2009 Entertainment Book Giveaway
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EntertainmentBook.com As a special gift to one lucky Wise Bread reader, the publishers of Entertainment.com have given me a 2009 Entertainment Book to review and another one to give away!
I once purchased an Entertainment Book through a school fundraiser a few years ago. At the time, I was actually a little disappointed because it seemed that most of the “entertainment” discounts for my local area were for snow skiing and well… I’m not a skier. I think I purchased the book in March, which meant most of the skiing season had already passed, too – so even if I had wanted to try it out, I was a little late.
In the 2009 Entertainment Book, though, I’m much happier at the options! I’m not sure if I’ve just grown up since the last time I bought the book, or if the book has really improved a lot over the years. It could be that the book was loaded with grocery and dining coupons even the first time I had it, too, but I was just too much of a college freshman to care about anything other than movie tickets and amusement park options at the time!
Now that I think about it… that’s probably more what happened. Anyway, now that I’m all “grown up” and have different priorities and needs in life, I find the 2009 Entertainment Book to be extremely useful for helping me live out a (mostly) frugal lifestyle. The book still includes a number of snow skiing coupons for ski resorts near where I live; but it also offers:
- a TON of 2 for one restaurant discounts, with and without the coupons. So you can use the coupons for the area restaurants first, and then use the Entertainment Book Membership card to activate additional discounts at the same (and other) restaurants.
- 10-25% off total bill at local restaurants.
- Fast food discounts, everything from McDonald's and Burger King to Arby's... Pizza Hut... Subway... several pages of fast food coupons.
- Grocery store coupons – in my local copy there are 4 coupons for $5 off a grocery purchase of $50 or more at Hannaford.
- Discounted admission to several nearby amusement parks and water parks, as well as a handful of coupons and discounts to theme parks that are in other states (so you could plan your summer vacations with the kids out of state and still benefit from your Entertainment Book).
- Movie discounts, miniature golf, admission to theaters for plays and musical events, and retail store discounts.
In addition to the physical coupons I can rip out of the book, the book comes with the Entertainment Membership Card. I don't remember much about the card from years passed, but I'm looking forward to using it this time around. The card entitles you to discounts at additional retailers and restaurants that may not have coupons in the book (or for those that do, a way to continue to save long after you’ve used your coupons); and online specials through the members only area of Entertainment.com.
The book can be purchased through Entertainmentbook.com (affiliate link) with a 35% off special price; or through many organizations who use the book as a fundraiser. If you’re not the winner of the book from this site, the purchase will likely be a good investment since it helps you save money all year round. Most people are able to save the cost of the book in the first few coupons they use; with all additional coupons and discounts giving you pure savings for the rest of the year. If you are hoping to have an inexpensive Valentine's Day celebration out on the town - the coupons in this book can help you do just that.
To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment describing the best coupons you've seen in the Entertainment Book (or if you've never used one, what coupons would benefit you the most) by February 22, 2009. One winner will be selected randomly. Only open to U.S. Residents age 18 or older.
The drawing has closed. Congrats to EN for winning!
UPDATED: Entertainment Book is Now 50% off.
Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.
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I've generally found that the coupons in the local book are for restaurants that are located some distance from me, and not many for local establishments. But, 2 for 1 at a non-local place is still cheaper than full price at a local place, even with fuel costs included.
I'm trying to sell a house (yes in this market, I know I know... but I can't afford to have it). I don't really go out to eat or see movies with my girlfriend enough. I'd like to be able to take her out more. The entertainment book would definitely help.
Restaurant and theater coupons are always good
I haven't had an entertainment book in years but, growing up, my family usually got one. My favorite were the coupons for Baskin' Robbins. My family regularly went out for ice cream (Dad grew up on a dairy farm, so eating ice cream wasn't just a family passion, it was also good for business), but it was easier for us kids to convince Mom and Dad (Mom mostly, Dad was a pushover when it came to ice cream) that we should go out for dessert.
I love the restaurant section in the beginning. The twofer deals rule, we have found some great restaurants that way.
My fav kewpie is the Imax movies and the $5 off at the grocery stores. If you really dig in the retail sections you can find some useful % off deals like for amazon.com, FTD, and other restaurants not listed in the local printed pages. The food coupons are better this year, I guess the vendors are geting desperate. Best of luck to you!
i have not had an entertainment book before but would probably use mostly the restaurant and movie tickets. DATE NIGHT!!!
I haven't had a Entertainment book for several years but when I had one, we used the restaurant ones and the grocery store ones.
Like most of the other posters, I really enjoy the restaurant coupons. I purchased the Entertainment book last year and used it quite often. The coupons that we liked the most were for a pizza restaurant near our house.
I read your tips for watching my favorite TV shows on the computer instead of paying the big cable bill... Thank you! I had never even thought of some of those sites.
Your Aunt Betty sent me... I'm her daughter in law, I will keep an eye on your page for more great tips!
I've never used the Entertainment Book, but I think some restaurant coupons would really be great. I've cut back on eating out a lot due to the economy, so maybe I'll be able to get out more than once a month!
A lot of the restaurants that offer 2-for-1 deals will also accomodate a single diner by offering 50% off. Just ask.
I would use movie ticket or restaurant coupons the most! Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
I would love to be entered in the drawing. I would definetly use the dinner and movie coupons. I have two boys under 5 and a third boy due within the next few weeks. We could definetly use the coupons especially when this new baby comes and I run out of time to cook. Thanks
I first came across these books in college and haven't seen them in ages. The movie / event discounts always seemed to be great savings. Now, as new parents, we would love to have this book to help us afford "date nights" and a babysitter!
The best in the book are two-for-one activities. We need to get out once in awhile and just don't have the money for a lot of activities.
We love the dining out card for the nicer restaurants. It gives us the chance to try new places and we like that they show some of the menu so that we're not going in knowing nothing about the type of food. Also the movie deals are great too.
I've never had one of these books, but a friend has shared some deals with me. i always wondered where to grt one
I love the entertainment book for weekly things like dry cleaning and some of the retail coupon, but the best part about it is the coupons for target photo studio (50% off your entire purchase). At holiday time, I take my sister and her 2 young kids to have their photos taken. It creates great memories and helps my sister with some holiday gift ideas. It is awesome to be able to help out at a financially tough time of the year. We've ordered holiday cards in the past. The book really pays for itself and then some when you save $60+ on one photo session.
I have been using the Entertainment book for years, and as my family grows...so do the many advantages for me. I find the dry cleaning coupons allow me the luxury of taking something in I would normally hand wash, and the fast food coupons get me more bang for the buck when I splurge to take the kids out for OTHER specials and combine them. If you are careful and PLAN your uses, this book can save you amazing amounts of money in one year. I generally buy another one for the area my extended family lives in (NY) so that I have more coupons when we visit and are more likely to be out for a meal!
The best coupons for my wife and me are restaurant coupons. We are trying to save a little extra money for a vacation and this would certainly help out toward that goal!
i'm interested in dining coupons and AT&T coupons as i'm looking to buy a new phone....
The movie coupons are the best. They allow you to get a $10-11 movie ticket for 6 or 7 bucks. Adds up over time!
Thanks, these books are great. I have purchased one in the past and mostly use them to dine out, purchase fast food and participate in family fun activities.
In fact, I try to plan different activities for my family to participate in each weekend. Sometimes we go out to eat or find an expensive activity. This book will definitely help more great ideas for the family. Thanks for your thorough write up on the book. I think I'll look into becoming an affiliate!
I like the buy one admission, get one free coupons for the zoo and museums. I also love the save $5 off $50 purchase for the grocery store. Thanks for a great giveaway!
I used the entertainment book for the San Diego area before, but just moved to Gainesville, Fl. The coupons we use the most are the once for the attractions and definitely most of the restaurant coupons.
I love the food coupons. Great way to try out restaurants. And we share the book with our coworkers. by the time I get the book back it is usually torn to shreds.
I would giveaway to my grandmother who would save a lot going out to eat with her friend. They love to do movies together as well, so the movie coupons would work out fantastically. Thanks
You can use them in the evening when the prices are close to $10 here.
We had an entertainment book a couple years ago and the best deal was a series of monthly coupons for a local grocery- I think it lowered our grocery bill by $25 each month for about 4 months!
My fave coupons are the ones to shows like Disney on Ice. Makes family outings much more affordable!
by far, i think the best deals can happen when you think forward and use the entertainment book on vacation. in hawaii, the book definitely pays for itself with huge luau discounts that you can't find anywhere else and great attractions savings.
restaurant coupons and movie coupons would be used most in my house
I will admit it I am FRUGAL. I love coupons so when I got my last Entertainment book our family made it our QUEST to use as many coupons as possible. Our favorites were the Entertainment Coupons. Buy one get one admittance into events in the Pittsburgh area as well as BOGO on food. We had a lot of fun using our book and since we got it the first year we lived in the Pittsburgh area we learned a lot about the area that we would not have had we not been searching for our DEALS. Would love to win one again.
I haven't bought the book in a few years. It's a nice book though! My kids used the coupons for free rides at Rye Playland here in NYC! Good deal! I also liked the 20% off at Mandee's. Thanks for offering this. :)
I like the coupons for dry cleaning - I can't believe how expensive that is! So saving some $$ on it is a great opportunity!
I remember using it for McDonalds and Wendys.
The coupons we've always used most are the restaurant ones - we have saved alot of money AND tried new restaurants that we wouldnt have otherwise (and sometimes they become favorites!)
I have also in the past purchased the Entertainment book for a city where we were vacationing & saved alot on attractions & meals. Plus I bought the book later in the year (for summer trips) at an even bigger discount.
No vacations this year...but I'd love to win the book to save some money locally! Thanks for the contest!
great way to try new restaurants with the bogo coupons. and if the food turns out to be less than great, at least you didn't pay full price for it!
I HAVE BEEN USING THE BOOK FOR 2 YEARS AND I FEEL WITH THE ECOMONY THISW BOOK HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL TO ME, BECUASUE I AM ON A TIGHT INCOME AND ALL THE OFFERS I HAVE USED IN THE BOOK HAVE HELPED ME GET WHAT HAS BEEN OFFERED, I DOLOKE THE 2FOR1 AND THE COUPONS FOR STORES. I HOPE I DO WIN I AM GOING THROUGH A DIVORCIE AFTER BEEN MARRIED FOR A VERY VEY LONG TIME, I AM ON MY OWN ON A FIXED INCOME. TRYING TO MAKE ENDS MEET.
I never had this book earlier. But I think if we have most of the coupons for grocery and food that will be useful as those are our recurring expenses throught the year
One of my friends gets one of these. He says he saves enough money from them to be worth it... and that's with sharing the movie coupons (my favorites!) and restaurant ones, and really anything else we can use among our group of friends. There are about 5 of us who get a lot of use from these books. So I'd love to return the favor and win one for free to give him!
I received my first entertainment book as a gift over a year ago. Now I am hooked. It is worth every penny. Usually you can find a deal on the book on the internet, so you can purchase it for less money. I paid only $20 for my 2009 book. I love the discount food coupons and keep the book in my car at all times.
I love the restaurant coupons in the Entertainment Book -- especially since DH and I don't get out very often so when we do we have to really make every dollar worth it!
I have purchased Entertainment books in the past but not in the last few years (just haven't been around anyone who is selling them). But when we did use them, I really liked the family-fun places as they were often new places that I might otherwise not be as motivated to go to (and often this resulted in us having a great family outting that we might otherwise have thought to do). In addition, I do like the resturant coupons, again, because there are many places that I might otherwise not think to go to and you never know when you will come across that hidden gem of a place.
Thanks for you great website and great tips!
I usually use these the most. I would prefer totally free but B1G1 is the next best thing when you are buying for a crowd!
I love these books because they usually have great coupons for rental cars - pays for the book after just one use!
My 16 year old son can afford to go out with friends & on dates more often using the BOGO for Restaurants, Movies & other local attractions like museums & zoos. These books are fantastic!
Their hotel discounts are fabulous- don't travel without looking up your options in the coupon book!
We loved the 50% off pizza's. Great prices and we sampled pizza's from all the local restaurants on Friday nights
It has been years since I actually bought an Entertainment Book. I do find their discounts to local restaurants and entertainment very useful in providing a nice night out without spending a bundle. The book pays for itself the more you use it. Their best coupons? The 'buy one, get one free meal' at my favorite eateries and any discount for movie tickets and/or concessions. Thanks!
My best value was a few years ago. One place had a coupon that offered 25% off tires. The place also also had a sign posted stating that they would give you 25% your purchase if you could find a place that would beat their price. Well, we found a place and used the coupon. Between the two we saved almost $250.00. The sign came down the next day.
I used the heck out of the book when I was in college- they were perfect for going out to dinner with friends b/c we saved 50% off our meals.
the thing that we would really like the most is better quality restaurant coupons for buy 1 one free or half price. I havent bought a book in many years as the ones we did buy we didnt cover even the cost of the book. I heard they are much better now, but havent had a chance to find out if they cover the better restaurants yet. adn also if they cover movie theatre tickets or amusement park tickets.
I love having the "extra" coupons to give away. I can be at McDonalds or any other place and have an "extra" coupon for a free or discounted "something" and give it to someone near me that looks like they could use a pick-me-up. It's a great feeling. I also like any of the coupons for places I'd never think of going. It gives me a reason to try a new place ie: museums, art shows, theater, dining etc...
I think the book could be better if there was an option on the coupon to allow just one person to get a discount. Sometimes I like to go out and do things by myself and can't use the coupon unless there's someone else with me. Amusement parks are for two or more people. Movie tickets are BOGO. Dining coupons are difficult with a BOGO.... too much food for me :) Most places will not let you order the second dinner and take it home. I'd like to see options for single people on the coupons as well as couples and families.
I love the Safeway $5/50 coupons - I always spend at least $50 at the grocery store and every bit of savings helps!
Never had one, but stumbled across your website today when I was looking for a coupon for coldstone icecream.
Coupons for dry cleaning, gasoline and bookstores would definitely make my day! We all need clean clothes and dry cleaning can be quite expensive, many of us drive cars so we can get to work, and I love to read.
Growing up in Canada, the Entertainment Book was a staple in everyone's household. Our family saved SO much money by using it.
My favorite are the restaurant coupons. It's a great way to try out a new restaurant without worrying about wasting your money on a full price dinner. Hopefully even the not-so-good meals are worth paying just 50% of the price.
I also like the movie coupons. They are such a great deal!
Ok..do I win? ;-)
While we cannot afford to enjoy ourselves very often due to unemployment issues in our household, any of the Entertainment coupons would be of GREAT VALUE.
In years past, we used the Entertainment book for dining (TGIF's -- our favorite for BBQ ribs), car washes, cleaners, travel, hotel, car rental, you name it!
Thank you for considering me for your Giveaway. It would be a treat and an honor to be the winner.
I have used the entertainment book for years and my favorites are the food coupons to different restaurants and fast foods