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dealnews.com - where everyday is Black Friday. We bring you the best deals, coupons, and promotional offers from over 2,000 online retailers every day.

5 Power Tools That Every Home Should Have

Man Sanding

So you have work to do around the house, and you know you need power tools. But which ones are the most essential? We're here to tell you which tools will make your DIY life easier.

3 Quick Tips for Buying Power Tools

Before we get to the must-have tools, here are a few tips on how to shop smart when you're looking for power tools.

Pick One Brand of Cordless Tool

For most DIYers — and an increasing number of professionals — cordless tools provide more than enough oomph and longevity to get the job done. But batteries don't swap between brands, so once you buy one tool, it's expensive to switch brands. Buy with intention.

Batteries don't swap between brands, so once you buy one tool, it's expensive to switch brands.

Know That Premium Tools May Last Longer

The nature of power tools means you're unlikely to hand them down to your kids, but that's no reason to buy into planned obsolescence. Store-brand combo deals might be tempting — they whisper, "Buy me and you get a flashlight, too!" But you get what you pay for, and power tools are no exception. Spend a little more and keep your tools for years. A few professional-grade brands include Milwaukee, Bosch, and Makita.

Consider 'Bare Tools'

Walk away from the big box stores. A mechanic told us how he buys premium tools for a fraction of the big box price — and sometimes for less than their store-brand tools. So what do you do? Buy on-brand chargers and well-reviewed, off-brand batteries on Amazon, and then look to eBay for "bare tools" — tools sold without batteries.

SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Secondhand Tools

The amount you save varies, depending on the specific tool you're buying and the specials the big boxes are running. Our research suggests you'll always save at least a couple of bucks — but sometimes as much as 50%.

The 5 Best Power Tools to Own

Enough with the preamble. Here are the essential power tools every home should have, in the order we think you need them.

Cordless Drill

Cordless Drill

Why You Need It
You probably know the drill/driver by its common name: "a drill." It lets you drill holes and turn bolts and screws, and that's about it — but that's a lot of the work you do around the house.

Go with a brushless drill/driver if you think you'll mostly drill into wood, drywall, or other relatively soft materials.

Need to put shelves up? You'll want this tool. Need to take the cover off your HVAC unit? You'll encounter what seems like 18,000 screws, and you can loosen them all by hand — or take them off in a few seconds with the magic of electrics. Getting into Kreg Jig woodworking? You'll need this.

Which to Buy
Two sorts of drill/drivers are available: brushless drill/drivers and hammer drills. Hammer drills don't just spin, they also hammer — and thus are suitable for drilling into brick and masonry. If you anticipate mostly drilling into wood, drywall, or other relatively soft materials, you don't need to spend the extra money.


Handheld Rotary Tool

Handheld Rotary Tool

Why You Need It
There are so many different uses for rotary tools. You can drill tiny holes, sand/buff/polish, cut pipes, etch glass — and if you run out of ideas, Pinterest has you covered. Rotary tools are handy for everything from automotive field repair to DIY projects.

Which to Buy
Dremel may have name recognition, but check out the Wen 2305. It comes with a flex shaft, and can sell for a quarter or half of the price of a Dremel on Amazon. More than 2,200 5-star Amazon reviews probably aren't wrong. (Bonus: It's compatible with Dremel accessories, so you can buy accessories locally if you need something right away.)


Cordless Circular Saw

Cordless Circular Saw

Why You Need It
If you need wood to be shorter, you probably need a circular saw — especially if you don't have room in your house for a table saw (and who does?). Whether you use it to cut long sheets of plywood, cut boards for shelves, or cut two-by-fours down to size, the circular saw is your friend.

SEE ALSO: 7 Winter Home Improvements That Will Lower Your Heating Bills

Which to Buy
Circular saws come in a variety of sizes. The most popular size for cordless saws is 6 ½", and it's the size you should buy. Useful options include laser guides (see what you're about to cut) and electric brakes (stops the blade faster after you release the trigger). Note: Circular saws chew through batteries, so bring spares and a charger for big jobs.


Palm Sander

Palm Sander

Why You Need It
Random orbit sanders measuring 5" and smaller are typically referred to as palm sanders, but you can call them elbow savers. If you need to sand any amount of material, you're going to need one of these. It'll replace hours of scrubbing and sore elbows with a tool that's almost fun to use.

Which to Buy
You can get cordless palm sanders, but it adds weight and bulk to a relatively small tool. We recommend corded versions; handle a few and see which you prefer. Buy more sandpaper than you think you'll need.


wet dry vac

Wet/Dry Vacuum

Why You Need It
This might not fit the definition of a traditional power tool, but try sucking up water from a burst pipe with your cute bagless vacuum — and then check out our vacuum cleaner deals, because you're about to buy a new one. A quality wet/dry vac will handle all the messes you make with your other power tools, plus multi-gallon liquid spills and stain dilution.

Which to Buy
Shop-Vac is the iconic brand, but Armor All has released a 2.5 gallon wet/dry vac that's getting rave reviews, and it tends to sell for less than the Shop-Vac vacuums. If you don't mind emptying the wet/dry vac every 2.5 gallons, it seems like a good deal to us.

What do you think, readers? What power tools have you found indispensable for your DIY projects? Let us know in the comments!


Related DealNews Blog Posts:
Wed, 27 Feb 2019 07:00:05 -0500

5 Deals You Need to Know Today: Shop the Cheapest OLED TV We've Ever Seen

You can shop the cheapest OLED TV we've ever seen at BuyDig, where an LG model sells for at least $100 less than most other stores. Check out this offer and more in our roundup of the top five Editors' Choice deals we found last night and this morning.


Top Smartphone Accessory Deal
Joby GripTight POV Kit
Store: B&H Photo Video
Price: $9.95
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $5

Even if you can't afford to splurge on a high-end DSLR, most recent generation smartphone cameras are up to the task of taking quality photos. You can enhance them on the cheap too, thanks to this Joby GripTight Kit, which has dropped to under $10 for the first time at B&H. It's compatible with Android and iOS and fits devices that are 2.2" to 3.6" wide. It features integrated impulse bluetooth trigger, four primary positions, and a universal pin joint connection.

Click here to see more cell phone accessory deals.



Top TV Deal
LG 55" 4K HDR OLED Smart TV
Store: BuyDig
Price: $1089 via code "MARCH1"
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $10

This price drop on the LG OLED55B8PUA makes this popular model the cheapest OLED TV we've ever seen. And although it may be cheap, CNET notes that it "doesn't compromise picture quality." Buy it now at BuyDig while most other stores charge $110 more!

Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, active HDR with Dolby Vision, 4K upscaling, voice control, 802.11ac wireless, three USB ports, and four HDMI inputs.

Click here to see more TV deals.



Top Kitchen Deal
Gotham Deep 9.5" Copper Frying Pan
Store: Walmart
Price: $12.69
Shipping: In-store pickup, or $5.99 s&h
Lowest By: $2

Copper cookware doesn't just look good, it's apparently a great option for cooking meat, fish, and sauces since it heats quickly and evenly. That makes this deal all the more tasty, as the popular Gotham copper pan drops to an all-time low. It features a stainless steel induction base and nonstick interior.

Click here to see more kitchen deals.



Top Pants Deal
Calvin Klein Jeans Men's Slim Stripe Jeans
Store: Macy's
Price: $20.96
Shipping: In-store pickup, or $9.95 s&h
Lowest By: $77

Calvin Klein jeans very rarely come this cheap, so these sleek striped pants are a shoo-in for our Editors' Choice nod this morning. They've dropped by a massive $77 to the best we could find, and cost around $10 less than the cheapest pair of CK men's jeans anywhere else today. They're available in length 32 only with widths from 31 to 38.

Click here to see more jeans deals.



Top Kids' Deal
adidas Kids' Samoa Shoes
Store: eBay
Price: $15.99 in cart
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $24
Expiration: March 5

We're never keen to encourage savers to spend big bucks on kids' shoes or clothing as they'll just grow out of the designer garb too quickly. But, these adidas sneakers have dropped by $24 to a budget-friendly price and are as cute as a button. They're available in select sizes from 5K to 9K.

Click here to see more kids' shoes deals.

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 06:15:09 -0500

Best 4K TV Deals: A Huge 86" LG TV at an Editors' Choice Low

This week's best TV deals selection includes Editors' Choice offers on an LG 86" monster set, or the brand's 65" entry-level OLED TV.


LG 86" 4K HDR Smart TV with $250 Dell Gift Card
Store: Dell Home
Price: $2,297
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $650

A beefy Dell gift card makes this best-ever price on the LG 86UK6570PUB even more tempting – we'll happily call this $650 savings an Editors' Choice deal. RTings called it a "good 4K IPS TV with wide viewing angles and outstanding low input lag". Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native solution, 4K Active HDR (supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, & HLG), 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.2, webOS (with access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, more), three USB 2.0 ports, and four HDMI inputs.



LG 65" 4K HDR OLED Smart TV with $400 Dell Gift Card
Store: Dell Small Business
Price: $1,997
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $302

CNET loved the LG OLED65B8PUA's "spectacular image quality", as well as its "perfect black levels, superb uniformity, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture". So with that high praise, and a rock-bottom record low price, this TV more than earns its Editors' Choice stripes. Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, LG ThinQ artificial intelligence, 4K cinema HDR, voice control, 802.11ac wireless, three USB ports, and four HDMI inputs.



Vizio 50" 4K HDR UHD Smart TV
Store: Walmart
Price: $298 EXPIRED
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $127
Expiration: February 27

Don't think you'll find a use for the gift cards above? Vizio fans can look to Walmart, who is offering the smaller D50x-G9 for substantially less. Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, support for HDR10 & HLG, 802.11ac wireless, SmartCast OS with Chromecast (with access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, more), USB port, three HDMI inputs, and remote control via mobile device with the SmartCast app.



Samsung 82" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV
Store: eBay
Price: $1,949
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $248

We've listed the popular Samsung UN82NU8000FXZA three times in Feburary, and it's dropped by $50 over the course of the month, leaving it at this Editors' Choice all-time low. PCMag said it offers "premium design, plenty of connected features, and a wide color range". Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, 120Hz native refresh rate, HDR10, HDR10+, & HLG, WiFi, Bluetooth, Smart TV with Bixby Voice (with access to Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, more), two USB ports, and four HDMI inputs.



JVC 55" 4K HDR LED UHD Smart TV
Store: Walmart
Price: $299.99
Shipping: Free shipping
Lowest By: $150

A final budget option, for those with plenty of space to fill but without the megabucks for an OLED set, the JVC LT-55MA877 offers a sizable 55" at $150 off its list price. It features a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, three HDMI inputs, and USB 2.0.

Note: The 58" version is available for just $10 more.

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 11:53:27 -0500

Your Phone's Parental Controls Aren't Enough! Use This App Instead

Boy Using Digital Tablet in the Morning

The digital world provides benefits for users of all ages. Unfortunately, it comes with just as many downsides, and there's a real need to safeguard children and teens from potential cyber dangers.

But keeping an eye on digital activities presents its own frustrations. Most mobile and desktop platforms include native parental controls, but they usually fall short in many ways. Maybe they're not restrictive enough, don't offer enough control, or are just tedious to deal with.

Several third-party options are out there, too, and one of the most highly rated is Qustodio, an app that you download on both your and your kids' devices. While a free version is available, you'll have more options with the paid tiers.

Control It All From One App

Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks to native parental controls is that they typically require so many steps. Often you have to take each app in a device individually and set restrictions one by one. This includes choosing the content kids can view and download on app stores, or going into each app to turn off certain types of information or allowances.

With the Qustodio software you can track your child's digital activities from your phone or laptop.

Third-party apps also might not be available across all major platforms. While odds are good you can find an app available on both iOS and Android, extending that to a Mac or Windows device might be harder than you think.

Qustodio, however, is multiplatform, so it covers Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices, as well as Kindles. Plus, the software lets you monitor screen usage from the app on your own mobile device or through the online dashboard. It's a comprehensive solution to tracking your child's digital activities. That makes this in-depth process easier to manage.

Truly Block All the Bad Stuff

Every parental control app claims it can block inappropriate content. But many of them only go so far. For instance, your child might still see restricted content as a search result. Or they could even stumble across it through a direct link. Worried about your young reader finding books with explicit content? Some parental controls will keep your kids from accessing most adult content, though they won't catch everything.

Qustodio allows you to block certain apps, but you can also block specific domains, too. Even if your child is browsing in private or incognito mode, the software's smart filters will block inappropriate content by default, including sites related to gambling, violence, weapons, and other adult content. And Qustodio supports multiple mobile browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Additionally, you can block other browsers to keep your children from finding ways around being monitored.

Qustodio Web and App

Qustodio Does More Than Just Limit Access

While it's true you can block specific websites, apps, and games from your child's devices, Qustodio allows you to keep a watchful eye by monitoring their activity as well. Think of it as a digital babysitter, providing you with the ability to see detailed activity information about how your child uses devices, apps, social media, and the web, whether you opt to use the mobile app or the online dashboard.

Special Offer on Qustodio for DealNews Readers!

For a limited time, you can use coupon code "QUST10" to get 10% off Qustodio Premium.

Click Here to Save

Even better, you can supervise those activities in real time, which means you'll know what your child is doing and when. See what they're searching on Google, what websites they're visiting, and how much time they're spending on their digital activities. And, since it's available across all of your child's devices, that means they won't be able to circumvent your monitoring by using something else, like their Kindle instead of their phone.

Prevent Screen Addiction With Custom Controls

Many parental control apps provide the opportunity to set time limits. After all, it's widely believed now that children can develop harmful screen addictions — whether they're watching movies instead of doing their chores, or just playing the latest mobile game too much.

But restrictions on native controls aren't always wide-reaching. Maybe you can only set one usage limit — say, two hours a day — for the device as a whole. Or maybe you can set the usage by each app, but it has to be the same every single day. What if you want to allow more screen time during the weekend? You might have to toggle the restrictions off and on every time.

Qustodio allows you to highly customize screen time and app usage. You can even vary the schedule depending on the app or the day of the week.

Fortunately, Qustodio allows you to tailor features like this with minute detail. You can set a usage schedule and choose restricted hours by highlighting them in red. Even better, you can select separate weekday and weekend time allowances to determine how long your child spends on a device.

Does your child put off homework until the last minute during the week? Set the max use to something short and sweet, then provide them with more screen time over the weekend. Qustodio takes it a step further, though, and also lets you determine what happens when your child hits their usage limit. For instance, you can choose to block the internet on all browsers, lock the device as a whole to prevent online and offline use, or receive an alert when they reach their limit.

If that all sounds perfect, know that a Premium Qustodio account allows you to set individual time schedules by device. (And with their ongoing offer, you can get 10% off Qustodio Premium via the coupon code "QUST10".) So if you want to encourage kids to spend more time reading, you can give them ample time on their Kindle, while cutting off phone access after a shorter amount of time.

Customize Games and Apps

Most parental controls give you some ability to block games and apps on devices. They also frequently allow you to set time limits for individual apps and websites. Unfortunately, native and third-party apps can require numerous steps and jumping back and forth, meaning you could easily skip over something you meant to block. Qustodio offers the controls you expect, but because you have access through just one app, blocking is much easier to manage.

Additionally, Qustodio's extended reporting allows you to keep a detailed eye on your kid's digital activities. You can have daily reports and weekly summaries sent to your email, so you can track your child's usage.

ScreenshotScreenshot 2

Get In-Depth Facebook Monitoring Tools

Kids can average anywhere from four-and-a-half hours to nine hours of screen time per day. With Qustodio, you can monitor just how much of that time is spent on social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even WhatsApp.

Other parental control apps allow parents to block apps entirely or set specific time limits. Qustodio offers the added benefit of Advanced Facebook Monitoring, which lets you see not just how often your children are posting, but exactly what they're posting.

Keep an Eye on Calls and Texts

Most free parental control apps don't provide the ability to monitor personal activity. Generally, parents can't access call logs or text messages unless they contact their cell provider. Additionally, they won't see installed apps, browser history, or even the phone's location (particularly if the child turns that feature off).

SEE ALSO: When's the Best Time to Buy the Most Popular Smartphones?

If you have an Android device, then Qustodio allows you to handle all of that. You can view who's calling or sending messages, or even view the messages themselves. Plus, you can set blocked contacts if there's someone you don't want your child interacting with.

Know Where They Go

Mobile devices typically come with some form of location tracking, but disabling it is also very easy. Qustodio allows you to track your child's movements so you know where they are at all times. Unlike native settings or other third-party apps, your kids can't disable the location tracking to try and evade you.

And Give Them a Lifeline

Even if you can see where your child's phone is, that doesn't mean you'll know if they're in trouble. This is another way Qustodio can give peace of mind. If you use the Android version of the software, then it provides a Panic Button, so your child can send an SOS message that will alert you immediately to their physical location. When you set up the panic button, you can add up to four trusted contacts, who will continue to receive the SOS and child's location every five minutes. To stop the alert, your child will have to turn off panic mode or you'll have to disable it from the web portal yourself.

Providing a safer online experience for kids is at the top of many parents' priority lists. Fortunately, Qustodio makes it easy to supervise and manage your children's digital activities and bring you peace of mind.


Related DealNews Blog Posts:
Tue, 26 Feb 2019 07:00:04 -0500

The 5 Best Gift Card Deals

gift cards

Gift cards are the easiest go-to present, especially when you don't know what to buy your giftee. Additionally, gift cards often come with bonuses or are sold at a discount, making the value even better!

Do you have ones you don't want, or can't use? Then see our guide on how to sell gift cards.

Check out our top five gift card deals below, and be sure to bookmark this page — we'll be updating the offers weekly!

What Are Gift Card Freebies?

Gift card freebies are incredibly popular — but just around the holidays, typically. They're often buy one, get one deals, with restaurants and retailers offering "bonus cards" with select gift card purchases. Popular promotions include a $5 reward for buying a $25 gift card, a $10 reward for buying $50 in gift cards, and even higher amounts for larger purchases.

SEE ALSO: How to Sell Gift Cards Online

Just be sure to read the fine print with these gift card deals. While the extra perks are great, you can often only redeem them during a certain period of time, and it tends to be within the first few months of the new year.

Also, be aware that your mileage may vary when it comes to these deals. In some cases, no end date will be announced, or it may be up to individual stores to decide if they want to honor an offer. When in doubt, call ahead to ask if the promotion is valid.

We'll go back to rounding up these BOGO offers when they return, but for now, here are the best gift card deals of the week.

The 5 Best Gift Card Deals This Week

  • $50 Jiffy Lube Gift Card for $40 at eGifter.com

  • Free $10 bonus gift card with $50-plus gift card purchase at The Children's Place

  • 25% off select gift cards at Sam's Club

  • $40 Visa, Target, or Amazon Gift Card for free with Hyundai test drive

  • $50 Restaurant.com Gift Card and 15 bottles of international red wine for $65 at Restaurant.com
  • Readers, what are the best gift card deals you've scored lately? Let us know in the comments below!


    Related DealNews Blog Posts:
    Mon, 25 Feb 2019 09:37:31 -0500

    5 Deals You Need to Know Today: Save Over $80 on a North Face Jacket!

    Prepare yourself for whatever weather spring is going to throw your way (and save a pretty penny in the process) with a North Face jacket. Check out this offer and more in our roundup of the top five Editors' Choice deals we found last night and this morning.


    Top Men's Apparel Deal
    The North Face Men's Westborough Bomber Jacket
    Store: 6pm
    Price: $55.60 EXPIRED
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $83
    Expiration: February 26

    Despite Presidents' Day sales coming to an end last week, clearance sections at many stores are still brimming with discounts on apparel. For example, this North Face men's jacket at 6pm has dropped by $44 since we listed it last November and is now at an all-time low now. It's available in sizes L and XL only.

    Click here to see more men's apparel deals.



    Top Furniture Deal
    Mainstays Nightstand
    Store: Walmart
    Price: $19.99
    Shipping: In-store pickup; or $5.99 s&h
    Lowest By: $16

    If you're eager to breathe some new life into your sleeping quarters but don't really have the budget to match your aspirations, Walmart constantly offers up savings on a variety of interior design options. Why not bag a new nightstand for just $19.99? It's fallen by $5 since last week and is beating prices elsewhere by about $16.

    Click here to see more furniture deals.



    Top Bedding Deal
    Nex 15-lb. Weighted Blanket
    Store: Walmart
    Price: $56.99
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $15

    For the majority of us, winding down at the end of a long day can feel like an insurmountable task. Luckily, the benefits of weighted blankets for relaxation are well-documented and you can now pick one up for yourself without placing a strain on your wallet. This one at Walmart is at the best price we've seen and measures 40" x 60".

    Click here to see more bedding deals.



    Top Shoe Deal
    Sperry Men's Halyard Sneakers
    Store: Famous Footwear
    Price: $25.50 via "FRESHPAIRS" EXPIRED
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $29
    Expiration: February 26

    With springtime about to officially begin, it's a good time to reinvigorate your shoe collection with some fresh styles. If you hurry over to Famous Footwear, you can bag yourself a pair of Sperry sneakers for less than half the price that other stores are charging. (Don't forget to sign up for its rewards program to get free shipping on your order.) They're available in sizes 7 to 13.

    Click here to see more shoe deals.



    Top Activewear Deal
    32 Degrees Women's Cozy Heat Leggings
    Store: 32 Degrees
    Price: $5.99
    Shipping: Free shipping via code "FREE"
    Lowest By: $10

    Activewear is a competitive market at the moment. While plenty of high-end options are available, you more than likely want to work out without shelling out tonnes of bucks on your gear. That's why stores like 32 Degrees make great one-stop shops for savings. You can grab yourself a pair of leggings for only $5.99 shipped — saving yourself a tidy $10. They're available in select sizes from M to XL.

    Click here to see more activewear deals.

    Mon, 25 Feb 2019 07:40:51 -0500

    How to Wash Cats, Pillows, and Other Awkward Items

    Cat Getting a Bath

    One of the best ways to keep your spending in check is to take good care of the things you already have. That means keeping them clean, and cleaning them correctly (so you don't accidentally ruin them).

    We researched 16 hard-to-clean items — everything from pillows to electric blankets to cats — so you'll know how to maintain them yourself, as well as when it's time to call a professional.

    Pillows

    If you wash your pillowcases as regularly as your sheets but don't wash the pillows themselves, your pillows are likely full of dead skin, dust mites, and mite feces. How's that for gross? Experts recommend washing your pillows at least twice each year, but how you do it depends on what material they're made of.

    Synthetic and Down-Filled Pillows
    To wash these pillows, you'll need a gentle liquid detergent and a few tennis balls or dryer balls. Wash them two at a time in the washer on a hot water cycle, and then dry them on low heat with the balls — that'll help to fluff up the pillows again. Most pillows made from these materials can go in the dryer, but check the care label beforehand to make sure.

    Latex and Memory Foam Pillows
    These pillows shouldn't go in the washer, and they definitely shouldn't go in the dryer. Hand-wash them with cold water and gentle detergent, then lay them flat to dry.

    Hats

    Between sweat, sunscreen, dirt, and oils from your hair, hats can get pretty grimy. Most types of hats shouldn't go in the washer or dryer, but check your care label — you might get lucky with some sturdy knits.

    Baseball caps should be spot-cleaned, soaked, and then hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. To dry a cap, shape it and then set it on a head-sized item, like a large coffee can. Straw sun hats can be spot-treated, rinsed thoroughly, and dried in the sun. Finally, knit hats should be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent, and then laid flat to dry.

    SEE ALSO: Should You Buy Pet Insurance in 2019?

    Cats

    A word of caution: Washing your cat will not prolong their life, generally speaking, but it may shorten yours.

    Cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, but sometimes they need a little help from their humans. If your cat has fleas or ringworm, is elderly or obese, frequently ventures outside, or has the occasional litter box catastrophe, then you've got to do the deed. Here's what you'll need:

    Fill the sink or basin with a couple of inches of warm water and gently place the cat in it. Wet them from the neck down with the pitcher, apply shampoo, and lather. Use the washcloth to gently wipe down your kitty's head, face, and ears. Work quickly, because soapy cats are slippery cats. Rinse with water from the pitcher and wrap them in a towel. At this point, Fluffy has earned a generous helping of post-bath treats.

    Shoes

    When it comes to shoes, sneakers are the easiest to clean. First, remove the shoelaces and give the sneakers a couple of good whacks together outside (or over a garbage can) to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, toss the shoes and laces in the washing machine with a load of towels and wash on the gentle cycle. Air-dry the sneakers instead of running them through the dryer.

    Canvas shoes, on the other hand, should be hand-washed with warm water and a gentle detergent — you can use a toothbrush or sponge to remove stains. After rinsing, you should air-dry the shoes. Suede and leather footwear often needs special fabric-specific cleaners; these shoes should be spot-cleaned only.


    Man Washing His Face

    Your Face

    We've read some surprising statistics about face-washing recently, which is why we decided to include it on this list. Apparently, more than half of American adults aren't washing their faces before bedtime, and a staggering 46% of men don't wash their faces at all. Worse, those who are washing their faces are doing it with all sorts of nonsense like hand soap or body wash.

    What are you doing, people?! Ideally, you should wash your face twice a day — morning and night — with a face cleanser that's formulated for your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can skip the morning wash and opt for a rinse with water. But definitely wash before you go to bed — this removes all the makeup, sweat, dirt, and other grime from the day. Moreover, it'll control the amount of bacteria breeding on your pillow.

    Silk Items

    Most silk items say "dry clean" on the label, but we're going to let you in on a little secret: they can usually be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. To pretreat stains, work some detergent into the fabric with your fingers and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Be gentle when washing, and opt for rolling the garment in a clean towel to remove excess water before air-drying, rather than twisting or squeezing it.

    Most silk items say 'dry clean' on the label, but they can usually be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent.

    Down Comforters

    Wash your down comforters once a year. First, remove the duvet cover and wash that separately — if yours has any embellishments or delicate fabrics, you may need to have it dry-cleaned. Then, wash the comforter in a front-loading washing machine on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Dry it on low heat with some tennis balls or dryer balls. You may need to hit up a laundromat if you don't have large enough machines, but that still beats a $60 trip to the dry cleaner.

    Electric Blankets

    Washing electric blankets is tricky business, but probably not as tricky as you think. In fact, most of them can even go in the washing machine! Sunbeam recommends the following method: after disconnecting the power cords from the blanket, soak it in cold water with a mild detergent for 15 minutes. Then, wash on the gentle cycle for two minutes, rinse in cold water, and spin-dry.

    The brand recommends you only dry electric blankets for 10 minutes, so you might want to skip that step and just air-dry. You can also hand-wash your blanket in cold water with a gentle detergent. If you have an old electric blanket — say, made before the late '90s — don't put it in the washing machine. And no matter how old the blanket is, make sure it's completely dry before reconnecting any cords or controls.


    Kids Running to School

    Backpacks

    Backpacks can usually be spot-cleaned, but when they get really dirty, it's time to run them through the washing machine. The challenge is making sure all those straps, buckles, and zippers don't damage your appliance.

    There are a few different options for addressing this. You can put the backpack in a mesh laundry bag, turn it inside out, or use this genius tip from Lifehacker and wash it inside a pillowcase. Whichever method you're using, wash the backpack on the gentle cycle in cold water, and hang upside down to dry.

    Bras

    While you can technically run bras through the washing machine, handwashing with cold water and mild detergent is really the best way to prolong their life span — especially if you wear high-end brands. That said, cold water/gentle cycle/mild detergent is the way to go if you opt for the washer. Always skip the dryer and let bras air-dry.

    Spot-clean the outside of leather products with a damp cloth and some saddle soap or mild dish soap.

    Leather Jackets

    Leather is tricky to keep clean, as it's so easy to damage. Never run your leather jacket through the washing machine or dryer! Spot-clean the outside with a damp cloth and some saddle soap or mild dish soap. You want to blot the leather; don't rub! When the liner needs a cleaning, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent, and then hang to dry. Experts recommend a trip to the dry cleaners once a year to help prolong the life of your leather.

    Winter Coats

    Most winter coats can be machine-washed and dried, but you should check the care tags to make sure. Stick to cold water and regular detergent for parkas and puffy coats, and add some tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to keep 'em fluffy.

    The exception to this advice is wool coats, which can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent, but should really head to the dry cleaner when they need a deep clean. Winter coats should be washed once or twice each season — definitely do it before packing them up for next year.


    Wall of Wigs

    Wigs

    Wigs should always be washed and conditioned in cold water, rinsed thoroughly, and then placed on a wig stand to dry. For human hair wigs, any mild shampoo and conditioner will work. With synthetic wigs, it's best to use products designed for synthetic hair.

    Cloth Diapers

    If you're an apartment dweller without access to your own washer or dryer, you might want to skip cloth diapers entirely or use a cleaning service. Sadly, most laundromats won't let you wash cloth diapers there. At home, the first step is to remove and discard any solids, then do a prerinse cycle with no detergent to loosen up the gunk. Then wash again with hot water and detergent. You can either dry on low heat or hang to dry.

    SEE ALSO: 5 Food Label Terms That Don't Mean What You Think They Do

    Cast-Iron Cookware

    Contrary to popular belief, you can use dish soap on a cast-iron pan. Start by washing the pan with warm, soapy water, using either a sponge or dish brush to rub off burnt-off bits. You can add a little coarse salt to the pan to help remove really tough bits. Then, dry very, very thoroughly — water is the enemy of cast iron. Finally, rub the inside of the pan with a few drops of cooking oil, set it over high heat until just smoking, and then let it cool before storing.

    Computer Accessories

    A dust cloth will do most of the work of cleaning your computer peripherals — your monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. — on a regular basis. But sometimes you need to go a bit deeper. Damp cloths will get out smudge marks and mild stains, and disinfecting wipes will do the bigger jobs. Compressed air can help you loosen up dirt inside your keyboard. For sticky or hard-to-reach spots, a cotton swab lightly soaked in alcohol is just the thing.

    Readers, do you know a better way to clean one of the items on our list? Share your tips (and cat-bathing horror stories) in the comments below.


    Related DealNews Blog Posts:
    Mon, 25 Feb 2019 07:00:04 -0500

    Best Phone Deals: Get the Midrange Fave Moto X4 at Its Best-Ever Price

    Hoping to score an Apple or Motorola smartphone? This week's best phone deals include Editors' Choice price lows on the iPhone XR and a popular midrange option, the Moto X4.


    Unlocked Moto X4 64GB Android Smartphone
    Store: Amazon
    Price: $199.99 EXPIRED
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $10
    Expiration: February 25

    CNET's 2017 review of the Moto X4 stated that it "gives you some pretty great hardware and software tricks for a reasonable price." That price has never been more reasonable than this Editors' Choice deal, which features the phone's best-ever price. Features include a 5.2" 1080p touchscreen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 2.2GHz 8-core processor, 64GB internal storage, 4GB RAM, front- and dual rear-facing cameras, and Android 7.1 (Nougat).

    Don't want to buy from Amazon? B&H Photo Video and Best Buy have it for the same price.



    iPhone XR 64GB Phone for Boost
    Store: Boost Mobile
    Price: $649.99
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $99

    Discounts on the latest iPhones are always interesting to watch, and if you've held off on the well-reviewed XR for this long, you can now snag this Editors' Choice deal from Boost Mobile for basically an even $100 less than you'd pay on any other network. This recently released iPhone features an A12 Bionic chip (shared with the higher-end iPhone XS), 6.1" Liquid Retina 1792x828 LCD display, advanced face ID, a single-lens, 12-megapixel rear camera with depth control and Smart HDR, a 7-megapixel front camera with Animoji and Memoji, dual SIM card slots, and iOS 12.

    Note: You can opt for the 128GB option for $699.99, or the 256GB for $799.99.



    Refurb Unlocked iPhone 7 32GB GSM Smartphone
    Store: eBay
    Price: $213.70
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $8

    As we always say, the key to top savings on iPhones is to wait for the refurbs of older generations. This refurbished iPhone 7 is a great example, now that it's dropped to the best price we've ever seen. CNET still considered it a great purchase in their September 2018 review update, and at this price, we're definitely calling it Editors' Choice.

    Note: No warranty info is provided.



    Open-Box Unlocked LG V30 64GB Android Phone
    Store: eBay
    Price: $249.99
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $65

    CNET called the LG V30 one of their favorite smartphones, saying it has "impressive battery life, a high quality headphone jack, and fast performance." You can get this open-box model at an Editors' Choice price — an impressive $65 less than you'd pay for a factory-sealed phone.

    Features include a 6" 2880x1440 OLED touchscreen, Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 8-core processor (2.5GHz quad + 1.9GHz quad), 4GB RAM, 64GB internal storage, dual 16MP and 13MP rear cameras, a 5MP front camera, 4K video recording, 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, a fingerprint sensor, a microSD card slot, a USB 3.1 Type-C connector, and Android 7.1.2 (Nougat).

    Note: While essentially new, it may not come in its original packaging. A 1-year Consumer Priority Services warranty applies.



    Refurb Unlocked iPhone X 64GB Phone with Apple Warranty
    Store: Apple
    Price: $769
    Shipping: Free shipping
    Lowest By: $81

    This Apple-refurbished iPhone X undercuts the price of a new one by $81. So while you may see third-party refurbs for less, they don't include the 1-year Apple warranty that applies here (the same warranty as new units), making this a great way to save on a recent model without skimping on safeguards. It also includes a new battery and outer shell, making it very similar to the physical condition of new units.

    Additional reporting in this blog by Donna Doyle.

    Fri, 22 Feb 2019 11:19:22 -0500

    The 152 Best Military Discounts in 2019

    military family

    If you're a veteran or an active-duty member of the U.S. armed forces, you may be able to save big on everyday purchases. In many instances, spouses and dependents can take advantage of these special perks, too.

    SEE ALSO: The 120 Best Birthday Freebies in 2019: Get Free Stuff Just for Showing Up!

    You often just need to show your military ID to redeem the perks. However, some retailers require that you validate your affiliation with the U.S. armed forces through ID.me, Troop ID, or SheerID in order to receive the benefits.

    Ready to start saving? Keep reading for a comprehensive list of military discounts and freebies in just about every category you can think of, along with specific eligibility criteria.

    The Best Military Discounts in 2019

    Store Details Who's Eligible?
    1-800-Flowers 20% off through ID.me Military members, veterans, and family members
    24 Hour Fitness $0 initiation and $5 off monthly dues for select basic memberships Active duty and reservists
    Advance Auto Parts 10% off regularly priced items (in-store purchases only) Active duty, reservists, retirees, veterans receiving VA benefits, and immediate family members
    Alamo Discounted rates; Collision Damage Waiver and zero additional driver fees if you're traveling on military orders Active duty, veterans, and retirees
    Allegiant Air Multiple free services Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and dependents
    Allen Edmonds 15% off purchases Active duty and veterans
    AMC Theatres At least 10% off evening tickets Active duty
    Amtrak 10% off the lowest available fare (includes Auto Train) Active duty, spouses, and dependents
    Anthem Wheels 15% off a set of regularly priced Anthem wheels Active duty, veterans, retirees, and disabled military personnel
    Apple Special pricing on Apple products through ID.me Military members and veterans
    Ashley Stewart 10% off through ID.me Military members, veterans, and family members
    AT&T Multiple discounts on wireless, TV, and internet services Active duty and veterans
    Atkins 15% off bars and shakes Active duty and veterans
    Audi Special programs Active duty
    Auto Accessories Garage 5% to 20% off purchases Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and their immediate families
    Avis Up to 25% off car rentals Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and their families
    Bass Pro Shops 5% off purchases Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
    Beachbody Coach Business Service Fee waived through the Military Waiver Program Active duty (or spouses or partners), reservists, those wounded in action, spouses or partners of those lost or killed in action, and honorably discharged veterans
    Beaches by Sandals 10% off promotional rates Active duty, retirees, spouses, reservists, National Guard, and veterans
    Best Western At least 10% off lodging Active duty and veterans
    BMW Special pricing on auto leases and purchases Eligible USAA members
    Bodybuilding.com 10% off via Troop ID Active duty, reservists, National Guard, veterans, retirees, spouses, and eligible dependents
    Bonobos 20% off up to 5 orders annually through SheerID Active duty and veterans
    Buckle 10% off purchases Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and dependents
    Budget Up to 25% off car rental rates Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and their families
    Buffalo Wild Wings Varies Varies by location
    Burger King Varies Varies by location
    Cabela's 5% off purchases Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
    Carhartt 10% off through Troop ID Active duty, veterans, retirees, spouses, and eligible family members
    CARiD 10% off Active duty, veterans, and their immediate families
    Carnival Cruise Lines Free room upgrades, reduced deposits, and up to $50 onboard credit Active duty and retirees
    Carter's Free shipping on $50 to APO and FPO addresses Active duty
    Champion 10% off purchases All members of the military community, including veterans
    Champs Sports 20% off most purchases via SheerID Active duty, retirees receiving military benefits, spouses, and eligible dependents
    Chick-fil-A Varies Varies by location
    Choice Hotels Discounted rate on lodging Active duty, retirees, and dependents
    Chuck E. Cheese's Varies Active duty and dependents, National Guard and dependents, reservists and dependents, and retirees
    Cicis Varies Varies
    Cole Haan 20% off purchases Active duty, reservists, Guard, retirees, and veterans
    Coleman 35% off via Veterans Advantage Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and eligible family members
    Columbia 10% off via ID.me Active duty, veterans, and family
    Costco Over $60 in savings when you join as a new member via SheerID Active duty, reservists, Guard, veterans, retirees, and registered dependents
    CVS 20% off orders and free shipping via Veterans Advantage Active duty, veterans, and eligible family members
    Dell 10% off Varies
    Delta Vacations Up to $300 off select vacations and 500 extra bonus miles per person per booking via military email address certification Active duty and travel companions
    Dickies 10% off through SheerID Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, spouses, and eligible dependents
    Disney Cruise Line Special rates on select sailings Active duty and retirees, or their spouses
    Disney World Book a 4- or 5-day trip from $241 Active duty and retirees, or their spouses
    Disneyland Book 3 days for $178 or 4 days for $198 during select months Active duty and retirees, or their spouses
    Dollar Rent A Car 5% off rental cars via Veterans Advantage Active duty, veterans, National Guard, and reservists and their families
    Eastbay 20% off via SheerID Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and eligible dependents
    El Pollo Loco 15% off Active duty
    Embassy Suites Discounted rates on lodging Active duty
    Enterprise Rent-A-Car Special rates on rental cars Active duty
    Expedia Complimentary upgrade to +gold status in rewards program via SheerID Active duty and retirees
    Extended Stay America Varies Varies
    Fanatics 15% off all orders via Troop ID Active duty, reservists, National Guard, veterans, retirees, spouses, and eligible dependents
    Foot Locker 20% off via SheerID Active duty, retirees, disabled veterans with 30% or higher rating, and eligible dependents
    Footaction 20% off most purchases Active duty, retirees, and eligible spouses and dependents
    Ford/Lincoln $500 Military Appreciation Bonus Cash toward purchases or leases Active duty, National Guard, reservists serving on active duty, veterans within 24 months of separation, retirees, spouses, and family
    Fuddruckers Varies Varies by location
    Geico Up to 15% off Active duty, retirees, National Guard, and reservists
    General Motors Discounted pricing via ID.me Varies
    Gold's Gym Special membership pricing Active duty and veterans
    Great Wolf Lodge Up to 30% off lodging Active and retired military
    Greyhound 10% off at station, or 10% off online via Veterans Advantage Active duty, retirees, and family members
    Hampton by Hilton Per diem rates for military Active duty
    Hanes.com 10% off purchases All members of the military community
    Hard Rock Cafe Varies Varies by location
    Harley-Davidson Free shipping Must have AFO, FPO, or DPO address
    Helzberg Diamonds 10% off purchases Active duty, retirees, disabled veterans, and registered dependents of active duty and retirees
    Hertz Varies Varies
    Hickory Farms Free shipping on purchases Must have APO, FPO, or DPO address
    Hilton Hotels Per diem rates or discounted leisure stays Varies
    Honda $500 off select new models Active duty, retirees, veterans within 12 months of separation from active service, and spouses
    Howard Johnson Up to 20% off via Veterans Advantage Active duty, veterans, retirees, National Guard, reservists, and eligible family members
    Hyatt Hotels Discounted rates on lodging Military families and veterans
    Hyundai $500 off select new models Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and retirees
    Indian Larry Motorcycles 15% off via ID.me Military personnel
    Infiniti Special pricing on auto purchases and lease deals Military personnel
    Jeep $500 Military Bonus Cash toward purchases or leases Active duty, reservists, retirees, and veterans within 12 months of discharge
    Jiffy Lube 25% off most services Active duty and veterans
    Jo-Ann Fabric 15% off purchases Active duty, veterans, and their spouses and dependents
    Jockey 10% off via ID.me Active duty, veterans, and family members
    Lady Foot Locker 20% off most purchases Active duty, retirees, and eligible spouses and dependents
    Lenovo Up to 30% off Active duty, reservists, veterans, and immediate family members
    Lowe's 10% off eligible purchases Active duty and veterans
    Marriott Special per diem rates Active duty
    Massage Envy $60 off annual membership Active duty
    Mazda $500 off purchases and leases of select new models Active duty, reservists, veterans, and retirees within 2 years of separation from active service, spouses, and eligible children
    Merrell 10% off every order Active duty, veterans, and their families
    Michaels 15% off in-store purchases Active duty, veterans, spouses, and eligible family members
    Microsoft 30% off Office 365 Military families
    Motel 6 Up to 10% off lodging Active duty, retirees, and family members
    National Car Rental Varies Varies
    National Park Service Free annual pass Active duty and their dependents, reservists, and National Guard
    New York & Company 30% off in-store purchases via ID.me Active duty, veterans, and their families
    Newegg Free Newegg Premier subscription for a year Active duty, reservists, Guard, veterans, and registered dependents
    Nike 10% off purchases Active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and their dependents and spouses
    Nissan Between $500 and $1,000 off purchases and lease deals Active duty, reservists, retirees, and veterans within 12 months of active duty
    O'Reilly Auto Parts 10% off most in-store purchases Active duty, retirees, reservists, veterans, and eligible dependents of active duty and veterans
    Oakley Varies Varies
    Orvis 10% off online purchases via Veterans Advantage Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and eligible family members
    Outback Steakhouse 10% off lunch and dinner Military personnel and their immediate family members
    Overstock.com Free Club O Gold membership via ID.me Active duty and veterans
    Papa John's Varies by location Varies
    Penske 10% off truck rentals Active duty, veterans, and their families
    Pep Boys 10% off service Active duty and retirees
    Pier 1 10% off in-store purchases Active duty, retirees, and their families
    PODS 10% off for military moves Active duty, retirees, and veterans
    Pottery Barn 15% off in-store purchases Active duty, retirees, and their families
    Princess Cruises Up to $250 free onboard spending money Active duty, veterans, retirees, and disabled military personnel
    ProFlowers Varies Varies
    Quiksilver 15% off purchases Active duty, reservists, Guard, veterans, retirees, spouses, and eligible dependents
    Rack Room Shoes 10% off in-store purchases Military personnel and their families
    Ray-Ban 15% off via ID.me Military members, veterans, and family members
    Red Roof Inn 10% off lodging Active duty, veterans, and retirees
    Regal Entertainment Group Varies by location Active duty and retired military personnel
    Rosetta Stone Special pricing on programs Active duty, reservists, Guard, and veterans
    Royal Caribbean Special pricing on cruises Active duty, retirees, veterans, and spouses
    Sally Beauty Free Sally Beauty Club membership Active duty
    Samsung Up to 40% off Active duty
    Sherwin-Williams 15% off paints, stains, and painting supplies Active duty, veterans, and reservists
    Showcase Cinemas Special pricing Active duty and dependents
    SiriusXM 25% off subscription Active duty, veterans, retirees, and reservists
    Six Flags 20% off 1-day General Admission ticket Inquire at military base or Guest Services Center
    Southwest Airlines Special pricing on flights Varies
    Subaru Special pricing on auto leases and purchases Active duty and reservists, and veterans and retirees who left the service within the last 12 months
    Sunglass Hut 15% off purchases via ID.me Active duty, retirees, veterans, and military spouses and family members
    Super 8 15% off Active duty, retirees, veterans, and spouses
    Take 5 Oil Change Varies by location Varies by location
    Taylor Made Golf 15% off via ID.me Active duty and veterans
    Texas de Brazil 20% off lunch and dinner Active duty and veterans
    Thrifty Rent-A-Car 5% off car rentals via Veterans Advantage Active duty, veterans, Guard, reservists, and their families
    Tiffany & Co. 10% off engagement rings and wedding bands Active duty, reservists, and veterans
    Toms 10% off full-priced items Active duty and veterans
    Toyota $500 rebate when you purchase or lease a vehicle through Toyota Financial Services Active duty, eligible household members, and retirees and veterans within 1 year of retirement or discharge
    TurboTax Varies Active duty and reservists
    Under Armour 10% off online and in-store purchases via ID.me Active duty and veterans
    United Airlines Up to 5% off through Veterans Advantage Active duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and eligible family members
    Universal Studios Discounted rates at Orlando and Hollywood parks Active duty and retirees at both parks; reservists, veterans, National Guard, and dependents at Hollywood
    USAA Multiple Active duty, reservists, Guard, and veterans
    Verizon Fios Varies Active duty, reservists, Guard, and veterans
    Verizon Wireless Varies Military, cadets, veterans,and their families
    Volkswagen $500 bonus on select new models Members of the armed forces
    Williams-Sonoma 10% off electrics and 15% off in-store purchases Active duty, retirees, and their families
    Wilsons Leather Varies Active duty, veterans, retirees, spouses, and eligible dependents
    Worx Varies Active duty and veterans
    Wrangler 10% off purchases via ID.me Active duty and veterans
    Yankee Candle 10% off purchases Active duty, retirees, and their immediate families
    YETI Special pricing via ID.me Active duty, veterans, reservists, Guard, and retirees
    YMCA Free Y! outreach membership and childcare Active duty and family

    Related DealNews Blog Posts:
    Fri, 22 Feb 2019 07:00:05 -0500

    6 Things to Buy in March (and 3 Things You Should Definitely Skip)

    celebrating St. Patrick's Day

    March isn't known for its big shopping events, so we find that retailers will use any excuse to host a sale during the month and bring in customers. St. Patrick's Day is a given, but March is National Frozen Food Month, too, and that can yield its own deals worth checking out. And don't forget about post-Valentine's Day chocolate deals and seasonal clearance sales!

    SEE ALSO: Here's the TRUE Cost of Attending Mardi Gras 2019 in New Orleans

    Additionally, Mardi Gras 2019 falls on March 5, offering a good chance to plan a fun getaway. We also expect luggage to go on sale, making this month a good time to shop travel in general.

    Read on to discover all the things you should (and shouldn't) shop for in March.

    6 Things to Buy in March

    Chocolate

    If you skipped the pricey confections and flowers for Valentine's Day, know that we should see deals on holiday candies in March. While you might stumble across heart-shaped boxes of chocolates at deep discounts, this month is also when Easter candy will start showing up. As Easter doesn't fall until April 21 this year, we might see fewer of those deals in March, but we still expect at least a few deals from the likes of Amazon and Walmart.

    Frozen Foods

    March 1 marks the beginning of National Frozen Food Month. Though these 31 days are suited to the lazy cook, they're also aimed at busy families. This is the month to shop for low-cost freezer staples, as popular brands including Dole, Eggo, Green Giant, and Totino's will be offering discounts to celebrate. Be prepared to shop multi-buys on select brands to get the most out of the deals. In addition to the expected savings, you can enter to win supermarket gift cards worth up to $1,000.

    St. Patrick's Day Sales and Freebies

    You may think of St. Patrick's Day as a time to "get your Irish on" instead of shop, but we do tend to see at least a handful of themed sales around the holiday. This is largely due to March being devoid of big shopping days in general.

    Look for St. Patrick's Day sales from the Dell Refurbished Store, TechRabbit, and even the Guinness Webstore.

    Last year we saw St. Patrick's Day sales at both TechRabbit and the Dell Refurbished Store, which took an extra 15% off and 48% off, respectively. Additionally, DiscountMags cut up to 95% off magazine subscriptions for the holiday. And in the Irish spirit, the Guinness Webstore knocked 20% off its engraved and personalized glassware.

    Look for food deals around St. Patrick's Day, too. Last year Baskin-Robbins offered up free samples of its Mint Chip 'n Oreo Cookies Milkshake, and we've already learned that McDonald's Shamrock Shake is back. Also check your local California Tortilla — in 2018 it gave away free chips and queso with a purchase. Restaurants like 99 Restaurant & Pub and Yard House like to provide special menus, as well.

    Cruises

    We routinely see a fair amount of cruise deals pop up in March. This is likely due to the "wave season" falling from January through March, so named because travel agents generally see a "wave" of bookings during this time. It's also when cruise lines tend to be more generous with their added incentives.

    In 2018, we saw more cruise deals in March than at any other time of the year (aside from February, which had the same number of offers). Look for weeklong cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean that cost as little as $377 per person. And keep an eye out for shorter trips — last year we saw a 4-night Bahamas cruise for two from $448.

    Gift Cards

    We all know December is the best month to buy gift cards overall. However, March is typically second to December, bringing more offers than any other time of year. In 2018, one of the most popular gift card deals we saw allowed you to buy $100 in Atom Tickets gift cards for $65. But the deal receiving the most attention let you get a $10 Google Play credit when you made five purchases using Google Pay.

    SEE ALSO: How to Sell Gift Cards Online

    Once again, look to eBay to have the most gift card deals this month. About 65% of the deals we saw during this time last year were from eBay, and they covered everything from iTunes to Lowe's to Chipotle.

    Luggage

    Whether you have a trip planned for spring break or summer, March is a good time to pick up new luggage and travel gear. Last year, eBay offered notable deals on kids' backpacks and Samsonite duffels. Meanwhile, Samsonite itself featured a coupon for up to 50% off sale and clearance items at the end of month, which dropped starting prices to $35.99.

    Don't forget about Amazon, either. The online retailer accounted for 26% of the travel gear deals we saw in March 2018. Additionally, it took up to 40% off a variety of luggage and travel gear in its own sale at the end of the month. Also expect retailers like BuyDig to discount a particular type of luggage — last year, it knocked up to 70% off Samsonite's SoLyte luggage.

    3 Things to Wait On

    Android Phones

    Mobile World Congress happens in February, but that doesn't mean you'll see huge price drops on older Android phones in March. Our archives indicate that you'll see a bigger percentage of high-quality deals in July and November, so it's worth waiting at least until summer to score a new device.

    July should have better Android phone deals, so it's worth waiting until summer to score a new device.

    Keep in mind that smartphone manufacturers stick to their own schedules for new device releases. Because of that, all the popular smartphones have their own specific times that are stronger for deals.

    Lingerie

    If you were hoping to find racy gifts on sale post-Valentine's Day, you might be out of luck. Lingerie is one type of apparel that doesn't see a lot of deals in March. In fact, you're better off putting intimates on your shopping list around Black Friday. But while deals won't be fantastic, if you really want to shop for lingerie in March, look for a sale or two at Frederick's of Hollywood.

    Spring Apparel

    As a general rule, you should never buy seasonal clothing when you need it. There are exceptions, of course — you'll see sweaters and coats on sale when Black Friday hits — but for the most part, the best deals come when the season is over (or close to it).

    SEE ALSO: The Ultimate Buyer's Guide

    If you must stock your closet with spring sartorial selections, keep an eye out for specific sales. For instance, last year Old Navy took 50% off women's and girls' swimwear during March. Alternatively, look for big sitewide discounts. March 2018 saw H&M knock up to 80% off, and PacSun boasted a buy one, get one 50% off sale.

    Top 5 Stores for March

    1. 6pm: This discount retailer will boast a couple of sales this month. Look for a clearance event that takes at least 70% off, and another sale that cuts up to 87% off.

    2. Uniqlo: The fast-fashion retailer will likely host a sale knocking up to 95% off items. Plus, expect to also bag free shipping with your orders.

    3. Jos. A. Bank: This is another store that should offer a couple of excellent sales in March. Look for clearance suits to drop to $99, as well as a buy one, get one free sale.

    4. Aeropostale: Stock your closet, thanks to a sale that takes up to 80% off clearance items.

    5. Perry Ellis: This men's retailer should host its semi-annual suit event in March. Expect up to 60% off, along with another 20% off and free shipping on select orders.

    Ready to start saving in March? Sign up for the DealNews Select newsletter or download the DealNews app to keep abreast of all the best buys this month.


    Related DealNews Blog Posts:
    Fri, 22 Feb 2019 07:00:05 -0500

    Amazon Quietly Killed a Popular Prime Shipping Perk

    Amazon Prime shipping

    Amazon offers many perks to its Prime program participants. But last fall it did away with one of the bigger benefits — and Prime members aren't happy.

    The online giant used to offer members an extra month of Prime for free if an order with a guaranteed delivery date arrived late. Unfortunately, now you'll be lucky to receive a small credit from Amazon if your package doesn't arrive on time.

    No More Free Amazon Prime?

    Amazon now refunds shipping fees if a package doesn't arrive by the guaranteed delivery date, according to the company's policy on the topic.

    If your Amazon order arrives late, you could receive between $5 and $10 in promotional credit.

    The language is a little vague, though, as Amazon states, "If we provide a guaranteed delivery date on the checkout page, your shipping fees may be refunded if we miss our promised delivery date." This phrasing indicates you might have to jump through hoops to receive a mediocre appeasement. Bottom line: It might not be worth your time.

    But how does the policy change apply to Prime members? They used to be eligible for a free 1-month Prime extension, and they already get free shipping in most cases. DealNews readers say Amazon has told them they could receive between $5 and $10 in promotional credit now, depending on the value of the items that arrive late. But when Prime members do need to pay for delivery, shipping fees can be as low as $2.99. So it's not guaranteed you'll receive that higher credit.

    How Do You Get a Shipping Refund From Amazon?

    Your order has to meet several requirements if you want to qualify for a shipping refund. For one, you have to place the order before the "order within" window has closed. And if your order includes products that aren't eligible for guaranteed delivery, you must choose "Ship my items as they become available" when placing your order. Amazon also notes the guarantee isn't valid when situations arise that are beyond its control. It states that "delivery scans might be inaccurate," as well — which could theoretically absolve Amazon of any blame in many cases.

    SEE ALSO: What Does Amazon Prime Cost, and Can You Get It Cheaper?

    Importantly, Amazon's 2-day shipping could also take longer than you'd think. Most customers assume the clock starts as soon as they place an order, but that's not true. In fact, Amazon notes that if items aren't in stock or otherwise immediately available, the 2-day period doesn't start until the items actually ship.

    Case in point: User dmiles521 was told that if an item was in stock and Prime eligible, and shipped a week after the order date, as long as it arrived within two business days, it would still count as meeting the 2-day shipping guarantee. Meaning it wouldn't be eligible for a refund.

    How Did the Old Amazon Prime Policy Die?

    Amazon used to provide Prime members with a free month of the subscription service if a package didn't arrive by its guaranteed delivery date. Whether by calling, emailing, or live chatting, our readers successfully received an extension in several cases. Some boasted about getting six months or even a full year for free due to this perk. However, in July 2017, we began to see complaints that the policy was no longer being honored.

    In 2018, shoppers began receiving Amazon credit for late packages, instead of extended Prime subscriptions.

    In the comments of a previous DealNews article, several users spoke out about their issues. For example, in March 2018, user shoemkr27 noted they didn't outright receive a free month of Prime after inquiring about it, but they were credited with $13 to cover the cost of another month of the service.

    Six months later, user gck105 said they were offered a $5 promotional code rather than a free month of Prime. And user jackson.austinson reported in November 2018 that the $5 promotional credit did seem to be the most popular measure taken, although they noted Amazon could increase the credit to $10 or $15 in some circumstances.

    Always Be Polite

    Don't expect Amazon to refund any shipping fees easily. You'll still need to contact the company, and you might have to be persistent. But remember to be polite! One user told us that pushing too much can backfire; apparently certain Amazon customer service reps aren't opposed to closing user accounts. Other users have reported that Amazon will argue about the guaranteed delivery date, stating it was suggested or expected, and therefore not guaranteed. Be prepared to not receive any compensation for your trouble, and you'll be pleasantly surprised if you do.

    Readers, what are your thoughts on Amazon's delivery policy change? What has your experience been like since the new policy began? Let us know in the comments below!


    Related DealNews Blog Posts:
    Wed, 20 Feb 2019 07:00:04 -0500

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