Shutterfly Card Winner

I am pleased to announce the winner of my Shutterfly Christmas Card giveaway.  The winner, chosen by random.org, of the 25 free cards, is:

comment #5 - Beth

The winner has been notified by email.

Thanks so much to everyone who entered!

20% Off Marian Items From Ignatius Press

Ignatius Press is offering 20% off selected Marian items in honor of the upcoming feast of the Immaculate Conception.

This lovely coffee table book "Maria" includes famous artwork of Mary with excerpts from the writings of Pope Benedict about her.  At $17.56 (was $21.95), that would be a great gift for a family or for the Catholic who has everything.

For young ones, I love this Mary Most Holy Coloring Book.  It is reduced from $4.95 to $3.96.


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Little People Nativity On Sale and Family Christian Stores Coupon Code

Right now, Family Christian Stores has a coupon for 30% any regularly priced item (usually their coupons are for 25% off).  Print the coupon here for use in-store or use code 126778397 online.

With the coupon you could get this cute Noah's Ark Playset for just $20.99 - wouldn't that be an adorable Christmas gift for a preschooler?

Also, although this is on sale and not eligible for the coupon, I noticed that they have the Fisher Price Little People Nativity reduced to $23.99.  With the $.99 shipping, this is one of the best deals I've seen this year on this set.  My children got it last year, and they absolutely loved it.

Shipping is $.99 on all orders through Dec. 24 or free on orders over $30.

*Hot* Free Shipping on Nativity Items from Oriental Trading Company

Through midnight tonight only, Oriental Trading Company is offering free shipping on any order with code WCE2503, plus get a $10 promotional gift card with an order of $59 or more. 

This is a once-a-year promotion for Oriental Trading.  You can almost always get free shipping for orders over $39 or $49, but not on small orders. 

They have tons of inexpensive Christmas craft items, party supplies, candy, and toys, both religious and non-religious.  Last year, we ordered several ornament kits for my girls to make gifts for family and friends, which was a big hit.  This year my daughter really wants a "Mama Mary dress up outfit," so I ordered this tunic and headpiece for her this weekend (although now they seem to be out of the headpiece in blue).

They also have a simple child's Nativity set for just $7.
Shop through Ebates to get 5% cash back!

Christmas Shopping with Ebates

While you're doing your online Christmas shopping on Cyber Monday or any other day, a great way to save a little more money is to shop through Ebates.

Ebates is a site that gives you cash back for your purchases from dozens of major online retailers when you shop through the Ebates site.  All you have to do is to set up a simple account, then go to the Ebates page before your make a purchase from, say, Barnes and Noble.  Then find Barnes and Noble on the Ebates page, and click on the link to go to the site.  Ebates will track your purchase, and give you a specified amount of cash back, which varies depending on the retailer.  The cash back amount often ranges from 2-10%.

Today for Cyber Monday, many major retailers are offering double cash back, with some offering as high as 20%!

You receive your cash back every three months, as long as you have over $20 cash back in your account.  Because you don't receive the money right away, I don't think of this so much as a discount on my purchases, but rather as a way to make a little bit of extra money.  Every little bit helps!

Here are some of the online stores that participate in the Ebates program that might be of special interest for Catholic purchases, with the corresponding amount of cash back that they offer:

Catholic:
The Catholic Company - 5%

Other that may carry religious items:
(Note, many of these stores are offering these amounts of cash back for Cyber Monday)
Barnes and Noble - 5%
Books A Million - 3%
Book Closeouts - 6%
Cafe Press - 7.5%
JC Penney - 3%
Lillian Vernon - 3%
Melissa and Doug - 7%
Miles Kimball - 3%
Joann Fabrics - 5%
Precious Moments - 5%

Further, Ebates offers a referral program.  If you refer a friend you receive a $5 bonus when they make a purchase through the site.  It's a great Christmas shopping tip to share with family and friends!

This post contains affiliate links, which help support this site.

*Hot* Discontinued Playmobil Nativity Set for $19.99 Shipped!

Catholic Child has the discontinued Playmobil Nativity Set reduced to $19.99 right now, plus you can get free shipping through Tuesday, November 29, with code 169111.  This price is at least $8-$10 better for this set than I have seen anywhere else.

The difference between this set and the newer version is that the old one has a cardboard stable, while the new one has a more durable plastic stable.  However, this older model includes the three kings, while the newer model requires you to purchase them separately 

I decided that this discontinued model was the best value for me, so I ordered it this weekend to give to my girls for St. Nicholas Day.  I can't wait for them to see it!

Catholic Cyber Monday Deals and Coupon Codes

I'm back this morning with all the Catholic Cyber Monday deals!  Some of these are the same as the Black Friday deals, but other BF deals are expired and there are several great new deals.  I'll be updating the post throughout the day with any more deals, so please share any you find by email or in the comments.

Happy Christmas shopping!

Abbey Press - Take 15% off entire website with code LIST through Dec. 9

Adoremus Books - 15% off with code THANK11 (they have a large collection of Melissa and Doug toys)

Autom - clearance Christmas items starting at $.10 each

Aquinas and More Catholic Goods - Free shipping on all orders Monday only with code freenovember

Catholic Child - Free shipping on all orders with code 169111 through 11/29

Christianbook- free shipping over $35 with code 352490, Christmas Countdown daily deals (new one each day), Cyber Monday gift specials

Dayspring- Take 30% off your entire order with code SUPER30, including already discounted Sale and Clearance items and excluding BOGO tote bag and 14 super specials (through November 28)

Family Christian Stores - 50% all framed art, 50% off all ornaments, 20 DVDs at $3 each, and more (in stores and online); 25% any one regular price item with code 126616384; $.99 shipping through 12/24 or free shipping over $40

Holy Heroes - 15% off almost all products throughout Advent with code when you sign up for Advent Adventure

Ignatius Press  - 20%-50% off select titles through November 29

Monastery Icons - free shipping (no minimum) with code 3202 through November 28

Saint Patrick's Guild - free shipping on all Cyber Monday orders with code FREECM

The Catholic Company- Free standard on all orders with code FREECC

Veggie Tales Store - entire store 40% off through 11/30; free shipping on $30 or more

This post contains affiliate links, which help support this site.

Catholic Black Friday Deals and Coupon Codes *Updated*

*Update: More deals for you from Dayspring and Ignatius Press!*

I have a roundup for you today of all the Catholic Black Friday deals.  There are some great offers to be had!  I'll be updating the post throughout the day with any more deals, so please share any you find by email or in the comments.

Happy Christmas shopping!

Abbey Press - Take 15% off entire website with code LIST through Dec. 9

Adoremus Books - 15% off with code THANK11 (they have a large collection of Melissa and Doug toys)

Aquinas and More Catholic Goods - Black Friday sale with prices good through November 27

Catholic Gifts and More - 20% off and free shipping through November 26

Christianbook- free shipping over $35 with code 352490, Black Friday deals good through 11/27,
Christmas Countdown daily deals (new one each day)

Dayspring- Take 30% off your entire order with code SUPER30, including already discounted Sale and Clearance items and excluding BOGO tote bag and 14 super specials (through November 28)

Family Christian Stores - 50% all framed art, 50% off all ornaments, 20 DVDs at $3 each, and more (in stores and online); 25% any one regular price item with code 126616384; $.99 shipping through 12/24 or free shipping over $40

Holy Heroes - 15% off almost all products throughout Advent with code when you sign up for Advent Adventure

Ignatius Press  - 20%-50%off select titles through November 29

Monastery Icons - free shipping (no minimum) with code 3202 through November 28

Saint Patrick's Guild - free shipping on all orders of $100 with code SHIP11

The Catholic Company- free shipping on all orders (no minimum) with code FREECC

Veggie Tales Store - entire store 40% off through 11/30; free shipping on $30 or more

Vision Video - Save $10 when you spend $30 with code Black10; save $15 on $50 or more with code Black15; save $25 on $75 or more with code Black 25 (through November 27)


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Resources to Celebrate St. Nicholas Day

"Oh, who loves Nicholas the saintly?" goes the Byzantine hymn.  We all should love St. Nicholas - the generous bishop and patron of children who is the real-life Santa Claus.

St. Nicholas' feast day is December 6, and many families celebrate by leaving their shoes out for the saint to fill.  I have found some wonderful items that would be perfect for filling shoes or otherwise celebrating this joyful feast day, and none of them will break the bank.

First off, teach your family about St. Nicholas.

I actually love the Veggie Tales St. Nicholas Movie.  Although of course it is not entirely accurate, it keeps the spirit and many of the details of the story.  I love the theme of giving in secret and the quotation, "We don't give in order to be happy.  We give because we are happy because Jesus came to us."  Right now, Family Christian Stores has the DVD for $5.00 with $.99 shipping (or free shipping with a $40 order).  This title is also available on Netflix instant play!

The St. Nicholas Center (a wonderful resource for all things St. Nic) has an exhaustive list of books on St. Nicholas, both for children and adults.  It was hard for me to choose one of these for my children, since I couldn't see them in person, but I settled on this one, St. Nicholas: The Story of the Real Santa Claus, for this year.  (It is available from outside sellers on Amazon starting at $.01 for used.)  Wouldn't it be great to start a collection of St. Nicholas books to read each year?

Next, I have some great St. Nicholas toys.

I was so excited to find this Playmobil St. Nicholas on Catholic Child this year.  It's a real St. Nicholas toy - complete with miter and crosier!  And for $4.95, it is easy to justify buying one each for all your children, godchildren, and nieces and nephews!

Catholic Child also has this huggable and color-able St. Nicholas for $6.95.  This would be perfect for the youngest St. Nicholas fans.

For just $5, the Etsy shop Sanctus Stitches has a cute St. Nicholas finger puppet.  While you're browsing the shop, check out all their other adorable saint puppets as well.

If you can spend a little more for a unique, handmade St. Nicholas toy, aulee's creations has a set of five St. Nicholas finger puppets for $35, with different characters from the legends surrounding the saint.

For your family's celebration, here are some more ideas:

The St. Nicholas Center has a variety of copper cookie cutters for sale.  I have the Polish cutter, but I wouldn't mind collecting them all!  They also have links to traditional recipes and decorating ideas.

And for your images of the saint, choose from a beautiful Monastery Icons icon (starting at $9.99)

a wall plaque for $15 (St. Patrick is also available)

or this elegant statue from Leaflet Missal for $25

Whatever your budget or needs, I hope you find something special here to help celebrate St. Nicholas Day!

Let us all exult together, as with one united voice
We upon his solemn feast-day in St. Nicholas rejoice!
                                               

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Free Advent Resource from Holy Heroes

Once again this year, Holy Heroes is offering their free Advent Adventure - daily videos to watch each day during Advent.  The videos include the stories of the Jesse tree and other Catholic teachings and traditions for Advent.  Plus, this year the videos include step by step instruction in the new English mass responses - your child can even earn a certificate at the end for learning them.

Also, through Tuesday, Nov. 22, Holy Heroes has their Advent Jesse Tree DVD on sale for $12, down from $18.  The DVD is resusable every year, regardless of the length of Advent, and it includes a pdf of printable Jesse Tree ornaments.

I signed up for the Advent Adventure videos last year, but I thought they were slightly above my girls' levels. This year, though, I think that my kindergartner at least will really enjoy them.  It's definitely an easy way to immerse you child (and yourself) in the spirit of Advent.

*Hot* NAB Bible DVD 87% Off!

Christianbook.com  has the NAB Complete Bible on DVD for just $3.99 right now!  Retail price is $29.99.  It includes 80 hours of audio and the complete narration of the Old and New Testaments.  This would be really nice to have on the computer while working around the house or to give as a meaningful Christmas gift.

This post contains affiliate links, which help support this site.

Pre-Thanksgiving Sales and Free Shipping Deals *Updated*

Many stores are starting to offer some great deals in the week before Thanksgiving.  Here is a roundup of the sales and free shipping deals I've found so far (I'll update this post with any others over the next two days).

Aquinas and More Catholic Goods - 15% off all in-stock Advent items (no code needed)

Autom - Free shipping over $100 through November 23 (no code needed)

Catholic Gifts and More - Free shipping plus 20% off all orders through November 26 (read comments in this post for details)

Christianbook.com  - Free shipping over $35 with code 352470 on orders placed by 12/8

Family Christian Stores - $5 and 50% off doorbusters, plus free shipping over $40 and $.99 shipping on all other orders through Dec. 24

I'll be posting other deals as I find them this week.

And of course, stay tuned on Black Friday and Cyber Monday for posts about all the great deals!

This post contains affiliate links, which help support this site.

Inexpensive Reusable Religious Advent Calendars

We all love the cardboard Advent calendars with the little doors, but maybe you'd like a more durable Advent calendar that your family can use year after year.  Unfortunately, many of these are surprisingly expensive, up to $40-$50 or more!

However, I have found six religious Advent calendars of all different kinds that are all reusable and all $25 and under.  I hope you find the perfect one for your household!

This The Story of Christmas Advent Wall Calendar is just on budget at $25.99, but it includes 25 mini books which tell the Christmas story, as well as a wall calendar.  This one is marketed for ages 4-7, so would be perfect for a young family.

I really love these felt calendars with a figure to put out each day, and this Nativity Scene Advent Calendar is a bargain at $19.99.  Now through Dec. 4, you can use coupon code 126561359 to get 25% off.  Also, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 19-20, Family Christian Stores will have all gifts and home decor on sale.  If this is included, you could get it for just $13.39!

Another neat option is this 26 Piece Magnet Advent Calendar with Bag for $17.50.  This could be a great toy as well as an Advent calendar.

If you want something reusable but have a low budget, Autom has this Born this Day Foam Advent Calendar for just $4.99.  These come 4 to a package, so this would be another Autom order that you'd want to split with friends.

Here is another felt option, this Felt Advent Calendar w/Velcro Figures for $24.95.  I'm not sure if this is a different calendar from the above option; there seem to be a number of variations on the basic model.  But definitely these two are definitely some of the best priced felt nativity calendars I've seen.

If you're looking for something less for kids and a little more elegant, Dayspring has this Love Came Down Felt Advent Calendar for $19.99.  I really like the understated look.

And don't forget, there's still time to get a good deal on an Advent wreath and Advent candles!

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Christmas Movie Collection Deal from Vision Video

Vision Video has a great deal running right now for an 8 DVD set of their best Christmas movie picks for $49.99 when you use code "ourfavs."  This is an average of just over $6 per DVD, an excellent deal.  This set is regularly priced at $79.99.

I love that they included "The Waltons: The Homecoming" in this collection.  It may be corny, but it is once of my own must-watch Christmas favorites!

These DVDs would be great for your family collection, to give as individual gifts, or as an awesome family gift to a special family!

Cheap Advent Votives and Calendars at Autom

Autom has a few more Advent deals for you today.

This Advent votive candle set is just $.99 each, in a package of six sets.

They also have a number of cardboard Advent calendars for $.49 each, in packs of 12.  I know my children love having the little doors to open each day!

These prices expire November 23.

Veggie Tales Nativity on Sale

The Veggie Tales store is having a sale with 40% off all toys, books, DVD, and home products.

The Veggie Tales Nativity Set is down to $14.99, the best price I've seen yet.

You can add on the Little Drummer Boy Character Set for $6.59.

This Veggie Tales Princess Castle Playset is also $14.99, down from $24.99.

Shipping is free over $30.

These would all be super cute Christmas gifts!