15 Things That Happen When You Shop on St. Patrick’s Day

Excitement because of new shoesSt. Patrick’s Day may not seem like your typical retail bonanza like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. But as you know, when celebrations and libations are involved, things happen. We at Ebates have put together a possible scenario for how St. Paddy’s Day could play out for those who enjoy a little retail therapy. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. 🙂

1. First, you craft your strategy in terms of wearing green.

30 Rock hulk hands Liz Lemon GIF
2. You decide to go the subtle route and prepare to remind would-be pinchers at work that green undergarments totally count.

3. They respond with the maturity and professionalism you have come to expect of them.

Elaine from Seinfeld blah blah blah GIF4. You survive the cheesy 4 pm festivities that may or may not include wearing tiny green plastic hats and enjoying a cocktail in the kitchen. (But we bet you didn’t look nearly as adorbz as this little guy.)

Kitten wearing a green hat for St. Patrick's Day GIF5. 5 pm rolls around and it’s finally time to hit the town with a few friends. You try not to run too quickly out of the building.

Ferris Bueller principal running GIF6. On the way to dinner, you pass a few shops. Nothing really catches your eye. But then again, you’ve got other things on your mind.

Pauly Shore Encino Man Munch GIF7. You finally have dinner and a signature green spirit. Feeling full and festive, it is now time to explore the rest of the city.

8. You pass the same boutique you spotted earlier and suddenly, those slingback boots in the window are the cutest shoes you have ever seen.

Sailor Moon love heart eyes GIF

9. You go inside, knowing you are opening a fabulous can of worms. You spot pair after pair of shoes that would surely make your life complete. Somewhere during this frenzy, you ask yourself if you really need so many pairs.

10. You silently engage in a philosophical conversation with yourself about the nature of “need.” If we’re getting technical, you don’t really “need” a single pair of shoes. Shoes are a luxury. You buy shoes because you love shoes. And for some reason, totally unrelated to how many cocktails you have imbibed this St. Paddy’s Day, you really love THESE shoes.

11. You decide to go for it.

Jennifer Aniston live without you GIF12. Because YOLO.

Futurama shut up and take my money Frye GIF

13. You go home. The next day, you wake up to boxes of beauties just waiting to be worn by you and only you.

Brittany Spears happy excited GIF

14. And…receipts…

Nene crying GIF

15. But luckily, you remembered to link In-Store Cash Back offers to your credit card using the Ebates App before buying those new shoes! That means you didn’t miss out on Cash Back while indulging in some impromptu purchases. Guilt-free shopping = Best St. Patrick’s Day ever?

Bob's Burgers yas GIF

 

 

How to Look Posh on St. Patrick’s Day

Woman Wearing Green EarringsAvoid getting pinched while punching up your look this St. Patrick’s Day with some seriously stunning pieces. Did you know you can get Cash Back at Ebates by shopping top luxury stores like Bloomingdales, Barneys, and Saks Fifth Avenue? Find all your favorite high-end stores to keep your looks runway worthy. Take a look at our picks on how to up your St. Patrick’s Day fashion game (minus the funny plastic hats).

ABS by Allen Schwartz Ear Climbers

Ear ClimbersGo for just a touch of green but really make it sparkle with these edgy yet sophisticated earrings.

Diane von Furstenberg Spring Hinge Cuff

Spring Hinge CuffGet the same effect with a statement bangle featuring bright green stones that will give onlookers a double take.

Gianvito Rossi Carly Knee Boots

 

Carly Knee BootsIf emerald isn’t your color, go for a rich olive with these luxe peep-toe boots. They are an investment that will give you plenty of mileage with their gorgeous neutral color.

Lanvin Sugar Striped Bag

Lanvin PurseNot all pops of green have to be monochrome. This mixed-strip bag is a playful way to avoid that dreaded pinch.

Michael Kors Skinny Stretch Jeans

Green Skinny JeansStatement pants are an easy way to show your St. Paddy’s spirit and this pair will go perfectly with a printed blouse or solid sweater.

Givenchy Jaguar Printed Sweatshirt

Leopard Print SweaterGo for a popping print with this jaguar sweater that can pair effortlessly with your favorite jeans and heels.

Valentino Ruffled Dress

Green Valentino Ruffled DressGet festive and fancy for a night out on the town with this gorgeous ruffled dress that just sings springtime.

Cosabella Foxie Chemise

Green ChemiseIf you prefer to play your green close to the vest this holiday, go for a flirty little piece of lingerie like this lacy chemise. (Yes, it totally counts!)

 

Valentine’s Day Gifts for Your Main Man Crush

Valentine's Day Gifts for HimWhether you want to go practical, luxurious or full on mush-mode, we’ve got the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for him with Cash Back at Ebates to make shopping for your sweetie all the more sweeter. Celebrate a budding romance with super cute gifts for your boyfriend or give your long-time partner something he can use every day like popular electronics or on-trend clothing staples. Find something for every budget with our expert-picked Valentine’s Day ideas for him.

Smartphone Projector

Smartphone iPhone Movie Projector

Share your favorite viral video or get some Netflix and chill on the go with this super cool smartphone projector.

Rogues Of London Black Bomber Jacket

Black Bomber Jacket

Keep him warm while looking red hot with this gorgeous mixed-fabric bomber jacket from Topman.

Vans Late Night French Fries Shoes

French Fry Vans

Honor his appetite for greasy snacks with these snazzy Vans sneakers featuring golden, delicious french fries.

Sennheiser Wireless Headphone System

Sennheiser Wireless Headphone System

Now he can watch TV in bed late into the night without disturbing you, thanks to this top-rated wireless headphone system.

Brownie Bouquet

Brownie Bouquet

If your guy has a mean sweet tooth, don’t hold back this Valentine’s Day and treat him to a full bouquet of decadent brownies he’ll totally (maybe) share with you.

Insulated Cooladio Cooler

Speaker Mesh Cooler

Turn your camp-outs up a notch and drop a beat with this hybrid cooler and boombox with built-in speakers.

Angeleno Wood Watch

Wooden Retro Men's Watch

Give his accessories game an interesting boost with this wooden watch in a retro yet rugged style.

Bacon Cookbook

Bacon Recipes

Help him give into his carnivorous cravings with mouth-watering recipes in this ultimate bacon cookbook.

Yoda Mug

Yoda One for Me Mug

Fact: Dudes love Star Wars. Give him a taste of the force with his morning Joe and let him know he’s the “chosen one” with this super cute Yoda mug.

3D Printed Mounted Rhino Head

Mounted Rhino Head

Give his dwelling a manly touch without the hassle of hunting. This wall-mounted rhino head is 3D printed to make for one modern home accent.

 

 

 

9 Chinese New Year Party Essentials

Chinese Fire CrackersGong Hei Fat Choi! Chinese New Year 2016 is February 8 and festivities will be commencing all over the world to bring in the Lunar New Year with gift giving to symbolize luck and prosperity. And if your Chinese zodiac is the monkey, this is literally your year! For those celebrating Chinese New Year in their own homes, we’ve rounded up some party essentials that guests of all ages will love while you earn Cash Back at Ebates and save with a party supplies promo code. Here are nine finishing touches to make your gathering the highlight of the lunar year.

Red Chiyogami Note Card Set

Chinese New Year Invitations

Use these gorgeous note cards to hand-write your Chinese New Year party invites for a personalized and authentic touch.

Chinese New Year Wall Decal

Chinese New Year Wall Decal

This tasteful wall decal is bold without getting too kitschy. Plus, it takes up zero space, making it perfect for small houses or apartments.

Chinese New Year Lanterns

Chinese New Year Lanterns

Paper lanterns are iconic for ringing in the Lunar New Year and a must-have for your indoor or outdoor Chinese New Year party.

GODIVA 20-Piece Lunar New Year Box Set

GODIVA Lunar New Year Chocolates

Whether you want to supply sweet treats for the party or give a box of chocolates as a special gift, this Godiva box set will be an instant hit.

Chinese New Year Cupcake Toppers

Chinese New Year Cupcake Toppers

Whip up (or buy) a batch of yellow or red velvet cupcakes and put on the finishing touches with these fondant cupcake toppers.

Jade Colored Glass Dessert Stand

Jade Glass Cupcake Stand

Display your nibbles and bites with this glass dessert stand colored to look like rich jade, a staple of Chinese art and style.

Red Gift Envelopes

Chinese New Year Money Envelopes

No Chinese New Year celebration would be complete without red gift envelopes. Traditionally for giving money, you can also fill them with small gifts such as jewelry or keepsakes.

Year of the Monkey Coloring Page 

Chinese New Year Coloring page

Entertain the littlest guests at the party with intricate coloring pages featuring the Fire Monkey for 2016.

kate spade new york Chinese New Year Monkey Watch

Chinese New Year Monkey Watch

You’ve thrown a fabulous bash for your friends and loved ones, so why not treat yourself to a little New Year’s gift? This adorable kate spade monkey watch will be your new favorite good luck charm.

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Clueless Dudes

Valentine's Day Nerd Heart

Guys, we get it. Valentine’s Day can be a pain. The early days of playing it safe with flowers and candy may be behind you. Or you may have been tempted in the past to “get creative” and ended up like this poor sap over here:

Whatever your apprehension to shopping may be, we understand and we have your back with some gift ideas from stores she knows and loves. These Valentine’s Day gifts for her are chic, modern, practical and best of all, they give you Cash Back at Ebates.

Dear Dudes Who Are Reading This During Their Lunch Break on February 13th,

Before you choke on that sandwich because you completely forgot about the big day, take in the good news that all five of the below stores offer In-Store Cash Back at Ebates. So now you can swing by their nearest locations and pick up the gift without missing out on Cash Back. You’re welcome.

Ann Taylor, 2% Cash Back

If your girl looks like she just walked off the pages of Vogue and it’s only a Tuesday, Ann Taylor is the place to find what she thrives on–sparkling accessories and quality pieces she can mix and match into any outfit.

Saks Fifth Avenue, 4% Cash Back

Quirky meets high fashion, Saks Fifth Avenue is perfect for the woman who has a daring side and isn’t afraid to tell the world that she loves avocado on everything, even her shoes. It’s a good fat, after all.

EXPRESS, 2.5% Cash Back

EXPRESS is the destination for hip, youthful fashions ranging from casual to fabulous. If you know your lady is into exercise, go with an activewear set. If not, stay away. This is not the time to suggest she needs a fitness routine. Apply chocolate instead.

The Body Shop, 4% Cash Back

Help her unwind with some of the best pampering products on the market at The Body Shop. From luxurious massage oils to exfoliating scrubs, they have everything she needs to feel like a brand new woman.

American Eagle, 4% Cash Back

Whether Bae likes to bake or loves the gift of flirty lingerie, satisfy her penchant for kitsch and classic, casual style at American Eagle. Score silly gifts that will make her smile or stylish staples to put the swing in her step.

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Get Cash Back on Valentine’s Day Gifts

Red Gift Box With HeartsFebruary 14th is just around the corner! Skip scouring those picked-over aisles searching for anything heart-shaped and get your sweetheart something swoon-worthy this Valentine’s Day. Here are some of our favorite Ebates stores to score the sweetest Valentine’s Day gifts on a budget.

Bath Beauty Products SpaHello, Health & Beauty Buys!

Looking for gorgeous goodies for the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts? Mix and match beauty products to create custom gift baskets in a snap. Shop pretty presents from Sephora, from designer fragrances to makeup sets, all with Cash Back at Ebates. Explore more beautiful buys with hair care products for all hair types and textures at Carol’s Daughter. Round out your unique gifts with green beauty products, organic treats, yoga supplies and sustainable living goodies at Abe’s Market. Creating personalized gifts doesn’t have to be hard! Just grab a few of their favorite health and beauty supplies for a sweet, thoughtful gift they’ll love.

Perfect Pairs & Hot Handbags

Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be all about chocolates and roses. Revamp traditional gift ideas and save with Cash Back at Ebates on stylish accessories including designer shoes and trendy handbags. Swing by Nordstrom for free shipping offers on popular designer shoes from the most fashion-forward brands. From fantastic flats and stylish heels to built-to-last sneakers on sale, score Valentine’s Day presents on a budget at Nordstrom.com. Head over to Bloomingdale’s for great gift ideas including designer handbags and fashionable footwear deals, too!

Heart Shaped ChocolatesTasty Treats

This February, satisfy a sweet tooth and treat their tummy to something special and enjoy the savings with Cash Back at Ebates. For yummy Valentine’s Day gift ideas, head over to Shari’s Berries where you’ll find fresh fruits drenched in delicious chocolate. Browse gift baskets overflowing with dazzling desserts and save on your sweet stash with Shari’s Berries promo codes. Send See’s Candies for less with Cash Back at Ebates and discover personalized gifts featuring handpicked truffles. Searching for romantic Valentine’s Day gifts? WineTasting.com offers a variety of wine clubs where you can explore wines from all over the world for a romantic date night in. Restaurant.com offers unique gifts with easy ways to save at the restaurants you crave. Add a restaurant gift card to a gift basket and give your favorite valentine the freedom to discover new eats or indulge in their go-to hot spot.

Adventure Awaits

There’s nothing more romantic than a weekend getaway or adventure-filled vacation. Surprise trips make unique gifts this sweet season and Ebates makes planning travel and vacations simple and affordable. Visit Expedia.com and score Cash Back at Ebates on amazing vacation packages including discount flights, hotels and car rentals. Don’t forget to use available Expedia promo codes for the deepest discounts around! Hotels.com makes booking your perfect room a breeze. Browse last-minute deals, save up to 50% with unbeatable Deals of the Day and get their Best Price Guarantee. Book with CheapAir.com for affordable flight deals and be sure to check out Groupon Getaways for the best adventurous gift ideas around.

We hope this special list of popular retailers will help you pick the perfect presents this February. Comment below and tell us the best gifts you’ve given or received on Valentine’s Day!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

How to Spend Your Holiday Gift Cards Wisely

Credit Card SwipeWith the holidays safely behind us, there’s a good chance that you now have a shiny, new pile of gift cards just waiting for you to spend them. Whether it’s a Best Buy card from your brother or that Macy’s card from your aunt, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to make the most your new gift cards. Even if that means you’re going to sell gift cards or do a gift card exchange, there are so many ways to make the most out of your cards. So if you have a pile of unspent gift cards laying around, here are some awesome money-saving tips and tricks from your friends at Ebates to help you maximize just how far those cards can go.

1. Don’t Lose Your Cards

It’s easy to plan all the awesome things that you’ll buy with your new gift cards, but once you get busy, it’s just as easy to tuck your cards aside and promptly forget your ideas – and where you stashed your gift cards. Even if that happens, protect your cards from disappearing by making sure that you register them or write down the redemption info. Be sure to keep your gift cards in a safe place, because while their small size makes them convenient for shopping, their slim profile means they are super easy to lose in a pile of papers on a messy desk. Keep your gift cards somewhere that’s both secure and memorable because they can be super safe, but they’re no good to you if you can’t remember where you stashed them! To the same end, don’t keep them in your wallet. It’s annoying to not have them if you are out shopping, but even more annoying to lose all that awesome already-paid-for value if your wallet goes missing while you’re out. Save yourself a headache and don’t put them in your wallet until you are ready to spend them, or better yet, spend them online! Gift cards are incredibly easy to use online from the comfort of your couch or bed and you can often find the best deals right from your computer.

Free Shipping2. Take Advantage of Sales and Free Shipping Offers

Just because you have free money to spend, that doesn’t mean you should skip shopping around for the best deals! Stretch your gift card budget as far as it will go by paying attention to sales and promotions online, whether you are redeeming a card from Ace Hardware online for those new tools you’ve been eyeing or cashing in a Kohl’s card for a new pair of jeans. Shopping online with your gift cards is a great way to do this because you can easily compare prices across vendors and take instant advantage of savings that you might not notice if you’re out wandering around a store.

3. Don’t Let Gift Cards Turn Into a Slippery Spending Slope

While gift cards may mean you can start shopping, it shouldn’t mean blowing your budget. A gift card can give you a chunk of change to spend at your favorite stores, but it’s easy to go way overboard. Use your gift card to help you get closer to the purchase price of those big ticket items you’ve been eyeballing. Just make sure you set a hard limit for just how far above the value of your gift card you can go without really breaking the bank.

4. Make the Most of the Cards You Won’t Use

We all get them – the gift cards that you just won’t ever use. Whether it’s for a store that clashes with your personal style or a restaurant you can’t stand, don’t just toss your unwanted gift cards. There are a number of places online that offer a gift card exchange. They will happily take your unwanted gift cards off your hands and either trade them out for cards you want or you can even just sell gift cards for cash. Super cool, right? If that still sounds like too much work, see if your friends want to have a post-holiday gift card swap. Who knows what goodies they may be looking to trade for your less-than-loved gift cards! Have another holiday event or birthday coming up? Gift cards are super easy to re-gift and come in especially handy when you need a last minute present.

Money Down the Drain5. Don’t Waste Their Value to Expiration Dates and Fees

Gift cards are an awesome way to shop at your favorite store or redeem for a fabulous movie night out via Fandango, but make sure you pay attention to any expiration dates or fees that the cards may have. It’s a shame to let any of that value go to waste when you could be out spending and having a ball! Check the back of gift cards or any paperwork that came with your cards to skim the fine print for the necessary details to figure out if you’re up against any expiration deadlines or if you’ll be hit with any maintenance fees in the future. Nothing like unexpected fees or an expiration date to dampen the gift card spending fun!

Now that we’ve shared these tips, you’re ready to head out and spend those gift cards like a pro. Enjoy!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Unique Ways to Celebrate New Year’s Eve

Little Girl Catching ConfettiNew Year’s Eve is often celebrated as the last big shindig for the year. It’s a time to look back on your fondest memories of the passing year and to celebrate the upcoming year with loved ones and festivities. But if hanging out in your jammies and watching an oversized light fixture make its descent isn’t your cup of tea, we at Ebates suggest a few fun and unusual ways to celebrate the New Year.

Get Crafty

If you want to start 2016 in a new and one-of-a-kind way, encourage your party-goers (kids and adults alike) to forgo the prepackaged goodies for something a little more unique. Set up a craft table and get to work decorating your gear for the occasion. Set out plenty of bright colors and sparkly goodies to get the party started. Glitter, sequins, tinsel and tissue paper can be used to make the appropriate garb. Create your own party hats, noisemakers and confetti for a special celebration to mark the occasion. Kids will especially love this activity.

Tapas Party FoodCreate a Feast

The holidays are all about filling yourself with delicious foods without making excuses so why not celebrate New Year’s Eve with a full belly? Fill your table with a smorgasbord of options so everyone can have their fill and snack throughout the night. Finger foods can include salty and sweet snacks but you’ll also want to include a few healthy options to get your New Year’s resolutions off to a good start. And don’t forget your New Year’s tableware from Birthday in a Box!

Take on a Worldly View

The coming of a new year is celebrated the world over, but not every country celebrates it the same way.

In Columbia, they carry suitcases all day to encourage travel in the upcoming year. In Greece, people hang onions from the door to represent rebirth and break a pomegranate on their doorstep for prosperity. In Argentina, people eat beans for good luck. In Denmark, people climb onto chairs and “jump” into New Year’s Day. In some South American countries, they wear colored underwear to represent their desires for the year ahead. Spaniards consume 12 grapes, one with each chime of the clock as a symbol of luck. The Japanese clean their homes and send thank-you cards.

Many of these practices can be performed concurrently to show your appreciation for other cultures and to have some unique and fun celebrations this New Year’s Eve.

Count Down Each Hour

Why wait until the last moment to live it up when you can celebrate every final hour of the year? Create fun age-appropriate activities for your guests to complete each hour. When the clock strikes each hour, set up a new activity like games, dancing, entertainment and more. These activities are particularly fun for little ones, especially since it’ll help them stay up until midnight for the big countdown!

New Year's Eve maskHave a Ball

Ring in modern times with the medieval tradition of masquerade balls. Get an era appropriate gown at Costume Express or modernize the event with a pretty dress from Barneys New York. The occasion calls for opulence so feel free to go all out with an elaborate getup. Most importantly, don’t forget your mask so your party will look the part!

Double Dip

In other cultures, New Year’s isn’t celebrated only at the dawn of the year. The Macedonian Orthodox Calendar celebrates December 31st and January 14th, with fireworks and gifts for children, respectively. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and is a two-day festival in early autumn, filled with religious service and large meals. Chinese New Year is celebrated in late January or early February in accordance with the lunisolar Chinese calendar and includes a clean home, presents and gifts of money in red paper envelopes.

Woman In Pajamas ReadingRelax the Night Away Solo

Instead of getting yourself into a tizzy or dealing with the outside world, create a relaxing spa night so you can start your New Year’s with a fresh outlook. Take a long soak in a warm bath while enjoying a nice book. Paint your nails and make use of your favorite facial treatment from Sephora. Bake some cookies so your home will smell delicious and enjoy a tasty, homemade treat. There’s no harm in taking a little time for yourself on New Year’s Eve.

Plan Your Resolutions

There’s no time to plan for the future like the minute before. Use this time to set out your resolutions for the year. You can create plenty of fun activities. Write your resolution on a piece of paper and put it in a balloon to pop at midnight. Create a match game for the kids to pair similar resolutions. Cut out a handprint and write resolutions on it. You can even create a time capsule to open on New Year’s Eve next year to see how everyone followed through.

Whatever activities you plan for your New Year’s Eve, make it something you’ll enjoy. Spend time with those you love or bask in a solo night by yourself. As long as you’re spending New Year’s with a smile on your face, it’s sure to be a good year.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Ebates Adopt a Family Holiday Donation Drive

holiday donations

During this holiday season, Ebates employees wanted nothing more than to give back to their local community in the beautiful city of San Francisco and its citizens in need. We teamed up with La Casa de Las Madres for their Adopt a Family Program to spread some holiday cheer with some needed winter gifts and more.

La Casa de Las Madres serves domestic violence victims of all ages with a crisis line, emergency shelter, legal assistance and counseling. Through their holiday Adopt a Family program, Ebates employees “adopted” three families and provided them the holiday gifts they requested on their wishlists. We then gathered in our kitchen at our San Francisco office to wrap presents together while enjoying some snacks and dancing around to an ultimate holiday playlist. It was indeed a merry time made even sweeter by knowing our gifts would brighten someone’s day.

Ebates Adopt-A-Family Gifts

After we wrapped our gifts, we got together to create gift baskets full of fun items for La Casa de Las Madres’ New Years Eve party! We provided the 35 women and children staying at the shelter during the holiday with decorations, games, noise makers, playing cards, coloring books, bubbles, apple cider and even some needed essentials like socks.

Ebates Adopt-A-Family Wrapping

We were so grateful to be able to work with such a wonderful organization to make some holiday wishes come true. A big “thank you” again to La Casa de Las Madres!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

How to Accept a Bad Gift Graciously

Getting a bad gift‘Tis the season for giving, but that also means you will likely be on the receiving end and as you know, not all gifts are home runs. Whether it’s your mom, your boss or your BFF who (bless her heart) just can’t seem to get it through her head that mustard is NOT your color, someone in your life is prone to giving you gifts that really test your social graces. Just remember, even a bad gift is a gift for which to be grateful. The best and worst Christmas gifts come from the same place—the heart. So here are our tried and true tips on how to accept these “unique” gifts with grace and class.

1. Check Your Expectations

The infamous “bad gifter” approaches with a present. Or, this could be a new gifter with which you have no experience in gift receiving, hence they are a wild card to be feared. Either way, do not get your hopes up about what’s in the box. Recognize your greed and smother it in gratitude by repeating the mantra “how thoughtful, how thoughtful.”

woman smiling2. Smile

As you accept the gift and unwrap it, smile. Then keep that smile plastered on your face as if your life depends on it. Feel the corners of your mouth uplift and commit the feeling to muscle memory. Do not, I repeat, do not drop that grin. Smile hard through any gut reaction you may have to a cringe-worthy gift.

3. Say Thank You

Immediately say “thank you!” with plastered smile in tow. Now, you may think you are out of the woods if you received the gift while not in front of the gifter, but that only really saved you from putting on a show to cover your natural reaction. You, too, have to say “thank you” or send them a thank you note. They thought of you. They picked out a gift. They bought it, wrapped it and made sure your received it. Your “thank you” goes to all of that effort as well, not just the object in question.

4. Muster up a Compliment

We know you don’t like lying and we’re not saying you should. But there has to be something about the gift itself that you can compliment. Maybe it’s the color, the uniqueness of the gift, or how warm it would seem to keep you (if you wouldn’t rather freeze to death than wear a velour track suit, that is). Complimenting the gift is just a little less dismissive than saying, “Oh, how thoughtful.” They know it was thoughtful. What they really wanted is for you to like the gift. Anything you can say to that effect will be appreciated.

thinking about it5. Sit With It

Even though it may have been hate at first sight, don’t kick your new gift to the curb just yet. Before you start plotting how you will be rid of it, take it home and keep it where you can see it just for a few days. It may just grow on you! Or if it’s something you can wear but wouldn’t dare be seen wearing in public, maybe it could be your next Netflix binge outfit. Comfy is comfy, people. Everyone looks the same level of stylish under the glow of a flat screen TV.

donation box full of clothes6. Regift It

So you gave it a shot but the final verdict is in—you hate it. It’s curtains for this gift. Before you toss it into the trash to take space in landfill, consider giving it to someone you know will really love it and give it a good home. Include full disclosure. You don’t want to earn accolades on a gift you didn’t pick out yourself and buy with your own money. Also, try to make sure the new giftee won’t bump into the original gifter. It goes without saying that would be awkward. If you really can’t think of someone who would like the gift, consider donating the item to a local charity, clothing drive, etc.

7. Come Clean, if Necessary

How many times has someone asked about a gift they gave you a while back? They may ask how it’s working out, if it fits or, flat out, why they never see you with it. If this inquiry comes up after some time has passed, it’s probably safe to tell the truth, but deliver the news gently! “You know, it wasn’t really my taste but my neighbor loved it so I gave it to her.” Always follow up with another “thank you for thinking of me.”

However, if they ask about the gift the very next day, a little white lie might not be so bad. Maybe tell them you just haven’t had a chance to use it. It’s the holidays after all. Busy, busy!

We hope you found these tips helpful and a well-deserved break from last minute online shopping for the holidays. Remember, Ebates always gives you the extra bang for your buck with coupons, promo codes and Cash Back.

 

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.