the bonus amounts added on and the remainder returned to the customer.  For example, if a customer has a tax refund or stimulus check of $415.50, the customer will receive a Kroger gift card valued at $330.00 and the remaining $115.50 will be returned to the customer.

My interpretation of Meghan’s reply is that once the program officially starts on May 2, 2008, anyone wishing to participate can purchase either $300, $600, or $1,200 worth of Kroger gift cards and receive a card valuing either $330, $660, or $1,320.   Apparently no proof of their actual stimulus check will be required.

I suppose that some of the fine print will put off a couple of people considering Kroger’s deal but it certainly won’t affect us.  In addition to the exclusions Meghan listed above — alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets (of which we don’t partake) and pharmaceuticals (which we do buy on occasion) — the program, which runs only through July 31, 2008, “is limited to one offer per household with a limit of $1,200.00.”

I haven’t discussed this latest development with The Husband yet but I can’t imagine he’ll object to earning a quick and easy 10% bonus on his grocery money.  Stay tuned and I’m sure you’ll hear more about what we decide to do with our government stimulus check.

Through a typically serpentine path of following links this morning, I discovered that both Sears and Kroger are offering incentives to consumers willing to cash in their Economic Stimulus checks.

Sears Holding Corporations is offering a 10% “bonus to every customer who converts their government stimulus checks into gift cards at Sears or Kmart.”  The gift cards will have no expiration and no fees.  They can be used at Sears, Kmart, or Lands’ End retail stores or on-line at Sears.com or Kmart.com.

For some it might be a very attractive offer but since I don’t shop at any of those stores, I think it’s an offer that I will pass.

But the Kroger offer does interest me.  I’m practically a daily Kroger shopper.  Kroger’s deal, as shown below, is similar to Sears’ in value — it works out to 10%.

The problem is, we won’t be receiving a Stimulus check. We’re expecting a direct deposit.

Sears, apparently, has already addressed this issue.  Following is a quote emailed to me by The Husband (sorry, I don’t know the source):

Sears representative Kirsten Whipple said details for shoppers who elect to receive the fiscal-stimulus check by direct deposit are still being worked out, but they will likely be able to register online to receive a coupon to bring to stores.

I imagine that there will be more retailers jumping on this Stimulus incentive bandwagon, and, in an interesting way, encourage us all to do exactly what the government wants us to do with our checks — stimulate the economy.  I’m going to keep a sharp eye and ear out for other retailers’ incentives before making a decision (with The Husband, of course) as to what to do with our money.

In the end, I’d have to bet that if we do any sort of retailer gift card exchange, it would be with Kroger (provided they come up with a way to entice those of use getting direct deposits) because it wouldn’t, in any way, be encouraging us to spend money that we wouldn’t otherwise spend in a place we wouldn’t otherwise spend it.  Otherwise, my guess is we’ll do exactly what the government doesn’t want us to do, stick it in savings.

First, for all you PF bloggers and Emergency Fund savers out there, here’s a shirt for you!  The link’s only good for 24 hours so after today you won’t see the money-loving piggy bank.

~ o o o O o o o ~

Next, Barnes & Noble is having a 40-50% sale on DVD’s.  I’m not big on buying DVDs since I watch very few movies more than once.  My kids are more into owning their favorite movies and there are some that they’ve watched over again.  I’d say it’s a generational thing but I know of a lot of people who buy movies so I think it’s something I don’t get but lots of people do.  If you’re a movie-buyer, be sure to check out their sale — they supposedly have 1,000s of titles on sale.

~ o o o O o o o ~

One of my absolutely most favorite products and one of the best purchases I’ve ever made is the Chicobag reusable nylon bag.  Greenfeet.com currently has the Chicobag on sale — they’re usually $5 ea but right now if you buy any 5 in the same color/design the price is $20 (for all five).  That brings the price down to $4/ea.  Of course, you do have to pay shipping but the cost to ship 5 bags is about $5 so you’re only back up to $5 per bag again.  If you’ve got a couple of earth-conscious friends, get everyone together to make a group order and you can probably bring the per item price down.

~ o o o O o o o ~

Swaptree  is an interesting site I heard about recently.  The concept is a blend between Craigslist, eBay, and Netflix.  The site facilitates trades between people who have books, CDs, DVDs, and games they no longer need or want.  The concept is fascinating and the site seems to be extremely well-designed.  What makes Swaptree particularly interesting and potentially useful is that the program uses an algorithm that figures out complex trades — from simple 2-person swaps to 4-way trades.  That means you don’t have to wait for someone who has a title you want to want something you have.  Let’s say you want a book offered by someone in CA.  Swaptree can look through everyone’s wants and haves and figure out how you can send a CD to someone in NY who sends a movie to someone in TX who sends a book to CA who, in turn, sends you the book of your dreams.

The site is completely free to use.  The only expense involved is the postage to ship your traded items.  Since you’re paying shipping costs on your shipments, there’s no issue of inflated shipping costs (a pet peeve of mine).

I’ve only started playing around with the site but already worked out a three-way trade.  If all goes well, in a couple of days The Daughter will receive a copy of a movie she’s been wanting and someone else will receive a copy of a book they’ve been wanting to read.

I’ll be sure to post some follow-up thoughts, impressions, and reviews of Swaptree.  I see great potential here — but also a few potential pitfalls.  Only time will tell whether it will prove useful for us or not.

I’ve scoured my inbox and the ‘Net.  Here are some coupon codes, shipping specials, and other deals that you might be able to benefit from:

• Last Day! Use coupon code BOWS on checkout to receive an additional 20% off any purchase of $100 or more from Marty’s Shoes.  This deal is available only on on-line purchases.  Marty’s carries a wide variety of shoes for Men, Women, and Children from brands such as Timberland, Cole Haan, Rockport, Adidas, Bostonian, New Balance, Nine West, Kenneth Cole, Sorel, and many, many more.  Not only can you find good prices but shipping is free (and return shipping too, if necessary).
• Eddie Bauer has a few special deals running right now:
  • This week only, save 25% on all sleepwear and select slippers*.
  • Monday and Tuesday only (12/10-11), get free shipping with no minimum order*.
• If you’re looking for books for under the tree, don’t forget Dover Publishing.  Right now you can save 25% off an order of $40 or more if you use coupon code DH25 at checkout.  Also, if you purchase $50 or more, you’ll get free shipping — but you have to order before Dec. 13th to ensure Christmas delivery.
• The Company store has announced a sale on select Holiday decor items — cute stuff though a bit pricy for my tastes.  Don’t forget to check out their clearance section.  The Company Stores has the best flannel linens, hands down.  I waiting for a good sale
• OfficeMax has a few interesting offers if you’re still shopping for a loved one:
  • Save up to $15 Instantly On Bluetooth Headsets!*
  • Save up to $30 Instantly on Digital Photo Frames!*
  • Save up to $50 Instantly on Select Shredders!*
•  Gift cards are excellent if you don’t know exactly what to get.  But they’re also great gifts for ‘tweens and ‘teens — they’re not as crass as cash but help fasciliate budgeting and wise buying skills.  My kids (and I) love getting gift certificates/cards from Barnes & Noble* and iTunes*.
• And speaking of Barnes & Noble, save 15% off one item coupon with code: X7A7N3M*.  Ends 12/12. The 15% discount will be applied to the most expensive eligible item in the order. (Some restrictions apply. Coupon can be redeemed once online per customer. See site for complete details.)

REI

• save an extra 20% off any one item from REI-Outlet.  No coupon needed.  expires 12.07.07
• free shipping on your purchase of any REI, The North Face, Keen, Magellen, or Garmin item or select Thule items.  See details here.  expires 12.06.07

Eddie Bauer

• FREE shipping on all orders — no minimum purchase* — offer good Wednesday and Thursday only (12.05.07 - 12.06.07)
• Buy one sweater, get a second for 50% off*.  Good on men’s and women’s sweaters.  expires 12.09.07

Hanna Andersson

• Winterwear sale.  Get an additonal 25% off lowest marked price on selected styles — that’s a total of up to 60% off original prices.  Good in stores and on-line only — not at outlet stores.  expires 12.09.07

Aeropostale

• One Day Only.  Mix and Match — Guy’s longsleeved polos and tees — any 2 for $25.  Enter promo code longsleeve at checkout.  Ends 12.05/07
• FREE Shipping if you spend $100 — online only — not valid on previous purchases.
• Save with Google Checkout.  Take an additional $10 off purchases over $60.  expires 12.07.07

Sierra Trading Post

• 12% OFF $120 OR MORE at Sierra Trading Post.  CLICK HERE to redeem.* Offer expires 1.3.08  Cannot be combined with other offers.

Office Depot

• Save 30%-50% Off Select Clearance Items!  Shop now and Save.* (While Supplies Last)

Magic Cabin

• $4.99 Standard Shipping on all orders $50 and over.*  Use code MCA056 at checkout.  expires 12.14.07

LEGO

• Save up to 50%. Click here to see all sale items.*

Alibris

• Save $4 on orders of $40 or more of books, music & movies.* Use coupon code TUNES at checkout. expires 12.15.07
• Save $2 on orders of $20 or more of books, music, & movies.* Use coupon code FLICKS at checkout. expires 12.15.07

Bionaire

• Free shipping on any Bionaire® order.* Use code LINKAFFFR4

*affiliate links