Saving for the Super Bowl: How to Throw a FREE Game Day Fiesta (and win a $100 gift card)

February 2, 2011

This is a great contest sponsored by HouseLogic.  HouseLogic is a free site for homeowners (houselogic.com) that is full of how-to articles, Facebook links and home ownership information.

Get 6 smart tips to save big on your game-day party–and share some of your own tips for a chance to win a Super Bowl bash on us.

1. Cheer for charity

Have fun watching the game with friends and family while supporting a good cause–and take a tax deduction, too. Here’s what to do:

• Choose a charity or cause you love.

• Provide guests with suggested donations. For example, if you want to raise $500, recommend each person donate $25.

• Ask your local liquor store if it would donate a little free product in exchange for free promotion at your event. More often than not, the business is willing.

2. Get sponsored

Let a brand donate their food and drink to your party. Here’s how to get involved:

• HouseParty.com has a host of brands willing to provide free goods and services for your party, including DiGiorno Pizza and Kraft.

• Pick the brand you’d like to host and then complete a questionnaire about yourself and your knowledge of the brand. Your answers help the House Party team know if you’re a good fit for the promotion.

• If you’re chosen, the brand will supply a host of party goods for you and your friends to enjoy.

3. Go green to save green

Some NFL stadiums have been taking measures to go green for years now, saving hundreds of thousands in energy costs and recycling everything from straws to cooking grease. Here’s how you can conserve at home:

• Use real dishes. Save about $20 and space in a landfill by not buying plastic plates, cups, and silverware.

• Send Evites. Don’t send paper invitations. Use free electronic invitations instead.

• Recycle, donate, or sell your big, old TV. Use the big game as an excuse to treat yourself to a sleek, energy-efficient LCD TV. It’ll cost you up front, though you may find a pre-game day deal (see below) and you’ll save on energy in the long run.

• “Hypercook” it. A great way to save energy (and money) is to turn your oven off before your dish is finished cooking. You can also skip preheating or use a smaller cooker like a toaster oven to make some meals.

• Turn off bar room light displays. You may love your Coors Light neon sign but you don’t need it, especially when the game should be taking center stage.

4. Go coupon hunting

There are tons of blogs and websites out there that have the scoop on the latest deals at hundreds of retailers. Save big on everything from food to supplies to electronics just by spending a few minutes doing an online search. Here’s what we found:

• CouponMountain.com has deals on electronics, decorations, food, gear, and even tickets to the big game. And sites like Bargain Babe and Deal Seeking Mom also keep tabs on great sales.

• Safeway is also helping football fans prepare for Super Bowl parties with a host of party-themed recipes and coupons.

• Also nab that LCD TV for less on sites like overstock.com or catch Super Bowl season sales at stores like Best Buy or Sears.

5. Get a little help from your friends

After all, it’s the company that really makes the party special. So rather than breaking your back (and the bank) trying to get everything done by yourself, include your guests and make it fun.

• Have a competitive potluck. Have a cook-off for fans of opposing teams (or let each person fend for themselves). It’ll add to the spirit of the day and save you big on groceries.

• Ask for help. Need extra chairs? Ask your friends to bring them instead of buying them. Looking for some preshow entertainment? Ask your friends to bring their favorite games to play. That’s what friends are for.

6. Tell us your money-saving tips!

Let us know some of your own great money-saving tips for hosting a Super Bowl party on Facebook—and you’ll have the chance to win a $100 gift card from HouseLogic!

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Must be a U.S. resident and 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Winner will be chosen at 2 p.m. Eastern time on January 31.