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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.

November 30, 2016

Out of the Box Ways to Give

The holiday season is in full swing, and with it comes the usual onslaught of gift shopping madness. If this time of year leaves you in search of more meaningful gifting options, you’re not alone. Finding a gift outside the norm may require extra thought and care, but the genuine gratitude you’ll receive will make it more than worth your while. Whether you’re looking for creative alternative gift giving ideas or ways to give back, check out this handy list of out-of-the-box ways to give in lieu of the usual seasonal fare.

1. A Charity Donation

This one is a favorite go-to when it comes to giving while giving back. Spread awareness of a cause you’re passionate about by donating in someone else’s name, or contribute to her favorite cause for a gift that makes the world a better place.

2. Babysitting Vouchers for a Night Out

Help a loved one and her significant other get out and about for a much needed date night by offering a series of vouchers, each good for a night of babysitting, a weekend or even a day trip without the kids. You can even get crafty and create a whole coupon book.

3. Make a Purchase That Sponsors a Cause

Many stores contribute a portion of sales to charity this time of year. Whether a store follows a one-for-one donation match system (like TOMS) or supports ongoing holiday initiatives like the Macy’s Believe campaign for Make-A-Wish, carefully selecting where you buy gifts online is a simple way to add giving back to your holiday.

4. Take a Class Together

One of our favorite gift giving ideas is choosing an experience you can share together. Support local artists, chefs and teachers by enrolling in a fun class for you and a lucky friend or family member. Find a great wine and painting night, yoga class or Italian cooking class to get out, have fun and learn a new skill together.

5. Sponsor a Charity Race

Help someone find the motivation to get out and get moving by sponsoring her entry into an upcoming charity race. Whether it’s a 5K fun run or a marathon, entering a race is great way to support a cause and reach fitness aspirations. For bonus points, sign yourself up too, and train together.

6. Sponsor a Student Group

Sponsoring a local student group in someone’s name is a fun way to connect a gift recipient with the local community and inspire kids in the area to achieve great things. Win-win!

7. Craft Something Handmade From the Heart

Wondering what to get the person who has everything? A thoughtful, handmade gift is a great way to show you care, and it’s sure to become a treasured keepsake in her home or office.

8. Commit Hours to Volunteer

Dedicating some of your time to a cause your friend cares about is a fantastic way to show her your love and support. Gift giving can be tricky, but donating your time is a great gift that gives back.

November 26, 2016

7 Ways to Say You’re Sorry for What You Did on Black Friday

If Black Friday shopping were a sport, you’d be MVP. Every year, you make a plan, and you execute it with minimal collateral damage. But let’s face it … other people can put a serious cramp in your Black Friday deals hunt. If you stepped on some toes this Black Friday, we at Ebates think it’s never too late to say you’re sorry. So after the high of nabbing all the Black Friday sales you could get your hands on crashes, and a moment of clarity hits you, take a look at these suggestions on how to make it up to your loved ones.

1. For the significant other who tried to sleep while you hit the snooze 10 times between 4 and 5 AM:

Offer peace of mind that it will never happen again by getting yourself a wearable, vibrating alarm.

2. For the neighbor who always has to make small talk as you’re running out the door:

Nothing says “Sorry I cut off that story about your grandson’s graduation because I was afraid they would run out of Shopkins” like a home-baked pie.

3. For the friend who drove with you to the mall and is now suffering from whiplash incurred when you frantically swerved into the last parking spot:

How about a nice massage gift card? That should take care of the kink in her neck.

4. For the other friend who met you at the mall (the one with whom you argued while you were both hangry):

Graze box. Enough said.

5. For your dog who desperately wanted quality lap time while you were busy wrapping:

A subscription to BarkBox and an extra-long ear scratching session.

6. For your mom who left you seven voicemails that you had all day to return, but didn’t because you’re a shopping machine:

Make her a beautiful online video of the grandkids (or grand fur babies) and she’ll forget all about it.

7. For yourself, who slaved all day trying to find the best prices to make holiday magic happen for your family because you obviously love them as much as you love a good deal:

A hot, quiet bath. You earned it, Champ.

November 11, 2016

A Guide for Making the Most of Singles Day

Singles Day is the biggest shopping day in the entire world — even bigger than Black Friday. Never heard of it? That’s because it’s hosted mainly in China, with Hong Kong and Singapore only recently adopting the holiday. Originally, it was a male-exclusive day of celebration, since the high population of men in China made it difficult for many to find the right girl. So they set up the day as a way to celebrate being single and to have better chances finding love.

Taking place November 11th, due to the symbolism of 11/11, this holiday brings in as much as $9 billion a year. But Singles Day is only just bleeding over to the Western world, and the savings aspect of shopping on that day hasn’t quite hit. It doesn’t need to. For you, Singles Day is a fantastic way to treat yourself right and remind yourself and your friends of all the advantages of singledom.

How Can You Make the Best of Singles Day?

Use Singles Day to Find Love

It sounds like the opposite of the point, doesn’t it? But Singles Day is a great way to evaluate your relationship status and decide if you should make a change. If you’re committed to staying single, that’s great! Perhaps help one of your friends work up the courage to reach out to a match. But if you’re looking for love, work up your own courage and ask out someone you like, message someone on Tinder, or ask around for a blind date. Who knows? This could be the day your status changes.

Take a “You” Day

Whether it’s going to the spa, taking the entire day to catch up on your favorite shows, treating yourself to those guilty pleasure snacks, or gaming until your eyes cross, Singles Day is about appreciating yourself and your value as a “whole,” not a “half.” So just as you’d love someone else to treat you right, treat yourself right, and make a commitment to having the most pampered day you can.

Hang out With Other Singles

It can get lonely for singles, so reach out to some of your friends and take the day to do something fun. You’ll brighten your spirits and brighten theirs as well, reminding each other that fun doesn’t have to come with a partner. Go to the park, go Pokémon hunting, or just stay at home and talk until the sun goes down. Whatever you do, make it fun.

Buy Yourself a Gift

You would never let Valentine’s Day come and go without buying the one you love a gift, so don’t let Singles Day pass without buying yourself something nice!

A Karaoke Night With Friends

You learn a lot about someone when you do karaoke — how well they can sing, how well they think they can sing, and if they really do improve with some liquid courage. It’s a great way to break the ice on a date, but it’s an even better way to create some funny stories and great moments with friends. Choose your favorite hole-in-the-wall for belting out your best or make that the after party once you finish a few glasses of luxury wine from Wine.com. The day is about you, so make it memorable!

A Good Movie With All Your Single Pals

Date nights are fun, but you can forget about the date — great company doesn’t have to be romantic, so grab your other single friends and treat yourselves to all the fun of a night out. Stock up on popcorn, decide who’s making the refill runs, and make it an entire night that reminds you of the good parts of being single. If you try out Dealflicks to see what sort of price cuts you could earn from the venture, you could even make it a full night of back-to-back movie watching.

November 8, 2016

3 Easy DIY Fantastic Beasts Costumes For Opening Night

70 years before Harry Potter was swept off to Hogwarts, magizooligist Newt Scamander arrives in New York City where trouble is brewing for the wizarding community, threatening to expose them to the general public. To make matters worse, the magical creatures Newt has rescued and stowed carefully away in his dimension-defying suitcase have gotten loose. Can he and a pair of savvy sisters recapture these Fantastic Beasts before they cause too much chaos? You’ll have to see the movie to find out! But before you do, consider showing up to opening night as Newt, Queenie Goldstein, or Porpentina Goldstein in one of these 1920s-inspired DIY costumes. All pieces can easily fit into your fall wardrobe and come with Cash Back at Ebates! Which one has you counting the days until the biggest movie premier of the year?

Newt

Blue Lapel Belt Waist Trench Coat, $29.90 (Choies)

Putting a feminine twist on this dapper look isn’t hard with this rich color palette. Plus, it’s cold out there. Time to invest in some long jackets!

Mustard Yellow Womens Vest, $25 (Etsy)

A cute denim vest like this also looks great with your fall sweaters.

Navy Bow Tie, $36 (Kohl’s)

We’re betting this little bow tie will make a fine re-gift for the holidays if it’s not totally your style. If it is, bonus!

Wooden Box Purse, $39.95 (Etsy)

Instead of lugging around a big leather case, opt for a cute box purse you can use for the rest of the season.

Queenie

Alice Boutique Silky Duster, $52 (Boohoo.com)

The key to bubbly and friendly Queenie is her dainty pink coat, so start there with this sleek silky duster.

LUCY Paris Blouse, $32 (YOOX)

This adorable pink blouse will make a great addition to your work wardrobe.

Rib Knit Wrap Dress, $59 (Nordstrom)

And who can’t use a wrap dress for…anything? They are truly the most versatile piece of clothing you could own.

Riva Women’s High Heels, $49.99 (Kohl’s)

Sensible black pumps are every girlboss’ essential item.

Porpentina (Tina)

Heathered Bow Cloche, $78 (Brooks Brothers)

Thank goodness these precious little hats are back in style!

Wool Blend Trench Coat, $149.90 (Nordstrom)

If the hat and this coat aren’t a match made in heaven, we don’t know what is.

Loveletter Surplice Blouse, $25 (Tobi)

All you need is a plan cami underneath and you have a flowing blouse that is perfect for day-to-night.

Sailor Gouchos, $20.40 (Dressbarn)

We absolutely love gouchos as a summer-to-fall transition piece since they look just as cute with flats as they do with tall boots.

Brass Ball Locket, $18 (Etsy)

Top it all off with a unique gold locket and you are full-blown Tina.

And the finishing touch…

Wizard Wand, $24 (Etsy)

You didn’t think we would forget the wand, do you? One of these handmade cherry wood wands work for all three of these Fantastic Beasts costumes.

November 6, 2016

11 Things You Didn’t Know About Singles Day

If you live in the U.S., chances are you’ve never heard of Singles Day, which falls on November 11 every year. While the name may seem obvious as to its meaning and tradition, there is more to Singles Day than meets the eye, especially its reoccurring theme of elevens. So it’s only fitting that we present you with 11 fun facts about Singles Day and why it might just be your new favorite day of the year.

College Kid Created.

The first Singles Day celebrations date back to the 90s when Chinese co-eds at Nanjing University grew tired of lamenting over being partnerless and decided to celebrate it.
Boy’s Club.

November 11 was originally dubbed Bachelors Day but we all know the woes of single life cross gender boundaries. It wasn’t long before female students started joining in on the fun.
Anti-Valentine’s Day.

The holiday was meant as a protest to Valentines Day…so why is it in November and not February? Because…
One is the Loneliest Number.

11/11 was chosen because the numbers look like a congregation of singles. Get it?
It’s the Name that “Sticks.”

Chinese Singles Day is called Guanggun Jie which literally translates to “bare sticks holiday.” While thinking of yourself as a bare stick might not be terribly comforting, one thing about the Double 11 holiday definitely is…
Singles Day Can’t Be Beat.

Last year, Singles Day sales racked up a whopping $14.3 billion on Alibaba sites Tmall and Taobao alone. You can’t do that without offering rock-bottom prices. But Albiba’s Singles Day isn’t the only 1 day sale game in town. Nor is online shopping from China the only way to find amazing deals. Singles Day is spreading across the globe so look out for a promo code from your favorite store on “Double Eleven.” Add to that a little Cash Back at Ebates, and you’ve got a day to remember.
180 Million People Can’t Be Wrong.

That’s how many singles celebrate this day in China alone. That’s one slamming party!
Wine and Dine.

It’s a well-known Singles Day tradition to go out to dinner with friends. Each friend asks for a separate check to pay their own way and symbolize independence and prosperity–also a great way to avoid doing math to split a check. That’s always annoying.
Breakfast of Champions.

The morning of Singles Day is often started with a meal of four youtiao (deep-fried dough sticks) and a steamed bun. Why? To make the shape of 11.11 with the youtiao as ones and the bun as the dot in the middle! Cute, right?
Looking for Love.

Not all celebrators are single and loving it, which has made blind date parties very popular on this day. In 2011, the city of Shanghai hosted 10,000 singles in one of the biggest blind date events in history.
Put a Ring On It.

Every year on November 11 since 2011, Hong Kong and Beijing have reported a record number of weddings. Many people are also using this day to propose to their sweethearts. Maybe soon it will be called Single-No-More Day.

How To Master Holiday Home Decor

The holidays are just around the corner and that means giving your space a festive refresh. Explore how to master holiday home decor with our favorite tips and save on DIY supplies with Cash Back at Ebates.

Wrap Your Photos for Some Festive Flair.

Have art or family photos hanging on your walls? Choose classic wrapping paper with festive designs or opt for something metallic and chic for a modern touch. Wrap the photos, add some decorative ribbon and hang them back up for a simple holiday look using supplies you probably already have hanging around the house.

Fill Your Favorite Fruit Bowl with Ornaments.

Put a large fruit bowl on your dining table and fill it with your favorite holiday ornaments for a simple statement. Classic round metallic ornaments in silver and gold offer a modern look. Add pinecones or vary the ornament size for visual interest and you have the easiest holiday home decor ever.

Sweeten Things Up with Holiday Treats.

Create a sweet setup with simple holiday goodies. Use red and white striped peppermints and other festive candies and fill up clear jars or modern vases for easy holiday home decorating on a budget. Vibrant red cranberries make a gorgeous Thanksgiving-inspired touch.

Use Mini Ornaments to Make a Statement.

Add a simply chic touch to your home’s greenery with mini ornaments. Use small ornaments to decorate indoor plants for a fresh take on holiday home decorations. Use white lights for a chic touch and bring the lights and hardy plants to entranceways and porches to spread your holiday decorating ideas to your outdoor living space as well.

Float Ornaments for a Festive Ambience.

Add a whimsical flair to your Christmas holiday decor with clear filament string and classic round ornaments. Tie the string to each ornament hook and hang from light fixtures or hooks on the ceiling for a modern floating look. Especially adorable for a DIY holiday photo booth.

Design a Space-Saving Spruce.

Have a chalkboard wall? Draw your Christmas tree with chalk for a simple and fun addition to your holiday decor ideas. You (and the kids) can draw your own holiday ornaments and use different colored chalkboard pens to make lights. Another fun alternative: use green masking tape on your wall to shape a spruce on the wall.

Craft an Ornament Wreath.

All you need is a hot glue gun, a foam crafting wreath and your favorite holiday embellishments to create unique holiday decorations. Glue on ornaments, pinecones, cranberries or a fun mixture of everything for a dazzling DIY accessory worthy of your front door or window. Be sure to use a craft supplies promo code and save on your creation with Cash Back at Ebates.

Add Greenery to Your Space.

Freshly cut evergreens, juniper, holly and more will add a beautiful touch to mantels, shelves and table centerpieces. Pair with pinecones or even a few simple ornaments for some easy and modern Christmas home decor.

Spray Paint Twigs Silver & Gold.

Gather thin winter branches and spray paint in classic silver and gold, then display them in a tall vase for a pretty metallic pop. Perfect for your mantel and windowsills, too.

Create a Makeshift Chandelier.

Dangle ornaments, holiday ribbon or festive pom-poms from your light fixtures to give your space a holiday spin.

Shop, Save, Support: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and many incredible brands are supporting the cause by offering specials on their fabulous products. Just by shopping these stores, a portion of your purchase will help sponsor important breast cancer research and support programs. Take a look at some of the great items that qualify for this month’s promotions, get Cash Back at Ebates, and support an awesome cause – all in a day’s work for a savvy shopper!

Tested Tough Pink Fleece by Columbia

Tested Tough Pink Fleece $29.99 | Columbia

Wrap yourself in this fuzzy Tested Tough Pink Fleece from Columbia to stay warm this fall and show your love for all the fighters and survivors. As an added perk, every purchase from Columbia’s I Wear Pink collection sponsors a donation to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to provide mammograms for those in need.

Pink Gear from Macy’s

Material Girl Active Pink Ribbon Graphic Hoodie, $26.99 | Macy’s

Wear pink this month to show your support with breast cancer awareness shirts, pink ribbon hoodies, breast cancer awareness socks and other accessories available online at Macy’s. The best part is that Macy’s will donate 10% of the sales from these special items, like the Material Girl Active Pink Ribbon Graphic Hoodie, to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

New Era NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Knit

New Era NFL Breast Cancer Awareness Knit, $23.99 | Champs

Purchasing this knit will have you rooting for a cause much larger than the game. The NFL regularly partners with the American Cancer Society to raise money and run awareness campaigns. This year’s campaign A Crucial Catch focuses on the importance of regular mammograms to maintain health and catch issues early on.

Knots for Hope Tie

Knots For Hope Tie, $22.50 | Belk

This cheerful ‘Knots For Hope’ Tie is a great way for men to show their support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation and breast cancer awareness. Inspired by the women that have helped to build the company, Belk is also an ongoing sponsor of breast cancer awareness and research.

Bright Pink Watch from Avon

Breast Cancer Strap Watch, $20 | Avon

Sport your support on your wrist with this pretty pink Breast Cancer Strap Watch by Avon. For every watch purchase, $4 will be donated to Avon’s own foundation to support its Breast Cancer Crusade across the US.

Alex and Ani Charm Bracelet

Spiral Charm Bangle, $38 | Alex and Ani

This stylish gold Spiral Charm Bangle is both a beautiful and meaningful piece of jewelry thanks to Alex and Ani’s pledge to donate 20% of its sale price to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion

Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, $38 | Nordstrom

Protect your skin and support breast cancer awareness and research with each purchase of Clinique’s special edition Great Skin, Great Cause Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. Available at Nordstrom, each lotion comes with a free BCA key ring. Keep your eyes peeled for promo codes and feel good about your purchase knowing that Clinique will donate $10 from each sale of this lotion to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Origins Intensive Overnight Mask

Intensive Overnight Mask, $26 | Origins

Origins donates $5.00 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation from the purchase of each of its limited-edition products like this thirst-quenching Intensive Overnight Mask. Repair your skin’s moisture barrier and support important research with your beauty regimen!

Bobbi Brown Art Stick Duo

Bobbi Brown Art Stick Duo, $50 | Dillard’s

Show your support with the Bobbi Brown Art Stick Duo and wear these pretty pink shades that are perfect for any pout. For every sale of this duo, Bobbi Brown will donate $10 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

September 8, 2016

Planning a Bachelorette Party that Won’t Break the Bank

So you and your girls can’t quite afford a six-person flight to Ibiza, Cancun, or Paris, lounging in the spa of a 5-star hotel by day and sipping $100 bottles of champagne in an upscale VIP lounge by night. So what? You don’t need to be rich or max out your credit cards to throw a killer bachelorette party. All you really need is the company of friends and a little imagination.

Using Ebates makes it even easier, with Cash Back and exclusive promo offers that make snagging sweet deals on party basics a piece of cake. Read on for some awesome and budget-friendly ideas that will help you throw a bachelorette party that’s positively unforgettable.

Road Trip

A stellar getaway could be just down the road. Hop in the car or pool your funds to rent a van if you’ve got a larger group. If you live in a rural area, you may want to head into the city for a night of bar crawling. To save some extra cash, plan ahead and ask to stay with a friend or relative who lives in town, or split the cost and share a budget motel room. You can find some sweet deals at Booking.com. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and opt for somewhere a bit more tranquil, take a trip to the seaside and rent a cabin or head out to the woods, pitch your tents, and roast some s’mores over the campfire.

Opt for Independently Owned Shops

Getting pampered doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Opt for local, independently owned spas, massage parlors, or nail and hair salons. Not only will you walk away feeling revitalized and beautified, you’ll also have peace of mind as these establishments are typically less expensive and often more attentive. You can also find some excellent deals for anything from manicures to facial treatments via Groupon.

Paintball

No two brides are exactly the same. While one may prefer a day filled with mimosas and manicures, another may be keen on something with a bit more action. Paintball is a not only a ton of fun, it’s also a great way to bond. For some extra laughs, take a cue from the “trash the dress” trend and wear old bridesmaid dresses to the range. Celebrate afterward with some victory cocktails.

Sleepover

Remember as a kid when you begged your parents to let you sleep over at a friend’s house? There was nothing more exciting than the prospect of bunking with your best pals, scarfing down all the pizza and ice cream your little heart desired, and staying up late watching movies and swapping stories. Recreate those nights of revelry for an equally thrifty and fun night in. Swap out the cream soda for some more grown-up beverages like cocktails or wine, and break out the facials and hair masks for some late-night DIY beauty treatments. Find awesome deals on polish and other essentials at Sally Beauty Supply.

Game Night

Whether the bride is more into pinball or poker, there’s sure to be a game she and the rest of the bridal party can enjoy. You don’t have to be a high roller to have some high times at the casino or at home. Even if your budget may not be able to bear the weight of the more risky high-stakes games, you can still have plenty of fun on a penny-pincher’s budget. If you’re heading to the casino, check out the penny slots — they’re not just fun for seniors. Or host the party at a bridesmaid’s place and set up a game night with all of your friends’ favorites. Mix in some drinking games for a little extra fun.

Karaoke

Few things are more befitting of a girls’ night out than karaoke. Like wine and chocolate, or the bride and her groom, the two make a perfect pair. Save some cash by getting the bride mildly tipsy with a few pre-game cocktails before heading out to your nearby karaoke bar. If she’s a bit more reserved, try a couple of duets for a warm-up before encouraging the woman of the hour to show off her pipes in a solo performance.

Craft Party

The seemingly endless cache of inspirational craft ideas available on sites like Pinterest is proof you don’t have to be the queen of crochet to enjoy good old-fashioned crafting. Grab some blank scrapbook albums and stickers — you can find these for just a couple of bucks at Michaels. Break out some old photos of the bride and friends throughout the years, and make a sweet collection of memories you’ll all cherish for years to come.

1. Have a theme.

2. Look the part.

3. Prep your pout.

4. Make a special cocktail.

5. Set the mood.

6. Don’t forget the essentials.

7. Decorate.

8. Plan the after party.

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

10. Include an element of surprise.

1. A Charity Donation

2. Babysitting Vouchers for a Night Out

3. Make a Purchase That Sponsors a Cause

4. Take a Class Together

5. Sponsor a Charity Race

6. Sponsor a Student Group

7. Craft Something Handmade From the Heart

8. Commit Hours to Volunteer

1. For the significant other who tried to sleep while you hit the snooze 10 times between 4 and 5 AM:

2. For the neighbor who always has to make small talk as you’re running out the door:

3. For the friend who drove with you to the mall and is now suffering from whiplash incurred when you frantically swerved into the last parking spot:

4. For the other friend who met you at the mall (the one with whom you argued while you were both hangry):

5. For your dog who desperately wanted quality lap time while you were busy wrapping:

6. For your mom who left you seven voicemails that you had all day to return, but didn’t because you’re a shopping machine:

7. For yourself, who slaved all day trying to find the best prices to make holiday magic happen for your family because you obviously love them as much as you love a good deal:

How Can You Make the Best of Singles Day?

Use Singles Day to Find Love

Take a “You” Day

Hang out With Other Singles

Buy Yourself a Gift

A Karaoke Night With Friends

A Good Movie With All Your Single Pals

Newt

Queenie

Porpentina (Tina)

And the finishing touch…

College Kid Created.

Boy’s Club.

Anti-Valentine’s Day.

One is the Loneliest Number.

It’s the Name that “Sticks.”

Singles Day Can’t Be Beat.

180 Million People Can’t Be Wrong.

Wine and Dine.

Breakfast of Champions.

Looking for Love.

Put a Ring On It.

Wrap Your Photos for Some Festive Flair.

Fill Your Favorite Fruit Bowl with Ornaments.

Sweeten Things Up with Holiday Treats.

Use Mini Ornaments to Make a Statement.

Float Ornaments for a Festive Ambience.

Design a Space-Saving Spruce.

Craft an Ornament Wreath.

Add Greenery to Your Space.

Spray Paint Twigs Silver & Gold.

Create a Makeshift Chandelier.

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