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dealnews.com - where everyday is Black Friday. We bring you the best deals, coupons, and promotional offers from over 2,000 online retailers every day.

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dealnews.com - where everyday is Black Friday. We bring you the best deals, coupons, and promotional offers from over 2,000 online retailers every day.

The 5 Best Gift Card Deals

Gift cards are the easiest go-to present, especially when you don't know what to buy your giftee. Additionally, gift cards often come with bonuses or are sold at a discount, making the value even better!

Do you have ones you don't want, or can't use? Then see our guide on how to sell gift cards.

Check out our top five gift card deals below, and be sure to bookmark this page — we'll be updating the offers weekly!

What Are Gift Card Freebies?

Gift card freebies are incredibly popular — but just around the holidays, typically. They're often buy one, get one deals, with restaurants and retailers offering "bonus cards" with select gift card purchases. Popular promotions include a $5 reward for buying a $25 gift card, a $10 reward for buying $50 in gift cards, and even higher amounts for larger purchases.

SEE ALSO: The 123 Best Birthday Freebies in 2019: Get Free Stuff Just for Showing Up!

Just be sure to read the fine print with these gift card deals. While the extra perks are great, you can often only redeem them during a certain period of time, and it tends to be within the first few months of the new year.

Also, be aware that your mileage may vary when it comes to these deals. In some cases, no end date will be announced, or it may be up to individual stores to decide if they want to honor an offer. When in doubt, call ahead to ask if the promotion is valid.

We'll go back to rounding up these BOGO offers when they return, but for now, here are the best gift card deals of the week.

The 5 Best Gift Card Deals This Week

Readers, what are the best gift card deals you've scored lately? Let us know in the comments below!

The 123 Best Birthday Freebies in 2019: Get Free Stuff Just for Showing Up!

If your birthday is coming up, don't rely on friends and family — treat yourself! Numerous retailers offer birthday freebies, coupons, or discounts on or around your big day, or even for your entire birthday month. These offers might not save you a ton, but who doesn't love free birthday stuff?

Check out our massive list of the best 2019 birthday freebies below. You'll find offers from major retailers and restaurants alike, all in a handy chart for you to consult before your big day arrives.

How to Get Birthday Freebies

While you can redeem select freebies by walking in and showing your ID, this isn't the case for most of them. Instead, you'll have to sign up for mailing lists or rewards programs, and then wait for your savings to come via email or snail mail. You might also have to download apps in order to take advantage of certain retailers' birthday freebies.

SEE ALSO: The 152 Best Military Discounts in 2019

For any program that doesn't provide a paper copy of an offer, be ready to present your ID as proof that it's your birthday. Deals can also vary from location to location; you might even find retailers that aren't on this list who are willing to give you a special perk on your birthday. It can't hurt to ask!

Once your birthday has passed, be sure to check out other ways to get free stuff every day of the year! And if you're affiliated with the military, see all the military discounts you can get, too.

Readers, what are your favorite birthday freebies? Let us know in the comments below!

5 Deals You Need to Know Today: These Columbia Hiking Shoes Cost More than Double Elsewhere

Hit the trails again with these highly-discounted Columbia hiking shoes. Check out this offer and more in our roundup of the top five Editors' Choice deals we found last night and this morning.

Spring is in the air and we're on the hunt for a new pair of hiking shoes for the season. Just in time, this Venture pair from Columbia have dropped to significantly less than half the price of any other store — $60 less to be precise! If you sign up for a free Greater Rewards membership, your order will even ship for free. They're available in most sizes from 7.5 to 15.

Click here to see more shoe deals.

If you're shopping discounted garb to add to your spring closet, this INC knit has fallen to an Editors' Choice-worthy $13.96. That's almost $50 off its original list price, and a great deal for a cotton sweater. It's available in most sizes from S to XXL.

Click here to see more sweater deals.

You might not need a top-of-the-range tablet that costs a kidney, but are looking for an older model that can surf the web and do the basics. In which case, this iPad 2 is cheap and cheerful and even costs $25 less than any other refurb elsewhere today.

Note: The iPad 2 is no longer supported by Apple and won't run iOS 10. A 90-day A4C warranty applies.

Click here to see more iPad deals.

If you'd like to test the water with smart home tech, this Editors' Choice discount on the TP-Link Kasa kit is a great way to do so. Shop it at B&H, where it's selling for 50% less than any other store. Each unit is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as the Kasa Smart App for iOS and Android devices.

Note: It's temporarily out of stock but can be ordered now. (It's expected to ship in 7 to 14 business days.)

Click here to see more smart home deals.

Although it's not the newest tech on the market, this price drop on the LG V20 puts the 2016 phone at the best price we've seen, and at $62 less than any other store. It was described by CNET as the ideal phone for concert-goers as it "records really high-quality audio."

It features a 5.7" 2560x1440 touchscreen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 2.2GHz quad-core CPU, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, 16MP rear- and 8MP front-facing cameras, 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth, and Android OS 7.0 (Nougat).

Note: No warranty information is provided, but the seller offers free 30-day returns.

Click here to see more phone deals.

Best Sneaker Deals: Editors' Choice Discounts on adidas and New Balance

This week's best sneaker deals include Editors' Choice-worthy lows on adidas and New Balance kicks, while the highly-reviewed Astra Escalantes drop to half their original price.

The adidas Speed Trainer line is a popular and well-reviewed collection, and if you don't mind going back to 2017's 3.0 release you're in for some significant savings with this deal. The pair hasn't just dropped to an Editors' Choice -worthy all-time low, but the brand's eBay storefront is selling the pair for at least $20 less than anywhere else. They're available in select sizes 4.5 to 11.

The Altra Escalantes were released in 2017 for $120, and even at that high price received excellent reviews for their style, grip, and fit. They've now dropped to almost half that original price earning them our Editors' Choice nod and putting them into contention for this week's very best sneaker deal. They're available in select men's sizes from 8 to 14 and select women's sizes from 6.5 to 10.5.

Joe's New Balance Outlet is by far your best spot to shop for New Balance sneakers, and this Editors' Choice discount on the Lazr collection proves just why. Each pair of the men's or women's style is selling for at least $10 less than any other store (including the manufacturer.) They're available in select women's sizes from 5 to 15.5 and men's sizes from 8 to 14.

Long-distance runners may favor the Nike's Winflo 5 sneakers as Running Shoe Guru calls out the shoe's "padded heel" and "sturdy grip" as highlights of the design. They're also easy on your budget too, and are selling for $21 less than anywhere else at Kohl's (despite the relatively hefty shipping fee.) They're available in limited sizes — from 5 to 6.

A big-brand style that's edging on half price is the Nike Tessen sneaker. The men's Olive pair has dropped by $9 since its last listing on our site to its best-ever price. (You'll have to pad your order over $35 to get pickup to avoid the hefty $9.95 shipping fee though.) They come in select sizes from 7.5 to 12 and are selling fast, so head to cart quick if you're interested.

When Is the Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale?

A Bath & Body Works sale isn't uncommon, but the best time to stock up at the chain is during its semi-annual sales. Fortunately, it's pretty consistent about the timing of these events, as well as the kinds of discounts it offers. Read on for everything you need to know about Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sales.

And be sure to check out our guide on how to shop semi-annual sales, so you can make the most of these events.

When Is the Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale?

While a Bath & Body Works sale can happen at any time, the big semi-annual sales occur around the same days in June and December every year. The last couple of years, the summer sale has kicked off on June 4, which leads us to believe it'll do so again in 2019. Additionally, the summer sale should last until the end of the month or even go into early July. Last year's summer semi-annual sale continued until July 5.

What about the winter Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sale? Well, it tends to kick off on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or the day after Christmas. The sale then lasts through the second or third week of January, giving you plenty of time to stock up on all your favorite cold-weather scents.

What Discounts Will You See?

Whether you shop the summer sale, the winter one, or both, you're likely to find discounts of at least 50%. The maximum discount we've seen is for up to 75% off. A Bath & Body Works coupon sometimes gets added in, too, such as one taking an extra 20% off select orders. The retailer has previously offered free shipping on select purchases, as well.

What Will Be on Sale?

Often the discounts apply sitewide, giving you an excellent chance to snag all your aromatic favorites. Specifically, we tend to see specialty body care items and the popular 3-wick candles go for 50% off. Also look for hand soaps and similar items to start at only $3 each. Additionally, fragrances — both ones for the home and perfumes — tend to be part of the sale.

SEE ALSO: How to Shop Semi-Annual Sales

How to Get Bath & Body Works Free Shipping

Bath & Body Works doesn't always offer free shipping. However, sales are usually a good chance to take advantage of this perk, which tends to apply to minimum orders between $30 and $50. Those amounts might seem high, but considering the retailer's regular shipping prices, it's a pretty decent deal. (Normally you'll spend $4 or $9.99 on shipping for orders under $10, or $5.99 on orders over $10.)

Readers, what do you shop for at the Bath & Body Works Semi-Annual Sales? Let us know in the comments below!

Best Phone Deals: Save $100 on the iPhone XR

Whether you're an avid Apple or Android fan, this week's best phone deals include something to suit all tastes and budgets. We've seen a $100 low on the iPhone XR, while the Samsung Galaxy S8 falls to its best-ever price.

Discounts on the latest iPhones are always interesting to watch, and if you've held off on the well-reviewed XR for this long, you can now snag this Editors' Choice deal from Boost Mobile for basically an even $100 less than you'd pay on any other network.

This recently released iPhone features an A12 Bionic chip (shared with the higher-end iPhone XS), 6.1" Liquid Retina 1792x828 LCD display, advanced face ID, a single-lens, 12MP rear camera with depth control and Smart HDR, a 7MP front camera with Animoji and Memoji, dual SIM card slots, and iOS 12.

Note: You can opt for the 128GB option for $699.99, or the 256GB for $799.99.

Android loyalists who'd rather opt for a recent-generation Galaxy phone should consider going refurbished with this deal. It's not only an all-time low for the phone, but this refurb is $232 cheaper than what you'd pay for a new, unlocked phone anywhere else today. Features include a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 8-core CPU, 5.8" 2960x1440 Super AMOLED touchscreen LCD, 4GB of RAM, 64GB internal storage, 12MP rear- and 8MP front-facing cameras, 4K video recording, and Android 7.0 (Nougat).

Note: No warranty information is provided., but the seller offers free returns for 30 days. These units have an LCD shadow, but are otherwise fully functional.

The LG Q6 isn't just good for the clumsy (thanks to its lauded drop-resistant design), but the budget-conscious can also rejoice as its fallen to an all-time, and Editors' Choice-worthy low. (No pun intended.) Most other stores are actually charging double NeweggFlash's price! Features include an 5.5" 2160x1080 display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 435 1.4GHz octa-core CPU, 3GB of RAM, 32GB storage, dual 13MP HDR cameras, and Android 7.1.1 (Nougat).

This Apple-refurbished iPhone X undercuts the price of a new one by $81. So while you may see third-party refurbs for less, they don't include the 1-year Apple warranty that applies here (the same warranty as new units), making this a great way to save on a recent model without skimping on safeguards. It also includes a new battery and outer shell, making it very similar to the physical condition of new units.

If you'd rather avoid signing up to a lengthy phone contract, but don't want the expense of a high-end unlocked model, this Editors' Choice deal on the LG Fiesta 2 is for you. It comes bundled with an annual plan, which includes 1,200 minutes of talk-time and 1,200 texts, and still only costs $79.99 — that's a $45 price low all combined. Features include a 5.5" 1280x720 HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 quad-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, 16GB internal storage, 13MP rear- and 5MP front-facing cameras, 4,500 mAh battery, and Android 7.0 Nougat.

Additional reporting in this blog by Alan Byrne.

Can You Trust the Better Business Bureau?

You've probably seen the small blue logo on the websites of businesses you frequent. The minimalist-style torch — sometimes with an accompanying letter grade — signifies that the business in question has been rated and reviewed by the Better Business Bureau, a nonprofit with a vision of "an ethical marketplace where buyers and sellers trust each other."

SEE ALSO: Amazon Quietly Killed a Popular Prime Shipping Perk

But can the BBB be trusted by consumers?

Its accreditation system seems to favor businesses willing and able to shell out big bucks for a good grade. And multiple controversies surround the BBB's rating system, plus its complaint submission process doesn't always provide results. With so many glaring issues, the faith consumers once held in the BBB may have reached its breaking point.

How Does a Business Become BBB Accredited?

The BBB uses its own accreditation standards, which are built on the BBB Standards for Trust. These eight principles "summarize important elements of creating and maintaining trust in business."

The accreditation standards serve as a baseline code for all businesses that apply to become accredited. Some of the qualifiers include establishing and maintaining a positive track record in a business's local marketplace, advertising honestly, maintaining transparency, and — perhaps most importantly — addressing consumer complaints "quickly, professionally, and in good faith."

After a business submits an application to become accredited, the BBB investigates to ensure the company meets their standards and grades each one that applies. However, being an accredited business with the BBB comes at a cost... literally.

Businesses wanting to display that blue torch on their websites and marketing materials must pay an annual fee. Small businesses with up to 100 employees generally have to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per year; larger companies could pay upwards of $10,000 annually.

How Do BBB Complaints Work?

If you feel you've been maligned by a particular business, you can submit a complaint to the BBB. The organization handles "disputes that relate to marketplace issues experienced with the services or products a business provides." These complaints do not include disputes or disagreements between employers and employees, discrimination issues, complaints against government agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service, or matters that have been brought to court.

SEE ALSO: What to Do When Your Food Is Recalled

After you file your complaint with the BBB, "everything you submit will be forwarded to the business within two business days," according to the nonprofit. The business then has 14 days to respond to your complaint. If a response isn't received, the BBB will make a second request. According to the BBB online complaint system, complaints are usually mediated and closed within 30 business days.

On the surface, this process seems simple enough: the unhappy consumer files a formal complaint with the BBB, and they receive a response (and hopefully a solution to) the problem after about a month. However, the system isn't as straightforward as it seems.

Are BBB Ratings Reliable?

A 2015 investigative report from CNNMoney found more than 100 businesses that were not as credible as their BBB ratings of A- or higher made them seem. In fact, many of them were being investigated by the government for fraudulent or other illegal behavior at the time of the reporting.

The report suggests accredited members of the BBB are at a significant advantage, even if their businesses aren't trusted by their customer base. Additionally, the rating system seems to be "seriously flawed."

What does this mean, exactly? Essentially, accredited businesses have it easier when it comes to resolving complaints from consumers. A caveat of maintaining BBB accreditation (as well as a high grade) is that businesses resolve any complaints in a timely manner — but it doesn't mean the "resolution" is real.

The CNNMoney report found that members of the BBB were able to close complaints with "generic letters and responses that consumers say clearly don't address their problem." However, nonmembers — especially small businesses — with decent grades were sometimes left with drastic drops in their ratings after complaints went unnoticed. Even more telling, the report found that official complaints filed with the BBB had little to no effect on an accredited company's grade.

What Are the Best BBB Alternatives?

Fortunately for consumers, a number of alternative resources are available. Potential customers looking for ratings and reviews of a business can always turn to online rating sites like Yelp, Angie's List or Google Reviews.

While businesses can elect to pay for advertising on websites like Yelp, the reviews left on these sites are written by other consumers and aren't determined by an outside organization like the BBB.

However, if a concrete verification of trustworthiness is important to you, companies like Trust Guard — through its Business Verified service — offer an alternative seal of approval for businesses. Unlike the BBB, Trust Guard handles disputes in private, has set pricing for its services, and doesn't have time restrictions for businesses setting up their account. (The BBB requires that companies be in business for at least six months before they can become accredited.)

At the end of the day, your time may be better suited to checking a business's online reviews, even if they have a high grade from the BBB. While you should take every Yelp or Google review with a grain of salt, reading hopefully honest feedback from fellow consumers may help you more than trusting a BBB grade that could potentially be misleading.

Readers, do you trust the BBB? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

5 Power Tools That Every Home Should Have

So you have work to do around the house, and you know you need power tools. But which ones are the most essential? We're here to tell you which tools will make your DIY life easier.

3 Quick Tips for Buying Power Tools

Before we get to the must-have tools, here are a few tips on how to shop smart when you're looking for power tools.

Pick One Brand of Cordless Tool

For most DIYers — and an increasing number of professionals — cordless tools provide more than enough oomph and longevity to get the job done. But batteries don't swap between brands, so once you buy one tool, it's expensive to switch brands. Buy with intention.

Know That Premium Tools May Last Longer

The nature of power tools means you're unlikely to hand them down to your kids, but that's no reason to buy into planned obsolescence. Store-brand combo deals might be tempting — they whisper, "Buy me and you get a flashlight, too!" But you get what you pay for, and power tools are no exception. Spend a little more and keep your tools for years. A few professional-grade brands include Milwaukee, Bosch, and Makita.

Consider 'Bare Tools'

Walk away from the big box stores. A mechanic told us how he buys premium tools for a fraction of the big box price — and sometimes for less than their store-brand tools. So what do you do? Buy on-brand chargers and well-reviewed, off-brand batteries on Amazon, and then look to eBay for "bare tools" — tools sold without batteries.

SEE ALSO: Everything You Need to Know About Buying Secondhand Tools

The amount you save varies, depending on the specific tool you're buying and the specials the big boxes are running. Our research suggests you'll always save at least a couple of bucks — but sometimes as much as 50%.

The 5 Best Power Tools to Own

Enough with the preamble. Here are the essential power tools every home should have, in the order we think you need them.

Cordless Drill

Why You Need It
You probably know the drill/driver by its common name: "a drill." It lets you drill holes and turn bolts and screws, and that's about it — but that's a lot of the work you do around the house.

Need to put shelves up? You'll want this tool. Need to take the cover off your HVAC unit? You'll encounter what seems like 18,000 screws, and you can loosen them all by hand — or take them off in a few seconds with the magic of electrics. Getting into Kreg Jig woodworking? You'll need this.

Which to Buy
Two sorts of drill/drivers are available: brushless drill/drivers and hammer drills. Hammer drills don't just spin, they also hammer — and thus are suitable for drilling into brick and masonry. If you anticipate mostly drilling into wood, drywall, or other relatively soft materials, you don't need to spend the extra money.

Handheld Rotary Tool

Why You Need It
There are so many different uses for rotary tools. You can drill tiny holes, sand/buff/polish, cut pipes, etch glass — and if you run out of ideas, Pinterest has you covered. Rotary tools are handy for everything from automotive field repair to DIY projects.

Which to Buy
Dremel may have name recognition, but check out the Wen 2305. It comes with a flex shaft, and can sell for a quarter or half of the price of a Dremel on Amazon. More than 2,200 5-star Amazon reviews probably aren't wrong. (Bonus: It's compatible with Dremel accessories, so you can buy accessories locally if you need something right away.)

Cordless Circular Saw

Why You Need It
If you need wood to be shorter, you probably need a circular saw — especially if you don't have room in your house for a table saw (and who does?). Whether you use it to cut long sheets of plywood, cut boards for shelves, or cut two-by-fours down to size, the circular saw is your friend.

SEE ALSO: 7 Winter Home Improvements That Will Lower Your Heating Bills

Which to Buy
Circular saws come in a variety of sizes. The most popular size for cordless saws is 6 ½", and it's the size you should buy. Useful options include laser guides (see what you're about to cut) and electric brakes (stops the blade faster after you release the trigger). Note: Circular saws chew through batteries, so bring spares and a charger for big jobs.

Palm Sander

Why You Need It
Random orbit sanders measuring 5" and smaller are typically referred to as palm sanders, but you can call them elbow savers. If you need to sand any amount of material, you're going to need one of these. It'll replace hours of scrubbing and sore elbows with a tool that's almost fun to use.

Which to Buy
You can get cordless palm sanders, but it adds weight and bulk to a relatively small tool. We recommend corded versions; handle a few and see which you prefer. Buy more sandpaper than you think you'll need.

Wet/Dry Vacuum

Why You Need It
This might not fit the definition of a traditional power tool, but try sucking up water from a burst pipe with your cute bagless vacuum — and then check out our vacuum cleaner deals, because you're about to buy a new one. A quality wet/dry vac will handle all the messes you make with your other power tools, plus multi-gallon liquid spills and stain dilution.

Which to Buy
Shop-Vac is the iconic brand, but Armor All has released a 2.5 gallon wet/dry vac that's getting rave reviews, and it tends to sell for less than the Shop-Vac vacuums. If you don't mind emptying the wet/dry vac every 2.5 gallons, it seems like a good deal to us.

What do you think, readers? What power tools have you found indispensable for your DIY projects? Let us know in the comments!

Best 4K TV Deals: A Huge 86" LG TV at an Editors' Choice Low

This week's best TV deals selection includes Editors' Choice offers on an LG 86" monster set, or the brand's 65" entry-level OLED TV.

A beefy Dell gift card makes this best-ever price on the LG 86UK6570PUB even more tempting – we'll happily call this $650 savings an Editors' Choice deal. RTings called it a "good 4K IPS TV with wide viewing angles and outstanding low input lag". Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native solution, 4K Active HDR (supports Dolby Vision, HDR10, & HLG), 802.11ac wireless, Bluetooth 4.2, webOS (with access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, more), three USB 2.0 ports, and four HDMI inputs.

CNET loved the LG OLED65B8PUA's "spectacular image quality", as well as its "perfect black levels, superb uniformity, wide viewing angles, accurate color and a great bright-room picture". So with that high praise, and a rock-bottom record low price, this TV more than earns its Editors' Choice stripes. Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, LG ThinQ artificial intelligence, 4K cinema HDR, voice control, 802.11ac wireless, three USB ports, and four HDMI inputs.

Don't think you'll find a use for the gift cards above? Vizio fans can look to Walmart, who is offering the smaller D50x-G9 for substantially less. Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, support for HDR10 & HLG, 802.11ac wireless, SmartCast OS with Chromecast (with access to Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video, more), USB port, three HDMI inputs, and remote control via mobile device with the SmartCast app.

We've listed the popular Samsung UN82NU8000FXZA three times in Feburary, and it's dropped by $50 over the course of the month, leaving it at this Editors' Choice all-time low. PCMag said it offers "premium design, plenty of connected features, and a wide color range". Features include a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, 120Hz native refresh rate, HDR10, HDR10+, & HLG, WiFi, Bluetooth, Smart TV with Bixby Voice (with access to Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, more), two USB ports, and four HDMI inputs.

A final budget option, for those with plenty of space to fill but without the megabucks for an OLED set, the JVC LT-55MA877 offers a sizable 55" at $150 off its list price. It features a 3840x2160 (4K) native resolution, three HDMI inputs, and USB 2.0.

Note: The 58" version is available for just $10 more.

Your Phone's Parental Controls Aren't Enough! Use This App Instead

The digital world provides benefits for users of all ages. Unfortunately, it comes with just as many downsides, and there's a real need to safeguard children and teens from potential cyber dangers.

But keeping an eye on digital activities presents its own frustrations. Most mobile and desktop platforms include native parental controls, but they usually fall short in many ways. Maybe they're not restrictive enough, don't offer enough control, or are just tedious to deal with.

Several third-party options are out there, too, and one of the most highly rated is Qustodio, an app that you download on both your and your kids' devices. While a free version is available, you'll have more options with the paid tiers.

Control It All From One App

Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks to native parental controls is that they typically require so many steps. Often you have to take each app in a device individually and set restrictions one by one. This includes choosing the content kids can view and download on app stores, or going into each app to turn off certain types of information or allowances.

Third-party apps also might not be available across all major platforms. While odds are good you can find an app available on both iOS and Android, extending that to a Mac or Windows device might be harder than you think.

Qustodio, however, is multiplatform, so it covers Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices, as well as Kindles. Plus, the software lets you monitor screen usage from the app on your own mobile device or through the online dashboard. It's a comprehensive solution to tracking your child's digital activities. That makes this in-depth process easier to manage.

Truly Block All the Bad Stuff

Every parental control app claims it can block inappropriate content. But many of them only go so far. For instance, your child might still see restricted content as a search result. Or they could even stumble across it through a direct link. Worried about your young reader finding books with explicit content? Some parental controls will keep your kids from accessing most adult content, though they won't catch everything.

Qustodio allows you to block certain apps, but you can also block specific domains, too. Even if your child is browsing in private or incognito mode, the software's smart filters will block inappropriate content by default, including sites related to gambling, violence, weapons, and other adult content. And Qustodio supports multiple mobile browsers, including Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. Additionally, you can block other browsers to keep your children from finding ways around being monitored.

Qustodio Does More Than Just Limit Access

While it's true you can block specific websites, apps, and games from your child's devices, Qustodio allows you to keep a watchful eye by monitoring their activity as well. Think of it as a digital babysitter, providing you with the ability to see detailed activity information about how your child uses devices, apps, social media, and the web, whether you opt to use the mobile app or the online dashboard.

Even better, you can supervise those activities in real time, which means you'll know what your child is doing and when. See what they're searching on Google, what websites they're visiting, and how much time they're spending on their digital activities. And, since it's available across all of your child's devices, that means they won't be able to circumvent your monitoring by using something else, like their Kindle instead of their phone.

Prevent Screen Addiction With Custom Controls

Many parental control apps provide the opportunity to set time limits. After all, it's widely believed now that children can develop harmful screen addictions — whether they're watching movies instead of doing their chores, or just playing the latest mobile game too much.

But restrictions on native controls aren't always wide-reaching. Maybe you can only set one usage limit — say, two hours a day — for the device as a whole. Or maybe you can set the usage by each app, but it has to be the same every single day. What if you want to allow more screen time during the weekend? You might have to toggle the restrictions off and on every time.

Fortunately, Qustodio allows you to tailor features like this with minute detail. You can set a usage schedule and choose restricted hours by highlighting them in red. Even better, you can select separate weekday and weekend time allowances to determine how long your child spends on a device.

Does your child put off homework until the last minute during the week? Set the max use to something short and sweet, then provide them with more screen time over the weekend. Qustodio takes it a step further, though, and also lets you determine what happens when your child hits their usage limit. For instance, you can choose to block the internet on all browsers, lock the device as a whole to prevent online and offline use, or receive an alert when they reach their limit.

If that all sounds perfect, know that a Premium Qustodio account allows you to set individual time schedules by device. (And with their ongoing offer, you can get 10% off Qustodio Premium via the coupon code "QUST10".) So if you want to encourage kids to spend more time reading, you can give them ample time on their Kindle, while cutting off phone access after a shorter amount of time.

Customize Games and Apps

Most parental controls give you some ability to block games and apps on devices. They also frequently allow you to set time limits for individual apps and websites. Unfortunately, native and third-party apps can require numerous steps and jumping back and forth, meaning you could easily skip over something you meant to block. Qustodio offers the controls you expect, but because you have access through just one app, blocking is much easier to manage.

Additionally, Qustodio's extended reporting allows you to keep a detailed eye on your kid's digital activities. You can have daily reports and weekly summaries sent to your email, so you can track your child's usage.

Get In-Depth Facebook Monitoring Tools

Kids can average anywhere from four-and-a-half hours to nine hours of screen time per day. With Qustodio, you can monitor just how much of that time is spent on social networks, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even WhatsApp.

Other parental control apps allow parents to block apps entirely or set specific time limits. Qustodio offers the added benefit of Advanced Facebook Monitoring, which lets you see not just how often your children are posting, but exactly what they're posting.

Keep an Eye on Calls and Texts

Most free parental control apps don't provide the ability to monitor personal activity. Generally, parents can't access call logs or text messages unless they contact their cell provider. Additionally, they won't see installed apps, browser history, or even the phone's location (particularly if the child turns that feature off).

SEE ALSO: When's the Best Time to Buy the Most Popular Smartphones?

If you have an Android device, then Qustodio allows you to handle all of that. You can view who's calling or sending messages, or even view the messages themselves. Plus, you can set blocked contacts if there's someone you don't want your child interacting with.

Know Where They Go

Mobile devices typically come with some form of location tracking, but disabling it is also very easy. Qustodio allows you to track your child's movements so you know where they are at all times. Unlike native settings or other third-party apps, your kids can't disable the location tracking to try and evade you.

And Give Them a Lifeline

Even if you can see where your child's phone is, that doesn't mean you'll know if they're in trouble. This is another way Qustodio can give peace of mind. If you use the Android version of the software, then it provides a Panic Button, so your child can send an SOS message that will alert you immediately to their physical location. When you set up the panic button, you can add up to four trusted contacts, who will continue to receive the SOS and child's location every five minutes. To stop the alert, your child will have to turn off panic mode or you'll have to disable it from the web portal yourself.

Providing a safer online experience for kids is at the top of many parents' priority lists. Fortunately, Qustodio makes it easy to supervise and manage your children's digital activities and bring you peace of mind.

The 5 Best Gift Card Deals

Gift cards are the easiest go-to present, especially when you don't know what to buy your giftee. Additionally, gift cards often come with bonuses or are sold at a discount, making the value even better!

Do you have ones you don't want, or can't use? Then see our guide on how to sell gift cards.

Check out our top five gift card deals below, and be sure to bookmark this page — we'll be updating the offers weekly!

What Are Gift Card Freebies?

Gift card freebies are incredibly popular — but just around the holidays, typically. They're often buy one, get one deals, with restaurants and retailers offering "bonus cards" with select gift card purchases. Popular promotions include a $5 reward for buying a $25 gift card, a $10 reward for buying $50 in gift cards, and even higher amounts for larger purchases.

SEE ALSO: How to Sell Gift Cards Online

Just be sure to read the fine print with these gift card deals. While the extra perks are great, you can often only redeem them during a certain period of time, and it tends to be within the first few months of the new year.

Also, be aware that your mileage may vary when it comes to these deals. In some cases, no end date will be announced, or it may be up to individual stores to decide if they want to honor an offer. When in doubt, call ahead to ask if the promotion is valid.

We'll go back to rounding up these BOGO offers when they return, but for now, here are the best gift card deals of the week.

The 5 Best Gift Card Deals This Week

Readers, what are the best gift card deals you've scored lately? Let us know in the comments below!

5 Deals You Need to Know Today: Save Over $80 on a North Face Jacket!

Prepare yourself for whatever weather spring is going to throw your way (and save a pretty penny in the process) with a North Face jacket. Check out this offer and more in our roundup of the top five Editors' Choice deals we found last night and this morning.

Despite Presidents' Day sales coming to an end last week, clearance sections at many stores are still brimming with discounts on apparel. For example, this North Face men's jacket at 6pm has dropped by $44 since we listed it last November and is now at an all-time low now. It's available in sizes L and XL only.

Click here to see more men's apparel deals.

If you're eager to breathe some new life into your sleeping quarters but don't really have the budget to match your aspirations, Walmart constantly offers up savings on a variety of interior design options. Why not bag a new nightstand for just $19.99? It's fallen by $5 since last week and is beating prices elsewhere by about $16.

Click here to see more furniture deals.

For the majority of us, winding down at the end of a long day can feel like an insurmountable task. Luckily, the benefits of weighted blankets for relaxation are well-documented and you can now pick one up for yourself without placing a strain on your wallet. This one at Walmart is at the best price we've seen and measures 40" x 60".

Click here to see more bedding deals.

With springtime about to officially begin, it's a good time to reinvigorate your shoe collection with some fresh styles. If you hurry over to Famous Footwear, you can bag yourself a pair of Sperry sneakers for less than half the price that other stores are charging. (Don't forget to sign up for its rewards program to get free shipping on your order.) They're available in sizes 7 to 13.

Click here to see more shoe deals.

Activewear is a competitive market at the moment. While plenty of high-end options are available, you more than likely want to work out without shelling out tonnes of bucks on your gear. That's why stores like 32 Degrees make great one-stop shops for savings. You can grab yourself a pair of leggings for only $5.99 shipped — saving yourself a tidy $10. They're available in select sizes from M to XL.

Click here to see more activewear deals.

How to Wash Cats, Pillows, and Other Awkward Items

One of the best ways to keep your spending in check is to take good care of the things you already have. That means keeping them clean, and cleaning them correctly (so you don't accidentally ruin them).

We researched 16 hard-to-clean items — everything from pillows to electric blankets to cats — so you'll know how to maintain them yourself, as well as when it's time to call a professional.

Pillows

If you wash your pillowcases as regularly as your sheets but don't wash the pillows themselves, your pillows are likely full of dead skin, dust mites, and mite feces. How's that for gross? Experts recommend washing your pillows at least twice each year, but how you do it depends on what material they're made of.

Synthetic and Down-Filled Pillows
To wash these pillows, you'll need a gentle liquid detergent and a few tennis balls or dryer balls. Wash them two at a time in the washer on a hot water cycle, and then dry them on low heat with the balls — that'll help to fluff up the pillows again. Most pillows made from these materials can go in the dryer, but check the care label beforehand to make sure.

Latex and Memory Foam Pillows
These pillows shouldn't go in the washer, and they definitely shouldn't go in the dryer. Hand-wash them with cold water and gentle detergent, then lay them flat to dry.

Hats

Between sweat, sunscreen, dirt, and oils from your hair, hats can get pretty grimy. Most types of hats shouldn't go in the washer or dryer, but check your care label — you might get lucky with some sturdy knits.

Baseball caps should be spot-cleaned, soaked, and then hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. To dry a cap, shape it and then set it on a head-sized item, like a large coffee can. Straw sun hats can be spot-treated, rinsed thoroughly, and dried in the sun. Finally, knit hats should be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent, and then laid flat to dry.

SEE ALSO: Should You Buy Pet Insurance in 2019?

Cats

A word of caution: Washing your cat will not prolong their life, generally speaking, but it may shorten yours.

Cats are pretty good at keeping themselves clean, but sometimes they need a little help from their humans. If your cat has fleas or ringworm, is elderly or obese, frequently ventures outside, or has the occasional litter box catastrophe, then you've got to do the deed. Here's what you'll need:

• A sink or tub (If you have a choice, it's easier to keep a cat contained in a sink.)
• Thick rubber gloves (to protect you from scratches)
• Cat shampoo
• Pitcher (less upsetting to the cat than a faucet)
• Washcloth
• Towel

Fill the sink or basin with a couple of inches of warm water and gently place the cat in it. Wet them from the neck down with the pitcher, apply shampoo, and lather. Use the washcloth to gently wipe down your kitty's head, face, and ears. Work quickly, because soapy cats are slippery cats. Rinse with water from the pitcher and wrap them in a towel. At this point, Fluffy has earned a generous helping of post-bath treats.

Shoes

When it comes to shoes, sneakers are the easiest to clean. First, remove the shoelaces and give the sneakers a couple of good whacks together outside (or over a garbage can) to remove any loose dirt and debris. Then, toss the shoes and laces in the washing machine with a load of towels and wash on the gentle cycle. Air-dry the sneakers instead of running them through the dryer.

Canvas shoes, on the other hand, should be hand-washed with warm water and a gentle detergent — you can use a toothbrush or sponge to remove stains. After rinsing, you should air-dry the shoes. Suede and leather footwear often needs special fabric-specific cleaners; these shoes should be spot-cleaned only.

Your Face

We've read some surprising statistics about face-washing recently, which is why we decided to include it on this list. Apparently, more than half of American adults aren't washing their faces before bedtime, and a staggering 46% of men don't wash their faces at all. Worse, those who are washing their faces are doing it with all sorts of nonsense like hand soap or body wash.

What are you doing, people?! Ideally, you should wash your face twice a day — morning and night — with a face cleanser that's formulated for your skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you can skip the morning wash and opt for a rinse with water. But definitely wash before you go to bed — this removes all the makeup, sweat, dirt, and other grime from the day. Moreover, it'll control the amount of bacteria breeding on your pillow.

Silk Items

Most silk items say "dry clean" on the label, but we're going to let you in on a little secret: they can usually be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. To pretreat stains, work some detergent into the fabric with your fingers and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Be gentle when washing, and opt for rolling the garment in a clean towel to remove excess water before air-drying, rather than twisting or squeezing it.

Down Comforters

Wash your down comforters once a year. First, remove the duvet cover and wash that separately — if yours has any embellishments or delicate fabrics, you may need to have it dry-cleaned. Then, wash the comforter in a front-loading washing machine on the gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Dry it on low heat with some tennis balls or dryer balls. You may need to hit up a laundromat if you don't have large enough machines, but that still beats a $60 trip to the dry cleaner.

Electric Blankets

Washing electric blankets is tricky business, but probably not as tricky as you think. In fact, most of them can even go in the washing machine! Sunbeam recommends the following method: after disconnecting the power cords from the blanket, soak it in cold water with a mild detergent for 15 minutes. Then, wash on the gentle cycle for two minutes, rinse in cold water, and spin-dry.

The brand recommends you only dry electric blankets for 10 minutes, so you might want to skip that step and just air-dry. You can also hand-wash your blanket in cold water with a gentle detergent. If you have an old electric blanket — say, made before the late '90s — don't put it in the washing machine. And no matter how old the blanket is, make sure it's completely dry before reconnecting any cords or controls.

Backpacks

Backpacks can usually be spot-cleaned, but when they get really dirty, it's time to run them through the washing machine. The challenge is making sure all those straps, buckles, and zippers don't damage your appliance.

There are a few different options for addressing this. You can put the backpack in a mesh laundry bag, turn it inside out, or use this genius tip from Lifehacker and wash it inside a pillowcase. Whichever method you're using, wash the backpack on the gentle cycle in cold water, and hang upside down to dry.

Bras

While you can technically run bras through the washing machine, handwashing with cold water and mild detergent is really the best way to prolong their life span — especially if you wear high-end brands. That said, cold water/gentle cycle/mild detergent is the way to go if you opt for the washer. Always skip the dryer and let bras air-dry.

Leather Jackets

Leather is tricky to keep clean, as it's so easy to damage. Never run your leather jacket through the washing machine or dryer! Spot-clean the outside with a damp cloth and some saddle soap or mild dish soap. You want to blot the leather; don't rub! When the liner needs a cleaning, you can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild detergent, and then hang to dry. Experts recommend a trip to the dry cleaners once a year to help prolong the life of your leather.

Winter Coats

Most winter coats can be machine-washed and dried, but you should check the care tags to make sure. Stick to cold water and regular detergent for parkas and puffy coats, and add some tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to keep 'em fluffy.

The exception to this advice is wool coats, which can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent, but should really head to the dry cleaner when they need a deep clean. Winter coats should be washed once or twice each season — definitely do it before packing them up for next year.

Wigs

Wigs should always be washed and conditioned in cold water, rinsed thoroughly, and then placed on a wig stand to dry. For human hair wigs, any mild shampoo and conditioner will work. With synthetic wigs, it's best to use products designed for synthetic hair.

Cloth Diapers

If you're an apartment dweller without access to your own washer or dryer, you might want to skip cloth diapers entirely or use a cleaning service. Sadly, most laundromats won't let you wash cloth diapers there. At home, the first step is to remove and discard any solids, then do a prerinse cycle with no detergent to loosen up the gunk. Then wash again with hot water and detergent. You can either dry on low heat or hang to dry.

SEE ALSO: 5 Food Label Terms That Don't Mean What You Think They Do

Cast-Iron Cookware

Contrary to popular belief, you can use dish soap on a cast-iron pan. Start by washing the pan with warm, soapy water, using either a sponge or dish brush to rub off burnt-off bits. You can add a little coarse salt to the pan to help remove really tough bits. Then, dry very, very thoroughly — water is the enemy of cast iron. Finally, rub the inside of the pan with a few drops of cooking oil, set it over high heat until just smoking, and then let it cool before storing.

Computer Accessories

A dust cloth will do most of the work of cleaning your computer peripherals — your monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc. — on a regular basis. But sometimes you need to go a bit deeper. Damp cloths will get out smudge marks and mild stains, and disinfecting wipes will do the bigger jobs. Compressed air can help you loosen up dirt inside your keyboard. For sticky or hard-to-reach spots, a cotton swab lightly soaked in alcohol is just the thing.

Readers, do you know a better way to clean one of the items on our list? Share your tips (and cat-bathing horror stories) in the comments below.