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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.

May 3, 2017

What Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

To help you give greater gifts for Mother’s Day, we’ve put together a guide of what moms really want. (Hint: It’s probably not cleaning supplies.) Mother’s Day cards are a great way to start the day, but don’t stop there. To celebrate one of the most important women in your life, check out these unforgettable gifts for her and save with Cash Back at Ebates.

Create New Memories

A day full of fun can be more meaningful than material Mother’s Day gifts. Swing by LivingSocial or Groupon, where you can buy and share the best things to do in your local area. You’ll discover exciting deals for local restaurants, boutiques and more. It’s the perfect way to let your mom try the pricey new hot spot on a budget or explore relaxing yoga classes. Plus, you’ll save on the best gifts for mom with Cash Back at Ebates.

Make Her Busy Life Easier

If your mom is your family’s go-to chef, why not take time-consuming meal planning out of the equation? Try HelloFresh for delicious and healthy recipes with all the pre-measured ingredients needed, delivered right to your door. Or select recipes your mom will love and treat her to the fresh, homemade meals she deserves (and do the dishes, of course). Get your subscription through Ebates for the best savings. Or check out a subscription to Graze, which delivers healthy snacks by mail. You can even send them to your mom’s workplace so she’ll have scrumptious and nutritious snacks right at her fingertips. Save on your Mother’s Day gift with a Graze promo code

Looking for more gift ideas for your mom that’ll give her time to relax? If she feels like a one-woman cleaning crew, it’s time for her to ditch the dust and let someone else freshen things up. At Angie’s List, you can book flexible house-cleaning options that’ll make your space sparkle and give mom a much-needed break from the daily grind.

Think Unique

Show your mom she’s appreciated with a heartfelt gift. At Etsy, you’ll find cool and unusual Mother’s Day gifts to fit a variety of budgets. Shop Etsy’s special collection of gifts for moms, and save on handmade jewelry, personalized gifts, incredible artwork and more must-haves. From home décor deals to one-of-a-kind bags to foodie favorites, you’ll find tons of affordable options that fit your mom’s style.

If diamonds are your mom’s best friend, then Blue Nile is a must. At this classic jewelry store, you’ll find high-end accessories, including pendants, chains, charms, earrings and more ways to sparkle that make perfect gifts for mothers. Plus, you can shop by price and style so you can find the perfect fit that works for your budget.

Find Her Zen

Between balancing work and family life, moms are basically superheroes with little time to themselves. This Mother’s Day, treat your mom to the ultimate day of relaxation with Cash Back at Ebates on spa services. Visit Spafinder Wellness 365 and let your mom get in the zen zone with a versatile gift card. She’ll enjoy her favorite services, including massages, facials and more ways to kick back and relax.

Don’t forget to save on the best Mother’s Day gifts and experiences with Cash Back from Ebates. Comment below and tell us the best Mother’s Day gift you’ve given or received. Happy Mother’s Day from Ebates!

November 12, 2016

12 Gifts for the Health Nut Who Has Everything

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

Fitbit Blaze

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

Nutri Ninja Blender Duo

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

Ventura M23CW Bicycle Computer

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

BlenderBottle

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

Gold’s Gym Sauna Suit

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

Fitbit Flex 2 Waterproof Activity Tracker

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

Digital Kitchen Food Scale

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

5-in-1 Electric Mandoline Food Dicer

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

Veggetti Pro

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

The Language of Letting Go Journal: A Meditation Book

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

Yoga Wheel with Premium TPE Mat Material

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

Vivi Life Fitness Counter Jump Rope

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

October 25, 2016

Everything You Need to Know for Last Minute Travel Planning

Sometimes you just have to scratch when you have the itch. So if the travel bug has been biting lately, allow us to offer some tips. If your opportunity to get away from it all is quickly approaching, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to enjoy yourself. Last minute travel doesn’t mean spending all of your savings for a family outing. With savings from top notch stores and Cash Back on your purchases at Ebates, you’ll find great deals to get out the door and on the road! Here are our top tips on how to make the most of last minute travel plans.

Turn to Social Media

It turns out your bad habit might do you some good. Use your social media savvy to your benefit and find great deals on Twitter. Follow travel blogs and travel-related companies to get the latest deals delivered right to your feed. But these deals are often limited so don’t delay or you might miss out.

Escape Dry Land With Last Minute Cruises

Your off-the-cuff adventure doesn’t mean you have to be landlocked. Fulfill your love of the open sea with a simple and luxurious last minute cruise getaway. CruiseDirect has plenty of last minute offers from ports all over that will allow you to visit several destinations in one trip. Enjoy your time on the boat or escape to a new place when the boat docks for a unique experience.

Get First Dibs

Companies often spill the beans to newsletter subscribers first. Sign up for emails from your favorite travel sites to get the details on last minute vacation deals before they’re released to the general public. Travelocity and similar sites will alert you to money-saving promo codes and special offers so your morning email ritual could get you some early bird savings.

Off Season Means Big Savings

It’s no surprise that peak vacation times are going to cost more. If your last minute travel goes against the grain, you’re going to lock in some solid savings. That means an escape to Aspen is ideal in spring when the slopes aren’t exactly a hot spot. Your favorite destination may have plenty to offer when peak tourism traffic is down.

Look For Package Deals

Bundling your travel and accommodations not only make life easier, it can also spell out some decent savings. Hotels and airlines often partner and feature package deals designed to make your adventure stress free.

Do Your Own Sleuthing

Getting the best deals means cutting out the middleman. Nix the travel agent and go straight to the source for all-inclusive package savings. Empty rooms make all inclusive resorts exactly no money so many places will offer a steep discount for last minute vacation deals. Research the resorts in the area and give them a call to find out what deals they have available for your quick getaway.

Have Fun Wherever You Go

You don’t have to plan ahead to have fun at your destination. Groupon offers a great selection of activities for families and adults alike in cities all over the world. Catch a local sports event or take that whale watching trip you’ve been dreaming of all year. Whether you would like to try a new place to eat or you’re looking for a great spot for couples massages, you’ll find plenty to do in any city you’re visiting.

Scope Out Holiday Offers

You’re not the only one that wants to get out of dodge for the upcoming holiday weekend so look out for Memorial Day deals. Plenty of hotels are hoping you’ll pick them for your big escape so they’re likely offering something a bit extra. Whether they’re offering tickets to a local event, discounts at local restaurants or even multi-night stay savings, be on the lookout to make sure you’re saving on your last minute travel at Hotels.com. Business-friendly hotels are often harder to fill when corporations go on break, so you may find better hotel deals where there are empty meeting rooms.

Pack Accordingly

Last minute travel usually calls for a quick getaway. Grab a versatile weekender bag from Nordstrom and bring the essentials. Include pieces that can be dressed down or played up for a night out. Wear bulkier items on the plane and don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat for all of your outdoor excursions.

Keep it Local

If you’re on a tight budget, you don’t have to escape far. Last minute travel could mean a quick flight to a nearby city. Don’t overlook the idea of a simple jaunt to a neighboring city with your friends or family. You can even use a promo code for a hotel in your own city and hit up all of the tourist spots you’ve been meaning to visit. The proximity will keep travel expenses down while allowing you to still escape the routine and have a wonderful adventure.

September 8, 2016

Planning a Bachelorette Party that Won’t Break the Bank

So you and your girls can’t quite afford a six-person flight to Ibiza, Cancun, or Paris, lounging in the spa of a 5-star hotel by day and sipping $100 bottles of champagne in an upscale VIP lounge by night. So what? You don’t need to be rich or max out your credit cards to throw a killer bachelorette party. All you really need is the company of friends and a little imagination.

Using Ebates makes it even easier, with Cash Back and exclusive promo offers that make snagging sweet deals on party basics a piece of cake. Read on for some awesome and budget-friendly ideas that will help you throw a bachelorette party that’s positively unforgettable.

Road Trip

A stellar getaway could be just down the road. Hop in the car or pool your funds to rent a van if you’ve got a larger group. If you live in a rural area, you may want to head into the city for a night of bar crawling. To save some extra cash, plan ahead and ask to stay with a friend or relative who lives in town, or split the cost and share a budget motel room. You can find some sweet deals at Booking.com. If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle and opt for somewhere a bit more tranquil, take a trip to the seaside and rent a cabin or head out to the woods, pitch your tents, and roast some s’mores over the campfire.

Opt for Independently Owned Shops

Getting pampered doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny. Opt for local, independently owned spas, massage parlors, or nail and hair salons. Not only will you walk away feeling revitalized and beautified, you’ll also have peace of mind as these establishments are typically less expensive and often more attentive. You can also find some excellent deals for anything from manicures to facial treatments via Groupon.

Paintball

No two brides are exactly the same. While one may prefer a day filled with mimosas and manicures, another may be keen on something with a bit more action. Paintball is a not only a ton of fun, it’s also a great way to bond. For some extra laughs, take a cue from the “trash the dress” trend and wear old bridesmaid dresses to the range. Celebrate afterward with some victory cocktails.

Sleepover

Remember as a kid when you begged your parents to let you sleep over at a friend’s house? There was nothing more exciting than the prospect of bunking with your best pals, scarfing down all the pizza and ice cream your little heart desired, and staying up late watching movies and swapping stories. Recreate those nights of revelry for an equally thrifty and fun night in. Swap out the cream soda for some more grown-up beverages like cocktails or wine, and break out the facials and hair masks for some late-night DIY beauty treatments. Find awesome deals on polish and other essentials at Sally Beauty Supply.

Game Night

Whether the bride is more into pinball or poker, there’s sure to be a game she and the rest of the bridal party can enjoy. You don’t have to be a high roller to have some high times at the casino or at home. Even if your budget may not be able to bear the weight of the more risky high-stakes games, you can still have plenty of fun on a penny-pincher’s budget. If you’re heading to the casino, check out the penny slots — they’re not just fun for seniors. Or host the party at a bridesmaid’s place and set up a game night with all of your friends’ favorites. Mix in some drinking games for a little extra fun.

Karaoke

Few things are more befitting of a girls’ night out than karaoke. Like wine and chocolate, or the bride and her groom, the two make a perfect pair. Save some cash by getting the bride mildly tipsy with a few pre-game cocktails before heading out to your nearby karaoke bar. If she’s a bit more reserved, try a couple of duets for a warm-up before encouraging the woman of the hour to show off her pipes in a solo performance.

Craft Party

The seemingly endless cache of inspirational craft ideas available on sites like Pinterest is proof you don’t have to be the queen of crochet to enjoy good old-fashioned crafting. Grab some blank scrapbook albums and stickers — you can find these for just a couple of bucks at Michaels. Break out some old photos of the bride and friends throughout the years, and make a sweet collection of memories you’ll all cherish for years to come.

September 7, 2016

7 Essential Money Saving Apps for College Students

Whether you’re a soon-to-be college freshman preparing to leave the nest for the first time or a seasoned grad student gearing up for your final year, it’s likely you’ll be pinching pennies at some point during your academic career, if not all throughout. Personal finance management is an essential skill you may not have picked up during high school, but you don’t need to be a business major or an economics whiz to master it. If you have a smartphone, you’ve got the power. There are hundreds of apps on the market designed to help users save money. Ebates has compiled some of the best, listed below. Use these in conjunction with the Cash Back and deals available through Ebates at hundreds of stores like Amazon and Bed Bath & Beyond to get the most bang for your buck.

1. Loot

Even if you’re on a tight budget, it’s important to stash away a few bucks whenever possible for a rainy day fund, or even just an extra latte here and there. Loot is a free app designed specifically for students which helps you to calculate what your disposable income is. Loot is a little different than most other budgeting apps in that it is connected to a prepaid Visa card onto which you load money. This makes it easy to monitor where you spend your cash daily without the need to manually plug in each expense, as you do with many similar programs. By helping you to develop responsible money management habits, the app aims to subsequently help you to budget for disposable income.

2. MySupermarket

The stereotype of a starving college student can sometimes feel all too real. While clipping coupons can work to save you a few bucks, it can also be fairly time-consuming. MySupermarket helps ensure that you always get the best deal on each item on your shopping list. All you have to do is create your shopping list in the app, and it will tell you where you can find each item at the lowest price, or if a particular store is offering a special on the item. You can also use your phone to scan the barcode of an item while at the store, and the app will alert you if you can find it cheaper elsewhere. Don’t have a car and don’t relish the idea of schlepping a half-dozen shopping bags from the store back to the dorm? This app also works for online grocery orders.

3. RetailMeNot

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and again. RetailMeNot helps you to get your fix while staying within your budget. The free app gives you access to thousands of different coupons and specials for a variety of stores, including Target, Starbucks, Sephora, Bed Bath & Beyond, and more. If you come across a coupon you’d like to use but don’t need it right away, the app allows you to save it for later. It also alerts you when these saved coupons are about to expire. If you’re looking for a certain item, though you’re not set on a specific store, the app will also search for deals within your area. To take advantage of the savings, all you have to do is show your phone at checkout, or if you’re shopping online, just input the code.

4. Mint

Similar to Loot, Mint is an easy-to-use, free budgeting program that helps you to set and meet savings goals. You can visit the Mint.com site, or download it as an app on your phone. Although Mint doesn’t use a prepaid Visa, it does allow you to securely link your debit and/or credit cards so you can just as easily keep track of your spending. With both Mint and Loot, this aspect is particularly important as it can help you to easily pinpoint areas you could cut back on in favor of saving for other things. Once you’ve established a budget, Mint will also send you email reminders should you go over the specified amount.

5. Honey

Similar to RetailMeNot, Honey is a valuable savings app that collects thousands of coupons and codes at hundreds of sites to make sure you get the best deal on every order. You can download Honey to your phone or to your computer as an Internet extension. The great thing about Honey is it will automatically search for and try out all of the available codes when you begin the checkout process at an online store, so unlike with RetailMeNot and many other sites, you don’t have to try out each one manually. If there’s one thing college students have less of than money, it’s time, so this aspect of the app is especially nice. Honey also allows you to rack up points to earn cash back, and offers incentives if you persuade your friends to start using Honey as well.

6. Groupon

College is the perfect place to try new things. Groupon affords you the opportunity to try new things off-campus as well as on, without paying the usual cost. This app has been a favorite for a while now, and it’s easy to see why. With this app, you can take advantage of daily deals of 50 to 90 percent off a variety of activities, goods, and services in over 500 cities. Many businesses post deals through Groupon to establish new customers, so it’s a great way to find hidden gems and up-and-coming establishments you may not normally try or be able to afford.

7. ATM Hunter

We’ve all been there. You’re at the bar enjoying some drinks with friends, go to pay the tab with your debit card, and realize they only accept cash or their card machine is down. Finding an ATM in itself can be difficult in certain areas, particularly if it’s late at night. Add to that the $2 to $4 fees many ATMs charge per transaction, and the fact that you stuck to more budget-friendly beers instead of cocktails seems to have been for naught. ATM Hunter is a free app that helps you find free cash machines, so you don’t have to stress if you’re caught in a jam in an unfamiliar area. You can also filter the search so the app will only show you machines from your bank, adding even more convenience.

September 2, 2016

How to Shop End of Summer Sales Like a Pro

The end of the season is fast approaching. Soon, the weather will change, the foliage will change and of course the fashions will change. For all of you summer lovers out there we have great news that will ease your transition into the cooler months. The end of summer is one of the best times to find great deals on clothes, home wares, seasonal goods and more. An end of summer sale at your favorite store can stock you up for a year or more, if you play your cards right. The key to banking big on end of summer sales is to shop smart. To secure your end of summer savings, make sure to shop with a summer deals promo code from Ebates. When you shop our top stores with these insider tips, you will find the best end of summer shopping and the best savings of the year with Cash Back at Ebates on every purchase.

1. Have a Battle Plan

The end of summer is full of holiday sales, specials on seasonal goods, closeouts and more. Check out the Hot Deals at Ebates to find out which of your favorite retailers are having Labor Day sales. Mark your calendar for when sales begin and end. Combine a promo code within the sale window and you could save even more when you buy. Make the most of a Labor Day sale and you will see that it pays to plan ahead – literally.

2. Shop for Transitional Pieces

Look for layering pieces that can bring you from the heat of the summer into the cool, brisk air of fall. You can always depend on the classic looks from Ralph Lauren and Lacoste to transition your wardrobe seamlessly from late summer to early fall. Pick up a variety of pieces that can easily be layered. Still in love with summer colors? There’s no harm in having a pop of bright summer color highlighting the more neutral tones of your go-to fall wardrobe.

3. Stock up for Next Year

Thinking ahead to next year will help you make the most of your end of summer clothes shopping. Because retailers are turning over their summer inventory to make room for upcoming fall and winter fashions, this is a great time to stock your closet with basics for next year. No matter how styles change in a year, be sure to pick up wardrobe fundamentals like light fabrics, beach basics and accessories from versatile stores like J.Crew and you’ll be fully stocked and ready for next summer.

4. Make the Most of Loyalty Rewards

Just like some credit card companies offer per-purchase reward points or other incentives, many retailers reward their customers with free shipping offers, bonus rewards, store credit and more. So before you hit the big end of summer sales, check out the reward programs offered and make the most of every dollar spent.

5. Invite Your Friends

Every retailer wants to spread the word about their products. The best way to do that is to encourage shoppers to refer their friends and many retails offer rewards for referrals. The other great part about shopping with friends online is that you can comparison shop and see who can get the best deal on a specific item. A little friendly competition has never been so rewarding!

6. Don’t Fear Commitment

The shopping cart is your friend. You can fill your cart with dream goods and amazing bargains at will and then carefully cull it down before you check out. Don’t think of your cart as a place to put your purchases, think of it as a place to put potential purchases. It’s not an impulse buy if you don’t actually buy it! When you review your shopping cart before checking out, you might be surprised by how easy it can be to combine items and deals to get more of what you want for less.

7. Shop Now For the Holidays

There are fewer than 120 shopping days until Christmas. Now is the time to pad out your holiday shopping list with awesome end of summer deals. The end of summer is a great time to shop for summer-weight clothes, linens and towels at huge savings. With the kind of low prices you can find by shopping a summer sale, you’ll save enough to get yourself a little something special too!

8. Shop for the Family

The end of summer means the start of school. This is the time to find all the back-to school goods for your kids while you shop for yourself. Concentrate your shopping at department stores like Walmart and you can find great whole-purchase coupons when you buy everything from socks to snacks.

9. Watch for Price Adjustments

Did you fall in love with an item that just never seems to drop in price, even during the best end of summer sales? If you know you’ll wear it and love it, don’t be afraid to buy the occasional full price item among all your summer deals. Some of our top retailers, like Gap, offer price adjustments so that if an item you purchase goes on sale right after you buy it, you can get that deal after all.

10. Save Everywhere You Go

When it comes to saving money, you can never save too much. If you know how to work it, it is possible to find a coupon for almost every product and service out there. Groupon offers the best daily deals and coupons for your local retailers, restaurants and service providers and can save you up to 70%. Now that’s just good math.

What are your favorite end of summer shopping tips? Tell us in the comments below!

August 4, 2016

Planning a Bachelor Party that Won’t Break the Bank

If Hollywood were to be believed, nearly every soon-to-be groom would find their bachelor party to be a smorgasbord of expensive and often risque indulgences. But not to worry if you and your groomsmen have a bank balance with fewer digits than these fictional bachelors of lore. All you really need to host a killer bachelor party is good friends and a little creativity. Ebates makes it easy to snag some thrifty deals on party essentials. Using Ebates Cash Back and exclusive promo codes, you can be sure you and your groomsmen will have a guys’ night out that is truly legendary, without breaking the bank. Read on for some awesome and budget-friendly bachelor party ideas.

Go Camping

So you want to get away, spend a weekend with the boys and have a carefree adventure. If your budget can’t quite carry the weight of a five-person flight to Las Vegas, there’s no reason you can’t still have a truly stellar getaway. You and the guys have always talked about trekking out to that cool campsite a few miles outside of town, hunkering down and enjoying the wide open air, free to do as you please without the constraints of civilization. Backcountry.com has some sweet deals if you need to snag a few outdoor essentials before heading out. Pack some brews and some hot dogs and head out for an inexpensive mini-vacation that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on your wedding day and the adventure that is life as a newlywed.

Guys’ Night In

What better location to celebrate one last night of bachelorhood than the old bachelor pad? Order some pizzas and pick up some 12-packs. Have the groomsmen pitch in for a couple of bottles of middle-shelf liquor and some mixers, or designate each of the guys to bring a snack or beverage to share. Chill out with some Netflix or DVDs, or fire up the Playstation and enjoy a few rounds of your favorite games. Chill out, reminisce, and say goodbye to the digs of singledom in a way befitting of all the awesome times you’ve shared there.

Karaoke

Karaoke and parties go together like rum and coke. And speaking of the latter, libations are best served plentifully if you go this route, especially if the groom is a bit more reserved. Help him let loose by getting him just short of smashed with some pre-game drinks before hailing an Uber to the nearest karaoke bar. Not only is it a ton of fun, it usually makes for some funny memories all of you can reflect on fondly and laugh about for years to come. Bonus points if you snag a video of the groom belting out some ‘80s hair metal.

Barbecue

This option is one of the cheapest and simplest. All you need is a backyard and a grill. Blast some tunes, fill up the cooler with some ice cold brews, and show off your skills as a grillmaster by cooking up some delicious eats and an equally good time. Pick up some dogs, burgers, and buns at the local Safeway and lay out an assortment of self-serve condiments for a casual celebration. Set up some backyard badminton or volleyball for a little extra fun.

Game Night

So you and your guys don’t quite have enough extra dough laying around to risk blowing a few hundred in a serious high-stakes poker game. That doesn’t mean you can’t replicate the experience on a more wallet-friendly level. Head to the casino and play some penny slots — they’re not just fun for old-timers — or set up your own table at a groomsman’s place. You can go with a classic like poker or pick a few of the groom’s favorite card or board games. Order some deliciously greasy takeout, procure some cigars, and serve up some whiskey sours and White Russians. Remember, if you’re playing for money, pitch in for the groom’s share.

Sports

With tasty wings, beer by the pitcher, and big screen TVs, sports bars are practically designed with male bonding in mind. And what better way to solidify your friendship than by sharing in the excitement of cheering on a favorite sports team? Head down to your favorite local haunt and take in the big game for a cheap night out with built-in entertainment.

Paintball or Laser Tag

Looking for a game day that’s a little more physical? Don your war paint and head to your local paintball range or laser tag facility for an action-filled time that will be sure to get your heart pumping. Take advantage of group rates and Groupons to save a few dollars. You can spend your savings on some celebratory brews at the pub afterward.

July 15, 2016

How to Keep Your Kids Active on Summer Break

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.

Summer 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.

Supply 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!

Summer 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!

June 8, 2016

6 Ways to Show You Care on Best Friends Day

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

Keep It Old School

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

Celebrate Together

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

Make Life Easier

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

For the Kiddos

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

Grown-Up Glitz

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

The Gift of Options

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