Hector just told me about this amazing Dell Home coupon he used toward his new Inspiron notebook. It takes $500 off select Inspiron purchases of $1499 or more. There is a May 3rd expiration date on this offer, but as soon as 4,000 people use the code, the offer will be void.

Use this code now and be one of the 4,000 lucky new laptop owners, and save $500 instantly on your new notebook! Shop now and use code VVM?RDFCRF75C5 at checkout!

Want to see all of our current Dell Home coupons?

Perusing coupons for next week's newsletter,  I noticed a Free Gift offer at Newegg, one of our most popular electronics merchants. I clicked through to the site, scrolled down, where lo and behold, there it was: a free COACH bag with the purchase of a Canon HV10 High-Def Camcorder.

Huh?

Well, a free COACH camera bag, if you want to talk specifics. Guess the folks at Newegg have a penchant for designer camera bags. I wonder if they also sell Gucci tripods? Kidding, kidding.

I have a feeling this offer won't last long, so if you love COACH and high-def video, snag this deal now!

P.S. Please excuse the Newegg logo on the bag image.

I am looking for a cool diaper bag for my husband.  One that definitely doesn’t look like a ‘man purse’, but maybe a backpack or something that would be convenient for him to carry around when he has the baby.  Any brands or types of bags that you can suggest?

Anna: We went through a ton of diaper bags for my husband and he finally ended up with a backpack-style. It was the most convenient for him and it was in “manly” colors so he never felt uncomfortable carrying it around. It also had insulated pockets for milk, snacks, etc. so he never had to carry anything extra baggage around. 

Larry: Any backpack will work. 

Bryan: I really like backpacks. Victorinox is a brand of backpacks that I think are nice but if you like the messenger type I would look at Timbuck2 or Define.  A diaper bag for a man usually doesn’t have to hold as much as what, say, my wife would use.

Clearly, backpacks are the top pick among Ebates staffers. Stores like Timbuk2, REI, eBags and ParagonSports carry the most rugged, durable backpacks on the market, and of course, you can earn Cash Back through Ebates. If you need a coupon for your backpack purchase on Ebates and can't find one on our Coupons and Specials page, be sure to request one at our Coupons on Demand page in the blog.

What do you think is the best bag for a baby-totin' dad?

We launched our Mother's Day promotion just last week, and boy oh boy did we get hooked up with some fabulous exclusive coupons from some of our most popular stores:

 
• Kiehl's: Receive Complimentary Shipping on every order at Kiehl's. Use coupon code EBATES. Expires 5/13/07.
 
• Land's End: Get a $10 gift card with $100 purchase at Lands' End! Expires 5/13/07.
 
• Gardener's Supply Company: 15% off Gardener's Supply Co. orders $50 or more! Expires 5/31/07.
 
• 1-800-Flowers: Get $5 off purchases of $24.99 or more with code EBATES.
 
• Red Envelope: Get Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more with code EBSHIP.

I couldn't resist passing that Kiehl's coupon on to my friends. Though you won't get to check out any cool motorcycles, coupons plus Cash Back at Ebates means shopping online is much cheaper than shopping at the store. Check out our Mother's Day Promo!

Even if you'd rather flip through InStyle at the Safeway checkout than subscribe for an entire year, the annual InStyle's Best Beauty Buys is the one issue you need to take home. Where else can you find a huge list of  budget-conscious product recommendations from over 180 beauty experts? While these products are, for the most part, already affordable, you can save even more. Start at Ebates and use coupons so you can score an even better beauty buy.

Here are some of the top featured products and where to buy them through Ebates:

 
• Nars Blush in Exhibit A $25.00 with 6% Cash Back
 
• Aveeno Lip Conditioner $2.88 with 6% Cash Back
 
• St. Ives Apricot Scrub $4.99 with 6% Cash Back
 
• Clean & Clear Daily Pore Cleaner $4.99 with 6% Cash Back
 
• Jergen's Skin Smoothing Cellular Renewal Moisturizer $6.99 with 6% Cash Back
 
• Clairol Nice & Easy Root Touch-Up $4.49 with 8% Cash Back
 
• Maybelline Great Lash Mascara $4.49 with 6% Cash Back
 
• Dove Deep Moisture Day Lotion $6.99 with 6% Cash Back
 
• L'Oreal True Match Liquid Makeup $9.99 with 6% Cash Back
 
• Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist SPF 30 $8.49 with 6% Cash Back   

Visit InStyle.com to view all the Best Beauty Buys, but start your shopping at Ebates so you can earn Cash Back!

A preview from next week's Top Picks Newsletter:

It's an all-too-familiar scenario. En route to a meeting with your briefcase in your left hand and a steaming hot latte in your right, your phone starts ringing uncontrollably. Who would be calling you now? To top it all off, your mobile phone is buried at the very bottom of your bag and you don't know if it's your client on the other end, or your unbearably chatty pal from back east.

Not to worry! This $249.00 Bluetooth-enabled Caller ID Watch from Fossil displays Caller ID and incoming phone numbers so you can monitor your calls without digging around for your phone. It alerts you to text messages and allows you to reject calls or mute the ringer (don't worry, your friend will understand). What could be easier? With this sleek, high-tech watch, your most important calls are right at your fingertips. To maximize the efficiency of your Caller ID watch, use a Bluetooth headset and talk hands-free.

Remember, start at Ebates and you will earn 8% Cash Back at Fossil! Plus, you get free shipping on every order of $40 or more!

Ebates staffer Bryan and his wife (who have six kids) give their recommendations:

Make sure you stay away from the thick heavy comforters that they sell in crib bedding packages. Newborns overheat and they have even tried to link SIDS to that. It is fine to buy one for looks but a baby in jammies and lightweight blankets is going to the best.

When it comes to cribs you need to consider a few things. First, how much space do you have? Second, are you planning on any more children using this crib? And last, it really comes down to style. If you have enough room I  would get a full size crib. They can sleep in them longer and it is easier to find the bedding in the size  want. If possible I would make the investment into a convertible lifetime bed. These type usually  start out a full size crib and then convert to a toddler bed and finally a double bed for your child. These are the beds I would have liked to buy if I had space for a Lifetime crib: The Storkcraft Aspen Stages Crib ($299.88 at Wal-Mart) , and if you have a smaller area the Emily Mini Crib ($169.97 at Wal-Mart) is a nice one.

When it comes to bedding, get a set that you can love, Keep the comforter separate, with too many washes these tend to not last very long  no matter what brand you use. Get a thin fuzzy blanket ($6.99 at eToys) that matches the colors of the set you chose. Use that when baby is using the bed and the comforter ($34.99 at Target) when you are just showing off the nursery. 

Today only, earn Double Cash Back at Travelocity!

One of the hottest offers at Travelocity is for Sunscape Resorts & Spas. Kids eat, stay, and play for free! Adults can lounge on white beaches while kids explore the exotic surroundings, enjoy beach campouts and more with the Sunscape Explorer's Club! With incredible offers like this, you'll stretch that vacation budget while creating memories that last a lifetime.

Here's a sneak preview from next week's Top Picks Newsletter:

Buttery bath bombs, coffee-infused salves, creamy cleansers- how can you resist the delectable delights at LUSH? LUSH is one of those brands that has a supremely loyal following. Why? Their products do more than just clean. They are downright luscious.

Justine from marketing recommends the top-ranked LUSH item, Butterball Bath Bomb because the cocoa butter feels soothing on dry winter skin yet invigorating on a sunny day. Also try Mask of Magnaminty, a deep cleansing tingly tonic that invigorates tired skin with peppermint oil and honey!

Use this link to earn 15% off your entire order at LUSH. With 3% Cash Back at Ebates, that's 18% off. It's time to treat yourself!

When you think of Ebates, what comes to mind first? Discounts? Sure. Bargains? Of course. But don't be fooled! Though shopping with Ebates means bargain bin rates, you can score Cash Back on luxury goods without sacrificing quality.

Few people know that you can earn Cash Back on everything from a Vera Wang gown to the latest  Louis Vuitton bag. In fact eLuxury is the sole authorized online retailer for Louis Vuitton. You can't buy a guaranteed authentic LV bag anywhere else online! Some of our merchants selling luxury or designer goods include Bluefly, Nordstrom.com, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Shopbop, SmartBargains and YOOX.

Speaking of designer goods, let's talk bags for a moment, shall we? Hector from our marketing department has recently been in heated debate with his friend Mike over who has the better bag. On the left, we have  Mike's Louis Vuitton Trotter GM and on the right, Hector's Gucci Medium Messenger Bag. Readers, let's settle this once and for all!

Why is this great news? According to Apple's Wednesday press release,

• MGM has the largest modern film library in the world

• Its movies have received 208 Academy Awards in its history, making it one of the biggest award winning collections of films in the world

• Beginning today, iTunes customers will be able to purchase legendary films such as “Dances With Wolves,” “Mad Max,” “The Great Train Robbery” and “Rocky,” with other titles to be added in the coming weeks.

Oh, and to top it all off, you'll earn 3% Cash Back at iTunes when you start at Ebates! Maybe it's time to pick up an Apple TV so you can relax and watch those classic MGM movies on your tv, not your computer! The cheapest way to get your hands on an Apple TV is at Target- it's $299.99 with 4% Cash Back.

Hmm...4% Cash Back equals a total of $11.96...hey, now you can afford to buy Rocky on iTunes!

1. Stroller

Invest in a good stroller! Imagine yourself, by yourself, walking to the car from the mall with a (#$* load of shopping bags, a diaper bag, a purse, a stroller and a crying baby. (This scenario is very close to home). The last thing you want to worry about is lugging a heavy stroller into the trunk of your car! Don’t go for the cheapest stroller out there… remember, this is an investment that should last you a few years. I love my Peg Perego Pliko P3, but my advice is to test drive some to find one that’s right for you. Push some around to see how smooth they are, see how easily you can open and close them with one hand, and see how light it is. Also look for compatibility with your car seat, a full-reclining chair and a 5-point safety harness.

Find Peg Perego Pliko P3 Strollers from $329.99. Earn 4% Cash Back!

2. Infant Car Seat

A lot of parents don’t bother with the infant car seat because it doesn’t last very long and you can use a convertible seat from birth. Our son outgrew his after only 4 months, but I highly recommend splurging on one anyways! When the baby’s asleep, you can move him/her from the car straight to the stroller or carry him/her around without waking him. I recommend the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, but again, shop around to find the right one for you. 

Find Peg Perego Infant Car Seats from $219.99. Get 4% Cash Back!

3. Dresser

I personally think a changing table is a waste of money because it only lasts a couple of years and then it just turns into an ugly piece of furniture. The positive is it’s a lifesaver on your back. My solution? Purchase a nice dresser and create your own changing table! Find one that’s long enough to hold a changing pad and a basket with diapers, wipes and toiletries on the end. If you have a son and run into “accidental squirts”, it’ll be a breeze to clean up (as opposed to changing the baby on the bed and having to wash sheets, etc.). Now that my son doesn’t need a changing station anymore, I put frames and his books on the top of the dresser. 

Shop for dressers now in Ebates' Home and Garden category!

Honorable Mentions: 

Boppy pillow

Great for breastfeeding, tummy time and a neck pillow for you!

Find Boppy Pillows from just $24.99. Earn 4% Cash Back!

Diaper champ

No need to purchase refills. This diaper disposal system works with any type of bags!

See Diaper Champs from just $28.99!

Not only will you earn 6% Cash Back at Gap, but you can shop The Really Big Sale . Seriously. That's what it's called.

What I like best about this sale (which ends April 15th) is that even warm weather items are marked down. For instance, Men's Short Sleeved Pique Polos were $29.50, now they're just $14.99, Women's Elbow Sleeve T's were $24.50, now only $12.99!
Plus, you get free shipping on orders of $100 or more.

Since we launched Coupons on Demand last week, I've noticed that some Ebates members are interested in category-specific coupons, such as a coupon for electronics, or offers for baby supplies. There is an easy way to do this on our Coupons and Specials page. There, you will find three drop down menus which allow you to filter coupons in three ways:

 
• Filter coupons by  Category. For example, if you are looking for any kind of electronics coupon, select "Electronics" on the menu.
 
• Filter coupons by Offer Type. Looking for free shipping? Money off? A free gift? Simply select one from the menu and those are the only offers you will see.
  
 
• Filter coupons by Store. Got a specific store in mind? Choose it from the menu and you will only see current offers for that merchant.

Let's face it.

Who doesn't love Target? With apparel design rivaling that of big name designers (hey- a few of 'em even work for Target!), and home decor that looks expensive but isn't, Target is the place to go for incredible deals on just about anything the budget-conscious shopper needs.

Today only, earn Double Cash Back at Target.com! Enjoy free shipping on thousands of Home items, free gifts and more! Visit Target's page on Ebates for a list of current offers.

Remember to join Ebates so you can earn Double Cash Back!

I'll give you five good reasons:

• Contour Cotton Pinstripe Pant: Was $78.00, Now $19.99
• Ryan Cotton Straight Leg Pant: Was $78.00, Now $19.99
• Cotton Stripe Twist Neck Tank: Was $28.00, Now $9.99
• Men's Fitted Cotton Crew: Was $16.50, Now $9.99
• Spring Edition Candle: Was $24.99, Now $14.99

I recommend browsing through the huge selection of women's jeans. There are several cropped and capri styles that are perfect for spring! Also, stock up on high end winter basics like this Men's Luxe Cashmere V-Neck; come fall, these will double in price! Remember, you'll earn 3% Cash Back if you start at Ebates.