5 Holiday Games Any Family Can Play

Family playing card game togetherSo much time is spent during the holiday season cooking lavish feasts and shopping for perfect gifts that making time to have simple fun with the family can fall off your list of priorities. Show your kids there is more to the season than one big day of unwrapping presents with these five family games! No matter how you celebrate, these holiday games have you covered. A little DIY magic and Cash Back at Ebates is all it takes to make your holidays that much happier.

What’s in Santa’s Hat?

Santa hat on green backgroundThis simple guessing game is great for school-age children. Fill a Santa hat or Christmas stocking with small objects from around the house, such as dice, Legos or magnets. Give each player a pencil and a piece of paper. Pass around the hat and have each player guess what’s inside by feeling the outside of the hat without looking or reaching inside. The players write down their guesses, and the person with the most correct guesses wins.

Hanukkah BingoHanukkah bingo printable cards

This picture-based bingo game will keep it simple for preschoolers who are still learning their numbers and letters. The best part? It’s available for instant download, and you can print it out in minutes. Etsy has a ton of cute printable games for all occasions. Keep your eye out for a promo code from your favorite Etsy maker to save big on holiday games and goods.

White Elephant

African American man receiving odd Christmas present

Part gift-giving, part straight-up thievery, this game is perfect for households with teenagers since they’re old enough to buy their own small gifts. Stores like Michaels and Cost Plus have a great variety of stocking stuffers. To play, place all wrapped gifts in the center of the room and choose someone to kick off the game by unwrapping one of the presents. The following players can either steal an unwrapped gift from another person or choose a new gift from the pile. Each gift can be stolen only three times. The game is over when everyone has a gift.

MancalaMancala game

For those celebrating Kwanzaa, there is a variety of games to play with African roots. Mancala, however, may be the most popular here in the United States. Mancala is actually a category of count-and-capture games, but the version Americans know best is the wooden-board-and-glass-marble variety. Each player picks up a section of marbles and distributes them one by one into the sequential sections, including their own “pot.” The turn is over when you place your final marble in a space with no other marbles. The game is over when all the marbles make it into the players’ pots. This is a two-player game, so make sure to get enough boards for everyone to play at once.

Match the BellsThree chocolate kisses

Chocoholics of any age will love this one. Simply take a black marker and write a number, letter or symbol on the bottoms of two wrapped chocolate kisses and repeat until you have enough pairs to play a game of match. Unlike regular match games, you eat your pairs once the game is complete. Everyone wins!

Empowering Gifts for Girls of All Ages and Interests

Daughter receiving a gift from her mom joyfullyYou can never start too early with nurturing confidence in little girls and encouraging them to be unstoppable. By engaging them in math and science and helping them embrace their creative sides, these gift ideas for girls of all ages nourish both body and brain. Shop these educational, inspirational gifts for both teens and preschoolers, all while stacking up Cash Back at Ebates and saving big with promo codes.

Education Community Minifigures Lego Set

Education Community Minifigures Lego Set

Representation is key. Show your toddler that women can do anything, with this LEGO set that includes female characters in a number of community roles.

Codenames Board Game

Codenames Board Game

If you’re shopping gifts for girls, consider a critical thinking game that will entertain while challenging the intellect. Codenames is a social word game where two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents — but only by their codenames. Teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first.

Spooner Board Freestyle

Spooner Board Freestyle

This is one of our favorite sporty-girl gifts, since it helps her learn how to skateboard, snowboard or surf anywhere. The Spooner board improves core strength and gross motor skills as well.

Pretend & Play Camp Set

Pretend & Play Camp Set

Help them embrace their love of the outdoors and camping, even in the off-season, with this all-inclusive play set.

Make Your Own Comic Book Kit

Make Your Own Comic Book Kit

Budding artists will love this kit, which guides them through producing a comic and includes all materials. When it’s done, mail it in, and she’ll receive a professionally published version with her name right on the cover. How cool is that?

Disney Princess Moana of Oceania Adventure Doll

Disney Princess Moana of Oceania Adventure Doll

What’s more empowering than a female character who saves her entire island?

Makey Makey – an Invention Kit for Everyone

Makey Makey - An Invention Kit for EveryoneMakey Makey is a simple circuit board that lets you reprogram the world by connecting everyday objects to a computer. Rewire the world! Warning: Extended use may result in creative confidence.

My First Microscope

My First Microscope

See the beauty of small things by looking a little closer. My First Microscope is specially designed for little hands and is sturdy enough to survive all your toddler has to throw at it.

Lil’ Banshee Jr. Compound Archery Set

Lil’ Banshee Jr. Compound Archery Set

Got a “Hunger Games” fan on your list? Show her you don’t have to have a name like Katniss to master archery.

Funko Ghostbusters Ecto-1 With Holtzman

Funko Ghostbusters Ecto-1 With Holtzman

Girls can do anything, even bust ghosts! This super cute Funko set is a find for all ages.

Monster Sewing Workshop Sewing Starter Kit

Monster Sewing Workshop Sewing Starter Kit

We particularly love this gift because it can empower anyone (girls and boys alike) who loves cuddly monsters. Sewing is a useful skill most of us lack, so why not start them off early?

9 Things You Need If You Are Obsessed With Pokémon GO

Woman smiling at iPhone

It’s the latest craze taking smartphone users to Candy Crush obsessive levels. Pokémon GO has enthralled people of all ages, getting them off of their couches and out of their office chairs to enjoy a little sunshine while capturing mythical creatures and battling complete strangers. You don’t even have to have been a collector of Pokémon cards or an avid watcher of Pokémon movies to be taken over by this mobile phenomenon. If you, or someone you know, are ready to take your playing to the next level, check out these top 10 essentials with Cash Back at Ebates. From showing off your Poké pride to keeping you powered up to catch ’em all, we’ve got you covered so you can become a Pokémon Pro.

Chic Buds Phone Charger

Chic Buds - Slim Power Phone Charger

This is an obvious one but you’d be surprised how you can lose track of time AND battery life while adding to your Pokédex.

Ecco Damara Strap Sandal

Ecco Damara Strap Sandal

People are actually starting to complain about sore feet and knees because they are walking more than ever in search of rare Pokémon. So investing in a cute pair of comfort sandals is key.

3M Safety Vest

Orange safety vest reflective

For the night players, visibility is oh so important. While we encourage you to look up from your phones as much as possible to avoid walking into traffic, making yourself glow also helps. Plus, orange is your color.

Ozark Trail Headlamp

Ozark Trail 150-Lumen Multi-Color Headlamp

You never know when those Pokémon will lead you down some poorly lit streets. Keep it hands-free with a headlamp. If you get weird looks, just tell people you wandered away from your camp ground.

 Charizard Accessory Kit

Pokemon Charizard Accessory Kit costume

We promise you won’t be confused for a virtual Pokémon. No one will try to catch you. AND you’ll look adorable. Do it. Full committal.

SABRE RED Pepper Spray

SABRE RED Red Pepper Spray pink

On a serious note, this game has brought out some unsavory real-life characters. Stay vigilant and protect yourself!

LifeProof FRE Case for iPhone 6 and 6s

LifeProof - FRE Case for iPhone 6 and 6s

Listen, we’re not saying you’re going to fall into a fountain or anything but just in case you get distracted and have a surprise encounter with a body of water, this case will make sure your phone will live another day.

Snacks

graze chocolate pecan pie snack

If you’re planning for a long day at the PokéGym, it’s important to keep yourself fueled. Don’t forget your graze snacks packed with protein to keep you full and energy-giving, healthy carbs to help you go for Pokémon gold.

 

 

 

6 Road Trip Games Anyone Can Play

roadtripgames

Passing the time on a long car ride can seem a bit tedious. There are only so many things you can read, songs you can sing and topics of conversation you can cover. And that’s just when traveling with adults. Kids’ games will definitely keep you sane on family road trips but not all are car friendly. No matter who you plan to hit the highway with this summer, we’ve got a list of six super fun road trip games for passengers of all ages.

Grocery List

Exercise your brain with this basic yet challenging memory game. The first player names a grocery store item that starts with A, like apples. The next player has to repeat the first item, apples, then add a grocery store item that starts with B, like bananas. Repeat with the next players to cover all the letters of the alphabet. The first person to forget an item on the list loses.

Story Chain

This is a great game for kids to stretch their imaginations. But it’s also one of the funniest road trip games for adults, allowing them to get a little…suggestive. Start a story with one sentence, something like “Once upon a time, there was a princess.” The next person adds another sentence and so on. There’s no winner but there will be plenty of laughs.

20 Questions

This classic game may seem easy but can be a real head scratcher. One player picks a noun and tells the group if it is a person, place or thing. The other players take turns asking yes or no questions about the noun and the first person to guess correctly wins. This is one of our favorite road trip games for kids because it calls for them to do what they do best—ask questions!

Who Am I?

Take the 20 Questions game and get personal or test your pop-culture knowledge. The first player picks a person that everyone in the car should know, whether it’s a family member, fictional character or celebrity. The other players take turns asking yes or no questions and, again, the first player to guess the correct identity wins.

Alphabet Soup

A game of keen observation will keep the kids quiet and the adults sharp when energy levels are crashing. Name objects in alphabetical order. Every player can jump in at any time to name an object and collect a point, but the objects have to be said in alphabetical order. The player with the most points wins. Play the game with objects you see on the road, types of cars, letters on license plates or all of the above!

Virtual Hide and Seek

This is one of the best road trip games ever because kids and adults will have just as much fun playing. Pick a place everyone in the car will know about, whether it’s your family home, your office building, your old high school, etc. Pick a space in that location to “hide.” The other players take turns asking yes or no questions about where you are. The first person to guess correctly wins.

 

 

 

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3 Tips for Hosting the Perfect Summer Party

summerparty_notitle

It’s almost summer, and that means it’s almost time for the season of barbecues, pool parties, bonfires, and fun. If you’re planning to throw a party this summer, all you need to do is prepare a few key details and you’ll be all set to give your guests a great time.

1. Choose Your Theme

When the weather starts to heat up, it’s the best time of the year to plan a fun outdoor party. One of the best ways to get your guests exciting about an upcoming party is to center things around a theme. If you’re celebrating for the Fourth of July, you already have your theme ready to go, but other ideas like Kentucky Derby parties, lawn games, and garden parties are all light themes that help you in your planning for everything from invitations to libations.

tablesetting

If you’re looking for the subtle decorative accoutrements to accompany your theme, avoid Party City and hunt for vintage home and garden accessories from eBay. Whether you’re looking for a croquet set, chic votives, Derby fascinators, or an antique tea set, you can find tons of great deals on unique items using eBay coupons from Ebates, as well as thousands of free shipping offers.

2. Get Creative With Your Drinks

Speaking of libations, the key to any successful party is the food and drinks you serve. Get creative with your drinks and keep things in theme. While Cinco de Mayo may have already passed, a cantina-themed fiesta is going to be great all summer long, and a few margarita varieties are just the thing to get things started.

wine

Want to host a wine-tasting and painting party? You might have to venture farther than your grocery store to find some interesting vintages. Get up to 7.5% Cash Back on wines that your guests will adore when you order from Wine Insiders through Ebates.

3. Get Your Guests Involved

While a traditional dinner party is always a nice time, there’s something more exciting about heading to a party where there is a little more planned for guests. Getting your guests involved in the party doesn’t necessitate months of planning, but a few simple options can keep the party flowing, fun, and lively. Whether it’s lawn games, projecting a classic film, setting up a build your own Bloody Mary bar, or something else, a few simple activities can be the difference between a good party and a great one.

lawngames

Follow these simple tips and your guests will be talking about your party for months to come. As always, your party preparations are always more affordable when you shop with the discounts and Cash Back that Ebates offers!

 

 

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Super Bowl Fun For Football Non-Fans

Super Bowl Fun For Football Non-Fans

superbowlfun

Not down with football, like not even a little bit? You don’t have to get left out of all the fun and festivities of a Super Bowl party. Create your own gathering of like-minded football unenthusiasts with these Super Bowl Sunday activities that are sure to induce some serious LOLs and good times all around.

 

Dress The Part

Think of Super Bowl Sunday as Halloween 2.0. Paint your face all Braveheart style, slap on some eye black stickers (seen here), and grab that megaphone. Maybe you can even have a contest for the best obnoxious football fan costume? Winner takes ALL the dip.

football_fans

Super Bowl Cook-Off

Speaking of dip, we’re thinking this mind-blowing bacon beer dip would be a surefire winner in a good, old fashioned cook-off! Invite your pals to bring their prized homemade snacks and dishes and see which one scores touchdown. (The Beeroness)

beer_bacon_dip

Super Bowl Commercial Bingo

Besides the half time show, commercials are another part of the Super Bowl that football non-fans can look forward to. Turn this viewing party into a fun bingo game with these pre-printed cards. (Style Me Pretty)

superbowl_commercial_bingo

Rate That Commercial

Another option is to simply rate the commercials with these cute printed signs! All you need are some popsicle sticks, tape, and a few judgmental friends. (Studio DIY)

superbowl_commercial_ratings

 

 

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