The Best Flowers to Buy for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, which means love is in the air, along with the scent of rose petals. Every year, an estimated 224 million roses are grown for this day alone. The rose has been a symbol of love and virtue for thousands of years, dating all the way back to ancient Greece, where the red flower was associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love. With roses being such a time-tested token of affection, it’s no wonder they make up more than 50 percent of the flowers given away on Valentine’s Day.

What is a little more confusing is why anyone would act surprised when they get a bouquet of roses. Giving your sweetheart roses may be a nice gesture, but it’s not exactly a clever or creative one. Do you really want your significant other to open her door on Valentine’s Day to discover a bouquet that looks identical to the ones all her friends and coworkers are getting? Or do you want to give her flowers that are just as special and unique as she is?

Best Valentine's Flowers

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For  instance, maybe you’re in the early stages of a relationship. You may not be ready for the bold declaration of love that comes with roses. You want a flower that’s just as pretty and fragrant but not quite so heavy on commitment. The French tulip is ideal for this situation. Its pastel pink and yellow petals bring to mind the first days of spring, which is perhaps why it has come to symbolize new beginnings and fresh starts. A dozen of these may not scream, “I’m ready to spend the rest of my life with you,” but they will let your new lover know you’re excited to see what the future holds for the two of you. French tulips are also perfect for people in older relationships that could use a little sprinkle of young love. They let your longtime companion know that just because you’ve been together for a long time doesn’t mean you don’t have some new adventures in store.

New adventures, however, can be costly. We may all dream of Valentine’s Day getaways with our romantic partners, but we may not all have the money to whisk them to some sunny beach on the other side of the world. Luckily, some flowers can bring a little touch of the tropics to a snowy morning in mid-February. Orchids, which hail from tropical climates like Hawaii and Australia, bloom in dozens of dazzling colors and deliver the sights and scents of an island getaway right to your own home.

Or, if you and your loved one are simply pining for warmer summer months, why not pick up a vase full of sunflowers? Sunflowers represent the sun itself, and they can make any Valentine’s Day feel brighter — even when it’s still getting dark at 5 p.m.

Love is celebrated in many different forms on Valentine’s Day (and romance isn’t the only thing on people’s minds), so naturally there are flowers that represent many different forms of love. Maybe there’s a mother in your life who you think deserves a little bit of attention on the big day. The pink, pillowy petals of the carnation are said to match the color and texture of newborn flesh. Giving them to your mom would let her know how much you appreciate all the love and care she gave you over the years. If there’s a new mother in your life, carnations can let her know how much you look forward to raising a child together.

On the other hand, if you’re only in the planning stages of parenthood, you could always pick up a bouquet of lilies for your special someone. Lilies represent passion and fertility. A dozen of them will let your boyfriend or girlfriend know exactly how you hope this Valentine’s Day will end.

Of course, some loves are just better left unspoken. Gardenias are simple, elegant flowers that represent a secret love. If you’re in a relationship with someone but you’re currently keeping it on the down-low, why not send him or her a couple of these beautiful blossoms? (No note attached, of course.) The stark white petals look like blank pages, ready for a secret romance story to be written on.

Career-minded couples need a little bit of romance as well. If you and your loved one feel more married to your jobs than to each other, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to slow down, take stock and remind each other how you really feel. A purple iris signifies royalty, and certain stems can cost as much as $100 a pop. But when you’re working 60 hours a week, it can feel nice to be treated like a king or queen every once in awhile. Or if your significant other is so busy he or she doesn’t even have time to water the plants already in the house, they might appreciate a succulent. These spiny, cactus-like plants are pretty and can live for months with just a little bit of water.

Of course, sometimes people might just be expecting roses. If that’s the case, you really should go for tradition, but there’s no reason you can’t put a slightly personal spin on the old classic. There are tons of different types of roses that each have a unique charm. Our favorite is the Black Baccara Hybrid Tea Rose. The darker red of this rose variation will stand out from all the rose bouquets delivered that day. The richer, deeper colors scream with sultry passion, and they’ll let your sweetheart know just how deep your love is.

Whether you settle for roses or something more unusual, the most important thing is that you remember Valentine’s Day in the first place. Feb. 14 actually has a pretty high breakup rate. A few flowers could help remind you and your significant other why you fell in love in the first place and keep you there for a long time to come.

18 Stores Offering Paid and Free Gift Wrapping

giftwrappingheaderOnline shopping makes gift buying all the more easier. But what about when all those packages come to your door? Whether you’re wrapping-challenged or just don’t have the time, it always helps to know which stores offer free gift wrapping or at least will wrap them for a nominal cost. Believe us, you want to take advantage of all the freebies you can get on top of holiday deals to make the most out of your money. Here are 18 top stores you can shop through Ebates that offer free or reasonably-priced gift wrapping.

Paid Gift Wrapping With Online Purchase

Barnes & Noble

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Bed Bath & Beyond

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 Nordstrom

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 Sephora

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Best Buy

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JCPenney

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Kohl’s

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Lord & Taylor

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Macy’s

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Sears

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Walmart

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Lands’ End

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Sur La Table

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Things Remembered

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Victoria’s Secret

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Brooks Brothers

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Jared

They’ll even wrap it for you, too!

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Saks Fifth Avenue

Box comes with ribbon. There is an additional charge for wrapping your gift box.

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9 Ways to Look Your Best for Less at Ulta Beauty

ulta beauty storefrontThe kids can have their candy stores. Ulta Beauty is where grown-ups find the real treats. Ulta.com offers a proverbial rabbit hole to explore the endless array of goodies to protect, cover and treat yourself from head to toe. From shampoos and oil treatments to nail polishes and callus removers, the minds at Ulta Beauty Supply have thought of it all. While you’re filling your shopping cart and making a wish list of all your wants and needs, be sure to make the most of all of the incredible ways to save at Ulta Beauty.

ultamate rewards1. Sign Up for Ultamate Rewards

Ulta Beauty loves to spoil its Ultamate Rewards members, so why not earn rewards on the wonderful Ulta Beauty products you’re already purchasing? A membership grants you access to the best savings, discounts and deals Ulta Beauty has to offer. You’ll get top-secret offers and the best opportunities to save sent directly to your inbox, so you’ll never miss out on a great deal.

As a member, you’ll earn points on every purchase, which you can redeem for anything your heart desires. You’ll have the opportunity to earn up to five times the points on every purchase. Ulta Beauty has you covered for your birthday too. To help you celebrate, Ulta offers a special free gift as well as double points for your entire birth month.

2. Save When You Buy Multiples

Throughout the year, Ulta offers special promotions to give you fantastic savings when you buy multiples of your favorite hair-care, skin-care and beauty goods. There’s no need to choose between two perfect nail colors when you can have them both!

3. Free Gift With Purchase

Bring home a little something extra with the goodies you’re getting. Ulta Beauty offers an ever-changing selection of items with all kinds of freebies as long as supplies last. You can stock up on your favorite shampoo or sign on for a new fragrance, and you may very well find yourself with a special treat.

buy one get one makeup4. Make the Most of Sales

Ulta Beauty offers its customers incredible savings throughout the year. From heating irons to big-name cosmetics to salon-quality hair care, you’ll find Ulta spoiling its customers with incredible savings. Scroll through Ulta’s ultimate sale section to find the savings that best suit you.

5. Keep an Eye Out for Online Ulta Coupons

Toting around a binder full of printable coupons may not be your thing, but there’s no reason to skip out on savings when there’s so little effort required. You can use Ulta’s coupons online, and maximize your savings with Cash Back at Ebates. These special Ulta coupons may be for specific products, such as lip glosses or lotions, or they may be valid for any single item or applied toward your overall purchase.

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6. Free Shipping Right to Your Doorstep

Bargain-hunting shoppers love a good shipping deal, and you can’t get much better than free. Ulta Beauty often offers free shipping on orders with a minimum purchase. Spend as little as $50 to get free shipping, and you could find your beauty goodies at your doorstep without spending a dime to get them there.

7. Get the Ulta Goods

Ulta Beauty knows about beauty products, which is why it offers its own ULTA Collection. These tried-and-true products offer the high quality you love from your big-name cosmetics without the big-name prices. Best of all, Ulta often offers special savings and deals on these exclusive products that you won’t find anywhere else.

8. Try Out a Free Sample

Ulta Beauty offers free samples with every online order. You’ll be able to try out a wide range of products, and you may just find a new favorite that you can’t live without.

ulta gift cards9. Last-Minute Holiday Gifts

If you put off your holiday shopping to the last minute, don’t worry. Ulta Beauty has you covered! From stocking stuffers to the ultimate beauty gifts, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list. Get your goodies in an easy gift box or hand select the perfect items for everyone on your list. Give them their favorite brands or introduce them to the latest products that are sure to win them over. Not only will you find a great selection of last-minute holiday gifts, but you’ll also find gift cards that’ll get the smile you’re after.

Ulta Beauty is all about offering you the best savings on high-end beauty products so you can walk out the door feeling beautiful. With Ulta coupons, you’re sure to find the best prices on your favorite beauty products. So go ahead and shop Ulta’s amazing assortment of products, spice up your routine with a dash of color and save on the hottest looks that leave you radiant.

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Bridal Shower Gift Ideas For Every Type of Bride

Bridal Shower Gifts

Wedding season is in full swing and the odds are good that you are going to be invited to at least one bridal shower this summer. Every relationship is unique, as is every bride, and this can make finding the perfect bridal shower gifts for her a challenge. That’s why we’ve created this guide to shopping for unique bridal shower gifts that covers the spread by focusing on five essential types of bride. So, prepare yourself with a bridal gifts promo code from Ebates and follow our guide to where to shop for gifts for the bride. We will help you find the perfect bridal shower gift ideas for her, and when you shop with Ebates you can earn Cash Back to spend on a little something for yourself, too!

Bride Type: Mrs Jones

Spafinder

Spafinder Wellness 365

Why She Will Love It:

She’s the one everyone’s always trying to keep up with. Her wedding binder has no post-its, no bent corners, no hasty scribbles and no tear stains. She’s never frantic, never unreasonable, never irrational and she never yells. Mrs. Jones is the bride every bride secretly thinks she could be if she could only relax and recharge. So if there is a little bit of Mrs. Jones in a stressed-out bride that is just yearning to come out, we recommend Spafinder Wellness 365, the most comprehensive resource for wellness-related products, services and insight. A Spafinder Wellness 365 Gift Card can be redeemed at participating spa and wellness locations all over the country as well as stores online. She can have access to facials, yoga, massages and more, anywhere she likes.

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Bride Type: Mrs. Charming

Cameta

Cameta Camera

Why She Will Love It:

She’s perfect. He’s perfect. In fact, everything is perfect. Her groom may not ride a white horse, wear silver armor or be set to inherit a kingdom, but he’s her prince. Just as long as at the end of the day they get hitched, this bride welcomes any adventure her wedding might bring. Neither rain nor cancelled caterer will upset Mrs. Charming’s happy ending and she will take it all in stride. For her, we recommend shopping at Cameta Camera for the best cameras, accessories, cases and more for bridal shower gift ideas that won’t break the bank. With a digital camera she can capture every moment and every smile on her big day in high quality and save it forever. Browse their wide selection with a photography promo code from Ebates for amazing savings.

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Bride Type: Mrs. Rogers

Etsy

Etsy

Why She Will Love It:

She has a lot of feelings and it’s a guarantee that she will cry during her vows. She has a heart as big as the neighborhood and can’t wait to put on a cardigan and change into flats after the first dance. Mrs. Rogers will have craft activities at her bridal shower and she’ll make cookies shaped like little wedding cakes. For this bride, we recommend shopping at Etsy, the largest collection of unique, vintage and handmade goods online. Etsy has it all, from keepsake jewelry and handmade bridal accessories to personalized gifts like handkerchiefs and stationary, direct from the maker. Plus when you shop for unique bridal shower gifts with an Etsy promo code from Ebates, you can save with every purchase.

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Bride Type: Mrs. Bond

Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway

Why She Will Love It:

She may not have a license to kill, but Mrs. Bond is fearless, fierce, fashionable and never too far from a martini. This bride loves a good challenge and she’s always ready for anything. For her, we recommend shopping for a membership at Rent the Runway, the “Netflix model for Haute Couture,” that will bring her the latest and greatest clothing and accessories. With flexible delivery and return dates, pre-paid return envelopes and no-cost dry cleaning, Rent the Runway will allow her access to a never-ending closet of designer and couture fashions at a fraction of the cost. She can rent evening gowns, cocktail dresses, even sunglasses, bags and jewelry at Rent the Runway. In fact, there’s even a huge bridal and wedding apparel collection!

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Bride Type: Mrs. T

The Grommet

The Grommet

Why She Will Love It:

She’s a rebel, she’s tough and she doesn’t take herself too seriously. She likes to make a statement, and she just might even have her own catchphrase. This free-spirited bride deserves a gift as uncommon as she is. For her, we recommend shopping at The Grommet, a collection of products with purpose, invented by people with stories. The Grommet features incredible gifts for her, created by individual makers and selected because each item is something thoughtful, inspiring, innovative or useful. You can earn Cash Back at Ebates when you buy at The Grommet on top of already deep discounts on travel gear, garden tools, bath products, home décor and kitchenware. The Grommet is a great source for innovative and unique gifts for your one-of-a-kind bride.

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6 Ways to Show You Care on Best Friends Day

Two female friends laughing in bathrobesNobody 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.

Hand made card with Eiffel Tower scrapbook art 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.

Woman cooking in kitchen aloneMake 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.

Woman greeting friend at the doorThe 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.

 

How to Pick the Best Graduation Gifts Ever

Graduates throwing caps into the airIf you can already hear “Pomp and Circumstance” playing somewhere off in the distance, you know that graduation season is here. Graduation is a major life milestone and a well thought-out present is a great way to help the graduate celebrate this important occasion. Worried about finding the perfect graduation gift for someone you care about before they get to throw their cap in the air? We’ve assembled this handy list of some awesome graduation gift ideas for anyone walking across that stage to get their diploma. With that graduation ceremony right around the corner, start shopping online today and don’t forget to activate Cash Back at Ebates to save even more on great graduation gifts.

Gold Heart Shape LocketPick Out Something Personalized

If a graduate has invited you to help celebrate their big day, you are probably someone special they want to include in making this important memory. So why not pick out a graduation gift that helps capture the moment? Personalized items like monogrammed journals, photo books and other keepsakes are some of the best graduation gifts because they help your graduate keep celebrating this important accomplishment long after graduation day is over. Looking for gorgeous graduation gifts for her? Check out the personalized jewelry from Things Remembered. Want to build a custom photo book filled with memories? Check out awesome personalized photo projects and keep an eye out for a photo book promo code online at Shutterfly. It’s easy to fill up a photo book with pictures of the graduate from all the moments that lead up to their big day. Surprise your grad with a customized gift that will let them know how much this day means to you, too!

PUBLIC V7 BikeGet a Gift for Their Next Adventure

If your lucky graduate is heading off to college or life in a new city after graduation day, get them a gift that will improve the next phase of their life. A new bicycle is a great gift for a grad heading off to college or a new city and can help them get out and get around. Check out city-friendly bikes like the one above at PUBLIC and get Cash Back at Ebates with your graduation gift purchase. Sign up for emails from Public now and stay tuned for an awesome money-saving bicycle promo code.

Looking for something smaller? Give your graduate’s cell phone photography habit a boost and get them a new camera to help capture all their favorite moments, whatever the future may bring. Stores like Best Buy have a terrific assortment of cameras, no matter the lifestyle of your graduate. Cameras like a high-powered DSLR or even an awesome HD Action camera like a GoPro will help your grad hang on to new memories for years to come.

Young woman shaking hands after an interviewHelp the Graduate Dress for Success With a New Outfit

Moving up from one school to the next level of education or off into the work force can leave a lot of graduates in desperate need of a wardrobe update. Whether they’re headed out for interviews or starting their first summer internship, any graduate will welcome some new threads. Help your graduate dress to impress with a new suit for interviews or other work appropriate clothes. Find a great deal on stylish, classic suiting for both men and women online at stores like J.Crew or J.Crew Factory. With tons of sizes and cuts plus the occasional suiting promo code, you can easily pick out a graduation gift outfit that’s guaranteed to be a big hit. Activate Cash Back at Ebates to help your graduation gift budget go even further and pair the suit with a chic tie or other accessories.

Meditation and RelaxationSponsor a Getaway

After several years of hard work, far off trips make incredible college graduation gifts or even high school graduation gifts that the recipient will never forget. Many grads will have some time off, making a post-graduation trip a perfect way to get out and see the world before the next chapter of life begins. While this may seem like a big present, you can always work together with members of the grad’s family or group of friends to chip in and send your grad off on the trip of a lifetime. Check out the deals and vacation packages for destinations around the world at travel sites like Orbitz or Expedia and get Cash Back from Ebates when you book their graduation gift travel package. Pick out a great suitcase to go with the trip package like this one from Overstock.com and send them off in style!

Now that you have some fantastic graduation gift ideas, go pick out your gift and get ready to celebrate your graduate’s incredible achievement!

 

 

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 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. 

7 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Procrastinators

Hands holding gift boxThe holidays are here, which means last minute shopping sprees! Don’t worry, even procrastinators can score great deals and check off holiday wish lists with time to spare. With tons of online shopping deals, it’s time to skip those long mall lines and take advantage of these seven holiday tips designed to save you money on last-minute gifts, for some of which you can get Cash Back at Ebates and save even more with coupons and promo codes.

Groupon Ebates Cash Back

1. Browse Thousands of Last Minute Gift Ideas at Groupon: Easily send great local deals and gift awesome experiences with Groupon. Treat family and friends near and far to spa days, a night out on the town, a new restaurant and more, all while saving with Cash Back at Ebates and a Groupon promo code. No matter their interest, explore Groupon.com for amazing holiday gifts, then simply email gift cards to your recipient, or print out a voucher and put it in a holiday card. For added savings, use a Groupon coupon and get the best local deals on already low prices. It’s a procrastinator’s paradise!

2. Discover Discounted Local Deals at Living Social: Another amazing online deal site, Living Social offers an array of last minute gift ideas, from entertainment to popular products, travel deals and more. Browse tons of last minute gift ideas for everyone on your shopping list and save with Cash Back at Ebates. Plus, take advantage of Living Social’s Me+3 promotion that gives you the chance to get a free deal when three of your friends use one of your referral links to purchase an offer. Explore their gift section and easily print out your gift, email it or schedule it for a later delivery date. Don’t forget to use a Living Social coupon for ultimate savings on your local deals.

3. Gift Cards Make it Easy: Give your friends and family the freedom to choose a gift they’ll really love at one of their favorite retailers when you send gift cards! Gift cards sent via email are a great option and can be delivered directly to the recipient’s inbox very quickly. From Michaels and Macy’s to Nordstrom and thousands of retailers in between, gift cards are one of our favorite last minute holidays tips for easy, stress-free gifting.

DIY Christmas ornaments decorations4. DIY!: Sometimes the most heartfelt gifts are homemade. If you’re running low on time or if stock ran out on a gift you had in mind, why not make something special yourself? Whether you’re a knitter, an artist, a cook or anything in between, a DIY gift is a surefire way to spread some holiday cheer. Get crafty with easy ideas like decorating a picture frame with embellishments, bringing a plain coffee mug to life with a permanent marker or even baking some tasty treats. Put together a quick gift basket filled with a few of their favorite things, like snacks, drinks, movies and bodycare, and you instantly have a go-to gift everyone is sure to love. The possibilities are endless!

5. Subscriptions are Simple: Renew their favorite magazine subscription from Magazines.com or get them access to popular streaming sites like Netflix or Hulu as the perfect last minute gift! With monthly or even yearly subscription options, your gift will keep on giving long after the holiday season is over. Plus, there are plenty of options out there for everyone on your list, from movie buffs and gamers to makeup mavens and sports fanatics, which makes your search simple!

6. Think Outside the Big Box: Of course, everyone has their favorite big box retailers, but consider online marketplaces like Etsy or Scoutmob for unique finds this holiday season. Many artisans offer holiday specials and expedited shipping offers so you can get that last-minute gift in-hand ASAP. You’ll find one-of-a-kind deals from independent makers for gifts that will be truly treasured. From babies to grandparents and college students to coworkers, you’ll discover incredible last minute gift ideas at these online creative havens.

Senior citizens viewing photo album7. Get Personal: Custom photo gifts may sound time consuming, but places popular like Shutterfly do most of the work for you! In just a few clicks, you can transform your gift recipient’s favorite photos into works of art, a personalized calendar, a mug, photo books and more. Plus, with their special Super Rush Shipping offers and helpful holiday shipping guidelines, you’ll know exactly when you need to submit your order to get your goods in time.

There you have it, our favorite holiday tips for conquering those last-minute holiday gift meltdowns. Whether the holidays just crept up on you, or you struggled to find that one perfect gift for the last person on your shopping list, we hope you save with your Groupon promo code and Living Social coupon, fill your glue gun for that quick and easy DIY project, email that gift card and wrap up your holiday shopping with time and money to spare. After you’ve made your list and checked it twice, be sure to save with Cash Back at Ebates! We’d love to hear from you. Comment below and share your favorite last minute gift ideas!

 

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Holiday Shipping Deadlines 2015

Holiday shipping deadlines
Making holiday wishes come true for your loved ones is stressful enough. At Ebates, we want to make Christmas shopping online a breeze and help you rest assured all of your gifts arrive on time for the big day of unwrapping. Here is a handy list of important holiday shipping deadlines from top stores like BloomingdalesOld Navy, Kmart and more. Find out the last day you can complete your online shopping and guarantee arrival by December 25.

While your search for last minute gifts continues, don’t forget you can always get a gift card with Cash Back at Ebates so you can stuff those stocking with what they really want this holiday.

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.