Parenting & Family – Page 3

January 11, 2017

The No-Tears Guide to Toy Organization

After every birthday and holiday season, every parent of young children comes face to face with a giant toy pile that threatens to swallow the room whole. Although your kids may find it impressive, all you can think about is how to make it manageable. Thankfully, organizing toys does not have to be an arduous process. Let us break it down with a few basic tips to get you started. Satisfy all your toy organization needs with Cash Back at Ebates, and get a discount with a home-goods promo code. Your child’s bedroom or playroom can be clutter-free even on a budget.

Lighten the Load

Before you shop for toy organization bins or shelves, it’s crucial to assess your storage needs. Keep in mind that you may have many toys your child has outgrown, and there are probably quite a few broken items and random pieces of junk in that toy mountain. Start by picking out the items you want to trash, recycle or donate. If you have school-age children, get them involved in the process. Not only will they feel a sense of control in choosing which possessions to let go, but they’ll also learn what to do with items that are no longer useful.

Divide and Conquer

Now that you know exactly what you are keeping, you can get a better idea of which toy organization ideas will work for you. Group the toys in a way that is conducive to how your child plays. For example, put trains, tracks and cars in one pile and games and puzzles in another. Imagine each pile is a toy bin and your child is allowed to take out only one bin at a time. This guideline will help you create groups that make sense to your little one.

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Compartments Are Key

It’s time to select your storage solutions. Choose bins that can accommodate each of your toy piles, and create a system with room to grow. We love these stackable cubes from Overstock.com, which require little assembly. You can add more cubes or rearrange them as your needs change, getting more bang for your buck. And for those pesky small toys that can get lost in even the most organized system, sandwich bags are an affordable solution you probably already have.

As an added touch, label the bins so your kids know exactly where everything goes. You can even use picture labels for kids learning to read by printing out online clip art.

Play Then Display

If your kids have toys that require a ton of assembly, consider getting a small shelving unit or just clearing off the bottom book shelves in your living room. That way these toys can remain assembled without taking up floor space. Plus, that Thomas the Tank Engine track system does add to the decor in its own way.

Bucket List

After putting these ideas for organizing toys into practice, you may be tempted to ditch that giant toy bucket. Not so fast! Toy chests and buckets are great for big, soft items like stuffed animals. Or you can encourage dress-up time by making your kids’ costumes more accessible, rather than hanging them high in the closet.

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 5, 2016

New Mom Clothing Staples You Absolutely Need

When a baby comes into your life, everything changes, including your wardrobe. However, just because you’re rocking new mom clothing doesn’t mean it has to be drab or accessory-free. Keeping your identity while getting the hang of this whole motherhood thing is extremely important, and developing your own take on new mom fashion is a great way to do that. Here are some must-have new-mom closet staples that make a statement. The best part: Each of these comes with Cash Back at Ebates.

The Black Jegging

Why You Need It: Comfort is key when you’re low on sleep and at wit’s end. The stretch of a jegging will be a gift from heaven. Plus, black is forgiving when it comes to spills, spit-ups or worse.

Why You’ll Love It: They still look like jeans! New mom clothes do not have to include yoga pants. At least, not all the time.

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The Printed Maxi Dress

Why You Need It: Time for some ugly truth: When showers become a luxury, so does leg shaving. Full-length postpartum dresses will literally have you covered.

Why You’ll Love It: Bold prints will awaken the senses and remind you of all the things you love about fashion.

The Velvet Blazer

Why You Need It: You’ll probably be living in T-shirts for quite a while. A blazer will instantly dress up an old tee and will look amazing with jeans.

Why You’ll Love It: Realizing you can easily pull off a statement piece like this will be a big win in reclaiming your personal style.

The Blanket Scarf

Why You Need It: A big, chunky scarf like this tends to lie right were baby stains happen most. So when you’re in a hurry and can’t change your top, just drape on this baby (or drape it on your baby) and pretend it never happened.

Why You’ll Love It: If you’re lamenting the added baby weight around your midsection, blanket scarves cover that up, too.

The Incognito Nursing Shirt

Why You Need It: If you’re nursing, this is a no-brainer. Anything to make things easier is a must.

Why You’ll Love It: No obvious hooks or clips, and no weird draping. It’s just a miracle disguised as a plain shirt.

The Statement Teething Necklace

Why You Need It: If you’ve ever met a baby, you know her favorite thing is to put stuff in her mouth. Wearing jewelry around babies is actually kind of dangerous, for them and for the jewelry itself. Silicone necklaces like these do double duty as teething toys and as fashion accessories.

Why You’ll Love It: You’d have to look twice to know it was rubber!

The Designer Diaper Bag

Why You Need It: It’s certainly true that you get what you pay for, and diaper bags are no exception. Spending a little extra on a quality bag will make sure it lasts the 2–3 years you’ll need it. Keep an eye out for a baby gear promo code to save a bundle on these big-ticket items.

Why You’ll Love It: Parting with your giant, do-all purse will hurt — trust us. A diaper bag that looks like a purse will ease the sting.

October 11, 2016

The Most Relevant Pop Culture Halloween Costumes of 2016

Some love Halloween for its chills and thrills. Others love it because it’s the perfect time to tout your interests and earn some pop culture cred. Whether you are looking to wow your crew at the Halloween house party or surprise your kids with the coolest Halloween costumes on the block, check out our favorite pop culture Halloween costumes with Cash Back at Ebates. Don’t miss out on sales, coupons and promo codes from top Halloween costume stores. Get rock bottom prices on everything you need to make Halloween 2016 the best one yet.

In Memoriam

David Bowie Glam Rocker Adult Costume, $53.99 (Walmart) | Velvet Prince, $54.99 (Halloween Mart)

We lost quite a few music icons this year, but maybe none as devastating as Prince and David Bowie. Pay them tribute in style with these complete looks.

Suicide Squad

Harley Quinn Jacket & Shirt, $35.99 (Halloween Mart) | Suicide Squad Adult Joker Costume Kit, $31.99 (Costume SuperCenter)

Some call them #relationshipgoals. Others just call them good old psychotic fun. Score Joker and Harley Quinn costumes from Suicide Squad to step up your couple’s costume game.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Finn Deluxe, $49.99 (Halloween Mart) | Grand Heritage Rey Women’s Costume, $98.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes) | Bb-8 Women’s Costume, $29.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

How cruel was it that Star Wars Episode 7 came out in December last year? You’ve had to wait 10 whole months to dress up like Rey…or at least have a good excuse to do so.

Finding Dory

Disney’s Finding Dory Dory Adult Costume, $42.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

Chances are, your kids loved Finding Dory and the obsession is still going strong. This costume is perfect for those parents looking to be good sports for their family’s group costume.

The Huntsman

Ravenna Skull Dress Costume, $54.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

Some of us have serious dreams of being a princess while others would rather rule their kingdom with an iron (yet manicured) fist. If you’re the latter, try the evil queen from The Huntsman on for size.

Pokémon

Pikachu Dress Women’s Costume, $44.90 (Wholesale Halloween Costumes)

People are STILL playing PokémonGO so this sassy Pikachu is definitely trendy. Just make sure no one catches you.

Stranger Things

Stranger Things Eleven Dress, $79.00+ (Etsy)

DIY costumes are all fun and games until you realize you can’t sew. Luckily, the makers at Etsy have you covered. Create the Stranger Things costumes your friends will covet!

Stranger Things Barb Dress, $52.50 (Etsy)

In a world full of Nancys, be a Barb. With this plaid dress, all you need are thrift store glasses and a Trapper Keeper to become this beloved Bestie.

Ghostbuster Girl

Ghostbusters Girl Costume, $21.84 (Yoyo.com)

The all-female cast of Ghostbusters still continues to be a huge deal for little girls everywhere. Remind yours that she can do anything, including save the day from monsters.

Zootopia

Nick Wilde Classic Costume, $22.39 (Costume SuperCenter) | Judy Hopps Classic Costume, $23.19 (Costume SuperCenter)

If your kids think Gazelle is the greatest singer of our time, they may have watched Zootopia 10-too-many times. Just go with it and grab them a Nick or Judy costume. They’ll go savage for it.

September 12, 2016

Tasty But Affordable School Lunches

The time has come to start planning school lunches again. Whether last year’s ideas have grown boring or you’ve had to downsize your budget, it’s time to look for school lunches that are as cheap as they are tasty and new.

Here are some of the best school-lunch options. Matching them with coupons from Ebates will leave your budget in good hands.

Chicken-and-Cheese Kebabs
The brilliance of kebabs is that they allow you to mix and match different foods, and products bought in bulk can be minimized into great meals. Purchase a block of cheese and dice it into squares, then fry up a chicken breast and chop it into small portions. All you need now is to skewer them on a stick. Both chicken and cheese store well, so you can make several kebabs from a single purchase, making the cost of each individual meal as little as $2.

Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches can be boring, and those extra sugary jams your kids like aren’t necessarily healthy. Upgrade your child’s meal to something tastier and healthier without increasing the cost by slathering a tortilla with peanut butter and wrapping it around one half of a sliced banana. The other half can be used in the next lunch. Altogether, you can make each meal for as little as a dollar. Your child will get more protein and potassium, and lunch will be unique.

Soup Thermoses
Campbell’s theme is “possibilities” for a reason. With options including chicken noodle, mushroom and tomato, you can pick the perfect flavor to suit your child’s tastes and eating habits. Put the soup in a thermos, and you have a super easy lunch your child can eat anywhere. Canned soup costs barely more than pennies and can be stored forever, making it a great option for the frugal shopper — especially at stores such as Walmart, which offers Cash Back when you shop through Ebates. Include crackers in your kid’s lunchbox for dipping options, or cheese slices to add some extra taste to the meal.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches
They may not sound like much, but cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches are simple to make, cost little and taste amazing. All you need to do is slice some cucumbers, add them to your child’s favorite kind of bread and then slather each piece with some flavored cream cheese. If you include a cookie cutter in the lunchbox, your kid can trim away the crust and dip the sandwich in a thermos of soup for an easy and well-balanced lunch.

Egg-and-Sausage Kebabs
What’s wrong with breakfast for lunch? The morning’s breakfast can be lunchtime’s money-saver. Dice up parts of a hearty omelet and slice up some pieces of sausage, and skewer them on a stirring stick with a few chunks of pineapple, fresh strawberries, pieces of banana, olives, or all of the above. Now you have a nutritional meal that is well balanced and extremely cost effective.

Impromptu Mini Pizzas
When you hear pizza, you probably don’t think “frugal.” However, this recipe allows your child to have a tasty slice of Italy, custom made by them and custom made to fit your budget. All you need is some crackers or pita bread, tomato sauce (you can even use ketchup for extra savings), some cheese sticks and a few slices of pepperoni. If your child likes an extra punch to their pizza, olives or pineapple slices are super cheap when bought canned. All in all, these ingredients can stretch over multiple meals while giving your child the freedom (and you the free time) to build their own lunches. When you purchase these supplies in bulk from Sam’s Club with coupons and Cash Back from Ebates, you can save even more.

Pro Tip: Don’t Be Afraid to Use Leftovers!
Frugal and tasty lunches are about being creative, and since you already have the food in the house and the meal was definitely tasty enough to enjoy once, why not enjoy it twice? Recycle leftovers from last night’s dinner to make your child’s school lunch basically for free! Pack up some extra pasta in a Tupperware and pair it with fresh fruit, or chop up some pieces of meat patties with a side of strawberries for a sweet and cheap meal.

August 17, 2016

10 Best Learning Apps for Kids

Everyone’s eyes are glued to a phone or a tablet these days – and for your kid, this can actually be a good thing. By downloading one or all of these top ten educational apps for children, you can make sure your kid is doing more than having fun on their device – they could be learning and advancing their knowledge.

1. Angry Birds

Angry Birds has a reputation for giving adults a distraction from work, but in all actuality, it has something to offer kids of all ages. Whether you have a five-year-old or a teen, getting them to launch these colorful little birds at pigs teaches about physics so effectively it’s hard to believe it’s fun.

2. Elmo Loves 123s

For the little ones, there’s no one better to teach them the essentials than Elmo. This friendly app gives your child all the fun of Sesame Street videos and takes it to a more interactive level with coloring and puzzles. With bright colors teaching your child to recognize and name numbers 1 through 20, it upgrades according to their level to teach them addition and subtraction, rewarding them with prizes.

3. Pixie

Sometimes book reports just aren’t fun. For younger children who find it more difficult to get engaged – or who simply aren’t strong writers – Pixie makes it possible for kids to embrace all of their creativity and strengths. This app (available in the App Store with coupons from Ebates) allows kids to record their voice, add text, and include paintings in their book report, as well as other projects. So if your child is more skilled in colors than they are in words, they can still add their own unique and fun touch to their work.

4. School Zone Time, Money & Fractions On-Track

A next step up on the learning ladder, School Zone Time, Money & Fractions On-Track (available on iTunes with coupons from Ebates) gives your older children more age-appropriate information without skimping on color, activity, sound, or fun. With unique and friendly characters teaching about different coins, math, and how to read a clock, the more your child plays this game, the faster they’ll be able to recount these facts, with upgradable levels to keep them moving forward.

5. Cookie Monster’s Challenge

Every kid needs to know the Cookie Monster, and with this app, he’s here to teach the opposite of what he’s good at – how to stay focused, how to manage your impulses, and how to follow outside instructions. With the ultimate reward of a cookie machine, your child will be encouraged to progress through all the mini games and continue learning.

6. Minecraft for iPhone

While adult YouTube stars made it particularly famous, Minecraft (available on iTunes with coupons from Ebates) teaches children of all ages about architecture, proportions, problem solving, and, at the very core, encourages creativity. Your child will learn creative solutions for the surprises the game throws at them, and will be encouraged to broaden their imagination to make their creations look more interesting and accurate to real life.

7. Habitat the Game

Teaching about animals and the environment, this app allows your child to adopt a friendly polar bear. With fun sounds and bright colors, they’ll learn about responsibility as they care for the creature, as well as about energy and water conservation.

8. Fish School HD

The modern and more educational version of Red Fish, Blue fish, this app helps your child to learn their number and letters, identify and arrange shapes, and sort and remember colors, all while interacting with a cast of bright and friendly underwater creatures.

9. Dexteria Dots 2

Hand-eye coordination and more advanced math is important, and Dexteria Dots 2 serves as the perfect introduction, with vibrant colors and engaging activity on the screen to keep children captivated as they learn. It’s played as your child evaluates the numbers on the screen – represented by the dots – and then adjusts and divides them to solve a problem.

10. Stack the States

Combining the fun of puzzles with an educational map of the United States, your child will learn more about the shape of the country, the capitals, and the location of each state with this colorful app. With each state characterized by a quirky personality, the more accurate matches your child makes as they piece together the map, the faster they’ll progress to newer, more exciting levels with special bonus rounds.

August 12, 2016

How to Stay Sane While Flying With Kids

As a parent, traveling becomes a labor of love if it means flying with the kids. Even if your children are usually perfect angels, spending an extended period of time at the airport, waiting in lines or cooped up on a plane can test the limits of any parent’s sanity. Whether you’ve flown with your kids a dozen times or this will be your first flight with a new baby, a little planning can go a long way when it comes to keeping everyone happy. If you’re booking a flight with your kids, you’ve come to the right place! Check out this handy list of tips to help you plan and handle your next family flight like a pro. As an added perk, you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates at each of the stores mentioned to help give your travel budget a welcomed boost.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead for your trip with the kids is the most important tool in your arsenal. You know your kids better than anyone, which means you can anticipate their needs and pack and plan accordingly. Plan your flight around the time that your kids would ordinarily be taking a nap to increase the chances that they’ll sleep on the flight. To make sure you avoid any surprises at the airport, understand what documentation and IDs you’ll need for the trip and what you’re allowed to bring on before you head to the airport. It may also be helpful to walk your kids through the process before the day of your trip so they know what to expect and how to handle it. You probably already know that getting to and through the airport is no piece of cake with little ones. Flying with kids can test even the most patient family’s limits so you may want to ease the trip-related stress with a fun suitcase that your kids can ride along on or sit on while you’re waiting in line. Check out the riding suitcases at Bed Bath and Beyond and travel in style while you add a touch of fun to your airport adventures.

2. Pack Activities

Start packing early to make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials you need for flying with children. A dedicated plane bag full of things to do on airplane rides is a great way to stay organized and have all the items you’ll need on hand for keeping the kids busy and happy. Organize your packing list by the items you’ll need for activities for each of your kids while on the airplane. It may be helpful to block off periods of time with new activities every twenty to thirty minutes to fight the boredom that can lead to less-than-stellar behavior while in the air. An upcoming flight is a great time to invest in a tablet because it means you can predetermine an entertainment playlist that you know will hold your kids’ attention for the duration of the flight. For slightly older kids, game apps are a fabulous way to keep them busy and happy on flights of any length. Out of consideration for your fellow passengers and airport patrons, be sure to pack headphones that you can get from Toys R Us for whatever app or TV show your kids end up watching.

3. Maintain a Snack Supply

Another important step on the list of tips for flying with kids is to keep your gang from becoming a hangry mess by maintaining an adequate supply of ready-to-go snacks. There will obviously be food at the airport but that probably also means waiting in lines, which might not be a no-go for an already stressed out family. Keep a supply of kid-approved snacks on hand in your flight-dedicated travel bag that will help preserve the peace. Stock up on airplane snacks for toddlers or tweens that you know they will love. Now is not the time to obsess about how many vegetables your kids eat – it’s the time to get your family from point A to B while maintaining the illusion that family flights are a fun time for everyone. For younger kids, you may want to consider giving them a small treat for every 30 minutes that they are well behaved to help them focus on surviving small increments of time quietly. Snack cups from Walgreens can help keep the crumbs at bay and the portions just the right size.

4. Stay Clean & Comfortable

When it comes to tips for flying with a baby, keeping your little one clean and comfortable is paramount. In reality, keeping up with sticky messes and keeping hands clean also applies equally to the whole family. Flying with baby or even a tween means you’ll want to pick up a travel pack of wipes available online at drugstore.com to help keep your pack clean and healthy. Keep an eye out for an awesome travel pack promo code to stock up on wipes and other essentials pre-flight.

5. Keep a Wild Card

In case of an emergency meltdown, keep a wild card up your sleeve that you know will catch your kids’ interest and redirect their attention away from that tantrum that everyone fears on an airplane. Air travel with kids means pulling out all the stops to keep your kids calm and happy for the benefit of your travel experience and that of the other passengers around you. Download some new apps from the App Store to add to your travel fund when you shop for the best apps for long flights. If you’re still worried about how your kids may handle the flight, consider packing small Ziploc care-packages with a note for the passengers around you with things like earplugs, Advil and a treat to let them know how much you appreciate their patience.

July 15, 2016

How to Keep Your Kids Active on Summer Break

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

Summer Crafts

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

Learning a New Sport or Activity

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

Supply Your Kids With Kits and Guides

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

Outdoor Summer Activities

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

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

Summer Vacation Ideas

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

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

July 12, 2016

School Backpacks on Fleek for Teens and Tweens

My one splurge for school supplies is a good backpack; I like to think of it as an investment. Have you seen how kids treat backpacks? They’re not nice to them. I invest in backpacks that will last a whole school year — that will withstand more than 180 days of getting tossed, trampled on, rained on and chewed on, and will get the job done without giving my kids aches and pains.

Whether you’re sending your older teen off to college or your tween to his last year of elementary school, invest in a backpack your kids will love and that won’t fall apart after a couple of months.

Teens

Timbuk2 Tuck Pack

This bag has a lifetime warranty! It’s a straightforward roll-top with sturdy pockets and laptop protection. It’s comfortable for walking on campus, having on your back while you ride a bike or running to catch the bus.

North Face Women’s Electra Backpack

Another great pack with a lifetime warranty. This pack is specially designed to fit a woman’s torso, making it a comfortable fit for getting to and from class.

JanSport Overexposed Backpack

Some high-schoolers like to make a statement. This bright pack has all the classic features of a JanSport pack, with comfortable shoulder straps and lots of pockets.

Case Logic Huxton Daypack

Then there are the teenagers who like to keep a low profile. This unassuming solid-color pack has a padded back panel and shoulder straps, a laptop compartment and overlapping front pockets that provide easy access to phones, wallets and other accessories.

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Tweens

Cotopaxi Kilimanjaro Backpack

No one is rougher on backpacks than middle-school kids. They’re out and about more, going to sports practice and solo library trips. You want to make sure you get a sturdy backpack that will withstand all the rough-and-tumble activities of an average seventh-grader. The Kilimanjaro has a padded back panel, adjustable shoulder straps, an internal laptop sleeve, multiple zippered pockets and side water bottle pockets.

Patagonia Lightweight Black Hole

This weather-resistant pack comes in many different colors — perfect for any taste. It’s hydration compatible, perfect for busy kids and comfortable for kids who ride their bikes to school.

Thule Departer 21L Daypack

This water-resistant pack accommodates laptops and tablets. It’s big enough to carry your child’s school lunch and, on sleepover days, their extra clothes. It’s a sturdy pack with high-visibility interior details to help your child quickly locate everything they need.

Augusta Large Dri-Color Dance Backpack

Your child doesn’t need to be a dancer to sport this pack. It comes in many different colors, and includes two compartments with separate zippers and padded pockets with an opening for earphones. It’s a great pack to help keep your elementary-school kid organized.

What are some features you look for in backpacks, and why?

June 29, 2016

The Ultimate Water Park Survival Guide

Summer is here and it’s a great time to load up the gang and head out for a day of family fun at a water park! Water parks are a great place for families to get outside, hit the water slides and have a seriously exciting time together. With some proper preparation, your day at the water park can be a splashing success. If you’re wondering what to bring to a water park, look over this handy checklist for water park tips, tricks and even learn how to earn Cash Back at Ebates when you’re planning for your big day out on those water rides.

Sunscreen: Wondering what to wear to a water park? Your first order of business should be a healthy layer of sunscreen. Before you hit the slides for the day, protect your skin and your family with a good sunscreen.
Swim Suit: This one may seem like a no brainer, but best to double check that everyone has packed their suits before heading out to the water park. Need a new size or style? Check for a swimsuit promo code and save a bundle on your new look.
UV Protection Swim Shirt: Add an extra layer of protection from the sun, even when the sunscreen starts to wear off.
Plenty of Water and Snacks: Whether you buy them at the park or can bring your own, be sure to keep your family hydrated and feeling great.
Waterproof Cellphone Case: Like to keep your phone on you at all times? A watertight pouch or case is a great investment for a day at the water park.
Phone Charger or Spare Battery: After a long day at the park, your battery will likely be a little low.
Hair Brush & Hair Ties: If anyone in your group has long hair, they’ll thank you!
Waterproof Camera: Snap some great shots of the kids at the water park without worrying about the splashes hitting your lens.
Goggles: If your water park pack likes to spend time underwater, make sure to bring them a pair of goggles to protect their eyes.
Unique Beach Towels: With the huge crowds at water parks, towels can easily get lost in the fray. A unique or customized towel can really pay off at the end of the day when you can dry off with your own dedicated towel.
Hat With a Brim: A hat might not stay on for the fast rides, but you’ll be happy to have it when you’re riding the lazy river!
Bug Spray: If you live in a particularly buggy area, this can be a lifesaver.
Cheap Sunglasses: Don’t worry about losing or ruining your fancy shades during your day on the water slides.
Toiletries & Medications: If you plan to be away from home all day, make sure you pack the toiletries and medications your group will need throughout the day.
Pouch for Valuables: Leave anything other than the essentials at home, but keep a small pouch or bag on you with stuff like money and car keys if the park doesn’t provide lockers.
Water Shoes: Protect your family’s feet from concrete catastrophes with a bright, fun pair of water shoes that add traction to prevent dangerous slips and falls.
Band-Aids: In case an accident does happen, it’s best to be prepared with a mini first aid arsenal of your own.
Picture of the Kids: You probably already have one in your wallet or phone, but a photo can help water park staff find your kids if they wander off.
Dry Clothes: Make sure everyone has a set of dry clothes that are kept dry throughout the day for when it’s time to pack up and head home.
Packable Bag: A big bag that you can fill with all your summer fun essentials is a critical part of your water park checklist and is a good investment for all your summer outings.

Lighten the Load

Divide and Conquer

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Compartments Are Key

Play Then Display

Bucket List

What’s in Santa’s Hat?

White Elephant

Match the Bells

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In Memoriam

Suicide Squad

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Finding Dory

The Huntsman

Pokémon

Stranger Things

Ghostbuster Girl

Zootopia

1. Angry Birds

2. Elmo Loves 123s

3. Pixie

4. School Zone Time, Money & Fractions On-Track

5. Cookie Monster’s Challenge

6. Minecraft for iPhone

7. Habitat the Game

8. Fish School HD

9. Dexteria Dots 2

10. Stack the States

1. Plan Ahead

2. Pack Activities

3. Maintain a Snack Supply

4. Stay Clean & Comfortable

5. Keep a Wild Card

Summer Crafts

Learning a New Sport or Activity

Supply Your Kids With Kits and Guides

Outdoor Summer Activities

Summer Vacation Ideas

Teens

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Tweens

Editor’s Picks