toys

November 8, 2017

The Most Popular Toys Through the Decades

Every holiday season, there’s one must-have toy. Customers have been known to wait in line for hours, pay massive amounts of money and even physically fight in toy-store aisles during Black Friday sales just to get their hands on the year’s hottest toy.

Read on to discover the most popular toys of the past three decades — and what the next toy craze will be.

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Cabbage Patch Kids (1983)

Created in 1978 by Xavier Roberts, these “adoptable” soft-sculpture dolls were all the rage in the 1980s. Due to a clever marketing campaign, the dolls were a virtual overnight success, raking in $600 million in sales by 1985. The dolls flew off the shelves during the holidays, forcing customers to wait in line for hours to purchase one. The success of the Cabbage Patch Kids grew and grew until they became the best-selling introduction of a doll in history.

Transformers (1984)

Originally produced in 1984 by Japanese toy company Takara and the American toy company Hasbro, these shape-shifting robots quickly became a sensation. The toys became so popular that they spawned an animated series, an animated film in 1986 and the extremely popular live-action movie franchise in the 2000s.

Teddy Ruxpin (1985 and ’86)

This animatronic talking teddy bear was initially produced by the toy manufacturer Worlds of Wonder and introduced to the market in 1985. The storytelling teddy’s slogan boasted of being “the world’s first animated, talking toy.”

Koosh Ball (1987)

This delightful ball made of rubber strings was created by Scott Stillinger, who named his product after the sound it made when it hit the ground. The toy was marketed by Mattel and was a smashing success.

Nintendo Entertainment System (1988)

This 8-bit video-game console was an astounding success when it first hit the market in 1988, with 7 million systems sold the year it was released — especially during the holiday season. The market for NES cartridges that year was larger than the market for the entirety of all computer software.

Game Boy (1989)

The handheld Nintendo game console quickly sold an incredible 1.1 million units, outselling all of its video-game counterparts and becoming one of the best-selling electronic game devices of all time.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures (based on the characters from the film of the same title) were wildly popular during the holiday season of 1990, selling more than 30 million units by Christmas.

Super Nintendo (1991)

Nintendo was on a roll in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and its new release, Super Nintendo, was no exception. It quickly became the best-selling video-game console of the 16-bit era.

Barney (1992)

Created by the toy-manufacturing company Dankin, the plush purple dinosaur based on the popular TV character came about because parents demanded it after seeing their kids cuddling video cassette boxes of the series.

Talkboy (1993)

This portable audio cassette player and recorder was conceived and used as a prop for the 1992 film “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” After the success of the film, young fans demanded a real-life version of the Talkboy. Released by Hasbro, the Talkboy became so popular during the holiday season that the company was forced to pull the product’s ads due to short supply.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1994)

These action figures were based on the characters of the extremely popular television series of the same title. The toys flew off the shelves during the 1994 holiday season.

Beanie Babies (1995)

These stuffed animals were created by Ty Warner, who would arbitrarily take certain Beanie Babies off the market, making them hard-to-find collectibles that customers would pay hundreds of dollars for. The demand for the toys became so intense that some customers had physical altercations in store aisles over the stuffed dolls.

Tickle Me Elmo (1996)

Based on the Elmo character from “Sesame Street,” this giggling doll was manufactured by Tyco and introduced to the market in 1996. Elmo was an unexpected success, and the entire stock of 1 million dolls sold out by the end of the year. Since the toy was in such short supply, scalpers capitalized on the demand and sold it for hundreds of dollars while physical altercations between customers repeatedly broke out over the doll.

Tamagotchi (1997)

At the height of this handheld virtual pet’s popularity, 15 Tamagotchis were sold every minute in the U.S. and Canada, and more than 40 million units were sold worldwide.

Furby (1998)

Originally priced at $35, these electronic, robotic toys were in such demand during the Christmas season that their resale value skyrocketed to as much as $300. An astounding 27 million Furbies were sold in 1998.

Pokémon (1999)

This popular franchise based on the Game Boy game was a smashing success during the holiday season of 1999. The craze involved various kinds of merchandise, particularly trading cards, and also sparked a popular animated TV series. Pokémon is still a powerhouse today. In 2017, the company reported that more than $900 billion of Pokémon-related products have been sold.

Razor Scooter (2000)

Originally manufactured by Sharper Image, this popular scooter ushered in the new millennium with a bona fide holiday frenzy. The Razor was so popular that it led to the creation of a new extreme sport: freestyle scootering.

Bratz (2001)

These teen fashion dolls with the distinct look of big heads and skinny bodies were so successful in 2001 that they surpassed Barbie as the No. 1-selling toy geared toward girls. Despite the success, many parents were concerned that the dolls were too provocatively dressed and that they promoted an unhealthy body image.

Beyblades (2002)

This line of spinning-top toys was developed and manufactured by Takara Tomy in 2002. It dominated the market and was one of the most popular toy lines in the world from 2000 to 2005.

Yu-Gi-Oh! (2003)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game has been wildly popular in Japan since 1998, and 3.5 billion cards trading cards were sold prior to the Yugi Starter Deck’s 2002 release in North America. The game caught on in the U.S., and it landed on many top toy lists for 2003. In 2009, Guinness World Records named it a top selling trading card game, with over 22 billion cards sold worldwide.

Robosapien (2004)

This biomorphic robotic toy was manufactured by WowWee Toys, and it sold a whopping 1.5 million units between April and December 2004.

Xbox 360 (2005)

This video-game console was rushed to shelves by Microsoft to beat out the soon-to-be-released Sony PlayStation 3. The strategy worked, because the Xbox 360 sold a total of 5.5 million units during its first six months on the market.

PlayStation 3 (2006)

This video-game console was incredibly popular in 2006, continuing the trend of wildly successful gaming releases. The system was so popular upon its release that people became violent in their attempts to acquire one.

Nintendo DS (2007)

This dual-screen, touch-screen gaming system from Nintendo swiftly became highly popular. In 2007, the DS broke records to become the fastest-selling handheld game console of all time with 653,000 units sold in one week. To date, worldwide sales on all consoles in the DS family total a whopping 154 million units.

Nintendo Wii (2008)

Nintendo was on a roll in the late 2000s, and the Nintendo Wii was proof of that. The gaming system sold 10 million units by the end of 2008, many of which were purchased during the holiday season.

Zhu Zhu Pets (2009)

Originally known as Go Go Hamsters in the U.K., these plush robotic toys were all the rage during the Christmas season of 2009. Originally sold for $9, the Christmas demand became so high that their value shot up to $60.

iPad (2010)

This tablet is beloved by adults, of course, but it also was a massively popular gift for children during the 2010 Christmas season — so popular that it sold more than 300,000 units on the first day of its release.

LeapPad Explorer (2011)

A tablet computer developed for kids, the LeapPad Explorer flew off the shelves during the 2011 holiday season. After its initial success, it was awarded Toy of the Year honors by the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

Wii U (2012)

This video-game console was another holiday-season home run for Nintendo. It sold like hotcakes, and customers reportedly waited in line for hours to get one.

Big Hugs Elmo (2013)

This plush talking Elmo followed the massive success of Tickle Me Elmo, and was nearly as successful during the 2013 holiday season.

Elsa Doll (2014)

The doll based on the character from the hit animated film “Frozen” was a wild success. It was crowned the new queen of dolls marketed to girls, and retailers were caught off guard by its demand during the holiday season, leaving many in short supply.

BB-8 (2015)

This remote-controlled droid, based on a character from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” was predicted to be the best-selling toy of the 2015 season. Upon its release, the initial supply sold out in one day.

Hatchimals (2016)
This interactive toy starts as an egg and needs your child’s love in order to hatch. After enough care and attention, the egg will be ready to hatch into a furry creature that can be raised from baby to toddler to kid. The toy can learn to repeat what you say, to walk, to dance and to play games.

NES Classic (2016)

Video-game nostalgia reigns supreme with this retro-style Nintendo system loaded with 30 classic games, including “Super Mario Bros.” and “Ninja Gaiden”. The console sold out in just moments.

The New Teddy Ruxpin (2017)

The beloved animatronic bear is making a comeback. It was the most popular toy of 1985 and 1986, but the new version traded in a cassette tape for a free app. Follow along on your smartphone or tablet as Teddy reads a book or sings a song. The fast-selling throwback also upgraded to LED-screen eyes that add expression.

Nintendo Switch (2017)

The Nintendo Switch is the latest gaming system. It can be used as a handheld or tabletop device or with a TV, and it allows flexibility between single- and multiplayer games. After the console’s release in March, stores couldn’t keep them in stock for more than a few hours after each new shipment, and they remain a hot item.

Fingerlings (2017)

These adorable baby monkeys are interactive and collectible pets. When played with, the monkeys come alive, responding to sound, motion and touch. Manufactured by a high-tech robotics and entertainment company, they’re part of the popular trend of robotic pets — and they’re flying off the shelves.

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December 14, 2016

Empowering Gifts for Girls of All Ages and Interests

You can never start too early with nurturing confidence in little girls and encouraging them to be unstoppable. By engaging them in math and science and helping them embrace their creative sides, these gift ideas for girls of all ages nourish both body and brain. Shop these educational, inspirational gifts for both teens and preschoolers, all while stacking up Cash Back at Ebates and saving big with promo codes.

Education Community Minifigures Lego Set

Representation is key. Show your toddler that women can do anything, with this LEGO set that includes female characters in a number of community roles.

Codenames Board Game

If you’re shopping gifts for girls, consider a critical thinking game that will entertain while challenging the intellect. Codenames is a social word game where two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents — but only by their codenames. Teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first.

Spooner Board Freestyle

This is one of our favorite sporty-girl gifts, since it helps her learn how to skateboard, snowboard or surf anywhere. The Spooner board improves core strength and gross motor skills as well.

Pretend & Play Camp Set

Help them embrace their love of the outdoors and camping, even in the off-season, with this all-inclusive play set.

Make Your Own Comic Book Kit

Budding artists will love this kit, which guides them through producing a comic and includes all materials. When it’s done, mail it in, and she’ll receive a professionally published version with her name right on the cover. How cool is that?

Disney Princess Moana of Oceania Adventure Doll

What’s more empowering than a female character who saves her entire island?

Makey Makey – an Invention Kit for Everyone

Makey Makey is a simple circuit board that lets you reprogram the world by connecting everyday objects to a computer. Rewire the world! Warning: Extended use may result in creative confidence.

My First Microscope

See the beauty of small things by looking a little closer. My First Microscope is specially designed for little hands and is sturdy enough to survive all your toddler has to throw at it.

Lil’ Banshee Jr. Compound Archery Set

Got a “Hunger Games” fan on your list? Show her you don’t have to have a name like Katniss to master archery.

Funko Ghostbusters Ecto-1 With Holtzman

Girls can do anything, even bust ghosts! This super cute Funko set is a find for all ages.

Monster Sewing Workshop Sewing Starter Kit

We particularly love this gift because it can empower anyone (girls and boys alike) who loves cuddly monsters. Sewing is a useful skill most of us lack, so why not start them off early?

November 13, 2016

90’s Throwback: Black Friday 1996

Ah, the ‘90s. The era of bucket hats, butterfly clips, the first Macintosh computers, “Friends,” and phones made for the sole purpose of actually making calls. A lot has changed in the decades since, and Black Friday is no exception.

Though the biggest sale day of the year has always drawn hearty crowds of savings-hungry shoppers, the craze of the holiday has increased tenfold in the past two decades. What was once a day of wildly low prices on the year’s most-wanted items is now a cultural phenomenon spanning an entire week, with its cousin Cyber Monday immediately following.

In 1996, we could watch the morning news broadcast live interviews with those few dedicated shoppers camped outside of electronics stores, determined to be the first to grab one of a limited stock of coveted Macintosh computers or Nintendo 64s.

This year, we’ll scroll through Twitter to see online versions of local news broadcasts showing interviews with scores of similar dedicated Black Friday veterans, though they’re more likely to be awaiting a chance to snag a new 50-inch TV, or an Apple product exponentially more advanced than that of its ’96 predecessors.

To see just how much things have really changed, check out this list of comparisons between Black Friday ads and sales in 1996 to projected Black Friday ads in 2016.

Electronics

Not only did technology — and the world — not come to a screeching halt in the year 2000, but the world’s fascination with and reliance upon technological innovation has increased tenfold in the years since.

Aside from the aforementioned Macintosh desktop, some of the other biggest electronics buys in ’96 were the 1.2 GB hard drive ($220 after rebate); the Motorola flip phone (free with contract); the Walkman (between $15 and $60); the 4MB memory upgrade ($30); 28.8 kbps modem ($280); 13-inch TV with built-in VCR ($300); CD Rom drive ($150); pagers ($70); and the Packard Bell desktop computer ($1,467 after rebate).

This year’s list of most-wanted tech items looks pretty similar to that from 1996, though much more advanced. Although most Black Friday 2016 ads aren’t live yet, there are some predictions based on previous years and current sales. According to TheBlackFriday.com, one of the hottest items on sale at Best Buy right now is the LG 55-inch 4K Ultra Smart HD TV, which may also be a Black Friday favorite. In 1996, we could barely fathom a smart TV, let alone an ultra-smart one. Also, some Black Friday aficionados are suggesting drones will be a big hit this year, though these are a bit of a wild card.

Games

Games, too, are traditionally a huge draw for Black Friday shoppers. In 1996, besides the Nintendo 64, the Sega Saturn was a major deal, selling for $200. The Super Game Boy was advertised at $40, as were PlayStation games. And lest we forget, before there were smartphone apps like Pokémon Go, there was the Tamagotchi, which, in ’96, sold for just a few weeks’ allowance, or $15.

This year, some Black Friday experts are suggesting the release of the Xbox One S and the rumored release of Sony’s PlayStation Neo, along with the discontinuation of Xbox 360s and Disney Infinity, will lead to major steals on gaming consoles. There are also a host of remastered video games about to be released, such as Bethesda, Call of Duty: Infinite, and Pokémon Sun and Moon, leading many to suggest that games will be a major Black Friday focal point.

Of course, no Black Friday would be complete without a mad dash to the toy aisle for the season’s most beloved toy. In 1996, the champions of children’s hearts everywhere were by far the Tickle Me Elmo doll and Beanie Babies. As for the latter, these were also a big hit with many teens and adults, rumored to gain significant value over time.

Today, some of the hottest toys of 2016, as named by Walmart, include the Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster, Razor Scooter, Paw Patrol Zooming Marshall, and the Sky Viper Streaming Drone. No word yet on which of these will be available for deep Black Friday discounts, but it’s likely the drone won’t be the only one flying off the shelves.

Entertainment

When it comes to pop culture, though the faces have changed, our hunger for it has stayed the same. While most of us nowadays watch TV and movies from our computers or flat-screens, back in ‘96 the wide-screen TV marked the dawn of a new era. Some of the hottest Black Friday deals on movies included films like “Forrest Gump,” “True Lies,” and “Braveheart” available from $9.99 to $15.95—or about the price of one month’s subscription to Netflix. When it came to the still-popular VHS, some of the coolest buys were “Buffy,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Good Son” and “Alien Nation,” all on sale for $5.99 a piece.

This year, predictions for some hot entertainment buys include DVDs of popular movies like “Anchorman 2” and “Magic Mike XXL” on Blu-Ray for $9.72. You’ll also be able to grab titles like “The Walking Dead” and “True Detective”—full box sets for about $10 each.

Clearly, Black Friday has changed quite a bit over the past 20 years, but our love of shopping will never end.

October 11, 2016

5 Tips for Holiday Toy Shopping at Walmart

With the holidays fast approaching, ‘tis the season to start your holiday toy shopping! Whether you are hunting for the best games, princess gear or light sabers for your little Star Wars fanatic, Walmart is guaranteed to have it all and at fabulously low prices. Here are five easy tips to on how to save on toys at Walmart while racking up Cash Back at Ebates this holiday season.

1. Keep an eye on Walmart’s featured toys.

Before you look anywhere else for the toys everyone is asking for this season, check out Walmart’s Featured Toys to catch awesome prices on the hottest toy trends. Filled with the best toys, games and more, Walmart highlights some of their lowest prices and Rollbacks at the top of their online toys page. Be sure to scroll to the right to make sure you don’t miss out on these amazing deals. Also, be sure to shop Cyber Monday Walmart toys deals to see some of the lowest prices of the season.

2. Pop over to the Walmart Savings Catcher

The days of wasting time on holiday toy price matching are over! Shop for toys with total confidence when you use the nifty Walmart Savings Catcher tool. Just enter your purchase information and Walmart will do the price check for you so you can get the lowest possible prices on the toys you want. If there’s a lower price out there in your area, they’ll pay you the difference! So go ahead, get the gifts you know they’ll love, because there’s no such thing as buyer’s remorse with the Walmart Savings Catcher!

3. Open a Walmart Credit Card

Looking for some extra cash to kick off your holiday toy-shopping season? Open a Walmart credit card and earn $35 back as a statement credit when you spend $75. With hundreds of toys and games available for $35 and under, opening a Walmart credit card can help you spread a little more cheer and make your holiday toy budget go even further.

4. Score super savings online in the Daily Saving Center.

Shop the season’s best online specials at Walmart’s Daily Savings Center. Find coupons, Rollbacks and specials, all in one convenient place online. The best part is that now through the rest of the holiday shopping season, Walmart is offering 10 new daily deals every single day! For everything from this year’s best-selling toys to the old favorites you know and love, don’t miss the deals from Walmart’s Daily Savings Center. Be sure to check back often as these deals are updated daily and are definitely too good to last!

5. Head to the Tips & Ideas section of walmart.com for inspiration.

Need a little help picking out the perfect toys this season? Walmart can help! Check out their Tips & Ideas section to get lots of helpful info on toy trends and top picks guaranteed to dazzle even the pickiest kid. Continue on to the store’s Gifting Headquarters for handy gift guides that will have your friends and family wondering just how you managed to find the toys and games at the top of everyone’s list.

Now that we’ve shared our top five tips and tricks, how do you plan to save big on toys? Don’t forget to always come to Ebates first when shopping for kids gifts this season.

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

July 23, 2016

How to Save Big at Toys “R” Us

Since 1948, Toys R Us has been the go-to destination for making kids’ dreams come true. From classic games to the hottest electronics and more, Toys R Us toys offer endless ways to entertain both kids and kids at heart. With sizzling deals on popular toys and fun for all ages, Toys R Us is your best bet for scoring huge savings this holiday season. Skip the stress and make your holiday shopping adventures easy and affordable with trendy toy specials, incredible savings programs, exclusive insider advice you’ll love and a Toys R Us coupon that will keep you comfortably within your budget. Here are our favorite tips for saving big at Toys R Us:

1. Visit the Toys R Us Savings Center for daily deals, weekly ads, and coupons.

The Savings Center is your one-stop savings spot, offering the best deals on Toys R Us toys in one easy place. You’ll find popular daily deals, weekly ads, clearance items, money-saving Toys R Us coupons and exciting promotions by toy category so you can find the perfect gifts this holiday season. Shop ‘til you drop with special 1-day only sales and get name brand toys on sale. Be sure to check back daily to take advantage of great holiday sales you won’t want to miss and earn Cash Back at Ebates for even more savings!

2. Open an “R” Us Credit Card to get 15% off your purchase.

When you open an “R” Us Credit Card online, you can choose 15% off your purchase or special financing offers upon approval to make managing your holiday budget a breeze. Plus, you’ll earn money-saving points (two points for every $1 spent at Toys R Us) that you can use like cash towards your toy purchases. Not to mention you’ll gain access to exclusive special promotions and exciting presale opportunities so you can stock up on holiday fun before anyone else. You’ll even get access to VIP partnership perks and earn points everywhere else MasterCard is accepted (one point for every $4 spent) outside of Toys R Us when you use your R Us MasterCard.

3. Sign up for Rewards “R” Us to rack up points and savings.

With the free Toys R Us Rewards Program, you can rack up points and use your rewards money to score big savings on all the most popular toys. You’ll earn one point for every dollar you spend at Toys R Us, plus get a $5 reward for every 125 points you earn. Just another easy way to conquer holiday wish lists for less! Another big bonus: Rewards R Us members get early access to over 100 Black Friday deals, which means you’ll get deep discounts on toys before non-members.

4. Download the Toys R Us app for special deals.

It’s all about apps and emails. Download the free Toys R Us app and get special deals and coupons delivered right to your phone thanks to handy text alerts. You’ll enjoy instant access to all the best Toys R Us toys anytime, anywhere. Don’t forget to sign up for Toys R Us emails to get easy access to limited-time sales events and to get more super savings sent directly to your inbox.

5. Get extra holiday savings with online promo codes and coupons.

Conquer holiday toy shopping while saving with Toys R Us coupons and unbeatable promo codes, all while earning Cash Back at Ebates. With extra savings on fun from action figures and outdoor play to learning toys and video games, you’ll find your tot’s dream toys for less.

6. Check out ToysRUs.com’s clearance section for up to 80% off.

Shop the best deals on toys at the Toys R Us clearance section, where you can browse by category and save on everything from clearance arts and crafts to discount bikes. You’ll find amazing Toys R Us toys starting at under just $2, with select toys over 80% off. Easily explore by age, price, brand and more to pinpoint the perfect toys for everyone on your list.

7. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales & holiday promotions.

Keep an eye on unbeatable seasonal discounts during special sales events including Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Get huge discounts on the most-wanted holiday toys of the season, plus stretch your budget even further with Cash Back at Ebates and an exclusive Toys R Us coupon.

8. Save with Free Shipping on orders over $19.

With every online purchase of just $19 or more, Toys R Us offers free economy shipping. You’ll get your fun stuff in about six to nine business days and pocket the extra savings! Plus, check out Toys R Us’ partnership with ShopRunner, which provides awesome offers like free 2-day shipping and member-only deals.

With so many insider tips on holiday toy shopping at ToysRUs.com, you’ll be checking off your shopping list for less in no time at all. Of course, be sure to do all your holiday shopping through Ebates to get all the best deals on toys for kids this holiday season. Happy shopping!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Just Keep Swimming: “Finding Dory” Toys and Gear

For all of us who thought Dory from Finding Nemo was the real star of the movie, the wait for Pixar’s Finding Dory to hit the big screen June 17 can’t be over soon enough. Until then, we can lavish ourselves and our little ones with all the Finding Dory pool toys, play sets, plush buddies and more while earning Cash Back at Ebates. Take a look at some of our top Dory gear picks and keep your eyes peeled for a toy promo code from top stores so you can splash into great savings.

Finding Dory Mr. Ray

Mr. Ray moves on the ground or you can pick him up and “swim” him through the air. Plus, your Swigglefish can join him on many adventures as three Swigglefish figures can attach to the top of him, just like the movie. And, he’s also a storage case for your Swigglefish collection and can hold at least five at a time!

Finding Dory Bubble Machine

Bring the majesty of the deep blue sea to your backyard with this Dory bubble machine with included bottle of bubbles!

Finding Dory Whirlin’ Waves Water Table

Little ones will have a splash-tastic time with the Finding Dory Whirlin’ Waves Water Table by Step2. Kiddos can send Dory & Friends down the slide and into their own whirlpool with the water table spinner. This item is found only at Toys R Us!

Finding Dory Huffy Bike

Go on a adventure with everyone’s favorite little blue fish, Dory, on this 14 Inch bike exclusively from Huffy. The custom features make this ride extra special and perfect for any adventurer. A bag on the handlebar makes it easy for your child to take her favorite toys and accessories along for the adventure.

Kids’ Crocband II Finding Dory Sandal

With splashy Finding Dory graphics and a comfortable “stay on” fit, kids will love running around in these go-all-day sandals from Crocs.

Dory Plush Toy With Sound

Squeeze this Dory plush toy and Dory’s signature sayings will play every time you hug your furry friend. Find this and even more Dory plushies from Build-A-Bear.

Robofish Coffee Pot Play Set

Take the fun with you everywhere with the Finding Dory Robofish Coffee Pot Play Set. This mini coffee pot aquarium includes an exclusive Dory Robofish that comes alive when dropped in water.

Dory Pendant Necklace

“Just Keep Swimming” with this adorable Finding Dory round pendant necklace designed by Disney in sterling silver.

Finding Dory “Missing” Tank Top

Perfect for a kid-at-heart, this juniors’ Disney Pixar tank top features an adorable Finding Dory graphic.

Which of these items would make your kids (or inner kid) jump for joy? Let us know with a comment below!

June 1, 2016

#ICYMI: Our Top May Blog Posts

With spring in full swing and temperatures rising, we used May to focus on summer essentials from stylish espadrilles to must-have drugstore makeup. Tips on how to save at your favorite stores like Walmart and Expedia also showed you how to get a bigger bang for your buck while racking up Cash Back at Ebates. But these four blog posts really take the cake on featuring products that ranged from practical to downright magical. Take a look at these top blog posts from May to make sure you didn’t miss out on your next favorite wishlist item, shopping tip or time-saving checklist to make this the best spring and summer yet.

Floral Accessories to Brighten Your Look

Top off your spring OOTDs with festively floral accessories from bracelets to bags and everything in between. Read more >

The Ultimate Summer Camp Packing Checklist

Before the big send-off to summer camp, make sure you have everything your kids need for safe fun and adventure in the great outdoors. Read more >

11 Remakes of 90s Toys That Prove Your Childhood was Magic

Take a trip back in time with these amazing remakes of your favorite 90s toys. Grab one for your kids (or yourself) with Cash Back. Read more >

9 Cash Back Retailers That Price Match

Find the best price every time you shop at these retailers that price match and also offer Cash Back at Ebates. Read more >

Be sure to stay tuned for more to come in May. We’re always discovering new trends, adding new stores and coupons, and rounding up more ways to get paid to shop for the things you love. Whether you’re into fashion, tech, home and garden, travel or sports, we have the inside scoop on the best products and deals online and in-store. If you’re not an Ebates member, join today to free for access to thousands of coupons and promo codes in addition to Cash Back. Then download the Ebates App and add the Cash Back Button to your browser so you never miss out on Cash Back again. Ebates is where it pays to shop!

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!

May 6, 2016

10 Stores That Price Match & Offer Cash Back

Retailers know that the competition out there is fierce. A price match policy helps customers shop with confidence and stay loyal. Rather than wasting your valuable time hunting for stores that price match, we’ve assembled this handy guide to help you keep track of each store’s price match policy and to give you a savings boosting tip for each. Make sure to activate Cash Back at Ebates for each one before checking out so you can see your price matching savings soar!

1. Staples Price Match

The price match policy at Staples goes above and beyond to help you save big on top office supply brands. Staples will price match a competitor’s prices on identical items and will even take an additional 10% off to sweeten the deal.

Savings Tip:
• Get the best prices any day of the week from Staples when you shop the fantastic bargains in the Deals section with an office supply promo code.

2. Target Price Match

Target is one of many fabulous clothing stores that price match. The Target price match policy allows for price adjustments for up to 14 days after your purchase if you can find a better price on the same item at select competitor’s stores.

Savings Tip:
• Check out the great name brands in the Clearance section and save up to 60% off the original price!

3. Office Depot and OfficeMax Price Match

Following their big merger, the price match policy from this office supply giant is even more powerful. Office Depot and OfficeMax will happily match competitor’s prices within 14 days.

Savings Tip:
• Get 10% back on paper and copying, ink, toner, printing and shipping purchases when you sign up for Office Depot and OfficeMax’s rewards program.

4. Best Buy Price Match

The Best Buy price match policy means you can shop with total confidence when you buy new tech or electronics. Determined to never get beat on prices, Best Buy will match competitor’s prices on identical items.

Savings Tip:
• For the lowest prices on the hottest tech, check out the awesome electronics available in the Outlet online at Best Buy for deals that other stores wish they could match.

5. Toys R Us and Babies R Us Price Match

Babies R Us and Toys R Us share one awesome price match policy that will help your dollars go even further to get your kids everything they need to be happy and healthy. Toys R Us will honor a price match for in-store purchases – just show Customer Service the same item in a competitor’s printed ad or website, or on their website. Toys R Us will also match competitors including Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and more.

Savings Tip:
• Find the hottest toys and accessories for your family at a guaranteed lowest price and get it delivered for free thanks to the free shipping offers available online from Babies R Us and Toys R Us.

6. Lowe’s Price Match

Lowe’s price match policy is perfect for helping your home improvement projects stay on budget. Lowe’s price match policy guarantees an extra 10% off beyond their competitor’s prices. If you find a lower price on an identical item at a competitor, just show them the current ad and Lowe’s will beat their price by 10%. You’ll also get price protection when shopping online with the lower of the online store price or the local Lowe’s store price.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the Clearance section online at Lowe’s for rock bottom prices you won’t find anywhere else!

7. Walmart Price Match

Walmart is known for helping you save money, so expect nothing less from the Walmart price match policy. If you can find a lower price at another store, Walmart will match it with only a few exceptions.

Savings Tip:
• Shop the deals in Walmart’s Daily Savings Center for the lowest prices on your name brand favorites.

8. Bed Bath & Beyond Price Match

With something for every room in the house, Bed Bath & Beyond is a great destination for an advantageous price match policy. Bed Bath & Beyond will match direct competitors’ prices as long as the items are identical. You can request a price match in any store, by phone, or by email. However, If you have a Bed Bath & Beyond coupon, you can either price match the item or apply the coupon (whichever provides the best discount). The two offers cannot be combined unless the competitor would also accept the coupon at the price being matched.

Savings Tip:
• Get up to 60% with clearance items and save hundreds with Bonus Gifts Cards from their Savings Center. You’ll get everything you need for less with a home goods promo code when you shop Bed Bath & Beyond.

9. Abt Electronics Price Match

Abt Electronics understands that buying a new appliance is a major investment. The Abt Electronics price match policy is intended to help you feel confident that you’re making the right choice when it comes to your purchase.

Savings Tip:
• Once you secure the best price online at Abt, take advantage of their free shipping offers on thousands of items and be sure to check for instant and mail-in rebates!

10. Sears Price Match

Sears offers a great 14-day price match guarantee on identical brand and model number merchandise on sale at all local competitors. You can even price match within the Sears brand stores and websites, allowing you to rest easy knowing you have received the best merchandise at the best prices, both at Sears and in your local area.

Savings Tip:
• Get Free Store Pickup or haul away old appliances, and don’t forget to check for coupons and Cash Back!

Related Links

Toys R Us Deals

Lowes Black Friday Deal

Target Cyber Monday Promo

Abt Electronics Coupons

Note: Cash Back percentages and price match policies subject to change.

January 5, 2016

New Stores: Marc Jacobs, Ticketmaster and More

We’re ready to get 2016 off to a sensational start and that can mean only one thing–more. Cash. Back. stores. We’re always hard at work to bring you more opportunities to get paid to shop and make the most out of your money. Join us in welcoming these top shops to the Ebates family and explore more coupons, promo codes and exclusive offers than ever before.