December 2015 – user's Blog!

December 31, 2015

13 Simplified New Year’s Resolutions

It’s that time of year again when we reflect on the last 365 days and audit them for triumphs and mistakes, what worked and what didn’t work. As we focus on areas that still need improvement, we set a goal that will undoubtedly make our lives better and happier. The only problem is that most New Year’s resolutions tend to be a bit lofty and many people end up failing to meet them. Instead of leaping head first into a big goal this New Year’s Eve, we at Ebates advise taking some baby steps instead. We have taken 13 common New Year’s resolution ideas and whittled them down to microresolutions anyone can meet.

1. Lose Weight

This is a tough one. There are almost too many ways to approach losing weight if you feel you need to. First, forget the number on the scale and ditch the time table. The added pressure of trying to lose X amount by Y date can sabotage you. Instead, think of one or two things you can easily do starting right now, like eating salads for lunch or moving your body for 10 minutes, three times a day. Don’t think of this as underachieving. Think of it as just the starting line! Once you conquer this goal and make it a habit, you can move on to the next step with confidence.

2. Quit a Habit or Addiction

Again, there are many ways to approach dropping a bad habit or addressing your addiction. Remember that in some cases, you could be dealing with a chemical dependency. Behaviors are also very hard to break. Your first goal should be finding a method of help that would best suit your situation. Whether it’s literature, professional help, 12-step groups or beyond, make seeking help your goal. From there, an action plan will surely emerge to get you to the bigger goal of kicking your habit.

3. Get a New Job

This one is just not totally up to you, sorry. Whether or not you score a new job is up to one person–the hiring manager who will extend you an offer. Instead, update your resume and LinkedIn profile, seek out career counseling to get some feedback on your approach to job searching. You can also set goals for how much time you will spend searching for and applying to jobs, such as an hour or two a day.

4. Get Out of Debt

Depending on how deep in debt you are, this is something that can easily take more than a year. The first step is finding out how many expenses you are willing to cut from your budget and how much money you can easily put aside each month or each paycheck to both pay off your bills faster and avoid accruing even more debt. These are small, sensible goals you can stick to. And before you know it, your debt will become a lot more manageable.

5. Get Organized

Blanket statements like “I’m going to organize my life!” can overwhelm you in seconds flat. You may have multiple areas in your life that need to be organized but picking one should be your first goal. Whether it’s your closet, your desk, your schedule or that mounting stack of coupons on your kitchen counter, start in one place and do not move on until it is in order. Clean out that closet and find a place for everything then buy yourself a weekly planner and get that schedule in check. Make steady progress and you’ll feel more organized in no time.

6. Spend More Time With Loved Ones

Finding more time for anything can sometimes just not be an option with the demands of work and other responsibilities. As an alternative, why not make the time we already spend with family and friends count? Putting away your phone or turning off the TV during meals is a good start. Planning fun activities in advance for the weekends doesn’t have to require a lot of money or travel. Sometimes it’s just your attention and not your schedule that need the adjustment.

7. Live Stress Free

For those who suffer from anxiety, this is not a simple goal and perhaps not something you can do on your own. Seeking the help of your doctor is a reasonable goal. You can also sign up for a yoga class. Practicing gratitude is also very effective in alleviating stress. Do this by keeping a journal of things to be grateful for and update it every time you are feeling overwhelmed. Also, count your complaints. Every time you have the urge to complain, recognize your frustrations but also counter them with finding something positive in the situation.

8. Enjoy Life to Its Fullest

First of all, what does this even mean to you? Generally, we think most people just want to be happier. When you’re happy, you enjoy life. So how can you be happy? Again, we suggest starting small. Do one thing every day that you enjoy, but that is good for you or constructive. This can be exercise, calling a loved one, painting your toenails, whatever. It doesn’t have to cost money or take a lot of time. Knowing that you are dedicating a portion of each day to self-care reinforces the idea that you are important.

9. Travel More

Vowing to travel more this year could be a lofty resolution. Plus, you never know what 2016 is going to throw at you to derail any dream destinations you have set in your mind. Planning one trip, however, is completely sensible and doesn’t even have to involve a deadline. Start by picking a destination then estimate how much money you would like to save for the trip. From there, you can figure out a monthly savings plan that is sensible for your income and normal expenses. It may take another year but you will eventually have enough to take the trip of a lifetime.

10. Rekindle a Relationship

Maybe things are tense between you and a friend or loved one or perhaps you haven’t even spoken in a long time. Repairing or rekindling a relationship is really only half up to you. You can take the steps to initiate contact, but they may not be met to your satisfaction. A feasible goal would be just to reach out in the first place. This may need to include making an amends to clear the air. The rest is up to them. If they are not receptive, at least you can move on knowing you did your best.

11. Get 8 Hours of Sleep

If you normally conk out at midnight only roll out of bed at 6 a.m., it is not sensible to suddenly resolve to get to bed every night by 10. Treat yourself like a toddler and ween into an earlier bedtime by bumping it up 15 minutes at a time. After a few days of lights out by 11:45, go for 11:30 and so on. Gradually, you will get to an ideal bedtime and find yourself all the more rejuvenated by getting more sleep.

12. Kick Your Social Media/TV Habit

Whether you’re a compulsive Tweeter or a Netflix binger, it’s always important to address how much time you spend in front of a screen but it’s not totally realistic to go cold turkey. Deleting all your social media accounts is a tad drastic. So, too, is throwing your TV out the window. Instead, set yourself appointments to check your feeds. Once in the morning and once at night for 20 minutes is a good start. TV watchers can use the same principle but it could also be a good idea to downgrade your cable subscription. Having unlimited access to TV can result in a lot of mindless watching.

13. Be More Giving

This is one of our favorite resolutions but one that many fail at for one simple reason. Opportunities to be more generous don’t always make themselves available. It is up to us to seek them out. Some people find a charity and set up a recurring contribution while others donate a few hours of their time each month to a soup kitchen, animal shelter, etc. These are simple giving goals that can make a big difference for both you and the lives they touch. Be proactive!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 30, 2015

Unique Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is often celebrated as the last big shindig for the year. It’s a time to look back on your fondest memories of the passing year and to celebrate the upcoming year with loved ones and festivities. But if hanging out in your jammies and watching an oversized light fixture make its descent isn’t your cup of tea, we at Ebates suggest a few fun and unusual ways to celebrate the New Year.

Get Crafty

If you want to start 2016 in a new and one-of-a-kind way, encourage your party-goers (kids and adults alike) to forgo the prepackaged goodies for something a little more unique. Set up a craft table and get to work decorating your gear for the occasion. Set out plenty of bright colors and sparkly goodies to get the party started. Glitter, sequins, tinsel and tissue paper can be used to make the appropriate garb. Create your own party hats, noisemakers and confetti for a special celebration to mark the occasion. Kids will especially love this activity.

Create a Feast

The holidays are all about filling yourself with delicious foods without making excuses so why not celebrate New Year’s Eve with a full belly? Fill your table with a smorgasbord of options so everyone can have their fill and snack throughout the night. Finger foods can include salty and sweet snacks but you’ll also want to include a few healthy options to get your New Year’s resolutions off to a good start. And don’t forget your New Year’s tableware from Birthday in a Box!

Take on a Worldly View

The coming of a new year is celebrated the world over, but not every country celebrates it the same way.

In Columbia, they carry suitcases all day to encourage travel in the upcoming year. In Greece, people hang onions from the door to represent rebirth and break a pomegranate on their doorstep for prosperity. In Argentina, people eat beans for good luck. In Denmark, people climb onto chairs and “jump” into New Year’s Day. In some South American countries, they wear colored underwear to represent their desires for the year ahead. Spaniards consume 12 grapes, one with each chime of the clock as a symbol of luck. The Japanese clean their homes and send thank-you cards.

Many of these practices can be performed concurrently to show your appreciation for other cultures and to have some unique and fun celebrations this New Year’s Eve.

Count Down Each Hour

Why wait until the last moment to live it up when you can celebrate every final hour of the year? Create fun age-appropriate activities for your guests to complete each hour. When the clock strikes each hour, set up a new activity like games, dancing, entertainment and more. These activities are particularly fun for little ones, especially since it’ll help them stay up until midnight for the big countdown!

Have a Ball

Ring in modern times with the medieval tradition of masquerade balls. Get an era appropriate gown at Costume Express or modernize the event with a pretty dress from Barneys New York. The occasion calls for opulence so feel free to go all out with an elaborate getup. Most importantly, don’t forget your mask so your party will look the part!

Double Dip

In other cultures, New Year’s isn’t celebrated only at the dawn of the year. The Macedonian Orthodox Calendar celebrates December 31st and January 14th, with fireworks and gifts for children, respectively. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and is a two-day festival in early autumn, filled with religious service and large meals. Chinese New Year is celebrated in late January or early February in accordance with the lunisolar Chinese calendar and includes a clean home, presents and gifts of money in red paper envelopes.

Relax the Night Away Solo

Instead of getting yourself into a tizzy or dealing with the outside world, create a relaxing spa night so you can start your New Year’s with a fresh outlook. Take a long soak in a warm bath while enjoying a nice book. Paint your nails and make use of your favorite facial treatment from Sephora. Bake some cookies so your home will smell delicious and enjoy a tasty, homemade treat. There’s no harm in taking a little time for yourself on New Year’s Eve.

Plan Your Resolutions

There’s no time to plan for the future like the minute before. Use this time to set out your resolutions for the year. You can create plenty of fun activities. Write your resolution on a piece of paper and put it in a balloon to pop at midnight. Create a match game for the kids to pair similar resolutions. Cut out a handprint and write resolutions on it. You can even create a time capsule to open on New Year’s Eve next year to see how everyone followed through.

Whatever activities you plan for your New Year’s Eve, make it something you’ll enjoy. Spend time with those you love or bask in a solo night by yourself. As long as you’re spending New Year’s with a smile on your face, it’s sure to be a good year.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 29, 2015

The Art of the Thank You Note

Imagine coming home from a long day at the office. You’re tired, your feet hurt and your mailbox is full of bills, catalogs and other forms of junk mail. But nestled in between all those coupons and ads is a small envelope with your handwritten name on it. A thank you card. In the age of texts, tweets and emails, this is a joy to see. Taking the time to say “thank you” in the form of a handwritten note can make any day full of stress end on a joyful note. Whether you want to buy some beautiful stationery or DIY your own notecards, here’s a few tips and tricks on the art of writing a thank you note this holiday season. We also picked out a few of our favorite thank you note sets that you can get with Cash Back at Ebates.

1. Make It Stand Out

Grabbing a piece of copy paper, scribbling the words “thanks” and throwing it in the mail doesn’t cut it. Yes, it’s the thought that counts, but put some effort into it to really show your gratitude. Your aunt spent four hours making those cookies that you love. Your sister stood in line for 45 minutes to pick out the scarf you’ve been wanting for months. And your co-workers remembered what your favorite flowers were. Having your thank you card stand out among the junk mail makes the recipient eager to open it. Even hand-made cards get major brownie points, showing that you went above and beyond with your effort.

2. Be Specific

When saying thank you, make sure to include what you’re thanking someone for, whether it be the gift you received or a kind gesture they’ve shown you recently. Let the person know how you felt receiving the gift and how you plan to use it or how it will make a difference in your life. This shows that you’re not just sitting down and signing thank you cards generically and shows their gift or gesture has not gone unappreciated.

3. Add a Special Touch

If the situation calls for it, adding a special touch to the thank you card can really bring a smile to someone’s face. Whether you want to add a small gift yourself or simply write a meaningful quote, make sure to address it so that it will not be overlooked or misinterpreted.

4. Send in a Timely Manner

Delivering a thank you note, whether through the mail or in person, should be done within a week or two. The sooner the note is delivered, the more of a priority that person appears to be. A thank you note a month or two after the gift or gesture can come across as an afterthought, which doesn’t make the person feel special at all. And the goal of the thank you note is to show your gratitude and appreciation!

Take your time in writing thank you notes, regardless of how tedious or unnecessary it may seem. It truly makes a difference. And if you’re thinking of buying stationery instead of making your own, here are a few suggestions we have for you!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 28, 2015

The Cutest Weekly Planners for 2016

If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to get more organized, getting a weekly planner is a good start. While planners and calendars on your phone are convenient, people are rediscovering the lost art of putting pen to paper and finding that paper planners can be just as effective in keeping you on top of your schedule. Find the calendars that work for your life and style with our list of adorable planners with Cash Back at Ebates.

kate spade new york Gold Dot Planner

Add touch of sparkle to your everyday with this classic organizer by kate spade. Features include a hardbound cover, elastic band closure, interior golden metallic spiral binding, an interior pocket and mylar-covered tabs. Sweet sayings throughout will keep you motivated to make 2016 the best year yet.

kate spade new york On a Bright Schedule Planner

A little pop of bright green will surely keep you from forgetting to update this super chic planner, also by kate spade. Keep your dates straight in each monthly grid and reflect on every unique occasion in the lined journal sections.

Sakroots Artist Circle Daily Planner

Keeping track of your busy schedule was never so much fun. This daily agenda is a planner, an address book, and a notebook all in one, complete with a sticker page featuring Sakroots critters!

Studio Oh! Woodland Tales Planner

For the rustic types, this super cute bear planner will remind you of academic calendars from way back in the day when your biggest worry was finishing your diorama in time for the science fair.

December 24, 2015

Ebates Adopt a Family Holiday Donation Drive

During this holiday season, Ebates employees wanted nothing more than to give back to their local community in the beautiful city of San Francisco and its citizens in need. We teamed up with La Casa de Las Madres for their Adopt a Family Program to spread some holiday cheer with some needed winter gifts and more.

La Casa de Las Madres serves domestic violence victims of all ages with a crisis line, emergency shelter, legal assistance and counseling. Through their holiday Adopt a Family program, Ebates employees “adopted” three families and provided them the holiday gifts they requested on their wishlists. We then gathered in our kitchen at our San Francisco office to wrap presents together while enjoying some snacks and dancing around to an ultimate holiday playlist. It was indeed a merry time made even sweeter by knowing our gifts would brighten someone’s day.

After we wrapped our gifts, we got together to create gift baskets full of fun items for La Casa de Las Madres’ New Years Eve party! We provided the 35 women and children staying at the shelter during the holiday with decorations, games, noise makers, playing cards, coloring books, bubbles, apple cider and even some needed essentials like socks.

We were so grateful to be able to work with such a wonderful organization to make some holiday wishes come true. A big “thank you” again to La Casa de Las Madres!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 23, 2015

How to Accept a Bad Gift Graciously

‘Tis the season for giving, but that also means you will likely be on the receiving end and as you know, not all gifts are home runs. Whether it’s your mom, your boss or your BFF who (bless her heart) just can’t seem to get it through her head that mustard is NOT your color, someone in your life is prone to giving you gifts that really test your social graces. Just remember, even a bad gift is a gift for which to be grateful. The best and worst Christmas gifts come from the same place—the heart. So here are our tried and true tips on how to accept these “unique” gifts with grace and class.

1. Check Your Expectations

The infamous “bad gifter” approaches with a present. Or, this could be a new gifter with which you have no experience in gift receiving, hence they are a wild card to be feared. Either way, do not get your hopes up about what’s in the box. Recognize your greed and smother it in gratitude by repeating the mantra “how thoughtful, how thoughtful.”

2. Smile

As you accept the gift and unwrap it, smile. Then keep that smile plastered on your face as if your life depends on it. Feel the corners of your mouth uplift and commit the feeling to muscle memory. Do not, I repeat, do not drop that grin. Smile hard through any gut reaction you may have to a cringe-worthy gift.

3. Say Thank You

Immediately say “thank you!” with plastered smile in tow. Now, you may think you are out of the woods if you received the gift while not in front of the gifter, but that only really saved you from putting on a show to cover your natural reaction. You, too, have to say “thank you” or send them a thank you note. They thought of you. They picked out a gift. They bought it, wrapped it and made sure your received it. Your “thank you” goes to all of that effort as well, not just the object in question.

4. Muster up a Compliment

We know you don’t like lying and we’re not saying you should. But there has to be something about the gift itself that you can compliment. Maybe it’s the color, the uniqueness of the gift, or how warm it would seem to keep you (if you wouldn’t rather freeze to death than wear a velour track suit, that is). Complimenting the gift is just a little less dismissive than saying, “Oh, how thoughtful.” They know it was thoughtful. What they really wanted is for you to like the gift. Anything you can say to that effect will be appreciated.

5. Sit With It

Even though it may have been hate at first sight, don’t kick your new gift to the curb just yet. Before you start plotting how you will be rid of it, take it home and keep it where you can see it just for a few days. It may just grow on you! Or if it’s something you can wear but wouldn’t dare be seen wearing in public, maybe it could be your next Netflix binge outfit. Comfy is comfy, people. Everyone looks the same level of stylish under the glow of a flat screen TV.

6. Regift It

So you gave it a shot but the final verdict is in—you hate it. It’s curtains for this gift. Before you toss it into the trash to take space in landfill, consider giving it to someone you know will really love it and give it a good home. Include full disclosure. You don’t want to earn accolades on a gift you didn’t pick out yourself and buy with your own money. Also, try to make sure the new giftee won’t bump into the original gifter. It goes without saying that would be awkward. If you really can’t think of someone who would like the gift, consider donating the item to a local charity, clothing drive, etc.

7. Come Clean, if Necessary

How many times has someone asked about a gift they gave you a while back? They may ask how it’s working out, if it fits or, flat out, why they never see you with it. If this inquiry comes up after some time has passed, it’s probably safe to tell the truth, but deliver the news gently! “You know, it wasn’t really my taste but my neighbor loved it so I gave it to her.” Always follow up with another “thank you for thinking of me.”

However, if they ask about the gift the very next day, a little white lie might not be so bad. Maybe tell them you just haven’t had a chance to use it. It’s the holidays after all. Busy, busy!

We hope you found these tips helpful and a well-deserved break from last minute online shopping for the holidays. Remember, Ebates always gives you the extra bang for your buck with coupons, promo codes and Cash Back.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 21, 2015

These Browser Plugins Will Take Your eBay Game to the Next Level

eBay is a great resource for both buying and selling, but you can only go so far without a little help. Luckily, there are a ton of browser plugins to assist you in your quest for online auction awesomeness. From price comparison to sniping assistants, these are the best browser plugins to up your eBay game.

eBay (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

eBay, naturally, has its own browser plugin. This plugin lets you keep track of items you’re selling and bidding on, as well as keep up with eBay’s daily deals. It also lets you save searches and keep up with your saved sellers.

Fast Search for eBay (Chrome, Firefox)

This extension does exactly what it promises: helps you search, fast. Its features include: the ability to search eBay international sites, search suggest, follow search configurations, watch listings and dozens of sorting options. Fast Search for eBay is very customizable and is a great tool for the eBay power user.

Snipe It (a.k.a. Myibidder Auction Bid Sniper) (Chrome, Firefox, Android, iOS)

Snipe It lets you automatically “snipe” an item, meaning place a bid in the last few seconds of the item’s auction. This extension installs a “snipe it” button on every eBay auction page for easy sniping. Just tell it which products to snipe, then sit back and let it do the rest for you.

What’s It Worth? (Chrome, Firefox, Android, iOS)

This super-helpful browser plugin gives you an idea of how much your stuff will sell for on eBay. It uses the average eBay value of similar items successfully sold on eBay in the previous few weeks. What’s It Worth? is a great tool to help you determine if it’s worth your time to sell an item on eBay, as well as to see how much you should be paying for a given item.

eBay Amazon Price Comparison (Chrome, Firefox)

Use this extension for an easy side-by-side comparison of a given item’s price on eBay and Amazon. Just search for your item and the extension shows you both marketplaces at the same time. This plugin is super helpful for the savvy, price-conscious shopper who wants to make sure he or she is getting the best deal.

My eBay Manager (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)

Super-organized eBay users will love this plugin, which helps you keep track of all your eBay activity at any given time. Because you’re always signed in, you can check on your eBay listings and purchases at any time, all in one easily accessible place.

SellerTab (Chrome, Safari, Firefox)

SellerTab gives you an easy way to track all your eBay seller activity from one homepage. Install the extension to be able to view all of your seller highlights each time you open your browser. You can also track new purchases and see how many items need to be shipped out at any given time. This is a great organizational tool for the active eBay seller.

eBay Live (Firefox)

This cool extension is basically a miniature version of eBay’s site. You can quickly view your watched items, sold items, etc., in one pop-up sidebar. This is a great way to stay on top of all your eBay activity quickly and easily.

eBay Negs! (Firefox)

We all want to give people the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes you just need to get the dirt on an eBayer. eBay Negs! lets you easily view all a seller’s negative feedback with just a right-click. This is a great tool for deciding which eBay sellers are trustworthy enough to buy from.

eBay Worldwide Currency Converter (Firefox, Chrome)

Looking to buy an item from another country? This handy extension basically lets you shop eBay in your own country and currency. The tool makes international shopping a lot less painless, as you won’t have to constantly calculate currency conversions yourself.

Now you’re armed with the best eBay tools out there. Buy, sell, conquer eBay!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 18, 2015

7 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Procrastinators

The holidays are here, which means last minute shopping sprees! Don’t worry, even procrastinators can score great deals and check off holiday wish lists with time to spare. With tons of online shopping deals, it’s time to skip those long mall lines and take advantage of these seven holiday tips designed to save you money on last-minute gifts, for some of which you can get Cash Back at Ebates and save even more with coupons and promo codes.

1. Browse Thousands of Last Minute Gift Ideas at Groupon: Easily send great local deals and gift awesome experiences with Groupon. Treat family and friends near and far to spa days, a night out on the town, a new restaurant and more, all while saving with Cash Back at Ebates and a Groupon promo code. No matter their interest, explore Groupon.com for amazing holiday gifts, then simply email gift cards to your recipient, or print out a voucher and put it in a holiday card. For added savings, use a Groupon coupon and get the best local deals on already low prices. It’s a procrastinator’s paradise!

2. Discover Discounted Local Deals at Living Social: Another amazing online deal site, Living Social offers an array of last minute gift ideas, from entertainment to popular products, travel deals and more. Browse tons of last minute gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list and save with Cash Back at Ebates. Plus, take advantage of Living Social’s Me+3 promotion that gives you the chance to get a free deal when three of your friends use one of your referral links to purchase an offer. Explore their gift section and easily print out your gift, email it or schedule it for a later delivery date. Don’t forget to use a Living Social coupon for ultimate savings on your local deals.

3. Gift Cards Make it Easy: Give your friends and family the freedom to choose a gift they’ll really love at one of their favorite retailers when you send gift cards! Gift cards sent via email are a great option and can be delivered directly to the recipient’s inbox very quickly. From Michaels and Macy’s to Nordstrom and thousands of retailers in between, gift cards are one of our favorite last minute holidays tips for easy, stress-free gifting.

4. DIY!: Sometimes the most heartfelt gifts are homemade. If you’re running low on time or if stock ran out on a gift you had in mind, why not make something special yourself? Whether you’re a knitter, an artist, a cook or anything in between, a DIY gift is a surefire way to spread some holiday cheer. Get crafty with easy ideas like decorating a picture frame with embellishments, bringing a plain coffee mug to life with a permanent marker or even baking some tasty treats. Put together a quick gift basket filled with a few of their favorite things, like snacks, drinks, movies and bodycare, and you instantly have a go-to gift everyone is sure to love. The possibilities are endless!

5. Subscriptions are Simple: Renew their favorite magazine subscription from Magazines.com or get them access to popular streaming sites like Netflix or Hulu as the perfect last minute gift! With monthly or even yearly subscription options, your gift will keep on giving long after the holiday season is over. Plus, there are plenty of options out there for everyone on your list, from movie buffs and gamers to makeup mavens and sports fanatics, which makes your search simple!

6. Think Outside the Big Box: Of course, everyone has their favorite big box retailers, but consider online marketplaces like Etsy or Scoutmob for unique finds this holiday season. Many artisans offer holiday specials and expedited shipping offers so you can get that last-minute gift in-hand ASAP. You’ll find one-of-a-kind deals from independent makers for gifts that will be truly treasured. From babies to grandparents and college students to coworkers, you’ll discover incredible last minute gift ideas at these online creative havens.

7. Get Personal: Custom photo gifts may sound time consuming, but places popular like Shutterfly do most of the work for you! In just a few clicks, you can transform your gift recipient’s favorite photos into works of art, a personalized calendar, a mug, photo books and more. Plus, with their special Super Rush Shipping offers and helpful holiday shipping guidelines, you’ll know exactly when you need to submit your order to get your goods in time.

There you have it, our favorite holiday tips for conquering those last-minute holiday gift meltdowns. Whether the holidays just crept up on you, or you struggled to find that one perfect gift for the last person on your shopping list, we hope you save with your Groupon promo code and Living Social coupon, fill your glue gun for that quick and easy DIY project, email that gift card and wrap up your holiday shopping with time and money to spare. After you’ve made your list and checked it twice, be sure to save with Cash Back at Ebates! We’d love to hear from you. Comment below and share your favorite last minute gift ideas!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 17, 2015

Top Tips for Tear-Free Holiday Kids’ Fashion

If you have a kid who loves getting dressed up for special occasions, congratulations. You’ve won the parental lottery. But for the rest of us, we deal with a good bit of squirming, whining, non-existent napkin usage leading to ever-present stickiness and maybe a full-blown tantrum mixed in just for LOLZ. But we get it. Fancy kids clothes are usually itchy, uncomfortable and get in the way of their little rough-and-tumble lives. So let us lend a helping hand (because yours are too busy trying to cram a little foot into a tiny dress shoe) with these holiday kids’ fashion tips on how to shop top clothing stores to score kids’ styles with minimal fuss. Bonus: All these styles come with Cash Back at Ebates!

Formal Flair

Choosing a holiday dress for your little princess should involve some compromise. There are a lot of glitter and tulle styles out there but in our experience, tulle rips way too easily and glitter–well, at least you’ll be able to retrace her little steps because she will leave a trail of it wherever she goes. Instead, opt for something a little more simple. This tiered dress has a crew neck and short sleeves that won’t get in the way. And while the skirt is full, it’s not too dramatic.

If you have visions of a little three-piece suit dancing in your head but your little dude is a wiggle worm, we’ve got just the compromise. A sweater vest set not only comes pre-coordinated, but the comfort level is way higher. Plus, having layers is always convenient when Jr. decides to go full-throttle into a game of tag with the cousins and gets a little overheated.

Casual Cute

Even if your holiday event isn’t on the casual side, it’s always a good idea to pack a comfy alternative outfit. As mentioned, we just love sets and this penguin sweater and legging combo is just adorable and can be easily dressed up with the right accessories.

For little gents, a sweater and cords are still a step up from his normal tee and jeans combo (which I’m sure features some variety of super awesome fictional character, but let’s just give the fan boy stuff a rest for today, shall we?)

Shoes and Accessories

When it comes to kids’ shoes, there are definitely styles that incorporate both cuteness and comfort. These ankle-strap flats will not only stay on, but will not blister the backs of their ankles like other flats. And that bit of sparkle is always a nice touch, even if her outfit is a little less formal.

Any opportunity to avoid laces should be taken immediately. These boys’ dress shoes easily slip on with some thin dress socks and will look amazing with little slacks, cords or even his favorite jeans.

Add just a touch of sparkle to both formal and casual looks with some super cute butterfly and bow hair clips! While a big head band will, guaranteed, be ripped off and hurled across the room after five minutes, she won’t even notice these little dazzlers keeping the hair out of her face.

If you are feeling ambitious and want to try adding a tie to your son’s look, here’s a hack that will save you time and sanity. An adjustable tie with Velcro closure will go on in seconds and come off just as easily when picture time is over and play time begins.

Adorable Outerwear

Regardless of what your son or daughter may be wearing for holiday parties and dinners, fashionable outerwear is a must. If you haven’t noticed, combos are kind of our jam, putting coat and hat bundles at the top of our shopping lists. How cute is this swing coat with matching beret? This piece looks sensational with skirts and pants alike.

A boys’ peacoat really is a winter must-have and is just a bit more formal than a bomber jacket. This piece is made from ultra-warm fleece and comes with a simple yet stylish cap that will keep them warm and toasty. What we love most is the variety of color that makes this selection very easy to fit into his little wardrobe.

All of us at Ebates wish you a happy and fashionable holiday with your family and friends!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 17, 2015

The Best Stores to Shop for Holiday Clothes

Getting ready for the holidays means decking the halls, hanging a nice garland, putting out a pretty poinsettia and of course, sprucing up your wardrobe for the fun-fill days ahead. With the right holiday clothes, you can bring the Yuletide spirit with you wherever you go! Celebrate the season in style and ring in the holidays with these holiday fashion tips for the whole family and where to find them with Cash Back at Ebates.

Sparkle and Shine

Channel the sparkle of tinsel with the best fashions that showcase your festive side. This season’s trends include sequins and leather with delicate fringe details. Pair fashionable pieces with sleek basics to balance the shine and shimmer of the textures. The holiday season isn’t limited to length either. You can dress from head to toe glam in gowns or keep it short and sassy with gorgeous holiday dresses from BCBG. Frugal fashionistas will love the holiday clothes styles available at Dynamite Clothing that give you the high fashion look with low-budget costs.

Find the best in plus size clothing from the fashionable minds at Torrid. Their beautiful dresses feature a variety of styles including bodycon, swing, peplum, skater and more. But if dresses aren’t your thing, have no fear. They also have gorgeous tops in patterns and cuts that you’re sure to love.

Suit Up

If you’re looking for a festive alternative to the glitter beard, there are plenty of options for men’s holiday clothes. Keep the celebration out of your facial hair and opt for a couple of sleek suits instead. Suits from Indochino are custom tailored to your exact specifications and style. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of ties and shirt patterns in both classic and hip designs to pair with your beautiful new suits.

Twinkle Toes

Don’t forget to pair your holiday clothes with the perfect shoes for the occasion. At Michael Kors, you’ll find gorgeous platforms, sandals, pumps and more to pair with your holiday outfit. Choose from luxurious suede or metallic finishes on strappy shoes or a cute boot to complete your look.

Men’s dress shoes come in a number of colors and styles that are sure to coordinate with your holiday getup. You’ll find sleek lace ups in leather or suede and even a comfortable loafer you can slide into for the perfect men’s dress shoes.

Ring in Teen Fashion

The fashion-conscious teen will want to make sure their style is on point throughout the holiday season. Kohl’s has the latest styles from Candie’s, Princess Vera Wang, Jennifer Lopez and more. With their broad selection of clothing styles, your teen will find everything from ugly Christmas sweaters to the latest fashion trends. Best of all, their family-friendly pricing is available for juniors clothing and includes a great selection of plus size clothing.

Micro Fashion Hits Big

Some of the cutest holiday clothes you’ll find this season are designed for the pint-sized members of your family. For the stylish little one, you’ll love the looks at Children’s Place. Your kiddo will be the talk of the town in their adorable and festive sweater. Boys will look dashing in their ties and newsboy hat, while girls will show off their sweet side in adorable dresses.

Pair their holiday clothes with the comfortable and cute shoes at Umi Children’s Shoes. Not only do they offer adorable styles, but their high quality shoes are meant to last so your little one can enjoy them as long as they’ll fit their little feet.

Keep It Fun

The holidays aren’t all about pomp and circumstance so there’s no need to get dressed up if it’s not your style. The folks at Hot Topic have plenty of goodies that allow you to keep it casual, all while you show off your inner nerd. From the latest in Star Wars apparel to comic book fashion that will appeal to Marvel and DC fans alike, you’re sure to find something for your holiday fun, including plus size clothing. Of course, there are plenty of ugly Christmas sweater options here as well.

Cozy Outerwear

When you’re decking out the family in the hippest holiday clothes, don’t forget about fashionable outerwear. Burlington offers a variety of styles from children’s to plus size clothing so you can outfit the entire family in cute coats to keep them warm. You’ll find a wonderful assortment of styles so you can coordinate coats for great pictures and keep everyone nice and toasty as you shuffle around for the holidays.

Whether you’re shopping just for you or you’re looking to outfit the entire family, these holiday fashion tips are sure to offer you the best selection on gorgeous holiday styles. Get the perfect holiday ensemble and rack up the savings with Cash Back at Ebates on great clothing for all the festive days ahead!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.