michaels – user's Blog!

December 24, 2016

7 Super Cool Hobbies That Require Zero Skills

If you have ever wished you had a hobby but you know you’re too lazy to pursue one, this is your lucky day. While a two-week intensive course on beekeeping or private guitar lessons sound super fun (and you’d probably look amazing busting out the guitar solo from “Free Bird” in full protective bee gear), we’re betting those things are pretty pricey and require some natural ability, like, say, manual dexterity or a non-fear of bees (which is totes a skill). So let’s lower the bar just a tad and consider one of these easy and cheap hobbies. Ebates has everything you need to get into some majorly cool hobbies while you rack up some Cash Back.

Meditation: If you can sit still and listen quietly to your own breath, you can meditate. Treat stress and get in touch with your body with only a few minutes of meditation a day. Up the ante by increasing your meditation time gradually and you’ll find your center in less time than you think. To help you get started, search for free meditation apps on your phone. Some provide calming sounds or voice direction to help you melt into your meditation practice.

Coloring: Coloring in adult coloring books, like this adorable one featuring calming cats, is another hobby for the overly stressed. All the hard work of illustrating is done for you, leaving you free to create with color and even tape it to the fridge if you do a gold-star job.

Podcasts: Now you can finally know what the heck all your friends have been talking about. Download podcasts for your car commute or morning train ride on any subject you choose. Go for popular podcasts like “This American Life“ and “Modern Love“, or find top podcasts on special interests like history, pop culture, comedy and more.

Hiking: You don’t have to be an Eagle Scout to get into exploring local trails and landscapes. Hiking is for everyone, and all you need is a map and a good pair of boots like these Danner cascade boots from REI. REI also has a great blog and buyer’s guide so you can find the perfect footwear for your next trek.

Upcycling: Even if you’ve never crafted or taken on a DIY project in your life, upcycling is as easy as it gets. Take the things you no longer use and give them new life with just a few supplies you can get at crafts stores like Michaels or Jo-Ann Fabric. To get you started, seek some inspiration from top blogs such as Upcycle That and ReFashionista.

Calligraphy: In this digital age, you can easily stand apart from the pack by mastering the thank-you note and spiffing them up with some calligraphy. It’s easy to learn and incredibly calming. This starter kit from Etsy will provide everything you need to get scrawling in style.

Blogging: Got some daily musings or rantings to share with the world? Build your own creative space while keeping your writing skills sharp by starting your own blog. WordPress has free blog templates, or you can create your own custom website with GoDaddy. Their site builder is easy to use, and web hosting is affordable for any budget.

Which of these hobbies piques your interest? Let us know with a comment below!

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

October 20, 2016

How To Save on Halloween Costumes, Candy, and Decorations

Halloween, a celebration of ghoulish fun, is a holiday anyone can enjoy. In preparation for Halloween festivities, shops and homes nationwide will soon transform into faux horror houses with cotton spider web adorned porches, bright orange jack-o’-lanterns, and doorways guarded by gargoyles. Whether you’re shopping for a simple costume to wear to the office party or supplies to create a masterfully frightful haunted house, read on for some money-saving tips for a Halloween celebration that’s so affordable it’s scary.

1. Buy in Bulk.

Halloween parties can be just as fun to host as to attend. If you’re throwing a monster ball or spooky bash in celebration of the ghoulish holiday, you’ll likely be in the market for large quantities of various party staples, from candy to décor.

You can score some major savings by buying in bulk at big-box stores like Walmart and Sam’s Club. If you don’t have a membership or simply prefer the convenience of having your items delivered to your door, you can also find some great deals on multi-packs at Amazon. By shopping through Ebates, you can also enjoy some awesome Cash Back and coupons as well.

2. Go thrifting.

While you probably don’t want to buy your candy corn or bite-sized Butterfingers second-hand, you can save quite a bundle shopping second-hand for other items. Many thrift stores have a number of Halloween specials for up to two months prior to the holiday, making it easy to find gently used decor and costumes for cheap.

This can be an especially valuable option for buying kids’ costumes, as children tend to outgrow their costumes or wear out their love of certain characters. Many thrift stores also offer discounts on your next purchase if you bring in a donation beforehand, providing an excellent excuse to do some house cleaning before the winter holidays.

3. Do it yourself.

Whether you’re a champion crafter or a first-timer, Halloween is the perfect time to concoct your own decor. A quick Google search or scroll through Pinterest will produce a slew of inspirational ideas for cool Halloween fixings, whether you’re looking for something fun and family-friendly or something a little spookier. You can find supplies, as well as ideas, from stores like JoAnn Fabrics and Michael’s, and enjoy Cash Back to boot!

4. Rent.

Your local community theater or holiday supply store likely offers rentals as well as for-sale items. If you’re looking to sport a historically accurate Marie Antoinette costume or want to display an ultra-realistic undead zombie on your lawn, this can be a good option to save some major cash.

5. Shop clearance for next year.

Just as there is a plethora of end-of-season or post-season clearance deals (think buying swimwear in September or a wool coat in March), equal opportunity for major savings lies in the days immediately following major holidays like Halloween and Christmas. So though it may seem counterintuitive to order costumes or decorations you likely won’t touch for another 11 months, it can save you some serious cash, and save you some time shopping for next year’s All Hallows’ Eve.

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!

September 8, 2016

Planning a Bachelorette Party that Won’t Break the Bank

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

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

Road Trip

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

Opt for Independently Owned Shops

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

Paintball

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

Sleepover

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

Game Night

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

Karaoke

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

Craft Party

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

August 19, 2016

6 Easy Ways to Save for a Wedding

Planning a wedding can be a super fun endeavor but also incredibly stressful — especially when it comes to creating and sticking to a budget. But learning how to save for a wedding and figuring out how to cut wedding costs doesn’t have to be so painful.

As long as you start early, a few small, everyday changes can make a huge difference in your savings. Add in some wedding-budget tips and careful planning, and saving for a wedding will be as easy as a piece of multi-tiered cake. Check out these money-saving tips to help maximize your wedding budget without feeling totally bound by your purse strings. As a special bonus, you’ll earn Cash Back at Ebates at each of the stores mentioned!

1. Stop Buying Coffee: Save $100 per Month

This one is a no-brainer. Skip the daily fancy lattes and set aside an extra $2 to $5 per day. Making your own coffee can swiftly add up to an extra $100 or more per month, depending on your coffee-buying habit. That extra money set aside can help you defray wedding costs such as table centerpieces and other small essentials. Treat yourself to a simple coffee machine and supplies online at Mr. Coffee and build savings for your wedding into your daily routine.

2. Pack Your Own Lunch: Save $200 per Month

Bringing your lunch to work can easily save you $5 to $10 per day, which, over a few months, could add up to enough to cover your wedding place cards, save-the-dates or even your invitations. Invest in some nice packable lunch boxes and use a promo code to save at Bed Bath and Beyond to double up on your savings for your wedding.

3. Cut Out the Fancy Dinners: Save $120 per Month

Dining out is fun, but when you’re saving for a wedding it’s an easy expense to cut that can save you some serious money. A meal for two at a restaurant can cost you $30 or more, and dining in could add up to an extra $120 or more per month for your wedding savings account. After a few months, you could easily save enough for a tux or flowers for your wedding day.

Invite your friends and family to help support your arsenal of ways to save by setting up weekend potluck dinners rather than eating out at restaurants. This is also a great opportunity to up your cooking skills if you can invest in a couple new cookbooks. Check out the great collection available online at BooksAMillion and get ready to impress your friends and family with both your cooking and saving skills. They may even thank you for all the money they save too! Other money-saving tips include making your own brunch on the weekends, which can add up to $50 to $100 extra for your wedding savings account each month.

4. Pregame at Home: Save $120 per Month

Whether it’s date night or time for you and your girls to hit the town, get started with drinks at home rather than at a bar or restaurant. Drinks and cocktails out on the town can cost you $5 to $15 each, so skipping even one drink each every weekend could add up to an extra $120 per month. Just think of your new cocktail fund as your wedding-favors budget and get something sweet for all your guests to take home with them. If you’re not ready to give up fun cocktails altogether, pick up a great guide and start mixing them yourself!

5. Don’t Impulse Buy Pricey Wedding Accessories

Just because you found the most adorable wedding-cake topper doesn’t mean you have to buy it right then and there, especially if it comes with a hefty price tag (products labeled “wedding” often come with a markup). With a little DIY creativity, you can create these flourishes yourself and potentially save $100 to $200 to put toward your other wedding expenses. Get a head start on DIY wedding elements when you check out the awesome wedding DIY section at Michaels. Save a bundle when you order the supplies you’ll need for classic wedding items such as cake toppers, table décor and gorgeous favors.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

6. Skip the Travel

Planning your wedding in your local area can help you save on wedding costs before the wedding even starts. Whether you are planning your bachelorette weekend or picking out your wedding venue, keeping things local can help keep hundreds of dollars in your budget to spend on other essentials, such as meals for your guests or that awesome live band you’ve been checking out. You can easily divert the money saved on airfare and hotels to other essentials. Another bonus of a wedding near your home is that it makes getting all the DIY wedding items to your venue even easier when the big day finally arrives.

8 Unusual Coloring Books for Adults Who Need to Chill

Of all the de-stressing techniques out there — from massage to yoga — coloring is definitely the cheapest and easiest. Anyone can pick up crayons or colored pencils and let their imagination take over. And what better time to do it than today on National Coloring Book Day?

We know you’ve seen your fair share of mesmerizing mandalas, blooming bouquets and cute cats in coloring-book form. So we’ve rounded up a few options that are a little outside the box for all you pop-culture junkies and appreciators of absurd humor. Treat yourself to some of these unusual coloring books with Cash Back at Ebates. Warning: Some of these are not appropriate for kids. But you weren’t going to share anyway, right?

Vogue Colors A to Z: A Fashion Coloring Book

After a long day of screaming kids or boring meetings, you can pretend you are a world-famous fashion designer sketching away on your Parisian balcony with this super chic Vogue coloring book.

The Official “Game of Thrones” Coloring Book

Go medieval with your me-time. This intricate “Game of Thrones” coloring book from Michaels will help you create fan art in less time than it takes to binge-watch a season.

Swear Word Coloring Book

Color some choice words and phrases instead of screaming them into a pillow or inside your car during rush hour. Trust us: It feels better and reduces frown lines.

Dinosaurs With Jobs

Remember when you were obsessed with dinosaurs? And that was when you only saw them walking around in books or eating people in movies. Now you get to see them face the everyday obstacles you know all too well in this coloring book available at The Book Depository.

Bun B’s Rap Coloring and Activity Book

Coloring is great and all, but what about paper dolls? And what about rap-star paper dolls? Fill in the lines and play dress-up with some of the baddest hip-hop artists, including (but not limited to) Queen Latifah, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Childish Gambino and Questlove.

Lonely Planet Ultimate Travel Coloring Book

You may not have the time or the funds to travel the world, but you can see some of your favorites in non-living color.

[ebatesads id=”in-post”]

Happy Snacks Coloring Book

Stress eating: The struggle is real. Quash those pesky snacking habits by coloring cute versions of your favorite junk foods.

Unicorns Are Jerks

We hate to disappoint you, but unicorns aren’t all majestic and sweet, as demonstrated in this coloring book from BooksAMillion. But at the end of a long, hard day that has brought out some of your choice character defects, isn’t it kind of a relief that they aren’t perfect either?

July 15, 2016

How to Keep Your Kids Active on Summer Break

Now that summer break is in full swing, how are your kids spending their time? With the kids out of school on summer vacation, keeping them out of trouble and off the couch all summer can seem like a full time job. Searching for inspiration on how to keep kids active in summer? Look no further! Get their minds and bodies moving plus get Cash Back at Ebates with these awesome tips, tricks and ideas for helping your family make the most of their summer vacation.

Summer Crafts

Learning a new craft is one of those quintessential summer activities for kids. Keep your kids’ minds busy and happy by setting them up with a mini studio space somewhere in your home. Providing them with a selection of arts and crafts supplies can help to keep them content and happily working on projects rather than turning into a mobile device zombie. Depending on their age and interests, you can find a number of great arts and crafts projects and get supply list inspiration on sites like Pinterest. Once you’ve picked out a line up of summer arts and crafts projects, head online to hunt down an awesome art project promo code from Ebates. Plus, when you shop our top craft stores like Michaels, you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates with each summer crafts project purchase.

Learning a New Sport or Activity

Summer is an awesome time for the kids to get out and head off to the pool, the park or the local taekwondo studio to learn a new skill. Taking lessons during the summer is a great way to keep the kiddos active and engaged while giving them a chance to make new friends. While summer lessons can really add up, especially if you have a couple kids, check out any available deals online at Groupon to find the best prices on summer activities and lessons in your local area. Groupon is also a great source for a class or lesson promo code on the already awesome local deals. Don’t forget that you can save even more when you get fabulous Cash Back at Ebates with each Groupon purchase.

Supply Your Kids With Kits and Guides

Even if your kids aren’t into taking lessons, that doesn’t mean they can’t learn something new. Set them up for learning and fun with a great kit or project that will keep their minds active and growing. Check out cool tech kits at Rakuten.com and earn Cash Back at Ebates all while giving your child’s natural curiosity a healthy boost. Have a great backyard? Send the kids outside to explore and learn with this super cool bug catching kit from Brookstone. Kits and guides can help foster kids interest in independent learning and important subjects that their school might not cover, like robotics! You can even find simple cooking projects from the great books at The Book Depository that can help your kids have fun and learn long after the summer vacation comes to an end.

Outdoor Summer Activities

With all the electronics luring kids into becoming couch potatoes over the break, it can be tough to keep kids active during summer time off. Take some time and shop around online at Dick’s Sporting Goods to help get the gear and games that your kids need to stay active this summer. Invest in the equipment they’ll need for lessons or even to play informal games with friends from the neighborhood to help keep them active.

If your kids aren’t old enough to go off to a park with just friends, you can turn your outdoor space into that yard that all the kids want to come to for summer fun. Help your kids enjoy a summer of play outside right in your own backyard when you find a perfect play set that will encourage them to spend their time outdoors. Set their imaginations free and pick out an awesome play house or swing set combo online at Lowe’s. You’ll get Cash Back from Ebates and if you stay tuned for a summer play set promo code, you could save some serious cash when it comes to prepping your family for a summer break filled with outdoor play. Just make sure you stock up on sunscreen, too!

Summer Vacation Ideas

Taking a summer vacation with kids requires some serious planning but the reward will be memories that last a lifetime. Head to discount travel sites like Travelocity and browse for family friendly summer vacation ideas to book a getaway that the kids will love. As an added bonus, booking online at Travelocity means you’ll be earning Cash Back at Ebates to help your summer budget go even further. Not sure you can afford a multi-day getaway? Consider taking a few day trips to keep your kids active and engaged throughout the summer. Check for activity tickets or even a museum pass promo code online to plan out your day trip summer activities.

What are your favorite ways to keep the kids active during summer vacation? Tell us in the comments below!

June 8, 2016

6 Ways to Show You Care on Best Friends Day

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

Keep It Old School

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

Celebrate Together

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

Make Life Easier

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

For the Kiddos

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

Grown-Up Glitz

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

The Gift of Options

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

April 30, 2016

Money-Saving Graduation Party Planning Tips

Graduation is all about celebrating your grad’s accomplishments. All of their late nights and hard work finally paying off so they can go on to get the dream job on this path we call life. It is not, however, about going into debt over napkins, balloons and beverages. Fortunately, Ebates is here to wow you with graduation party ideas that will save you money, time and headaches.

The DIY Approach

No one will ever claim that the DIY angle will save you time or headaches but the personalized touches and beautiful effects are well worth it for a one-of-a-kind graduation party. You could go wild with all of the creative ideas available on Pinterest but it’s best to keep it within your wheelhouse.

Simple projects include tissue paper pompoms and folded fan rosettes that offer a big impact without breaking the bank. Elicit the help of friends and family to decorate in the colors of your grad’s alma mater. Create a flashback that’ll bring tears of joy with printed photos displayed by string and mini binder clips. Of course, if you’re not so handy yourself, Etsy has plenty of DIY artists to lend you a hand so you can get the look without the time commitment.

Digital Maven

We live in the era of technology so there’s no reason you can’t use it to your advantage. Switch that analog photo display to a computer created slideshow. You (or your tech-savvy friend) can create a slideshow to play on digital picture frames or a television. You can even get your graduation announcements and graduation invitations with a digital yet personalized effect through Minted’s beautiful online invitations. Cut the DJ cost and create a custom playlist with all of your favorite songs and blast your creation from a powerful Bluetooth speaker. Encourage your loved ones to use a custom hashtag on Instagram so you can collect all of the images in one convenient spot. You’ll be able to keep the party planning organized and have a digital record of your special celebration for years to come.

2-For-1 Special

If there are multiple grads in the family, why not stack the celebration? If you split costs with other hosts, you can save on everything from the décor to the photo booth supplies at Michaels and enjoy the benefits of a big party without all of the expense, especially when you use a promo code for additional savings. You can even share graduation cakes and top it with a personalized image of the honorees together. Often times, guests are only spending a few hours at an individual’s party before moving on to the next graduate on the list, so the partnership will keep people enjoying your party for longer.

Plan Ahead

You don’t have to wait until the weeks before graduation to start planning. In fact, you can stock up on things months or even years in advance. Purchase party supplies after graduation season and find sales of 50% off to even 90% off in some cases. Even some food items can be purchased and stored in the pantry or freezer for later.

B-Y-O-Whatever

There’s no shame in asking for a little helping hand. Ask everyone to chip in on the festivities by bringing something to the shindig. Borrow their tables and chairs, ask them to bring their own beverages or even make it a potluck occasion.

Keep It Simple

You don’t have to rent a banquet hall and hire entertainment to have a good time. You’ll have a memorable experience with the ones you love wherever you are. Host the soiree at your house and get your family or friends together to create simple decorations. You don’t have to host a four-course meal either. Friends and family will be hopping around and mingling with each other so keep the food to a manageable antipasti that offers a variety of grab-and-go options. The snacks will save your budget and prevent someone from manning the grill the entire time.

Attending a Party?

If you’re attending and not hosting, we still have tips for you. Things Remembered offers a great collection of personalized items perfect for graduation gifts. Personal tokens are a great symbol to celebrate their accomplishments. Or you can keep it practical with gifts for their new home – which is thankfully no longer a dorm room. They’ll need furniture and fixtures to fill their new space. Or, if you want guaranteed success, graduation cards with a financial contribution can be used towards whatever they need.

Graduation season is a time to celebrate so just remember to have fun. Kick off the next step in their life with a degree in their hand and earn Cash Back at Ebates to save you money on all of life’s moments.

March 29, 2016

DIY Bride Guide for a Budget Wedding

Congratulations! Getting married is cause for major celebration! If you’ve already begun planning your big day, or even if you are just helping out, you probably know that wedding planning can be an expensive endeavor. But with these DIY wedding ideas and tips, you’ll be on the path to your happily-ever-after with some awesome savings along the way, thanks in part to Cash Back at Ebates.

Be Your Own Wedding Planner

Hiring a professional wedding planner generally comes with a jaw-dropping price tag. Spend that money elsewhere and rely on your own planning skills to make your budget wedding a reality. With some proper planning, the right online resources and some DIY wedding moxie, you can easily plan the gorgeous wedding of your dreams without compromising your bank account. Have a dedicated notebook, like The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner, or digital document to keep yourself organized. Make a timeline of the tasks that need to get done early, like picking a venue and sending out save-the-dates to your friends and family. Try to tackle your to-do list consistently to keep the ball rolling and to make your wedding planning workload manageable. Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to your friends and family if you’re feeling overwhelmed and make sure to allow ample time in anticipation of the inevitable challenges and hiccups along the way.

Print Your Own Paper Products

While many folks go straight to a calligrapher or a fancy print shop for their wedding invites and place cards, this is one of the easiest ways to save money with some well-planned DIY. Rather than shelling out an arm and a leg for paper goods subject to the dreaded wedding markup, shop cardstock in pre-cut sizes and print it yourself. If you have any inclination to buy a new printer, this is a great time to do it. You’ll be able to print professional looking invites, place cards, DIY save the date cards and DIY wedding invitations. Plus you’ll have a new printer when it’s all over! Staples has a fantastic selection of high quality printers and wedding paper products that won’t compromise style and will keep your budget wedding on track. Start early and keep an eye out for a printer or wedding invite promo code online at Staples and earn Cash Back from Ebates while you shop!

Save Big With DIY Centerpieces and Wedding Décor

Building your own centerpieces and other wedding decorations may seem like a daunting task but you can do it! How-to blogs on design and Pinterest are going to be your best source of inspiration and information to help you determine what you like and how to make it happen. Considering creating your own flower arrangements? You can save a bundle by shopping for vases or other unique containers at thrift stores. Head online to craft stores like Michaels to check out the selection of wedding decorations and DIY wedding centerpieces, plus get Cash Back from Ebates on your purchase! Michaels is also a great resource to get supplies for a DIY bride hanger and other wedding essentials. Save on your wedding décor by starting to plan it out as early as possible and cashing in on deals like a wedding centerpiece promo code or seasonal sales as they pop up.

Fashion Your Own Wedding Favors

Wedding favors help show your gratitude to each of your wedding guests for being there to help celebrate your special day. DIY wedding favors are an awesome way to say thanks and to help keep your budget wedding on target. Making something special for your guests is a big task so this is a great place to enlist the help of friends, family and the wedding party. Check out go-to DIY wedding favorites like Jo-Ann Fabrics for photo favor supplies and save a bundle with a frames promo code to give each guest a classic keepsake. Whatever wedding favors you pick, be sure to get Cash Back at Ebates to save even more on your DIY wedding. Over the course of the next few months, you and your helpers can easily make all the favors during just a few crafternoons. Enjoy the wedding prep process, it will be over before you know it!