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How to Throw an Epic End-of-Summer BBQ

Burgers and kabobs on a barbecue grill
Summer is almost a wrap and everyone is sad to see it go – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t throw it a goodbye party! As the last few days of summer will soon be here, now is the perfect time to throw an end of summer BBQ for your friends and family. Check out this simple list of BBQ tips and summer BBQ party ideas and get ready to get the gang together for one last summer shindig. As an added bonus, you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates with your purchase at any of the mentioned stores. Happy party planning!

1. Plan Your BBQ Menu Around Summer Favorites

Your final summer BBQ is a great time to feature everyone’s favorite summer BBQ food. Grilled shrimp, lobster, chicken and burgers are all premium choices. Make sure you don’t forget about those summer BBQ side dishes that you’ll miss the rest of the year, too! Veggie skewers, portobello burger bites, grilled corn, watermelon and a classic coleslaw will round out the meal. This is no time to skimp on your summer favorites! Throw a checkered tablecloth on those tables and live up the summer fun for one more day with a summer BBQ menu before fall officially arrives. Looking for fun summer BBQ ideas? Consider doing a BBQ sauce tasting! Cost Plus World Market has a great selection of sauces available online for your summer BBQ along with a ton of other great supplies to make your BBQ ideas come to life.

Patio Heater2. Consider the Temperature When Planning Your Party

Depending on your region, the end of the summer can mean cooler days and even cooler nights. Take your area’s climate into consideration and either plan to host your BBQ during the day or pick up some outdoor heaters from Walmart to keep your guests comfortable outdoors at night. Be sure to keep an eye out for an outdoor heater or lighting promo code as the summer comes to a close!

3. Prep Your Food Early and Offer Pitcher Perfect Drinks

Don’t miss out on your last party of the summer by spending the whole time cooking or mixing drinks – plan ahead! Make any food and drinks you can ahead of time to save your energy for the day of the party. You can make a big batch of your favorite summer drink ahead of time and put into it into a festive punch bowl from Crate and Barrel.

Vintage badminton rackets and shuttercock lying in grass4. Live it up With Some Summer Fun

Don’t forget about the games when it comes time to throw your end of summer BBQ party! Make it a party people won’t forget until next summer rolls around with great summer games like bag toss, volleyball, badminton or other summer classics. Set up some games, like an awesome horseshoes set from Rakuten.com, and be sure to keep an eye out for an end of the season promo code.

5. Pack Away All Your Summer Stuff as You Pick Up

You can plan your party décor and activities around all the stuff that will need to be packed away at the end of the summer season. If the arrival of fall means the end of your outdoor party season, get your storage containers ready for the end of the party. You’ll tackle two tasks in one when you pack up your summer party supplies and tuck them away until next year. If you need storage bins, check out the amazing supply online at The Container Store and get everything you need to keep organized so you’ll be ready to launch the next epic bash next summer!

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How to Shop End of Summer Sales Like a Pro

Three women with shopping bags catching a sale

The end of the season is fast approaching. Soon, the weather will change, the foliage will change and of course the fashions will change. For all of you summer lovers out there we have great news that will ease your transition into the cooler months. The end of summer is one of the best times to find great deals on clothes, home wares, seasonal goods and more. An end of summer sale at your favorite store can stock you up for a year or more, if you play your cards right. The key to banking big on end of summer sales is to shop smart. To secure your end of summer savings, make sure to shop with a summer deals promo code from Ebates. When you shop our top stores with these insider tips, you will find the best end of summer shopping and the best savings of the year with Cash Back at Ebates on every purchase.

1. Have a Battle Plan

The end of summer is full of holiday sales, specials on seasonal goods, closeouts and more. Check out the Hot Deals at Ebates to find out which of your favorite retailers are having Labor Day sales. Mark your calendar for when sales begin and end. Combine a promo code within the sale window and you could save even more when you buy. Make the most of a Labor Day sale and you will see that it pays to plan ahead – literally.

Woman browsing clothing racks2. Shop for Transitional Pieces

Look for layering pieces that can bring you from the heat of the summer into the cool, brisk air of fall. You can always depend on the classic looks from Ralph Lauren and Lacoste to transition your wardrobe seamlessly from late summer to early fall. Pick up a variety of pieces that can easily be layered. Still in love with summer colors? There’s no harm in having a pop of bright summer color highlighting the more neutral tones of your go-to fall wardrobe.

3. Stock up for Next Year

Thinking ahead to next year will help you make the most of your end of summer clothes shopping. Because retailers are turning over their summer inventory to make room for upcoming fall and winter fashions, this is a great time to stock your closet with basics for next year. No matter how styles change in a year, be sure to pick up wardrobe fundamentals like light fabrics, beach basics and accessories from versatile stores like J.Crew and you’ll be fully stocked and ready for next summer.

Checking out at the store with a credit card4. Make the Most of Loyalty Rewards

Just like some credit card companies offer per-purchase reward points or other incentives, many retailers reward their customers with free shipping offers, bonus rewards, store credit and more. So before you hit the big end of summer sales, check out the reward programs offered and make the most of every dollar spent.

5. Invite Your Friends

Every retailer wants to spread the word about their products. The best way to do that is to encourage shoppers to refer their friends and many retails offer rewards for referrals. The other great part about shopping with friends online is that you can comparison shop and see who can get the best deal on a specific item. A little friendly competition has never been so rewarding!

6. Don’t Fear Commitment

The shopping cart is your friend. You can fill your cart with dream goods and amazing bargains at will and then carefully cull it down before you check out. Don’t think of your cart as a place to put your purchases, think of it as a place to put potential purchases. It’s not an impulse buy if you don’t actually buy it! When you review your shopping cart before checking out, you might be surprised by how easy it can be to combine items and deals to get more of what you want for less.

Pretty young mom carrying lovely little daughter who's holding a beautifully wrapped present in her hand, they both smiling joyfully while talking to each other in front of the lighting decoration in the shopping mall7. Shop Now For the Holidays

There are fewer than 120 shopping days until Christmas. Now is the time to pad out your holiday shopping list with awesome end of summer deals. The end of summer is a great time to shop for summer-weight clothes, linens and towels at huge savings. With the kind of low prices you can find by shopping a summer sale, you’ll save enough to get yourself a little something special too!

8. Shop for the Family

The end of summer means the start of school. This is the time to find all the back-to school goods for your kids while you shop for yourself. Concentrate your shopping at department stores like Walmart and you can find great whole-purchase coupons when you buy everything from socks to snacks.

9. Watch for Price Adjustments

Did you fall in love with an item that just never seems to drop in price, even during the best end of summer sales? If you know you’ll wear it and love it, don’t be afraid to buy the occasional full price item among all your summer deals. Some of our top retailers, like Gap, offer price adjustments so that if an item you purchase goes on sale right after you buy it, you can get that deal after all.

10. Save Everywhere You Go

When it comes to saving money, you can never save too much. If you know how to work it, it is possible to find a coupon for almost every product and service out there. Groupon offers the best daily deals and coupons for your local retailers, restaurants and service providers and can save you up to 70%. Now that’s just good math.

What are your favorite end of summer shopping tips? Tell us in the comments below!

 

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Fun Ways to Spend Your Labor Day

Group of friends hiking through nature on Labor Day

Labor Day is practically made for fun. Landing right at the heels of summer, it’s a chance for one last hurrah before autumn sets in and we begin to bundle up and bunker down for a few months spent evading the chill by binge-watching Netflix and preparing for the less leisurely holidays to come. It’s the perfect respite from back-to-school preparations and the daily 8-5 grind. Here is a list of awesome ways to make the most of your Labor Day weekend.

1. Take a hike.

From amber waves of grain to majestic purple mountains, the U.S. is filled with natural treasures. The three-day weekend is the perfect opportunity to venture out and get in tune with your wild side. Pack up your tackle box and head to the lake for some late-season fishing, or take a trip to the seaside to enjoy one last dip in the waves before the weather turns too chilly.

State and national parks are also great places to visit for a day or the weekend. The early September weather is perfect for a long hike, with typically clear skies and moderate temperatures. It’s also ideal for camping. Many parks and lake sites include camping and cabin rentals, and there’s nothing quite as relaxing as a warm late-summer night spent roasting s’mores under the stars. Check out Cabela’s and Backcountry.com for awesome deals on everything from fishing rods to knapsacks before you head out.

Pair of shoppers going to a big sale

2. Shop the sales.

Everyone needs a little retail therapy now and again, and what better time to get some than on one of the biggest sale days of the year? It’s an especially great time to shop for back-to-school supplies and clothes, so if you are a student or parent of a matriculating student, check out stores like Old Navy, Target, and Kohl’s for some killer deals on everything from backpacks to blue jeans.

On the other hand, if you’re evading the dreaded “s” word, or aren’t a student or parent of a student, there’s no shortage of awesome deals on a variety of other products as well. Labor Day is also the best time of year to buy summer clothes at deeply discounted prices. To make the most of your purchases, check out the clearance racks at shops that are also offering storewide deals or Cash Back so you can double-dip on some savings. And just because you’re buying a tank top in September doesn’t mean you won’t be able to wear it until June. Consider picking pieces that you can layer underneath cardigans and jackets so you can start enjoying your savvy shopping haul right away, and all year long. Some stores touting killer Labor Day sales include Banana Republic, Macy’s, and Amazon.

Group of friends having a barbecue

3. Host a backyard cookout.

Break out the grill for one last cookout before summer’s end. Barbecues are the perfect weekend get-together, a chance for you and your friends to really kick back, relax, and enjoy some backyard volleyball or badminton. Don’t have a ball or a net? You can grab one from Dick’s Sporting Goods while enjoying 5% Cash Back and some killer discounts through Ebates.

Since nobody wants to work on Labor Day, make things easy on yourself and your wallet by asking your guests to bring a dish to share, potluck style. With everyone pitching in, there’s no need to worry that any one partygoer won’t have something to eat, which is especially helpful if you’ve got friends with dietary restrictions or allergies. You can provide the entrees, which you can get some awesome deals on from Safeway. If you’re providing the alcohol, you can also ask guests to bring a mixer, or if you’re going BYOB, provide a few mixers yourself. If you’re planning far enough in advance, order online at Amazon to save yourself some time.

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How to Plan the Best Summer Picnic without Breaking the Bank

Picnic basket and blanket on grass

When you think of summer, you might think of BBQs in the backyard, swimming in a lake, and most importantly, packing up the family or grabbing your friends to head out for a picnic. Nothing quite beats reclining in the sun or under the shade of an umbrella, eating ice cream, sipping iced tea, and enjoyed a good ol’ fashioned ham sandwich with good conversation.

If your budget is looking a little tight, you can still plan the best summer picnic without having to go overboard. Whether you’re searching for the perfect place to host your summer outing or stocking up on all your summer wear, this guide lists a few ways to create the best picnic on a budget.

1. Reserve a table at a public park.

Living in an urban area can make it difficult to find that perfect picnic location. An open green field or a cozy campsite in the woods can mean long car rides and high gas prices, and though national parks are a perfect retreat, the admission prices aren’t that great for your bank account. But who says you can’t enjoy fresh air and nature closer to home? By popping over to your local public park and reserving yourself a table, you can have that open-air experience without the expenses, and also without those pesky ants. To top it off, a public park means easier access for attendees if you’re holding an event for your company or community, or hosting a family reunion, saving you both time and effort.

Friends having fun at a picnic2. Have a potluck and share with friends.

Dinner for one isn’t that bad, but when you’re trying to pack all the food for your friends or an event into a series of coolers, and trying to manage the numbers tallying up on your bank statement, suddenly you have a problem. Plus, if you’re not a great cook or don’t have the time to make all the food, then buying all the supplies premade can put a real dent in your budget.

Picnics are a great way to get some sun and hang out with friends, so why not make your social event even more social? Turn your picnic into a potluck and have everyone bring their favorite dish. Not only does this cut back on the costs and effort of preparing and carrying the food, but it’s great for sharing recipes and starting up fun conversations about where people learned to make certain dishes.

Picnic setting3. Do some DIY.

We all have a checklist for the perfect picnic. Sandwiches? Check. Umbrella? Check. Cooler? Uh-oh, the last one took a long walk off a short pier, and your budget just isn’t cut out for another. If you’re coordinating a huge event and need major supplies, it’s even more costly to buy not one but five coolers.

It’s time to get creative and use your own hands, leaving your credit card firmly in your wallet. There are plenty of great DIY methods for making all you need for your perfect summer picnic. For example, building your very own cooler is as easy as taking a cardboard box, lining it with a plastic garbage bag, filling it with ice packs, and then piling in your cold food. Don’t have any ice packs? Freeze some plastic water bottles that are only partly full, and enjoy both your own impromptu ice pack and a cold drink on the way back home. It’s easy, effective, and has the potential to be a great conversation starter.  

Scooping a bowl of ice cream4. Enjoy desserts to keep away the heat.

You’ve planned it all week and finally it’s here – your lovely family picnic out in the sunshine. Yet the weather threw you a curveball by being a lot hotter than you anticipated. Even your sunhat is ready to pack up and go home. There’s no need to rush back to the air conditioning and the boring indoors you’ve been trapped in all year; it’s time to break out the ice cream and bring down the temperature. Run down to your local Walmart and save even more, keeping you cool and your bank account calm.

5. Take advantage of Cash Back.

Helping the budget doesn’t mean turning down your favorite kind of soft drink or cutting your picnic short when your faulty umbrella decides to go haywire. Places like Overstock offer up to double Cash Back on all the supplies you could need so you can be well-equipped while keeping your budget firmly intact.

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Lip Glosses Under $25 for All Skin Tones

Woman wearing orange lip gloss

Just less than a year ago, it was all about the mattes. Bone-dry finishes that would make your lips the boldest part of your MOTD were a total must-have. Now the tide is finally turning to a wet look that is all summer. Thankfully, there is such a huge variety of lip glosses from natural to edgy and everything in between. But before you pick your new favorite lip gloss, let us show you some of our favorite shades for every skin tone. These lip colors are all under $25 and come with Cash Back at Ebates so you can update your face game without breaking the bank.

Light Skin

Three lip glosses in gold, pink, and wine

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Lipgloss in Forbidden, $18 (Sephora) | Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Lip Gloss in Seedless Watermelon, $1.99 (Walgreens) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Bordeaux, $16 (ULTA Beauty)

Light skin tones look fabulous with a mauvey nude for day, sheer pink for the weekend, and dusty brick red for evening.

Olive Skin

Three lip glosses in gold, purple, and pink

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Sandstorm, $5.99, (Walgreens) | Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Like A Boss, $22 (Sephora) | NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler, $4.99 (ULTA Beauty)

Don’t shy away from a little sparkle. Olive and warmer tones should give a glittery gold a whirl, go bold with an electric violet or spicy with an orange-toned red.

Dark Skin

Three lip glosses in peach, gold and pink

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lip Gloss in Sunset, $10.49 (Walgreens) | Black Up Lipshine in Champagne, $19 (Sephora) | BAREMINERALS Moxie Buttercream Lip Gloss in Electric Fuchsia, $18 (ULTA Beauty)

These lip glosses for dark skin will take you from the board room to the boardwalk in a snap. Go peachy pink for day, metallic copper for evening and fiery fuchsia for the weekend.

Deep Skin

Three lip glosses in pink, peach and red

stila Lip Glaze in Watermelon, $22 (Sephora) | Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Maui, $16  (ULTA Beauty) | L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lip Gloss in Rich Red, $5.89 (Walgreens)

Some of the best lip glosses just take your natural lip color up a notch. A sheer pink will make your lips pop ever so gently while a pale coral will look bold yet beautiful against deep-toned skin. Then, go redder than red for a sultry evening look.

Which one of these shades are you dying to try? Let us know with a comment below?

 

 

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How to Say Goodbye to Summer With a Glamping Trip

Young couple wrapped in blanket camping

Camping is not for everyone. The bugs. The heat. The agony. But your knack for modern conveniences doesn’t need to deter you from a wondrous weekend in the great outdoors. That’s where glamping comes in.

Glamping, a pithy mashup of glam and camping, is the new way to enjoy Mother Nature without giving up what you love so dearly. And with fantastic glamping gear on the rise, you’re bound to see more of it. You don’t have to hit up the sometimes pricey glamping resorts in order to enjoy the finer style of camping. DIY glamping is a welcomed alternative for frugal-minded readers at Ebates who love to earn Cash Back on every purchase. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the sights and sounds with the comforts you crave. Here’s our list of glamping essentials to get you started off right.

Big green camping tentSpacious Living

Who says camping has to be spent inside a sleeping bag in a cramped tent? Let’s face it, a 5-person tent will comfortably hold three at most. But space doesn’t have to be an issue with a multi room tent from Walmart. The larger spaces allow you to fit multiple air mattresses so you’re comfortably off the ground. You can even designate a space for inside eating, assuming you didn’t actually meet the 12-person capacity of some of the bigger tents. Some glamping tents even have vents that conveniently fit a small air-conditioning unit!

Culinary Cuisine

Building a fire is a hassle and a skillset not all possess. A camp stove makes life easier, but one that also charges your phone makes for a happy glamper. Use a promo code and score a sweet camp stove from Newegg that uses renewable energy (versus the cumbersome and costly canisters most camping stoves use) and features a convenient charging port for any USB device.

Clean & Carefree

If you’re not living large in glamping trailers, a nice shower will seem like a luxury. But walk into campsite showers and the thought of cleanliness may seem like a long shot. The folks over at Camping World have plenty of shower systems that even include hot water, so you can take warm water with you anywhere you camp out.

Camping movie screenWell Entertained

Even those who enjoy camping will tell you that when the sun sets, the good times kind of come to a stop. But the general lack of lighting can play in your favor if you wanted to set up a late night movie screening. Of course toting along the flat panel might be a bad idea. Instead opt for a great movie screen available at Cabela’s that you can hang from the trees or prop up on legs. Bring your projector and Bluetooth speaker and cast movies on your own private big screen. Just don’t forget the popcorn!

Decorative outdoor throw pillowsFrilly & Fanciful

No glamping trip is complete without a few homey accessories to liven up the spot. Score some outdoor throw pillows at Overstock.com to bring comfort and color to your new home away from home. All of the glamping essentials you need to breathe life into the space are just a click away. Pick up the glamping accessories you need for your next outing and tell us all about your outdoor glamping adventures in the comments below!

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5 Outdoor Party Tips for Unforgettable Summer Gatherings

Young people having a barbecue

Every season has its upsides when it comes to party planning, but it’s pretty much a given that summer is the best season for throwing an outdoor party, especially if you’re not sure you even know how to throw a party. The best thing about outdoor parties is that they’re great for first-timers because ample food and drink choices, warm weather and the availability of your guests is pretty much a given. But even when the odds are ever in your favor, it can still be a little intimidating to host an outdoor party. That’s why we’ve collected our top five outdoor party planning tips and paired them with five great stores, so you can easily stock up on everything you need for a great time. Start your supplies shopping at Ebates to save big on your bash and earn Cash Back on all of your party planning essentials.

Drinks with straws on a table1. Keep It Simple

Above all else, the number one summer party tip is to keep it simple. Plan a menu that can be prepared and served all at once, can be cleaned up easily and avoids the need for oven or hot-top cooking. Don’t go nuts with a theme and don’t over-think the playlist. For a runaway success, pare your party down to the bare essentials: something to eat, something to drink, something to talk about and somewhere to sit. The first three are up to you, but for the best in outdoor furniture, check out Home and Patio Décor Center and use a patio décor promo code when you buy to get great savings. Not only does Home and Patio Décor Center have a huge variety of outdoor furniture from portable to permanent, but they also carry all the extras like landscape lighting, unbreakable dishware, outdoor rugs and more.

String lights hanging from a tree2. Let Nature Be Your Decorator

Let’s face it. There is no better decorator than Mother Nature. With seasonal flowers and greenery all around, items like streamers, balloons, flags or other party store decorating ideas can simply be finishing touches. Summer parties are all about comfort and ease so let your party decorations reflect that. Walk around your yard, your neighborhood or your local park to see what you can find to decorate your party naturally. Big bold foliage like tall grasses or leafy branches accent a table well, and small colorful leaves make great subtle accents. Of course, the best way to guarantee all-natural summer party décor is to plant your own blooms, herbs and plants. Check out Burpee Gardening to get all the tips, tools, seeds and supplies you need to make sure your summer parties are full of color.

Friends dancing in the backyard3. Connect Inside and Outside

Even on the most beautiful summer day, any party needs a connection to the indoors for essentials like electricity, restrooms and running water. But you don’t want the party vibe to get lost in the transition from inside to out so find a way to connect them by leaving windows open, playing the same music indoors as out or even take everyday furniture outside. Aim to keep the indoor lighting subtle and indirect. Whether it’s evening or mid-day, a cool, dim indoors makes a good partner with an outdoor party. Shop Light in the Box for great deals on string lights, novelty lights, faux flames and more dimmable lighting ideas with incredible shipping offers.

4. No Idle Hands

Everybody wants to help when it comes to a summer party. Leave a few things undone that early-comers can lend a hand with such as plugging in the string lights, filling ice buckets, bringing out the yard games or setting up the sound system. It’s just busy work, of course, but it will give people a chance to mingle, meet and start their own conversations while you mix cocktails and heat up the grill. To find everything you need to make set-up a snap, no matter who’s doing it, head to Shindigz with a summer promo code. There you can save big on all the gear, games and goods you need to keep your guests entertained.

5. One Good Thing Leads to Another

Every party leaves something behind and the best thing you can do is be sure to separate out what you could use for the next shindig. Don’t just toss those few paper plates or plastic cups, they will come in handy next time. Try to save what you can of leftovers by freezing, or pack your guests to-go bags like party favors. Cut down on clean-up by organizing ahead of time where trash, recycling, food scraps and leftovers will go. For food and party supplies storage solutions, your one-stop shop is The Container Store where you can find everything from storage bins to ice cube trays.

What are your favorite outdoor party tips? Tell us in the comments below!

 

 

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How to Keep Your Kids Active on Summer Break

Kids blowing bubbles outside

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.

Kids doing arts and craftsSummer 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.

Bugwatch Bug Catching Kit for KidsSupply 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!

Little girl in bathing suit hanging upside downSummer 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!

 

 

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Sandals Summer Vacation Giveaway

Win a Sandals Vacation Giveaway from Ebates

Ebates wants to help you get away to the destination of your wildest dreams. We’ve partnered with Sandals to give one lucky Ebates member the chance to win a 4-day, 3-night stay for two adults at the Sandals destination of their choice*, worth approximately $1,450!

All included. All unlimited. All the time!

As an award-winning hospitality company, Sandals makes it easy to book your dream vacation anywhere in the world. Prepare for your next adventure with Cash Back at Ebates on all-inclusive Caribbean resorts and vacation packages fit for an intimate getaway or a fun-filled family vacation.

Which destination would you choose?

Every Sandals location sits directly on a stunning beach, on six of the most gorgeous islands in a region famous for its endless white sand expanses, exquisite turquoise waters and romantic sunsets. Discover Jamaica’s warm reggae pulse, the Bahamas’ sophisticated beat, St. Lucia’s volcanic majesty, or Antigua’s exotic allure. Sandals has everything you need to make your escape.

beaches

How to Enter the Sandals Vacation Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, join over 8 million other savvy shoppers who earn up to 40% Cash Back on almost everything they buy. Join Ebates and receive a $10 Welcome Bonus when you join for free today at www.ebates.com. *You must be an Ebates member to be eligible to win.

2. After you enter your Ebates email, you can earn extra entries for each type of entry. Comment, tweet, pin, follow us, like us, circle us — the more you do, the more entries you get! This sweepstakes ends on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at 11:59 PM PST. The winner will be randomly picked through Gleam, and will be posted on Facebook and this blog. Please be aware of the Giveaway Rules.

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox, as the winner will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

Sandals Summer Vacation Giveaway

 

 

 

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The Ultimate Water Park Survival Guide

 

Little girl playing in water park

Summer is here and it’s a great time to load up the gang and head out for a day of family fun at a water park! Water parks are a great place for families to get outside, hit the water slides and have a seriously exciting time together. With some proper preparation, your day at the water park can be a splashing success. If you’re wondering what to bring to a water park, look over this handy checklist for water park tips, tricks and even learn how to earn Cash Back at Ebates when you’re planning for your big day out on those water rides.

 

  1. Sunscreen: Wondering what to wear to a water park? Your first order of business should be a healthy layer of sunscreen. Before you hit the slides for the day, protect your skin and your family with a good sunscreen.
  2. Swim Suit: This one may seem like a no brainer, but best to double check that everyone has packed their suits before heading out to the water park. Need a new size or style? Check for a swimsuit promo code and save a bundle on your new look.
  3. UV Protection Swim Shirt: Add an extra layer of protection from the sun, even when the sunscreen starts to wear off.
  4. Plenty of Water and Snacks: Whether you buy them at the park or can bring your own, be sure to keep your family hydrated and feeling great.
  5. Waterproof Cellphone Case: Like to keep your phone on you at all times? A watertight pouch or case is a great investment for a day at the water park.
  6. Phone Charger or Spare Battery: After a long day at the park, your battery will likely be a little low.
  7. Hair Brush & Hair Ties: If anyone in your group has long hair, they’ll thank you!
  8. Waterproof Camera: Snap some great shots of the kids at the water park without worrying about the splashes hitting your lens.
  9. Goggles: If your water park pack likes to spend time underwater, make sure to bring them a pair of goggles to protect their eyes.
  10. Unique Beach Towels: With the huge crowds at water parks, towels can easily get lost in the fray. A unique or customized towel can really pay off at the end of the day when you can dry off with your own dedicated towel.
  11. Hat With a Brim: A hat might not stay on for the fast rides, but you’ll be happy to have it when you’re riding the lazy river!
  12. Bug Spray: If you live in a particularly buggy area, this can be a lifesaver.
  13. Cheap Sunglasses: Don’t worry about losing or ruining your fancy shades during your day on the water slides.
  14. Toiletries & Medications: If you plan to be away from home all day, make sure you pack the toiletries and medications your group will need throughout the day.
  15. Pouch for Valuables: Leave anything other than the essentials at home, but keep a small pouch or bag on you with stuff like money and car keys if the park doesn’t provide lockers.
  16. Water Shoes: Protect your family’s feet from concrete catastrophes with a bright, fun pair of water shoes that add traction to prevent dangerous slips and falls.
  17. Band-Aids: In case an accident does happen, it’s best to be prepared with a mini first aid arsenal of your own.
  18. Picture of the Kids: You probably already have one in your wallet or phone, but a photo can help water park staff find your kids if they wander off.
  19. Dry Clothes: Make sure everyone has a set of dry clothes that are kept dry throughout the day for when it’s time to pack up and head home.
  20. Packable Bag: A big bag that you can fill with all your summer fun essentials is a critical part of your water park checklist and is a good investment for all your summer outings.

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