Coupon & Deal Blog

Surprise your friends and family with mouthwatering mail-order cookies, candy, and popcorn baskets from The Popcorn Factory. The website features delicious and creative gifts for any and all occasions: Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, thank you’s, and just because. These snacks are perfect for hassle-free surprises and college student care packages.

Order before December 31st, and take 15% off any order of $50 or more with code HOLLY15.

Don’t want to spend $50? Take $5 off any holiday gift order with code SNOW5.
Be sure to check out Coupon Mountain for promo codes, coupons, deals, and opportunities for free shipping at the The Popcorn Factory.

During this busy holiday season, don’t forget about birthdays and anniversaries! This year, in the same week as Christmas, I will be celebrating two birthdays and two anniversaries. Luckily, 1-800 Flowers is here to help save time and money. Flowers are charming, elegant, and thoughtful, and they never get old. With same-day delivery, you always have time to remember your loved ones.

Check out this beautiful “Slice of Life” birthday flower set from 1-800-Flowers! Pretty cool, huh? Add a twist to tradition with this classic bouquet, and make any friend or family member smile. This bouquet includes carnations, cushion poms, and button poms. This gift will arrive on a ceramic plate that you can reuse any time!

Browse Coupon Mountain for birthday deals, specials, discount codes, bargains, and gift ideas at 1-800 Flowers!

Last night I was taking my nightly walk around the neighborhood and ran across a man who in full Halloween preparation mode. He was really going all out, draping decorations not only all over the front of his house, but his front lawn too. We are talking ghosts, skeletons, jack-o-lanterns, tombstones, the whole she-bang. I spoke to him for a few minutes about his zeal for a having holiday fun, and it really warmed my heart. Actually maybe I should say that it left my heart frozen with dread, knowing the dead were about to rise up and stalk the land. Hey it is Halloween we are talking about!

So are you scared yet? Well maybe you should be after realizing that Halloween is just two weeks away and you have done absolutely nothing to prepare! What are your plans for All Hallows Eve anyhow? Myself, I am having a few friends over and we are going to cater to the trick-or-treaters. I have preparation to think of myself. I suppose we could just snack on the candy overflow that we are handing out to the kids, but that seems rather lazy to me. Drawing inspiration from my neighbor I think it would be much more fun if I threw myself into the theme of the evening.

The Popcorn Factory has some really spooky fun gift and party assortments starting at $19.99 for this Halloween. These would be great for your parties whether they be at the office or home, or simply to send as gifts.

Boo! Towers The only thing scary in this gift tower is The Popcorn Factory’s exclusive and popular Boo! design-everything else is truly delicious! The fun, raffia-tied tiers come filled to capacity with plump, in-the-shell pistachios, colorful Halloween Jelly Belly beans, sweet mellocreme pumpkins and a box of 9 peanut butter-filled chocolate pumpkins. You can also add a 5th tier tin of sweet, specialty popcorn flavors (decadent Chocolate Drizzled Caramel, rich Peanut Butter Chocolate, seasonal Caramel Apple and sweet S’Mores corn with real marshmallow and graham crackers) and this tower becomes super special. It’s an absolutely perfect gift to send ahead to your generous Halloween party hostess. Or, get a jump on the holiday season and be the first to send a shareable thank-you gift to your favorite, fun-loving office staff. This is an outstanding value for the price!

• 4 Tier Tower $39.99
• 5 Tier Tin & Tower $59.99

For $5 off of your Fall-Halloween purchase at the Popcorn Factory use code CREEPY5 at checkout!

If there are two themes that I have noticed about this past Spring and Summer is:

1. People are having BABIES

2. People are getting MARRIED!

Not always in that order but you get my drift.. I am being a little dramatic while making this statement, but it seems like every other week I am shopping for a new wedding gift. Let me tell you, sometimes that can be very difficult! No, I’m not speaking of the cost and my pocketbook, though it is true, one must keep control of costs when buying so many gifts. No, I’m just speaking of buying gifts for people (usually family) that I might not know so well. What do you buy for cousin Erin (who you haven’t seen since 7th grade) and her new husband (who you only met briefly last Thanksgiving)?

There are a couple of rules of thumb when purchasing wedding gifts. Methods to insure that your gift is appreciated and not secretly despised. Here we go:

1. Money - Yes you can just give them money. Didn’t you see The Godfather? Just slip the bride an envelop of cold hard cash. It isn’t as tacky as you might think. It’s old school, and you probably will feel like a true player as you do it.

2. Use the registry - We all know at least one person who went a little crazy and registered for something outrageous like $100 toothbrush holder. However, if the registry lists gifts within your price range, choose something from the list. The couple will be thrilled to get exactly what they asked for.

3. When using the registry, try to complete a set - If you see that someone has already bought a place setting off the registry, buy a second one. If the casual dishes are filling up but no one has bought a formal setting, stick with the pack. One setting of formal dishes isn’t going to get a lot of use.

4. Always include a gift receipt - In spite of the best of intentions, duplicates happen when it comes to wedding gifts. (My sister received three fondue sets.) Resist the urge to think, “if I don’t include a gift receipt they’ll have to keep mine.” Remember that it’s a gift and it’s supposed to be about the bride and groom. A gift receipt is a simple way to ensure that your gift won’t go to waste.

5. Consider a gift card - This achieves much the same as the cash envelope option. If you’re traveling to the wedding, are unsure what to get, have budget concerns or simply want to be practical, buy a gift card for the store the couple is registered with. You can’t go wrong with that. Gift cards don’t break, are always the right color and they guarantee the perfect gift every time. Best of all, they’re really easy to wrap.

Now if you are really insistent on purchasing off the registry, I really advise at the very least shopping in a “safe zone”. Meaning buying from a store where all of the stuff is pretty classy, and almost everyone likes it. A good option is Pottery Barn. We have some very nice Pottery Barn coupons available, and there is a whole section on their website dedicated to wedding gift special. Here are a few of the highlights that I enjoyed:

Square Decanter Vintage styling. Handblown glass fitted with a round glass stopper. $25.00

Bedford Digital Photo Station Offers modern technology and organization in one. The 3.5″ Digital Frame can store up to 40 photos, and the top surface can be used to hold electronic devices while recharging. Smart feature includes a power strip with 3 plugs available for plugging in the frame, a camera and other portable electronics. Enjoy a sideshow of favorite photos while charging your camera and other electronics. The Digital Photo Station, the newest addition to our Bedford Smart Technology collection is designed to integrate technology seamlessly into daily life. $119.00

Bill Organizer This hand-finished organizer holds paperwork and has a numbered slot for each day of the month. $59.00 

Limited Time Offer: 15 Gorgeous Roses for just $19.99!

Perfect gift for a loved one who could use some good cheer and beauty!
(Hurry offer ends this Friday 6/26/09)

No coupon code required if you are interested in this Multicolored Roses Deal from 1-800 Flowers, click here!

For more free 1-800Flowers.com coupons, special promos and deals, click here.

During the 90’s my father could not get enough of Howard Stern. He was always reporting to me on the various bits he heard on the radio that day. I have a distinct feeling that ever since Stern and company left conventional radio several years ago for SIRIUS, that this had left a large hole in my father’s life. This year, after considering several gift options, i decided to address this gaping loss. My gift to dear old dad this Father’s Day will be to reconnect him with his great love Howard Stern (as well as solidify his connection to his other two loves: music and football) via a SIRIUS satellite radio.

SIRIUS is a 100% commercial-free music Satellite Radio Service and official home of the NFL, Howard Stern, Martha Stewart and NASCAR. With SIRIUS Satellite Radio, you can listen to what you want, when you want, wherever you are. You get over 130 channels, including 100% Commercial-Free Music from every genre, plus Sports, News, Talk and Comedy — all with crystal-clear, coast-to-coast coverage, all in one place and all at your fingertips. I know he will be just overjoyed with this gift.

Offering some great deals on their radio hardware a little shopping on their website got me a unit with all the functionality that i was looking for at a very nice price. I decided to go for the Sportster 5 radio with the vehicle kit. The Sportster 5 boasts a vivid multi-color display, simple navigation, advanced features and everything you need to enjoy SIRIUS in your vehicle. Optional universal accessory docking kits and audio systems easily allow this radio to be used in your home, boat, office or in additional vehicles. I know for a fact that he will especially enjoy features such as the personalized sports ticker for real-time updates of his favorite sports, and SIRIUS replay: the function that allows one to pause, rewind and replay up to 60 minutes of live radio.

The Sportman 5 radio with the vehicle kit. was $149.99 Orginally $169.99, (I saved $55 bucks!)

Not only that but Sirius is offering free shipping on all orders over $50!

PLUS COUPON: Enter SIRIUS Radio coupon code: SIRIUS at checkout to get 15% off already reduced prices (expires 6/30/09)
Since the deal on the radio was so good (and since he doesn’t have a SIRIUS subscription), I have decided to throw in 3 months of of the SIRIUS Everything Plan for an additional $38.85. I have no doubt that once Dad is reconnected with his Howard Stern he will have no problem keeping up his subscription for a mere $12.95 a month. He may even opt to pay annually which will provide him with one month free!

I’m really happy with my decision to gift SIRIUS to my father this year, and I know he will be positively overjoyed.

So what did you get your pops? …

We have been speaking on the subject of Father’s Day quite a bit around here. We don’t want to sound repetitive, but it is coming up this Sunday. So for all of you that are still stuck on gift ideas I thought I would provide helping hand. Here are my top 5 Father’s Day Gifts!

All stuff that I personally, would very much like to receive.

1. Land’ End Basic Cotton T-Shirts - $14.50 buy 3 and save $2.50 each!

Who doesn’t need a regular tshirt refresh? I prefer a new round of tshirts approximately twice a year. I like the comfort, but have to keep myself looking good and put together don’t you know. Land’s End makes a great shirt. 100% cotton, sewn side seams for a more comfortable fit. Resists fading, pilling, wrinkling, shrinkage and staining.

2.  Revelation Hybrid Golf Club Set - 15% Off - Coupon Code: 5568

I can’t claim to be a serious golfer, but I do know it’s quite a bit of fun. I would love to have a set of clubs of my very own. GigaGolf will allow you to build the perfect set and configuration to suit one’s specific need. Perfect for the beginner and 15% off when you use coupon code: 5568 at checkout!

3.  Apple 1GB iPod shuffe - Unbelievable price of $27 at eCost!

I am a big iPhone devotee, however I have found that while I am exercising worrying about dropping my expensive toy messes with my concentration. The tiny shuffle is what I need in this situation. Just clip this tiny wearable digital music player to your sleeve, your belt or your gym shorts for a little music wherever you go. Offered for the almost unbelievable price of $27.00 from eCost.
4. Makita 18V Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill- 52% off for Father’s Day

I have a strong opinion that rare is the project around the house that couldn’t be made much easier with a decent power drill. Makita is offering the LXT power tool series for up to 52% off for Father’s Day. This compact two speed model is $109.99 marked down from $218!

5.Nike Air Edge Trainer 08

A decent pair of trainers (or not) can make all the difference in the world as to whether I make it to the gym or not. Another item that I need refreshed every year, if not twice. The Air Edge Trainer is a simple training shoe providing everything that one needs and everything I don’t. Lightweight mesh with synthetic overlays. Reinforced stability zones. Forefoot and rear foot Nike Air Phylon midsole, Ortholite cushioned sock liner and solid rubber outsole with multi-directional traction pattern. Nike is offering up to 40% off select styles and this model goes for $49.99 from  $78.00!

For more Nike coupons and free shipping codes, click here.

When I’m shopping for a gift for someone that I really care about, I get somewhat obsessive trying to find that perfect idea. What I mean is, that I will try to find an item that the person will of course appreciate but may never buy for themselves. I’m speaking of the left-of-center here. Father’s Day is just a few days away and I’ve come to the conclusion that gifts for this occasion have become so standardized. I spoke last week how I would really appreciate a gift of a monthly beer of the month. I still think this is a great idea, but how about beer brewing equipment so your father could make his own? I know several people who have pursued this hobby as of late, and the all seem to really enjoy it. However, I know even more people who have mused out loud to me, about how it’s a hobby they would like to pursue. Do you catch my drift here? This is a gift idea that your dad would really like, yet would not pursue without a little kick start! Perfect!

There is a rising popularity and recognition of beer brewing among American men and this has brought about a boom in the beer making industry. There are a lot of father’s that love to drink beer, they often have their own brand or type of beer they like, but giving your father a six pack is not really a personal gift at all. Most father’s like some time on their own after a long day of work and that is one of the reasons brewing your own beer has become so popular the last ten years. And another good reason most fathers will like beer brewing equipment as personalized gifts is that it also saves them money in the end. And you will save money by taking advantage of our beer and wine hobby coupons for the Beer and Wine Hobbyist or check out these wine coupons.

True Brew Equipment Kit PLUS Ingredient Kit. Don’t look any further, here is the perfect gift for the beginner beer brewer on your list. The True Brew Maestro Beer Equipment Kit comes complete with a True Brew German Style Light Ingredient Kit. All the basics at a great price! Only available for a limited time!
Includes: Basic Book, 6.5 Gallon primary fermentor with lock and lid. Bottling bucket w/spigot, bottlefiller, adhesive thermometer. Rack and Fill Kit, Hydrometer, capper, bottlebrush, santizer. Excellent starter kit. Comes with a True Brew German Style Light Ingredient kit. True Brew Ingredient Kits are all malt kits that are designed to step the the beginner to intermediate, yet challenging enough for the intermediate Brewer. They come complete with easy to follow instructions, malt, hops, grains, grain bag, yeast, bottle caps and priming sugar.

You get all this for the Limited Time Promotional Price of $94.95

If you are interested in checking out the True Blue Equipment Kit PLUS Ingredient Kit - click here!

Yesterday I wrote on things I wanted for Father’s Day. I tried to keep it simple, affordable and within reason. There was one glaring omission however. The item I would really like to have, is a new desktop computer. Not just any desktop mind you, but one that has a media focus. This desktop needs a large HD screen, it needs power, and it needs to be stylish because I would like it to become the central core of our home entertainment system. This in addition to handling every other function that you would like a computer to accomplish. Sound extravagant? Maybe a touch, but you would be surprised how affordable taking this route can be. Especially when compared to an older mode of thinking where one would purchase a television, dvd player, stereo and a computer. I’m thinking consolidation, and I really think this is the best way to go!

I started investigating, I found a few options that definitely stirred my interest. These being the new Dell Studio Desktop and the Dell Studio Hybrid.

The beauty of Dell is that they offer premium quality and great affordable prices, check out the following Dell discount codes! Their prices and free coupons certainly skew my decision, there are so many options and each of course has advantages.

So when shopping for a new desktop what should we consider? How can tally the score card, so a decision can be made? So much of this depends on what you are going to be using your computer for: if you are just a general daily user you won’t demand the same specs as a power user who is editing video or engaged in resource intensive gaming. I want mine to be configured primarily for entertainment. I also want it to look good in the living room.

But looks aren’t everything, it’s really important to buy something with the goods “under the hood” so to speak. The first thing is comparing the processor chip. Processor choices are a bit more difficult now than they were before. It is still really a choice between an AMD and an Intel processor. The difference really comes in how many cores there are in the processor and its relative speed. Each company now has a performance rating system that isn’t really easy to compare. a desktop with a dual-core CPU and enough power to run productivity apps, view and edit vacation photos, manage MP3s and videos, and even play many of today’s games–the core activities most common to families, students, and the general purpose PC user.

The second thing to consider would be the memory. Most desktop computers now use a type of memory called DDR2. DDR3 is now finally making its way to PC systems but it is more expensive. In terms of amount, it is best to have at least 2GB of memory in the system and preferably 4GB. Memory speeds can impact performance as well. I would make sure that there is ample room for future expansion as well. You may only need 2GB now, but in a couple of years I wouldn’t be at all surprised if many tasks you might want to take on required 4, 6 and so on.

Hard drives really boil down to size and speed. The larger the drive and the faster, the better the performance and capacity. In a desktop, it is best to have at least 500GB or more of storage space these days. In terms of speed, they are pretty much all running at 7200rpm now. A few high performance 10,000rpm drives are available. Most drives use the Serial ATA interface now for ease of installation.

Most systems sold now feature DVD burners, even the budget systems. It is best to make sure that you get a multiformat DVD burner that can support both the +R/RW and -R/RW formats. Speeds should be 16x for the recordable speed. Dual or Double Layer media support is also a common feature although less likely to be used due to media cost. Options also include LightScribe or Labelflash support for burning labels directly to compatible media. Blu-ray is an option for those wanting to use their PC for the high definition video format.

Video card technology seems to change every three to six months. If you aren’t really doing any 3D graphics at all, then integrated graphics may be just fine. Beyond this, there are a wide selection of cards. Things to consider include performance, the amount of memory on the card, output connectors and the version of Direct X supported. Those looking to do any gaming should really consider a Direct X 10 card with at least 512MB of memory onboard. Pretty much all new systems will use the PCI-Express graphics standard.

What good is a desktop PC unless it also has a monitor? Previously users would need to choose between a CRT or LCD monitor, but LCDs are pretty much the standard now because of their reduced size and power consumption. The real issue is more about size and cost of the LCDs. The price difference between 19-inch and 22-inch models make 22-inch the best overall value although 24-inch models are quickly dropping in price. Most all screens use the wider 16:10 format but some are now being released with a near 2:1 ratio best suited for movie watching.

Whew! I know it seems like a lot, but I think we can agree it’s a good investment and useful for the entire family. As for me, if my dearly beloved family is reading this I think I gave ample hints as to which new “affordable” computer I would like for Father’s Day….*coughs* - DELL!

For more free Dell online coupons - Click here!