8 New Year’s Essentials for Burnt-Out College Students

Last August, you started the school year ready to take over the world. But after five months of burying yourself in college textbooks, you’re running a little low on steam. This is totally normal and happens to even the most motivated students. To get you back on track, we’ve created a list of New Year’s resolutions and products that’ll help you keep them. Because if you don’t care take of yourself, making the grade will be that much harder. Shop these New Year’s essentials with Cash Back at Ebates, and end your school year with a bang.

Reduce Distractions

Starting the new year off right should include renewing your focus and concentration. Create a private study space anywhere with this cozy and portable bed tent.

Eat Healthier

The most common New Year’s Eve resolution is weight loss. Stocking up on healthy snacks with a Graze box subscription can improve your energy and reduce your dependence on the dreaded vending machine. We think that’s a great start toward a healthier lifestyle.

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Up Your Organization

If your desk is starting to look like a dump zone, it’s hardly an effective work space. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Clear the clutter with a complete organization set that puts everything in its proper place.

Wake Up Earlier

Never miss an alarm again, even after late nights with your nose buried in textbooks. This alarm clock covers all the bases with flashing lights and a bed-shaking jolt that makes sure you won’t keep slapping the snooze.

Get Active

People often jump on gym memberships when considering what to buy for the new year. We think more gradual lifestyle changes, like using standing desks, are the way to go. Not only will standing keep you more alert, it will also improve your posture and make you less sedentary.

Stay Motivated

College is a long endeavor, and the light at the end of the tunnel can seem pretty far away. Let this motivational mug remind you that you can conquer anything, just like Beyoncé.

Keep Your Spirits Up

We bet with all that time at the computer, you end up looking at your hands a lot. They might as well make you crack a smile, with playful nail decals from Etsy. Subscribe to your favorite Etsy sellers to stay tuned for a promo code on your next purchase.

Combat Stress

Spas and massages are expensive, and meditation takes precious minutes you could be spending editing your thesis. But a calming, aromatherapy body lotion from Aveda takes seconds to apply.

December 29, 2016

The Best Things to Buy in January

Now that the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is over, you may be looking for ways to save more than you would at any other time of the year. Some strategic shopping in January will set you up for serious savings in the long term. For example, while everyone else is paying top dollar on spring clothing, you’ll find amazing prices on winter staples you’ll still need for the cold months ahead. Here’s our complete list of the most affordable things to buy this month, most of which you can find with Cash Back at Ebates.

Keep Your Fitness Resolutions

Looking to get ripped and trim for 2017? Retailers know this is prime time for clearing out their stock of fitness equipment, and it’s priced to move. Look for sitewide sales and discounts from sporting goods brands and department stores alike. We’ve also noticed many gyms offer amazing New Year’s discounts on memberships that could keep you motivated to move.

Stores to Watch: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears

Grow Your Winter Wardrobe

As we mentioned, most people are ready to start shopping for spring clothes this time of year simply because they’re starting to appear in favorite stores. Don’t be tempted to purchase your entire warm-weather wardrobe now. Instead, find amazing clearance sales on winter staples. In fact, with warmer-than-normal temperatures this season, many brands are experiencing an overstock on coats and sweaters. This means big savings for you!

Stores to Watch: Nordstrom, Columbia

File For Less

Tax season may be months away, but those W-2s will be in your mailbox in no time, and it’s always a good idea to get a jump start on filing. We’ve seen great deals in past Januaries on income tax software and services, so keep an eye out. Just be sure the deal includes the cost of filing your state taxes as well—that often requires an extra fee. Always read the fine print.

Stores to Watch: TaxACT, FreeTaxUSA

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Update With Fine Furnishings

January is also notorious for bringing major furniture clearance sales. Some sales go from 40- to even 75 percent off regular prices. New year, new living room!

Stores to Watch: Ashley Furniture, Horchow

Deck the Halls Next Year

Obviously, retailers will be almost giving away holiday decor this time of year just to clear it out of stores. Take advantage and get ambitious about next year’s decorating! This is the perfect time to splurge on that 20-foot LED reindeer.

Stores to Watch: Walmart, Kmart.

Take Your TV Watching Up a Notch

4K TV prices are bound to plummet after CES early this month, when new models are slated to be announced. Black Friday was the first time we saw significant savings on 4K TVs as well, which usually means the savings will continue.

Stores to Watch: Best Buy, Sam’s Club

Take a Hike

On January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all national parks will offer admission for precisely zero dollars. This means you can visit popular parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Olympic National Park—which all normally charge fees of around $12 per person. Explore wide open spaces without leaving one in your wallet.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 27, 2016

11 Easy Tips to Get Fit at Home

With a little self-discipline and the patience to sort through the wide world of online workouts, getting fit at home is easier than ever. Smarter, more efficient fitness starts at home with everyday activities that take only minutes and don’t require trudging to and from the gym. They key is regularity. Relying on a tough one-time workout is much less effective than including simple, healthy fitness in your daily routine. Some at-home workout equipment can earn you Cash Back at Ebates and will help you simplify your workouts and bring a little fitness to your home life.

1. To work on core strength and balance, try standing on a balance board instead of sitting on the couch next time you’re watching Netflix. Using a balance board works your back and abs, and enhances proprioception—your body’s tiny muscular corrections that help you stay balanced throughout the day.

Steppie Balance Board (Walmart)

2. A kettlebell is the perfect size for your workout at home. Carve out a few minutes of your day and 5 feet of space, and bring your squats to a new level. Try this exercise: Stand with your feet hip distance apart and the kettlebell on the floor between them. Squat and grab the kettlebell with one hand, and raise it up to shoulder level in front of you with a straight arm. Then squat to lower the kettlebell back to the ground, switch hands and repeat.

GoFit Contoured Kettlebe ll (Target)

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3. Outside of basic squats, there are dozens of kettlebell exercises that can work the entire leg. Try speed skating: Start with both feet shoulder width apart and slide your right leg behind your left, bending your left leg at the same time, as if you’re ice skating. Holding the kettlebell with both hands, follow your arms’ natural swing down and to the right. Alternate legs and repeat for your preferred number of reps.

4. The next time you have a few minutes after work or just before bed, grab your yoga mat and turn on some yoga videos. A regular yoga practice is great for your heart, and it relieves pain and improves flexibility and brain function. Just 12 minutes of yoga at home each day can help your bones—and reverse osteoporosis.

Yoga Mat (Gaiam)

5. Feel free to skip that next barre class. You can practice some of the strength-training barre techniques at home with just a yoga mat and a high-back chair. Kick off your shoes and socks, and get in a couple of plié squats or a few reps of ronds de jambe while dinner is cooking.

6. Rolling out your muscles is an easy way to keep them loose and prevent soreness. Lie down on the floor, placing a foam roller beneath you wherever there may be tightness. Foam rolling works best when the roller focuses on one location for a few seconds, rather than rolling quickly over the entire backside of the body.

Weider 18 Inch Fo am Roller (Sears)

7. Take your rolling to the next level by using a few tennis balls to dig into more specific muscle areas. Place the tennis ball against the area that has tension and either press against a wall or use your body weight against the floor. The ball works to break up muscle tissue that can lead to tightness that’s often caused by poor posture or repetitive motions. Part of getting fit is making sure all your muscles are loose and blood can flow freely throughout the body.

8. Make time for a detox bath a few times a week to reduce inflammation in your muscles and throughout your body. Try scooping 2 cups of Epsom salt into your bathwater and soak for about 20 minutes. The warm water and Epsom salt will bring the toxins in your body to the surface of the skin. As the water cools, those toxins will leach out into the bathwater, leaving you with less inflammation.

9. Stability-ball crunches are an easy way to work your core without putting too much pressure on your neck. Lower your back onto the ball, and crunch up for a few reps of 10 to 20. This is an easy abdominal workout that requires only a few minutes and almost no space. Plus, this is another workout that works just as well in front of the TV—no gym required.

Gold’s Gym 65cm Anti-Burst Body Ball (Walmart)

10. Work your triceps with stability-ball push-ups. Using the ball elevates your feet and makes push-ups slightly easier. Start facedown in a plank position with your feet on top of the ball and your hands on the floor directly below your shoulders. Bend at the elbows for a few reps of 10 push-ups. Less intensity means you’ll be able to fit in more reps and tone those triceps even more.

11. The screen and phone time that takes up our days certainly doesn’t help our postures. Hunched backs and rounded necks—especially when they’re practiced over long periods of time—can lead to unnecessary body pain. Good posture is one way to help avoid muscle pain, which can often be the result of underutilized muscles shortening. Sitting and standing up straight also improves core strength while allowing blood to flow properly to the entire body.

December 26, 2016

10 Tips for a Killer New Year’s Eve Party

A wise girl once said, “The way you spend New Year’s Eve is the way you’re going to spend the rest of the year.” That girl was Summer Roberts from “The O.C.,” and the quote was uttered just hours before Ryan dramatically ran up multiple flights of stairs (in slow motion, naturally) to get to Marissa before midnight. Every Millennial remembers this dreamy episode, and every millennial wishes to have a rom-com-inspired proclamation of love like that on New Year’s Eve. Yes, you do. Don’t lie.

But, since we live IRL, we’ll probably have to settle for the next best thing—throwing a fabulous New Year’s Eve party. Invite all your friends, skip the overpriced party tickets and avoid Uber’s surge pricing. Sounds easy enough, right? Not quite.

There’s a lot of pressure on this bash. Like Summer said, it’ll set the tone for the year ahead, so you have to be ready to make it unforgettable. Here, 10 party tips that will ensure one heck of a memorable New Year’s Eve bash. Shop through Ebates to earn Cash Back on all your decor, favors and party essentials.

1. Have a theme.

This isn’t any old Saturday night get-together. Differentiate it from the other parties you throw by having a set theme. Go the elaborate route and take a cue from Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball and have everyone wear a masquerade mask. Or go the low-key (and super comfortable) route and ask guests to wear their favorite onesies.

2. Look the part.

If it’s not a onesie party, you’ll want to make sure you, the hostess, are wearing a fabulous outfit. Steer clear of the norm (like sequins and gold) to ensure you stand out. Go for a slightly sparkly dress in a fashion-forward silhouette, like this stunning Tory Burch number.

Caspian Dress (Tory Burch)

3. Prep your pout.

It may be cold out and the air may be dry, but that’s no excuse to have dry lips. Prep them before your New Year’s Eve kiss by applying lip conditioner so your pout will be perfectly kissable by the time the ball drops.

Lip Conditioner Trio (Caudalie)

4. Make a special cocktail.

Have a signature drink to make the night a little more special. Try winter sangria or a champagne cocktail. Anything with bubbles will work perfectly.

Champagne Bubbles Highball Glass Set (Anthropologie)

5. Set the mood.

Light a scented candle to create a warm atmosphere, and have a selection of your favorite records on hand—or a few top Spotify playlists ready to go.

Crosley Cruiser Turntable (Domino)

6. Don’t forget the essentials.

Have plenty of ice, alcohol and salty, hearty and sweet snacks.

Milk & Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Dozen (Godiva)

7. Decorate.

Scratch the overhead lighting and opt for candles and fairy lights instead. Grab some party hats, and, while you’re at it, get some noisemakers. Drunk people love them!

Copper Spring 21 Line Lights (CB2)

8. Plan the after party.

Cabs are going to be as hard to get as a good Tinder date, so plan for your guests to stay extra late to avoid the rush. Have plenty of food and games that’ll last until the wee hours of the morning.

9. Don’t get caught up in trying to make it perfect.

The more you relax and go with the flow, the more likely your guests will enjoy themselves. If Stacy’s boyfriend gets super drunk and annoys everyone again, just laugh it off. If Mike keeps spilling stuff, steer him to a room without so many hard-to-clean textiles. And if Alice won’t shut up about her fabulous job, fabulous fiancé and fabulous house, stick her in a corner with Stacy’s boyfriend and Mike.

10. Include an element of surprise.

Someone once said a surefire way to ensure guests have a great time is to include an element of surprise. Whether you go all out with a fun entertainer, make a crowd-pleasing dish or hand out hangover care packages post-fete, your guests will love the unexpected touch.

December 24, 2016

7 Super Cool Hobbies That Require Zero Skills

If you have ever wished you had a hobby but you know you’re too lazy to pursue one, this is your lucky day. While a two-week intensive course on beekeeping or private guitar lessons sound super fun (and you’d probably look amazing busting out the guitar solo from “Free Bird” in full protective bee gear), we’re betting those things are pretty pricey and require some natural ability, like, say, manual dexterity or a non-fear of bees (which is totes a skill). So let’s lower the bar just a tad and consider one of these easy and cheap hobbies. Ebates has everything you need to get into some majorly cool hobbies while you rack up some Cash Back.

Meditation: If you can sit still and listen quietly to your own breath, you can meditate. Treat stress and get in touch with your body with only a few minutes of meditation a day. Up the ante by increasing your meditation time gradually and you’ll find your center in less time than you think. To help you get started, search for free meditation apps on your phone. Some provide calming sounds or voice direction to help you melt into your meditation practice.

Coloring: Coloring in adult coloring books, like this adorable one featuring calming cats, is another hobby for the overly stressed. All the hard work of illustrating is done for you, leaving you free to create with color and even tape it to the fridge if you do a gold-star job.

Podcasts: Now you can finally know what the heck all your friends have been talking about. Download podcasts for your car commute or morning train ride on any subject you choose. Go for popular podcasts like “This American Life“ and “Modern Love“, or find top podcasts on special interests like history, pop culture, comedy and more.

Hiking: You don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to get into exploring local trails and landscapes. Hiking is for everyone, and all you need is a map and a good pair of boots like these Danner cascade boots from REI. REI also has a great blog and buyer’s guide so you can find the perfect footwear for your next trek.

Upcycling: Even if you’ve never crafted or taken on a DIY project in your life, upcycling is as easy as it gets. Take the things you no longer use and give them new life with just a few supplies you can get at crafts stores like Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabric. To get you started, seek some inspiration from top blogs such as Upcycle That and ReFashionista.

Calligraphy: In this digital age, you can easily stand apart from the pack by mastering the thank-you note and spiffing them up with some calligraphy. It’s easy to learn and incredibly calming. This starter kit from Etsy will provide everything you need to get scrawling in style.

Blogging: Got some daily musings or rantings to share with the world? Build your own creative space while keeping your writing skills sharp by starting your own blog. WordPress has free blog templates, or you can create your own custom website with GoDaddy. Their site builder is easy to use, and web hosting is affordable for any budget.

Which of these hobbies piques your interest? Let us know with a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 22, 2016

Eleventh-Hour Gift Ideas for Expert Procrastinators

It happens to the best of us: You’re wrapping presents just before Christmas and, out of nowhere, you realize you forgot someone. You have missed all the free-shipping deadlines, so how can you score those last-minute gifts and make sure they arrive on time? Sending gift cards via email is an option, but that lacks a personal touch. Instead, head to the more than 30 top shops offering In-Store Cash Back at Ebates! Just find a store, link their offer to your credit card, use that credit card to shop in the store and boom—you’ve saved the day and added to your Big Fat Check. No promo code necessary. Here are some of our favorite last-minute gift ideas you can pick up in-store right now.

Performance Steel Water Bottle

4% In-Store Cash Back at Old Navy. Find a store near you!

Everyone needs a reminder to drink more water. Why not make it a stylish one with this sturdy yet sleek water bottle?

Pro Performance Smart Shake

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The best gift ideas take popular items and make them even better, like a mixer bottle that also stores your protein powder and supplements.

“Star Wars” “Chew It Up, Fuzzball” Bone Dog Toy

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Don’t forget Rex! Your fur baby deserves a little treat too, and this “Star Wars” chew toy has out-of-this-world reviews.

Men’s Woodbridge Stretch Fleece Jacket

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Winter basics make fantastic last-minute gift ideas. The man in your life will think of you every time he braves the chill in this fleece jacket.

Leather Tech Gloves

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Again, you can’t go wrong with winter accessories. That’s especially true when they are as chic and timeless as leather gloves.

Shirleen Color-Block Ankle Booties

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If you know her shoe size, stick to neutral colors and a chunky heel for a subtle yet on-trend gift she’ll adore.

Izola Aloha Paddle Ball Set

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Fuel their love of sports with a cool indoor activity like paddle ball. Then challenge them to a match at the local gym for a gift that keeps on giving.

Helly Hansen Kirkwall Rain Jacket

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Protection from the elements and a popping color? This coat has it all.

Glam Octopus Ring Holder

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Jewelry storage: The struggle is real. Give her a super cute solution with this clever ring holder.

Retro Hot Air Popcorn Popper

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Movie nights just got a little healthier! Air popping your kernels is not only calorie-cutting, but also totally delicious. Your giftee won’t even miss liquid butter.

December 21, 2016

5 Holiday Games Any Family Can Play

So much time is spent during the holiday season cooking lavish feasts and shopping for perfect gifts that making time to have simple fun with the family can fall off your list of priorities. Show your kids there is more to the season than one big day of unwrapping presents with these five family games! No matter how you celebrate, these holiday games have you covered. A little DIY magic and Cash Back at Ebates is all it takes to make your holidays that much happier.

What’s in Santa’s Hat?

This simple guessing game is great for school-age children. Fill a Santa hat or Christmas stocking with small objects from around the house, such as dice, Legos or magnets. Give each player a pencil and a piece of paper. Pass around the hat and have each player guess what’s inside by feeling the outside of the hat without looking or reaching inside. The players write down their guesses, and the person with the most correct guesses wins.

Hanukkah Bingo

This picture-based bingo game will keep it simple for preschoolers who are still learning their numbers and letters. The best part? It’s available for instant download, and you can print it out in minutes. Etsy has a ton of cute printable games for all occasions. Keep your eye out for a promo code from your favorite Etsy maker to save big on holiday games and goods.

White Elephant

Part gift-giving, part straight-up thievery, this game is perfect for households with teenagers since they’re old enough to buy their own small gifts. Stores like Michaels and Cost Plus have a great variety of stocking stuffers. To play, place all wrapped gifts in the center of the room and choose someone to kick off the game by unwrapping one of the presents. The following players can either steal an unwrapped gift from another person or choose a new gift from the pile. Each gift can be stolen only three times. The game is over when everyone has a gift.

Mancala

For those celebrating Kwanzaa, there is a variety of games to play with African roots. Mancala, however, may be the most popular here in the United States. Mancala is actually a category of count-and-capture games, but the version Americans know best is the wooden-board-and-glass-marble variety. Each player picks up a section of marbles and distributes them one by one into the sequential sections, including their own “pot.” The turn is over when you place your final marble in a space with no other marbles. The game is over when all the marbles make it into the players’ pots. This is a two-player game, so make sure to get enough boards for everyone to play at once.

Match the Bells

Chocoholics of any age will love this one. Simply take a black marker and write a number, letter or symbol on the bottoms of two wrapped chocolate kisses and repeat until you have enough pairs to play a game of match. Unlike regular match games, you eat your pairs once the game is complete. Everyone wins!

December 18, 2016

5 Unsung Holiday Movies for the Whole Family

Getting the family together in one place is our favorite part of the holiday season, but we know it can be a difficult task. Movie nights? That’s the ticket! Before you plan your next in-home cinema experience with the same old classics, take a look at these holiday movies available with Cash Back at Ebates—because how many times can you really watch “A Christmas Story” in your lifetime? We have selections for tots, tweens and teens, as well as movies that celebrate a variety of traditions and cultures. Grab these flicks while saving a bundle with a holiday-sale promo code.

For All Ages:

“Jingle All the Way” (1996, PG)

This action-packed slapstick movie is all about a dad (Arnold Schwarzenegger) trying to get the hottest toy of the season—one day before Christmas. If you’re an imperfect parent who bends over backward for your kids when it counts, you know this story all too well.

“The Preacher’s Wife” (1996, PG)

The late, great Whitney Houston stars with Denzel Washington, who plays an angel who comes to earth to help a pastor struggling to keep his church open. It may be a rom-com, but your kids will love the soundtrack and the message of hope and holiday magic.

For Little Ones:

“Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas” (2009, TV-G)

Fact: Young kids will watch anything animated. However, there is just something about a mischievous monkey that will make them go bananas. In this holiday tale, George and the Man in the Yellow Hat can’t decide which presents to get each other, and time is running out before the big day. It’s a suspenseful one, but—spoiler alert—they figure it all out and have the best Christmas ever.

“The Night Before Christmas & More Classic Holiday Tales” (2008, Not Rated)

If you’re looking for a great before-bedtime movie, this one is perfect. Celebrity narrators read seven Scholastic storybooks, including Gary Soto’s “Too Many Tamales” and tales about Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

For Big Kids:

“Eight Crazy Nights” (2002, PG-13)

A tale of redemption is a classic holiday theme. Add to that some musical comedy in the stylings of funnyman Adam Sandler, and you’ve got a not-too-edgy classic your teens will actually put the phone down for.

December 15, 2016

18 Stores Offering Paid and Free Gift Wrapping

Online shopping makes gift buying all the more easier. But what about when all those packages come to your door? Whether you’re wrapping-challenged or just don’t have the time, it always helps to know which stores offer free gift wrapping or at least will wrap them for a nominal cost. Believe us, you want to take advantage of all the freebies you can get on top of holiday deals to make the most out of your money. Here are 18 top stores you can shop through Ebates that offer free or reasonably-priced gift wrapping.

Paid Gift Wrapping With Online Purchase

Free Gift Box With Online Purchase

Brooks Brothers

See Brooks Brothers coupons
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Jared

They’ll even wrap it for you, too!

See Jared coupons
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Saks Fifth Avenue

Box comes with ribbon. There is an additional charge for wrapping your gift box.

See Saks Fifth Avenue coupons
Shop Saks Fifth Avenue with 8% Cash Back>

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 14, 2016

Empowering Gifts for Girls of All Ages and Interests

You can never start too early with nurturing confidence in little girls and encouraging them to be unstoppable. By engaging them in math and science and helping them embrace their creative sides, these gift ideas for girls of all ages nourish both body and brain. Shop these educational, inspirational gifts for both teens and preschoolers, all while stacking up Cash Back at Ebates and saving big with promo codes.

Education Community Minifigures Lego Set

Representation is key. Show your toddler that women can do anything, with this LEGO set that includes female characters in a number of community roles.

Codenames Board Game

If you’re shopping gifts for girls, consider a critical thinking game that will entertain while challenging the intellect. Codenames is a social word game where two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents — but only by their codenames. Teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first.