The Complete Family Road Trip Packing Checklist

Family taking a selfie before a summer roadtripThe kids are out of school and summer vacation is upon us. Road trip season is in full swing. But before you pile everyone into the vehicle for the excursion, there are a few road trip essentials you should make sure you have on hand. This checklist of what to bring on a road trip will make the trip much easier. So take your trusty vehicle in for routine maintenance and make any necessary arrangements so you can get started on packing all of the road trip must haves. Best of all, you can save with a promo code on your necessities and earn Cash Back at Ebates on your purchases from our easy road trip packing checklist.

  1. Snacks: No road trip is complete without a nice supply of snacks. Just steer clear of chocolate and other meltables that may be destroyed during pit stops.
  2. Water: Keep some extra bottles of water on hand for when stopping isn’t an option.
  3. First Aid: Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit that includes supplies for any number of situations. Be prepared with everything from anti-nausea medicine to band-aids for scrapped knees from roadside adventures.
  4. Hand Sanitizer: This miracle concoction will not only rescue you from questionable bathroom selections but will also help clear up any sticky residue left behind from snacks.
  5. Tissues, Napkins & Baby Wipes: Baby wipes aren’t just for babies. Baby wipes, tissues and napkins are handy for cleaning up messes from the kiddos or from the adults.
  6. Small Cooler: Keep your beverages and other goods cool with a small cooler and a steady refill of ice.
  7. Sandwich Supplies: Ditch the fast food joints and create your own roadside picnics instead. You’ll save money and be able to take in the local scenery at the same time.
  8. Sunscreen: Wherever you end up, you’re going to need broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30. Don’t forget to reapply often for proper protection.
  9. Sunglasses: Protect your peepers with the proper eyewear so you can take in all of the sights for years to come.
  10. Auto Documents: Make sure you’re prepared with copies of your registration, insurance and roadside assistance contact information.
  11. Hat: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat that provides a nice amount of shade.
  12. Empty Bags & Baggies: Keep trash off your floorboards and protect your valuables from splashes with a good stock of empty bags.
  13. Tickets & Confirmations: Bring along printed copies of all of your tickets and confirmation pages in case there are any mixups.
  14. Coin Purse & Change: There might be many toll roads in your future so plan accordingly. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few extras for smashed penny souvenirs.
  15. Poncho or Umbrella: Plan for the unexpected with rain gear for the whole family. An umbrella can also double as additional sun protection.
  16. Jacket: Account for cooler nights or unexpected cool fronts with jackets for all of your passengers.
  17. Headphones: Headphones allow each passenger to enjoy their own road trip entertainment while the driver can maintain control of the main radio.
  18. Device Cords & Batteries: Your electronic devices are only as good as their battery supply if you forget the power cords. Spare batteries allow you to keep non-rechargeable devices going as well.
  19. Travel Games: Quell boredom with travel-friendly games for the backseat crew.
  20. Children’s Lovies: Pack your children’s favorite toys to fend off complete meltdowns far away from home, especially around bedtime.
  21. Travel Pillow: Enjoy a mobile nap with a comfy travel pillow that will allow you to rest while on the go.
  22. Earplugs & Eye Mask: Whether it’s to curb the sounds of other passengers during a nap or to fend off unfamiliar sights and sounds at your destinations, these items can be very handy.
  23. GPS navigation unit: Don’t rely on cellular reception that can be spotty during road trips. Pick up a stand-alone GPS navigation unit with traffic updates and lifetime maps.
  24. Roadside Safety Kit: Don’t get caught in a difficult situation. An emergency roadside safety kit should definitely make it onto your road trip packing list.
  25. Books: Ditch the digital and grab some old-fashioned bound books for everyone to enjoy.
  26. Music: Your streaming service may not work everywhere and radio selection can be questionable. Bring along some downloaded music or CDs so you can jam out wherever you are.
  27. Camera: Capture all of those memories on a rugged camera that can stand up to all of your adventures.
  28. DVD Player: Fight boredom with a DVD player and some household favorite movies.
  29. Footwear: Whether you’re hiking mountain trails or sandy beaches, make sure you have the proper footwear for the occasion.
  30. Bug Spray: Get rid of pests like mosquitos with bug spray so you can truly enjoy your adventures.
  31. Beach Gear: Last but not least for our road trip list, if you’re hitting the beach, be sure to pack swimsuits, towels and sand toys to enjoy.

Editor’s Picks

 

 

Just Keep Swimming: “Finding Dory” Toys and Gear

Finding Dory movie banner

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

Swigglefish Finding Dory toy

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

Disney Pixar 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

Step2 Disney 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

Girls' 14 Inch Huffy Disney Finding Dory 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

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

Finding Dory plush talking toy

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

Disney Finding Dory 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

Disney Finding Dory Necklace in Sterling Silver

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

Finding Dory “Missing” Tank Top

Disney Juniors Finding Dory Graphic 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!

 

 

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

Green box of K'NEX

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

Orange stuffed cat with kittens 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

Bumblebee Transformers action figureThis 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

Purple moon shoes

Go back to the days when trampolines were uncool if you couldn’t wear them on your feet.

Skip-It

White and purple skip-it game

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 game

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

Tamagotchi electronic game

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

Purple fairy flutterbye toy

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

Chewbacca Star Wars 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

Green and orange super soaker water gun

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

Vintage used 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!

 

 

Related Links:
Deals on Kids Toys
Kids’ Electronics Coupons
Plush Toy Coupons
Toys R Us Promo Codes
Babies R Us Coupons

10 Stores That Price Match & Offer Cash Back

stores that price matchRetailers 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

Staples.com homepageThe 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

Bestbuy.com homepageThe 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

bedbathandbeyond.com homepageWith 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.com homepageAbt 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.

19 Spring Break Survival Must-Haves

Beach Blanket and Bikini on GrassWe know spring break couldn’t come any sooner and you’ve been dreaming about fun-filled days in the sun. But before you hit the road, set sail, or take flight to your spring break destinations, make sure you are prepared with this complete checklist of items to ensure a successful, stress-free trip. From hair care essentials to electronic accessories, you can find it all with Cash Back at Ebates and maybe even cut costs with a promo code or two.

  1. Dry shampoo – A MUST when you get too busy site-seeing and partying to shower everyday
  2. Sunblock
  3. Lip balm with SPF – Because sun-burned lips are no bueno
  4. Sleep mask – Especially good for camping when you don’t feel like waking up with the sun
  5. Face cleansing wipes
  6. Ear plugs – For spring breakers headed to concerts. Also, your crew may rise earlier or pass out later than you, so pack a pair to keep you in dreamland.
  7. Folding water bottle – Easily conserves room in your bag for light packing
  8. Water shoes – Beach hikes get treacherous.
  9. Mobile charger
  10. Fanny pack – For hands-free partying
  11. Electronic key finder – Because things get misplaced in the middle of shenanigans
  12. Ibuprofen
  13. Sun hat
  14. Mini flashlight – Outdoor evening concerts only become a situation when it’s time to use the port-o-potty.
  15. 2 swim suits – Because there’s nothing worse than having to slip into a damp suit. Brrr!
  16. Cheap sunglasses – You are going to lose them. Just make peace with it now.
  17. Snacks
  18. Magazines/books – Kick it old school with paper and save the juice on your phone.
  19. Small card games – They take up little space and are great for those one or two chill evenings you may need to recoup.

Editors’ Party-Rocking Picks

 

 

Top Toys You Have to Shop on Cyber Monday

toy robots lined up outside childs bedroom
If you haven’t already kicked off your holiday online shopping, Cyber Monday is a great time to start, especially when it comes to shopping daily deals on kids’ toys. To get your inspirational juices flowing, we’ve tracked down some of the hottest top toys so you won’t even have to ask your little ones what they desire most. Chances are, it is already on this list! Whether you’re holding out for Cyber Monday Toys R Us toys deals or prefer shopping at other big names like Walmart, Kohl’s or Best Buy, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate guide to holiday toy must-haves.

Toys for Babies and Toddlers

These top toys for your littlest ones promote learning through play and feature beloved characters like Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse and Thomas the Tank Engine! Find awesome toys for girls and boys who love to build or the best learning tablets to make the most out of screen time. Or, if you prefer no screen time at all but love the idea of interactive learning, the Smart Toy Bear is perfect. Flexing their muscles is just as important as exercising their minds. Encourage movement and time outdoors with a super cool Thomas Tricycle.

Toys for Tweens and Teens

Choosing top toys for older kids can seem a little more difficult but it helps to stay on top of what’s popular in their worlds. The release of Star Wars: Episode VII is bringing about some coveted The Force Awakens toys for boys and girls who are just discovering this timeless franchise. Popular Netflix kids’ shows like Project Mc2 also have a line of toys sure to fly off the shelves. Don’t forget about Barbie! She always has new accessories that Barbie-loves can’t resist, like her Saddle ‘N Ride Horse. The hottest video games are always an easy win when it comes to putting smiles on little faces come Christmas morning. Guitar Hero is making a comeback with a new release and Lego video games are as popular as ever.

Which of these top toys are you hunting down for the kids on your shopping list? Remember, whatever you’re looking for, you can always get it with Cash Back at Ebates and save big with toy coupons and toy promo codes this season. Let us know with a comment below!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

Holiday Gift Guide for Kids 1

hggkids

Without literally thousands of toys to choose from this holiday season, buying gifts for your child, niece, nephew, cousin, or friend can become daunting. We’ve come up with ten great gifts for any child in your life, many which focus on creativity along with fun!

1. Magformers 30 Piece Classic Set (Target) | $39.99
2. Melissa & Doug Alphabet Sound Puzzle (Bed Bath & Beyond) | $19.99
3. Hide and Seek Playhouse (Sears) | $34. 10
4. Play-Doh Fun Factory Deluxe Set (Toys R Us) | $17.99
5. Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Puppet Theater (Gettington) | $71.95
6. Seedling Design Your Own Super Hero Cape (ReUseIt) | $35.99
7. Fisher-Price Grow with Me 3-in-1 Skateboard (FAO Schwarz) | $49.99
8. LEGO Minecraft: Crafting Box (Toys R Us) | $59.99
9. Disney Frozen Deluxe Toddler 2 Pack with Olaf (Target) | $37.99
10. Crayola Marker Maker (Kmart) | $19.99

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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Don’t Miss Out on Extra Savings:

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

Sign up here: www.Ebates.com

 

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Toys R Us “Toy-a-Day” Giveaway

Toys R Us "Toy-a-Day" Giveaway 2

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The toy experts at Toys R Us travel all over the world, visiting every toy mecca from Novato to the North Pole. Thousands of ideas and sketches…hundreds of inventors…countless hours of testing each toy to make sure it’s as fun as can be! Here are the fabulous 15, ready to inspire your best holiday ever!

We’ve partnered with Toys R Us to give away each of these 15 awesome playthings to Ebates members. Give them to your kids, your grandkids, your best friend’s kids….heck, keep them for yourself if you’d like! We’re giving away a prize a day so be sure to come back daily and see if you’re a winner!

Now announcing the fabulous 15…

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Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.

How To Enter The Toys R Us “Toy-a-Day” Giveaway:

1. If you’re not already an Ebates member, visit us here and complete the simple signup: www.ebates.com. You’ll be on your way to saving money and earning Cash Back at over 1800 stores!

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 sweepstake ends on Friday, November 21st, 11:59 PM PST. The winners will be randomly picked through Rafflecopter, 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 winners will have 24 hours to accept the prize before we will choose another winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take advantage of Toys R Us sales and deals!

See Toys R Us CouponsShop Toys R Us with 2% Cash Back

 

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

Get $75 by Inviting 3 Friends!

 Good Luck!

 

 

One Day Halloween Sale!

One Day Halloween Sale! 7

fight-night halloween sale
These stores want to make sure you’ve got the costumes & decor you need to be the ultimate scare-ster this Halloween. We’ve increased Cash Back to truly help you get in the spirit for the most spooky holiday of the year. Hurry, these hair-raising Halloween sale and deals are so scary, they’re only sticking around for 24 hours!

 

disney

 

 

5% Cash Back (Was 3% Cash Back)

See Disney Store Coupons

 

spirit

10% Cash Back (Was 6.5% Cash Back)

See Sprit Halloween Coupons

 

tru

 

 

3% Cash Back (Was 2% Cash Back)

See Toys R Us Coupons

 

halloween-express

 

 

10% Cash Back (Was 6% Cash Back)

See Halloween Express Coupons

 

 

5% Cash Back (Was 3% Cash Back)

See Lillian Vernon Coupons

 

15% Cash Back (Was 10% Cash Back)

See Anytime Costumes Coupons

 

 

All coupons and Cash Back percentages are subject to change.