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January 21, 2016

How to Spend Your Holiday Gift Cards Wisely

With the holidays safely behind us, there’s a good chance that you now have a shiny, new pile of gift cards just waiting for you to spend them. Whether it’s a Best Buy card from your brother or that Macy’s card from your aunt, it’s time to start planning how you’re going to make the most your new gift cards. Even if that means you’re going to sell gift cards or do a gift card exchange, there are so many ways to make the most out of your cards. So if you have a pile of unspent gift cards laying around, here are some awesome money-saving tips and tricks from your friends at Ebates to help you maximize just how far those cards can go.

1. Don’t Lose Your Cards

It’s easy to plan all the awesome things that you’ll buy with your new gift cards, but once you get busy, it’s just as easy to tuck your cards aside and promptly forget your ideas – and where you stashed your gift cards. Even if that happens, protect your cards from disappearing by making sure that you register them or write down the redemption info. Be sure to keep your gift cards in a safe place, because while their small size makes them convenient for shopping, their slim profile means they are super easy to lose in a pile of papers on a messy desk. Keep your gift cards somewhere that’s both secure and memorable because they can be super safe, but they’re no good to you if you can’t remember where you stashed them! To the same end, don’t keep them in your wallet. It’s annoying to not have them if you are out shopping, but even more annoying to lose all that awesome already-paid-for value if your wallet goes missing while you’re out. Save yourself a headache and don’t put them in your wallet until you are ready to spend them, or better yet, spend them online! Gift cards are incredibly easy to use online from the comfort of your couch or bed and you can often find the best deals right from your computer.

2. Take Advantage of Sales and Free Shipping Offers

Just because you have free money to spend, that doesn’t mean you should skip shopping around for the best deals! Stretch your gift card budget as far as it will go by paying attention to sales and promotions online, whether you are redeeming a card from Ace Hardware online for those new tools you’ve been eyeing or cashing in a Kohl’s card for a new pair of jeans. Shopping online with your gift cards is a great way to do this because you can easily compare prices across vendors and take instant advantage of savings that you might not notice if you’re out wandering around a store.

3. Don’t Let Gift Cards Turn Into a Slippery Spending Slope

While gift cards may mean you can start shopping, it shouldn’t mean blowing your budget. A gift card can give you a chunk of change to spend at your favorite stores, but it’s easy to go way overboard. Use your gift card to help you get closer to the purchase price of those big ticket items you’ve been eyeballing. Just make sure you set a hard limit for just how far above the value of your gift card you can go without really breaking the bank.

4. Make the Most of the Cards You Won’t Use

We all get them – the gift cards that you just won’t ever use. Whether it’s for a store that clashes with your personal style or a restaurant you can’t stand, don’t just toss your unwanted gift cards. There are a number of places online that offer a gift card exchange. They will happily take your unwanted gift cards off your hands and either trade them out for cards you want or you can even just sell gift cards for cash. Super cool, right? If that still sounds like too much work, see if your friends want to have a post-holiday gift card swap. Who knows what goodies they may be looking to trade for your less-than-loved gift cards! Have another holiday event or birthday coming up? Gift cards are super easy to re-gift and come in especially handy when you need a last minute present.

5. Don’t Waste Their Value to Expiration Dates and Fees

Gift cards are an awesome way to shop at your favorite store or redeem for a fabulous movie night out via Fandango, but make sure you pay attention to any expiration dates or fees that the cards may have. It’s a shame to let any of that value go to waste when you could be out spending and having a ball! Check the back of gift cards or any paperwork that came with your cards to skim the fine print for the necessary details to figure out if you’re up against any expiration deadlines or if you’ll be hit with any maintenance fees in the future. Nothing like unexpected fees or an expiration date to dampen the gift card spending fun!

Now that we’ve shared these tips, you’re ready to head out and spend those gift cards like a pro. Enjoy!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 23, 2015

How to Accept a Bad Gift Graciously

‘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.”

2. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

December 9, 2015

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Yule Absolutely Love

Oh the joy of the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Leave the suit and tie back at the office, the heels in the closet and don a comfy, albeit hideous, holiday sweater. Years ago, people flooded the thrift stores to find vintage Christmas sweaters decked out with wreaths, reindeers and yule tide joy. Today, you can shop online for hundreds of styles from iconic to ironic. Here are 12 of our top picks to help narrow down your search for a so-ugly-it’s-fabulous holiday sweater. Don’t forget to shop online with Ebates to get Cash Back on all your holiday outfits and gifts!

NYC Alliance Snowman Pullover Christmas Sweater

While traditional holiday sweaters typically don a Fair Isle pattern, this sweater showcases artwork that looks as if it was made in MS Paint. A true gem in our eyes.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Kit

Want to get crafty this year with your sweater? This kit gives you everything you need to add your own creative touch, complete with jingle bells, pom poms and googly eyes.

ICUP Green Reindeer Ugly Christmas Sweater Apron in Black

Planning to be the master chef this winter? This apron allows you to still be in the holiday spirit without getting too hot in an itchy sweater.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Shirt or Hoodie

We get it, you’re over the ugly Christmas sweater trend. But a tiny part of you still wants to participate. Choose from either a t-shirt or hoodie with an ugly Christmas sweater pattern and you can show your disdain for having to go to a themed party while still having fun.

By Design Long-Sleeve Cool Santa Christmas Sweater

Hey, Santa is cool! He’s so cool that he even wears sunglasses. What makes this sweater even cooler? Pom poms.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Wine Bottle Outfits

Be the life of the party by bringing along some wine. Make your wine the best dressed at the party with these adorably ugly wine bottle sweaters. The best of both worlds.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Vest – Santa Claus

Take your sweater game up a notch with a sweater vest and get your jolly on. You’ll be the happiest Santa around!

Santa Headshot Ugly Christmas Sweater

What’s red, green and white all over. This ugly Santa headshot sweater! All you need to complete this outfit is a big grin.

Christmas Tree Ugly Pet Sweater

Get Fido in on the fun this year with this adorable argyle ugly sweater. Trust us, he’ll love it. Really.

Ugly Christmas Sweater ‘Menorah’ Crewneck Sweater

If you celebrate Hanukkah instead of Christmas, don’t fret! Let everyone know at the party that you prefer to celebrate for eight days instead of one.

Star Wars AT-AT Walker Holiday Sweatshirt

Excited for the new Star Wars movie? This AT-AT sweater will show everyone you’re in the Christmas spirit and know how to use the force.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Keg Snowman Sweater with LED Motion Lights

Igloo? Check. Snowman with a keg? Check. LED lights that are triggered by movement? Check. Get ready for a rockin’ cool time!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

November 27, 2015

How to Wear Velvet for Every Occasion

You know winter is well on its way when velvet enters the scene. Part 90s fashion homage, part holiday staple, women’s clothing, accessories, shoes and handbags in luxurious velvet can elevate both your everyday style and looks for special occasions, including all those holiday parties spreading across your calendar. Don’t miss out on one of the biggest trends of fall fashion 2015. Here are some tips and examples on how to nail this look and make it your own. Shop these wonderful wardrobe essentials with Cash Back at Ebates.

Velvet Dresses

There’s no better way to create a classic yet glamorous look than with a velvet dress. This Eloquii black velvet dress is simply chic with a little texture to add visual interest and a shape to hug curves. Many plus size clothing stores have introduced velvet styles this season as well, so pieces like this are relatively easy to find.

You don’t always have to go dark and daring with velvet. Keep it light and flirty with this adorable floral dress in a breathtaking blue. Perfect for the office but easily amped up for evening, this piece will have plenty of mileage in your wardrobe.

Velvet may been seen as a bit old-fashioned but pieces like this bodycon dress prove it can be sultry and sassy. In an eye-catching purple, this dress is perfect for clubs and cocktails with the girls when paired with a bold heel. Or you can take it to the office with leggings and a chunky scarf.

Velvet Skirts

Easily mix velvet into your winter wardrobe with skirts for all occasions. This navy midi skirt pairs perfectly with basic shirts and sweaters or a sequin/metallic top for more festive outings.

Kick up your weekend and casual looks with a velvet mini skirt. This piece offers a little edge with a ribbed texture and easily pairs with sneakers and tees for an off-the-clock outfit with a bit of high fashion.

Velvet and print is not too much of a good thing when it comes to this burnout skirt. Wear it with a button-down blouse for work or a black shell top and pumps for date night.

Velvet Tops

A velvet jacket or wrap top has major black-tie appeal. Conservative yet fashion-forward, this piece can easily pair with a pleated skirt or cigarette pants for ultra-fancy events like the ballet or opera.

For a casual yet statement-making look, this slouchy velvet tunic is completely versatile and looks just as amazing with jeans and sneakers as it does black skinny pants and platform heels.

Lo and behold, velvet does not always come in vampy colors and earth tones. This peach crop top will stun with a gold pencil skirt for evening or high-waisted jeans for the weekend. You can also wear a shell top underneath to town down the look for the office.

Velvet Accessories

Small touched of velvet go a long way, especially in the form of jewelry, shoes and handbags. This velvet and crystal necklace is so perfectly holiday, we can just taste the pumpkin spice and eggnog. Hit it out of the park by pairing it with your LBD or LWD.

In a luscious red, this Rebecca Minkoff purse will make a serious statement with any black cocktail dress in your closet. However, a white dress with a gold plate belt would be the epitome of holiday style.

Keep it cutesy with these little bunny flats! A pop of green goes a long way, whether you pair them with light jeans or a skater skirt.

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

December 17, 2014

Holiday Shipping Deadlines

Making holiday wishes come true for your loved ones is stressful enough. At Ebates, we want to help you rest assured that all of your gifts arrive on time for the big day of unwrapping. Take a moment to note these important shipping deadlines to find out the last day you can place your orders at these top online stores and guarantee their arrival by December 25. Don’t miss out on last-minute gift deals as you dash to the holiday finish line.

Holiday Shipping Deadlines

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December 5, 2014

10 Reasons to Get Psyched for the Holidays

As the holiday season is fast approaching, we know the stress levels are also increasing at a rapid rate. The holidays can be a tad overwhelming with so many projects to do, decorations to put up, and gifts to wrap. But don’t forget the magic of the season where having fun and making memories is what it’s all about. So just to give you an excuse to take a breather and get some perspective, we’ve put together a list of some things to be excited about this holiday season.

1. Sweater Weather

Who doesn’t love a good sweater? They’re cozy, warm, and can be dressed up or down. Plus, this is the best time of the year to practice styling with layers–chunky knits, boot socks, scarves, and cute hats to boot!

2. Snow

Whether you choose to enjoy the snow falling peacefully outside as you cozy up to a warm fire or you’d rather don your snow suit and speed down the slopes in a sled, skis, or snowboard, the holiday season is the perfect time to embrace the cold. Snow days (and snowball fights!) are an extra bonus. 😉

3. Family

You might be lucky enough to live around your family but for some people, this may be the only time they get to enjoy their parents or siblings. You’ve only got one family so make the most out of this time you get to spend together.

4. Sparkles & Shine

With the glimmering icicles hanging from roofs, holiday lights dazzling the town, and all the shiny decor you catch a glimpse of as you peek through your window, the holiday season does not spare the sparkle. It’s also the perfect time of year to wear the sparkle. If you love shimming embroidery, sequins, and glitter, get festive and pile it on liberally for those holiday parties.

5. Time to Recharge

Even if you can’t get much time off during the holidays, most of us can take a day or two to rest and recuperate. This also is a great opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed. Take a moment to list your gratitudes, accomplishments, and milestones. When you look at it all at once, you may be surprised by all this year has given you and get excited for the year to come.

6. Giving

We all like getting presents but gift giving can also be a huge rush. Finding the perfect gifts for the ones you love most and anticipating their reaction is an adventure in itself. Also, it gives you a great excuse to go window shopping for yourself!

7. Movies

Two words: Oscar Season! Not only is this the time of year when the best movies are in theaters, but it’s also the time when it’s perfectly acceptable to watch your tried and true holiday favorites (over and over again if you want).

8. Music

Whether you’re a fan of classic crooners like Frank Sinatra, or you prefer the newer tunes of divas like Mariah Carey, there’s holiday music out there for every type. It’s really the only time of year that it’s acceptable to blast these tunes, so embrace the Falalalalala!

9. Parties Galore

This is the perfect opportunity to mix and mingle with people you wouldn’t necessarily be in the same room with during the rest of the year. Whether you’re looking for a new romantic interest or you want to network for that new job, you’ll feel like a star all dressed up in your glamorous holiday attire.

10. The New Year

The New Year means a fresh start, a new year of goals and opportunities. There are endless possibilities of what the New Year will bring.

Happy Holidays from Ebates!

November 25, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide For Teens & Tweens

One of the hardest groups to shop for at the holidays is the tweens and teens. They are no longer children, but they aren’t adults. And of course they are growing up way too fast. Don’t despair, we know that teens and tweens love music and taking pictures, but we’ve covered a few other bases as well.

Instead of stuffing their stockings with gift cards (those are great, but nothing beats unwrapping a present!) we’ve come up with 8 great gifts for those picky tweens and teens. Many of this gifts come with multiple color options, which helps cater to different personalities. Blue headphones, pink cameras, and galaxy shoes show off their individuality.

1. Sparkle Every Day Gift Set in Pink Chiffon (Bath & Body Works) | $15
2. Shutterball (Sears) | $22.99
3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Camera (Adorama) | $73.88
4. Poketti Plushies with a Pocket (Rakuten) | $16.99
5. Quest 41-inch Tribes Pin-kick Tail Longboard (Overstock) | $49
6. Vans Era 59 Cosmic Galaxy Skate Shoe (Journeys) | $54.99
7. Rosewill Portable 8400mhAh External Backup Battery Charger (Newegg) | $19.99
8. Beats by Dr. Dre Beats Solo HD On-Ear Headphones (Best Buy) | $169.99

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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