Why You Can Trust CNET Get two $5 credits from Amazon
Something for nothing and something for something: Amazon will give you a $5 Appstore credit for free and a $5 game credit with the purchase of a PC game.
Now that you've blown all your money on holiday gifts for friends and family, I come to you today bearing one sweet freebie and one sort-of freebie.
For starters, do you have an Android-powered phone or tablet? You probably do most of your app shopping via Google Play, but there's another option: Amazon Appstore.
Why bother? I can think of five good reasons: Amazon is offering a $5 Amazon Appstore credit when you install the Amazon Appstore app. (Oh, it does too make sense; go back and read it again.)
So, for example, if you have a Motorola Moto X, or a Google Nexus 7, or even an Ematic EGP008, simply install Amazon Appstore (which will require a trip to the settings menu to allow for apps from "unknown sources" -- see the promo page for full instructions), run the app, and sign into your account. Then install any app -- even a free one -- before Dec. 28 and you'll receive a $5 credit you can blow on another app, or game, or in-game purchase.
In the meantime, you can also score a daily app freebie courtesy of that very Amazon Appstore app. Today, for example, it's Piano Master Christmas Special, a music game. Tomorrow: Angry Birds Star Wars II.
In other $5 credit news, Amazon is also offering one when you purchase any game from the Digital Games store. You can then apply that credit toward any 2013 Editor's Choice game (the list of which has not yet been released). Your credit will arrive after Jan. 3 (as will the list, presumably).
Two great choices (i.e., games already on sale for cheap): Lego Marvel Super Heroes (PC) for $11.99 and Tomb Raider (PC) for $4.99. Again, buying either one will net you that $5 credit for use on a future game purchase.
Oh, and all is not lost (freebie-wise) for iOS users: Don't forget Apple's 12 Days of Gifts app, which will offer a daily freebie starting Dec. 26.
Before I go, let me wish a very Merry Christmas to all who celebrate it. Have a safe and wonderful holiday, and I'll see you back here soon!
Bonus deal: In case you're itching to actually buy something, here's a pretty tempting offer: DealFisher has the refurbished Acer C710 11.6-inch Chromebook for $134.99, shipped. This Google Chrome-powered laptop features a 16GB SSD, three USB ports, a 1,366x768 screen resolution, and a 90-day warranty. (It may also show signs of wear, like scuffs or scratches, according to DealFisher.) If you've wanted to dip a toe into Chromebook waters, it doesn't get much cheaper than this.
Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.
Want to know more about The Cheapskate blog and how it works? Read our FAQ.