1, 2, 3, 4, 5,… 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,… 11, 12…

Do you remember the Sesame Street counting video that debuted in 1977 called “Eleven Twelve”?  Depending on how quickly you read, you might be able to read this article faster than you can listen to this popular counting song.  It’s like having accompanying background music.

Up for the challenge?

If the kiddos are around, press play and let them dance while you get in on practical ways to save this month.

Using discount gift card on top of store sales, coupons, and coupon codes is an increasing trend among households across our country.  Keep reading to see if you’re maximizing your savings by stocking up on the most popular discount gift cards.

Are you saving on home improvement projects?

The most frequent discount gift card purchase on Plastic Jungle is discount Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards.  (No wonder they’re currently out of stock.  Be sure to set an Alert to be notified with more come in stock.)  Buy patio furniture, doors, windows,, lumber, gardening supplies, and more with Home Depot discount gift cards and Lowe’s discount gift cards – both available for 7% less than face value.

Electronics, Movies, Music

Coming in third place in March are Best Buy discount gift cards – available for 5% less than face value.  Best Buy discount gift cards are great for saving on computers, printers, tvs, sound systems, cell phone cases, blu-rays, DVDs, and anything else you can find at Best Buy stores and at Best Buy online.

Save on Groceries, Clothing, and Household Products

In addition to saving on big purchases, Plastic Jungle discount gift cards are also good for saving on weekly trips to our favorite grocery locations.  Use Target  discount gift cards (available for 3% less than face value) and Walmart discount gift cards (also available for 3% less than face value) to save on food, clothing, and home goods for the whole family.

Multipurpose Savings

Good at Kmart, Lands’ End, and Sears, Lands’ End discount gift cards (available for 8% less than face value) have limitless possibilities.  Save on jewelry, children’s clothing, lawn mowers, backpacks, appliances, and more.

Costco discount gift cards are great for purchasing Costco gasoline (which is already discounted!), clothing, books, appliances, cameras, photos, and more for an additional 2% off the already low warehouse prices.  Don’t forget your Costco coupons to increase your savings!

Gas Station Discounts

Score discounts on gasoline, car washes, and snack foods with Shell discount gift cards (available for 2% less than face value).  Although currently out of stock, check out the current inventory of Chevron and Arco discount gift cards for savings on gasoline this month!

Brand Names at Great Prices

Kohl’s discount gift cards (available for 11% less than face value) help you bring home your favorite brands of apparel for men, women, boys, and girls at great prices.  Stack Kohl’s discount gift cards with store sales and store coupons to intensify savings.

Brand name workout clothes, Pink fragrances, shoes, and swimwear are available for 12% less with Victoria’s Secret discount gift cards.

Hit the Mall for Less

Watches, clothing, purses, shoes, wedding or baby shower registries, use Macy’s discount gift cards and JC Penney discount gift cards to shop at your favorite department stores, available for 7% off and 11% off respectively.  You’ll get more and pay less.

Is your music still playing? 

Waiting in a long line can be just as frustrating as paying too much for a movie ticket.  Don’t put money down the drain.

If you’re interested in seeing a movie on the big screen, pick up discount Fandango gift cards before buying tickets.

Without even leaving your home, you can reduce the cost of movie tickets by 10%.  Just order discount electronic Fandango gift cards (eCODES) from Plastic Jungle and within 1-2 business days, you’ll receive a digital gift card for Fandango worth more than you paid for it.

On Fandango, you can buy movie tickets for any of 21,000 theatre screens in 1,900 theatre locations around the country.  (Read: Many of your local theatres are likely selling tickets through Fandango, and with discount Fandango gift cards you can get movie tickets for less.)  Fandango is the place to buy tickets for current and upcoming shows, and you can pre-buy tickets for soon-to-be released movies.  What’s on your movie watching wish list?

Does Your Movie Watching Wish List Include Movies that are Now Playing in Theatres?

Act of Valor

Inspired by true events, Act of Valor [rated R] exemplifies real-life heroism.  While on a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA operative, a deadly terrorist plot is discovered.  It is up to the the brave men of the Bandito Platoon to stop an attack that could kill and wound thousands of Americans.  Characters are portrayed by active duty U.S. Navy Seals.  Get Act of Valor movie tickets for 10% less with discount Fandango gift cards.

Walt Disney’s The Secret World of Arritetty

Rated G, The Secret World of Arrietty is an animated adventure based on the children’s book series “The Borrowers” by Mary Norton.  This secret world is about the lives of little people residing under floorboards.  When a young boy comes to stay in the home where one particular little person Arrietty and her family reside, Arrietty’s world might turn from safe to danger.  Give the treat of watching a movie on the big screen to your niece, nephew, or grandchildren with discount Fandango gift cards.

Are These Coming Soon Movies on Your Movie Watching Wish List?

Dr. Suess’ The Lorax – Coming to theatres on Friday, March 2

Also rated G, The Lorax movie follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for a real Truffula Tree.  No, that’s not a type of chocolate.  See an old classic Dr. Seuss story like never before in this 3D adaptation from the creators of Despicable Me.  Be the coolest mom around by loading up the car and taking your kids and their friends to see The Lorax.  Teach them the value of a dollar by buying your tickets with discount Fandango gift cards.

The Hunger Games – Releasing on Friday, March 23

Rated PG-13, The Hunger Games is a film adaptation of the 3-part book series The Hunger Games.  While viewers dream of being on most of today’s reality tv shows, participating in The Hunger Games is actually a punishment in which participants must fight to the death until only one remains.  Any teenager will appreciate getting to buy tickets to The Hunger Games with a Fandango gift card that you bought for less.

If you’re planning to go to the movies anytime soon, buy discount Fandango gift cards from Plastic Jungle now so you don’t throw money down the train by paying full-price for movie tickets that you can get for less.

Plastic Jungle can help small businesses to instantly increase their profit margins!

Owning your own business can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling. You get to be your own boss, make your own hours and make money doing something you’re passionate about.

There are also risks and challenges involved as well. You might be the CEO and the VP of Marketing, and Human Resources, and Finance and Customer Service. You must manage ample cash flow, manage employees and manage the temptation to work 24 hours a day.

And in this economy, managing the bottom line is especially crucial. Here are some tips on how to tighten your budget:

Drop the Land Line and use your business’ existing broadband internet connection to route calls over the internet.

Pay Bills Online and save money on business checks and stamps.

Utilize Free Software like Google Docs or OpenOffice.

Buy Refurbished Office Equipment for printers, faxes and computers.

Save Electricity with fluorescent lighting and turn off all your electrical appliances at the end of each day.

Maximize Free Publicity with press releases, social networking and customer referrals.

Go Paperless and send newsletters, forms and invoices through email.

Renegotiate Your Lease to a lower rent while vacancies are high or consider working out of a home office.

Contract Out Services, such as Virtual Office Support for administrative tasks and save on payroll and health benefits.

Find Wiggle Room on Your Insurance Plan and see how your agent can lower your fees.

Brown Bag It and bring your lunch every day.

AND GUESS WHAT?

Plastic Jungle can help small business save money, too!

You can buy discounted gift cards for up to 35% off and instantly increase your profit margins.

If you are a Builder, Sub-contractor or Handyman:

Buy discounted Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware gift cards and you can save at least 6% off! Add any rebates or in-store promotions and watch your profitability multiply.

If you are an Interior Designer:

Buy discounted gift cards to CB2, Crate & Barrel, Ikea, Pier 1 Imports or Pottery Barn. You can save up to 20% on kitchen purchases at Ikea now and Restoration Hardware is currently offering a “Bed and Bath Event” where you can save an additional 25% off.

If you are a Restaurant Owner:

Buy discounted gift cards to Albertsons, BevMo, Costco, HEB Grocery Store, Safeway and Trader Joe’s. Join BevMo’s ClubBev! and get a 5% Savings Reward – every time your total spending reaches $250, they’ll send you a 5% savings Reward! And check out HealthyLifeDeals.com for current coupons at Trader Joe’s – this week’s deals include $1.00 off Rudis Organic Hot Dog Buns (6ct, normally $2.99) or $1.00 off Morningstar Patties, links or bacon (regular price $3.39).

If you are a Seamstress or Artist:

Get your fabric and art supplies using discounted gift cards to Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics or Michael’s. Sign up for Michael’s Weekly Ad to get additional savings on over 100 products each week!

And For Every Small Business Owner:

Whether it’s paper, pencils, filing or storage, small business owners can stock up on all their office supplies using discounted gift cards from Office Depot, Office Max, Staples or The Container Store. At Office Depot, if you join their Worklife Rewards® program and present your Member number every time you shop, you’ll receive 10% back in Rewards on ink, toner, paper and copy and print services. Membership is FREE and can be processed online, in any Office Depot store, or by phone at 1.866.322.3225.

Owning a small business is not just another job.  It’s a completely different lifestyle. Let Plastic Jungle make your life a little easier with our discounted gift cards.