Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Clueless Dudes

Valentine's Day Nerd Heart

Guys, we get it. Valentine’s Day can be a pain. The early days of playing it safe with flowers and candy may be behind you. Or you may have been tempted in the past to “get creative” and ended up like this poor sap over here:

Whatever your apprehension to shopping may be, we understand and we have your back with some gift ideas from stores she knows and loves. These Valentine’s Day gifts for her are chic, modern, practical and best of all, they give you Cash Back at Ebates.

Dear Dudes Who Are Reading This During Their Lunch Break on February 13th,

Before you choke on that sandwich because you completely forgot about the big day, take in the good news that all five of the below stores offer In-Store Cash Back at Ebates. So now you can swing by their nearest locations and pick up the gift without missing out on Cash Back. You’re welcome.

Ann Taylor, 2% Cash Back

If your girl looks like she just walked off the pages of Vogue and it’s only a Tuesday, Ann Taylor is the place to find what she thrives on–sparkling accessories and quality pieces she can mix and match into any outfit.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 4% Cash Back

Quirky meets high fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue is perfect for the woman who has a daring side and isn’t afraid to tell the world that she loves avocado on everything, even her shoes. It’s a good fat, after all.

EXPRESS, 2.5% Cash Back

EXPRESS is the destination for hip, youthful fashions ranging from casual to fabulous. If you know your lady is into exercise, go with an activewear set. If not, stay away. This is not the time to suggest she needs a fitness routine. Apply chocolate instead.

The Body Shop, 4% Cash Back

Help her unwind with some of the best pampering products on the market at The Body Shop. From luxurious massage oils to exfoliating scrubs, they have everything she needs to feel like a brand new woman.

American Eagle, 4% Cash Back

Whether Bae likes to bake or loves the gift of flirty lingerie, satisfy her penchant for kitsch and classic, casual style at American Eagle. Score silly gifts that will make her smile or stylish staples to put the swing in her step.

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Must-Have Moisturizers for Winter Weather

Woman Wearing Hat in Winter

Winter is a time for sledding, reading by the fireplace and enjoy a cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows, but it’s also a time that our skin tends to dry out. A tight, dry feeling can plague the face, hands and feet which can cause discomfort, flaking or cracking. The low humidity levels draw the moisture from the skin, leaving us quenched. Luckily, the right moisturizer can keep your skin from getting dry and we’ve rounded up these best-sellers for you to try. Don’t forget to shop online and get Cash Back at Ebates on all your beauty and skincare needs.

For Your Face:

Keep your face moisturized all winter long to prevent tightness or flaking. Sunscreen protection is also still important in the winter months, so make sure your daily moisturizer has at least SPF 15 to protect from harmful sun rays.

Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily MoisturizerThis lightly-scented, oil-free moisturizer is gentle enough for daily use, provides your skin with sun protection and will keep you moisturized during the dry winter months.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

First Aid Beauty Hydrating SerumFirst Aid Beauty’s hydrating gel instantly infuses skin with optimal hydration for soft, smooth and youthful-looking skin.

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator

Clinique Moisture Surge Fortifying HydratorClinique’s cream-gel hydrator instantly rehydrates while helping fortify and repair skin’s moisture barrier to keep moisture in and environmental irritants out.

Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging Night Recovery Cream Moisturizer

Olay Regenerist Cream MoisturizerMoisturize while you sleep with this night recovery cream as the super-hydrating formula penetrates 10 layers deep to regenerate surface skin cells.

For Your Body:

Avoid the discomfort of dry elbows and knees during the cold weather by moisturizing quickly after taking a shower or bath. This helps lock the moisture in and keep you from having thirsty skin.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

Kiehl's Whipped Body ButterFor deep moisturization, this Kiehl’s whipped body butter instantly penetrates to restore, protect and soften skin.

Curel Ultra Healing Intensive Moisture Lotion

Curel Ultra Healing Moisture LotionIdeal for severely dry skin, this lotion repairs and renews dry skin, immediately leaving your skin feeling soft, supple and restored.

Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion

Nivea Essentially Enriched Body LotionEnriched with natural sea minerals and almond oil, this body lotion transforms dry skin into healthier-looking, more nourished and hydrated skin.

Molton Brown Hydrate Desert Bloom Body Quencher

Molton Brown Body QuencherQuench your skin’s thirst with this lotion from SkinStore infused with African desert plant extracts to help soften, hydrate and protect.

For Sensitive Skin:

If you find yourself dealing with sensitive skin prone to breakouts, eczema or other ailments, make sure your products are designed to fit your needs.

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Daily Calming Moisturizer

Yes to Cucumbers Calming MoisturizerDelight your skin with this daily calming moisturizer including cucumbers, sweet almond and aloe extract to give yourself a healthy glow. This moisturizer does not can any paraben, petroleum or SLS and is 99.6% natural making it perfect for those with sensitive skin of any kind.

Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer

Kiehl's Skin RescuerReduce the visible signs of stress on your face with this daily hydrator which helps significantly improve overall skin quality, dryness and blotchiness.

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body Creme

Eucerin Eczema Relief Body CremeIf you suffer from dry, itchy eczema-prone skin, this body creme uses natural oatmeal, Ceramide-3 and Licochalcone to relieve, strengthen and sooth red, irritated skin. It is gentle enough for every day use and is free of fragrance, steroids and dyes.

Bliss Naked Body Butter

Bliss Naked Body ButterThis paraben and fragrance free body butter available at Macy’s will restore moisture to even the most rough and scaly skin, leaving the skin soft and hydrated without feeling greasy.

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Get Cash Back on Valentine’s Day Gifts

Red Gift Box With HeartsFebruary 14th is just around the corner! Skip scouring those picked-over aisles searching for anything heart-shaped and get your sweetheart something swoon-worthy this Valentine’s Day. Here are some of our favorite Ebates stores to score the sweetest Valentine’s Day gifts on a budget.

Bath Beauty Products SpaHello, Health & Beauty Buys!

Looking for gorgeous goodies for the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts? Mix and match beauty products to create custom gift baskets in a snap. Shop pretty presents from Sephora, from designer fragrances to makeup sets, all with Cash Back at Ebates. Explore more beautiful buys with hair care products for all hair types and textures at Carol’s Daughter. Round out your unique gifts with green beauty products, organic treats, yoga supplies and sustainable living goodies at Abe’s Market. Creating personalized gifts doesn’t have to be hard! Just grab a few of their favorite health and beauty supplies for a sweet, thoughtful gift they’ll love.

Perfect Pairs & Hot Handbags

Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be all about chocolates and roses. Revamp traditional gift ideas and save with Cash Back at Ebates on stylish accessories including designer shoes and trendy handbags. Swing by Nordstrom for free shipping offers on popular designer shoes from the most fashion-forward brands. From fantastic flats and stylish heels to built-to-last sneakers on sale, score Valentine’s Day presents on a budget at Nordstrom.com. Head over to Bloomingdale’s for great gift ideas including designer handbags and fashionable footwear deals, too!

Heart Shaped ChocolatesTasty Treats

This February, satisfy a sweet tooth and treat their tummy to something special and enjoy the savings with Cash Back at Ebates. For yummy Valentine’s Day gift ideas, head over to Shari’s Berries where you’ll find fresh fruits drenched in delicious chocolate. Browse gift baskets overflowing with dazzling desserts and save on your sweet stash with Shari’s Berries promo codes. Send See’s Candies for less with Cash Back at Ebates and discover personalized gifts featuring handpicked truffles. Searching for romantic Valentine’s Day gifts? WineTasting.com offers a variety of wine clubs where you can explore wines from all over the world for a romantic date night in. Restaurant.com offers unique gifts with easy ways to save at the restaurants you crave. Add a restaurant gift card to a gift basket and give your favorite valentine the freedom to discover new eats or indulge in their go-to hot spot.

Adventure Awaits

There’s nothing more romantic than a weekend getaway or adventure-filled vacation. Surprise trips make unique gifts this sweet season and Ebates makes planning travel and vacations simple and affordable. Visit Expedia.com and score Cash Back at Ebates on amazing vacation packages including discount flights, hotels and car rentals. Don’t forget to use available Expedia promo codes for the deepest discounts around! Hotels.com makes booking your perfect room a breeze. Browse last-minute deals, save up to 50% with unbeatable Deals of the Day and get their Best Price Guarantee. Book with CheapAir.com for affordable flight deals and be sure to check out Groupon Getaways for the best adventurous gift ideas around.

We hope this special list of popular retailers will help you pick the perfect presents this February. Comment below and tell us the best gifts you’ve given or received on Valentine’s Day!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

6 Can’t-Fail Valentine’s Day Trips

Couple Kissing Holding a HeartValentine’s Day is right around the corner! Have you figured out how to wow your sweetheart yet? If you’re fresh out of Valentine’s Day ideas, consider how awesome it would be to take a quick vacation. With all the remarkable deals on flights available right now, a romantic getaway has never been so incredibly affordable and is sure to impress. Grab your airline tickets on the cheap and head to one of these fabulous destinations.

Montreal, Canada

Montreal Buildings SkylineWith US currency holding strong against the Canadian dollar, heading north for a getaway can mean big savings right now. Grab a flight into Montreal’s pleasantly small airport and get ready for a world-class weekend. With the ever-present French influence on the city’s culture, language and architecture, Montreal has a lot of the same charm as its European counterparts. Take a romantic stroll through the old part of the city or visit the world-class botanical garden and bio dome for a blast of warm air and a really gorgeous dose of nature. Treat your love to a romantic French language-speaking getaway without the cost of a transatlantic flight!

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas NevadaWant to go a little wild? With airline tickets often subsidized to bring visitors into Las Vegas, the time is always right to catch a flight to this super fun destination. Vegas.com always has incredible deals on shows, spas and 5-star restaurants to guarantee that this will be a dazzling escape. Whether you both want to try your luck in the casinos or you are headed straight for the chapel to elope, there’s always something unforgettable going on throughout the city. Although what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, this will be the getaway weekend that you both remember for years to come.

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Mardi GrasWith Mardi Gras already over by Valentine’s Day, the giant crowds and mayhem will have cleared out of The Big Easy and the city will have returned to its normal rhythm and jazz. New Orleans is perfect this time of year for a quick weekend getaway whether you’re looking for a foodie or a historical destination. Book a quiet B&B away from Bourbon Street and you’ll be amazed at the laid back and charming side of New Orleans. With year-round outdoor cafes, stone streets, horse drawn carriages and food so good you’ll think you’ve died and gone to heaven, New Orleans is filled with splendid surprises that will surely delight. Incredibly affordable and fun, head to New Orleans and you’ll be strolling around with a daiquiri in hand in no time.

Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont LighthouseLooking for somewhere to curl up in front of a fireplace with your favorite person? Tuck yourselves into a rustic getaway in snowy Vermont. With numerous daily flights to beautiful Burlington, you can easily get to one of Vermont’s wonderful attractions via a quick and very scenic drive. You can also check out gorgeous spots like Stowe and Woodstock if you’re in the mood for bustling little communities that know how to do small town relaxation right. Vermont’s mountains may be no match to the size of the peaks out west, but you’ll find that you can have just as much fun at a fraction of the cost. With lots of affordable lodging near the ski resorts in Vermont, you won’t have to go far to have a great time.

Todos Santos, Mexico

Todos Santos, Mexico Resort This quiet little town on the Baja California Peninsula is perfect for a special and affordable seaside getaway. Away from the early Spring Breakers and ruckus of Cabo, Todos Santos has become an artists’ enclave. Take a stroll around this quaint and historic little town. Plan a day trip and head up into the nearby mountains to check out the local pottery works or wait on the beach for the fishermen to bring in fresh fish for your dinner. Whether you are sitting in one of the many cafes listening to live music or head down to the nearby beaches to watch the release of baby sea turtles after the sun sets, you won’t forget Todos Santos long after you’ve left.

Savings-Friendly Staycation

Hotel Room BedSometimes all you really need to reignite the romance in your relationship is a night out in your own town. Surprise your sweetheart with a staycation and get a fun, fresh perspective as a tourist in a new part of your city. With no airfare or long distance drive to pay for, you can splurge on booking an upscale room through Hotels.com and save bit on a fancy dinner with gift card deals from Restaurant.com. to appropriately pamper your love. Finally, check out that museum that you’ve been talking about for ages or visit Ticketmaster and book those concert tickets you know your sweetheart desperately wants. No matter where you go, the best part of your trip will be the wonderful quality time spent with someone you love.

Flowers and chocolate are holiday staples, but these Valentine’s Day ideas will make your celebrations sweeter than candy and the memories will last much longer than a bouquet. So go ahead, explore the world with your sweetheart and plan unique Valentine’s Day trips that won’t break the bank. Happy Valentine’s Day!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Fashionably Fit Giveaway

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Keep those New Years Resolutions on track, particularly if they involve a commitment to your health AND upping your accessories game. Ebates is proud to present our Fashionably Fit Giveaway where one lucky winner will receive a Fitbit Flex and two ways to wear it fiercely with a Tory Burch bracelet and necklace. Both the necklace and bracelet actually hold the Fitbit while you go about your day fashionably. The entire package is valued at $450.

Ready to get your heart pumping and you looks popping? See giveaway details and enter to win below. Good luck!

How to Enter the Fashionably Fit Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Joining Ebates is free and you’ll receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join today at www.ebates.com. You must be an Ebates member to be eligible. 

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Wednesday, February 10, 2015 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Gleam, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

Fabulously Fit Giveaway

 

The Ultimate Guide to Decluttering Your Closet

It’s never too early to indulge in spring-cleaning fever! But if you’re intimidated by that hot mess of dresses, shoes, bags and bulky outerwear you’ve got in your closet, just relax. Like any massive project, decluttering your closet works best when you have a plan before diving in. Here are seven tried-and-true tricks to help you get your closet reorganized and fashionably efficient, plus a few essentials you can get with Cash Back at Ebates to get to the job done right.

Overhead of essentials vintage woman.

1. Host a Clothing Swap

One girl’s “leave it” is another girl’s “love it.” Kill two birds with one stone and invite your besties over to take some gently worn items off your hands while you help yourself to some of theirs. It’s a fun (and cheap!) way to kick-start your spring wardrobe.

shoes2. Take It One Section at a Time

Rather than pull everything out of your closet and find yourself instantly overwhelmed, work on one area at a time. That way, you can even spread the project over multiple days. Maybe start with shoes first, then the top shelf, then the bottom drawer and so on. Baby steps, ladies.

3. Apply the One-Year Rule

If you haven’t worn a piece in a full 365, consider getting rid of it. If you never got the itch to mix it into your outfits that whole time, chances are you never will. Say buh-bye. Also try hanging all your clothes in one direction. As you wear things, put them back hanging the opposite direction. In another year, you will easily see what you haven’t worn so you can get rid of those items too.

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4. Put Things Away in Groups

After the big purge, restock your closet by grouping things into categories. All sweaters go in this drawer, all dresses hang in this section, etc. Another option is to group by color. Consider your thought process in putting outfits together and do what makes sense for you.

belt_tie_rack5. Get a Belt Rack

Even if you don’t have a lot of belts, these screw-in belt racks are great for hanging bags and scarves that would otherwise likely take up floor space.

6. Store With Space Bags

If there are some items that need to be taken out of your seasonal rotation but you are running out of room, get some large space bags to vacuum pack these pieces. It’ll keep them safe from moisture and dust, and, most importantly, it will shrink them down to size.

Sidewalk chalks7. Basement Storage With a Bag of Chalk

If you’re storing clothes in a chest or basement, put a few pieces of chalk (it doesn’t have to be colored) in a cloth bag to add to your clothes. This will soak up excess moisture in the air and keep your clothes fresh and dry.

How do you plan to tackle your closet overhaul? Let us know in the comments section!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Related Links:
Bed Bath and Beyond Coupons
Overstock Promo Codes
Jet.com Coupons
Home Improvement Promo Codes
Discounts on Home Decor

7 Girlfriend Getaways Your Besties Will Love

Four Women in a Car

It may still be cold and stormy, but now is the perfect time to get a jump start on making spring travel arrangements. And if it’s been a while since you and your crew of besties have gotten together, consider a girls’ weekend getaway as the perfect way to catch up and make new memories! Groupon Getaways has amazing girlfriend getaways your entire wolf-ette pack will love at unbelievable prices with Cash Back at Ebates. We’ve picked seven charming lodgings to give you some girls’ getaway ideas and priced them per person based on a group of four fabulous BFFs.

Seascape Resort Condos – Galveston, TXSeascape Resort Condos

Price: $28.75 per night

Seascape Resort Condos occupy a quiet stretch of Galveston Island’s western shores. They’re surrounded by palm trees, rolling sand dunes, and the Gulf of Mexico. Popular pursuits here include kayaking, golfing, parasailing, shopping, and taking wildlife-viewing tours.

Siesta Key Bungalows – Siesta Key, FL

Siesta Key Bungalows - Siesta Key, FL

Price: $54.75 per night

A barrier island west of Sarasota, Siesta Key is sandwiched between Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Siesta Key Bungalows sit along the banks of Heron Lagoon, a narrow waterway in the middle of the mangrove-lined island. It’s a secluded spot where you can fish for snook and redfish from a private dock. Tucked away as it is, the property is still just a short drive from the popular Siesta Beach.

The Cabins at Healing Springs – Ashe County, NC

The Cabins at Healing Springs - Ashe County, NC

Price: $41.50 per night

In North Carolina in the late 1880s, if you had an ailment you were looking to cure, you might have wound up at Thompson’s Bromine and Arsenic Springs. The natural mineral springs, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, were thought to cure an array of conditions from poison ivy to indigestion. Since 1887, a hotel has stood on the property to cater to visitors—today, The Cabins at Healing Springs carries on the tradition.

Luxury Villas – Palm Springs, CA

Luxury Villas - Palm Springs, CA

Price: $57.42 per night

With this Getaway, you’ll stay in an upscale villa in Palm Springs. Perfect for a weekend of shopping, spa treatments, and enjoying the culinary mastery of nearby upscale restaurants and bistros. Two-bedroom units accommodate 4–8 guests and feature a sunlit, outdoor pool with views of Mount San Jacinto.

Daven Haven Lodge – Grand Lake, CO

Daven Haven Lodge - Grand Lake, CO

Price: $32.63 per night

Outdoor adventure awaits! Just two blocks from the town of Grand Lake, Daven Haven Lodge’s cabins are convenient to hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each of the cabins has a unique layout, but all feature fully stocked kitchens, clean linens, and furnished patios.

Guadalupe River Houses – New Braunfels, TX

Guadalupe River Houses

Price: $18.50 per night

The Guadalupe River flows just outside the naturalistic lodgings of Guadalupe River Houses, a cluster of private homes, log-cabin-style tree houses, and stylish suites near some of New Braunfels’ most popular attractions. You can spend your days fishing for bass and sunfish on Lake Dunlap, dining on authentic German cuisine in downtown New Braunfels, or exploring nearby Texas Hill Country.

English Inn – Victoria, BC

English Inn Victoria

Price: $19.10 per night

Built in 1906, the recently renovated English Inn sits on 1.5 acres of well-tended lawns and gardens. Though you’ll be just a short stroll from the beach and near a path that leads to downtown, the estate is set in a quiet residential area that has a cozy, tucked-away-in-the-country feel–perfect for the low-key group who loves to watch movies and play board games after a long day of sightseeing.

Which one of these destinations would suit your #squadgoals this spring? Let us know in the comments below!

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

5 Tips to Hosting the Perfect Tea Party

teapartyheader

Tea parties are a great way to gather up friends for a fun afternoon of stories, laughter, drinks and food. Whether you’re throwing a baby or bridal shower or just want an excuse to get everyone together, hosting a tea party is exciting and enjoyable for all ages. But as fun as they are, they do require a bit of proper planning. No worries though – we have all the tips, tricks and must-have items to throw the perfect tea party! When planning your event, don’t forget to search for promo codes and deals at Ebates to save more and earn Cash Back on all your tea party purchases.

Issue the Invitations

When planning a tea party, the formality of your event will reflect in the formality of your invitation. If you want a traditional English tea party, opt for handwritten invitations on a tea card. Or get in touch with your crafty side and print them out on floral stationary and decorate with lace or pearls. If you’re new to throwing an afternoon tea party, keep it small, inviting three to five guests.

Set the Table

Since you’ll be sitting at the table as you drink your tea, make the table shine. Set down a white linen or lace tablecloth and arrange a fresh bouquet of flowers in the center of the table. Let your own personality shine through when decorating. Make sure to arrange the treats and teacups ahead of time. Use tiered cake stands to elevate the table and maximize space. And don’t fret if your tea set doesn’t match! Mix and matched china allows for a fun and modern look. Or you can invite your guests to bring their favorite tea cup to the party and ask them to share what makes the cup special to them.

Arrange the Treats

The main emphasis of the party is of course the tea, but snacks are equally as important! Opt for snacks that don’t require being served warm, such as finger sandwiches and scones. Serve biscuits with jam or channel your inner baker and make a cake (or tiny cakes!) for all to enjoy.

Present the Drinks

Offer your guests an assortment of hot and cold tea. You can opt for one tea pot full of boiling water presented alongside tea bags and another pot with your favorite tea already brewed. Don’t forget the tea essentials such as lemon, sugar, honey and cream. You can even include orange or lime slices, fresh fruit such as raspberries and strawberries or fresh herbs like basil and mint. This will allow your guests to try new things and share their favorite combinations. For iced tea drinkers – make fun ice cubes! Add an edible flower or lemon zest to the ice cube tray for a little surprise.

Enjoy the Party

In the end, whether you serve your tea on a silver tray or just brew up some iced tea, enjoy your tea party. It’s a wonderful way to bring people together and enjoy one another’s company!

teapartyfriends

Tea Party Essentials

To enjoy your lovely afternoon tea, you need a few essentials. This stoneware teapot from Lord & Taylor is simple and elegant but is also microwave and dishwasher safe. If you plan on brewing tea leaves, you’ll want a tea strainer to serve to the perfect cup. Adding a cute sugar bowl and a pink tea set to the table completes the look.

Tantalizing Teas

Having a variety of tea available for your guests allows for a delightful afternoon. A hearty black tea like this form from Adagio Teas is a great addition for a morning tea party while a chai tea adds a bit of sweet and spice to the mix. Mix it up with interesting flavors like a tropical green tea or herbal tea, served with garnishes.

Delightful Decor

Elegant decorations really add to the tea party atmosphere. Arrange your treats on a two-tier cake stand or serve them on doilies for a classic look. These tea invitations from Etsy will get your guests excited for the party. Don’t forget to set down a lace tablecloth before decorating!

Finishing Touches

While it’s not necessary to dress up for a tea party, there’s no denying that it’s part of the fun! Carry a white lace parasol if your choose to have a garden tea party in the sun and add lavender gloves to perfect the look. Tea hats are all the rage and this emerald fascinator from ModCloth will be one you’ll never want to take off. Or opt to keep it simple by adding a jeweled broach to your favorite dress.

Will you be throwing a tea party this 2016? Let us know in a comment below!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

How to Spend Your Holiday Gift Cards Wisely

Credit Card SwipeWith the holidays safely behind us, there’s a good chance that you now have a shiny, new pile of gift cards just waiting for you to spend them. Whether it’s a Best Buy card from your brother or that Macy’s card from your aunt, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to make the most your new gift cards. Even if that means you’re going to sell gift cards or do a gift card exchange, there are so many ways to make the most out of your cards. So if you have a pile of unspent gift cards laying around, here are some awesome money-saving tips and tricks from your friends at Ebates to help you maximize just how far those cards can go.

1. Don’t Lose Your Cards

It’s easy to plan all the awesome things that you’ll buy with your new gift cards, but once you get busy, it’s just as easy to tuck your cards aside and promptly forget your ideas – and where you stashed your gift cards. Even if that happens, protect your cards from disappearing by making sure that you register them or write down the redemption info. Be sure to keep your gift cards in a safe place, because while their small size makes them convenient for shopping, their slim profile means they are super easy to lose in a pile of papers on a messy desk. Keep your gift cards somewhere that’s both secure and memorable because they can be super safe, but they’re no good to you if you can’t remember where you stashed them! To the same end, don’t keep them in your wallet. It’s annoying to not have them if you are out shopping, but even more annoying to lose all that awesome already-paid-for value if your wallet goes missing while you’re out. Save yourself a headache and don’t put them in your wallet until you are ready to spend them, or better yet, spend them online! Gift cards are incredibly easy to use online from the comfort of your couch or bed and you can often find the best deals right from your computer.

Free Shipping2. Take Advantage of Sales and Free Shipping Offers

Just because you have free money to spend, that doesn’t mean you should skip shopping around for the best deals! Stretch your gift card budget as far as it will go by paying attention to sales and promotions online, whether you are redeeming a card from Ace Hardware online for those new tools you’ve been eyeing or cashing in a Kohl’s card for a new pair of jeans. Shopping online with your gift cards is a great way to do this because you can easily compare prices across vendors and take instant advantage of savings that you might not notice if you’re out wandering around a store.

3. Don’t Let Gift Cards Turn Into a Slippery Spending Slope

While gift cards may mean you can start shopping, it shouldn’t mean blowing your budget. A gift card can give you a chunk of change to spend at your favorite stores, but it’s easy to go way overboard. Use your gift card to help you get closer to the purchase price of those big ticket items you’ve been eyeballing. Just make sure you set a hard limit for just how far above the value of your gift card you can go without really breaking the bank.

4. Make the Most of the Cards You Won’t Use

We all get them – the gift cards that you just won’t ever use. Whether it’s for a store that clashes with your personal style or a restaurant you can’t stand, don’t just toss your unwanted gift cards. There are a number of places online that offer a gift card exchange. They will happily take your unwanted gift cards off your hands and either trade them out for cards you want or you can even just sell gift cards for cash. Super cool, right? If that still sounds like too much work, see if your friends want to have a post-holiday gift card swap. Who knows what goodies they may be looking to trade for your less-than-loved gift cards! Have another holiday event or birthday coming up? Gift cards are super easy to re-gift and come in especially handy when you need a last minute present.

Money Down the Drain5. Don’t Waste Their Value to Expiration Dates and Fees

Gift cards are an awesome way to shop at your favorite store or redeem for a fabulous movie night out via Fandango, but make sure you pay attention to any expiration dates or fees that the cards may have. It’s a shame to let any of that value go to waste when you could be out spending and having a ball! Check the back of gift cards or any paperwork that came with your cards to skim the fine print for the necessary details to figure out if you’re up against any expiration deadlines or if you’ll be hit with any maintenance fees in the future. Nothing like unexpected fees or an expiration date to dampen the gift card spending fun!

Now that we’ve shared these tips, you’re ready to head out and spend those gift cards like a pro. Enjoy!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Foodie Fashion: The New Nom-tastic Vans Collection

vanslatenight

For those of us who love topping off a fun night out with some greasy treats, the Late Night collection from Vans has us drooling. Drive thru in style with colorful Vans sneakers in tasty foodie fashion prints including classic junk food staples like burgers and fries, creamy cupcakes and more. This collection includes men’s, women’s and kids’ shoes as well as socks and tees to top off your food-loving frock while stacking your savings with a Vans promo code and Cash Back at Ebates. Feast your eyes on our faves from the Late Night collection below and let us know which pair you can’t resist.

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.