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May 6, 2017

Non-Girly Gifts for the Practical Mom

It seems that, since the dawn of time, Mother’s Day gifts have involved a bouquet of blooms and a box of chocolates. Sometimes you think outside the candy box and go for something cozy like a pair of fuzzy slippers. But if your mom was cut from a no-nonsense mold or her idea of R&R is watching a baseball game on the couch, these Mother’s Day gift ideas just might hit a home run. Check out our hand-picked selections, from must-have electronics to home goods she’ll actually use — all available with Cash Back at Ebates.

Insulated Lunch Tote

If you’ve been watching your mom take the same wrinkled-paper-bag lunch to work for years, this insulated tote is perfect. It looks like a purse while working double duty to keep the lettuce on her BLT crisp.

Chunky Chenille Throw

One of the easiest but most overlooked gift ideas for mom is a nice, comfy blanket. Who doesn’t love a blanket and who doesn’t need more of them?

Gold Pig Bookends

If you’re looking for unique gifts your mom will actually use, this piggy bookend set is perfect — especially if she has a home office or beloved bookshelf that could use a little pizzazz.

Mama Bear T-shirt

A T-shirt may not come to mind when you think of cool gifts, but you have to admit this one is adorable. No novelty here, just a proud badge of being a mighty mom to some cute cubs.

Date Night

She may be your mom, but she’s also someone’s sweetheart. And, chances are, it has been a while since this lovely couple hit the town. Give them a date night to remember with local deals on dining and entertainment from Groupon. If dinner and a movie is their jam, top it off with a gift card from Fandango.

3-in-1 Avocado Slicer

This one just speaks for itself. A tool that can cut, pit and slice an avocado in seconds? Mom will be wondering where this has been her whole life.

WD My Passport Ulta 1 TB External Hard Drive

How many times have you heard your mom complaining about filling up her DVR? Maybe enough to suggest she has a TV addiction. But instead of getting into that conversation, why not just give her some extra storage space so she’ll never miss another episode of “The Bachelor”?

Philips Wake-Up Light

Getting up in the morning can be the worst. Make her a.m. a little more pleasant with this simulated sunlight alarm that will gradually wake her up without panicked beeping or annoying radio hosts.

Seamless Belly Support Band

If you’re shopping for a mom-to-be, there is nothing — I repeat, nothing — more practical than a belly band. Not only does it support your belly, but it also holds your pre-maternity jeans up without having to button them. It’s pretty much a miracle.

February 25, 2016

6 Easy Ways to Save Big on Going to the Movies

It’s only February and there are already a ton of fabulous films out there in this year’s spring lineup. Whether you’re into lighthearted romantic comedies, superhero flicks or even scream-inducing horror movies, theaters are packed right now with star-studded titles that are just waiting for you. While this is exciting news for any movie buff, if your bank account has you trying to pick and choose which ones you’ll be able to see, you may be singing the budget blues rather than movie theme songs. Don’t start singing your sad tune just yet, we’ve got some good news for you! There are a bunch of super easy ways to save money when it comes to buying movie tickets, including finding an exclusive promo code on Ebates so you can get your tickets for less. Here are some fabulous insider tips that will help you find great deals so you can pick out movie dates for months to come. Check out these tips and get going to the movies and earn Cash Back at Ebates!

1. Cash in on Matinees and Saver Days at Your Theater

Have a flexible schedule or some time off midweek? If you’re searching for savings, midweek is the perfect time to catch a great deal on that movie you have been waiting to see. Can’t do midweek? You can get a great deal on weekend matinees, too! Most movie theaters offer special discount pricing for weekend matinees or movies playing during the day, Monday through Friday. The real bonus is that the theater will probably be free from rowdy kids and crowds so you won’t have to fight to find a great seat. You can just kick back and relax in peace while you enjoy your popcorn and movie!

2. Wait to Watch and Catch a Late Run Show

While it’s fun to catch a movie during its opening night or even during the first week, it usually also means that you are going to get caught in a line with the throngs of folks that also have the same great idea. While some folks may live for the midnight showings of the latest blockbuster, if you can wait a couple weeks to catch a screening, there’s a good chance you’ll save a few bucks. Aside from avoiding the crowd, waiting to see new movies can mean serious savings for your entertainment budget. Many theaters offer awesome discount movie tickets several weeks after the movie first premieres. Waiting also means that you can find out which movies get the best box office and critic reviews before you spend your money to see them. Win-win!

3. Skip the Shows With Extra Frills and Avoid Added Costs

Going to a movie in IMAX or 3D can be fun, but it will almost certainly mean paying extra to watch a movie. If you are willing to forego the fancy viewing experience, it can mean some major savings for you and your movie budget. Skipping out on the IMAX and 3D options is also a great choice if your family has young children that struggle with keeping the special 3D glasses on for the entire show.

4. Sign up for Theater Loyalty Programs

If you absolutely love movies, you’re in for a treat when you sign up for movie theater company loyalty programs. Big theater chains like AMC and Cinemark have awesome loyalty programs that will give you rewards points for every movie ticket purchase. If you live in an area with only a couple theaters or there is one special theater that you go to every time, loyalty program rewards will add up faster than you can believe. Cash your rewards in for awesome benefits like movie coupon codes for free tickets. Some programs even offer free upgrades at the concession stand on popcorn and fountain drinks.

5. Cash in on Price Club Discounts or Buy in Bulk

Did you know that if you’re a member of a shopping club like Costco or Sam’s Club, you can get great deals on discount movie tickets? It’s true! Big discount clubs will often have bundles of movie theater gift cards or discount tickets available at a fantastic price. Even if you’re not a member of a discount club, you can still get a great price on movie tickets for the whole gang when you buy in bulk. Check online or talk to your local theater to find out just how much you can save when you buy movie tickets in bulk.

6. Double Check for Specialty Discounts

If you’re a student, a senior citizen or a member of the military, then this tip is for you! Before you book your tickets, double check to see if your favorite theater offers discount movie tickets for these groups. Even if the movie ticket price only gets reduced a dollar or so, after about a dozen movies, you’ll have saved enough for a full ticket. Just don’t forget to have your ID ready when you head to the theater!

Now that you have our handy guide for saving a little extra on your entertainment budget, which movie will you and your friends go see first?

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

February 24, 2016

How to Save on Entertainment and Event Tickets

Looking for great entertainment on a tight budget? Ebates has you covered! Check out these awesome insider savings tips to get out and see the shows you love at a price that won’t break the bank. Check out these sites that offer Cash Back and the best prices on entertainment tickets.

Fandango’s movie ticket booking site offers all the latest and hottest cinematic features. With an incredible number of up-to-date movie listings and deals, Fandango is a fantastic place to score the movie tickets you want at a great price.

Savings Tips:
• Get freebies after you book by scrolling through the movie’s listing page. Some films offer free songs or other content downloads with your purchase.
• Check out a few different theaters and show times to cash in on special matinee prices.
• Have a movie coupon to use? Not all shows are eligible for movie coupons so double check before you plan your movie night!

Ticketmaster

When it comes to getting the best deals on the hottest event tickets, Ticketmaster is the place to go. Whether you’re looking for cheap tickets to go see your favorite comedian or that awesome indie band you’ve loved for years, Ticketmaster has the tickets you want at an awesome price.

Savings Tips:
• Head to the Deals section to check out the hottest sales and offers on event tickets all in one handy place!

Superstar Tickets

Whether you are looking for big league sports event tickets or cheap tickets to top concerts and theater events, Superstar Tickets has them all!

Savings Tips:
• Watch for special online savings, like a promo code for 10% off your next purchase.
• Looking for a show close to home? Save on travel when you check out Superstar’s helpful listings by location.

Entertainment.com

The name says it all! For over 50 years, Entertainment.com has specialized in providing remarkable savings on movie tickets, getaways, activities and attractions.

Savings Tips:
• Partnering with thousands of local and national brands and stores, Entertainment.com offers merchant promotions and money-saving promo codes so you can save up to 50% every day on the things you love to do.

Ticket Liquidator

Searching for tickets even after a show has sold out? Head to Ticket Liquidator to get access to the most sought after event tickets online!

Savings Tips:
• Sign up for Ticket Liquidator’s mobile club and get an instant coupon for $25 off your next purchase!
• Subscribe to the Ticket Liquidator email newsletter and get special deals and event ticket info delivered straight to your inbox.

ScoreBig.com

With prices too low to publish, you won’t believe how much you can save on event tickets online at ScoreBig.com. Get ready to unlock cheap event tickets when you shop shows and entertainment online at ScoreBig.com.

Savings Tips:
• Save up to 60% off when you name a price on the tickets you want! If they accept your price, you can score some serious savings.
• Keep an eye out for an unbelievable ScoreBig promo code and cash in on super cheap tickets online at ScoreBig.com.

Razor Gator

When you shop online at Razor Gator, you’ll be on the edge of your seat cheering for more before you know it. Featuring great deals on event tickets for sports, concerts, theater and more, you’ll get the tickets you want when you shop online at Razor Gator.

Savings Tips:
• Head to the Razor Gator blog for exclusive deals on tickets.
• Shop with confidence at Razor Gator thanks to their 100% authenticity and on-time guarantee.

With these tips, you’ll get top-notch entertainment for less. You can count on Ebates to help you find that special promo code for tickets and give you extra savings with Cash Back, so you can have a ball within budget.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

February 1, 2016

Star Wars Tickets Sold on Fandango – You Could’ve Gotten Cash Back

After only a few weeks at the box office, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is on track to becoming the most successful film of all time with sales of $700 million and counting. That’s enough money to buy the First Order a few new Star Destroyer consoles (after Kylo Ren destroyed them during another one of his light saber tantrums). But did you know a little bit of that $700 million could have gone back to you? If you had bought your tickets online through Fandango and coupled them with an Ebates cash back deal, then a chunk of the ticket cost would have gone right back into your pocket. Even if you were looking forward to camping outside your local theater in a Tauntaun sleeping bag, savings like that should give you the incentive to skip the line when Episode VIII comes out.

All this goes way, way back to Oct. 20, 2015 (when we all still thought Jakku was Tatooine). That was Fandango’s biggest sales day in its entire 15-year history. As you may have already guessed, that was also the day “The Force Awakens” tickets went on sale. Theaters across the country sold out their first few Thursday night preview screenings within a matter of minutes. The traffic was so heavy that some users couldn’t even access the site for hours. But October wasn’t merely a Death Star-sized victory for Fandango; Ebates also saw a huge jump in number of visitors. Visits to the Ebates Fandango page increased five times that day and steadily rose over the next two months, up until the Dec. 18 release of “The Force Awakens.”

All of that led up to the whopping $700 million the movie has already raked in. Analysts project that 30% of ticket sales from an all-ages movie like “The Force Awakens” come from online ticket sales. That means $150 million worth of Star Wars ticket sales came from sites like Fandango. If everyone who had bought their ticket that way had also gone to Ebates to get their cash back, it would have totaled nearly $4.5 million in savings. That’s a huge cumulative number, but even at the individual level, it’s a pretty big deal. With the cost of a premium 3D screening costing you $20 a ticket, a family of four going to see “The Force Awakens” could get a significant chunk of change back just by taking a few extra minutes to jump over to Ebates.com.

Luckily, Star Wars won’t be leaving our movie theater screens anytime soon. With episodes VII and VIII on the way, as well as a ton of awesome spin-off films (We can’t wait for the young Han Solo movie!), you’ll be able to head off to that galaxy far, far away for a long time to come. Which means you’ll also have plenty more chances to save some money thanks to Fandango and Ebates. Or why even wait that long? “The Force Awakens” definitely demands more than one viewing!

January 21, 2016

How to Spend Your Holiday Gift Cards Wisely

With 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.

2. 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.

5. 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.