From time to time, beloved relatives ask me where I find good deals online. I've built this page to show them how to find coupons and rebates and recommended sites. (email this to a friend *)
Full disclosure: On some of these links, I get a commission, so I'd appreciate it if you save this page and click through it when you're shopping at a recommended store.
I'd recommend these sites either way, though. Let me know if you've had a bad experience with any of them, and I'll remove a link, if necessary.
How to find coupons & rebates:
This is really easy. Either go to Google.com or MSN Search (it's sometimes helpful to try both). Type in "(store name) coupon code" or "(store name) promotional code." If there is a coupon for that site, this will generate it.
When I don't find coupons, I go to eBates.com and search for the store there, just in case. The rebates are sometimes less than coupon codes, but they do add up. (I just got a $20 check back for holiday shopping I did. Cha-ching!)
When I'm searching for a specific product, I like to search for best prices using one of these: PriceGrabber | Froogle | Bizrate. They can be hit and miss (and there are others). Be sure to check out user ratings of stores. Some merchants stink.
Books
Whenever possible, I like to buy books in locally owned, independent bookstores. More money goes back to the community, and these stores generally provide more knowledgeable service and a more thoughtful selection. You can even buy from these stores online via IndieBound. I've linked elsewhere to the big chains and online retailers (and you don't need my help finding those).
Amazon.com is a useful standby. Their prices aren't always lowest, but their selection is hard to beat, and you can usually get free shipping if you spend more than $25. If you know what you want, you can search via the box below. Otherwise, click here.
I won't buy sheets anywhere but Overstock.com. Same for rugs. You can't beat their prices (and books are cheaper than Amazon, though shipping is slow.) I don't think their electronics deals are good, and I've been stung on reconditioned products. The Overstock monthly deal is below (I don't write the copy for this. Sheesh.)
7% off all orders! Only at Overstock.com.
eBay is great for things you can't find anywhere else. Pay attention to seller reviews; eBay makes it unpleasant to give negative feedback. You can also sell your stuff online: ebaystores.com.
For bags, wallets and purses, I love eBags. They ship quickly, too.
For shoes, I go to Zappos.com - shipping is free, and they're really fast. Also, their selection is huge, and user reviews let you know if sizes run true.
For at-home facials, I like Dermalogica and I get the exfoliant and a hydrating masque at FaceEtc.
I get shampoo, medicine, vitamins and diapers (not for me, for Alice) at Drugstore.com: Free Everyday Shipping, only at drugstore.com!
Virus Protection: I use McAfee and have never had a virus (knock on plastic).
eCost: I've found good software deals here.
Comcast High Speed Cable Internet - they hooked me up in 24 hours after I waited three weeks for DSL.
When I want something for kids that I know will be creative and high quality, I look to Chinaberry. Everything is hand-picked and thoroughly reviewed. They specialize in books, but also have really neat toys and craft kits.