rakuten – Page 3 – user's Blog!

March 25, 2015

Max Your Tax Return with Ebates

Tax Returns are always a fun surprise. While you’re just getting back money that you earned in the previous year, it’s still nice to finally see it in your bank account. If you’re feeling that tax return burning a hole in your pocket, we have some ideas for how to make the most out of it. Wondering how you’re going to spend your tax return? Try out some of these fun ideas!

Take a trip with it
One of the most fulfilling ways to spend your tax return is to put it towards travel. Taking a trip with your return money is a great way to finance your own “spring break”. Check out some of the Expedia coupons from Ebates for discounts and travel packages for a good deal.

Invest in a new entertainment system
If you’re in the market for a new entertainment system, having your tax return is a great opportunity to do it. Isn’t it time you finally got that new television and speaker set-up you’ve been wanting? Or if you have a television you like, an Apple TV or a Google Chromecast is a great way to expand your entertainment options.

Get a new laptop
Every few years, your laptop is going to become obsolete. It’s just the nature of technological innovation. With Best Buy coupons from Ebates, you can get a great deal on your new laptop to get up to speed with the latest system.

Upgrade your wardrobe
One of our favorite things to do when we get cash back is to put it toward upgrading your wardrobe. The changing of the seasons means there’s another move toward new trends and new styles to invest in. With stores like Kohl’s, Nordstrom, and Macy’s on Ebates, you can get great coupons and Cash Back while shopping.

Surprise your kids
For all the parents out there, there’s no better feeling than surprising your kids with something they’ll love. Taking a trip to Disneyland, getting them a new bike, or order a new video game from GameStop they’ve been wanting is a nice gesture.

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

March 25, 2015

Music Festival Survival Guide

Festival season is upon us and if you’re new to the world of all-day music extravaganzas, a little planning will go a long way in terms of what you should bring along. You’ll be in it for the long haul all in the name of rocking out and spending quality time with your best buds. Get prepared with our festival checklist of essential items including a few tried and true life hacks that will make your experience just a little easier.

music_festival_packing — via Bows and Sequins

Festival Packing List:

Mini flashlight – Don’t get caught in a porta-potty after dark without one.
Hand sanitizer – Because porta-potties are gross
Tissues – Because porta-potties run out of TP way too fast
Baby wipes – For messes and spills
Portable cellphone charger
Earplugs
Water bottle – Pro Tip: Freeze it first and use it as an ice pack for quick relief from the heat.
Lip balm with SPF – Nothing worse than sunburn on your lips
Sunscreen
Snacks – Food at festivals is expensive with very long lines. Pack a couple of energy bars to keep you fueled between jumbo hot dogs.
Plastic rain poncho – Because rain happens. Lightweight, easily folds into a tiny square.
Cheap sunglasses – Leave the designer shades at home. Things get rowdy.

Quick Festival Tips:

1. Carry a mini shoulder bag. All of the above items are small enough to cram into it, plus backpacks are invitations for theft since you don’t have eyes in the back of your head.

2. Make a custom staff or flag. If you’re going with a large group, avoid getting broken up in the crowd by letting your freak flag fly high for all to see.

3. Wear closed-toe shoes. You may be tempted to sport sandals but your toes WILL get stepped on. Better protect those piggies.

4. Use hair ties to secure maxi skirts during calls of nature. Wear them on your wrist (they’ll hardly stand out among your bangles and friendship bracelets) and use them to bundle up your maxi skirt so it doesn’t get in the way while in the confined space of a porta-potty. Genius, right?

5. Tie a lightweight scarf around your waist or bag strap. It will be perfect for sitting on in the grass instead of a bulky blanket or towel.

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook, Twitter and Google+!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

February 24, 2015

Travel Essentials: 11 Items to Make Any Trip Easier

Whether you are a solo adventurer or you’re traveling with your entire tribe, getting away has its hassles. From sensible packing to keeping little ones happy (and yourself from going insane), this ultimate list of travel essentials eliminates your questions on what to pack and guarantees smooth sailing during your next “bon voyage.”

1. SHOLDIT Infinity Wrap Purse
Forget fanny packs or even the hidden ones you strap under your clothes. How uncomfortable does that sound? Instead, carry your small essentials with easy access and stay in style with this infinity scarf-turned-purse.

2. Prince Lionheart Backseat Organizer & Kickmat
Long car rides with toddles can wreak havoc on the backs of your seats. This kickmat and organizer protects your upholstery with one easy install.

3. Snack and Play Travel Tray
Another must-have for family road trips, this travel tray will keep everything your little one needs within arm’s reach to reduce the need for pull-overs or dangerous reaching behind your seat.

4. Triangular Crayons
Whether you’re in a plane, train, or automobile, these crayons will not roll away so your kids can keep creating while you get closer to your destination.

5. Travel Jewelry Case
We’ve all opened a suitcase to reveal a tangled mess of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that we have to spend precious vacation minutes untangling. Avoid this time suck with a small and simple travel jewelry case with multiple compartments and ample protective cushioning.

6. Foldable Water Bottles
That hefty plastic water bottle is great when it’s full, but takes up precious cargo room when it’s empty. These foldable bottles are reusable and roll up for easy storage when not in use.

7. EarPlanes Flight Ear Plugs
The change in air pressure on flights can be painful for tiny ears. These ear plugs relieve the pressure and reduce harsh noise naturally with their exclusive CeramX Filter.

8. Tegu Blocks
Perfect for babies and toddlers, these wooden blocks are magnetic, making them hard to slip out of little hands.

9. Travel Compression Bags
There is really no other way to pack your clothes than with compression vacuum bags. The space they take up otherwise is just ridiculous, especially if you’re planning a long trip and don’t want to deal with a Laundromat.

10. Car Seat Transporter
Car seats are heavy and bulky but can easily roll along with this simple car seat transporter. You can even strap your little one in if you need to run and catch that next flight.

11. Colorescience Powdered Sunblock
Putting on extra sunblock on the go is always a sticky ordeal. This light and airy powdered sun protection goes in on a flash so you can get back to your getaway.

What are some items you never travel without? Let us know in the comments below!

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook and Twitter!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

January 2, 2015

3 Tools to Help with Your New Year’s Resolutions

With 2015 just beginning, we are sure you’ve decided on your New Year’s resolutions already. If you’re like us, you might have had some trouble in the past sticking to those resolutions for more than a week or two. We’ve put a list together of resolution helpers that can make sticking to those goals just a little bit easier! Let us know below what you’re doing this year to stay on track with your resolutions.

Getting Fit: Fitbit Flex

This discrete high-tech wrist band is just what you need to track your sleep cycles and how many calories you burn throughout the day so you can meet your fitness goals with ease. With ten colors available, you can make this fitness tracker part of your outfit every day.

Price: $99.99
See Kohl’s Coupons
Shop Kohl’s with 6% Cash Back

Eating Healthier: Monthly Fruit Delivery

If you’re looking for a way to incorporate more fresh fruits and veggies into your diet for 2015, joining a monthly fruit club is a great way to do it! Golden State Fruit allows you to pick your fruit and ships it straight to your door. It’s a great way to try new fruits and eat healthier.
Price: Starts at $22.95
See Golden State Fruit Coupons
Shop Golden State Fruit with 8% Cash Back

Reading More: Kindle Fire HD & 7″ Tablet 16GB

While many of us can admit that we’re probably not reading as much as we should, are we actually doing anything about it? An eReader might be just the thing to nudge you into reading more often. There are tons of eReader options out there, but we are loving the Kindle Fire HD 7″ Wi-Fi Tablet by Amazon for it’s colorful screen, long lasting battery, and lightweight feel.

Price: $224.27
See all Rakuten Coupons
Shop Rakuten with up to 3% Cash Back

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook and Twitter!

Get $50 by Inviting 2 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

December 19, 2014

The 10 Best White Elephant Gifts. Ever.

If nothing else, the giving of a white elephant gift is the ultimate test of one’s creativity, practicality and sense of humor. Or, it’s just a great way to find out if someone actually hates you judging by how terrible their gift to you may be. Personally, I think white elephant gifts need to be at least somewhat useful but above all, they should make someone smile. Whether that smile is out of joy or hilarity (or embarrassment) is entirely up to you.

And so we commence this totally epic list of white elephant gifts guaranteed to tickle your teammates, co-workers, friends, family, therapist, whoever.

[masterslider id=”14″]

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook andTwitter!

Get $75 by Inviting 3 Friends!

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

November 25, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide for the Homebody

Are you shopping for the type of lady who prefers to work from home so she can lounge around in sweats? She’s the girl who likes to curl up on the couch with a glass of wine and a movie rather than get all dolled up for a night on the town.

Just because she isn’t leaving the house, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t appreciate a little glam. We’ve brought together 7 items that will make her feel just as special as she is cozy. Whoever she is in your life, may she be a stay at home mom, an everyday homebody, or even just a girl who appreciates a night in every now and then, here’s a few things for your home girl!

1. Cruiser Turntable (Nordstrom Exclusive) | $80

2. ‘Love the Wine You’re With’ Box Sign (Nordstrom) | $15

3. Happy Mug (Pier 1 Imports) | $8.95

4. Kate Spade Scented Candle (Kate Spade) | $40

5. Philosophy Snow Angel Super Set (Sephora) | $32

6. Michael Kors Carter Slipper (Rakuten) | $56

7. CozyChic Robe by Barefoot Dreams (Nordstrom) | $98

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Don’t Miss Out on Extra Savings:

Sign up for a free account with Ebates and start earning Cash Back on all your purchases. Find thousands of coupons, promo codes and discounts at over 1800 stores plus get Cash Back savings with online rebates.

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook and Twitter!

Get $75 by Inviting 3 Friends!

November 25, 2014

Holiday Gift Guide For Teens & Tweens

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

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

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

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Don’t Miss Out on Extra Savings:

Stay in the loop to hear about great deals and tips! Follow Ebates on Facebook and Twitter!

Get $75 by Inviting 3 Friends!

January 4, 2013

Fitness Finds for 2013

Do you have 2013 fitness goals? I sure do. In order to keep myself focused I am sure to keep around a handful of excellent products to keep my workouts fun, and safe. Best part is that I can earn Cash Back on all of my purchases 🙂

1. A new pair of yoga pants is very necessary – they are stretchy flattering, and versatile. Perfect for all your active goals

2. A lightweight hoodie is great because it can be layered easily

3. A bright, fun pair of running shoes always motivates me to work out

4. Cushioned and absorbent socks are incredibly necessary

5. Stay hydrated with a new water bottle

6. Less cumbersome then an iPhone or iPod, I strongly recommend a little Shuffle for your workout