The Best Things to Buy in January

Woman Holding Shopping Bags

Now that the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is over, you may be looking for ways to save more than you would at any other time of the year. Some strategic shopping in January will set you up for serious savings in the long term. For example, while everyone else is paying top dollar on spring clothing, you’ll find amazing prices on winter staples you’ll still need for the cold months ahead. Here’s our complete list of the most affordable things to buy this month, most of which you can find with Cash Back at Ebates.

Keep Your Fitness Resolutions

Looking to get ripped and trim for 2017? Retailers know this is prime time for clearing out their stock of fitness equipment, and it’s priced to move. Look for sitewide sales and discounts from sporting goods brands and department stores alike. We’ve also noticed many gyms offer amazing New Year’s discounts on memberships that could keep you motivated to move.

Stores to Watch: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears

Woman in Winter Forest

Grow Your Winter Wardrobe

As we mentioned, most people are ready to start shopping for spring clothes this time of year simply because they’re starting to appear in favorite stores. Don’t be tempted to purchase your entire warm-weather wardrobe now. Instead, find amazing clearance sales on winter staples. In fact, with warmer-than-normal temperatures this season, many brands are experiencing an overstock on coats and sweaters. This means big savings for you!

Stores to Watch: Nordstrom, Columbia

File For Less

Tax season may be months away, but those W-2s will be in your mailbox in no time, and it’s always a good idea to get a jump start on filing. We’ve seen great deals in past Januaries on income tax software and services, so keep an eye out. Just be sure the deal includes the cost of filing your state taxes as well—that often requires an extra fee. Always read the fine print.

Stores to Watch: TaxACTFreeTaxUSA

Modern Interior Decor

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Update With Fine Furnishings

January is also notorious for bringing major furniture clearance sales. Some sales go from 40- to even 75 percent off regular prices. New year, new living room!

Stores to Watch: Ashley Furniture, Horchow

Deck the Halls Next Year

Obviously, retailers will be almost giving away holiday decor this time of year just to clear it out of stores. Take advantage and get ambitious about next year’s decorating! This is the perfect time to splurge on that 20-foot LED reindeer.

Stores to Watch: Walmart, Kmart.

Take Your TV Watching Up a Notch

4K TV prices are bound to plummet after CES early this month, when new models are slated to be announced. Black Friday was the first time we saw significant savings on 4K TVs as well, which usually means the savings will continue.

Stores to Watch: Best BuySam’s Club

April Parks And Rec GIFTake a Hike

On January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all national parks will offer admission for precisely zero dollars. This means you can visit popular parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Olympic National Park—which all normally charge fees of around $12 per person. Explore wide open spaces without leaving one in your wallet.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

5 Tips to Make You the Master of All Tailgates

Woman drinking at barbecue tailgate

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.

Man grilling at tailgate barbecue in field

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.

Friends cheering at tailgate barbecue in field

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.

Fun Ways to Spend Your Labor Day

Group of friends hiking through nature on 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.

Pair of shoppers going to a big sale

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.

Group of friends having a barbecue

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.

How to Keep Your Kids Active on Summer Break

Kids blowing bubbles outside

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

Kids doing arts and craftsSummer Crafts

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

Learning a New Sport or Activity

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

Bugwatch Bug Catching Kit for KidsSupply Your Kids With Kits and Guides

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

Outdoor Summer Activities

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

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

Little girl in bathing suit hanging upside downSummer Vacation Ideas

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

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

 

 

Cash Back Stores That Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness Stores

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and one of the only times your purchases can serve the enormous purpose of benefiting breast cancer research and prevention. If you’re planning on doing some shopping this month, start at these Cash Back stores that benefit vital organizations, like the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and aim to raise awareness about the signs of breast cancer and the importance of regular health exams. Put your money where your heart is and support these amazing causes.

Shop online at Rue21

rue21

Stock up on fall essentials for men and women from denim to sweater dresses while contributing to the Glimmer of Hope foundation.

Shop rue21 With 2.5% Cash Back>

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Sport your support by playing and training hard in pink apparel. Dick’s has already donated $250,000 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation this year.

Shop Dick’s Sporting Goods With 1.5% Cash Back>

Shop Macys for Breast Cancer Awareness

Macy’s

From home goods to wardrobe staples, you can find it all at the Pink Shop at Macy’s. All purchases will contribute to various organizations dedicated to the fight against breast cancer.

Shop Macy’s With 6% Cash Back>

Shop Estee Lauder for Breast Cancer Awareness


Estée Lauder

Shop the Evelyn Lauder Dream Collection of cosmetics, fragrance, skin care and more to spread awareness and contribute to funding the Breast Cancer Research Fund.

Shop Estée Lauder With 3% Cash Back>

Origins

Purchase the Make a Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment and a portion will go to the Estée Lauder Companies Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Shop Origins With 4% Cash Back>

Shop Torrid for Breast Cancer Awareness

Torrid

Shop Torrid’s Breast Cancer Awareness Collection and dress your curves for the cause while contributing to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. If you plan on shopping in-store, consider making a direct donation at the register. Every penny counts.

Shop Torrid With 4% Cash Back>

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.