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April 26, 2016

Where to Find the Best Gifts for Mom

Mother’s Day is the big day to celebrate the mothers in your life and to let them know how much they mean to you. Being a mama is tough work so it’s important that your gift thanks her for the many years of being there for you, particularly if you were an exceptionally difficult teenager. You don’t have to break the bank to get an extraordinary gift though, especially if you check out some of these awesome Mother’s Day offers and deals from stores you know mom loves. Plus, your budget will go even further thanks to Mother’s Day offers and fabulous Cash Back at Ebates when you shop online at any of these stores.

Saks Fifth Avenue

Being a mom requires a lot of selfless days and nights so why not spoil mom on her day to say thanks for all of her hard work? Saks Fifth Avenue is the perfect place to get deals on great gifts for mom that are sure to wow her.

Savings Tip:

Looking for inspiration? Check out the Saks Fifth Avenue Mother’s Day gift guide for dazzling gift ideas for mom in a wide range of prices so you can find the gift that works with your budget. Also shop from the Gift category in the Sale section for more great deals for mom.

magazines.com

Treating mom to a magazine subscription is always a great idea. Browse magazines.com to find great gifts for mom or get a gift card and let her pick out her own new favorite read.

Savings Tip:

Shop mom’s favorite magazines and save up to 94% when you order her a subscription during their Celebrate Mom sales event.

LivingSocial

LivingSocial is a great source for Mother’s Day gift ideas that will get mom out and about doing the stuff she loves best. Pick out gifts, getaways and local activities like massages and manicures when you shop Mother’s Day deals online at LivingSocial.

Savings Tip:

Shop the incredible bargains online at LivingSocial in the Coupons section to save up to 80% and earn Cash Back at Ebates.

Get awesome Mother’s Day deals when you check out the incredible assortment of presents at Groupon! Book her a spa appointment, a weekend getaway or find tons of other great gifts for mom online at Groupon.

Savings Tip:

Check out Groupon the Clearance section to save up to 85% on jewelry, fancy new sheets or other fantastic presents for mom.

Lands’ End

At Lands’ End, finding great gifts for mom is a piece of cake. Check out Mother’s Day offers when you shop for clothing and accessories in luxurious fabrics and prints.

Savings Tip:

Save up to 60% when you shop the Women’s Sale section online at Lands’ End and get a great deal on a beautiful flowery cardigan and bright accessories for mom.

Sears

Make Mother’s Day extra special when you shop the great gifts for mom available at Sears. Get mom a new outfit or surprise her with a new appliance that’ll make her life easier with the great deals available online at Sears.

Savings Tip:

Shop the Mother’s Day deals online at Sears and find hundreds of gifts for mom that she’s sure to love!

Teavana

Help your mom relax with a fabulous new tea or tea set when you shop Mother’s Day deals at Teavana.

Savings Tip:

Shop the Teavana Sale section and get up to 50% off great Mother’s Day gift ideas like tea collections, mugs and more.

1800Flowers

For the quintessential gift for mom, shop Mother’s Day offers at 1800Flowers and pick out a gorgeous bouquet of her favorite flowers.

Savings Tip:

Take advantage of Mother’s Day sales and get a 25% off flowers promo code at 1800Flowers when you order early delivery.

February 3, 2016

#ICYMI: Our Top January Blog Posts

We at The Smart Shopper kicked off 2016 with a bang by covering some hot topics from must-have winter moisturizers to Deskercise and even where to get the best deals on filing your taxes. But just “In Case You Missed It,” here are some of our best January blog posts featuring hot deals, top stores and Cash Back at Ebates.

26 Things That Happen Every Time You Shop at Sephora

No beauty junky is immune to the siren’s call of Sephora. Here’s a breakdown of what happens every single time we stop by for a visit.

Read more >>

7 Girlfriend Getaways Your Besties Will Love

Set those squad goals high this spring and rally your crew for one of these girlfriend getaways with amazing savings at Groupon.

Read more >>

5 Tips to Hosting the Perfect Tea Party

Get a jump start on planning your spring gatherings with these tips on how to treat your guests to an authentic afternoon tea party.

Read more >>

10 Fashion-Forward Phone Cases to Up Your Accessories Game

It’s all in the details! These statement-making phone cases will punch up any look, from laid-back to luxurious.

Read more >>

January 25, 2016

7 Girlfriend Getaways Your Besties Will Love

It may still be cold and stormy, but now is the perfect time to get a jump start on making spring travel arrangements. And if it’s been a while since you and your crew of besties have gotten together, consider a girls’ weekend getaway as the perfect way to catch up and make new memories! Groupon Getaways has amazing girlfriend getaways your entire wolf-ette pack will love at unbelievable prices with Cash Back at Ebates. We’ve picked seven charming lodgings to give you some girls’ getaway ideas and priced them per person based on a group of four fabulous BFFs.

Seascape Resort Condos – Galveston, TX

Price: $28.75 per night

Seascape Resort Condos occupy a quiet stretch of Galveston Island’s western shores. They’re surrounded by palm trees, rolling sand dunes, and the Gulf of Mexico. Popular pursuits here include kayaking, golfing, parasailing, shopping, and taking wildlife-viewing tours.

Siesta Key Bungalows – Siesta Key, FL

Price: $54.75 per night

A barrier island west of Sarasota, Siesta Key is sandwiched between Little Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Siesta Key Bungalows sit along the banks of Heron Lagoon, a narrow waterway in the middle of the mangrove-lined island. It’s a secluded spot where you can fish for snook and redfish from a private dock. Tucked away as it is, the property is still just a short drive from the popular Siesta Beach.

The Cabins at Healing Springs – Ashe County, NC

Price: $41.50 per night

In North Carolina in the late 1880s, if you had an ailment you were looking to cure, you might have wound up at Thompson’s Bromine and Arsenic Springs. The natural mineral springs, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, were thought to cure an array of conditions from poison ivy to indigestion. Since 1887, a hotel has stood on the property to cater to visitors—today, The Cabins at Healing Springs carries on the tradition.

Luxury Villas – Palm Springs, CA

Price: $57.42 per night

With this Getaway, you’ll stay in an upscale villa in Palm Springs. Perfect for a weekend of shopping, spa treatments, and enjoying the culinary mastery of nearby upscale restaurants and bistros. Two-bedroom units accommodate 4–8 guests and feature a sunlit, outdoor pool with views of Mount San Jacinto.

Daven Haven Lodge – Grand Lake, CO

Price: $32.63 per night

Outdoor adventure awaits! Just two blocks from the town of Grand Lake, Daven Haven Lodge’s cabins are convenient to hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park. Each of the cabins has a unique layout, but all feature fully stocked kitchens, clean linens, and furnished patios.

Guadalupe River Houses – New Braunfels, TX

Price: $18.50 per night

The Guadalupe River flows just outside the naturalistic lodgings of Guadalupe River Houses, a cluster of private homes, log-cabin-style tree houses, and stylish suites near some of New Braunfels’ most popular attractions. You can spend your days fishing for bass and sunfish on Lake Dunlap, dining on authentic German cuisine in downtown New Braunfels, or exploring nearby Texas Hill Country.

English Inn – Victoria, BC

Price: $19.10 per night

Built in 1906, the recently renovated English Inn sits on 1.5 acres of well-tended lawns and gardens. Though you’ll be just a short stroll from the beach and near a path that leads to downtown, the estate is set in a quiet residential area that has a cozy, tucked-away-in-the-country feel–perfect for the low-key group who loves to watch movies and play board games after a long day of sightseeing.

Which one of these destinations would suit your #squadgoals this spring? Let us know in the comments below!

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 18, 2015

7 Last Minute Gift Ideas for Procrastinators

The 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.

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.

4. 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.

7. 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.

October 25, 2015

For People Who Just Can’t Get Enough Pasta

Sunday, October 25 is National Pasta Day and we thought it would be the perfect time to celebrate all things pasta! Linguine, fettuccine, spaghetti, tortellini, ziti—the list is endless!

Fun Facts About Pasta:

On average, Italians eat enough spaghetti-shaped pasta to wind around the world 15,000 times.

The best pasta is cooked al dente. The literal translation is “to the tooth.” It should be firm yet still be tender when eaten.

According to the International Pasta Organization, there are more than 600 different shapes of pasta around the world!

Now that we’ve whet your appetite, we thought it would be helpful to bring together some of our favorite noodle-related products, including amazing cookbooks with delicious recipes. From wacky to practical and everything in between, there’s something on this list for every noodle buff.

For Everyone:

These three gadgets will help make your everyday consumption of pasta a little more professional and help you up your weeknight noodle game.

Joseph Joseph® Spaghetti Measure

With this handy tool, you’ll never have to worry about cooking the wrong amount of noodles again. Slide the measure to the appropriate serving and you’ll be sure that everyone gets their perfect portion.

Forghetti Pasta Forks

These cleverly designed forks feature wavy-edged tines that keep pasta put. Simply twist the Forghetti fork and the noodles will wrap right around. These forks make eating pasta easier for the little ones, and will make the grown-ups appear to be serious pasta connoisseurs to dinner guests.

Pastasaurus Pasta Server

Everyone at the table will love the fun design of the Pastasaurus Pasta Server. The teeth are designed specifically for grabbing slippery pasta, while the ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip.

For the Master Chef:

For those seasoned cooks who already know how to make pasta but are itching to go pro, we’ve rounded up the tools you’ll need to start making professional grade noodles in your own kitchen.

Weston ROMA Automatic Pasta Machine

Hand cranking pasta is a thing of the past! Let this pasta maker do the work for you and soon you’ll be treating your family and friends to a feast of homemade pasta dishes just like the savory specialties served in authentic Italian restaurants.

KitchenAid Pasta Drying Rack

Once you’ve made the noodles, you’re going to need somewhere to dry them and that’s where this well-reviewed drying rack comes in. The must-have companion when creating fresh homemade pasta.

Spiral Vegetable Slicer

For those who need their pasta fix but don’t aren’t able to consume the traditional wheat-based noodles, think outside the box and use a spiralizer to make “pasta” out of vegetables like zucchini, sweet potato or carrot.

Cookbooks:

Sometimes we need a little inspiration in order to deviate from the typical spaghetti or lasagna dish that we’ve grown accustomed to. These three cookbooks are the perfect kitchen accompaniment for all pasta lovers.

Pasta Night by Williams-Sonoma

This solution-oriented cookbook will deliver up meals that work as perfectly for busy weeknights as they do for a relaxed weekend dinner party. From homemade sauces to jazzing up the store-bought variety, from pasta fresh from your own hands to seasonal salads, you’ll find more than fifty recipes to take your pasta night from “mm, thanks…” to “Mangia! Mangia!”

The Top One-Hundred Pasta Sauces by Diane Seed

In this definitive collection, Diane Seed shares the 100 best sauce recipes she has encountered in 40 years of living, eating, and cooking in Italy. Infinitely varied, it includes specialties from regions across Italy and classics we’ve come to love that are both delicious and economical, plus a few extra-special dishes that are perfect for occasions.

Mastering Pasta by Marc Vetri

Loaded with useful information, including the best way to cook and sauce pasta, suggestions for substituting pasta shapes, and advance preparation and storage notes, Mastering Pasta offers you all of the wisdom of a pro. For cooks who want to take their knowledge to the next level, Vetri delves deep into the science of various types of flour to explain pasta’s uniquely satisfying texture and how to craft the very best pasta by hand or with a machine.

Decor:

Feast your eyes on this delicious decor! If your love for pasta extends to pizza and wine, this wall art will be a perfect pairing for your home.

Dining:

Maybe you prefer to let someone else do the cooking. With LivingSocial, Groupon and Restaurant.com, you can dine out with less guilt and get your pasta fix at a great discount. Plus, when you earn Cash Back on your restaurant voucher purchases with Ebates, things become even more scrumptious.

To celebrate National Pasta Day, enjoy a delightful dish of your favorite type of pasta topped with a scrumptious sauce. We know what we’ll be having for dinner! Let us know in the comments below, what’s your favorite pasta dish?

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

October 23, 2015

Plan the Perfect Holiday Getaway With Groupon Deals

While most people are staying put or flying home for the holidays, why not do something different this year? Take the ultimate holiday vacation to a dream destination at incredible prices with Groupon vacation deals! If you’ve never used Groupon for your travel needs, don’t worry. Here are a few simple tips to follow in order to make sure you get the best vacation deal for your budget.

1. Research your destination. Take a look at Groupon Getaways and start browsing locations. From domestic to tropical, there are tons of options to help you vacay your way. Once you find a destination that looks too good to be true, consider that is just might be. Start looking into the weather during your booking time, local amenities, tourist attractions, etc. Don’t just rely on the pictures of the resort. Do your homework to be sure you and everyone else will have a great holiday vacation.

2. Get all the facts. Always read the fine print before booking your Groupon Getaway. This will include information on blackout dates, added fees, expiration dates and more. You may find that even with added fees, this will still be a great deal, especially if you are booking something last minute or for a particular location. Either way, it certainly helps to be prepared with all the information you can get.

3. Contact the property. Groupon’s Q&A section allows you to contact the owner/manager of your lodgings directly if you have any questions. And never be afraid to ask questions! Even confirming the details of the Groupon deal with the property manager is a good idea. Save your interactions in case there is a dispute you need to resolve later. Overall, speaking with someone directly associated with where you’ll be staying will provide a good indicator of customer service. If they take forever to get back to you, you may want to look elsewhere.

4. Check reviews from multiple sites. Try to get the big picture on what it’s actually like to stay at your destination. Reviewers not only discuss the lodgings, but also often give advice about the surroundings. Reading reviews is a great way to get all the facts you need before booking.

5. Think about it. Don’t think you have to book right this minute once you have all your ducks in a row. While some Groupons sell out quickly, a lot of them do not. This gives you ample time to really consider whether or not this is the vacation for you. Plus, even if you miss this deal, another great Groupon is bound to pop up soon.

6. Check out Groupon Coupons. If you need to stock up on some essentials for your trip, chances are you can find a Groupon coupon code to cut costs. From vacation clothes to travel electronics, there’s probably a great deal for it at Groupon.

Related Links

Bloomingdales Coupon

Anthropologie Code

American Eagle Coupons

Ulta Promotional Code

September 30, 2015

Fall Activities for All That Won’t Break the Bank

Autumn is one of the most beautiful times of the year. You get to witness the majesty of nature and how it changes before your eyes as a whole new color palette forms. These changes bring along fun seasonal activities that all ages can enjoy. Gather up your family and friends and check out these fun fall activities that won’t have you digging deep into your pockets.

1. Reach up high to pick some apples. When the next rainy day comes around, you can use your freshly picked apples to make pies, muffins, caramel apples and more.

2. Hit up the local pond with stale bread and feed the ducks. Pack a picnic and a blanket to make the trip even more memorable.

3. Take advantage of the autumn breeze and go fly a kite. For an extra challenge, make your own kite for a family-fun project.

4. Pull on some cozy socks and drink hot apple cider. For extra fun, make your own cider!

5. Find a local hay ride for the whole family to enjoy. Better yet, if that hay ride includes a trip through a corn maze, that’s a whole day of family fun on the cheap.

6. Gather the whole family up for a nature hike at a local park. Look and listen for different types of wildlife and keep a list of every one you find.

7. Watch “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. Get a great big dose of nostalgia. If you have young ones, introduce them to this childhood favorite!

8. Enjoy homemade ice cream in a can. It’s easy enough for toddlers and kids to make. Follow this recipe and roll back and forth before enjoying this tasty treat.

9. Plan a pumpkin patch day. Instead of buying your pumpkin from the local grocery store, head to a pumpkin patch and pick one out for a fun night of jack-o-lantern carving. After carving the pumpkins, gather up the seeds for roasting!

10. Rake up all the leaves into a pile and jump into them. Just make sure to wear clothes you’re okay with getting a bit dirty!

11. Create an outdoor fall scavenger hunt. Have your little ones look for pumpkins, acorns, scarecrows, fallen leaves and more.

12. Collect leaves and make a leaf rubbing for handmade fall home decor. Enjoy quality time with the family while beautifying your home for very little money.

13. Volunteer to help others. Find your local food bank or soup kitchen and see how you can donate your time or host a local food drive in your neighborhood.

14. Warm up during cool evenings with a campfire. Roast hot dogs and veggies and finish off with delicious s’mores. End the night with some spooky “ghost stories” (as long as the little ones don’t get too scared!)

15. Make a bird feeder. Gather up pinecones and create this kid-friendly bird feeder using peanut butter and birdseed.

Whether you do these activities with your friends, significant other or family, enjoy the changing seasons while saving more. Look for more autumn activities at LivingSocial and Groupon and get Cash Back at Ebates.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

September 16, 2015

End of Summer Sales Roundup

As fall approaches, summer sales come out to play. While the end of summer means saying goodbye to shorts and sandals, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of special offers on these styles and more. Whether you want to stock up for next year or layer some pieces for fall, you can find great savings at these stores while getting Cash Back with Ebates.

American Apparel

Up to 50% off Summer Sale
(Exp. 10/01/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Bonobos

40% off Summer Sale items
(Exp. 9/21/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

BookPal

Up to 50% off Summer Reading Books
(Exp. 6/04/2016)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

Burlington

Up to 85% off Summer Clearance
(Exp. 9/24/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

CheapOair

Summer Sale
(Exp. 9/29/2015)
Shop Deal with up to $13 Cash Back>

DNA Footwear

Up to 50% off your favorite summer shoes for Women, Men and Kids
(Exp. 7/23/2016)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Groupon

Up to 70% off Hot Deals on cool things to do this summer
(Exp. 9/30/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Jewelry.com

75-93% off Summer Blowout Sale
Code: BLOWOUT
(Exp. 12/31/2050)
Shop Deal with 9% Cash Back>

Lee Jeans

Up to 50% off Clearance End-of-Summer Sale
(Exp. 9/21/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Macy’s

Summer Soiree Styles
(Exp. 10/01/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Nicole Miller

Extra 25% off Sale items
Code: ENDOFSUMMER25
(Exp. 9/30/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

PacSun.com

Summer Clearance
(Exp. 9/25/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Starbucks Store

End of Summer Sale
(Exp. 10/01/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

Sur La Table

Up to 75% off Summer Clearance
(Exp. 9/30/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Tilly’s

Up to 50% off Summer Sale
(Exp. 7/8/2016)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

UNIQLO

Shop specially-priced summer essentials
(Exp. 12/31/2016)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Walmart

Summer Apparel on Clearance
(Exp. 9/26/2015)
Shop Deal with 1% Cash Back>

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

July 8, 2015

5 Unique First Date Ideas to Break the Ice

When’s the last time you were on a first date? Was it fun/awkward/nerve-racking? Did conversation feel too forced or not fluid enough? Maybe you two just didn’t have anything in common. Or perhaps your date plan was unoriginal and you both knew it. The best date ideas are the ones that allow you to gain an organic insight into the other’s life – their upbringing, passions, ambitions and fears – without it being too contrived. The goal is to break down the barriers as quickly as possible and let the nerves float away.

Check out our guide below for interesting date ideas that’ll melt away the first date ice. If nothing on this list resonates with you, explore Groupon coupons for more exciting date and event ideas!

Trivia Night at the Local Pub

No matter where home is, chances are there’s a local bar hosting weekly trivia. If you’re in a major city, you’ll probably have a trivia option every night of the week. Taking a date to trivia allows you to find out a lot about the other person without even asking.

A lot of anecdotes and context start to surface when someone’s forced to rack the depths of their brain attempting to answer eccentric and challenging questions. Not to mention, you’ll be playing on the same team, allowing a competitive bond to form effortlessly. After trivia’s over, stay for another drink and rehash or elaborate on tidbits that were brought up throughout the night. You may find yourself chatting until closing time, wondering where all that time went.

Go To an Improv Show

What better way to break the ice than to laugh at people performing in awkward, unplanned scenarios? An improv show or other performance arts events are great options if you don’t want the first date to be too talking intensive. Not to mention the evening will be more memorable regardless of whether or not sparks fly. If a dinner and movie are your typical date go-tos, attending an improv show will be a breath of fresh air.

Volunteer Together

Nothing takes the pressure off a first date more than spending time with someone while performing a job. Look up local places to volunteer and enjoy a fulfilling day together, slowly feeling each other out. Serve soup to the homeless, play with kids at a youth center or hang out with the elderly. No matter the activity, you’ll have plenty to relate to during, or after your volunteering session ends.

Find a DIY Project to Do Together

Remember arts and crafts time in grade school? Or how about art class in high school? It’s always fun and social to create. When we’re crafty and occupied with the creative process, it’s a relaxed atmosphere for chatting and casual conversation. If you drink coffee or tea and strive for your mugs to be beyond the ordinary, make your own custom coffee mugs together. Conversation will flow organically and you’ll end up with a cool keepsake in the process. And if you want to save a little buying supplies, you can always use Michael’s coupons from Ebates.

Have a Coffee Date and Play Truth or Dare

Yes, the coffee date is a little cliché but that doesn’t mean it’s not effective in getting to know a person. The problem is, conversation can be a little stiff and uncomfortable with two people meeting for the first time, no matter how much smiling is going on. So why not spice it up a bit and play a mild (or not so) game of truth or dare? At the least, the game might force some laughs, breaking down the barriers to freer-flowing conversation.

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

July 1, 2015

My Country ‘Tis of Deals

It’s time to party like a patriot! Celebrate the great old Red, White and Blue with friends and family but don’t forget to take advantage of some serious savings with 4th of July sales and Double Cash Back at Ebates. Between burgers and dogs, visit Ebates on your desktop or mobile device and shop door-busting deals on clothing, electronics, home goods, local happenings and more! Happy Independence Day, everyone!

Clothing:

Bloomingdale’s

20-65% off 4th of July Sale
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Eddie Bauer

Up to 60% off 4th of July Sale
(Exp. 07/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

J.Crew Factory

50% off 4th of July Sale
Code: HOTSALE
(Exp. 07/04/15)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Kohl’s

Celebrate the 4th Sale + an extra 15% off any order
Code: JULY15OFF
(Exp. 07/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Macy’s

Extra 20% off Fourth of July Sale + free shipping on $75
Code: FOURTH
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Rebecca Minkoff

Up to 60% off 4th of July Sale
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

White House Black Market

Up to 60% off 4th of July Sale
(Exp. 07/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 3% Cash Back>

Shoes & Bags:

DNA Footwear

UP to 50% off 4th of July Summer Sale
(Exp. 07/31/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Travel:

CheapTickets

Up to 50% off 4th of July Hotel Deals
(Exp. 07/02/2015)
Shop Deal with up to 5% Cash Back>

Choice Hotels

Get Away for Independence Day with Choice Hotels
(Exp. 07/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

Hotels.com

Up to 50% off 4th of July Sale. Book by 7/18
(Exp. 07/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Orbitz

Up to 50% off 4th of July Hotel Deals
(Exp. 07/02/2015)
Shop Deal with up to 8.1% Cash Back>

Sports & Outdoors:

Bass Pro Shops

4th of July Sale – Save on outdoor recreation, clothing and more
(Exp. 07/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

REI

4th of July Sale and Clearance – Save up to 30% on selected outdoor gear, footwear and clothing
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

Children:

Carter’s

4th of July Sale – Buy 2, get 1 free on all clearance
(Exp. 07/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

OshKosh B’Gosh

4th of July Sale! $10 swimwear and $10 boys shorts + 30% off clearance
(Exp. 07/07/2015)
Shop Deal with 2.5% Cash Back>

The Children’s Place

Monster 4th of July Sale! Online clearance is $4.99 and under plus extra 20% off using your savings pass and get free shipping on all orders
Code: ONLINE3
(Exp. 07/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Home & Garden:

Groupon

Freedom & Fireworks Sale – Up to an extra 30% off select local & goods deals
(Exp. 07/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Home Decorators Collection

20-40% off 4th of July Savings Event
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 3.5% Cash Back>

LivingSocial

4th of July Sale – Extra 20% off sitewide
Code: STARS20
(Exp. 07/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Lowe’s

4th of July Sizzling Savings
(Exp. 07/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Rooms To Go

July 4th Sale
(Exp. 07/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 1% Cash Back>

Sears

4th of July Appliance Hot Buys – 40% off or more
(Exp. 07/11/2015)
Shop Deal with 6% Cash Back>

Sears Outlet

4th of July Savings
(Exp. 07/04/2015)
Shop Deal with 1.5% Cash Back>

Stein Mart

July 4th Home Sale
(Exp. 07/05/2015)
Shop Deal with 5% Cash Back>

Electronics:

Dell Consumer

This 4th of July, save up to 65% on select electronics and accessories and up to 36% off select PCs
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 2% Cash Back>

Guitar Center

Up to 35% off 4th of July Deals and 10% off 4th of July clearance
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Panasonic

Up to 50% off July 4th Sale + free shipping
(Exp. 07/06/2015)
Shop Deal with 4% Cash Back>

Happy 4th of July everyone!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.