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December 29, 2016

The Best Things to Buy in January

Now that the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is over, you may be looking for ways to save more than you would at any other time of the year. Some strategic shopping in January will set you up for serious savings in the long term. For example, while everyone else is paying top dollar on spring clothing, you’ll find amazing prices on winter staples you’ll still need for the cold months ahead. Here’s our complete list of the most affordable things to buy this month, most of which you can find with Cash Back at Ebates.

Keep Your Fitness Resolutions

Looking to get ripped and trim for 2017? Retailers know this is prime time for clearing out their stock of fitness equipment, and it’s priced to move. Look for sitewide sales and discounts from sporting goods brands and department stores alike. We’ve also noticed many gyms offer amazing New Year’s discounts on memberships that could keep you motivated to move.

Stores to Watch: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears

Grow Your Winter Wardrobe

As we mentioned, most people are ready to start shopping for spring clothes this time of year simply because they’re starting to appear in favorite stores. Don’t be tempted to purchase your entire warm-weather wardrobe now. Instead, find amazing clearance sales on winter staples. In fact, with warmer-than-normal temperatures this season, many brands are experiencing an overstock on coats and sweaters. This means big savings for you!

Stores to Watch: Nordstrom, Columbia

File For Less

Tax season may be months away, but those W-2s will be in your mailbox in no time, and it’s always a good idea to get a jump start on filing. We’ve seen great deals in past Januaries on income tax software and services, so keep an eye out. Just be sure the deal includes the cost of filing your state taxes as well—that often requires an extra fee. Always read the fine print.

Stores to Watch: TaxACT, FreeTaxUSA

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Update With Fine Furnishings

January is also notorious for bringing major furniture clearance sales. Some sales go from 40- to even 75 percent off regular prices. New year, new living room!

Stores to Watch: Ashley Furniture, Horchow

Deck the Halls Next Year

Obviously, retailers will be almost giving away holiday decor this time of year just to clear it out of stores. Take advantage and get ambitious about next year’s decorating! This is the perfect time to splurge on that 20-foot LED reindeer.

Stores to Watch: Walmart, Kmart.

Take Your TV Watching Up a Notch

4K TV prices are bound to plummet after CES early this month, when new models are slated to be announced. Black Friday was the first time we saw significant savings on 4K TVs as well, which usually means the savings will continue.

Stores to Watch: Best Buy, Sam’s Club

Take a Hike

On January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all national parks will offer admission for precisely zero dollars. This means you can visit popular parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Olympic National Park—which all normally charge fees of around $12 per person. Explore wide open spaces without leaving one in your wallet.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

December 4, 2016

Galactic Gift Guide for Star Wars Lovers

Whether it’s your brother practicing lightsaber moves in the backyard, your mom pulling out the Wampa rug as soon as it’s cold enough to light a fire or your best friend pondering his 40th viewing of “Episode IV — A New Hope,” someone you know is a Star Wars fanatic. Perhaps you embrace the dark side yourself. However your world is touched by the Force, we’ve got 13 amazing Star Wars gifts for the aspiring Jedi in your life.

BB-8 App-Enabled Droid, $119.97 (GameStop)

Use the Force—or, more conveniently, your smartphone or tablet—to control BB-8 . He’ll also respond to your voice, play holographic videos and steal your heart with his adaptive personality.

AT-AT Bookends, $129.97 (GameStop)

Secure your favorite Star Wars comic and art books with these AT-AT bookends—sobering reminders of the carnage at the Battle of Hoth. Till Endor, Lord Vader. Till Endor…

Star Wars Carships Death Star Revolution Race Track Set, $43.42 (Walmart)

Complete with both TIE Fighter and the classic X-wing ships, this Hot Wheels set will hone your budding Jedi’s maneuvering skills, so the Death Star will stand no chance of surviving the ambush. At arms, rebels!

LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon, $119 (Walmart)

Kids and adults alike will enjoy the hours it takes to assemble this 1329-piece LEGO Millennium Falcon. With Han and Chewie at your side, you’ll be ready for anything the Empire can throw at you. Activate the hyperdrive and set course for fun with this LEGO play set.

Playskool Mr. Potato Head Darth Tater, $14.43 (Walmart)

Is it Mr. Potato Head? Darth Vader? No. It’s Darth Tater! The galaxy’s most ruthless villain has taken a new form as the Spud Lord. Add a curly mustache, tongue or silly glasses to take a more stylish walk on the dark side.

Star Wars Battlefront PS4, $19 (Walmart)

Side with either the Rebel Alliance or the Empire in a wide variety of multiplayer matches and exciting challenges. Get ready to watch AT-ATs stomp around Hoth, ride speeder bikes through the forests of Endor and fly X-wings and TIE fighters through the galaxy. This game gives fans the ultimate, authentic and immersive interactive experience they’ve been looking for. Also available on XboxOne and PC.

Funko Pop! Star Wars Rogue One – Jyn Erso, $11.99 (Game Stop)

Plant bobble-headed rebel leader Jyn Erso on your desk, bed stand or dashboard for the perfect collectible companion. She’s made of vinyl, totes a tiny plastic blaster and is just one of many Rogue One bobble-headed characters you can start collecting today.

Star Wars: The Complete Saga Episodes I-VI (Blu-ray), $141 (QVC)

Relive every unforgettable moment with this nine-disc Star Wars: The Complete Saga Blu-ray set. Binge watch the first six movies, then dive deep with three bonus discs featuring deleted scenes, interviews, archival footage, documentaries and spoofs. Settle in with this one, because these nine discs boast over 1,200 minutes of footage.

Death Star Ice Sphere Mold, $11.99 (GameStop)

That’s no moon. It’s a space station… Create ice spheres to drop into a glass of whiskey for an out-of-this-world beverage after a long day of X-wing flying. Or, get creative and make chocolate truffles or soap.

Loungefly Star Wars Rogue One Backpack, $31.41 (Hot Topic)

Trade the Yoda stuck to your back for a Rogue One distress-print backpack. You can tote all your books, blasters and lightsabers, while keeping your hands free for pod-racing and other intergalactic activities.

Chewbacca Deluxe Talking Plush Toy, $24.99 (Bed Bath & Beyond)

As the saying goes, nothing hugs better than a Wookiee! OK, no one actually said that. But how can you resist this fuzzball? Give him a squeeze to hear his trademark growl, and know you’ve got the best copilot in the galaxy on your side.

Darth Vader Self Stirring and Spinning Mug, $19.99 (Toys R Us)

Use the Force to stir your mug without a spoon. Well, you’ll be pushing a button to do so, but no one needs to know. Enjoy the best tea, coffee or any other hot beverage with the best mug this side of Naboo.

Goodnight Darth Vader by Jeffrey Brown, $14.95 (Bed Bath & Beyond)

Tuck in your little ones (or big ones, depending) each night with “Goodnight Darth Vader,” by Jeffrey Brown. This funny, illustrated tale portrays Darth Vader trying to put his twin children, Luke and Leia, to sleep with a bedtime story. May the Force be with you, as you read along.

December 4, 2016

Gift Guide: Last-Minute Gifts That Make You Look Like a Flawless Planner

Whether you got swamped at work this season or you’ve just procrastinated, waiting until the last minute to buy holiday gifts is enough to make even the most composed person sweat. Never fear! Check out this list of tried and true last minute gift ideas that will make it seem almost like you started your shopping back in early November. Wrap up your holiday shopping in a snap, and get Cash Back at Ebates as your reward!

Harry & David Moose Munch, $28.50 (Bloomingdale’s)

Give someone the gift of a classic tasty holiday treat! Moose Munch even comes in a festive tin – slap a bow on it, and you’re good to go!

X Box 1 Just Dance Unlimited: 1-Year Subscription, $39.99 (GameStop)

Kick off a dance party with the instantly downloadable gift of this 1-year subscription that will unlock the full song list for the global interactive gaming sensation, Just Dance.

Elle Magazine, $14 (K Mart)

In an era of mostly digital content, give the gift that will inspire the recipient to curl up with her favorite magazine and relax, month after month.

Teavana Tea of the Month Club, $100 (Teavana)

Treat someone to a moment of serenity each time they take a break, thanks to new teas that will arrive monthly with this gift subscription.

Sephora Gift Card, $40 (Sephora)

Give the gift of beauty and skincare for both men and women when you purchase an instantly deliverable eGift Card online at Sephora.

Amazon Echo Dot Black 2nd Generation Bluetooth Speaker, $49.99 (Abt Electronics)

Take advantage of Amazon’s Next Day Air shipping options, and pick up this awesome, voice-controlled speaker for someone on your nice list.

Bose® QuietComfort® 35 Wireless Headphones, $349.99 (Staples)

Need to wow someone at the last minute? Pick up these sensational headphones in-store, and prepare to dazzle even the pickiest audiophile.

Donation to St. Jude, $20 (GNC)

Making a donation in someone’s name as a holiday present is a great way to spread the seasonal cheer and help out a cause in need!

November 3, 2016

Holiday Entertaining 101

Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. You can find amazing Christmas party ideas online. When you keep these holiday entertaining fundamentals in mind, creating a seasonal party is easy. Whether your holiday party is your first time hosting or if you’re a seasonal pro, we have everything you need to throw a memorable, enjoyable and affordable party.

Here are seven unique tips, from cocktails to themes to decorations. Plus, when you shop at any of the stores below, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates, which means even more money in your pocket for the holidays!

1. DIY Decoration Party

The autumn and winter holidays are all about decorations. If you want to entertain your guests and send them away with a special gift, stock up on the DIY materials for everyone to make their own seasonal decorating must-have. It’s a great way to start the party, get everyone in the holiday spirit and break the ice while making something fun and unique. Shop Joann Fabrics for all your craft needs and be sure to use an Ebates promo code at checkout to save.

2. Light Up the Night

Alternative lighting is the key to creating a festive atmosphere. Set the mood for your guests as soon as they walk in the door by turning off harsh overhead lighting and featuring small, soft light sources like string lights or votive candles. You can find a variety of beautiful candles that spread the scents of the season at ILLUME Candles where promo codes can save you a bundle.

3. Fun and Games

Games are a great way to entertain kids of all ages and get your guests chatting and laughing. Pop culture trivia games break the ice for adults and easy art projects will captivate kids. Check out the learning corner at Are You Game for great activities for all grade levels and cruise the adult games section for grown-up activities.

4. Toast for the Host

A specialty drink is a great way to establish your holiday party themes. There are many seasonal classics to choose from like mulled cider or wine, hot cocoa or egg nog, but it’s sometimes more fun to think out of the box when it comes to cocktails. Margaritaville Cargo carries quality party drink makers that you can offer with a holiday twist.

5. Finger Food Favorites

Although everyone loves a good feast, a holiday party meal doesn’t have to be a sit-down affair. If you feature a buffet of finger foods and appetizers, not only will your guests enjoy more variety, but everyone can eat whenever they’re hungry and avoid the post-meal urge to nap. For inspiring Christmas party food ideas pick up a seasonal issue of your favorite lifestyle magazine at Meredith Magazines.

6. All that Paper Good Glory

Jazz up classic Christmas party food ideas by turning bitesize cheesecakes into little Santa hats by adding strawberries on top. Or cut out brownies into triangles and add a drizzle of green icing to make Christmas tree brownies. Have enough disposables so that your guests can sample the array and even take some for the road. Stock up on all the disposable dish ware you need at Kmart.

8 Things You Probably Forgot for Your Winter Beach Getaway

Winter is fast approaching, which means you’ll soon be longing for the beach. Give in to your desires and head somewhere warm for the ultimate winter beach getaway. Your off-season vacay means you’ll score plenty of getaway deals on everything you need to make it an enjoyable escape. Plus, thanks to holiday sales events, you can save big on some of the items that will make your vacation even more memorable. Start planning your beach-trip packing list, and don’t forget these must-have items that will earn you Cash Back at Ebates so you can have even more money in your pocket during your beach getaway.

Amazon Kindle

Reading a book at the beach with sand in your toes is the epitome of relaxation. The Amazon Kindle Paperwhite gives you a glare-free screen even on the brightest of beach days. It can last weeks on a single charge, so you can read to your heart’s delight on the plane and on the beach. Best of all, with electronics at the top of the Cyber Monday sale list, you can save on your purchase when you shop during the winter.

Waterproof Tablet Bag

The beach is full of everything your electronics hate — namely sand and water. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead with a protective case designed to keep your beach reading material clean and dry. The vinyl case offers layers of protection so you can spend a long day in the sun knowing your tablet will make it home in one fully functioning piece.

Portable Security Case

The beach can be a haven for opportunists, but with a travel safe you won’t fall victim. Keep your valuables safely stowed away so you can enjoy the beach without constant worry. The strap allows it to be secured to a nearby item and uses a combination for access.

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Baby Powder

Even if you don’t have a tot in tow, baby powder is a beach must-have. You can use it to keep your body sand-free so you can go from oceanfront lounging to sipping cocktails in the hotel cabana without having to stop for a sand wash!

Scarf

Coming from a colder climate means you’re going to need to pack a few items that may seem silly for a beach trip, including the scarf you wore on the plane. But trust us: This pashmina scarf will find its way into your beach essentials. The scarf can be worn on a nice romantic night out or tied around your waist as a cover-up. It is the ultimate accessory for any occasion!

Open-Front Cardigan

Don’t give up on wearing sweaters just yet. Although you may be basking in the warm sun all day, the beach gets pretty chilly at night. You won’t want to forget a cozy sweater to keep you comfy during an evening stroll. Find a nice neutral sweater that’ll pair with several outfits and add a splash of color with space-saving scarves.

Floppy Hat

Trade in your earmuffs for a beach-friendly hat. Although most people are busy shopping for cold-weather accessories, you’ll get big savings on the perfect beach getaway attire. Maximize your out-of-season purchase with a promo code and rake in savings that will have you basking in the sun – while wearing your new floppy beach hat, of course.

Swimsuit

This seems like a no-brainer, but buying a swimsuit in the post-summer off-season will get you a great deal — often saving you 50 percent or more. Score cute swimwear so cheap you can bring multiple options for your beach vacations. For all you plus-size beauties, check out this fabulous list of 11 plus-size swimsuits to rock your curves.

October 12, 2016

5 Spooktastic Haunted House Ideas

Decorating for Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive to be extraordinary. Classic creepiness can come for cheap. Find out how to make a haunted house for less and earn Cash Back at Ebates when you shop our top merchants. The key to turning your haunted house ideas into reality is to focus on ambiance. You don’t need expensive haunted house props when you have a clear idea of the kind of scene you want to create. To put some spook on your doorstep, take a look at five haunted house ideas inspired by some of our favorite horror films. Each movie matches to a store that offers incredible deals on the items you’ll need to recreate the look for less.

1. Beetlejuice (1988)

Proof that Halloween doesn’t have to be horrifying, this family friendly flick has Tim Burton’s classic creative touch. The plot centers around a house that transforms from a quaint country cottage to a modern art marvel and whose title character wears a trademark black-and-white stripe suit. To get the Beetlejuice look for your haunted house, decorate with stripes, spirals and throw in a few tentacles. Shop at joann.com and Michaels for fabric and paint to create stuffed fabric creatures and save with a promo code from Ebates.

2. Sinister (2012)

This film is absolutely not for kids or anyone who loves watching old home movies. The plot involves a bunch of old 8mm home movies that show an unfortunate family meeting its grisly end on the branches of creepy gnarled tree. This image is shown over and over again and it never stops being scary. A Sinister haunted house would feature flickering lights, white noise reels, hanging dolls, and bloody wallpaper. Pick up a roll of butcher paper from Office Depot and OfficeMax and hang long sheets splashed with red paint. Use a strobe light to set the mood and voila! You’ve officially created the spookiest haunted house in town.

3. Crimson Peak (2015)

Perhaps the most visually elaborate haunted house in movie history, the mansion of Crimson Peak is filled with beautiful things slowly going to rot. Crumbling walls, a leaky roof and a truly terrifying basement offset the home’s rich velvet upholstery, towering ceilings and huge staircases. To create the Crimson Peak, use very low lighting, let all the faucets drip and drape some cotton spider webs or thick fabrics over furniture. To complete the look, stock up on battery-powered flameless candles at Target.

4. The Others (2001)

The house in this film is enormous and claustrophobic at the same time. The residents of this huge mansion are two children who are allergic to light but certainly not dust. Every door in the house is locked, every window is covered by heavy drapes and the furniture is covered in white dust sheets. This makes for super easy haunted house ideas; all you need to do is drape all the furniture in white sheets and keep it dark. Don’t lock all the doors, though! When you shop at Kmart.com with a promo code from Ebates, you can find affordable bedding to cover everything and create an unforgettable haunted house.

5. House on Haunted Hill (1959)

This classic black and white film is full of great scary haunted house ideas that scream traditional Halloween. There are skeletons and cobwebs and black cats all around. The scary guys wiggle their fingers, the damsels are in distress and the bad guy has a dopey mustache. To get this classic haunted house look, embrace the obvious. Shop at Halloween Express to get everything you need from bat banners to skeletons in hats and things with eyes that glow. Happy Halloween!

July 14, 2016

9 Things You Need If You Are Obsessed With Pokémon GO

It’s the latest craze taking smartphone users to Candy Crush obsessive levels. Pokémon GO has enthralled people of all ages, getting them off of their couches and out of their office chairs to enjoy a little sunshine while capturing mythical creatures and battling complete strangers. You don’t even have to have been a collector of Pokémon cards or an avid watcher of Pokémon movies to be taken over by this mobile phenomenon. If you, or someone you know, are ready to take your playing to the next level, check out these top 10 essentials with Cash Back at Ebates. From showing off your Poké pride to keeping you powered up to catch ’em all, we’ve got you covered so you can become a Pokémon Pro.

Chic Buds Phone Charger

This is an obvious one but you’d be surprised how you can lose track of time AND battery life while adding to your Pokédex.

Ecco Damara Strap Sandal

People are actually starting to complain about sore feet and knees because they are walking more than ever in search of rare Pokémon. So investing in a cute pair of comfort sandals is key.

3M Safety Vest

For the night players, visibility is oh so important. While we encourage you to look up from your phones as much as possible to avoid walking into traffic, making yourself glow also helps. Plus, orange is your color.

Ozark Trail Headlamp

You never know when those Pokémon will lead you down some poorly lit streets. Keep it hands-free with a headlamp. If you get weird looks, just tell people you wandered away from your camp ground.

Charizard Accessory Kit

We promise you won’t be confused for a virtual Pokémon. No one will try to catch you. AND you’ll look adorable. Do it. Full committal.

SABRE RED Pepper Spray

On a serious note, this game has brought out some unsavory real-life characters. Stay vigilant and protect yourself!

LifeProof FRE Case for iPhone 6 and 6s

Listen, we’re not saying you’re going to fall into a fountain or anything but just in case you get distracted and have a surprise encounter with a body of water, this case will make sure your phone will live another day.

Snacks

If you’re planning for a long day at the PokéGym, it’s important to keep yourself fueled. Don’t forget your graze snacks packed with protein to keep you full and energy-giving, healthy carbs to help you go for Pokémon gold.

May 19, 2016

11 Remakes of ’90s Toys That Prove Your Childhood Was Magic

Have you ever found yourself wandering through a toy store, shopping for yet another birthday party and thinking, “What is all this nonsense?” The moment we start to not understand why our kids like what they like is the day we are officially old. Fortunately, some of our all-time favorite toys have been reissued and revamped while still maintaining that magical essence that made us produce eardrum-bursting screams as we unwrapped them on Christmas morning.

Let us take you on a little trip down memory lane with these totally fresh 1990s toys, from reboot action figures to the games that would get our adrenaline pumping. Grab a few to show the kids how cool it is to kick it old school. Or just treat yourself while earning Cash Back at Ebates and saving with a toy promo code! So what if you’re just a big kid at heart? At least you’re a big kid with a bank account.

K’NEX 70 Model Building Set

LEGO may be a young builder’s favorite, but K’NEX inspired true engineering and took your imagination to the next level. No wonder it stood the test of time!

Kitty Surprise

Today it may seem a little … graphic … to open the Velcro belly of a stuffed cat to reveal a litter of kittens, but what’s better than a toy with more toys inside?!

Transformers

This Bumblebee action figure belongs to one of the coolest toy franchises in the universe. Transformers combine cars and robots; we dare you to think of something cooler.

Moon Shoes

Go back to the days when trampolines were uncool if you couldn’t wear them on your feet.

Skip-It

The Skip-It may have been a ploy by your parents to get you off the couch, but, nevertheless, it worked like a charm. Beating your own score was the ultimate win.

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Bop It

Bop It was Simon’s cool little brother that made remembering endless sequences of color and sound mere child’s play. This thing was the grad school of memory games.

Tamagotchi

Forget flour and egg “babies.” If you wanted to learn real responsibility in junior high (and didn’t we all?), Tamagotchi was the way to do it. The thing literally died if you ignored it.

Flutterbye

You may not remember the name Flutterbye because they used to be called Sky Dancers, after the beloved 1996 cartoon. We’re happy to inform you of this toy reboot, especially if this ever happened to you when you were a kid:

Furby

Hairy creatures that speak their own language: What better way to immortalize Chewbacca? Get your “Star Wars” fan fix while revisiting the most classic of ’90s toys.

Super Soaker

Water fights in the backyard were never the same after Super Soaker came along. Show your kids how real H2O warfare goes down.

Vintage Barbie Dream House

Barbie has done quite a few renovations of her dream house, and you can easily score the latest style. But if you just can’t resist vintage ’90s toys, look to Etsy for the goods.

Which of your favorite toys would you like to see rebooted? Let us know in the comments below!

February 10, 2016

Cute Umbrellas to Brighten Your Rainy Days

According to Punxsutawney Phil, spring is just around the corner. And as many of you know, spring means rain. Instead of being sad about the upcoming showers, get excited to shop for cute umbrellas! February 10 is National Umbrella Day and in honor of this event, we’ve found seven fun umbrellas to accessorize your wet-weather looks. So get ready to chuck that boring black umbrella and show off your style! When shopping for new spring necessities like clothes, rain boots, jewelry and of course, umbrellas, make sure to get your Cash Back at Ebates to save more.

kate spade new york Winking Eyes Bubble Umbrella

Bubble umbrellas are not only cute, they’re super functional in providing a lot of coverage and the ability to see through them. Nothing makes a rainy day worse than constantly bumping into people with a large black umbrella! This kate spade new york umbrella not only channels your inner Audrey Hepburn, but will keep you and your outfit nice and dry.

BlueAvocado XO Ivory Roses Umbrella

If the idea of frolicking through a field of flowers makes your day, this ivory roses umbrella from Brookstone is perfect for you. Delicate and feminine touches make this umbrella the perfect accessory for any spring day.

Totes Birds Bubble Umbrella

Surround yourself with birds during a rainy day to bring out your inner sunshine. This bubble umbrella featuring birds, hearts and fun patterns is both charming and practical.

ShedRain Spot On Umbrella

A gust of wind on a rainy day can turn a smile into a frown. This sturdy ShedRain 16 panel umbrella will keep its shape while keeping you fashionably dry. Pair that up with 8% Cash Back from eBags and you’ll be one happy puddle-stomper.

Fulton Superslim Feather Umbrella

Big umbrellas are nice, but if you wanna keep it compact, this Fulton Superslim umbrella is right up your alley. Featuring a fun feather print and compact design, you’ll be prepared for a surprise shower any day.

Vera Bradley Pixie Blooms Umbrella

If you’re a fan of Vera Bradley‘s distinctive and colorful patterns, this Pixie Blooms bubble umbrella will have you singing in the rain. It’s not as see-through as the other bubble umbrellas but we guarantee it will get you in the mood to splash around and sing in the rain.

ShedRain Windpro Flatwear Vented Umbrella

An inside-out umbrella can damper an already slick situation. This sailor inspired umbrella has a vented canopy design that ensures that it will remain upright and functional no matter how blustery the weather.

Are you a puddle-jumping, rain boot-wearing, umbrella-wielding rain lover? Which of these umbrellas is your favorite? Let us know with a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

January 13, 2016

The Survival Guide to Cold and Flu Season

Nobody enjoys getting sick. While it may sound nice to take the day off and stay in your pajamas at home, when cold and flu symptoms are added in, you usually end up being just plain miserable. From stuffy noses to painful coughs, having the flu or a cold can end up keeping you from your daily routine longer than you want. We’ve got some tips to help you survive cold and flu season without having to live inside a bubble.

Get a Flu Shot

A flu and a cold are very different. More than 100 different viruses can cause a cold, where as only influenza virus types A, B and C cause the flu. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the flu strains health experts believe will be most widespread each season. Yes, you might have a sore arm for a day or two (massage the area gently before and after the shot to prevent soreness) or feel a bit achy the next day, but you can not catch the flu from the vaccine.

Wash Your Hands – A Lot

Wash your hands, over and over again. Wash your hands so much you start to get tired of doing it. Even if you aren’t in a job environment where you work closely with people, germs can stay on objects you touch regularly. Make sure when washing your hands to use soap and scrub hard for at least 20 seconds. Scrub between your fingers, the back of your hands and even under your fingernails.

Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

While the preferred method of getting rid of cold and flu germs is with soap and water, sometimes you can’t always have this on hand. A quick spritz of hand sanitizer is also essential for those who use public transit, where germs can collect in the close environment.

Clean Your Surroundings

Sanitize your surroundings. A cough or sneeze can send germs flying, so sanitize the objects you touch daily. Think of your keyboard, mouse, mousepad, cell phone, doorknobs, light switches, coffee mugs, etc. These can be germ hoarders and you don’t want that on your desk.

Sneeze Into Your Elbow

Sneezing or coughing into your sleeve is the best way to stop the spread of germs from a sneeze or cough when you do not have a tissue. When you sneeze into your hands, you risk touching your face or objects. It might seem hard to break the sneezing into your hand habit, but trust us, it’s worth it. You’re bettering your health and the health of those around you.

If you have fallen under the evil spell of a cold or flu, it’s good to be prepared. When you’re feeling achy in bed, the last thing you’ll want to do is head to the drugstore to get medicine and soup. Build a Cold and Flu Survival Kit filled with medicine, warm socks and all types of flu-killing products. We have a few suggestions on what to put in your kit with Cash Back at Ebates, but feel free to add whatever you like to kick that cold!

Stock up on all these cold and flu essentials at online pharmacy’s like Walgreens or Drugstore.com. If you need to buy for the whole family, get your items in bulk at discount stores like Kmart or Walmart. Don’t forget to use Ebates to get Cash Back on all your online purchases and stay healthy this winter!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.