Share the Joy of Savings! AARP Rewards Community Contest 2025

[AARPTeri]

This season, we want you to share the joy of saving!  Let’s hear from YOU!  Tell us how you save using the AARP Rewards program to make the holidays brighter!  Whether it’s stacking points, redeeming rewards for gifts, or stretching their budget during the holidays. Simply reply to the post to enter with your tip, idea, or story (50 -100 words) on how you save using the AARP Rewards porgram. 

Entry period is from November 3rd through December 12, 2025.  Official Rules - https://community.aarp.org/t5/AARP-Rewards-Connect/Share-the-Joy-of-Saving-Contest-2025-CONTEST-OFFI... 

[KimberlyH227324]

I enjoy winning and collecting gift cards so I can save them for the holiday season. I enjoy gift giving and the savings I get from giving gifts to others! It's a win, win for everyone!

[CarlaB311869]

I I hope this is as easy as it sounds !

[mikeandlavada]

 I experienced the "joy of savings" this year by taking advantage of Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale prices and paying for gifts with AARP Rewards gift cards. I sent gift baskets to our family and friends (local and across the country) using the 1-800-Flowers family of companies (includes Harry & David's) and saved 30-50% on each gift. You can only use one gift card per order, so I did separate orders for each gift basket. I paid a flat rate for an annual membership to the shipping club which gave me free shipping after the first order.

[BarbaraR236036]

Good grief! How did you get so many points? I've got about 3000 and I can't get anything worthwhile for that amount. The lower tier of awards are not worth anything. A print out on how to make lists? We are old-- please, I mastered that by the time I was 10!

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[SereneSeagull]

You did well with your rewards!  Nice!

[Lizp1778]

my family is growing with more grandkids. I’m glad bc it gives me future hope for all of us. But prices have grown,too. So I could use some help. Please consider my situation 

[SereneSeagull]

What fun things do you use your rewards on?

[MayaD912325]

Times have been very financially difficult. I'm working one full-time job and 2 part-time jobs. Many of my annual premiums are due this time of year (homeowners insurance, home warranty, pet insurance). My homeowners insurance increased by more than 50%. So I'm shopping around to decrease some of these expenses. I was able to get a great discount using AARP on a new home warranty policy. These savings will help my situation. And I can stretch my money to afford a few more Christmas gifts.

[DonnaZ719936]

I enjoy see the featured gift cards each week in the Rewards Section. I  am usually enticed into entering the Sweepstakes for a chance to win, or to purchase a discounted gift card.

I then go back & read & watch the videos to earn points. There are so many interesting facts, that I visit the site almost daily!

[WebWiseWoman]

I like to think I share the AARP savings when I buy my family members life-time AARP memberships on their 50th birthday.

So far, based only on myself, my mom, an aunt, bro and sis, believe that to be double-digit thousands; no way to actually calculate as we all use our discounts differently, but that is also of course one of the great benefits; not one size fits all.

[SereneSeagull]

That is so very cool that you do that!

[DrDBrownPT]

I love using AARP Rewards to make the holidays brighter by gifting savings to others – colleagues and friends. I redeem points for gift cards and discounts, which lets me share thoughtful gifts without stretching my budget. It’s not just about saving money; it’s about spreading joy and showing appreciation in meaningful ways. Every reward I use feels like a little bonus that helps me celebrate generosity during the season. Sharing these savings makes the holidays more special for everyone!

[CassidyW985605]

I enjoy using AARP rewards to purchase e-cards as stocking stuffers for friends and seniors at my Senior Center.  It was tough during when the SNAP benefits were on hold. I often was lucky and won some of the instant daily games so I would pass along my e-cards to those who needed some extra help. I'm so glad AARP offers this and it allows me to help others without too much strain on my own finances. Please continue with all the wonderful rewards and sweepstakes.

[LisaS961881]

     What a thoughtful gesture!   Paying it forward to others in need creates a ripple of kindness in a world fraught with uncertainty. 

[kwells13]

My giving story starts early in January where I start collecting for my Samaritan purse shoeboxes to be delivered in November. I check out goodwill and stores with discounts for school supplies and we have a local person who sells overstock from pallets that have lots of good items for shoeboxes. It makes my heart so happy to deliver 30-50 shoeboxes that find children around the world. They hear the word of Jesus and then are able to open their boxes. Imagine that this may be their first toy. Just seeing the joy on their faces in the video makes my holiday bright.

[Pureleaficetea2301]

I myself do some things a tad differently + don't know if this falls into this kind of category, but I love 2 celebrate + enjoy the Christmas season while always putting the Thanks + Blessings into everything I am able 2 do or physically able 2 handle at Christmas, besides getting all the information on scams, all the great + fantastic tips,+ stories from team AARP. I get the honor + privilege of getting 2 ring the bell 4 the red kettle of the salvation army, but not just at Christmas, but at other times during the year when called upon or needed if my time permits. I always try 2 make + put the folks at ease + comfortable by not 2 trying 2 coming across like an ogre demanding that they give something with a Big Smile + a little chit chat if need be + always talk with the children + love to pass out my little candy canes that I try 2 bring with me. No it's not a bribe because I give them out regardless if you donate or not, it's just something that I've loved to do w/o any guidance or rules dictating me 2 do it. The other thing I just love doing and have a stack of $2 dollar bills anywhere from 15-30 depending on how much I can spare or scrape up. I put the $2 bill into one of those holiday money holders you can buy at the dollar store, I usually stock up after Christmas on them when they are discounted for the next few years. I then go into the mall, parking lots, supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, restaurants + pass the envelopes out to the children but I try to give them to newborns up to 4-6, because anyone else is a tad 2 old for me and have actually had complaints of is that all you have, what will I do with $2.00, as this came from a 10, 6, 8 year old + I felt like do do + that I was letting the little ones down so I then decided to just limit the age up 2 6, but, I always ask the parent/s before I do, because getting their approval is my key + w/o it, which I have had the last few years from 1-5 families. I guess they think I wanted something in return, which I do,(A Great Big Smile:-) on the Children's Face). I do this because I feel obligated to do so + actually started this while in the military + continued my whole 20+ years + still ongoing, but, just getting a tad older + slower, but the Good Lord is keeping me up + going strong. AARP is one of the main reasons I do what I do + have been doing 4 years prior with all they have done 4 the Seniors + really 4 anyone who wanted information on this great organization that keeps on pushing forward, striving + moving upwards 4 the good cause. I usually give a bag full of goodies 2 my eye doc, reg doc, dentist + eye doctor loaded with 1-2 cans of popcorn + plenty of candy, candy, candy + cookies, + yes, before you ask me, I do include some sugar free candy as well for the non sugar folks, + while I'm out + about I love to pass it on by when going through drive-thru pay for 2-4 cars behind me, not knowing how many folks are in it, I can't always afford 2 do this + only usually do it once or twice a year, because the prices of everything going up and my pay going down with taxes. I'm not here to try + brag of any kind of good cheer that I may bring or do because I don't do + can't honestly do that, because of what I do is only between me + the Good Lord above + I don't want anything from anybody but just the fact 2 try or maybe try 2 make someone's day or holiday just a little brighter + cheerful. I don't plan + I usually just do things spontaneously sometimes w/o a rhyme or reason. It's just how I roll day in + day out, if the Good Lords Willing + The Creek Don't Rise. I just want to Thank AARP for all that you do + continue 2 do 4 the young seniors of the past, today, + our future. I'm sorry:-( if this is the wrong place 4 this + I apologize 4 taking up anyone or anybody's time wasted on my little post. God Bless the USA + God Bless Each of you + your families. Merry Christmas + I hope Y'all have a Nice Safe New Year.  Blessings.  Mr. Mike

[SereneSeagull]

Mr Mike, I applaud all that you do for people!  Love that you ring the kettle bell, and the many things you do to brighten people’s day!  
and loved your gift giving of $2.00 bills.  That’s great!

[NMSimpson]

 I enjoy using AARP rewards to purchase e-cards as stocking stuffers for friends and seniors at my Senior Center.  It was tough during when the SNAP benefits were on hold. I often was lucky and won some of the instant daily games so I would pass along my e-cards to those who needed some extra help. I'm so glad AARP offers this and it allows me to help others without too much strain on my own finances. Please continue with all the wonderful rewards and sweepstakes.  Holiday Blessings to all. 

[lj9807492]

When Starbucks gift cards are offered for points purchases, I always get them (before they sell out) and save them up to use toward their bagged coffee. During the holidays, when visiting friends or family, I take one for a hostess gift. They sure seem to appreciate it more than wine, especially since coffee prices have increased so much this year. Depending on how many gift cards I have, sometimes a bag of Starbucks only costs me a few dollars. And, of course, I also use other gift cards: Bath and Body Works, Barnes and Nobel, Michaels, etc. to put toward Christmas gift purchases. Sure makes it a lot easier on my wallet and lets me spread the joy a little more.

[ap34783653]

I save using the AARP Rewards program by earning points on simple everyday activities—like quizzes, videos, and tool check-ins—and then redeeming those points for discounts on gift cards, travel, and everyday purchases. The program also gives me access to special member-only deals, so I can stretch my budget a little further without much effort. It’s an easy way to turn small actions into real savings.

[EmilyM634695]

Looking out for the best deals and then sticking to my budget. Only prioritizing what I need! Use AARP to try out the instant wins and look for deals available in my area. 

[debonanni]

I was skeptical of the instant wins - and never used to play them.  For some reason, I tried it one day and WOW!  I won a $10 Barnes & Noble egift card.  That got me hooked - and now I earn as many points as I can doing quizzes, and have won a second instant win for the D&W Shoe 

warehouse.  I will be using these as gifts for my family - they will make great stocking stuffers.  I learn from doing the quizzes, and have fun playing the instant win spins.  I call that a true WIN WIN scenario.  Thank you!!!

[SereneSeagull]

That’s great you’ve won on those!

[cboll1962]

Make a list

check it twice

Stick to your list

[DarylF585551]

Coupons and sales are the way we save as much as possible. Also, shopping early. 

[marcymyers]

AARP has enabled me to save quite a lot with gift cards and discounts and online tips and strategies it's actually been very beneficial in so many ways I love the learning modules and especially the recipes! Thanks AARP for everything you do for the senior population.

[ks72184067]

I enjoy taking the quizzes, finding recipes, playing games and leading each day with AARP rewards, and then turning the points into chances to win sweepstakes or turn in some points for gift cards. Even a $5 gift card is like a $5 coupon, most people wouldn't turn that down. I have a very low income so being able to save money on Daily Deals and use points for some $5 gift cards to give to family and friends for birthday presents or for the holidays, makes me feel good, and everyone always appreciates I'm thinking about them and that also includes my grandfurbabies. 

[SusananneC882271]

  I' m always trying to learn new things as it keeps life interesting. So the quizes and videos are one of many places I do this. Plus I like to try to win gift cards to places I frequent. 

[mmaandf]

  I enjoy earning the points doing quizes and watching videos, it keeps my mind alert.  I use the points to enter the sweepstakes hoping to win some day.  Thanks for all the great and interesting learning opportunities.