On one hand, I have garnered a little over $50(507 swagbucks) worth of gift cards with just a small handful of referrals(I prefer word of mouth and rarely link) in about 8 months.

On the other, I did not download the toolbar. I used to use the search engine regularly and was rewarded with having my account frozen for a period of 3 weeks for "unnatural searching"(it was only after I posted on the blog that I was having trouble that I got results on their compliance department getting back to me. They got back to me on my second attempt but still have yet to explain exactly what unnatural searching is. I have sent email to the department twice as well as posited the question on the blog. I have heard others make this complaint as well.

I now use the search engine in the mornings for a very brief period which usually nets me the one swagbuck. The frozen account left a really sour taste in my mouth(who here likes to be accused of things) even though they did rectify it, particularly when there still is no clear explanation of what unnatural searching is when utilizing their search engine(and I read an account from one girl who had her account frozen and subsequently unfrozen after searching for items for her nursery got called unnatural searching).

The gift ideas are great. My youngest is 10 so alot of these would be right up his alley and I've seen that book at my local Barnes and Noble.

another way is to make swagbucks your home page on all computers. so even if you have other sites, like your own blog, bookmarked you have to go through swagbucks first increasing your chances of earning swagbucks. Always go to swagbucks and type in the URL of where you want to go first, not just for searches

follow them on twitter and facebook as they also give out codes there.

Andrew still has a hard time riding his bike, more from frustration than skill. The scooter dried up many tears at our house.

He also loves to check out the Ed Emberly thumbprint drawing books from the ibrary if you dare to have an ink pad in your home!

I LOVE swagbucks!

Are you using it to search for everything? Even things that you already know where you are going? I think that is also key.

If you have a blog, put a button up and see if that generates extra points for you. That will definitely help. I haven't put a button up yet, but have been thinking about it for some time.

Stacy- Glad you could use the gift ideas!! Those were the best and most loved gifts from his 7th birthday. I hope that helps!!

On another note, thanks for this post – I rely heavily on the experiences of others to give me good ideas for upcoming holidays and our 7 kids to buy for! Personal recommendations help – thanks!