user – Page 22 – user's Blog!

November 20, 2016

The Latest Black Friday Trends You Can’t Miss

Black Friday is one of the most anticipated days of the year for many a savvy shopper. With crazy deep discounts on the hottest merchandise, you can see why this day after Thanksgiving has become a veritable holiday in its own right. It’s the ideal opportunity to check off everything on your wish list. We’re all waiting to see this year’s Black Friday ads and check out what’s in store. In the meantime, here’s a list of some of this year’s most popular Black Friday trends. Get ready to plan ahead for the biggest shopping day of the year while getting Cash Back with Ebates.

Get in the Game

Black Friday 2016 is going to be a good one for gamers. Some Black Friday experts are suggesting that the release of the Xbox One S, and the rumored release of Sony’s PlayStation Neo, along with the discontinuation of Xbox 360s and Disney Infinity, will lead to major steals on various gaming consoles. Consumers anticipate that The Xbox One bundle will be on sale for a deep discount at Walmart.

There is also a host of remastered video games to be released. Titles include Bethesda, Call of Duty: Infinite, and Pokémon Sun and Moon, suggesting that games will be a major Black Friday focal point.

Teeming With Toys

Recently, Toys ‘R’ Us and Walmart released their lists of some of the hottest toys of 2016.

Some of the items sure to light up the faces of many a child this Christmas include the Paw Patrol Zoomer Marshall, Shopkins Tall Mall Storage Case, Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck, the SelfieMic Music Set, Dreamworks Animation’s Trolls Hug Time Poppy Doll, Hatchimals, the Light ‘n Go 3-in-1 Activity Walker, Little Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy, PJ Masks Headquarter Playset, Pokémon Z-Ring Set with glow, Power Wheels Wild Thing, Star Wars Interactech Stormtrooper Figure and the Think and Learn Code-a-pillar.

While most are variations on the classics, there are also a couple of new items on the toy scene: drones. Two of the hottest toys of 2016 are the the Sky Viper v2400 HD Streaming Drone with FPV Headset and the Nerf N-Strike Elite Terrascout RC Drone Blaster.

Excellent Electronics

As usual, electronics are likely going to be some of the most sought-after Black Friday items nationwide. Traditionally, flat-screen TVs are a huge seller on Black Friday. This year will likely follow suit, particularly with flat-screen HD and smart TVs. Rumor has it that Best Buy will have some such items on sale in the $500 range for name-brand models and in the $200 range for off-brand.

In addition, laptops and tablets are always huge on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One of the projected hits this year is a 15.6-inch HP laptop with 4GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive and Intel Pentium-class processor from Walmart.

Apple is always one of the heavy hitters as well. Items like iPhones, tablets and laptops will be on the top of many a shopper’s list. Predictions expect Amazon to offer some major steals on Amazon Fire TV, Echo and Fire tablets.

Fabulous Fashions

As Heidi Klum reminds us each season on “Project Runway,” fashion can be fickle. “One day you’re in, the next you’re out.” However, Black Friday offers an excellent opportunity to stock up on the mainstays while also snagging the latest trends to grace the pages of style glossies.

Stores like Macy’s, ASOS, Nordstrom, Belk and Gap will stock up on the latest and greatest in hot looks. You’ll want to keep an eye out for deals on hot trend pieces like striped fitted sweaters, knee-high boots and leather skinnies.

November 18, 2016

Holiday Outfit Ideas for All Occasions

The holidays will be here before you know it, and with it, a plethora of gatherings. Between company parties, friendly shindigs and family affairs, you’ll need some fancier wardrobe pieces to celebrate the season in style. To inspire your look, we’ve come up with a few holiday outfit ideas that range from warm and cozy to wow-worthy. Whether you’re looking to spice up holiday cocktail dresses or holiday casual outfits, we’ve got you covered, with Cash Back at Ebates to boot.

Formal Affairs

MAJE Pleated velvet dress, $184.50 (The Outnet) | Capsule Beaded Cape, $67.50 (Simply Be) | Qupid Agatha T-Strap Pumps, $29.99 (JCPenney) | INC International Concepts Tamme Clutch, $59.50 (Macy’s)

For those super fancy holiday party outfits, pile on the texture: lace, tulle, sequins, beading, velvet, … how about a little bit of everything? You really can’t overdo it with formal affairs as long as you keep your colors consistent. And when in doubt, add a cape. It’s always a showstopper.

Among Friends

Topshop Velvet Crop Top, $35 (Nordstrom) | Camouflage Jacquard Pencil Skirt, $95 (Topshop) | ALDO Narcissa Flatform Tassel Loafers, $24.50 (Macy’s)

When you’re with your own peeps (your chosen family) this is really where you can get daring with holiday party outfits that push the fashion envelope. And nothing says “daring” like a crop top! Again, play with textures. Top it off with an edgy shoe like a metallic flatform, and you’ve got Instagram-worthy holiday wear.

Family Lounging

Black Asymmetric Short Sleeve T-shirt, $16.90 (Choies) | Shawl Lapel Knitted Cardigan, $23.50 (ChicNova) | Charter Club Silver-Tone Pearl Bib Necklace, $32.70 (Macy’s) | MOTO Bleach Lucas Boyfriend Jeans, $80 (Topshop) | STEVE MADDEN Tomorrow Leather Block Heel Pumps, $50.06 (Lord & Taylor)

Even though it’s just Mom, Dad, little bro and his brood, you should still step it up a notch when putting together holiday casual outfits. Skip the ripped skinnies, and opt for neat boyfriend jeans, which look killer with a simple metallic shoe. Add visual interest with lace trims and a statement bauble, like a bib necklace.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

November 18, 2016

New Store Roundup: Lululemon, Jimmy Choo, and More

2016 is coming to an end, and we’re ready to usher in 2017 with a bounty of new stores you’re going to love. Allow us to introduce the newest members of the Ebates family. We’ll help you save with promo codes, free shipping offers and, of course, our personal favorite: Cash Back.

Lululemon

8% Cash Back

At the gym or on the go, your favorite Lululemon athletic wear now helps you earn more toward your next Big Fat Check. Be prepared for running, yoga and more with top-of-the-line apparel for men and women.

Jet.com

3% Cash Back

From food and personal care products to electronics and gifts, Jet.com helps you find the best deals. The bigger your shopping cart, the bigger the savings!

K-Swiss

3.5% Cash Back

Simple style says it all. Find your favorite footwear and fashion for the tennis court and beyond, with this iconic brand that now earns you Cash Back at Ebates.

La-Z-Boy

2.5% Cash Back

At La-Z-Boy, comfort always comes first. Lounge in one of their famous recliners, and discover everything from couches to tables from one of the most recognized names in furniture.

Bonobos

3% Cash Back

Look great and feel great from in menswear with a tailored fit. Whether you’re going for casual comfort or dressed to the nines, Bonobos has got you covered.

Rue La La

2% Cash Back

Shop the latest curated selections of hot deals at Rue La La. Choose from hot fashions and don’t-miss gifts for the whole family.

Neutrogena

5% Cash Back

Keep your skin beautiful and healthy with one of the biggest names in the skin care game. Shop the Neutrogena products created for your skin, with your budget in mind.

Jimmy Choo

4% Cash Back

Step into luxury, with the latest in handbags and footwear from iconic designer Jimmy Choo. Find styles that make you happy for any occasion, and earn Cash Back at Ebates.

Gifts.com

10% Cash Back

Find personalized gifts for everyone on your list at Gifts.com. Create one-of-a-kind items perfect for friends and family.

US Polo Assn.

2.5% Cash Back

They may be known for their polo shirts, but US Polo Assn. has much more to offer. Dress it up or dress it down in classic styles for men, women and boys.

Cotton On

3.5% Cash Back

Comfort meets fashion in the form of Cotton On. Shop your new favorite apparel, gifts and more at great prices.

boohooMan

5% Cash Back

Shop the latest trends and edgy styles for men at boohooMan, and earn Cash Back at Ebates for extra savings.

Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

November 17, 2016

Gift Guide: 9 of the Hottest Tech Gifts of 2016

Everyone has at least one tech lover in her life—the one with an app for everything, a gadget to help with menial tasks and a digital solution to every conceivable problem. Since she’s always ahead of the curve, finding an interesting tech gift that both surprises and delights can be difficult. To help make your shopping a little less daunting, we’ve put together a list of the hottest tech gifts around, all available for unbeatable prices with Cash Back from Ebates!

Belkin WeMo Smart Switch 2-Pack, $64.95

No more stumbling through the dark after switching off the lights! This handy device lets you control any switch in the house with a phone or tablet.

Echo Dot, $49.99

A cute-as-a-button take on the Echo Bluetooth speaker, the Echo Dot is on every hot tech gift list of 2016.

Wacom Bamboo Notepad, $129.95

For the creative techies in your life, this pad can instantly transfer sketches or drawings onto a phone or tablet and store them in digital form.

Tile Mate, $29.99

We all have that friend who can’t find a thing she owns, even when it’s sitting right in front of her. This device slips easily into purses and attaches to keychains, so her phone, key or wallet is never more than a ring away.

Instax SHARE Wireless Printer, $191.99

The polaroid device of the future, this pocket printer will instantly print photos taken on smartphones or tablets. And it comes in cute designs!

Roku Ultra, $129

This upgrade to the classic Roku streaming device includes 4K and HDR picture quality and a convenient lost-remote finder for those with tech-swallowing couches.

Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones, $149

These nondescript headphones pack Bose-quality sound without messing with your hairstyle or disturbing your workout. The well-designed earbuds easily fit in purses, wallets and pockets.

Kohler Moxie Showerhead With Bluetooth Capability, $149.95

Perfect for shower singers, this Bluetooth shower head lets you stream music from your smartphone or tablet without the clunk of a waterproof speaker. Sleek, right?

Texting Gloves, $18.99

With winter approaching, no outfit is complete without these gloves. Instead of removable fingertips, these come with tips specifically designed for touchscreen surfaces.

November 16, 2016

Where to Buy the Hottest Black Friday Items of 2016

Black Friday is just around the corner, and this year’s shopping extravaganza promises to be a great one. We are all eagerly awaiting the release of this year’s ads, but in the meantime, check out this list of go-to stores anticipated to carry the hottest items in apparel, electronics, and toys. For some awesome additional deals on Black Friday and year-round, be sure to shop through Ebates for Cash Back and exclusive coupons.

Apparel

According to Wallethub.com, JCPenney topped the charts in terms of Black Friday discounts in 2015, with an average discount rate of 68%. That’s nearly three-quarters off! Last year, JCPenney offered some mega sales on popular brands like Nike and St. John’s Bay, as well as fine jewelry.

Not far behind in terms of sales was Stage, which had an average discount in 2015 of 63.9%. Stage carries a ton of big name brands, including Puma, Fila, Madden Girl, Betsey Johnson, Kensie, and Adidas.

Belk was also high on the list, with an average discount rate of 59.5%. Belk serves up hot fashion Southern-style and is sure to offer some amazing deals on some or all of the major lines it carries. These include Coach, Dooney and Bourke, and Frye, as well as Michael by Michael Kors, to name a few.

As always, Macy’s was also near the top when it came to Black Friday discounts. With its legendary doorbusters, the mainstay store rang in an average discount of 56%.

With iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Chanel, among many others, this is a spot not to be missed if you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe with a Black Friday shopping spree.

Electronics

Best Buy has made a name for itself as one of the biggest electronics stores, and for good reason. They’ve got awesome deals year-round, and especially killer sales during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week.

Year after year, Walmart has solidified that reputation with wicked deals on some of the year’s best tech items like laptops and flat screen TVs. In 2015, some of the most sought-after Black Friday items included Samsung and Toshiba HD TVs, Amazon Fire tablets, Samsung Galaxy phones, and the iPad Air.

Walmart will also more than likely be a smart stop for anyone looking to buy game consoles or games, both of which are expected to have some sweet deals on the Black Friday market this year.

If you’re in the market for a particular game or console, you’ll also want to keep an eye on GameStop, which, in 2015, offered an average discount of 29.2%. Specializing in everything gaming, this store is sure to have the latest and best available.

According to Wallethub.com, in 2015, Panasonic had an average discount rate of 47%, higher than the overall discount average for Walmart, which was 33.5%. This electronics store will likely come in once again as a close second in terms of the popularity of its Black Friday sale. Check this store for items like TVs, cameras, and home and office electronics equipment.

Kohl’s, with an average discount of 66.7% in 2015, is also an excellent stop for home entertainment items, including flat screen TVs. One of the best things about these two stores is that each is also a one-stop shop where you can snag some awesome deals on everything on your list, from home goods to apparel.

Toys

When it comes to kids’ toys, Toys ‘R’ Us continues to come out on top in terms of carrying the greatest variety of must-have items for playtime fun. In 2015, the store offered an average discount rate of 28.9%.

Recently, Toys ‘R’ Us released its list of some of the hottest toys of 2016, all, or at least many, of which are sure to be available for a discount during the Black Friday holiday. With brands like Shopkins, NERF, Power Wheels, and Pokémon, they’re definitely a must-watch.

Target, which came in last year with an average discount of 37.3%, is also expected to have some sweet discounts on the year’s most-beloved playthings. Like Kohl’s, Target offers the bonus of also carrying multiple other items in home goods and apparel, so you can check a number of things off your shopping list in one go. The store is currently advertising brands including Our Generation, Star Wars, and Lego, among many more.

November 15, 2016

Top Toys Gift Guide: Best Selling Toys of 2016

From Toys R US to Target, retailers this year pulled out all the stops by creating some of the most inventive and curious kids toys on the market. There are eggs that hatch into blended animals, caterpillars that teach kids to code, and mini-trucks that dispense flavored lipgloss. With an endless array of gift ideas for kids, finding that popular or educational toy for your child is tough. Luckily, we have curated a list of this year’s top toys for kids – complete with Cash Back at Ebates — so you can focus on perfecting your holiday season!

Hatchimals, $49.99

The hottest new toy on the market, this furry little creature is a surprise until it hatches, keeping your kids guessing until the first crack.

Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace, $39.99

Spanning more than four feet wide, this beautiful play set comes with all the ballrooms and baubles to make your child’s princess palace dreams come true.

Sky Viper V2400HD Streaming Video Drone, $99.99

Let your kid show off her filming skills with this high flying drone. Up, up, and away!

Shopkins Happy Places Miniature Decor with Popette and Puppy Parlor Petkins – Happy Home, $25.99

Bursting with cute furniture, happy Shoppies, and adorable Petkins, this puppy parlor toy will keep the kiddies endlessly entertained.

Doc McStuffins Hospital Care Cart, $37.99

Perfect for all the little doctors-to-be, this top toy comes with a light and sound patient scanner, a talking EKG area, and even its own patient, Findo.

Paw Patrol Monkey Temple Play Set, $59.49

Complete with lights, sounds, a trap door, and Mandy the Monkey, this play set takes jungle adventures to new heights.

Little Live Pets My Dream Puppy, $49.99

No slobber, shedding, or barking! Just maximum cuteness. This fully interactive little puppy will melt your heart.

Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck, $27.99

What could be cuter than a mini lip gloss maker? A mini lipgloss-making ice cream truck, of course! Pick your favorite flavors, blend with glitter dust, and serve. Yum!

Speak Out Game, $19.99

This game takes Chubby Bunny to hilarious new levels with its mouthpiece challenge games. Even your teenagers will like it.

Shopkins Tall Mall Playset, $24.99

When your Shoppies get bored of their Happy Homes, they can pop over to the mall, complete with a food court and home & garden section. Adorable!

Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar, $37.96

Start your kids coding careers early with this little bug’s removable coded parts.

FurReal Friends Torch My Blazin Dragon, $62.42

With over 50 sounds and motions, this fluffy fire breather will light play time up. Literally.

Simon Air Game, $14.99

Who knew this thing was still around? This revamped version has even more features with motion sensors to swoop up high scores.

Furby Connect Friend, $89.99

More terrifyingly adorable than ever before, the newest version of Furby features a light-up antenna that connects to smartphones for music and videos.

CHiP the Lovable Robot Dog, $199.99

This uniquely programed pup responds to your kid’s personal play style, so no two pups are ever alike.

Star Wars First Order TIE Pilot Sixth Scale Figure, $219.95

For all the little star wars fanatics, this TIE Pilot action figure comes with full battle gear and its own hex stand.

November 15, 2016

3 Fall Menswear Staples to Steal for Yourself

From wearing his oversized sweaters on cold days curled on the couch to sleeping in a pair of his boxers, stealing your man’s clothes is nothing new. But have you ever dared to wear them outside? Men’s clothing for women is a growing trend that anyone can give a whirl. And pay no mind to fit. With a few simple tips, you will find that women’s menswear won’t cover all your assets. If you ever wanted to try your hand at tomboy clothes but didn’t want to commit to buying, here are some fall menswear pieces he will surely love–to lend you! Grab them all with Cash Back at Ebates and don’t forget to look out for a men’s clothing promo code for even more savings.

Slim Fit Jeans

Men’s Slim Fit Colored Jeans, $59 (Lands’ End) | Pure Color Round Neck Knitwear, $31 (ChicNova) | French Connection Maeko Lace Up Oxfords, $116 (Bloomingdale’s)

His slim-fit jeans won’t be completely “skinny” on you but roll the cuffs and they will make a perfect boyfriend jean. Pair with a cropped sweater so you don’t hide your waist and top it off with some slick oxfords to really commit to the menswear look.

Flannel Shirt

Carhartt Plaid Shirt, $89.42 (Farfetch) | A.P.C. Patch-pocket denim skirt, $118 (MATCHESFASHION) | MIA Emelia Thigh High Boot, $98.95 (Nordstrom) | Amazon Bib, $68 (BaubleBar)

It may seem big and bulky but his favorite flannel can instantly transform into an adorable cropped dolman top. Just tie it at the waist! Wear it with your denim skirt and over-the-knee boots then add a statement bib necklace to really make it your own.

Shawl-Collar Cardigan

American Rag Men’s Southwest Shawl-Collar Cardigan, $39.99 (Macy’s) | Black Shiny High Waisted Leggings, $21 (Miss Selfridge) | Guns N Roses Vest, $26 (Miss Selfridge) | Topshop ‘Music’ Ankle Boot, $150 (Nordstrom)

Shawl cardigans are cozy and warm for fall and a men’s style will be long enough to let you rock your favorite leggings without freezing your buns off. Create a rocking look with your favorite band tee and some killer booties.

November 14, 2016

How Much Does the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Cost

For many, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the kickoff of the holiday season. Now in its 90th year, the Manhattan spectacle is a tradition with a big audience. The live broadcast attracts 50 million TV viewers, and 3.5 million spectators watch it in person, pushing the total number of people in Manhattan to more than 5 million.

Want to share our infographic on your site? Just copy and paste the text below!

<a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/"><img alt="How Much Does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Cost" class="ngg_none" src="https://www.ebates.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade_IG.png" width="600px" height="6929px" /></a><br><a href="https://www.ebates.com/blog/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade/">How Much Does the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Cost</a> Created By:  <a href="https://www.ebates.com/macys.com"> Ebates</a>

While the job of putting on the parade may prompt images of Maureen O’Hara performing Doris Walker’s character in Miracle on 34th Street, executing such a parade actually takes the effort of 8,000 people, including more than 4,000 Macy’s employees who volunteer on Thanksgiving morning.

The Makings of a Parade

17 giant character balloons as well as other, smaller balloons
27 floats
10,000 parade marchers, including 1,000 clowns, 1,100 cheerleaders and dancers, and members of 12 marching bands from around the country
Celebrity appearances and music groups
Mini performances of 5 Broadway musicals
The Radio City Rockettes
And only 1 Santa Claus

Balloons

Some say the balloons are the highlight of the parade. With the largest balloons measuring 5 or 6 stories tall, they sure do make a statement. Snoopy, a well-loved character, has been in 38 parades, more than any other character. Each balloon requires 50 to 90 volunteer handlers and uses 300,000 to 700,000 cubic feet of helium. The minimum helium cost is $510,000, and notably, Macy’s is the world’s second-largest consumer of helium, trailing only the U.S. government.

The height at which the balloons can be flown is determined by a calculation of balloon size, volume of helium, gross weight and wind. Wind is the biggest concern when handling the balloons. While the narrow streets of New York City protect the balloons with predictable airflow most of the time, when a balloon approaches a street intersection, handlers must navigate unpredictable crosswinds that usually come from the west.

Construction

Floats and balloons are constructed at the Macy’s Parade Studio in Moonachie, N.J., where 26 sculptors, carpenters, metal workers and painters work year round. One float can take between four and nine months to go from sketch to completion. And a single float can include 100 to 200 pounds of glitter.

To get from New Jersey to New York City for the parade, balloons can be deflated for shipment. But floats must be constructed to collapse down to a width of 8.5 feet so they can fit through Lincoln Tunnel. And the preparations are more than just balloons and floats; about 700 new costumes are designed each year.

It’s Time for the Parade!

Balloons are inflated between 3 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Wednesday. Then, from midnight to 8 a.m., the floats are set up. Many spectators arrive before 6:30 a.m. to line up for a spot with the best view. In just two hours’ time, 200 costume fitters dress 2,000 balloon handlers, 400 kids, 300 float escorts and 900 clowns. The parade begins promptly at 9 a.m., following a 2.5-mile route that ends at the Macy’s storefront in Herald Square.

When It’s Over

After the parade ends, it takes just 15 to 20 minutes to deflate each balloon and pack it up for transport back to the warehouse. Costumes are packed into about 10 truckloads, and the laundering of these costumes will take about a month to complete.

But even before the parade is over, the work has begun on next year’s event. Marching bands are notified two years before their parade performance, with a representative taking a trip to the high schools and colleges to let them know in person.

Money and Costs

Macy’s, a company with annual revenues of more than $10 billion, is tight lipped about the total cost of the parade, but some of the expense is offset by having corporate sponsors for balloons and floats. Here’s what we know:

For new balloons, sponsoring companies pay $190,000, which includes construction and a parade fee. Repeat balloons cost sponsoring companies a $90,000 fee. Each float costs Macy’s approximately $30,000 to $100,000 to construct. The costumes that are in storage total $2 million in on-hand assets, including the custom-made outfits for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Broadway shows that performed in the parade saw a $300,000 jump in advance ticket sales after their parade performance.

Financial Roundup

Annual Costs

Helium: $510,000 minimum
Floats: $810,000 to $2.7 million
Property taxes: $138,573
Salaries: $51,433 is the salary for one studio coordinator
(There are 26 full-time staffers working year-round on parade prep and construction)
= $1.5 million to $3.4 million

Assets

Studio in New Jersey: $6.9 million
Costumes: $2 million
= $8.9 million

Freebies

4,000 Macy’s volunteers
Marching bands
Broadway performers
NYPD

A Look Back at Parade History Highlights

1924: Although it took place on Thanksgiving Day, the first parade was called the “Macy’s Christmas Day Parade.” That first year included live animals like camels, goats, elephants and donkeys; horses pulled the floats. About 250,000 spectators attended.
1925-1926: The parade added live lions, tigers and bears.
1927: The name was changed to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The live animals were replaced by giant balloons because the animals frightened children. The first balloons included Felix the Cat, The Dragon, The Elephant and Toy Soldier.
1933: This was the only year in parade history when Santa Claus led the parade instead of ending it. Also, it was the first year the parade was recorded on newsreel and then later screened in theaters.
1942-44: The parade was cancelled because of World War II.
1947: The movie Miracle on 34th Street was released, including the parade as a significant part of the plot.
1948: The parade was telecasted for the first time by NBC.
1957: The Radio City Rockettes appeared in the parade for the first time.

November 13, 2016

90’s Throwback: Black Friday 1996

Ah, the ‘90s. The era of bucket hats, butterfly clips, the first Macintosh computers, “Friends,” and phones made for the sole purpose of actually making calls. A lot has changed in the decades since, and Black Friday is no exception.

Though the biggest sale day of the year has always drawn hearty crowds of savings-hungry shoppers, the craze of the holiday has increased tenfold in the past two decades. What was once a day of wildly low prices on the year’s most-wanted items is now a cultural phenomenon spanning an entire week, with its cousin Cyber Monday immediately following.

In 1996, we could watch the morning news broadcast live interviews with those few dedicated shoppers camped outside of electronics stores, determined to be the first to grab one of a limited stock of coveted Macintosh computers or Nintendo 64s.

This year, we’ll scroll through Twitter to see online versions of local news broadcasts showing interviews with scores of similar dedicated Black Friday veterans, though they’re more likely to be awaiting a chance to snag a new 50-inch TV, or an Apple product exponentially more advanced than that of its ’96 predecessors.

To see just how much things have really changed, check out this list of comparisons between Black Friday ads and sales in 1996 to projected Black Friday ads in 2016.

Electronics

Not only did technology — and the world — not come to a screeching halt in the year 2000, but the world’s fascination with and reliance upon technological innovation has increased tenfold in the years since.

Aside from the aforementioned Macintosh desktop, some of the other biggest electronics buys in ’96 were the 1.2 GB hard drive ($220 after rebate); the Motorola flip phone (free with contract); the Walkman (between $15 and $60); the 4MB memory upgrade ($30); 28.8 kbps modem ($280); 13-inch TV with built-in VCR ($300); CD Rom drive ($150); pagers ($70); and the Packard Bell desktop computer ($1,467 after rebate).

This year’s list of most-wanted tech items looks pretty similar to that from 1996, though much more advanced. Although most Black Friday 2016 ads aren’t live yet, there are some predictions based on previous years and current sales. According to TheBlackFriday.com, one of the hottest items on sale at Best Buy right now is the LG 55-inch 4K Ultra Smart HD TV, which may also be a Black Friday favorite. In 1996, we could barely fathom a smart TV, let alone an ultra-smart one. Also, some Black Friday aficionados are suggesting drones will be a big hit this year, though these are a bit of a wild card.

Games

Games, too, are traditionally a huge draw for Black Friday shoppers. In 1996, besides the Nintendo 64, the Sega Saturn was a major deal, selling for $200. The Super Game Boy was advertised at $40, as were PlayStation games. And lest we forget, before there were smartphone apps like Pokémon Go, there was the Tamagotchi, which, in ’96, sold for just a few weeks’ allowance, or $15.

This year, some Black Friday experts are suggesting the release of the Xbox One S and the rumored release of Sony’s PlayStation Neo, along with the discontinuation of Xbox 360s and Disney Infinity, will lead to major steals on gaming consoles. There are also a host of remastered video games about to be released, such as Bethesda, Call of Duty: Infinite, and Pokémon Sun and Moon, leading many to suggest that games will be a major Black Friday focal point.

Toys

Of course, no Black Friday would be complete without a mad dash to the toy aisle for the season’s most beloved toy. In 1996, the champions of children’s hearts everywhere were by far the Tickle Me Elmo doll and Beanie Babies. As for the latter, these were also a big hit with many teens and adults, rumored to gain significant value over time.

Today, some of the hottest toys of 2016, as named by Walmart, include the Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster, Razor Scooter, Paw Patrol Zooming Marshall, and the Sky Viper Streaming Drone. No word yet on which of these will be available for deep Black Friday discounts, but it’s likely the drone won’t be the only one flying off the shelves.

Entertainment

When it comes to pop culture, though the faces have changed, our hunger for it has stayed the same. While most of us nowadays watch TV and movies from our computers or flat-screens, back in ‘96 the wide-screen TV marked the dawn of a new era. Some of the hottest Black Friday deals on movies included films like “Forrest Gump,” “True Lies,” and “Braveheart” available from $9.99 to $15.95—or about the price of one month’s subscription to Netflix. When it came to the still-popular VHS, some of the coolest buys were “Buffy,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Good Son” and “Alien Nation,” all on sale for $5.99 a piece.

This year, predictions for some hot entertainment buys include DVDs of popular movies like “Anchorman 2” and “Magic Mike XXL” on Blu-Ray for $9.72. You’ll also be able to grab titles like “The Walking Dead” and “True Detective”—full box sets for about $10 each.

Clearly, Black Friday has changed quite a bit over the past 20 years, but our love of shopping will never end.

November 12, 2016

12 Gifts for the Health Nut Who Has Everything

We all have the one friend. She’s up at 5 a.m. every morning for a run or she’s always checking out the next health food craze or she is definitely the one to go to for the best yoga tips. Her body is a fine-tuned machine and she keeps it at peek performance. So naturally, you’re looking for health and fitness gifts to get her this holiday season and the biggest challenge is finding something she doesn’t already have. We’ve combed the web for some of the best-rated, best-selling, and generally deemed can’t-live-without gifts for the health nut in your life. Whether you need gifts for healthy eaters or must-have gadgets for athletes, we’ve got it all right here with Cash Back at Ebates.

Fitbit Blaze

GPS tracker, heart rate monitor, step counter, distance tracker, calorie burn calculator. What can’t it do? Well, it can’t drag her out of bed in the morning. But good thing she has iron willpower anyway.

Nutri Ninja Blender Duo

Whether she is into juicing or making the ultimate protein shakes and smoothies, this all-in-one Ninja system is the best in the bizz.

Ventura M23CW Bicycle Computer

For hardcore cyclists, a good biking tracker is ideal. This wireless tracker calculates speed, distance and averages so she can always challenge her personal best. Other functions include a calorie consumption calculator, thermometer, metric/English conversion and auto powering on and off of the device.