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January 22, 2017

Thoughts Every Brand-New, Slightly Crazy, Sleep-Deprived Parent Has

You’re covered in stains of an indeterminate origin. You’re living on pizza and trail mix. Your shower is a distant memory. You’ve started referring to the grease in your hair as “nature’s gel.”

Sound familiar? Then you must be a new parent! The love is overwhelming — and so is the exhaustion-induced delirium. But hey, at least you’re not alone in your insanity. There’s nothing quite like those early days with a newborn; parents everywhere know exactly what you’re going through. And it goes a little something like this, illustrated here with gifs of kittens because, hey, you’re tired and you could use a smile:

1. I love my newborn baby. I never knew I could love anything this much.

2. My baby is adorable and perfect.

3. My baby is adorable and perfect and … wide awake.

4. Car rides help my baby fall asleep. I’ve been driving for the past hour, but now I can’t see my adorable, perfect baby. I need a mirror.

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5. I can now see my baby. My adorable, perfect baby is asleep! I’ll just drive home and carefully bring my sleeping baby inside and—

6. —oh, scratch that. My baby is awake. Again.

7. I need coffee. Why did I register for bibs? Bibs won’t keep me awake.

8. My baby just spit up all over me. I’ll keep the bibs.

9. I should have registered for coffee. Every new parent needs coffee. Coffee is the greatest thing ever. The caffeine has finally kicked in.

10. Coffee and the white-noise machine I just bought are the greatest things ever! My baby is asleep, which means I get to sleep for a whole half hour (and get Cash Back at Ebates too)!

11. I have so much energy from that half-hour nap. I’m going to make a casserole and freeze it.

12. Zzzzzzzzz.

13. What’s that smell?

14. Nothing I read on newborn baby care told me to register for fire extinguishers.

15. Oh, well. It’s not as if I’m sitting down eating meals anymore.

16. I’ll just drink coffee and stare at my sleeping baby on the baby monitor. Newborn baby sleep is the most peaceful, precious thing ever, and I—

17. —oh, scratch that. My baby is awake.

18. Awww, I love my baby. I never knew I could love anything this much.

December 5, 2016

New Mom Clothing Staples You Absolutely Need

When a baby comes into your life, everything changes, including your wardrobe. However, just because you’re rocking new mom clothing doesn’t mean it has to be drab or accessory-free. Keeping your identity while getting the hang of this whole motherhood thing is extremely important, and developing your own take on new mom fashion is a great way to do that. Here are some must-have new-mom closet staples that make a statement. The best part: Each of these comes with Cash Back at Ebates.

The Black Jegging

Why You Need It: Comfort is key when you’re low on sleep and at wit’s end. The stretch of a jegging will be a gift from heaven. Plus, black is forgiving when it comes to spills, spit-ups or worse.

Why You’ll Love It: They still look like jeans! New mom clothes do not have to include yoga pants. At least, not all the time.

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The Printed Maxi Dress

Why You Need It: Time for some ugly truth: When showers become a luxury, so does leg shaving. Full-length postpartum dresses will literally have you covered.

Why You’ll Love It: Bold prints will awaken the senses and remind you of all the things you love about fashion.

The Velvet Blazer

Why You Need It: You’ll probably be living in T-shirts for quite a while. A blazer will instantly dress up an old tee and will look amazing with jeans.

Why You’ll Love It: Realizing you can easily pull off a statement piece like this will be a big win in reclaiming your personal style.

The Blanket Scarf

Why You Need It: A big, chunky scarf like this tends to lie right were baby stains happen most. So when you’re in a hurry and can’t change your top, just drape on this baby (or drape it on your baby) and pretend it never happened.

Why You’ll Love It: If you’re lamenting the added baby weight around your midsection, blanket scarves cover that up, too.

The Incognito Nursing Shirt

Why You Need It: If you’re nursing, this is a no-brainer. Anything to make things easier is a must.

Why You’ll Love It: No obvious hooks or clips, and no weird draping. It’s just a miracle disguised as a plain shirt.

The Statement Teething Necklace

Why You Need It: If you’ve ever met a baby, you know her favorite thing is to put stuff in her mouth. Wearing jewelry around babies is actually kind of dangerous, for them and for the jewelry itself. Silicone necklaces like these do double duty as teething toys and as fashion accessories.

Why You’ll Love It: You’d have to look twice to know it was rubber!

The Designer Diaper Bag

Why You Need It: It’s certainly true that you get what you pay for, and diaper bags are no exception. Spending a little extra on a quality bag will make sure it lasts the 2–3 years you’ll need it. Keep an eye out for a baby gear promo code to save a bundle on these big-ticket items.

Why You’ll Love It: Parting with your giant, do-all purse will hurt — trust us. A diaper bag that looks like a purse will ease the sting.

December 4, 2016

Galactic Gift Guide for Star Wars Lovers

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

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

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

AT-AT Bookends, $129.97 (GameStop)

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

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

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

LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon, $119 (Walmart)

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

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

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

Star Wars Battlefront PS4, $19 (Walmart)

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

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

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

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

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

Death Star Ice Sphere Mold, $11.99 (GameStop)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 20, 2016

The Latest Black Friday Trends You Can’t Miss

Black Friday is one of the most anticipated days of the year for many a savvy shopper. With crazy deep discounts on the hottest merchandise, you can see why this day after Thanksgiving has become a veritable holiday in its own right. It’s the ideal opportunity to check off everything on your wish list. We’re all waiting to see this year’s Black Friday ads and check out what’s in store. In the meantime, here’s a list of some of this year’s most popular Black Friday trends. Get ready to plan ahead for the biggest shopping day of the year while getting Cash Back with Ebates.

Get in the Game

Black Friday 2016 is going to be a good one for gamers. Some Black Friday experts are suggesting that 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 various gaming consoles. Consumers anticipate that The Xbox One bundle will be on sale for a deep discount at Walmart.

There is also a host of remastered video games to be released. Titles include Bethesda, Call of Duty: Infinite, and Pokémon Sun and Moon, suggesting that games will be a major Black Friday focal point.

Teeming With Toys

Recently, Toys ‘R’ Us and Walmart released their lists of some of the hottest toys of 2016.

Some of the items sure to light up the faces of many a child this Christmas include the Paw Patrol Zoomer Marshall, Shopkins Tall Mall Storage Case, Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck, the SelfieMic Music Set, Dreamworks Animation’s Trolls Hug Time Poppy Doll, Hatchimals, the Light ‘n Go 3-in-1 Activity Walker, Little Live Pets Snuggles My Dream Puppy, PJ Masks Headquarter Playset, Pokémon Z-Ring Set with glow, Power Wheels Wild Thing, Star Wars Interactech Stormtrooper Figure and the Think and Learn Code-a-pillar.

While most are variations on the classics, there are also a couple of new items on the toy scene: drones. Two of the hottest toys of 2016 are the the Sky Viper v2400 HD Streaming Drone with FPV Headset and the Nerf N-Strike Elite Terrascout RC Drone Blaster.

Excellent Electronics

As usual, electronics are likely going to be some of the most sought-after Black Friday items nationwide. Traditionally, flat-screen TVs are a huge seller on Black Friday. This year will likely follow suit, particularly with flat-screen HD and smart TVs. Rumor has it that Best Buy will have some such items on sale in the $500 range for name-brand models and in the $200 range for off-brand.

In addition, laptops and tablets are always huge on both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One of the projected hits this year is a 15.6-inch HP laptop with 4GB RAM, 500 GB hard drive and Intel Pentium-class processor from Walmart.

Apple is always one of the heavy hitters as well. Items like iPhones, tablets and laptops will be on the top of many a shopper’s list. Predictions expect Amazon to offer some major steals on Amazon Fire TV, Echo and Fire tablets.

Fabulous Fashions

As Heidi Klum reminds us each season on “Project Runway,” fashion can be fickle. “One day you’re in, the next you’re out.” However, Black Friday offers an excellent opportunity to stock up on the mainstays while also snagging the latest trends to grace the pages of style glossies.

Stores like Macy’s, ASOS, Nordstrom, Belk and Gap will stock up on the latest and greatest in hot looks. You’ll want to keep an eye out for deals on hot trend pieces like striped fitted sweaters, knee-high boots and leather skinnies.

November 16, 2016

Where to Buy the Hottest Black Friday Items of 2016

Black Friday is just around the corner, and this year’s shopping extravaganza promises to be a great one. We are all eagerly awaiting the release of this year’s ads, but in the meantime, check out this list of go-to stores anticipated to carry the hottest items in apparel, electronics, and toys. For some awesome additional deals on Black Friday and year-round, be sure to shop through Ebates for Cash Back and exclusive coupons.

Apparel

According to Wallethub.com, JCPenney topped the charts in terms of Black Friday discounts in 2015, with an average discount rate of 68%. That’s nearly three-quarters off! Last year, JCPenney offered some mega sales on popular brands like Nike and St. John’s Bay, as well as fine jewelry.

Not far behind in terms of sales was Stage, which had an average discount in 2015 of 63.9%. Stage carries a ton of big name brands, including Puma, Fila, Madden Girl, Betsey Johnson, Kensie, and Adidas.

Belk was also high on the list, with an average discount rate of 59.5%. Belk serves up hot fashion Southern-style and is sure to offer some amazing deals on some or all of the major lines it carries. These include Coach, Dooney and Bourke, and Frye, as well as Michael by Michael Kors, to name a few.

As always, Macy’s was also near the top when it came to Black Friday discounts. With its legendary doorbusters, the mainstay store rang in an average discount of 56%.

With iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Chanel, among many others, this is a spot not to be missed if you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe with a Black Friday shopping spree.

Electronics

Best Buy has made a name for itself as one of the biggest electronics stores, and for good reason. They’ve got awesome deals year-round, and especially killer sales during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week.

Year after year, Walmart has solidified that reputation with wicked deals on some of the year’s best tech items like laptops and flat screen TVs. In 2015, some of the most sought-after Black Friday items included Samsung and Toshiba HD TVs, Amazon Fire tablets, Samsung Galaxy phones, and the iPad Air.

Walmart will also more than likely be a smart stop for anyone looking to buy game consoles or games, both of which are expected to have some sweet deals on the Black Friday market this year.

If you’re in the market for a particular game or console, you’ll also want to keep an eye on GameStop, which, in 2015, offered an average discount of 29.2%. Specializing in everything gaming, this store is sure to have the latest and best available.

According to Wallethub.com, in 2015, Panasonic had an average discount rate of 47%, higher than the overall discount average for Walmart, which was 33.5%. This electronics store will likely come in once again as a close second in terms of the popularity of its Black Friday sale. Check this store for items like TVs, cameras, and home and office electronics equipment.

Kohl’s, with an average discount of 66.7% in 2015, is also an excellent stop for home entertainment items, including flat screen TVs. One of the best things about these two stores is that each is also a one-stop shop where you can snag some awesome deals on everything on your list, from home goods to apparel.

Toys

When it comes to kids’ toys, Toys ‘R’ Us continues to come out on top in terms of carrying the greatest variety of must-have items for playtime fun. In 2015, the store offered an average discount rate of 28.9%.

Recently, Toys ‘R’ Us released its list of some of the hottest toys of 2016, all, or at least many, of which are sure to be available for a discount during the Black Friday holiday. With brands like Shopkins, NERF, Power Wheels, and Pokémon, they’re definitely a must-watch.

Target, which came in last year with an average discount of 37.3%, is also expected to have some sweet discounts on the year’s most-beloved playthings. Like Kohl’s, Target offers the bonus of also carrying multiple other items in home goods and apparel, so you can check a number of things off your shopping list in one go. The store is currently advertising brands including Our Generation, Star Wars, and Lego, among many more.

November 15, 2016

Top Toys Gift Guide: Best Selling Toys of 2016

From Toys R US to Target, retailers this year pulled out all the stops by creating some of the most inventive and curious kids toys on the market. There are eggs that hatch into blended animals, caterpillars that teach kids to code, and mini-trucks that dispense flavored lipgloss. With an endless array of gift ideas for kids, finding that popular or educational toy for your child is tough. Luckily, we have curated a list of this year’s top toys for kids – complete with Cash Back at Ebates — so you can focus on perfecting your holiday season!

Hatchimals, $49.99

The hottest new toy on the market, this furry little creature is a surprise until it hatches, keeping your kids guessing until the first crack.

Go! Go! Smart Friends Enchanted Princess Palace, $39.99

Spanning more than four feet wide, this beautiful play set comes with all the ballrooms and baubles to make your child’s princess palace dreams come true.

Sky Viper V2400HD Streaming Video Drone, $99.99

Let your kid show off her filming skills with this high flying drone. Up, up, and away!

Shopkins Happy Places Miniature Decor with Popette and Puppy Parlor Petkins – Happy Home, $25.99

Bursting with cute furniture, happy Shoppies, and adorable Petkins, this puppy parlor toy will keep the kiddies endlessly entertained.

Doc McStuffins Hospital Care Cart, $37.99

Perfect for all the little doctors-to-be, this top toy comes with a light and sound patient scanner, a talking EKG area, and even its own patient, Findo.

Paw Patrol Monkey Temple Play Set, $59.49

Complete with lights, sounds, a trap door, and Mandy the Monkey, this play set takes jungle adventures to new heights.

Little Live Pets My Dream Puppy, $49.99

No slobber, shedding, or barking! Just maximum cuteness. This fully interactive little puppy will melt your heart.

Num Noms Lip Gloss Truck, $27.99

What could be cuter than a mini lip gloss maker? A mini lipgloss-making ice cream truck, of course! Pick your favorite flavors, blend with glitter dust, and serve. Yum!

Speak Out Game, $19.99

This game takes Chubby Bunny to hilarious new levels with its mouthpiece challenge games. Even your teenagers will like it.

Shopkins Tall Mall Playset, $24.99

When your Shoppies get bored of their Happy Homes, they can pop over to the mall, complete with a food court and home & garden section. Adorable!

Fisher Price Code-A-Pillar, $37.96

Start your kids coding careers early with this little bug’s removable coded parts.

FurReal Friends Torch My Blazin Dragon, $62.42

With over 50 sounds and motions, this fluffy fire breather will light play time up. Literally.

Simon Air Game, $14.99

Who knew this thing was still around? This revamped version has even more features with motion sensors to swoop up high scores.

Furby Connect Friend, $89.99

More terrifyingly adorable than ever before, the newest version of Furby features a light-up antenna that connects to smartphones for music and videos.

CHiP the Lovable Robot Dog, $199.99

This uniquely programed pup responds to your kid’s personal play style, so no two pups are ever alike.

Star Wars First Order TIE Pilot Sixth Scale Figure, $219.95

For all the little star wars fanatics, this TIE Pilot action figure comes with full battle gear and its own hex stand.

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.

Toys

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 22, 2016

10 Halloween Pet Costumes That Are Next Level Cuteness

We all know how hard group Halloween costumes can be to plan. But when the dynamic duo is just you and your furry friend, the possibilities are endless! Find the perfect pet costumes from pop-culture to just plain cute, all with Cash Back at Ebates. Don’t forget to get the best deal with a pet Halloween costumes promo code.

Ghostbuster Jumpsuit Costume, $20.96

This one might just take the cake when it comes to relevant doggy Halloween costumes, especially if your pooch is a girl. Because, let’s face it, girl Ghostbusters was the highlight of the year.

Lady Dogga Costume, $13.96

You’ll have to fight off those pupparazzi all night long because she’ll be looking too fly for words in this complete Gaga look.

Queen of Bones Dog Costume, $12.60

We know your pup really is the queen of the castle so it’s only fitting to get her a costume that reflects her regal nature.

Raptor Pet Costume, $23.96

This may be one of the best Halloween costumes for small dogs. Just for one day, let little Pebbles feel ferocious!

Star Wars Darth Vader Pet Costume, $19.19

Even dogs have a Dark Side. May the Force be with Fido this Halloween with a Darth Vader costume from Toys R Us.

Freddy Krueger Dog Costume, $25.94

Spike gets the “cute” treatment every day. Let Halloween be a chance for him to get spooky with this (still totally adorable) Freddy Krueger dog costume.

Dumb And Dumber Harry Dunne Dog Costume, $23.86

Now we’re not calling your dog dumb or anything, so don’t take this the wrong way. Maybe he is just a fan of fine cinema featuring Jim Carrey.

Star Wars At-At Imperial Walker Costume, $29.87

If you’re looking for large dog costumes, look no further! This Star Wars At-At will celebrate his size in style.

Mermaid Cat Costume, $48

And let’s not forget the kitties. If you have a feisty feline companion with a penchant for pastels, this sparkly mermaid pet costume is a must.

Thrills & Chills Spider Costume, $4.97

While cats and dogs can enjoy many costume options, our tiny floofs have a few super cute options like this spider costume for guinea pigs (or even tea cup pups) from PetSmart.

How to Stay Sane While Flying With Kids

As a parent, traveling becomes a labor of love if it means flying with the kids. Even if your children are usually perfect angels, spending an extended period of time at the airport, waiting in lines or cooped up on a plane can test the limits of any parent’s sanity. Whether you’ve flown with your kids a dozen times or this will be your first flight with a new baby, a little planning can go a long way when it comes to keeping everyone happy. If you’re booking a flight with your kids, you’ve come to the right place! Check out this handy list of tips to help you plan and handle your next family flight like a pro. As an added perk, you’ll get Cash Back at Ebates at each of the stores mentioned to help give your travel budget a welcomed boost.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning ahead for your trip with the kids is the most important tool in your arsenal. You know your kids better than anyone, which means you can anticipate their needs and pack and plan accordingly. Plan your flight around the time that your kids would ordinarily be taking a nap to increase the chances that they’ll sleep on the flight. To make sure you avoid any surprises at the airport, understand what documentation and IDs you’ll need for the trip and what you’re allowed to bring on before you head to the airport. It may also be helpful to walk your kids through the process before the day of your trip so they know what to expect and how to handle it. You probably already know that getting to and through the airport is no piece of cake with little ones. Flying with kids can test even the most patient family’s limits so you may want to ease the trip-related stress with a fun suitcase that your kids can ride along on or sit on while you’re waiting in line. Check out the riding suitcases at Bed Bath and Beyond and travel in style while you add a touch of fun to your airport adventures.

2. Pack Activities

Start packing early to make sure you don’t forget any of the essentials you need for flying with children. A dedicated plane bag full of things to do on airplane rides is a great way to stay organized and have all the items you’ll need on hand for keeping the kids busy and happy. Organize your packing list by the items you’ll need for activities for each of your kids while on the airplane. It may be helpful to block off periods of time with new activities every twenty to thirty minutes to fight the boredom that can lead to less-than-stellar behavior while in the air. An upcoming flight is a great time to invest in a tablet because it means you can predetermine an entertainment playlist that you know will hold your kids’ attention for the duration of the flight. For slightly older kids, game apps are a fabulous way to keep them busy and happy on flights of any length. Out of consideration for your fellow passengers and airport patrons, be sure to pack headphones that you can get from Toys R Us for whatever app or TV show your kids end up watching.

3. Maintain a Snack Supply

Another important step on the list of tips for flying with kids is to keep your gang from becoming a hangry mess by maintaining an adequate supply of ready-to-go snacks. There will obviously be food at the airport but that probably also means waiting in lines, which might not be a no-go for an already stressed out family. Keep a supply of kid-approved snacks on hand in your flight-dedicated travel bag that will help preserve the peace. Stock up on airplane snacks for toddlers or tweens that you know they will love. Now is not the time to obsess about how many vegetables your kids eat – it’s the time to get your family from point A to B while maintaining the illusion that family flights are a fun time for everyone. For younger kids, you may want to consider giving them a small treat for every 30 minutes that they are well behaved to help them focus on surviving small increments of time quietly. Snack cups from Walgreens can help keep the crumbs at bay and the portions just the right size.

4. Stay Clean & Comfortable

When it comes to tips for flying with a baby, keeping your little one clean and comfortable is paramount. In reality, keeping up with sticky messes and keeping hands clean also applies equally to the whole family. Flying with baby or even a tween means you’ll want to pick up a travel pack of wipes available online at drugstore.com to help keep your pack clean and healthy. Keep an eye out for an awesome travel pack promo code to stock up on wipes and other essentials pre-flight.

5. Keep a Wild Card

In case of an emergency meltdown, keep a wild card up your sleeve that you know will catch your kids’ interest and redirect their attention away from that tantrum that everyone fears on an airplane. Air travel with kids means pulling out all the stops to keep your kids calm and happy for the benefit of your travel experience and that of the other passengers around you. Download some new apps from the App Store to add to your travel fund when you shop for the best apps for long flights. If you’re still worried about how your kids may handle the flight, consider packing small Ziploc care-packages with a note for the passengers around you with things like earplugs, Advil and a treat to let them know how much you appreciate their patience.

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.

1. I love my newborn baby. I never knew I could love anything this much.

2. My baby is adorable and perfect.

3. My baby is adorable and perfect and … wide awake.

4. Car rides help my baby fall asleep. I’ve been driving for the past hour, but now I can’t see my adorable, perfect baby. I need a mirror.

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5. I can now see my baby. My adorable, perfect baby is asleep! I’ll just drive home and carefully bring my sleeping baby inside and—

6. —oh, scratch that. My baby is awake. Again.

7. I need coffee. Why did I register for bibs? Bibs won’t keep me awake.

8. My baby just spit up all over me. I’ll keep the bibs.

9. I should have registered for coffee. Every new parent needs coffee. Coffee is the greatest thing ever. The caffeine has finally kicked in.

10. Coffee and the white-noise machine I just bought are the greatest things ever! My baby is asleep, which means I get to sleep for a whole half hour (and get Cash Back at Ebates too)!

11. I have so much energy from that half-hour nap. I’m going to make a casserole and freeze it.

12. Zzzzzzzzz.

13. What’s that smell?

14. Nothing I read on newborn baby care told me to register for fire extinguishers.

15. Oh, well. It’s not as if I’m sitting down eating meals anymore.

16. I’ll just drink coffee and stare at my sleeping baby on the baby monitor. Newborn baby sleep is the most peaceful, precious thing ever, and I—

17. —oh, scratch that. My baby is awake.

18. Awww, I love my baby. I never knew I could love anything this much.

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

AT-AT Bookends, $129.97 (GameStop)

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

LEGO Star Wars Millennium Falcon, $119 (Walmart)

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

Star Wars Battlefront PS4, $19 (Walmart)

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

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

Death Star Ice Sphere Mold, $11.99 (GameStop)

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

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

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

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

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Related Links

1. Plan Ahead

2. Pack Activities

3. Maintain a Snack Supply

4. Stay Clean & Comfortable

5. Keep a Wild Card