July 2016 – user's Blog!

July 31, 2016

5 Simple Tips to Save on Late-Summer Travel

Summer is halfway over, which means if you haven’t gone on a vacation yet, you might be scrambling to take advantage of the remaining long days. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a month in Europe, you’ll have more fun if you’re getting the most out of your journey. Here are some ways to save money and earn credit card points.

1. Think outside the crowd. Paris and other European cities are a good deal in August because locals leave town. Then, mid-September is the start of the cheaper travel season. Likewise, you’ll find cheaper rates for travel to the Caribbean because it’s off-season there. Flights and hotels generally become cheaper after Labor Day, but if you can’t wait that long, you can still save by taking midweek or late-night flights.

2. Make sure you have the best travel card. If you don’t yet have a travel credit card, now is the time to consider one. There are travel cards for specific airlines and hotels, which help you earn free airfare and hotel rooms, along with substantial sign-up bonuses. If you’re leaving the country, be sure to take a card that has no foreign transaction fees.

The best time to get travel cards is often during the off-season. Sign-up bonuses for general travel cards and airline cards tend to peak in November, and for hotel cards, August is the best month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. If you received a travel card around either of these times, or if you just redeemed a sign-up bonus, now is a good time to travel. Even if you didn’t get a travel card at one of those times, it may still be worth it to get one for your trip, if only to start earning points and to avoid foreign transaction fees.

3. If you’re taking a road trip, make the most of your cash-back credit card. If you already have a cash-back card with rotating categories that periodically offer a higher percentage of cash back for certain kinds of purchases, see which ones you can take advantage of while you’re on the road — such as higher rewards for gas stations or restaurants. If you have a card with higher rewards in categories like gas and groceries, be sure to take advantage of those, too.

4. Find the best hotel deals. Use hotel comparison websites like Hotels.com and Priceline to find the best rates for hotels. You may be able to book hotels through your travel card. Many points-based travel cards allow you to transfer your points to pay for hotels, either through the booking site of your choice or, in some cases, through their own travel site.

5. Perfect your packing list. You can always pick up something you forgot once you get to your travel destination, but that’s money you shouldn’t have to spend. Make sure you pack essential and versatile clothing for your journey with The Smart Shopper‘s travel-ready clothing guide. By planning now, you’ll have one less thing to worry about on your vacation.

July 30, 2016

Save, Spend, Splurge: 90s Fashion Staples

If you find yourself longing for the time when you were part of the young echoing choir commanding, “Here we are now. Entertain us,” you are clearly not alone. 90s grunge still roars in the hearts of millennials and Gen-Xers just as loud as it did 20 years ago and 90s fashion throwbacks are here to wake up your inner riot grrl. From deep shades of matte lipstick to gothic choker necklaces, we’ve got all your 90s style staples with Cash Back at Ebates. Plus, we rounded up options in three different price points because going back in time shouldn’t bust your budget.

NYX COSMETICS Liquid Suede in Vintage, $6.99 | NARS Pure Matte in Volga, $27 | Christian Louboutin Velvet Matte in Eton Moi, $90

No 90s makeup look was complete without a rich chocolatey brown or deep wine lip. Make sure you go with a matte finish with staying power that will keep your MOTD intact for a long night of shoegazing to Morrissey songs.

Cross Pendant Choker, $3.99 | Whitely Choker, $28 | ‘Asa’ Choker Necklace, $75

We think it’s safe to say that if life was The Craft, most of us were Rochelles just trying to be a Nancy. Channel that “take no prisoners” goth queen with a black choker that goes just as well with a casual tee as it does with piles of black lace.

Juliette Floral Swing Dress, $20 | Coming Up Posies Swing Dress, $46 | Maggie High/Low Dress, $98

A floral swing dress was so universal back in the day. The preps and punks alike found ways to make it their own. Just make sure to go dark and flowing to make it definitively 90s.

Carmen Slip Dress, $35.99 | Topshop Crisscross Strap Slip Dress, $55 | Topshop Back Zip Midi Slip Dress, $90

Sexy, slinky and perfect for summer, slip dresses go beyond the boudoir to create a simple yet striking everyday look. Go pastel for pretty and prim or dark for a vampy evening look.

Combat Boots, $7.89 | Hanging by a Tread Boot, $54.99 | Dr. Martens ‘1460 Mono’ Boot, $124.95

Of all the shoes trends of the 90s (remember flatforms?), combat boots stood the test of time the most and are still a basic staple for a variety of styles. But we’ll always remember them as the perfect combination with sun dresses for a flirty-meets-fierce outfit.

Which of these trends are on your must-have list? Let us know with a comment below!

July 29, 2016

Dorm Room Decor Essentials to Create an Inspiring Space

When it comes to the college experience, it is hard to overstate the importance of dorm room décor. The classic college dorm room is usually cramped, awkward and short on privacy, but one thing it does offer is a blank slate for self-expression. A dorm room has to be a lot of things at once: a bedroom, living room, study spot, closet and sometimes even a kitchen. To cram all that function into one space while maintaining comfort and a sense of style can be hard. So we’ve put together a list of dorm room essentials and unique finds to inspire you. It’s also important to not break the bank on dorm room decorations. While you look through our dorm room ideas, remember that you can earn Cash Back on all your dorm furniture when you shop with Ebates. Get the dorm room decor you need without draining your savings. Now that’s a class act!

Himalayan Ionic Salt Lamp

When space is at a premium, it’s important to make sure everything you decorate with is multi-functional. When heated, this hand-carved Himalayan salt crystal lamp glows with a beautiful natural light and emits negative ions that help clear the air and dilute odors. A bedside lamp that neutralizes your roommate’s gym socks? Genius.

Emoji Pillow

There’s no reason your dorm bedding has to be super serious. This comfy, squishy pillow from Sears is not only the perfect size for a dorm bed, but it’s a quirky way to express yourself in an unmistakable way and show off your silly side.

Sunset Tapestry

Use this handmade fine art photography print as a bedspread, wall hanging or curtain and bring the beauty of nature inside. Shop Etsy for unique handmade goods and tons of other bedroom ideas and use a bedroom décor promo code from Ebates to save on everything you buy.

Nebula Duvet Cover

An ultra soft microfiber blanket that’s easy to wash and features a photo of distant planets is an amazing way of bringing space into your dorm room. Literally.

Gold Diamond Throw Blanket

Show ‘em what a gem you are with this custom gold sparkle fleece blanket. Snuggle up while you make a statement.

Dots and Feelings Stapler

Desktop essentials can double as décor if you find one with enough style, like this cute stapler that’s practically a work of art. Find this and more desk friends at ModCloth.

Alma Otter Tape Dispenser

Who said a tape dispenser can’t be impossibly cute? Get a case of the warm fuzzies every time you need tape and spread some smiles in your dorm room with this unique tape dispenser.

Brilliant Resilience Hoop Art

Not only is this itty bitty wall art adorable and dorm-sized, but it might just help you stay motivated during late night cram sessions.

Simple By Design LED Desk Lamp

Talk about multi-purpose, this battery-powered lamp doubles as an emergency charging station for two phones and even has a dish to hold paperclips or keys.

Mountain Wall Decal

Removable wall art like vinyl wall decals are a great, temporary way to decorate without damaging walls. Even if you can’t paint or hang pictures, you can easily put up movable décor wall stickers and then take them down later.

July 27, 2016

15 Free College Apps to Make You a Star Student This Fall

Whether you’re coming face to face with your first semester of college or you are a veteran academic, chances are you could use a little help getting in gear for all the long nights of cramming ahead of you. Not to mention, getting organized is a crucial element to surviving higher education. Check out this list of 15 completely free apps for school success including study apps and tools to manage the loads of information you will be taking in this fall. If you’re browsing through The App Store and find a paid version you can’t refuse, remember you can get it with Cash Back at Ebates!

1. Studious – Never use a planner book again. Studious has your class schedule, assignment due dates, notes, campus map and more all in one place. It even silences your phone automatically when you are in your scheduled classes. No more embarrassing rings!

2. myHomework Student Planner – Another one of our favorite organizational school apps for students is the myHomework Student Planner, which is similar to Studious and lets you sync across multiple devices and your desktop.

3. Voice Recorder – Recording a lecture in class to be sure you don’t miss a beat is what makes Voice Recorders one of the best apps for college courses. Don’t splurge on a fancy digital recorder and use your phone, then easily download to your PC or store recordings on your cloud accounts for easy access.

4. Assignment Planner – Similar to project management software, Assignment Planner lets you prioritize assignments and school projects by due date so you can manage your time effectively. You can also keep track of your grades so you always have a handle on your GPA, no surprises come report card day.

5. Pocket – Get a head start on researching for that next term paper and store all of your online sources with Pocket. Videos, articles and more are kept all in one place for you to pore over later.

6. Sparknotes – Sparknotes have long been a trusted resource of study guides for English students. Now there is finally an app where you can access helpful study guides on literature, poetry, drama, philosophy and the ever mind-scrambling works of Shakespeare.

7. My Class Schedule – Stay on top of your class schedule with a color-coated calendar, due date alerts and widgets to keep you informed with the slightest of glances to your phone.

8. Evernote – Those pesky team projects can be super hard to organize. Take the hassle out of keeping communication lines clear with the Evernote project management app. Create to-do lists, instant message with you team, sync to any device and clip images and text from anywhere on the Web.

9. Khan Academy – The Khan Academy app is, indeed, the ultimate study buddy. Math students can enjoy instant feedback and step-by-step instruction while tackling serious equations. Khan Academy also gives you access to videos and content on other fields of study including sciences and the humanities.

10. EasyBib – Everyone knows that one of the hardest and most tedious yet probably the harshest graded part of any term paper is the bibliography. Now you can easily generate citations in multiple formats including MLA, APA, Chicago and more. You can even scan a book’s barcode with your phone for all the information you need and send them directly to your email.

11. Fast Scanner – Sharing class and lecture notes is now easier than ever. Simply use your phone’s camera to scan notes and convert into a PDF for easy sharing. Image editing tools can help you make documents easy to read so nothing will get lost in translation.

12. Scholarships.com – Finding college scholarships can be tough since the information on them is so widespread and hard to filter by your needs and qualifications. This app makes things a little easier with a sophisticated search function and a database containing more than 2.6 million scholarships and grants.

13. PhotoMath – Another great resource for math students, PhotoMath lets you scan and instantly calculate complicated math problems using your phone’s camera. This is not just a cheat sheet, however. The app gives you step-by-step instruction on how to solve the problem in real time like a normal human being.

14. Gojimo – Test prep can be stressful. Study up for a variety of entrance exams, SATs and more with Gojimo. Take practice tests and see where you need to brush up on your studies before the big day.

15. Dropbox – Dropbox is file sharing made simple. Share anything on your phone or mobile device easily with other user classmates or teachers or simply store it for easy syncing to your desktop.

July 24, 2016

Frugal Fashion: Summer Booties Under $60

We know no summer is complete without walking along the beach in flip flops, hitting the club in gladiator sandals, or touring a vacation destination in comfy espadrilles. But never forget that boots have their place in the sun, too. Because cute ankle boots are perfect with jeans and add a little edge to a light sun dress, they should definitely be high on your summer shopping list. Before you start browsing shoes online, check out some of our favorite summer booties with Cash Back at Ebates all under $60! That means you can find booties for the office and weekend adventures without breaking the bank.

Bayou Fringe Bootie

Nothing says summer like fringe boots and the rich brown of this pair would look fabulous with light jeans and a simple tank for a lovely laid-back look.

Kammi Peep Toe Bootie

These are boots for women who walk the walk. Be a boss lady at work and at play with these super sleek peep toe booties.

Ronda Open Toe Bootie

Laser cut and perforated styles are still going strong in women’s shoes. Give your look a little structure with these beauties from Famous Footwear.

Lucretia Fringe Open Toe Bootie

The fringe and height on this pair of ankle boots will make your legs feel a mile long. Rock them with a mini dress for your next outdoor concert or event.

Trek the Town Lace-up Booties

Laces that go up the legs? Yes, please! The color of this dreamy pair from Lulus will easily mix with anything in your closet.

Always a Pleasure Lace-up Booties

We just love the vibrant chestnut color of these boots, coupled with open lacing that really makes a statement.

Qupid Tribal-Trim Booties

Tribal prints are a huge summer staple and this simple pair of black booties uses just a hint of it to shake things up.

Laser Cut Peep Toe Booties

If you’re looking for the perfect pair of club or party boots, you can stop now. Charlotte Russe has you covered with these gorgeous laser-cut booties in nude.

Lace-Up Ankle Booties

Here’s a pair perfect for your little black dress! These booties combine laces with the classic look of a peep toe for a safe way to try out a new trend.

Rodger Faux Leather Boots

Big fat buckles are oh so 90s. If you’re in need of a throwback, this pair is all Mary Jane with a little bit of a lift.

Kaimi Synthetic Boots

Give your look an urban edge with this pair rocking an athletic sole and earthy olive color.

July 23, 2016

How to Save Big at Toys “R” Us

Since 1948, Toys R Us has been the go-to destination for making kids’ dreams come true. From classic games to the hottest electronics and more, Toys R Us toys offer endless ways to entertain both kids and kids at heart. With sizzling deals on popular toys and fun for all ages, Toys R Us is your best bet for scoring huge savings this holiday season. Skip the stress and make your holiday shopping adventures easy and affordable with trendy toy specials, incredible savings programs, exclusive insider advice you’ll love and a Toys R Us coupon that will keep you comfortably within your budget. Here are our favorite tips for saving big at Toys R Us:

1. Visit the Toys R Us Savings Center for daily deals, weekly ads, and coupons.

The Savings Center is your one-stop savings spot, offering the best deals on Toys R Us toys in one easy place. You’ll find popular daily deals, weekly ads, clearance items, money-saving Toys R Us coupons and exciting promotions by toy category so you can find the perfect gifts this holiday season. Shop ‘til you drop with special 1-day only sales and get name brand toys on sale. Be sure to check back daily to take advantage of great holiday sales you won’t want to miss and earn Cash Back at Ebates for even more savings!

2. Open an “R” Us Credit Card to get 15% off your purchase.

When you open an “R” Us Credit Card online, you can choose 15% off your purchase or special financing offers upon approval to make managing your holiday budget a breeze. Plus, you’ll earn money-saving points (two points for every $1 spent at Toys R Us) that you can use like cash towards your toy purchases. Not to mention you’ll gain access to exclusive special promotions and exciting presale opportunities so you can stock up on holiday fun before anyone else. You’ll even get access to VIP partnership perks and earn points everywhere else MasterCard is accepted (one point for every $4 spent) outside of Toys R Us when you use your R Us MasterCard.

3. Sign up for Rewards “R” Us to rack up points and savings.

With the free Toys R Us Rewards Program, you can rack up points and use your rewards money to score big savings on all the most popular toys. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend at Toys R Us, plus get a $5 reward for every 125 points you earn. Just another easy way to conquer holiday wish lists for less! Another big bonus: Rewards R Us members get early access to over 100 Black Friday deals, which means you’ll get deep discounts on toys before non-members.

4. Download the Toys R Us app for special deals.

It’s all about apps and emails. Download the free Toys R Us app and get special deals and coupons delivered right to your phone thanks to handy text alerts. You’ll enjoy instant access to all the best Toys R Us toys anytime, anywhere. Don’t forget to sign up for Toys R Us emails to get easy access to limited-time sales events and to get more super savings sent directly to your inbox.

5. Get extra holiday savings with online promo codes and coupons.

Conquer holiday toy shopping while saving with Toys R Us coupons and unbeatable promo codes, all while earning Cash Back at Ebates. With extra savings on fun from action figures and outdoor play to learning toys and video games, you’ll find your tot’s dream toys for less.

6. Check out ToysRUs.com’s clearance section for up to 80% off.

Shop the best deals on toys at the Toys R Us clearance section, where you can browse by category and save on everything from clearance arts and crafts to discount bikes. You’ll find amazing Toys R Us toys starting at under just $2, with select toys over 80% off. Easily explore by age, price, brand and more to pinpoint the perfect toys for everyone on your list.

7. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales & holiday promotions.

Keep an eye on unbeatable seasonal discounts during special sales events including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Get huge discounts on the most-wanted holiday toys of the season, plus stretch your budget even further with Cash Back at Ebates and an exclusive Toys R Us coupon.

8. Save with Free Shipping on orders over $19.

With every online purchase of just $19 or more, Toys R Us offers free economy shipping. You’ll get your fun stuff in about six to nine business days and pocket the extra savings! Plus, check out Toys R Us’ partnership with ShopRunner, which provides awesome offers like free 2-day shipping and member-only deals.

With so many insider tips on holiday toy shopping at ToysRUs.com, you’ll be checking off your shopping list for less in no time at all. Of course, be sure to do all your holiday shopping through Ebates to get all the best deals on toys for kids this holiday season. Happy shopping!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

5 Outdoor Party Tips for Unforgettable Summer Gatherings

Every season has its upsides when it comes to party planning, but it’s pretty much a given that summer is the best season for throwing an outdoor party, especially if you’re not sure you even know how to throw a party. The best thing about outdoor parties is that they’re great for first-timers because ample food and drink choices, warm weather and the availability of your guests is pretty much a given. But even when the odds are ever in your favor, it can still be a little intimidating to host an outdoor party. That’s why we’ve collected our top five outdoor party planning tips and paired them with five great stores, so you can easily stock up on everything you need for a great time. Start your supplies shopping at Ebates to save big on your bash and earn Cash Back on all of your party planning essentials.

1. Keep It Simple

Above all else, the number one summer party tip is to keep it simple. Plan a menu that can be prepared and served all at once, can be cleaned up easily and avoids the need for oven or hot-top cooking. Don’t go nuts with a theme and don’t over-think the playlist. For a runaway success, pare your party down to the bare essentials: something to eat, something to drink, something to talk about and somewhere to sit. The first three are up to you, but for the best in outdoor furniture, check out Home and Patio Décor Center and use a patio décor promo code when you buy to get great savings. Not only does Home and Patio Décor Center have a huge variety of outdoor furniture from portable to permanent, but they also carry all the extras like landscape lighting, unbreakable dishware, outdoor rugs and more.

2. Let Nature Be Your Decorator

Let’s face it. There is no better decorator than Mother Nature. With seasonal flowers and greenery all around, items like streamers, balloons, flags or other party store decorating ideas can simply be finishing touches. Summer parties are all about comfort and ease so let your party decorations reflect that. Walk around your yard, your neighborhood or your local park to see what you can find to decorate your party naturally. Big bold foliage like tall grasses or leafy branches accent a table well, and small colorful leaves make great subtle accents. Of course, the best way to guarantee all-natural summer party décor is to plant your own blooms, herbs and plants. Check out Burpee Gardening to get all the tips, tools, seeds and supplies you need to make sure your summer parties are full of color.

3. Connect Inside and Outside

Even on the most beautiful summer day, any party needs a connection to the indoors for essentials like electricity, restrooms and running water. But you don’t want the party vibe to get lost in the transition from inside to out so find a way to connect them by leaving windows open, playing the same music indoors as out or even take everyday furniture outside. Aim to keep the indoor lighting subtle and indirect. Whether it’s evening or mid-day, a cool, dim indoors makes a good partner with an outdoor party. Shop Light in the Box for great deals on string lights, novelty lights, faux flames and more dimmable lighting ideas with incredible shipping offers.

4. No Idle Hands

Everybody wants to help when it comes to a summer party. Leave a few things undone that early-comers can lend a hand with such as plugging in the string lights, filling ice buckets, bringing out the yard games or setting up the sound system. It’s just busy work, of course, but it will give people a chance to mingle, meet and start their own conversations while you mix cocktails and heat up the grill. To find everything you need to make set-up a snap, no matter who’s doing it, head to Shindigz with a summer promo code. There you can save big on all the gear, games and goods you need to keep your guests entertained.

5. One Good Thing Leads to Another

Every party leaves something behind and the best thing you can do is be sure to separate out what you could use for the next shindig. Don’t just toss those few paper plates or plastic cups, they will come in handy next time. Try to save what you can of leftovers by freezing, or pack your guests to-go bags like party favors. Cut down on clean-up by organizing ahead of time where trash, recycling, food scraps and leftovers will go. For food and party supplies storage solutions, your one-stop shop is The Container Store where you can find everything from storage bins to ice cube trays.

What are your favorite outdoor party tips? Tell us in the comments below!

July 19, 2016

The Ultimate Guide to Teacher Discounts With Cash Back

Teachers, it goes without saying that you have one of the most important jobs in the entire world. You reward our kids with the endless gift of knowledge so it’s only fair that you get a few rewards yourself. Teacher discounts can be found at many stores, not only for school essentials and supplies, but also clothing and accessories so you can build your Back to School wardrobe for less. Check out this list of stores offering generous online discounts for teachers and Cash Back at Ebates.

Staples

Staples has a phenomenal reward program that offers up to 2% cash back (directly from Staples) on all of your purchases, free shipping with minimum purchase from staples.com and ink recycling rewards. Teachers score big with additional savings – including earning 10% back on teaching and art supplies – and bonuses that allow you to meet all of your classroom needs.

LOFT

Look your best at the front of the class with LOFT and shop with confidence that you’re saving money. LOFT gives back to educators by offering an additional 15% off every full-price purchase.

FedEx Office

The National Educators Discount Program allows teachers, faculty, professors and staff to take 15% off most FedEx Office services and products. Order online and save on the materials you need the most.

Jo-Ann

The free Teacher Rewards Discount Card offered by Jo-Ann’s offers educators 15% off all purchases.

Barnes & Noble

The B&N Educator Program allows teachers to save 20% off the publisher’s list price on all purchases for classroom use. On Educator Appreciation Days, the savings goes up to 25%.

Karen Kane

Stay stylish and comfortable this school year by shopping for the newest designer apparel at Karen Kane. Teachers receive 20% off all purchases.

STA Travel

One perk of being a teacher is having the summer off. Why not take that time to travel? STA Travel offers travel deals and products including discount flights on top airlines to teachers.

Lenovo

With the Academic Purchase Program, teachers can score discount laptops, tablets and desktops at Lenovo. Select your state and school for a list of eligible deals.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

July 16, 2016

Time-Saving Gadgets That Make Life So Much Easier

The only way to stretch out summer a little longer is to make the most of your time. There are tons of gadgets that claim to put to practice the latest and greatest time-saving tips, but figuring out which time-savers actually deliver on those claims can eat up more time than they save! So we’ve done the legwork for you and found the best time-saving products from our top Ebates stores, where you can earn Cash Back on your purchases. And remember: When you shop for time-saving products with a gadget promo code from Ebates, you can save both time and money!

Portable Document Scanner

This handy little gadget is light and portable, so you can scan practically anything, anywhere. With no need for wires and the software included, you’ll have the ability to scan like a pro while earning Cash Back at Ebates.

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

Looking for a hot and steamy way to charge through your day? This mug warmer will keep your precious coffee, tea or soup warm and toasty. Mug warmers are high on the list of time-saving baby products since new parents won’t be spending time reheating their coffee again and again!

Dragon Professional Individual

Dragon Professional Individual drives productivity at work by providing accurate and customizable dictation and transcription software. See how freeing it can be to work paperless with Dragon Professional, which allows you to create, edit and format documents all by voice.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

iRobot Roomba 860

It’s the original robotic at-home helper, and a surefire way to save time on everyone’s least-favorite household chore: vacuuming. The Roomba vacuum-cleaning robot can be set up to clean your floors while you’re out, and it has unique technological features such as AeroForce extractors, which are proven to remove up to 50 percent more dirt, dust, hair and debris from all floor types.

Canon Wireless Mobile Printer

This tiny powerhouse printer from Canon prints incredible color or black-and-white images wirelessly from almost any mobile device. This mobile printer uses WiFi to print beautiful photos and crisp, professional documents on the go.

Chef’s Fork Cooking Thermometer

Folks, it’s the digital age. There’s no need to be second-guessing when your burger is done. With the built-in thermometer in this chef’s fork, you’ll get an accurate reading on your cooked meats. Shop with a kitchen gadget promo code and you can save money while you grill to perfection and cook with confidence.

Paderno 4-Blade Spiralizer

This ingenious kitchen gadget helps you make beautiful, complex dishes that will transform your kitchen table into a fine-dining experience. With a simple flick of the wrist, the Paderno Spiralizer slices and shreds vegetables, creating thin spirals and ribbons. The Spiralizer is stabilized by four strong suction-cup feet and has internal storage for all its component parts.

Rapid Beverage Chiller

Crate and Barrel has a whole host of high-quality, affordable, time-saving cookware, such as the Cooper Rapid Beverage Chiller, which can cool a bottle of wine to the perfect temperature 40 times faster than a conventional freezer. Use a cookwear promo code from Ebates when you check out at Crate and Barrel to save big on these great gadgets.

Avo Shark Avocado Multi-Tool

The Avo Shark is not only a time-saver, but also a super cute multi-tool. For anyone who loves avocado, this dishwasher-safe tool makes preparation a breeze, saving time and frustration. Check out The Grommet for other unique, innovative, time-saving appliances for your home that you can’t find anywhere else.

July 15, 2016

How to Keep Your Kids Active on Summer Break

Now that summer break is in full swing, how are your kids spending their time? With the kids out of school on summer vacation, keeping them out of trouble and off the couch all summer can seem like a full time job. Searching for inspiration on how to keep kids active in summer? Look no further! Get their minds and bodies moving plus get Cash Back at Ebates with these awesome tips, tricks and ideas for helping your family make the most of their summer vacation.

Summer Crafts

Learning a new craft is one of those quintessential summer activities for kids. Keep your kids’ minds busy and happy by setting them up with a mini studio space somewhere in your home. Providing them with a selection of arts and crafts supplies can help to keep them content and happily working on projects rather than turning into a mobile device zombie. Depending on their age and interests, you can find a number of great arts and crafts projects and get supply list inspiration on sites like Pinterest. Once you’ve picked out a line up of summer arts and crafts projects, head online to hunt down an awesome art project promo code from Ebates. Plus, when you shop our top craft stores like Michaels, you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates with each summer crafts project purchase.

Learning a New Sport or Activity

Summer is an awesome time for the kids to get out and head off to the pool, the park or the local taekwondo studio to learn a new skill. Taking lessons during the summer is a great way to keep the kiddos active and engaged while giving them a chance to make new friends. While summer lessons can really add up, especially if you have a couple kids, check out any available deals online at Groupon to find the best prices on summer activities and lessons in your local area. Groupon is also a great source for a class or lesson promo code on the already awesome local deals. Don’t forget that you can save even more when you get fabulous Cash Back at Ebates with each Groupon purchase.

Supply Your Kids With Kits and Guides

Even if your kids aren’t into taking lessons, that doesn’t mean they can’t learn something new. Set them up for learning and fun with a great kit or project that will keep their minds active and growing. Check out cool tech kits at Rakuten.com and earn Cash Back at Ebates all while giving your child’s natural curiosity a healthy boost. Have a great backyard? Send the kids outside to explore and learn with this super cool bug catching kit from Brookstone. Kits and guides can help foster kids interest in independent learning and important subjects that their school might not cover, like robotics! You can even find simple cooking projects from the great books at The Book Depository that can help your kids have fun and learn long after the summer vacation comes to an end.

Outdoor Summer Activities

With all the electronics luring kids into becoming couch potatoes over the break, it can be tough to keep kids active during summer time off. Take some time and shop around online at Dick’s Sporting Goods to help get the gear and games that your kids need to stay active this summer. Invest in the equipment they’ll need for lessons or even to play informal games with friends from the neighborhood to help keep them active.

If your kids aren’t old enough to go off to a park with just friends, you can turn your outdoor space into that yard that all the kids want to come to for summer fun. Help your kids enjoy a summer of play outside right in your own backyard when you find a perfect play set that will encourage them to spend their time outdoors. Set their imaginations free and pick out an awesome play house or swing set combo online at Lowe’s. You’ll get Cash Back from Ebates and if you stay tuned for a summer play set promo code, you could save some serious cash when it comes to prepping your family for a summer break filled with outdoor play. Just make sure you stock up on sunscreen, too!

Summer Vacation Ideas

Taking a summer vacation with kids requires some serious planning but the reward will be memories that last a lifetime. Head to discount travel sites like Travelocity and browse for family friendly summer vacation ideas to book a getaway that the kids will love. As an added bonus, booking online at Travelocity means you’ll be earning Cash Back at Ebates to help your summer budget go even further. Not sure you can afford a multi-day getaway? Consider taking a few day trips to keep your kids active and engaged throughout the summer. Check for activity tickets or even a museum pass promo code online to plan out your day trip summer activities.

What are your favorite ways to keep the kids active during summer vacation? Tell us in the comments below!