Okay, today is the day that I post a few tips for mums and dads to get a little something extra for the family. We always run short on money when it comes time to purchase gifts for our own family members as well as for other people, want a little extra to take the family out to eat or just to purchase something special that would normally not fit in the monthly budget. Here are a few of my tips.

MY POINTS

This is my favorite of all the points systems. Here is how you can earn points from this website: install the browser onto your internet - get points for the number of searches each month; shop on-line by linking to stores on the Mypoints website; answer surveys; click on offers in emails; eat out - by linking your credit card to the website you automatically earn points from certain restaurants on the Mypoints program. Did I mention it is totally FREE to join. I have been using this site for about 3 years now and have received hundreds of gift cards in the mail. It's so nice to get a little bonus once in a while. I normally choose gift cards for Target, Home Depot, the movies or Linens 'n Things but there are tons of other stores to choose from.

This week I received a $50 gift card for Linens 'n Things, so after school today I took Jay out shopping with me to pick something out. The gift card, combined with a 20% Linens 'n Things coupon meant we were able to leave the store with a FREE Gazebo. How fun and so perfect for the summer when we spend a lot of time outside.

Here is our new Gazebo which we immediately put up when we got home - oh and it's a pop up one so even I can do it, yippee.

PAMPERS

How many people use Pampers for their kids and don't know that there is a 'gifts to grow' program? I'm amazed by how many people don't know this.

It's super easy to do this. Just register on-line (which is free), as you use your Pampers products you'll find a special code - on a sticker inside diaper packets or on the outside of wipes packets. Enter the code on-line. Check out the 'rewards' catalog and you'll see toys, books and other great stuff. Trade your points once you have enough for the item that you want. So far we've earned points to get the babies a Dora dvd, a caterpillar toy, a free Shutterfly photo book and just today I received a coupon for a free packet of Jumbo diapers and I've donated points to Unicef too - 1 point = 1 life-saving vaccine

INBOX DOLLARS

<- Click on this link to join Yet another great points program and free to join. I've received a payout from this company once before and am well on my way to my second payment. Again like with MyPoints you earn points from taking surveys, making purchases by linking to stores through the website, clicking on offers in emails, playing on-line games etc. Once you've earned over $30 you can request a payout, which they send you a check for.

FREERIDE FREEMAIL

Similar to MyPoints and Inbox Dollars and also free to join. Earn points for completing surveys, making purchases by linking to stores through the website, clicking on email links and playing games on-line. Once you've earned enough points you can trade them for gift cards to stores such as Amazon, Home Depot, Olive Garden and many other places. I've actually received gift cards from this site too so can vouch for its validity.