We orderd Lovable Labels for our youngest who is going into junior kindergarten as we don’t want to loose her belongings she has to take to school. We bought labels for our oldest when she entered JK and she still has the same package ( although we will need a new one next year just for shoe labels). Our Lovable Label order came today and with it came a promo code for us to “Share the love.”
Get $5 off ANY pruchase of $25 or more before taxes and shipping..
Use Coupon Code BTS20110931 upon checkout. May not be combined with any other coupon, sale or discount.
Expires Sept. 30 2011
Depending on how you look at it, un/fortunately, the opening of The Ex marks the end of the Summer. It’s an unfortunate sign to me because it means that Old Man Winter, and all his nasty baggage, is just ’round the corner! 🙁
Following an annual family tradition of visiting The Ex, my sisters, nephew, and I decided to revisit that childhood memory. I was blown away at how different AND expensive everything has become. For some reason, I remember The Ex being a relatively inexpensive way to spend the day, but man was I wrong!
(General Admission is $16 which doesn’t sound bad, but since they wouldn’t honour my mom’s corporate rate, I wasn’t able to purchase tickets for $11. Already, this got my day off on the wrong foot! The run ’round that I was given by the staff also left a bad taste in my mouth.)
After spending the entire day there, here are some ways to try and save some money if you plan to visit The Ex:
1. Corporate Rate. If you or anyone in your family qualifies for a Corporate Rate, find out exactly the number of people who will be attending and purchase the tickets ONLINE. As I discovered the hard way, they do not sell discounted tickets at the event. If you are unable to pin down exact numbers, buy an extra ticket – you can always sell it to a stranger in-line. Tickets are non-refundable.
2. Bring Cash. I didn’t have time to stop at the bank and didn’t think it would be a problem to use debit or credit card, after all I was in the city. However, aside from the main box office, I did not see any debit machines at the concession stands. The warehouse “stores” may accept these forms of payment, but not where food is purchased and definitely not for the midway games. If you have no cash, there are a bunch of umarked ATM machines, but I avoid those at all costs!
3. Pack Some Food. Unlike more theme parks, e.g. Wild Water Kingdom, the staff at The Ex do not have a “No outside food” policy. Actually, no one even inspected my purse. So take advantage of this and pack some snacks or even sandwiches!
4. Bring your water bottle. My sister pointed out these handy-dandy water fountains set-up specifically to fill your water bottle! (They weren’t as rampant as the unmarked ATMs, but I did notice a couple on my rounds.) Since I brought my water bobble with me, this was really handy – not to mention saving me from shelling out upwards of $3 for a bottle of water. 🙂
5. Share, share, share at The Food Building. There is no doubt, at least in my eyes, that The Food Building is still the #1 draw at The Ex! Neither the Krispy Kreme Doughnut Burger nor the Fried Cola/Butter/Koolaid, etc. interests me, but what I do like is seeing all the variety of food that’s under one roof…the infamous, Food Building!
We didn’t pre-plan things, but my sisters and I split 1 meal for lunch! We thought that it would be a good way to try more than one thing. Aside from the 99¢ Spaghetti, most of the concession items appeared to be 2-3 portions…easily!
6. Don’t play the midway games or go on any of the rides. I realise that this tip may seem “extreme” to some of you, but this is how my mom, as the sole breadwinner, was able to take us to places like The Ex. The first time we were old enough to speak, we may have asked if we could play a game or go on the rides, but after saying “No” the first time, we never asked in subsequent years. At $20/22 tickets, at an average of 4-6 tickets/ride, they aren’t cheap! And if you have more than one child, it’s even more expensive.
This option may not be for everyone, but if you’re really strapped for cash, it’s definitely an option! If you and your spouse can afford to, but all means, buy the ride tickets, play the midway games. However, there are other ways to have fun at The Ex without spending additional cash, e.g. Petting Zoo, The Farm, live music, people watching, just walking around, etc.
7. Skip The Ex and head to the park! Despite thinking that it’s overrated and overpriced, I still had a good time bonding with my family. However, if money is a real concern which I can totally sympathise with, especially for multi-children families, skip The Ex entirely as it does add up.
I’m sure that your family can bond by doing something less costly like a picnic at the park/beach or a day downtown or at Niagara Falls. Shopping for school supplies and clothing may not constitute as a “bonding activity”, but your money is probably better spent doing that if you had to decide between The Ex Vs. A Necessity.
If you’re set on visiting The Ex, consider going after 5pm on Monday – Thursday as admission is only $5. And on a rare occasion, sometimes there’s a “Free Admission” day too.
Mastermind Toys is running a Thomas and Friends Hot bakers Dozen Promotion.
“Grow your Thomas collection with these great characters, sets and destinations! Until August 31 2011, purchase any of these 13 Thomas items and receive a second item of equal or lesser value from this list for 50% off. While quantities last.”
Click here to visit the Mastermind toy website
Shipping free on orders over $75
At Sears and in store only get a $50 iTunes Cards for only $40. That’s like getting 10 songs free!!
Click here to find a Sears near you.
Future Shop is running a Trade in event. Trade in 2 games and receive a Bonus $20 Future Shop gift card. This offer is in store only.
Click Here to see the list of games that qualify and for additional information and conditions.
Sears Canada is having a White Sale. Save up to 50% off on bath items. Sale time line differs for items. The earliest expiration date I found was Aug 26 2011. The latest I have encountered is November 13 2011.
Click here to shop the White Sale.
Other Deals at Sears.ca
Click here to save up to 50% off bedding until August 28.
Click here to save 60% on Roots Heavyweight Flannel Duvet and sheet set until Aug. 26.
Click Here to save $100 off the Dyson Air Multiplier until September 9. $279.99 ( reg. $379.99)
Dell Canada Has some Super Sales going on right now.
Back to School Sales Event Featuring select lap tops and desktops with a savings of up to $899.99 on certain models.
Back to School Electronics Sale featuring deals on Bluetooth headsets, All in One Printers, wireless mouses and many more items.
Also check out the Electronics Super Sale.
Energizer Canada is having a Great Canadian Power Trip Contest. You can enter for a chance to win a vacation for 4 with Air Canada Vacations and Fairmont Hotel and Resorts. Other Deals are an Instant win contest and as of Spet 8 pop in for their new offer of $20 off an Energizer Rapid Charger.
You need to have an account with energizer to sign in and enter for the Power Trip Give away, Instant win contest and to take advantage of the $20 off an Energizer Rapid Charger as of Sept 8 2011. You can also sign in using facebook.
Click here to go to The Great Canadian Power Trips promotion page.
The Shoe Company has a printable coupon out to save $10 off a second pair of kids shoes. Buy one pair of Kids shoes and receive $10 off a second pair with this coupon here.
Offer valid until September 11 2011.
For online shoppers use coupon code SCHOOLSAVINGS to get $10 off you’re purchase of $49.99 or more.
Free Shipping on orders over $70 OR Free pick up at a store location.
*Coupon valid from 8/22/11 to 9/18/11. Limit one coupon per customer.
If you’re planning on getting some back-to-school clothing, check out Aeropostale and print this coupon to save $10 off $50 or $25 off $100 purchase. Their stuff goes on sale fairly often and $100 will get you a lot.
Click here to print your coupon.
Hey you … yeah, you. It’s time to spruce up that bedroom.
Until September 22nd receive 15% back in IKEA gift cards on any bed frame purchase! This is the perfect time to finally buy that bedroom item you’ve been thinking about … and then treat yourself to some hot little accessories with your gift card.
Shop Garage Canada online and get a FREE Hoodie when you spend $75 or more. Offer is availabel fore purchases made online only.
Enter promo code: HOODIE at check out.
This Freebie couples well with the Buy One Get One get One 50% off denim sale that is still ongoing.
Today’s Home Depot Hammer Drop Deal is a good one. It’s for the gorgeous outdoor solar lights and they are on sale for only $155 each.
They provide 8-10 hours of light on a full charge! These were featured earlier this month and were quite popular so they’ve brought them back again.
Click here to buy the deal valid today only
