The only thing better than finding the perfect gift, is finding it on sale. With Valentine’s fast approaching, I caught up with Trae Bodge, Senior Editor of RetailMeNot Insider, to talk discounts, deals and Valentine’s Day gift ideas that are Retailmenot approved.
TTB: In about three sentences, what is Retailmenot and why do you encourage people to use the site and all its services?
TB: RetailMeNot is the biggest coupon site in the U.S. – 450mm visits in 2012 to RetailMeNot and its affiliated sites. As such, we have the most coupons from all your favorite merchants, from Macy’s to Orbitz, many of which you can’t find anywhere else. The site is organized in a such a way that it is incredibly easy to use, which our visitors really appreciate. We also offer engaging and informative content on our blog, like gift guides, financial advice, trends and deals, and many of the items we recommend also have coupons. RetailMeNot makes it possible for people to get more for their money, so that they can get more for their life.
TTB: What would you say to someone who claim not to have the time to look for bargains?
TB: I say “it only takes a few seconds, and everyone has that!†On RetailMeNot, you simply enter the name of the retailer or category you’re interested in and voila… coupons pop up for your immediate use.
TTB: How have people responded to Retailmenot and how do they compare it to other similar sites and services?
TB: Our users report an average savings of $20 per transaction – what’s not to love? RetailMeNot has the largest volume and breadth of coupons due to our active user community and partnerships with top retailers; you name it, we likely have a coupon for it. The site is free and easy to use with no sign up required. You can even request curated offers to be delivered directly to your email inbox.
TTB: As more and more people shop from the smart phones and tablets, how has Retailmenot evolved to meet the needs of this new type of shopper?
TB: One of the things I love about RetailMeNot is that it’s such a forward thinking company. We understand how people like to shop, so we utilize the latest technologies to deliver highly relevant offers that enable consumers to save when they want, where they want. A good example of this is the latest version of our mobile app for iPhone, which utilizes Geo-fencing technology, alerting the user to available in-store coupons as soon as they enter the vicinity of their favorite shopping plaza, and you can curate those coupons so you only receive alerts for retailers you shop with. For the social shopper, we also have a great new Facebook app that allows people to view, curate and share coupons within Facebook for a highly personalized savings experience.
TTB: What was the top trend you saw among shoppers last Valentine’s day and do you think a similar trend will unfold this year?
TB: In these tough economic times, people are looking for great value. We just conducted a survey where 93% of respondents indicated that they intend to shop smart this year by using coupons! We will see a lot of strong deals being offered and consumers seeking out and enjoying those savings year round.
TTB: In new relationships it can be a little difficult sometimes to gauge if you are past the point where a gift for Valentine’s Day is necessary. What are some gift options for both men and women that keep you in the safe zone, that is, they don’t say too much but they also don’t say too little?
TB: As they say, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If he has a sweet tooth, I would highly recommend the Hot Blondies Bakery Divine Dozen ($45) from food delivery site Foody Direct. This scrumptious set of brownies and blondies will set his heart on FIRE. They also have adorable and yummy heart blondies, but I would save that for when you’ve been dating for a bit longer! My motto – no heart motifs allowed in a new relationship!
I also think that a day trip is a great gift idea if you’re in new relationship. Plan something fun in a great town an hour or so away; like brunch when you arrive, a fun hike, a visit to a gallery or museum and then maybe some hot chocolate before you head back to town. You’re showing them that you are thoughtful and creative and the trip will allow you to really get to know each other! If you want to stay local, seek out experiential gifts like Sugartooth Tours, in NYC, where you tour a neighborhood and enjoy a treat at several different locations.
TTB: Valentine’s day can be a little difficult for some single women who see their friend’s, family and coworkers receive lavish bouquets and other gifts — what are the top gifts for girlfriends to give to their single BBFs?
TB: Gifts for your BFF’s should be cheerful and bright. After all, being single on Valentine’s can be a time to have fun w/your friends and to anticipate the promise of the romance that just could be around the corner.
You can find loads of great inexpensive gifts at Five Below. I mean, really, their Pashmires scarves, which are available in bright blue, yellow or red, are only $5!
I also love the statement-making costume jewelry from MARK. Cosmetic line, MARK, you ask? Yep – I just discovered that in addition to their beauty products they also have a line of fab jewels. She’ll love the beautiful, green MARK Rock Out Ring ($16), or, she’s color adverse, there’s always the edgy Show Your Metal Ring ($9.99 in silver and gold).
TTB: More and more women are requesting tech toys and gadgets as gifts, what are Valentine’s day picks for the tech savvy woman?
TB: If you can spring for the iPad or smartphone that she’s dying for, go for it, but if that’s not in the budget, go for accessories for her favorite tech items.
The Zooka Wireless Bluetooth Speaker ($99) from Carbon Audio is available in five fun colors and works with any Bluetooth-enabled device. It serves as a stand and docking station for your tablet, it can be placed on top of your laptop screen (it even has a cutout for your computer cam and will augment your microphone for Skyping), or amplify music from your smartphone as far as 30 feet away!
Also, check out Five Below for a few extras. They have fun and colorful tech gifts for $5 and under, i.e. earbuds, iPad and tablet folios and touch screen stylus.
TTB: I want to get my guy a gift but my budget is $50 or less, what are my best options?
Even if he’s a no frills guy, he will love the luxurious feel of Naked ® boxer briefs ($34 and up). These babies are form fitting for your pleasure and seamless for his! Available in a sweetheart-inspired “Be Mine†box, just for VDay! This limited-edition packaging will be available for the month of February at Nordstrom.
You have this great photo of the two of you, but how to present it in a cool and masculine way? Aluminyze ($24.95-$239.95) offers an innovative twist on the standard picture frame. By printing the photo of your choice on metal and adding your pick of surface effects, like matte or silver, you’ll create a gift for him that will look amazing on his desk at work or on the wall in his home office. There are a variety of sizes and shapes available (including hearts just for Valentine’s Day). My pick for under $50 is the 8×12 rectangle.
TTB: I would be remiss if I didn’t ask about beauty, what’s hot for the beauty girl?
Give her beauty that lasts! The SensatioNail Invincible Gel Polish Starter Kit ($49.99) is the perfect gift for the mani-happy girl. This gel nail kit allows her to create her own beautiful and long-lasting manicure, right in the comfort of her own home.
If she loves to glam it up, the Smoked Palette ($49) from Urban Decay, is a great gift option. The kit, which comes in a cool black zippered compact, contains 10 gorgeous, heavily pigmented eye shadows, a black eye pencil and an eye shadow primer, perfect for glamming on the go.
Even if she’s not a red lip girl, maybe she’ll make an exception on Valentine’s Day. Wrap the Siouxie Lip Gloss ($21) from Armour Beauty in a pretty little package and she won’t be able to resist. And neither will you…this tomato red opaque gloss is great on all skin tones and is hotter than hot.
TTB: This information is great — thank you, Trae!
There you have it folks, Trae Bodge’s Valentine’s Day gift guide as well as tips to save money using RetailMeNot.
