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March 2, 2017

8 of the Unsexiest Home Appliances to Buy Right Now

If you have a home appliances wish list, we bet there are some pretty exciting things on it. An outdoor pizza oven, a wine fridge or an espresso maker would definitely take your home entertaining up a notch. Even a brand-new front-loading washer can be the stuff of home appliance fantasies. We just want to remind you of a few unsung heroes in the household appliances department that you may want to consider nabbing for your next home renovation or spring spruce up. Stay tuned for home appliances deals and promo codes from top stores to score these unsexy yet insanely useful electrical appliances at a steal.

1. Trash compactor. Never gripe about running out of space in your garbage can before trash day again. JCPenney has you covered on compactors for every budget.

2. Garbage disposal. If you don’t already have a garbage disposal, you know the pain of throwing food scraps into the trash only to have them stink the next day. If you already have one, it may be time get ahead on a replacement at Lowe’s. They typically last about 12 years.

3. Chest freezer. It’s kind of an adulting rite of passage to own a garage fridge, right? For storing anything from bulk meats to beverages, chest freezers are definitely worth the investment.

4. Air purifier. Since we’re talking about being adults, maybe it’s also time to consider the air quality in your home. If you are prone to seasonal allergies, an air purifier can be life changing.

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5. Air conditioner. It’s still winter, so the thought of chilling the air any further can be extremely unsexy. However, the temperatures will rise before you know it, so why not cash in on great air conditioner deals at Best Buy?

6. Cooktop. If a new stove has been on your kitchen appliances wish list for a while, consider replacing the cooktop of your current one to save a few bucks.

7. Countertop oven. For those who are strapped for kitchen space, a countertop oven is heaven-sent. Find yours at Sears!

8. Vacuum sealer. Remember those bulk meats we talked about? Protect them from freezer burn with a top-of-the-line vacuum sealer.

Which of these home appliances have jumped to the top of your shopping list? Let us know with a comment below!

November 12, 2016

12 Gifts for the Health Nut Who Has Everything

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

Fitbit Blaze

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

Nutri Ninja Blender Duo

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

Ventura M23CW Bicycle Computer

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

BlenderBottle

No more bulky blenders when she’s on the go from work to workout. Just pour the water and protein powder, shake, chug and conquer.

Gold’s Gym Sauna Suit

Help her build up a good sweat no matter what the workout with this sauna suit from Gold’s Gym.

Fitbit Flex 2 Waterproof Activity Tracker

Technology is finally catching up for swimmers, making waterproof trackers better than ever. This one tracks your progress over time and even helps you recognize your sleep patterns.

Digital Kitchen Food Scale

Portion control is key and not everything can be measured in cups and spoons. A digital food scale is perfect for the person who is vigilant about their balanced diet.

5-in-1 Electric Mandoline Food Dicer

The hardest thing about eating healthy is the prep involved. But this state-of-the-art chopper makes veggie dicing and slicing a breeze.

Veggetti Pro

Help her cut carbs by replacing her favorite pastas with veggies! This spiralizer makes instant veggie noodles for healthy, delicious dishes.

The Language of Letting Go Journal: A Meditation Book

Healthy body, healthy mind. Remind her to take time out to breathe and be present to keep her mental health in line as well with a meditation journal.

Yoga Wheel with Premium TPE Mat Material

For advanced yogis, the wheel is the next step in taking her practice to new levels. Included is a 20-pose guide on how to use the wheel for balance and strengthening.

Vivi Life Fitness Counter Jump Rope

No need to count jumps. This rope does it for her with an electronic read-out and it adjusts for different heights.

September 17, 2016

How to Throw an Epic End-of-Summer BBQ

Summer is almost a wrap and everyone is sad to see it go – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t throw it a goodbye party! As the last few days of summer will soon be here, now is the perfect time to throw an end of summer BBQ for your friends and family. Check out this simple list of BBQ tips and summer BBQ party ideas and get ready to get the gang together for one last summer shindig. As an added bonus, you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase at any of the mentioned stores. Happy party planning!

1. Plan Your BBQ Menu Around Summer Favorites

Your final summer BBQ is a great time to feature everyone’s favorite summer BBQ food. Grilled shrimp, lobster, chicken and burgers are all premium choices. Make sure you don’t forget about those summer BBQ side dishes that you’ll miss the rest of the year, too! Veggie skewers, portobello burger bites, grilled corn, watermelon and a classic coleslaw will round out the meal. This is no time to skimp on your summer favorites! Throw a checkered tablecloth on those tables and live up the summer fun for one more day with a summer BBQ menu before fall officially arrives. Looking for fun summer BBQ ideas? Consider doing a BBQ sauce tasting! Cost Plus World Market has a great selection of sauces available online for your summer BBQ along with a ton of other great supplies to make your BBQ ideas come to life.

2. Consider the Temperature When Planning Your Party

Depending on your region, the end of the summer can mean cooler days and even cooler nights. Take your area’s climate into consideration and either plan to host your BBQ during the day or pick up some outdoor heaters from Walmart to keep your guests comfortable outdoors at night. Be sure to keep an eye out for an outdoor heater or lighting promo code as the summer comes to a close!

3. Prep Your Food Early and Offer Pitcher Perfect Drinks

Don’t miss out on your last party of the summer by spending the whole time cooking or mixing drinks – plan ahead! Make any food and drinks you can ahead of time to save your energy for the day of the party. You can make a big batch of your favorite summer drink ahead of time and put into it into a festive punch bowl from Crate and Barrel.

4. Live it up With Some Summer Fun

Don’t forget about the games when it comes time to throw your end of summer BBQ party! Make it a party people won’t forget until next summer rolls around with great summer games like bag toss, volleyball, badminton or other summer classics. Set up some games, like an awesome horseshoes set from Rakuten.com, and be sure to keep an eye out for an end of the season promo code.

5. Pack Away All Your Summer Stuff as You Pick Up

You can plan your party décor and activities around all the stuff that will need to be packed away at the end of the summer season. If the arrival of fall means the end of your outdoor party season, get your storage containers ready for the end of the party. You’ll tackle two tasks in one when you pack up your summer party supplies and tuck them away until next year. If you need storage bins, check out the amazing supply online at The Container Store and get everything you need to keep organized so you’ll be ready to launch the next epic bash next summer!

September 13, 2016

A Step-by-Step Beginner’s Guide to Meal Planning

When it comes to family life, making meals that are tasty and filling, keeping your schedule from becoming a nonstop cook-a-thon, and not spending a fortune on groceries at the same time is a tall order.

But meal planning can fix this. Match it with coupons from Ebates and Cash Back, and what you have is a recipe for saving money, saving time, and eating better than before.

So, if you’ve never made a meal plan before, where do you start?

1. Work with what you have. There’s no need to run out and restock your entire kitchen. On the contrary, the idea is to save money and effort, so the best first step is just to stay put. Look through your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer to see what kind of food you already have. What could you creatively turn into a meal already? If you can’t make a week’s worth of meals with what you already have, what side dishes do you need to complement what you do have? Once you have used up your current selection and are running out of supplies, then you go shopping.

2. Have the “heavy hitters” for the week. If you break up your dinners into two main dishes for the week, you’re accomplishing a few things. You’re making it possible to buy those chicken breasts or lasagna plates in bulk at a lesser price than buying a small one every week for one meal. You’re saving a lot of effort by not making elaborate and different meals every day. And you’re making it possible to have leftover night with the food left in the fridge from the previous day. You can rotate what these meals are every week. Perhaps you’ll have chicken and fish one week, and pasta and burgers the next.

3. Don’t forget snacks. When the kids need something to munch on before dinner or your blood sugar is a little low, it’s the perfect concoction for messing up a meal plan. You end up making the meal early and are hungry later, or dinner is spoiled and you’ve wasted a lot of food. So make sure to add snacks to your list. Something as small and healthy as a granola bar will take the edge off and give you a boost of energy without upsetting the plan, and the best part is, they’re cheap.

4. Your shopping list is law. Laws don’t bend to the will of a toddler who really wants chicken tenders or a bag of Reese’s that is just dying to jump in your basket. In order for meal planning to actually work, you need to create a shopping list that is highly detailed and non-negotiable. Before you walk out the door, look at each item and decide if there’s a really good reason that it’s there – not just because it looks nice. Not only will this make your family healthier, but you’ll save money by not making impulse purchases. Even better: Your house won’t be full of dishes without sides that end up ruining your entire meal plan when your family feels tempted.

5. Get your calendar involved. Get yourself a new calendar, because when you start meal planning, you’re going to need a schedule. If you’re going out to dinner one evening with the whole family as a treat, then there’s no need to buy extra food to plan for that meal. If you’re having a potluck on Tuesday and are in charge of the casserole, then it’s smart to make that one of your two weekly meals so you can buy the supplies in bulk for less money (Sam’s Club is great for this). Also, by charting out what is being served for each meal every day, it eliminates that snackish feeling and cancels out the craving to just buy pizza instead – which can be both pricey and unhealthy.

6. Base your meals on sales. Planning meals is a great way to save money, and it becomes even more cost effective if you follow this next step. Browse through the fliers local stores send you to not only gain inspiration for some yummy new dishes to try out, but also to take advantage of the sales to customize the week’s meals. If beef is on sale, then chicken week is out the window – you can have burgers for much less. Browse sites like Ebates to see which stores are offering the best deals, such as Walmart.

September 8, 2016

5 Tips to Make You the Master of All Tailgates

Can you feel it in the air? School is back in session and your favorite team is back on the field! It’s finally tailgating season! If you, your friends and family all love tailgates, it’s time to take your tailgating setup to the next level. Bring your A game when it comes time to celebrate your team with this quick checklist of tailgating tips and essentials. Pick up all the tailgating gear you need plus get awesome Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase at any of the stores listed. Happy tailgating!

1. Set Your Camp up for Success

Setting up your spot camp for a day of tailgating fun can take quite a bit of planning but with the right equipment, you’ll be well on your way to a great day. First up, you’ll need to pick up some basics to keep you and your crew comfortable. Get outdoor tailgating supplies like sunshades, coolers and camp chairs online at Cabela’s.

Pro tip: Label your coolers. Separate and label drinks, ice and food so you and your friends can grab what you need, when you need it.

2. Get the Grill That Fits Your Style

Love tailgating food? Perfecting your tailgate cooking station is essential for keeping your crew well fed and happy. You know your cooking style better than anyone else – and how to match the perfect grill to fit it. Check out all the tailgating grills and supplies at Lowe’s to find the right cooking station for your style and the size of your tailgating crew. Be the envy of the tailgate when you pick up grilling and other outdoor essentials at Lowe’s and save with a grilling gear promo code.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to pick up extra paper towels and make a washing station too so that a little cooking mess doesn’t ruin the day. Use a bungee cord to hand up your paper towels wherever it’s convenient and use an empty detergent container to store water and make hand washing a breeze.

3. Let Your Colors Show

If you’re serious about tailgates, don’t forget to stock up on the gear that will let everyone know which side you’re supporting. Whether it’s jerseys or flags, show your team some love by proudly flying those colors. Head online to SportsFanfare to check out team gear and get a great deal while you’re picking out this year’s banners and shirts. You can even get paper plates, grilling sets, party platters and coasters with your favorite team on them.

4. Don’t Forget to Pack the Fun

Part of the fun of tailgating comes from playing tailgate games! Don’t forget to pack the games that will make your tailgate the talk of the town. From cup games and discs to footballs and washer toss sets, you can to make your tailgate a blast and pick up everything you need at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

5. Make Packing up a Breeze

Make keeping your tailgating site clean a cinch by picking up a dirty dish bin to stash all those grill utensils and dip covered dishes that will need a good scrub at home. Be sure to pack disposable pans and cups if you expect a big crowd. Walmart features a lot of great deals on everything you need to keep your area tidy and easy to pack up at the end of the day. Stock up on sandwich bags for leftover foods and bring wipes for an easy cleanup and a mess-free ride home.

August 29, 2016

Fun Ways to Spend Your Labor Day

Labor Day is practically made for fun. Landing right at the heels of summer, it’s a chance for one last hurrah before autumn sets in and we begin to bundle up and bunker down for a few months spent evading the chill by binge-watching Netflix and preparing for the less leisurely holidays to come. It’s the perfect respite from back-to-school preparations and the daily 8-5 grind. Here is a list of awesome ways to make the most of your Labor Day weekend.

1. Take a hike.

From amber waves of grain to majestic purple mountains, the U.S. is filled with natural treasures. The three-day weekend is the perfect opportunity to venture out and get in tune with your wild side. Pack up your tackle box and head to the lake for some late-season fishing, or take a trip to the seaside to enjoy one last dip in the waves before the weather turns too chilly.

State and national parks are also great places to visit for a day or the weekend. The early September weather is perfect for a long hike, with typically clear skies and moderate temperatures. It’s also ideal for camping. Many parks and lake sites include camping and cabin rentals, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing as a warm late-summer night spent roasting s’mores under the stars. Check out Cabela’s and Backcountry.com for awesome deals on everything from fishing rods to knapsacks before you head out.

2. Shop the sales.

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and again, and what better time to get some than on one of the biggest sale days of the year? It’s an especially great time to shop for back-to-school supplies and clothes, so if you are a student or parent of a matriculating student, check out stores like Old Navy, Target, and Kohl’s for some killer deals on everything from backpacks to blue jeans.

On the other hand, if you’re evading the dreaded “s” word, or aren’t a student or parent of a student, there’s no shortage of awesome deals on a variety of other products as well. Labor Day is also the best time of year to buy summer clothes at deeply discounted prices. To make the most of your purchases, check out the clearance racks at shops that are also offering storewide deals or Cash Back so you can double-dip on some savings. And just because you’re buying a tank top in September doesn’t mean you won’t be able to wear it until June. Consider picking pieces that you can layer underneath cardigans and jackets so you can start enjoying your savvy shopping haul right away, and all year long. Some stores touting killer Labor Day sales include Banana Republic, Macy’s, and Amazon.

3. Host a backyard cookout.

Break out the grill for one last cookout before summer’s end. Barbecues are the perfect weekend get-together, a chance for you and your friends to really kick back, relax, and enjoy some backyard volleyball or badminton. Don’t have a ball or a net? You can grab one from Dick’s Sporting Goods while enjoying 5% Cash Back and some killer discounts through Ebates.

Since nobody wants to work on Labor Day, make things easy on yourself and your wallet by asking your guests to bring a dish to share, potluck style. With everyone pitching in, there’s no need to worry that any one partygoer won’t have something to eat, which is especially helpful if you’ve got friends with dietary restrictions or allergies. You can provide the entrees, which you can get some awesome deals on from Safeway. If you’re providing the alcohol, you can also ask guests to bring a mixer, or if you’re going BYOB, provide a few mixers yourself. If you’re planning far enough in advance, order online at Amazon to save yourself some time.

August 24, 2016

How to Plan the Best Summer Picnic without Breaking the Bank

When you think of summer, you might think of BBQs in the backyard, swimming in a lake, and most importantly, packing up the family or grabbing your friends to head out for a picnic. Nothing quite beats reclining in the sun or under the shade of an umbrella, eating ice cream, sipping iced tea, and enjoyed a good ol’ fashioned ham sandwich with good conversation.

If your budget is looking a little tight, you can still plan the best summer picnic without having to go overboard. Whether you’re searching for the perfect place to host your summer outing or stocking up on all your summer wear, this guide lists a few ways to create the best picnic on a budget.

1. Reserve a table at a public park.

Living in an urban area can make it difficult to find that perfect picnic location. An open green field or a cozy campsite in the woods can mean long car rides and high gas prices, and though national parks are a perfect retreat, the admission prices aren’t that great for your bank account. But who says you can’t enjoy fresh air and nature closer to home? By popping over to your local public park and reserving yourself a table, you can have that open-air experience without the expenses, and also without those pesky ants. To top it off, a public park means easier access for attendees if you’re holding an event for your company or community, or hosting a family reunion, saving you both time and effort.

2. Have a potluck and share with friends.

Dinner for one isn’t that bad, but when you’re trying to pack all the food for your friends or an event into a series of coolers, and trying to manage the numbers tallying up on your bank statement, suddenly you have a problem. Plus, if you’re not a great cook or don’t have the time to make all the food, then buying all the supplies premade can put a real dent in your budget.

Picnics are a great way to get some sun and hang out with friends, so why not make your social event even more social? Turn your picnic into a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish. Not only does this cut back on the costs and effort of preparing and carrying the food, but it’s great for sharing recipes and starting up fun conversations about where people learned to make certain dishes.

3. Do some DIY.

We all have a checklist for the perfect picnic. Sandwiches? Check. Umbrella? Check. Cooler? Uh-oh, the last one took a long walk off a short pier, and your budget just isn’t cut out for another. If you’re coordinating a huge event and need major supplies, it’s even more costly to buy not one but five coolers.

It’s time to get creative and use your own hands, leaving your credit card firmly in your wallet. There are plenty of great DIY methods for making all you need for your perfect summer picnic. For example, building your very own cooler is as easy as taking a cardboard box, lining it with a plastic garbage bag, filling it with ice packs, and then piling in your cold food. Don’t have any ice packs? Freeze some plastic water bottles that are only partly full, and enjoy both your own impromptu ice pack and a cold drink on the way back home. It’s easy, effective, and has the potential to be a great conversation starter.

4. Enjoy desserts to keep away the heat.

You’ve planned it all week and finally it’s here – your lovely family picnic out in the sunshine. Yet the weather threw you a curveball by being a lot hotter than you anticipated. Even your sunhat is ready to pack up and go home. There’s no need to rush back to the air conditioning and the boring indoors you’ve been trapped in all year; it’s time to break out the ice cream and bring down the temperature. Run down to your local Walmart and save even more, keeping you cool and your bank account calm.

5. Take advantage of Cash Back.

Helping the budget doesn’t mean turning down your favorite kind of soft drink or cutting your picnic short when your faulty umbrella decides to go haywire. Places like Overstock offer up to double Cash Back on all the supplies you could need so you can be well-equipped while keeping your budget firmly intact.

August 13, 2016

Why Your Inner Child Needs to Throw a Lisa Frank Party

Close your eyes and try to remember that era in your life when your everyday soundtrack was nothing but boy bands and everything you owned was covered in neon rainbows and cute baby animals. That was the time when Lisa Frank ruled the world of pre-teen girls and she’s making a major comeback. With a new line of Lisa Frank clothes at RageOn and even a few exclusive items at major department stores, we’re getting some serious nostalgia and we think this calls for a celebration. Why not throw yourself the dream party you never had at 13 with some rainbow eats and Lisa Frank party favors and decor that give you Cash Back at Ebates? Can’t think of a single reason? We didn’t think you could.

Homemade rainbow marshmallows and white chocolate make for some seriously psychedelic smores your guest will think are almost too pretty to eat.

Who says colorful food can’t be savory? These fresh-baked rainbow bagels may look like confection perfection but they’re just the carby goodness you know and love.

Tie Dye Cheesecake — via Sprinkles for Breakfast

Pastel and perfectly sweet, this cheesecake and its sprinkled crust will make your dessert table totally dreamy.

Cut some of the sugar with a healthy yet delectable dish like this rainbow veggie pizza.

Top it all off with hearty rainbow smoothies so your guests won’t feel like they spent the entire bash canceling out gym day.

Lisa Frank Party Hats 8 Pack, $3.99 (Birthday in a Box) | Lisa Frank Banner, $2 (Walmart)

Party hats and banners aren’t just for birthday bashes. Spare no cheesy detail when throwing a “just for LOLs” gathering.

Bulk Lisa Frank Coloring and Activity Books Pack of 24, $34.55 (Sears)

Whether this is an adults-only or kid-friendly party, Lisa Frank coloring books will be a total hit.

Unicorn Crayons, $5 (Etsy)

But we have to say that these unicorn crayons will be the show-stopper.

Adult Rainbow Grass Hula Skirt, $4.48 (Oriental Trading)

Now that your house is doused with ALL the colors, you wearing everyday clothes just won’t do. We’re not saying you can’t spend the day in your leggings (with the generous waist to accommodate all those rainbow noms you are about to dig into). Just zazz it up a bit with a rainbow grass skirt…

Rainbow Wig, $32 (Etsy)

…a dreamy mermaid wig you can totally reuse for Halloween (it’s right around the corner!)…

Lisa Frank Juniors’ Patch Denim Vest, $49 (Macy’s)

…and OMG A LISA FRANK DENIM VEST. It may be from the juniors’ department but that can be our little secret.

Ready to throw yourself a rainbow rager? Let us know what your dream Lisa Frank party would look like in the comments below!

June 8, 2016

6 Ways to Show You Care on Best Friends Day

Nobody stands by your side quite like your best friend. Through thick and then, they’re there for you to help you through every hurdle and accomplishment. They defy biological ties, acting as family even if there is no relation. So this June 8th, show your best friend what they mean to you with a small token of your appreciation on Best Friends Day. These friendship gift ideas are sure to demonstrate just how much they mean to you.

Keep It Old School

Gifts for friends don’t have to be over the top grand gestures. Instead, revisit the days of yesteryear with handcrafted gifts. Michaels carries everything you need to replicate those super sweet friendship bracelets you couldn’t get enough of back in the day. Snatch up a kit or simple embroidery thread and see just how well you remember, or don’t remember, making those colorful bracelets. Or if your bestie loves craft projects, simply send them an instant eGift card and show them some love while they choose their own perfect present.

Celebrate Together

Sometimes experiences make the best gifts. What better way to show appreciation than spending time together? But your outing doesn’t have to be a full price adventure. Groupon has you covered with fun activities like painting classes, massages, rock climbing, beer tastings, concerts and more.

Make Life Easier

Life is pretty chaotic these days and between work and all of the after school activities, it’s actually quite impressive if your friend finds time to whip up dinner. Pick up a cookbook for your e-reader from BooksAMillion for some quick meal ideas and whip up some delicious meals to save time. The gesture will help reduce stress and hopefully give everyone enough time to sit down and enjoy your creation together. You can also send them an eGift Certificate that they can use instantly online so they can spend their evening down time reading and relaxing.

For the Kiddos

Your kids certainly can’t miss out on the joy of friendship gifts. With the adorable assortment of classic friendship necklaces at Claire’s, they’re sure to find gifts for best friends that perfectly represents their budding friendship. As they swoon over all of the fun designs, you’ll be reminiscing of the days when you used to sport similar fashionable necklaces.

Grown-Up Glitz

Adulthood isn’t all bad. Sure, you have bills to pay, but you also get to choose more grownup friendship jewelry gifts for your best friend. At Jewelry.com you’ll find a great selection of styles that are sure to please anyone. Chose the best friend jewelry that speaks to your relationship and the many years you’ve spent enjoying each other’s company. Between their great prices and a promo code, you’ll definitely get a great price on your friendship jewelry with Jewelry.com.

The Gift of Options

If you’re drawing a blank on gift ideas for friends, look no further than GiftCardMall.com. As a one-stop-shop you’ll find instant gift cards for any number of stores. Find the store that stands out and get them the gift of choice by allowing them to use the gift card as they see fit. With Cash Back at Ebates, you’ll even save money, making it the ultimate gift giving choice. You’ll even be able to get your code right away, making it ideal for procrastinating shoppers who still want to get the perfect last minute gift.

May 24, 2016

Memorial Day Cookout Essentials Every Outdoor Chef Needs

Memorial Day is just around the corner so it’s time to buckle down and put your plan in motion. Oh, you don’t have a plan yet? No worries! Ebates to the rescue! Our guide to cookout essentials will help you through your extended weekend plans, as well as all of your summer barbecue bashes.

The Prep

Preparation is key to ensure your cookout goes off without a hitch. Make sure you get all of the supplies you’ll need in advance so you’re not scrambling on the day of. If you need additional seating, ask guests to bring chairs. Grab plenty of disposable dishes and cutlery from Sam’s Club to accommodate your guests. You’ll also need a cookout tray or two to serve your dishes and all of the appropriate serving utensils. Decorate with red, white, and blue pops of color like these festive glitter stars!

Most importantly, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need for your grill. BBQ essentials include tongs, a grill spatula, a grilling fork, a basting brush and of course potholders. A digital meat thermometer from Bed Bath and Beyond will ensure your entrees are cooked to perfection. Make sure you have plenty of charcoal or propane for your grill because the last thing you want is to run out of fuel to keep the grill going!

The Cookout Menu

Food and fun are the central themes so make sure there’s plenty for everyone. Hot dogs, burgers and bratwursts are common staples for the cookout menu, but don’t be afraid to offer more diverse alternatives as well. Kabobs, barbecue ribs and chicken wings venture away from the meat and bun standards but are fan favorites at any gathering.

Of course, the entrees aren’t all your guests will be talking about with the spectacular cookout side dishes you’ll prepare. You can’t go wrong with crowd pleasers like potato salad, mac and cheese, baked beans and coleslaw. While delicious, these well-loved dishes aren’t known to be particularly healthy so a fresh salad and grilled zucchini can help round out your menu so there are plenty of options.

No Memorial Day cookout is complete without an assortment of refreshments. Mix up a batch of punch for everyone to enjoy. Lemonade and fresh-brewed iced tea (thanks to your Mr. Coffee iced tea maker) are great options for gatherings or you can stick with standard carbonated beverages from the can. For the adults, beer and sangria are sure to be enjoyed by those who imbibe. Whatever you do, make sure there’s plenty of ice for all the drinks.

While the grill master is busy creating culinary perfection, set out appetizers for your guests to snack on. Veggies and dip or crackers and cheese will keep people occupied during the grilling process.

You’ll also want some dessert options for your attendees. A light and summery fruit salad is a great end to a cookout feast or you can aim for something on the sweeter side and get some dipped treats or cookies from Shari’s Berries. Gelatin, brownies, pies, rice crispy treats and s’mores are fun ways to round out the meal as well!

The Entertainment

Naturally, the food isn’t the only reason to gather. Outdoor games like horseshoes, croquet, bean bag toss and badminton will keep adults and older kids entertained and enjoying each other’s company. If you have younger children in attendance, items such as chalk, bubbles, jump ropes and even water balloons will encourage plenty of giggles from your pint-sized guests. A Bluetooth speaker can fill the space with the perfect music for your crowd and help you earn additional Cash Back with Ebates. Just create a playlist then sit back and enjoy the ambiance.

The After Party

Just because everyone is well fed and the sun is setting, doesn’t mean the good times have to end. Light up a gorgeous fire pit and illuminate the area with mood-setting string lights or paper lanterns. With a promo code, you can get a great deal on citronella torches that can alleviate any pesky mosquitos while adding additional lighting. Walmart offers a variety of styles and options to meet the needs for your outdoor space.

The Bonuses

It’s best to be overly prepared for cookout essentials that your guests may forget. Items such as bug spray and sunscreen are vital for any outdoor gathering, but in the rush of things your guests may forget. If your space is particularly sunny, remember to provide shade to keep people cool. On especially hot days, misting fans will keep everyone cool, while providing additional entertainment for the kids.

When it’s all said and done, don’t be so frazzled with the details that you forget to enjoy yourself. You’ll be surrounded by loved ones with (hopefully) great weather and plenty to do and to eat. Whether it’s a small get together or a major event, gather your friends and family for what is sure to be a good time for all.