Parenting & Family – Page 4

June 22, 2016

The Complete Family Road Trip Packing Checklist

The kids are out of school and summer vacation is upon us. Road trip season is in full swing. But before you pile everyone into the vehicle for the excursion, there are a few road trip essentials you should make sure you have on hand. This checklist of what to bring on a road trip will make the trip much easier. So take your trusty vehicle in for routine maintenance and make any necessary arrangements so you can get started on packing all of the road trip must haves. Best of all, you can save with a promo code on your necessities and earn Cash Back at Ebates on your purchases from our easy road trip packing checklist.

Snacks: No road trip is complete without a nice supply of snacks. Just steer clear of chocolate and other meltables that may be destroyed during pit stops.
Water: Keep some extra bottles of water on hand for when stopping isn’t an option.
First Aid: Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit that includes supplies for any number of situations. Be prepared with everything from anti-nausea medicine to band-aids for scrapped knees from roadside adventures.
Hand Sanitizer: This miracle concoction will not only rescue you from questionable bathroom selections but will also help clear up any sticky residue left behind from snacks.
Tissues, Napkins & Baby Wipes: Baby wipes aren’t just for babies. Baby wipes, tissues and napkins are handy for cleaning up messes from the kiddos or from the adults.
Small Cooler: Keep your beverages and other goods cool with a small cooler and a steady refill of ice.
Sandwich Supplies: Ditch the fast food joints and create your own roadside picnics instead. You’ll save money and be able to take in the local scenery at the same time.
Sunscreen: Wherever you end up, you’re going to need broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Don’t forget to reapply often for proper protection.
Sunglasses: Protect your peepers with the proper eyewear so you can take in all of the sights for years to come.
Auto Documents: Make sure you’re prepared with copies of your registration, insurance and roadside assistance contact information.
Hat: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat that provides a nice amount of shade.
Empty Bags & Baggies: Keep trash off your floorboards and protect your valuables from splashes with a good stock of empty bags.
Tickets & Confirmations: Bring along printed copies of all of your tickets and confirmation pages in case there are any mixups.
Coin Purse & Change: There might be many toll roads in your future so plan accordingly. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few extras for smashed penny souvenirs.
Poncho or Umbrella: Plan for the unexpected with rain gear for the whole family. An umbrella can also double as additional sun protection.
Jacket: Account for cooler nights or unexpected cool fronts with jackets for all of your passengers.
Headphones: Headphones allow each passenger to enjoy their own road trip entertainment while the driver can maintain control of the main radio.
Device Cords & Batteries: Your electronic devices are only as good as their battery supply if you forget the power cords. Spare batteries allow you to keep non-rechargeable devices going as well.
Travel Games: Quell boredom with travel-friendly games for the backseat crew.
Children’s Lovies: Pack your children’s favorite toys to fend off complete meltdowns far away from home, especially around bedtime.
Travel Pillow: Enjoy a mobile nap with a comfy travel pillow that will allow you to rest while on the go.
Earplugs & Eye Mask: Whether it’s to curb the sounds of other passengers during a nap or to fend off unfamiliar sights and sounds at your destinations, these items can be very handy.
GPS navigation unit: Don’t rely on cellular reception that can be spotty during road trips. Pick up a stand-alone GPS navigation unit with traffic updates and lifetime maps.
Roadside Safety Kit: Don’t get caught in a difficult situation. An emergency roadside safety kit should definitely make it onto your road trip packing list.
Books: Ditch the digital and grab some old-fashioned bound books for everyone to enjoy.
Music: Your streaming service may not work everywhere and radio selection can be questionable. Bring along some downloaded music or CDs so you can jam out wherever you are.
Camera: Capture all of those memories on a rugged camera that can stand up to all of your adventures.
DVD Player: Fight boredom with a DVD player and some household favorite movies.
Footwear: Whether you’re hiking mountain trails or sandy beaches, make sure you have the proper footwear for the occasion.
Bug Spray: Get rid of pests like mosquitos with bug spray so you can truly enjoy your adventures.
Beach Gear: Last but not least for our road trip list, if you’re hitting the beach, be sure to pack swimsuits, towels and sand toys to enjoy.

Editor’s Picks

June 11, 2016

Just Keep Swimming: “Finding Dory” Toys and Gear

For all of us who thought Dory from Finding Nemo was the real star of the movie, the wait for Pixar’s Finding Dory to hit the big screen June 17 can’t be over soon enough. Until then, we can lavish ourselves and our little ones with all the Finding Dory pool toys, play sets, plush buddies and more while earning Cash Back at Ebates. Take a look at some of our top Dory gear picks and keep your eyes peeled for a toy promo code from top stores so you can splash into great savings.

Finding Dory Mr. Ray

Mr. Ray moves on the ground or you can pick him up and “swim” him through the air. Plus, your Swigglefish can join him on many adventures as three Swigglefish figures can attach to the top of him, just like the movie. And, he’s also a storage case for your Swigglefish collection and can hold at least five at a time!

Finding Dory Bubble Machine

Bring the majesty of the deep blue sea to your backyard with this Dory bubble machine with included bottle of bubbles!

Finding Dory Whirlin’ Waves Water Table

Little ones will have a splash-tastic time with the Finding Dory Whirlin’ Waves Water Table by Step2. Kiddos can send Dory & Friends down the slide and into their own whirlpool with the water table spinner. This item is found only at Toys R Us!

Finding Dory Huffy Bike

Go on a adventure with everyone’s favorite little blue fish, Dory, on this 14 Inch bike exclusively from Huffy. The custom features make this ride extra special and perfect for any adventurer. A bag on the handlebar makes it easy for your child to take her favorite toys and accessories along for the adventure.

Kids’ Crocband II Finding Dory Sandal

With splashy Finding Dory graphics and a comfortable “stay on” fit, kids will love running around in these go-all-day sandals from Crocs.

Dory Plush Toy With Sound

Squeeze this Dory plush toy and Dory’s signature sayings will play every time you hug your furry friend. Find this and even more Dory plushies from Build-A-Bear.

Robofish Coffee Pot Play Set

Take the fun with you everywhere with the Finding Dory Robofish Coffee Pot Play Set. This mini coffee pot aquarium includes an exclusive Dory Robofish that comes alive when dropped in water.

Dory Pendant Necklace

“Just Keep Swimming” with this adorable Finding Dory round pendant necklace designed by Disney in sterling silver.

Finding Dory “Missing” Tank Top

Perfect for a kid-at-heart, this juniors’ Disney Pixar tank top features an adorable Finding Dory graphic.

Which of these items would make your kids (or inner kid) jump for joy? Let us know with a comment below!

May 21, 2016

The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing Checklist

Heading off to kids camp for the summer is a rite of passage for many children. Learning independence and other essential skills, your kids will always remember their summers spent off at camp. While it means more free time for you, sending the kids off for a summer session of fun at camp can certainly trigger the helicopter parent in all of us. This checklist will help you make sure your kids have everything they need to be happy and healthy while they’re away and making the most of their summer camp adventures. As an added bonus, get fabulous Cash Back at Ebates on each of the featured items!

Sleeping Bag: An absolute essential for sleeping away from home. Keep you eye out for a summer sleeping bag promo code at Ebates.
Sunscreen: Keep your kids safe by sending them off to camp with an ample supply of sunscreen
UV Protection Shirts: For when the sunscreen inevitably wears off, a UV protection sun shirt is a great way to block those harmful rays from kids’ sensitive skin.
Sun Hat or Baseball Cap: A hat is another essential in the sun protection arsenal!
Swim Suit: Lake, pool or ocean, summer swimming is a camp favorite!
Beach Towels: Send the kids off to camp with a towel that can stand up to countless hours in the pool. Bonus points if it’s extra unique or labeled so they can’t mix it up with other kids’ towels.
Medications: Pack any meds your kids may need in a watertight container that’s clearly labeled with their name.
Toiletries: Depending on the age of your kids, they may want to pack these themselves but ensure that they take soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant and their toothbrush and toothpaste!
Shower Caddy: Help your kid keep their toiletries and bathroom essentials together with a durable shower caddy.
Reusable Water Bottle: Send your kids off to camp prepared to stay hydrated with a tough water bottle like a fun printed one.
Bedding: Check with what your kids’ camp requires for bed sheets but be sure to send a pillow with a pillowcase from home as it can help to ease homesickness.
Bug Spray: Many kids camps are perfectly situated in the great outdoors for fresh air – and mosquitos! Don’t forget the bug spray!
Summer Clothing: Packing a variety of layers is a great way to ensure that your kids will be comfortable regardless of the weather.
Sunglasses: Something fun and inexpensive will help keep your kids’ eyes safe without worrying about scratches or lost glasses.
Deck of Cards: Pack some cards or other small, simple games to help your kid make some new friends!
Camera: Help your kids capture their favorite summer camp memories with a camera. Pack them a durable waterproof camera like this one to avoid accidents and make sure they have the necessary batteries or charging accessories.
Shoes, Sandals and Flip-Flops: Make sure your kids have the footwear they’ll need for whatever activities the camp has planned and don’t forget flip-flops for the shower!
Laundry Bag: Help your kids keep their stuff organized at camp for laundry day with a handy laundry bag.
Small Backpack: Day trips are an awesome part of the itineraries at many kids’ camps. Make sure your kids have a small bag to help them participate in and enjoy these trips.
Spending Money: Double check camp policy before sending cash off to summer camp with your kid, but if it’s allowed, sending some allowance money along with them can be a fun way for them to get some practical experience budgeting money out across the summer.

Editor’s Picks

May 19, 2016

11 Remakes of ’90s Toys That Prove Your Childhood Was Magic

Have you ever found yourself wandering through a toy store, shopping for yet another birthday party and thinking, “What is all this nonsense?” The moment we start to not understand why our kids like what they like is the day we are officially old. Fortunately, some of our all-time favorite toys have been reissued and revamped while still maintaining that magical essence that made us produce eardrum-bursting screams as we unwrapped them on Christmas morning.

Let us take you on a little trip down memory lane with these totally fresh 1990s toys, from reboot action figures to the games that would get our adrenaline pumping. Grab a few to show the kids how cool it is to kick it old school. Or just treat yourself while earning Cash Back at Ebates and saving with a toy promo code! So what if you’re just a big kid at heart? At least you’re a big kid with a bank account.

K’NEX 70 Model Building Set

LEGO may be a young builder’s favorite, but K’NEX inspired true engineering and took your imagination to the next level. No wonder it stood the test of time!

Kitty Surprise

Today it may seem a little … graphic … to open the Velcro belly of a stuffed cat to reveal a litter of kittens, but what’s better than a toy with more toys inside?!

Transformers

This Bumblebee action figure belongs to one of the coolest toy franchises in the universe. Transformers combine cars and robots; we dare you to think of something cooler.

Moon Shoes

Go back to the days when trampolines were uncool if you couldn’t wear them on your feet.

Skip-It

The Skip-It may have been a ploy by your parents to get you off the couch, but, nevertheless, it worked like a charm. Beating your own score was the ultimate win.

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Bop It

Bop It was Simon’s cool little brother that made remembering endless sequences of color and sound mere child’s play. This thing was the grad school of memory games.

Tamagotchi

Forget flour and egg “babies.” If you wanted to learn real responsibility in junior high (and didn’t we all?), Tamagotchi was the way to do it. The thing literally died if you ignored it.

Flutterbye

You may not remember the name Flutterbye because they used to be called Sky Dancers, after the beloved 1996 cartoon. We’re happy to inform you of this toy reboot, especially if this ever happened to you when you were a kid:

Furby

Hairy creatures that speak their own language: What better way to immortalize Chewbacca? Get your “Star Wars” fan fix while revisiting the most classic of ’90s toys.

Super Soaker

Water fights in the backyard were never the same after Super Soaker came along. Show your kids how real H2O warfare goes down.

Vintage Barbie Dream House

Barbie has done quite a few renovations of her dream house, and you can easily score the latest style. But if you just can’t resist vintage ’90s toys, look to Etsy for the goods.

Which of your favorite toys would you like to see rebooted? Let us know in the comments below!

April 30, 2016

Money-Saving Graduation Party Planning Tips

Graduation is all about celebrating your grad’s accomplishments. All of their late nights and hard work finally paying off so they can go on to get the dream job on this path we call life. It is not, however, about going into debt over napkins, balloons and beverages. Fortunately, Ebates is here to wow you with graduation party ideas that will save you money, time and headaches.

The DIY Approach

No one will ever claim that the DIY angle will save you time or headaches but the personalized touches and beautiful effects are well worth it for a one-of-a-kind graduation party. You could go wild with all of the creative ideas available on Pinterest but it’s best to keep it within your wheelhouse.

Simple projects include tissue paper pompoms and folded fan rosettes that offer a big impact without breaking the bank. Elicit the help of friends and family to decorate in the colors of your grad’s alma mater. Create a flashback that’ll bring tears of joy with printed photos displayed by string and mini binder clips. Of course, if you’re not so handy yourself, Etsy has plenty of DIY artists to lend you a hand so you can get the look without the time commitment.

Digital Maven

We live in the era of technology so there’s no reason you can’t use it to your advantage. Switch that analog photo display to a computer created slideshow. You (or your tech-savvy friend) can create a slideshow to play on digital picture frames or a television. You can even get your graduation announcements and graduation invitations with a digital yet personalized effect through Minted’s beautiful online invitations. Cut the DJ cost and create a custom playlist with all of your favorite songs and blast your creation from a powerful Bluetooth speaker. Encourage your loved ones to use a custom hashtag on Instagram so you can collect all of the images in one convenient spot. You’ll be able to keep the party planning organized and have a digital record of your special celebration for years to come.

2-For-1 Special

If there are multiple grads in the family, why not stack the celebration? If you split costs with other hosts, you can save on everything from the décor to the photo booth supplies at Michaels and enjoy the benefits of a big party without all of the expense, especially when you use a promo code for additional savings. You can even share graduation cakes and top it with a personalized image of the honorees together. Often times, guests are only spending a few hours at an individual’s party before moving on to the next graduate on the list, so the partnership will keep people enjoying your party for longer.

Plan Ahead

You don’t have to wait until the weeks before graduation to start planning. In fact, you can stock up on things months or even years in advance. Purchase party supplies after graduation season and find sales of 50% off to even 90% off in some cases. Even some food items can be purchased and stored in the pantry or freezer for later.

B-Y-O-Whatever

There’s no shame in asking for a little helping hand. Ask everyone to chip in on the festivities by bringing something to the shindig. Borrow their tables and chairs, ask them to bring their own beverages or even make it a potluck occasion.

Keep It Simple

You don’t have to rent a banquet hall and hire entertainment to have a good time. You’ll have a memorable experience with the ones you love wherever you are. Host the soiree at your house and get your family or friends together to create simple decorations. You don’t have to host a four-course meal either. Friends and family will be hopping around and mingling with each other so keep the food to a manageable antipasti that offers a variety of grab-and-go options. The snacks will save your budget and prevent someone from manning the grill the entire time.

Attending a Party?

If you’re attending and not hosting, we still have tips for you. Things Remembered offers a great collection of personalized items perfect for graduation gifts. Personal tokens are a great symbol to celebrate their accomplishments. Or you can keep it practical with gifts for their new home – which is thankfully no longer a dorm room. They’ll need furniture and fixtures to fill their new space. Or, if you want guaranteed success, graduation cards with a financial contribution can be used towards whatever they need.

Graduation season is a time to celebrate so just remember to have fun. Kick off the next step in their life with a degree in their hand and earn Cash Back at Ebates to save you money on all of life’s moments.

March 16, 2016

How to Get Kids Reading Over Spring Break

When it’s spring break season, anything school-related can sound like “homework” to young ears. Like the joke goes: if you want to see a kid on vacation laugh, ask them if they’ve read any good books lately. But there are ways you can encourage your kids to read during their spring break, and when you shop top stores through Ebates, you can earn Cash Back and find great savings while you do it. Here are our top five tips for getting kids reading on spring break.

1. Make it Special

To encourage reading at home, create a unique reading space to make reading feel special. Whether it’s a nook behind the couch, a shady spot under a tree or the perfect spot where they can cuddle up in bed, having a special place or accessory related to reading gives it a sense of importance and encourages imagination. Find a great deal on comfy reading pillows and kids’ rugs at Kohl’s, some LED String Lights at Macy’s, or a fun kids’ lamp at Walmart. Search for a kids’ room promo code at Ebates for extra savings.

2. Set the Mood

If your kids are out and about during spring break, try matching the book to the ambiance instead of the other way around. For example, ghost stories are perfectly paired with camping, as are survival/adventure stories for the young adult set or even nature-related poetry for the advanced reader.

3. Set a Trend

Reading is an adventure, and when you go on an adventure, it’s always more fun when you bring a friend. Buy two copies of a book, one for your kid and one for them to give away. This will allow your child to read along with someone else and have someone to discuss the book with. Find big savings on the hottest titles in young adult fiction and get Cash Back at Ebates while saving even more with a children’s books promo code.

4. Embrace Technology

While good old fashioned paper can never be completely replaced, reading technology is changing the way we read. We have books that read to you, eReaders that put an entire library in your pocket and smart pens that digitize your handwritten notes. It’s almost enough to make up for still not having flying cars. Search for eBooks coupons and promo codes at Ebates and get insider savings on the latest in reading tech.

5. Buy It for Life

Although the digital age is great for gadgets, and the best keepsake of a good book is the memories, holding a copy of your favorite book can feel like shaking hands with an old friend. If your child finds a book or series they fall in love with, consider getting hardcover copies for their bookshelf. Although dog-eared paperbacks are the most likely to survive childhood and college, a well-bound book can last for generations and it puts your child’s formative reading experiences close at hand.

Reading is one of life’s great pleasures and when you make it an engaging activity for your child early on, you will make a reader for life. As a bonus to our top tips for encouraging your child to read on spring break, here are eight classic children’s book titles that are perfectly good books to read for first-time independent readers (ages 8-10). You can find these titles and more at BooksAMillion, Abebooks, The Book Depository, and Better World Books. Plus when you search for a children’s books promo code at Ebates, you can find great spring savings!

December 17, 2015

Top Tips for Tear-Free Holiday Kids’ Fashion

If you have a kid who loves getting dressed up for special occasions, congratulations. You’ve won the parental lottery. But for the rest of us, we deal with a good bit of squirming, whining, non-existent napkin usage leading to ever-present stickiness and maybe a full-blown tantrum mixed in just for LOLZ. But we get it. Fancy kids clothes are usually itchy, uncomfortable and get in the way of their little rough-and-tumble lives. So let us lend a helping hand (because yours are too busy trying to cram a little foot into a tiny dress shoe) with these holiday kids’ fashion tips on how to shop top clothing stores to score kids’ styles with minimal fuss. Bonus: All these styles come with Cash Back at Ebates!

Formal Flair

Choosing a holiday dress for your little princess should involve some compromise. There are a lot of glitter and tulle styles out there but in our experience, tulle rips way too easily and glitter–well, at least you’ll be able to retrace her little steps because she will leave a trail of it wherever she goes. Instead, opt for something a little more simple. This tiered dress has a crew neck and short sleeves that won’t get in the way. And while the skirt is full, it’s not too dramatic.

If you have visions of a little three-piece suit dancing in your head but your little dude is a wiggle worm, we’ve got just the compromise. A sweater vest set not only comes pre-coordinated, but the comfort level is way higher. Plus, having layers is always convenient when Jr. decides to go full-throttle into a game of tag with the cousins and gets a little overheated.

Casual Cute

Even if your holiday event isn’t on the casual side, it’s always a good idea to pack a comfy alternative outfit. As mentioned, we just love sets and this penguin sweater and legging combo is just adorable and can be easily dressed up with the right accessories.

For little gents, a sweater and cords are still a step up from his normal tee and jeans combo (which I’m sure features some variety of super awesome fictional character, but let’s just give the fan boy stuff a rest for today, shall we?)

Shoes and Accessories

When it comes to kids’ shoes, there are definitely styles that incorporate both cuteness and comfort. These ankle-strap flats will not only stay on, but will not blister the backs of their ankles like other flats. And that bit of sparkle is always a nice touch, even if her outfit is a little less formal.

Any opportunity to avoid laces should be taken immediately. These boys’ dress shoes easily slip on with some thin dress socks and will look amazing with little slacks, cords or even his favorite jeans.

Add just a touch of sparkle to both formal and casual looks with some super cute butterfly and bow hair clips! While a big head band will, guaranteed, be ripped off and hurled across the room after five minutes, she won’t even notice these little dazzlers keeping the hair out of her face.

If you are feeling ambitious and want to try adding a tie to your son’s look, here’s a hack that will save you time and sanity. An adjustable tie with Velcro closure will go on in seconds and come off just as easily when picture time is over and play time begins.

Adorable Outerwear

Regardless of what your son or daughter may be wearing for holiday parties and dinners, fashionable outerwear is a must. If you haven’t noticed, combos are kind of our jam, putting coat and hat bundles at the top of our shopping lists. How cute is this swing coat with matching beret? This piece looks sensational with skirts and pants alike.

A boys’ peacoat really is a winter must-have and is just a bit more formal than a bomber jacket. This piece is made from ultra-warm fleece and comes with a simple yet stylish cap that will keep them warm and toasty. What we love most is the variety of color that makes this selection very easy to fit into his little wardrobe.

All of us at Ebates wish you a happy and fashionable holiday with your family and friends!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

October 16, 2015

13 Tips for Choosing Your Halloween Costumes

When it comes to choosing Halloween costumes, the possibilities are endless. Between browsing your local costume store and spending way too much time on Pinterest collecting DIY ideas, the abundance of choice can seem overwhelming. Let us help you break down the process with these 13 simple steps so you’ll be sure to pick a winner this Halloween.

1. Buy Early – No matter if you are planning to buy a complete costume or components and accessories to make your own, start as soon as you can. You never know when you need time to troubleshoot. The color might be off or the fit may be unflattering. Give yourself as much time as possible to return or exchange items that are vital to your look.

2. Budget – Halloween costume ideas can get lofty—fast! Before you get too ambitious or start drooling over custom-made accessories and expert-quality Halloween makeup, decide on a budget. You can even break it down by how much you want to spend on clothing, wigs, makeup and other accessories. Halloween costume coupons and promo codes will definitely help with keeping your finances on track. And Cash Back at Ebates will put money back into your pocket!

3. Style – Now you can start narrowing down costumes by what style you’re going for. Do you want to have people running for the hills with a scary costume or doubled over laughing with a silly one? Do you want to be recognizable or go for something a little more obscure? Cosplay costumes are a great example of both popular characters and little-known ones. Figure out what kind of statement you want to make and go from there.

4. Weather – Trust us. A costume that bares a little skin will be fun for exactly two minutes if there’s a chill in the air and you plan on Trick or Treating all night. Try to get a handle on the weather forecast for the night and factor in your surroundings for whatever you have planned. If you’re going to be indoors, you may not have to worry about a costume that will keep you bundled up.

5. Group Costume – There are plenty of advantages to going with a group costume with friends or family. One, it’s a bonding experience. Two, your costume-mates act as accessories so you don’t have to worry too much about making your character obvious. Three, if you all go with the same costume, it eliminates a lot of the hard work without compromising the overall statement.

6. Simple Pet and Kids’ Costumes – If you’re shopping for Halloween costumes for kids and pets to top off your group costume, know your sidekick. Keep things simple if your pet or little one is prone to fussing in an all-out get-up. Basic capes are great for dogs while loose costumes sans masks are more manageable for young kids. Keep everyone in your costume crew from getting cranky this Halloween.

7. Avoid Appropriation – Offensive Halloween costumes are seriously uncool. Don’t ruin a fun night by hurting anyone’s feelings. When choosing a costume, remember that depicting cultures and races that are not your own are absolutely off limits. Characters, occupations, historical figures and celebrities are just fine. But always depict these types of people with respect and without changing your physical features, including skin tone. Be kind, be sensitive and be courteous when putting together your Halloween look.

8. The Fine Print – So now you’ve found a great Halloween costume online. Before you click Order Now, make sure to read all the details first. Sometimes costumes are not entirely as pictured. They might not include all of the accessories in the photo, like the wig or jewelry. Reading the fine print will save you the heartache of expecting a complete look delivered to your door only to find a single piece of clothing. Don’t put yourself in a situation where you have to scramble for additional pieces.

9. Sizing – Use the size chart when selecting a costume online or a pre-packaged costume you are not allowed to try on in-store. Take your exact measurements before shopping to select the perfect fit. This again will save you time and ensure you will not have to return a costume due to poor fit at the last minute.

10. Try it On – Immediately after you receive a mail-order costume, take it out of the package and try it on. Do not assume everything will fit perfectly and wait until Halloween night. Obviously by then it will be too late to return or exchange your costume. You’ll be out of luck and out a few bucks.

11. Versatility – If you’re attending multiple events for Halloween and are thinking of getting more than one costume, consider buying one and changing it up for each outing. Choose a versatile costume that can be easily mixed up with the right makeup and accessories. You can go silly or sweet for family outings and spine-tingling for afterhours parties.

12. Safety First – So now you have the costume. It fits, you love it and you can’t wait until Halloween night to rock it. But safety is also very important. You need to make sure you can move adequately, see and be seen. If the eye holes of your mask are not wide enough, cut some more space for you to see. If your costume is long enough to trip on, hem or trim the bottom. Lastly, focus on visibility. If your costume is dark and you’ll be walking around at night, include a flashlight or glow stick so drivers will be able to spot you crossing the street.

13. Dress Rehearsal – Once you have all of your costume elements together in one place, give your look a test run. Put on the whole shebang—costume, jewelry, wig, makeup, everything. Chances are, practice will make perfect when it comes to nailing your Halloween look.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 30, 2015

Fall Activities for All That Won’t Break the Bank

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. You get to witness the majesty of nature and how it changes before your eyes as a whole new color palette forms. These changes bring along fun seasonal activities that all ages can enjoy. Gather up your family and friends and check out these fun fall activities that won’t have you digging deep into your pockets.

1. Reach up high to pick some apples. When the next rainy day comes around, you can use your freshly picked apples to make pies, muffins, caramel apples and more.

2. Hit up the local pond with stale bread and feed the ducks. Pack a picnic and a blanket to make the trip even more memorable.

3. Take advantage of the autumn breeze and go fly a kite. For an extra challenge, make your own kite for a family-fun project.

4. Pull on some cozy socks and drink hot apple cider. For extra fun, make your own cider!

5. Find a local hay ride for the whole family to enjoy. Better yet, if that hay ride includes a trip through a corn maze, that’s a whole day of family fun on the cheap.

6. Gather the whole family up for a nature hike at a local park. Look and listen for different types of wildlife and keep a list of every one you find.

7. Watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. Get a great big dose of nostalgia. If you have young ones, introduce them to this childhood favorite!

8. Enjoy homemade ice cream in a can. It’s easy enough for toddlers and kids to make. Follow this recipe and roll back and forth before enjoying this tasty treat.

9. Plan a pumpkin patch day. Instead of buying your pumpkin from the local grocery store, head to a pumpkin patch and pick one out for a fun night of jack-o-lantern carving. After carving the pumpkins, gather up the seeds for roasting!

10. Rake up all the leaves into a pile and jump into them. Just make sure to wear clothes you’re okay with getting a bit dirty!

11. Create an outdoor fall scavenger hunt. Have your little ones look for pumpkins, acorns, scarecrows, fallen leaves and more.

12. Collect leaves and make a leaf rubbing for handmade fall home decor. Enjoy quality time with the family while beautifying your home for very little money.

13. Volunteer to help others. Find your local food bank or soup kitchen and see how you can donate your time or host a local food drive in your neighborhood.

14. Warm up during cool evenings with a campfire. Roast hot dogs and veggies and finish off with delicious s’mores. End the night with some spooky “ghost stories” (as long as the little ones don’t get too scared!)

15. Make a bird feeder. Gather up pinecones and create this kid-friendly bird feeder using peanut butter and birdseed.

Whether you do these activities with your friends, significant other or family, enjoy the changing seasons while saving more. Look for more autumn activities at LivingSocial and Groupon and get Cash Back at Ebates.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 24, 2015

22 Smart Baby Gadgets to Make Parenting Easier

As a parent and baby wrangler, there are days when you just “can’t even” but then you do it anyway because there are no sick days, no vacation, no coffee breaks (unless you enjoy coffee that you brew yourself before getting caught up in a diaper disaster, then try to reheat in the microwave, then forget about, then give up and drink cold). Taking care of a baby is rough stuff and any little thing on this earth to make it the tiniest bit easier is a miracle. Alas, here are 22 little miracles of technology in the form of super smart baby gadgets you can get with Cash Back at Ebates.

Aquatopia™ Safety Bath Time Audible Thermometer and Alarm

Safety is always first when it comes to bath time. Be sure baby’s bath water is a safe temperature every time with this easy-to-read thermometer in a super cute turtle shape! The best part–the device beeps to let you know if the water gets too hot and measures every two seconds.

Milkscreen Alcohol Test Strips for Breastmilk

Moms, we get it. Sometimes you just need a cocktail. Leave your worries behind on Girls’ Night Out. You can rest assured that your Mother’s Milk is OK for baby consumption with these handy alcohol test strips. Get fast results so you can breast feed with peace of mind.

RaZbaby® Keep-it-Kleen Pacifier

Say goodbye to constantly rinsing off dirty, dingy chupies. This magical binky closes a protective shell around the nipple as soon as it is dropped. Now that’s one smart pacifier.

Boon ‘Glo’ Color Changing Night Light

Some toddlers are professional sleep fighters. Major FOMO is to blame for this. Little ones just don’t want to miss out on a single minute of play time. A super cool nightlight that they can play with while chilling out in bed will be sure to get those peepers closed for the night in no time.

Kiinde Breastfeeding Set

Even when breast feeding comes naturally to new moms, it is still a time-consuming and physically draining (pun intended) task. With this all-inclusive breast feeding set, you can pump, store and feed with the same pouches so you don’t lose a drop of that liquid gold.

Summer Infant Pacifier Thermometer

No baby wants to sit still while you attempt to take their temperature. They apparently didn’t get the memo that it’s kind of your job to know when they are getting sick. This is perhaps the easiest way to get those important digits without a wiggling fuss from your little sickie.

Motorola MBP853CONNECT Monitor

Keep an eye on your little bundle at all times and ease stress when transitioning baby into sleeping in another room.

Gro-Egg Room Thermometer

This nightlight and room thermometer in one will ensure your baby’s bedroom is always at a pleasant climate. After all, a too-hot or too-cold room will indeed result in a non-sleeping baby.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep

Soft and cuddly, this little sheep makes soothing bedtime noises that mimic mother’s heartbeat, spring showers, ocean waves and even whale songs!

Mimo™ Smart Baby Monitor

Moniter your baby’s sleep activity, breathing, body position and skin temperature with your smartphone or tablet. You’ll be notified of changes in your baby’s breathing and activity, including when they wake up or roll over. You’ll all be able to sleep a little easier.