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December 15, 2016

18 Stores Offering Paid and Free Gift Wrapping

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

Paid Gift Wrapping With Online Purchase

Free Gift Box With Online Purchase

Brooks Brothers

See Brooks Brothers coupons
Shop Brooks Brothers with 5% Cash Back>

Jared

They’ll even wrap it for you, too!

See Jared coupons
Shop Jared with 14% Cash Back>

Saks Fifth Avenue

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

See Saks Fifth Avenue coupons
Shop Saks Fifth Avenue with 8% Cash Back>

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 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.

December 17, 2015

Top Tips for Tear-Free Holiday Kids’ Fashion

If you have a kid who loves getting dressed up for special occasions, congratulations. You’ve won the parental lottery. But for the rest of us, we deal with a good bit of squirming, whining, non-existent napkin usage leading to ever-present stickiness and maybe a full-blown tantrum mixed in just for LOLZ. But we get it. Fancy kids clothes are usually itchy, uncomfortable and get in the way of their little rough-and-tumble lives. So let us lend a helping hand (because yours are too busy trying to cram a little foot into a tiny dress shoe) with these holiday kids’ fashion tips on how to shop top clothing stores to score kids’ styles with minimal fuss. Bonus: All these styles come with Cash Back at Ebates!

Formal Flair

Choosing a holiday dress for your little princess should involve some compromise. There are a lot of glitter and tulle styles out there but in our experience, tulle rips way too easily and glitter–well, at least you’ll be able to retrace her little steps because she will leave a trail of it wherever she goes. Instead, opt for something a little more simple. This tiered dress has a crew neck and short sleeves that won’t get in the way. And while the skirt is full, it’s not too dramatic.

If you have visions of a little three-piece suit dancing in your head but your little dude is a wiggle worm, we’ve got just the compromise. A sweater vest set not only comes pre-coordinated, but the comfort level is way higher. Plus, having layers is always convenient when Jr. decides to go full-throttle into a game of tag with the cousins and gets a little overheated.

Casual Cute

Even if your holiday event isn’t on the casual side, it’s always a good idea to pack a comfy alternative outfit. As mentioned, we just love sets and this penguin sweater and legging combo is just adorable and can be easily dressed up with the right accessories.

For little gents, a sweater and cords are still a step up from his normal tee and jeans combo (which I’m sure features some variety of super awesome fictional character, but let’s just give the fan boy stuff a rest for today, shall we?)

Shoes and Accessories

When it comes to kids’ shoes, there are definitely styles that incorporate both cuteness and comfort. These ankle-strap flats will not only stay on, but will not blister the backs of their ankles like other flats. And that bit of sparkle is always a nice touch, even if her outfit is a little less formal.

Any opportunity to avoid laces should be taken immediately. These boys’ dress shoes easily slip on with some thin dress socks and will look amazing with little slacks, cords or even his favorite jeans.

Add just a touch of sparkle to both formal and casual looks with some super cute butterfly and bow hair clips! While a big head band will, guaranteed, be ripped off and hurled across the room after five minutes, she won’t even notice these little dazzlers keeping the hair out of her face.

If you are feeling ambitious and want to try adding a tie to your son’s look, here’s a hack that will save you time and sanity. An adjustable tie with Velcro closure will go on in seconds and come off just as easily when picture time is over and play time begins.

Adorable Outerwear

Regardless of what your son or daughter may be wearing for holiday parties and dinners, fashionable outerwear is a must. If you haven’t noticed, combos are kind of our jam, putting coat and hat bundles at the top of our shopping lists. How cute is this swing coat with matching beret? This piece looks sensational with skirts and pants alike.

A boys’ peacoat really is a winter must-have and is just a bit more formal than a bomber jacket. This piece is made from ultra-warm fleece and comes with a simple yet stylish cap that will keep them warm and toasty. What we love most is the variety of color that makes this selection very easy to fit into his little wardrobe.

All of us at Ebates wish you a happy and fashionable holiday with your family and friends!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 16, 2015

11 Amazing Holiday Home Decorating Ideas

’Tis the season for sprucing up your space with some merry and bright decorating ideas! Whether you go all out with ceiling-to-floor décor or just want a little splash of holiday style, these easy decorating ideas let you infuse your home with some Christmas spirit. From small spaces to expansive areas, add some cheer to your house with our top home decorating holiday tips! Anything you need to make your home merry and bright, you can find it through Ebates with Cash Back, home decor coupons and promo codes.

1. Welcome Guests With a Festive Entryway. If you’ve already done the basic holiday decorating, like stringing Christmas lights along your roof and decking out your tree, it’s time to spruce up your entryway. Decorating your porch or home entryway is a fun and easy way to send warm holiday wishes to guests and neighbors. Take some of those classic poinsettia plants you have around your house during the holidays and use them to perk up your porch in no time. Add a wreath to your door for some simple festive flair. While you’re out there, why not show your mailbox some love with a garland or some decorative Christmas crafts?

2. String Lights Aren’t Just for Your Tree. Get creative with Christmas lights this year and add them to unexpected places! Wrap them around stair banisters or cluster small string lights among holiday table centerpieces for a warm glow. Lining windows with Christmas lights is a fun way to create a bright border that’s sure to shine from the street. Or if you’re looking for easy holiday party ideas, use string lights to create a simple photo backdrop on a bare wall and host an unforgettable photo shoot that will light up the evening.

3. Choose Your Color Scheme and Carry it Through. Set the perfect holiday mood with color. Go red and green for a classic look, stick with metallic colors like silver and gold for a classy flair or choose all white for an elegant monochromatic touch. Tie your Christmas look together by using the same color scheme in every element from accents and centerpieces to Christmas lights and holiday ornaments.

4. Get Crafty! Add some fa la la to your living area with some festive DIY flair. Use Christmas crafts and homemade projects to give shelves character or add them to tables to take them up a notch. Hang some intricate paper snowflakes and get a winter wonderland look without a big price tag. Kids’ crafts are a fun way to bring your fridge, walls and windows to life, too!

5. Wrapping Paper is a Christmas Decorating Miracle. Wrapping paper is a fun and easy way to accent your home this holiday season. Choose your favorite patterns and use it to cover a small wall, molding, tables, cupboards and more. You can even use it to cover photos and create “hanging presents” on your walls. While you’re at it, grab some classic adhesive Christmas bows and stick them around the house for a wonderfully whimsical touch that both kids and adults love!

6. Holiday Cards Come in Handy. Showcase all those heartfelt holiday cards you get from friends and family by turning them into DIY Christmas décor. Easily string them together or tape them to a wall or the fridge for some added holiday love. Plus, these types of holiday decorations become keepsakes you can bring out year after year!

7. Fill Vases and Jars With Christmas Magic. Use mason jars, fruit bowls, clear vases or glasses to create stunning home displays. Fill them with extra Christmas ornaments, festive pinecones, glitter and more holiday accessories for instant accents. Layer them up to create visual interest and cool patterns or use all the same item for a bold look.

8. Get in Touch With Mother Nature. Natural wintery accents can be found just about anywhere. Collect sprigs of greenery or bare branches and showcase them in vases for simple yet elegant accents. You can even add extra embellishments you might already have in your stash of decorating ideas, like ribbons and glittery goodness.

9. Add a Warm Glow With Candles. Whether you use kid-friendly LED candles or the real deal, candles will create soft lighting and a gorgeous glow. Combine floating candles, tea lights and tall pillar candles to design your own display for an easy addition to your holiday decorating ideas.

10. Rock Ribbons. Use simple ribbons to adorn chair backs, pillows, door handles and more for a super simple way to accent your ambiance. Red ribbons are a classic go-to for the ultimate Christmas touch.

11. Make Your Mantel Merry. Make your fireplace the focal point that ties your room together. Add a garland, extra ornaments or small empty boxes wrapped like Christmas gifts for the perfect pop.

Now that you’ve got our favorite holiday tips for decorating your space, you can create your own winter wonderland in no time with plenty of ideas using supplies you probably already have around the house or stashed in your holiday storage boxes. Be sure to share your top decorating ideas with us below! Happy decorating and happy holidays from all of us at Ebates!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 9, 2015

How to Plan a Holiday Party

The holidays are a time to celebrate and gather with your favorite people. Great food, lively music and festive decorations are essential ingredients for any holiday party, but it also takes some thoughtful planning to pull off one of the most talked about events of the year. Whether you’re in charge of the Christmas party planning for your company’s celebration or you’re planning a private gathering for your closest family and friends, we have the tips you need to get the festivities going without a hitch.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

A successful party is rarely pulled off at the hands of just one person, so don’t be afraid to solicit the help of those around you. Consider hiring professionals who specialize in their field or simply ask a friend to chip in, because those extra hands will be a major help. There’s no need to take on too much to do by yourself and end up stressed. After all, the holidays are about having fun!

2. Create a holiday party planning checklist.

A lot goes into Christmas party planning so you’ll want to make sure you’ve covered all of your bases. You’re going to be pulled in many directions so you’ll want to create a holiday party planning checklist to make sure nothing gets forgotten. You can use traditional pen and paper or make a list on your mobile device, whichever is most convenient for you.

3. Choose an appropriate venue.

Choosing a venue is an important element to any social gathering. Your venue should be determined by the number of attendees (and their guests). Keep it simple by hosting the party at your home or workplace or you can rent a special location for your event. Choose a location that is appropriate for the gathering and be sure to discuss any house rules the venue may have. Some locations may require food or entertainment be provided by their in-house staff so make sure they meet your requirements before you commit to your locale.

4. Send out your invitations.

Once you have the preliminary decisions made, you can send your guests invitations. Vistaprint has a great assortment of invitations with easy design features or you can create an invitation all on your own. To make reservations simpler, offer your guests the option to phone in their confirmation or use an online method like email or an event RSVP service.

5. Set the stage with decorations.

The first thing everyone will notice when they walk into your party space is the decorations. If you have the time to hand-make every item, you can keep your budget low, but it’s important to remember that your time is valuable as well. Birthday in a Box offers a variety of fun and festive decorations that are sure to get people in the mood for your holiday party. Streamers, table scatter, paper lanterns and more in holiday colors and designs will create a fun atmosphere for the get together.

6. Fill their bellies with delicious food.

The food often becomes the focal point of any party so plan accordingly. Some parties will include a dinner while others may focus more on appetizers and bite-sized desserts. Be sure to offer plenty of variety so you can appease even the picky eaters. Festive recipes can be paired with classic favorites. If you’re planning on multiple dishes or just want to simplify the process, a caterer may be best for your event. Your caterer can offer a variety of options and help lighten your load so you can focus your attention on other elements.

7. Keep your guests entertained.

Whether you’re planning a major event or just a small social gathering, you’re going to want to provide entertainment. This can be as simple as Christmas party music playing from a playlist or a hired DJ to keep the party going with tunes for the occasion.

8. Take care of the extras.

When it comes to your Christmas party planning, set yourself up for all the extra little things. Plan a space for all of those winter coats everyone will be wearing. Hire an event photographer to take pictures so your guests can focus on the fun. You can even plan for a taxi in case anyone needs a ride home.

9. Send them off with a gift.

Even great parties must come to an end but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop at the door. Send your guests home with party favor gifts that remind them of the glorious evening they just had. Harry and David has a wide selection of fine gift baskets or you can choose decadent candies from Ghirardelli Chocolate. Your guests will love their holiday party favors long after the event is over.

10. Enjoy your evening.

In all of the hubbub, don’t forget to enjoy the evening yourself! You’ve put a lot of work into making the night go off without a hitch so it’s only right to enjoy it yourself as well. Partake in the food, shimmy on the dance floor and spend some well-earned down time with your fellow party-goers.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

November 16, 2015

15-Minute Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving may be the most annoying holiday. It’s bad enough that you have to spend all day cooking for your relatives, but Thanksgiving has the audacity to come on the day before Black Friday! Seriously, whoever scheduled Thanksgiving should have been a little more considerate than to put it right in front of the biggest and best shopping day of the year.

We know you want to get out of that kitchen and in line at Best Buy, Kohl’s, Kmart or Walmart as soon as humanly possible. Well, not to worry! We’ve got all the tips and tricks you’ll need to cut your Thanksgiving prep time way down so you can start celebrating what the holidays are really all about: unrestrained consumerism. Get ready for your 15-minute Thanksgiving!

Invite Guests — Lots and Lots of Guests

We know what you’re thinking. Guests!? Won’t that be more work for me? Well, not if you put your guests to work. Invite all your friends and relatives over for Turkey Day, then “politely” suggest that since you’re hosting, maybe they could bring a side dish or dessert. Before you know it, you’ve got a table full of chumps who’ve done all your cooking for you.

Buffet Style

Once again, it’s time to put your guests to work. Don’t waste precious minutes individually serving everyone at the table. Set out all your dishes and invite everyone to serve themselves. Setting up your Thanksgiving meal buffet-style is a great way to speed up the day. All your guests can start grabbing food at the same time and get down to eating much quicker. To make it even more fun and casual, forgo the dinner table altogether. Invite guests to eat wherever they please. Football fans can take their turkey into the TV room to keep watching the big game. Kids can huddle in the playroom for their own fun meal. Just have garbage bags stationed everywhere; this will encourage people to throw out their own trash, saving you even more work.

Speedy Bird

Your guests are getting you out of cooking any sides or desserts, but if you’re hosting Thanksgiving, there’s one dish you won’t be able to escape from making: the turkey. As Thanksgiving host, the bird is your solemn responsibility. Luckily, cooking a turkey doesn’t have to be an arduous, all-day event. Explore some alternative, time-saving ways to get the turkey on the table and ready to eat. Deep frying a turkey cuts your cooking time down to an hour. Spatchcocking it (cutting out its backbone and flattening it) will also reduce the bird’s time in the oven. Of course, there’s also the ultimate time saver: buying a pre-cooked bird at the store. Just pop it in the oven with the heat on low before your guests arrive and no one will ever know you didn’t cook it yourself.

Put It On Paper

Cleanup can be a real time-killer on Thanksgiving. Instead of spending hours at the sink scrubbing gravy stains off your mother’s fine china, just dump it all into a garbage bag and be done with it! Simply switch to paper plates and plastic utensils this year. For some extra flare, stop in at your local party store for disposable dinnerware with seasonal designs. Don’t worry about coming off as “low-class.” Just tell people that normal dinner plates make everything too formal and you were going for a more fun, festive and friendly atmosphere this year.

Let the Wine Flow

Let’s get your guests nice and sleepy so they can head home to their nice, warm beds, and you can commence with your Black Friday festivities. The tryptophan in the turkey is a good start, but if you really want to send these freeloaders to snooze town, pour on the wine. Have bottles of it stationed everywhere and constantly be on hand to offer them a quick refill. There are a ton of nice, cheap red wines (the sleepiest of wines) that pair perfectly with turkey. Bottles of Montevina Zinfandel or Planeta La Segreta can both be purchased for under $15. For added effect, slowly turn up the temperature in your house over the course of the meal. Your guests will be ready to go before their second serving of pumpkin pie. (Also, maybe make sure they all have Lyft on their phone.)

And by the way, shopping Best Buy, Kohl’s, Kmart or Walmart online with Cash Back at Ebates will save you even more time to kick back this Thanksgiving.

Sources:

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/shopping-storing/beverages/affordable-wines-thanksgiving/planeta-la-segreta-sicily

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.