Mother's Day is just around the corner, and sometimes finding the perfect gift that shows just how much you care can be challenging. Luckily, P.C. Richard & Son has you covered with great deals on a variety of gift ideas for Mom! Let's talk about a few...

Video games aren't just for kids anymore. Sure, they can save the Princess in Mushroom Kingdom or make real-life toys come to life on-screen, but adults can also enjoy compelling stories and adrenaline-pumping gameplay on any console. If you're unfamiliar with the latest game titles or aren't sure which one is right for your loved ones young and old, see our recommendations below to fit anyone on your list.

Hi there fellow Ebates fans...It's Kristin from BonBon Rose Girls! I had a beautiful lil' lady bean this past summer, so I thought it would be fun to bring you a holiday wish list fit for new mamas!

The awesome team at Ebates recently released the results of a Father's Day survey and found that Dads are crossing their fingers for a tablet, smartphone, or other tech gear. Luckily you can get a variety of tablets with Cash Back!

Mother's Day is rapidly approaching, and if your mom is anything like mine, you are totally stumped as to what she really wants. While it may seem like an obvious choice, flowers really are a safe bet because everyone lovely a stunning bouquet, right? Our friends at Teleflora have increased their Cash Back to 20.0% AND are having a great sale: 15% off with code AFPX15! Order now!

Nothing says special like a personalized item. Lucky for us, they are all the rage right now, so you can earn Cash Back on lots of different pieces:

Our friends at Dancing Deer Baking Company have got us covered. They have a sweet offer exclusively for Ebates Customers. Use code HEARTS for 30% off their Conversation Hearts Gift Set! Better yet? You will also get 12.0% Cash Back since they are today's Facebook Daily Double!

I decided to suggest some personal favorites that I myself have enjoyed while earning my lovely Cash Back through Ebates. I am an avid reader, however, it is rare that I get so excited about a book that only took me  couple of days to digest. 

In order to help you last-minute shoppers, we have generated a list of stores that allow you to purchase online but pickup in store. Check it out!

Don't pay retail prices this holiday season!

If you're looking to make your holiday shopping easy by purchasing a gift card for family and friends, you don't need to pay retail prices anymore! Plastic Jungle allows you to buy discounted gift cards at major retailers across the United States. Up to 35% off face value.

If giving gift cards isn't to your liking, you still don't have to pay retail. Buy the discounted gift card for yourself before you go into the store and stretch your holiday budget. If you prefer to shop online, Plastic Jungle offers eCODES to a number of online retailers that can be delivered to your inbox BEFORE you make your purchase. Use any eCODE in combination with a coupon code you find on Ebates.com, in addition to cash back for that retailer, and you can stretch your holiday budget even further.

There is no need to pay retail prices anymore when you can buy discounted gift cards from plasticjungle.com

Happy Holidays from the team at Plastic Jungle!

While I can't call it the bag of the season, it would be safe to call it the shape of the season - the Satchel. I am seeing these retro-looking bags left and right, in predominantly neutral shades. I am closely eyeing that studded one and dreaming of the Cash Back I could earn!

When the temperatures drop one of my favorite things to do is curl up with a good book. Despite the rise of eBooks, I firmly believe there are few things fulfilling as a wonderful book. Even better? They make great gifts AND you can earn Cash Back through Ebates!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and many stores are offering lovely pink products. Many of the proceeds go towards cancer research charities.

Fall is upon us and Brides across the country are scrambling to tie up loose ends and make sure that every last detail is perfect for their special day. If you're hosting your nuptials in the crisp fall air, here are some must-have items that you need to know about.  Tell us what your favorite favors are and you could win a $250 Gift Voucher, see details below.

Father's Day is almost here, and I suspect there are quite a few of you who have yet to find or look for the perfect gift. Fret not, I've gathered another batch of must have items that Dad will love, and you'll earn double cash back. Enjoy!

1. The Dad Pack from Omaha Steaks.

2. This iPad Portfolio is from Brookstone.

3. Anthony Logistics Grooming Kit from Nordstrom.

4. Clarks Sandal from JCPenney.

5. Field Shirt from Eddie Bauer.

6. Craftsman Tool Combo Kit from Sears.

There's still time! Shop our Father's Day Gift Guides, and get Dad the perfect gift!

For the tech guy, there's the perfect duo, an alarm clock with built in iPod charger from Macys.

Celebrate Ebates birthday with philosophy!

philosophy is a lifestyle brand that celebrates feeling well and living joyously. Endorsed by doctors, celebrities, and (more importantly) our customers, philosophy wants to inspire you to live a better life by being better to yourselves.

In the spirit of this, Philosophy has joined with Ebates to host a giveaway too good to miss! From now until May 17th, 4 lucky winners will receive a Philosophy Gift Bag valued at $250. How can you win? Easy! Simply like us on Facebook, and you're in the running!

Philosophy products are the perfect treat, whether it's our best selling fragrance, Amazing Grace, our #1 skin care regiment, Miracle Worker, or one of our popular cosmetics and lipsticks.

Right now enjoy Free Shipping on all orders over $50 and 5.0% Cash Back from philosophy.com. Shop today!

Who is the most beautiful woman you know?

I bet most of you thought, "My mother." Not only is she radiant, but much of her beauty lies in the way she's raised us to conquer life's challenges and enjoy its rewards.

Mother's Day is when we show the mothers in our lives just how special they are. What better way to express that than with the luxurious gift of beauty? We've picked our most indulgent, yet practical beauty gifts that will make any mother feel as beautiful as we know she is. Plus, tell us about the most beautiful woman you know, and you could win a gift basket of Elizabeth Arden Beauty Products valued at over $350!



If you've watched your mom getting ready to go out, I'm sure you can still recall the scent of the perfume she wore. Pretty Elizabeth Arden captures that emotion and is perfect for day or night. It is a charming, floral, fragrance and the perfect last touch to her beauty routine.

For the busy mother on the go, the Ceramide Gold Capsules Deluxe Set is the best Mother's Day gift. It includes our Ceramide Gold Capsules, little "miracle workers" that are extremely portable and can be applied at any point during the day - even over makeup - for an extra boost of radiance. This comes packed in a quilted gold bag with three travel-size creams and is ready to gift!

Lipstick is a wonderful accessory and an affordable gift. New Ceramide Ultra Lipstick not only comes in 18 shades, from subtle to bold, but it is shown to last for hours, which is important for a busy mom! When she pulls this gorgeous, golden case from her pocket or purse, she'll be sure to feel absolutely beautiful.

Shop now on ElizabethArden.com and you'll also get 10.0% Cash Back and a free 16-Piece Beauty Bag with your $50 purchase when you use code EBATESMOM.

Mother's Day is just 6 days away, and if you haven't purchased a gift, time is running out! Luckily there are countless Ebates stores offering rush delivery so you stay on Mom's good graces, and we can give you cash back. Enjoy our next installment of gift guides: gifts under $25.

1. I love this Hand Stamped Necklace from Dogeared Jewels and Gifts.

2.  This is the ultimate Makeup Kit for moms on the go and it's available at Kohls.

3. Now Mom can spa any day with this Spa Gift Set from The Body Shop.

4. Godiva now makes ice cream. This needs no sales pitch!

5. A journal for baby's first year is the perfect gift for moms to be. It's available at Diapers.com. 

6. Carry loved with you at all times with this personalized travel mug from Kodak Gallery.

As Mother's Day draws closer it only makes sense to dedicate a blog to the plethora of sales going on right now. As we continue to bring you gift guides and double cash back, keep in mind there's also darn good sales going on. Here's just a sampling, but for the bigger list click here.

Be sure to shop Mother's Day Gifts with double cash back!

Take an extra 25% or 10% off + Free Shipping on $99+ order at Macys Friends and Family Sale. Code MACYSFF. Plus 5.0% Cash Back!

Free Shipping on $50+ order at The Body Shop. Plus 10.0% Cash Back.

Save 80% off most Restaurant.com $25 Gift Cards. Code BONUS (Plus a chance to win 1 of 10 Xbox 360 with Kinect. Plus 25.0% Cash Back!

Photo Gifts - Save 20% on $30+ order through this link at KODAK Gallery. Plus 12.5% Cash Back.

Save 15% off any order at Kohls. Code SPRING15. Plus 4.0% Cash Back.

Save 20% on Mother's Day Bouquet with Vase and Cookies - Only $34.99 at FTD. Plus 20.0% Cash Back.

FREE 16-Piece Beauty Bag plus FREE Shipping with ANY $50 order at Elizabeth Arden. Enter code EBATESMOM at checkout. Plus 10.0% Cash Back.

Books for Mom - Buy One, Get One 50% off at Barnes and Noble. Plus 6.0% Cash Back.

 4 Free Samples (over a $58 value) with $35+ order at Lancome. Code APRIL4PC. Plus 14.0% Cash Back.

Free Shipping on $50+ order at Godiva. Code MOM. Plus 8.0% Cash Back.

Treat mom with these great gifts. Treat yourself with cash back from Ebates!


1. A keepsake from Kodak Gallery.

2. Tresor Gift Set from Lancome.

3. Big beautiful bouquets from Teleflora.

4. Personalized Birthstone Ring from JCPenney.

5. A must have Pajama Set from Macys.

6. A Godiva gift basket for the newiest of moms.

Today's guest blogger is Organic Bouquet, a mission-based company focusing on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Organic Bouquet is the largest online provider of sustainable flowers and eco-elegant gifts.

Valentine's Day is only a week away, and we all know finding the right gift for that special someone can be difficult. Organic Bouquet offers a variety of eco-elegant gifts perfect for your Valentine, and they start at $19.95. Below are just a few of the great selections for your loved one. 
 

For the flower lover, check out our collection of eco-certified roses and mixed bouquets.

For the sweet tooth, you can satisfy those sweet cravings with gourmet baskets, chocolates and cookies.

If you're shopping for the office, try a Gift Box filled with yummy treats like Lindt truffles, Ghirardelli chocolates, and English Rose Spa products.

If you are looking for something a little more personable, visit our collection of Heart Earrings jewelry, hand bags, and spa kits.

A Rustic Wreath is the perfect gift for the country girl, and adds warmth to any house.

Need more ideas? Check out our latest inspirations here.

We're in the mood for love and who better to share it with than the Frugal Living Community! Join Ebates and the Frugal Living Community this Wednesday February 9th from 7-8pm EST (4-5pm PST) as we host a one hour live chat dedicated to everything Valentine. Bring your chatty self and join your Frugal Community Leaders for fun topics like

What do you want for Valentine's Day?

How do you love yourself?

What are your Valentine's Day family traditions?

Favorite memories?

We'll talk frugal gifts, lovey dovey stories (the good stuff!) and share tips on how to make this the best Valentine's Day yet. Mark your calendars and get ready to share the love!

Valentine's Day is in less than one week, but wait...don't panic! Use your overcharged adrenal system to make a quick and smart decision, or six as we have here. Above are just a few of the thousands (possibly millions) of options available through Ebates. All with cash back, and all in time for V-day!

Personalized Mug and Teddy Bear from Snapfish.

Burberry Brit $47 from Fragrance Net.

Bride and Groom Cookbook $35 from Nordstrom.

Chocolate Lover Savory Gift Set $25 from HSN.

Lace Bralette $48 from Shopbop.

Sterling Silver CZ Studs $19.99 from drugstore.com.

Round 2 of our Valentine's Day Gift Guide is centered around the ladies in our lives. Whether shopping for your mom, best friend, or lover, shop with Ebates and get the gift of cash back. Happy Shopping!


Lancome Tresor Gift Set $56 from Lancome.

Forever Love Rose and Chocolate Set $39.99 from FTD.

Sterling Silver Heart Bracelet $100 from Sears.

Elle Macpherson Lingerie from Bare Necessities.

Fresh Sugar Lover Gift Set $45 from Sephora.

Platinum Engagement Rings from Blue Nile.

Shopping for Valentine's Day is hard. Never before have so many expectations and stipulations been placed on chocolate. Or teddy bears for that matter. Shopping for loved ones seems to bring up a myriad of questions; If I buy her jewelry does it mean I'm serious, or thoughtful? Does showering a man with flowers seem too feminine, or is it a modern gesture? When do you go from 'Be Mine" to "I Love You? Things can get complicated fast. To help simplify the task at hand I've provided 6 of my favorite gifts, all under $100. And to answer those questions 1) both 2) flowers are appropriate for everyone 3) take the plunge!


Sweetheart Locket from Blue Nile $60.

Lover's Delight Gift Set from Godiva $53.

Vinyl to MP3 Convertible Turntable from HSN $99.

Black Diamond Cufflinks from Ice.com $95.

Hershey's Hugs Bouquet from Teleflora $59.95.

White Musk Luxury Gift Set from The Body Shop $48.

Over the past weekend I watched the movie Valentine's Day. The ensemble cast was typical of a romantic comedy; overly neurotic and too good looking to properly convey the average person, yet despite a general "meh" feeling, I did start thinking of Valentine's Day in a different light. Not just for lovers, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to give everyone a slice of love. Considering V-Day is already in full swing at Ebates, I thought I'd do a bit of shopping for those who have my heart.

Big Hug Bouquet from FTD. 20.0% Cash Back.

Estee Lauder Beautiful from Fragrance Net. 12.0% Cash Back.

Hot Cocoa from Godiva. 8.0% Cash Back.

Jo Malone Roses Candle from Nordstrom. 5.0% Cash Back.

Herban Cowboy Shave Balm from drugstore. 12.0% Cash Back.

Jay Strongwater May Charm from Saks Fifth Avenue. 2.5% Cash Back.

Just engaged over the holidays? Congrats! If you're like a lot of our brides, you're probably feeling a little overwhelmed, but don't worry - when it comes to shopping for your wedding, we've got you covered. Check out our wedding shopping basics below, all on sale this week. As a bonus, now through Friday only, take 15% off your total purchase of $90 or more! Use code JAN15 at checkout. Enjoy!

Reception Must-Haves
Personalize your reception with our brides' favorite personalized napkins, this week starting at only $17.99 per 100. See our top 20 reception essentials for matching styles in chocolates, matches, favor boxes and more, all on sale this week.

Bridesmaid Gifts
Be sure to thank your girls! Personalized totes are practical for getting ready on the big day, and they'll be used long after too. Pair with a cosmetic bag or jewelry to make a gift set she'll love - see our top 20 bridesmaid gifts for inspiration.



Groomsman Gifts
Save big this week on our top 20 groomsman gifts. Engraved beer mugs or personalized flasks are natural choices for a bachelor party. For a classic rehearsal dinner token of appreciation, try silver-plated cuff links, watches or money clips.

Need more? The Knot Wedding Shop offers weekly sales every Wednesday!

Have you started your Holiday shopping for 2011? Believe it or not now is the perfect time to start! The goal of stockpiling is to purchase items when they hit rock bottom prices. This can be applied to shopping for all occasions, not just the holidays. Each year after Christmas I make a list of who to buy for and the budget per person, then I begin shopping for the following year the day after Christmas.

What You Need: In order to stockpile you need a location to store your gifts. My husband built a huge window seat where I house my gift giving stockpile. In addition to this, I have two rubber maid containers for overflow; you never know when a great sale or clearance will come along!

Stockpile Toys: I do a lot of my Christmas shopping at Kohls. Not only does Kohls have great toy sales throughout the year, but Kohls card holders can save up to an additional 30% during special sale events. Of course I love to shop online through Ebates and earn cash back. I also purchase a lot of toys at Kmart during their clearance sale in July. This is a great time to stockpile for birthday's too!

Another great store to shop for clearance items is Target. I have picked up several toys at 90% off!  My best toy deal was the Tag learning system that I picked up for $13.99 after clearance and coupon. It is regularly $49.99! I also found tag books for as low as .98 cents! Always check for clearance items when you are shopping at Target.

Stockpile Stockingstuffers: By shopping at Walgreens I'm able to sign up for freebies and samples online, which make perfect stocking stuffers.

A Few More Tips: 1. My best advice is start shopping on December 26th for next year, however late January is also a great time to find those deep discounts. 2. Purchase gifts with your earned Kohls cash to bring down out of pocket expense. 3. Shop for toys in July when they go on clearance. 

If you change the way you shop, Christmas will become a more enjoyable experience. Instead of rushing around last minute, shop smart year round and take a breather in December! For more tips visit me at StockpilingMoms.com.

From All of us at Ebates we wish you a very Merry Christmas and holiday weekend. Enjoy and thanks for being such great members!

If by chance you're lounging at home and want to get a bit of shopping done, there's only one week left to shop December Double Cash Back!

Ok, so you've bought the presents, planned the dinner, and wrapped every last item. Before the big exhale, don't forget the other part of Christmas: the stocking! These stocking stuffers will save you money and time. No need to think about what to buy, just check off your list and repeat after me: I'm done!

Slinky 5.0% Cash Back
 
Elmo's Favorite Places Flap Book 8.0% Cash Back

Squinkies 16pc. Set 3.0% Cash Back
 
Him & Her Prada Duo TOP PICK! 6.0% Cash Back

Snowman Boxers 8.0% Cash Back
 
Slipper Socks 4.0% Cash Back.

As Christmas draws closer it's not uncommon to see wallets getting tighter. If you're feeling a tightening of the wallet, take my advice: shop these gifts under $25 and impress everyone on your list. For less! Oh, and don't forget to shop them with December Double Cash Back!  

Men's Crewneck Sweater 4.0% Cash Back
 
Paper Jamz 6.0% Cash Back

Women's Fleece Slippers 4.0% Cash Back

Men's Wool Gloves 3.0% Cash Back
 
My Favorite Vehicles Puzzle Set 3.0% Cash Back

Women's Performance Fleece Hoodie 8.0% Cash Back.

Much like my Thanksgiving appetite was bigger than my stomach, my shopping appetite is bigger than my budget. In this spirit I've picked 6 amazing gifts all $50 and under. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

19pc Barbecue Set $29.99

Deluxe Fragrance Set from Sephora

Marc By Marc Jacobs iPhone Case

Wilson Football

eBay Gift Card Mall. Get 3% Cash Back on Gift Cards!

Sterling Silver & Crystal Ring

Shopping for kids and teens isn't an easy task. To make it a bit easier I've gathered 6 gifts that are sure to delight even the toughest of crowds. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

Seventeen Magazine Collection Sleeved Blanket

Lego Hogworts Castle

GoGo Walking Dog from FurReal Friends  

Momiji Friendship Dolls
 
Knit Scarf and Gloves Set

Buzz Lightyear Action Figure

Men say shopping for women is tricky, but I think shopping for men is harder. Here's a few of our favorite gifts for him. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

1. Merino Wool Scarf $98 from Saks Fifth Avenue.

2. All-In-One Grooming Kit $22 from Kohls.

3. Meat Package Private Reserve Grilling Collection from Dean & Deluca.

4. Flannel Pajama Set $59 from Old Navy.

5. Craftsman Cordless Drill $139 from Sears.
 
6. Burberry Men's Holiday Fragrance Sampler $55 from Bloomingdales.

Sometimes when shopping for others, it's easiest to shop by price point. For those who need some assistance I bring you Gifts Under $100. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

1. Anthousa Home Collection Trio $85 from Saks Fifth Avenue.

2. Cuisinart Programmable Coffee Maker $ 78 from Sears.

3. Men's Cashmere Sweater $99 from Nordstrom.

4. Women's EMU Australia Sheepskin Boots $84 from Endless.com.

5. Sterling Silver Heart Necklace $99.99 from Kohls.

6. Men's Leather Lined Gloves $69 from Banana Republic.

It's beginning to look a lot like....THE HOLIDAYS!  Does hearing that phrase scare you? Does it send you into a panic over your holiday gift shopping list?  At one point in my life this was the case for me. As I have become more frugal, however, holiday shopping has become a bit exciting. I'm here to help you stay calm, earn cash back, and most of all shop smart!

Here are my tips for a frugal Holiday Season

1. Keep An Open Mind - One of my biggest pieces of advice for holiday shopping, is to shop throughout the year. This is especially true during the tail end of the holiday season, when retailers want to get merchandise out of their store.

2. Shop With Help - By shopping sales and using coupons, you're able to combine double savings and walk away with rock bottom prices. 

3. Know Your Store - Ask retailers if the price dips below what you pay, what is their policy on this situation? Many stores have a 30 day policy allowing you to get the lowest price of the month. Equally important is to know the average price. If you are looking for a gaming system, research what it retails for. This will let you know when you see a great price.

4. Shop From Home - The best time of the season to shop is right after Thanksgiving and just into the start of December. The incredible sales on Black Friday and Cyber Monday means you can score amazing deals and get cash back from Ebates! I personally appreciate shopping online and not having to leave my home or fight the crowds.

5. Shop With A Purpose - Most importantly, during the holiday season shop smart. Make a list of who you need to buy for, and set a price for each of those individuals. Holiday shopping is not a time to break the bank, but rather a time to celebrate and enjoy the ones you love.

Happy shopping!

Ashley Nuzzo is the CEO of Frugal Coupon Living, where she blogs full-time finding deals both online and in the stores. She has been featured on Dr. Phil and in US News and World Report as well as The Washington Post.

It's not too late to get Dad what he really wants! Watch here: And shop our Gift Card Category

Earlier today we had a post from a guest blogger from one of our favorite shops, the New York Times Store, highlighting some great gifts for Dads and Grads, all of which are avaliable with cash back and free shipping. Chances are you know a few Dads and a few Grads that need gifts this time of year. This is why we launched our Dads and Grads Sale, where you can get double cash back at nine stores and a slew of Dad-worthy and Grad-worth gifts to please. Shop with more cash back at Nordstrom, Sears, Men's Wherehouse, Snapfish, The Home Depot, Omaha Steaks, HP, Dell and Macy's. With deals, coupons and cash back at that all-star lineup, it will be hard not to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and also to pick up a few things for yourself in the meantime.

I will make my first shopping trip at Sears because of their double cash back and vast selection. From now until June 5th, save on all Sony and Samsung TVs on sale plus an extra 10% off $599+ electronics orders. I will take advantage of this great sale at Sears and pick up a much needed TV to replace the one I currently have and use the 10% off incentive to pick up something electronics related for my Dad. That way, I will get extra savings on my entire order and be able to earn 4.0% Cash Back.

Shop all of our Dads and Grads stores here and get more cash back!

I've written in the past about how much I love Uncommon Goods - they have such a fun and unique collections of items for everyone in the family. But, as we near the end of the school year, with Father's Day right around the corner and Mother's Day not too far away to still be able to give a belated gift, it is a good time to turn to Uncommon Goods for some not-so-standard gift ideas. Yet another compelling reason to find your gift at Uncommon Goods is that currently they are taking part in our Eleventh Birthday Sale, which means they are offering 11.0% Cash Back instead of their usual 5.0%.

My recommendation? Especially for someone graduating, whether from high school or from college, as long as they have a technical bent (and in that generation, who doesn't?) get them this Solar-Powered Messenger Bag. I can't believe someone didn't think of this earlier. In an age where iPods, smartphones, and PDAs need to be charged pretty much every day or night, a messenger bag that can automatically charge those devices just makes perfect sense. Just think about it - if you're anything like me, you carry a messenger bag pretty much everywhere (or everywhere but the bars, at least), and you probably rely all too much on your phone and ipod to get you through the day. Why not make the two work together in beautiful and stylish harmony?

Yes, it is $199.00, but when you think about it, with 11.0% Cash Back, you're getting like twenty bucks in cash back, which more than covers the shipping cost. Plus, can you really put a price on the pride you feel in that family member or loved one who is finally graduating? Didn't think so.

Check out the full list of stores taking part in our Eleventh Birthday Celebration!

So you've procrastinated to the very last minute and in a mad rush, you're thinking it best to run to the nearest drugstore and purchase a tin of chocolates and a card.

Don't.

It's Mother's Day after all and you are not 15 and shopping for your high school crush. No, you are an Ebates member and since it is Thursday you still have time to get a last minute gift worthy of your mom. How? Well first let's start by shopping Mother's Day with Ebates. Second, let's head over to 1800Flowers where you can shop items with same day delivery. Third, let's shop!

In the category of same day delivery (which you can order Saturday and refrigerate until Sunday) there are all sorts of bouquets for every type of mom, but I was drawn to this Make Lemonade Bouquet. Not only is it vibrant and Spring appropriate, but using a glass pitcher for a vase is as lovely as using old bottles. See an example here. Perhaps better than it's charm is a $49.99 price tag with 10.0% Cash Back. Now that you've found a gift you can be proud to give, the next step is to tell your mother how much of a savvy shopper you are. Just remember to leave out the last minute part. 

Get mom the perfect gift here.

Just as difficult as buying a gift for someone when you have no idea what to get them, is when you need to buy a gift for someone and you have too many options. This is the problem I run into when I need to buy my mom a gift. Because we share similar interests and I know exactly what her taste is, I see things all the time that I want her to have. Another layer of difficulty results from our  Mother's Day promotion. With twelve of my favorite stores offering increased cash back and coupons for extra savings, I had so many options for places to get the right thing. Before I started shopping, I needed to have a gift in mind to avoid being completely overwhelmed. Luckily, one of my favorite blogs, Refinery 29 had the perfect Mother's Day Gift Guide to help me in my hunt. They featured this Jeff Koons for Kiehl's Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist (proceeds go to support the Rainforest Alliance), avaliable at Nordstrom for $26 and with 5.0% Cash Back. This Limited-Edition product is avaliable in four collectible bottles designed by Jeff Koons ( as pictured left) Malia Jones, Julianne Moore or Pharell Williams.

Not only is the bottle a piece of art and the product inside truly amazing, but my mom will love that the money that paid for her gift went to a great cause. I personally love a toning spray for the warmer months as they make a great mid-day skin refresher and prep the face for sunscreen and makeup. I know my mom will love it too and because it is full of the best organic certified ingredients, I will know its good for her too. Alas! I found the perfect gift!


Find the perfect gift for Mother's Day at Nordstrom and get 5.0% Cash Back from Ebates.

Mother's Day is always a tricky shopping holiday; if your mom is anything like mine, there's almost nothing at all that she needs, yet you don't want to appear like you're too cheap by getting her something simple like flowers (I personally think flowers make a great gift, but that could just be me). This year, you can look to your friends here at Ebates to help you out - we are offering some great increased cash back at our Mother's Day Sale. One of the merchants that I always seem to find new and unique things at is HSN. See, I don't watch much TV (other than Glee, of course) so everything I see on HSN is complete news to me; I only hear about their sales and deals on their website.

I tell you this much: when I do take the time to look at their products, I am usually impressed with both the quality and the prices on both sale items and even the regular-priced items. They carry a great selection of celebrity and designer-made jewelry, clothing, housewares, decor items, and even a respectable amount of electronics for the tech-savvy moms out there (or their computer-loving offspring). Best of all, each of these products comes with 4.0% Cash Back all the way up until Mother's Day. It's May 9th for all you folks keeping track at home, and for those of you who like to figure shipping deadlines.

Another thing to love about HSN is the array of coupons they have to offer; as you look at their coupons page, it seems like there is an almost endless list of $10 off coupons, free shipping deals, and deals directed strictly at first-time shoppers at their site, so if you haven't shopped there yet, you can really make out like a bandit on your first order. Just take a peek at all the HSN coupons we have to offer over at Ebates.

Find your Mom the perfect gift in our Mother's Day Sale!

Regardless of if you are an avid Olympics watcher or someone who tunes in from time to time, there is something special about the Olympics. Watching athletes from around the globe come together to display their talents is truly a one-of-a-kind event and worth tuning in to. I love the figure skating although I cringe and look away when a skater slips or falls.

This year seems especially magical, and although there is a really healthy dose of competition, there seems to be a real sense of sportsmanship and community among all the athletes and I am all for that. A way to remember this memorable Olympic Games is by shopping at the NBC Universal Store, where you will get 3.0% Cash Back from Ebates and  good deals on a ton of memorabilia and Olympic swag. One of these can't miss items is the 2010 Vancouver Olympics DVD with highlights of all the events. You can pre-order your copy for just $24.99 and it will be shipped to you when it is released on April 27th.

Also find team U.S.A. tee shirts, pins, hats, flags, athlete video games, and much, much more. Show your support of the games or you favorite athlete and save when you shop at NBC Universal Store though Ebates!

When trying to decide on an important but not overly aggressive title for this blog, Erykah Badu's song aptly titled Time's a Wastin' popped into my head. How appropriate, since your time to buy the perfect (as well as less-than-perfect but still meets standard requirements) gift is doing just that. Wasting. I can't be too hard on you, though, since you're smart enough to shop Ebates and our Valentine's Day Double Cash Back. You should be deciding soon, so if you're at a loss, go with the easy and surefire way to please. Flowers!

Both FTD and Teleflora are offering increased cash back, as well as other ways to save. Teleflora is now at 12.0% Cash Back and you'll save 15% on all purchases until the 14th. They also feature great deals like fresh bouquets with a complimentary vase starting at just $29.99. FTD is now offering 14.0% Cash Back as well as savings of up to 50% on bouquets, chocolates, and other goodies. They even carry flowers by beauty icon Vera Wang, and offer a full explanation of the symbolism of flowers. This is perfect for anyone interested in what the different color of roses means, or why flowers are used in certain occasions i.e. baby's breath symbolizes purity and innocence which is why it's commonly used in bridal bouquets.

So there you have it, an easy and affordable way to say I love you. What are you waiting for?


Shop Valentine's Day with Ebates.

Last week I dropped a bit of a bombshell, letting you know that women do, in fact, enjoy flowers. This week I'm here to impart a bit more knowledge: women also like chocolates. Around this time of year, said chocolates are even more effective when delivered in heart-shaped boxes. And if you really want to go for the gusto, you can get her both. Yep, I know it's crazy, but it does tend to work from time to time.

So now that I've dropped this serious knowledge, I need to tell you where to go to get these chocolates. As always, you should start at Ebates, where we have increased cash back on two of our most popular chocolate merchants - Godiva Chocolatier and Ghirardelli Chocolates. Throughout the duration of our Valentine's Day Sale, you be able to take advantage of increased cash back at both of these merchants. Godiva Chocolatier is increasing to 9.0% Cash Back, which is up from their usual 5.0%. In addition to increased cash back, they also have wonderful deals on a whole range of heart-shaped goodies, plus with coupon code HEARTS, you'll get free shipping on all orders $50 or more.

Ghirardelli Chocolates also has no shortage of great chocolates, and no shortage of cash back -- they are also offering 9.0% Cash Back. Plus they're a San Francisco company, so you know I have a lot of love for them. Moreover, they have an exclusive coupon code for you Ebates users; through Valentine's Day, use code Ebates15 for free shipping on orders over $50 plus 15% off your order - that's what I call a coupon!

So take it from me, you can get some great chocolate and some great cash back at our Valentine's Day Sale - but hurry, it takes time for chocolate to ship!

If I pretend for a moment that I actually have a Valentine and then take the fantasy one step further, I know what I would want from that special someone to celebrate the day of love and it is definitely something sparkly from Blue Nile. I also know that I would want him to shop the Ebates Valentine's Day Sale, where he could get double cash back, coupons, and the best gift to impress me with. I find frugality very sexy!

Getting a good deal and earning some cash back is always a good thing when you are shopping for yourself or for a great gift. And the cash back racks up at Blue Nile, where they have the best selection of high quality fine jewelry and offer 8.0% Cash Back until Valentine's Day. But no one wants to receive a cheap or ill-conceived gift, especially on Valentines Day. Thankfully, Blue Nile offers expert advice to help you find the perfect gift for your special someone. Check out their list of Top Ten Valentine's Day Gift Ideas where the gifts range from a sterling silver double heart pendant (for just $50) to a stunning set of diamond studs (always a good call). They have you covered on all your fine jewelry, everything from a modest heart adorned sterling silver bracelet to high end jewels. But, no matter what you buy, she will be excited to see the Blue Nile box arrive. And ladies, pick up an id bracelet, money clip, or key ring for your guy this year and have it engraved for the occasion at Blue Nile. 


Hurry and shop all of our Valentines Day stores and get increased cash back!

It's officially February, which can mean only one thing: Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching! Unless you want to pay extra for expedited shipping, now is the time to make your purchases. To make this process easy, Ice.com is having 25% off diamonds or 20% off site wide until February 14th. This means not only will you receive free shipping (procrastinators will save 50% on express delivery) but you'll also get 6.0% Cash Back.

Free shipping, big discount, cash back. It's like the Bermuda triangle of savings!

Speaking of savings, Ice.com allows you to shop by price point, type of jewelry, gemstone, type of gold, and more. With so many ways to choose, getting the best deal on treats for your sweet doesn't have to break the bank. There's also a jam packed clearance section with additional savings of up to 80% off the retail. So fellas, if you haven't purchased the perfect gift for the special woman in your life, do so now. You'll find great savings and countless options, guaranteed to woo her like never before.

Shop Valentine's Day with Ebates!

I have always been one to appreciate a gift that is a little out of the ordinary, especially when the gift is thoughtful and incorporates my interests. In terms of Valentine's Day gifts, I think chocolate and roses are always a good call, but there are also many women (and men) who would appreciate something a little different, but that still makes them feel pampered. Enter The Body Shop, who have increased their cash back to 8.0% for Valentines Day with coupons for 25% off select bath and body products and fragrances with free shipping on all orders over $60. This is truly enough to entice  any Valentine's Day shopper into finding a great deal on a thoughtful, and a little unexpected, gift idea.

I have gushed about my love for The Body Shop many a time on the blog, and I will again because they have a great selection of products, many of them natural and organic, and the company is socially responsible. To me, nothing says, "Thinking of you, my Valentine" like a luxurious, natural bath and body product to pamper with. A good place to start for a thoughtful Valentine's Day gift is the Olive Body Butter (a cult favorite), now 25% off and just $15. Add the Olive Body Scrub for a truly relaxing totally indulgent experience. Plus, get free shipping and 8.0% Cash Back when you shop through Ebates.


Find your perfect gift with increased cash back during our Valentine's Day Promotion!

Yeah, apparently it's true. At least that's what I keep hearing from the people who are more qualified to make that statement than myself, you know, the married folk around the office, the guys who aren't single, and even the women. It seems like a pretty widespread consensus, women plus flowers equals happy.

Luckily for you, we have two of our most popular floral merchants offering increased cash back in our Valentine's Day Promo, so from now until Valentine's Day, you can make her day and earn extra cash back, no matter whom "her" refers to. So if you're looking for roses for Valentine's Day, a nice birthday bouquet, or simply a nice little "thinking of you" arrangement for a friend, you have a few great options: FTD is currently offering 14.0% Cash Back, which is a step up from their usual 10.0%, which isn't too bad itself. Since we are all about comparing prices and finding the best deal, you may also want to check out teleflora, where you can get 12.0% Cash Back, which is up from 7.0%. Not having a lot of need for flowers these days (they don't really excite me the way they do the female constituent of this blog), I haven't had a lot of time to compare the nitty gritty of cost and service and all that, but I'm sure both are competitive.

There has also been a lot of buzz around the blogosphere in the last few days about 1-800-FLOWERS and some of the deals they are currently offering, which can be paired with their everyday 12.0% Cash Back.

No matter where you end up getting them, make sure you start at Ebates in our Flowers & Gifts category!

In my elaborate fantasies about the life I don't have, I imagine having fresh cut flowers in every room of my apartment. While this is not something that is completely out of the realm of possibility, my extra money usually goes to other things, and I view fresh flowers in the home as a special treat or something for a rare occasion.

When our Valentine's Day promotion launched, I was excited to see Teleflora had increased 12.0% Cash Back and I felt that perhaps my fantasy would become a reality; I could have fresh cut flowers, and if I play my cards right, I could even be gifted a beautiful bouquet. If a whopping 12.0% Cash Back was not enough of an incentive, they have same-day delivery and an additional 10% off all orders (no code required). Plus, they offer a wide range of flower arrangements for virtually every occasion and with in every price range, so it will be easy to find something affordable to spruce up my apartment.

And when I say a wide range of arrangements, I do not exaggerate. Find classic Valentine's Day bouquets packed with beautiful red, white, and pink roses for your love or something a little more off-beat like tulips, orchids, and more. Also, discover get well arrangements, birthday bouquets, and even have the florists make a special arrangement for you when you give them just a few guidelines. Check out shopping guides like the "rose color symbolism guide" and make sure you are sending just the right message with your arrangement (gentlemen, yellow roses may not be the right choice).

Find just the right arrangement for all your flower needs and earn 12.0% Cash Back at Teleflora from Ebates.

I sure as heck hope you know Jelly Belly. If you have never had a Jelly Belly jelly bean, then, my friend, you have not lived. They are the premier jelly bean on the market right now, to the point that I almost hesitate to lump them in with all their competitors. At this point, you're probably asking me why I'd be writing a "Did you know" blog about a famous candy seller, and you would be valid in your curiosity. But there are two things that you might not realize or know about Jelly Belly that makes it blog-worthy. Two things beyond the fact that they offer 5.0% Cash Back, that is. Behold:

1) Jelly Belly Sport Beans: Yep, sports candy. You heard it right here, folks. Delightfully tasty little jelly beans that are loaded with vitamins, carbs, and (perhaps most importantly) caffeine. Considering that blogging is a pretty low-impact undertaking, I haven't had the opportunity to try these for their intended purpose, but the buzz around the internet is pretty positive. If you have tried them, please leave a comment. I'd love to hear a firsthand account of how good they are.

2) Valentine's Day: Yes, I know, you're supposed to give chocolate on Valentine's Day. Still, normality has never been my forte, and doing something a little outside the box can score you major points with your loved one. All I ask is that you step back and think first about who you're giving these candies to, since I don't want to be held responsible for someone getting upset at a lack of Valentine's chocolate. Also "But Bill from Ebates said it would be cute" is not an excuse if your loved one gets upset - I'm just planting a seed in your mind. But with that caveat out of the way, I will say that the array of gift ideas from Jelly Belly for your favorite (or least favorite) romantic holiday is pretty staggering. Plus, if you spend $35 or more, you qualify for a free box of conversational jelly beans. They're like conversation hearts - but tasty!

So check them out, or if you're more of a traditionalist, you can find all sorts of standard Valentine's fare in our Flowers & Gifts category.

While there is still time to receive gifts from your favorite stores with express shipping, (see a full list of shipping deadlines here) the perfect solution for a last-minute gift is always a gift card. Giving someone a gift card is often seen as impersonal or thoughtless. However, in this day and age, gift cards are in fact a useful and practical gift that allow the recipient to pick out whatever they want and everyone is satisfied. Also, when the gift-giver gets a little cash back from Ebates on the purchase of the gift card, everyone wins.

If you find yourself wondering which Ebates stores offer cash back on gift cards or which store categories (apparel, electronics, health and beauty) have gift cards, check out the Ebates Gift Card Category, where we have it all organized for you. Shop for gift cards by store (drugstore.com, Nordstrom) or by category (Home & Garden, Electronics and more). If you are not sure which store to purchase a gift card from and are afraid to get something too specific that the recipient won't use, purchase an American Express Gift Card. Available in a multitude of amounts, these cards are accepted wherever American Express is accepted. And you will get coupons (order two or more gift cards, get $5 off with code AFL5) and 1.0% Cash Back from Ebates.

Get cash back in our Gift Card Category, or on American Express Gift Cards. Find shipping deadlines for all of our top stores or shop our gift pages for more ideas!

Yes, I know Christmas is only four days away and the clock is ticking, but before you start re-wrapping last years white elephant win, head over to Nordstrom for 5.0% Cash Back and the easiest gift guide out there. If you shop before the 23rd, you'll get those gifts in time with express delivery. Whether you shop by recipient, price, or both, Nordstrom has you covered. Here are just a few of the many great gift ideas available.

For the design guru, these Salt and Pepper Shakers by Jonathan Adler are perfect for those with quirky taste. Made from porcelain they're a funky way (and classier than plastic) to add decor to a kitchen. Priced at $48, they're also affordable.

 

For the naturalist this Michael Aram Soy Candle is just the thing they'd love. Made from soy, this candle doesn't contain petro-chemicals often found in traditional wax, and also comes with a decorative lid. If your friend is both a design guru and naturalist, this candle should please both sides.





For the pet lover this Crystal Dog Collar and Clip was made for dogs who are more princess than pooch. The clip features a bone shape encrusted with crystals, and a matching collar. The clip alone is only $18, but adding the collar means your total is just $73.

Not done shopping? Earn more with December Double Cash Back!

I am consistently impressed by the deals and gift ideas that Allie and Poppy come up with for this blog; they always have a keen eye for fashion and style, and both have an innate knack for finding excellent deals. Still, when Poppy wrote up her blog about Gifts for Her Under $25, I wondered what would happen with gifts for him. Again, I know that both of our bloggers are up for the challenge, but there's one thing in particular that makes me a tad more qualified to write this particular blog: I just so happen to be a "him". So I will draw on my years and years of experience in being a male, and I bring to you three ideas of gifts for the man or men in your life that might help you out in a pinch. Yes, everyone has slightly different tastes, but these three in particular stuck out as being good red-blooded male gifts.

2-in-1 BBQ Tool from Brookstone - $20 with 6.0% Cash Back
It may be stereotypical to some of you, but the stereotype exists for a reason. Most men I know are avid grillers. Give us some charcoal, some meat, and some spices, and we will happily show our prowess. Even now, when there is snow on the ground, there are some of us men (present company included) who are already plotting and researching new methods and recipes for when the temperatures come back up and that grill can be fired up again. This 2-in-1 BBQ Tool incorporates a regular spatula and an over-sized spatula, pairing them together to make a functional pair of tongs as well. This provides you with everything you need to do, from picking up and turning something as small as a hotdog to flipping something as hearty as a Porterhouse - all for just $20.


BonJour 32 oz. French Press from Cooking.com - $19.95 with 5.0% Cash Back
Like so many Americans, I adore coffee. You probably have noticed my posts in the past (like the one I posted yesterday), but I drink a lot of coffee. And I think about coffee a lot. Some might say I obsess over it. I prefer to think of it as me taking a strong interest in a hobby of mine. So it should come as no surprise that I  am a big fan of the French Press. It's coffee as it's meant to be had - where you can really get all the essences and the oils that make the flavor full and complex. Plus, this is large enough, at 32 oz, that I can drink it and not feel like having four more, as tends to happen with the little 12 oz models. There is also one word that absolutely sealed the deal for me: unbreakable. See, I have had about ten french presses through the years. Now I have about eight french press exoskeletons, as I would rather buy a whole new apparatus than just get a new carafe. Yes, it's crazy, but it's how I work. Since this is made of polycarbonate instead of glass, you'll never have that problem. Hell, I can even keep this in the office without fear of someone else borrowing it an subsequently shattering it to bits.


Two-Tone Strip Hip Flask from Target - $19.95 with 5.0% Cash Back
You know I couldn't escape a gift guide without a little something for the tipplers in the crowd. Plain and simple, there isn't much out there that is classier than drinking out of a hip flask. Of course, I'd be negligent if I didn't remind you both to drink responsibly and to abide by your area's open container laws. So don't go messing up and blaming me. I warned you. Still, there's something comforting about knowing that you have just a little bit of your personal choice of poison at your side. There's something timeless about drinking from a flask, too. I can't put my finger on it, but I feel like something straight out of Mad Men when I've got my flask keeping me company. I don't know for sure if you can engrave this particular flask or not, but believe you me, there's little that says "I love you" like an engraved flask.

So there you have it - a few fun ideas from your friends at Ebates that should hopefully be slightly outside of the box. If you want to find more gift ideas, be sure to check out our Holiday Gifts Pages.

With Shipping Deadlines of your favorite Ebates Stores on the horizon and Christmas Day just ten days away, I can imagine that many procrastinators have not even started thinking about Holiday shopping. With that in mind, I figured that you may need some inspiration about what to get the women on your list. And better yet, what to get them that costs a mere $25 or less.

I will start with this Sephora Brand Mini-Makeup Palette for a mere $15 with 8.0% Cash Back (and free gift coupons galore found here). Complete with eight eyeshadows, four lipglosses, and a blush in universally flattering warm tones, this palette is suitable for anyone from their teens to far beyond and is compact enough for any gal on the go.





Another great gift idea for just $18 are these Chunky Cable Knit Fingerless Gloves. Ideal for anyone who wants to keep their hands warm while being able to use touch screen devices, these are cute and functional and come in a range of colors suitable for any taste. Get them at Nordstrom, earn free shipping on orders over $100 with code HOLIDAY09, and 5.0% Cash Back from Ebates!






In a completely different vein but something any cook will love is these Potted Culinary Herbs for just $24.95 from Sur La Table with 4.0% Cash Back. Good looking and also great tasting, the pot comes with rosemary, sage, and thyme, pesticide-free and ready to eat.

Looking for more gift ideas under $25? Check out our Gift Guide. Need to know shipping deadlines for your favorite store? Check out our compilation Shipping Deadlines here.

The danger of shopping for gifts, especially when it is your job to find gifts and deals is that you often (ok, all the time) stumble upon things for yourself. This becomes particularly precarious when you are shopping for your best friend, and when your favorite store has increased their cash back for the month of December. As if I needed more of a reason to shop at Shopbop, but now they have 8.0% Cash Back and as always free shipping on any order.

I will pretend for a minute that I don't at least make one stop to Shopbop a day and say that I was shopping for gifts for my friends when I looked down to notice that my absolute favorite grey tee shirt had a huge gaping hole and needed to be replaced. And as much as I hate to replace the basic items in my closet, it is always buying these items that ends up feeling the best in the end. And with 8.0% Cash Back, its hard not to justify a few items while you are picking up the last few gifts on your list.

Putting this Theory Geronne Tee in my cart made me instantly happy and although it comes with a hefty price tag, it is a wardrobe staple and is a little more sophisticated then its stretched-out, ill-fitting predecessors. And I will wear it at least once a week, especially when these pants arrive with it. Both will be a great foundation for the perfect work look all year long. I will assuage my guilt about shopping for myself and grab this chic mix-metals Bangle set by Pade Vavra and these super affordable Madewell Chain Earrings for just $25 to polish off my Christmas shopping.

You are probably not surprised to learn that I am not a huge shopper of Cabela's. Because they have participated in a few of our sale promotions, I have become more familiar Cablea's and over the course of a couple of leisurely trips to the site, it has become very clear that if you are an outdoor enthusiast, it is the place to shop for the best selection. Or, if you are like me and have a few outdoorsy-types on your list it is the place to be for the best gifts.

Shop Cablea's now and get doubled to 4.0% Cash Back, tons of coupons ($20 off $100 or more through this link, free shipping on $99+ with code 9SANTA) and a wide selection of sports and outdoor items, whether your pastime (or the pastime of your gift-recipient) is fishing, hunting, archery, camping or boating, Cablea's will keep you outfitted with literally everything you need to make the most of it. They also have helpful gift guides, so if you are looking for the right gift in a particular sport or hobby or by price range, it is easy to find it regardless of how little you know about what you are shopping for.

Shop all of our December Double Cash Back stores and get the best gifts with the best deals. Or looking for more gift ideas? Check out our gift guides!

I have never really been very creative about gift giving. I usually ask my family members "What do you want for Christmas?", or buy each of them something obvious that I know they will like. But with my budget tighter than ever this year, I need to get creative so I can give meaningful gifts that don't break the bank. Luckily, Barnes & Noble has doubled to 8.0% Cash Back as part of our December Double Cash Back and so the creative gifts I am looking for come with some extra savings. Plus, they have a Holiday Gift Guide which makes finding the perfect gift a little easier. My brother is a major foodie who will travel great distances for a good meal (he comes to visit me here in San Francisco often and is always dying to try the newest and greatest restaurants). Perfect for the foodie in your life is the Zagat America's Top Restaurants Guide 2010, 28% off and just $11.48. With a complete list of all the greatest restaurants across the country, it is a great reference for someone who loves a good meal or who travels a lot and it is under $12!


Perfect for the fashionista or just someone on the brink of a life change (who might need a style change along with it) is The Style Strategy by Nina Garcia (of Project Runway and Marie Claire magazine) is the perfect gift and just $11.87. The book is essentially a go-to-guide on how to maximize your wardrobe, buy smartly, and get the chic designer look for less. No matter how much or how little you know about fashion, this is the book to have. I will pick up a few copies for all the women in my life (and even one for myself).

Shop Barnes & Noble and find gifts for everyone on your list at great prices with double cash back!

No matter how much you love the holidays, this time of year is always a bit stressful and takes an obvious toll on the complexion. Holiday stress mixed with falling temperatures always makes me look rather peaked even if I am full of Holiday cheer. If you are looking for just the right pick me up for your skin, look no further than Fresh Twilight Face Glow, available at Sephora for $36 with 8.0% Cash Back. I was initially turned off by the price tag, thinking that it was way too expensive for something that would likely promise a lot more than it actually delivered. It delivers! Mixing a bit of this luminous cream with my moisturizer everyday adds just the right amount of dewy glow, a little bit of moisture and makes the skin look virtually flawless. Plus, it is packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants, smells nice, and feels so luxurious. It makes the perfect gift for anyone on your list, as you can give someone a little holiday glow.

If the full size is a little too much to commit to or you are looking for something a little more gift-worthy pick up this limited edition Fresh Star Light, Star Bright Set, for $28, full of get-pretty favorites and, of course, the Twilight Face Glow. It is temporarily out of stock, but too good not to mention, I'd think Sephora should be restocking before the holidays.

Get a complete list of all of Sephora coupons and offers here or check out all of our December Double Cash Back stores!

My absolute favorite part of holiday gift giving is the stocking. I love to gather special trimmings and trinkets and I always include several bath and body items, as they make the perfect stocking stuffers. Just in time for my stocking stuffer hunt is The Body Shop Friends and Family Sale, where my entire order will be 20% off with free shipping (on orders of 50+) with code FNF2009 at checkout.

I will get perfect items like this bristle shaving brush for my brothers ($11 and now just $8.80), an Almond Oil Cuticle Pen for my Mom (now $9.60), Hemp Hand Scrub ($9.60), the perfect remedy for flaky winter skin and a few more of these amazing Ultra Gentle Cleansing Cloths (now only $4.80) that I wrote about a few months back. Honestly, they make a simple face cleansing a perfect exfoliating experience especially for those with gentle skin. Plus, I find that the cloths take off every trace of my makeup. They fold up into cute little wedges with a delightful bow, so they will add a little something different to the stocking and everyone (even my Dad) will appreciate having one! Plus, I will save 20% on my order and get 5.0% Cash Back. Hurry, The Body Shop Friends and Family Sale lasts just three days and ends on December 6th.

Now that it is "officially" holiday shopping season (thanks to Black Friday and our personal favorite Cyber Monday), shopping for gifts means weeding through deals. It is easy to become confused and disoriented in a sea of deep discounts. My advice: ask yourself, "Is it really a deal if it is something I wouldn't want to give or receive if it was full price?"

This line of rational thought has saved me from giving loved ones $5 toaster ovens, Ove Gloves, and an array of other items that were deeply discounted but not at all appropriate. Another gift-giving savior is eBay whose unparalleled selection of items and great prices makes gift-giving a fail-free breeze. To make it even easier, they have kicked off their Twelve Days of Deals (November 27- December 8), where each day they have a new featured deal (20-90% off with free shipping) on a hot item at an amazing price. Today's deal is a pair of these stunning 14kt White Gold Pink Diamond Stud Earrings. Trust me, she will want these. Get them for less and get 2.5% Cash Back at eBay when you shop though Ebates and give a gift that is a great deal and something they want!


Want more deals and even more cash back? Shop our December Double Cash Back stores!

I will be honest: when it comes to toys and children's goods, I have no clue whats hot, what's new, or whats the latest must-have toy. Luckily, we here at Ebates are resourceful and know where to look and where to get just about anything. If you find yourself lost in a sea of toys this year, check out this informative article about the most wanted toys. You will realize quickly that the must-have toy this year are Zhu Zhu Pets: little fake hamsters that make wonderful pets (they move about like the real thing without the mess and the biting!) Plus, they are an affordable, that is, if you can find them.

Luckily, our team of savvy shoppers would not let the hamster-loving tots on your list go without their own Zhu Zhu pet: so we compiled a page of Zhu Zhu hamsters and accessories all from eBay (they are sold out everywhere) with 2.0% Cash Back when you shop through Ebates. It is the best deal you will find on this sold-out everywhere toy phenomenon! Make your search easy and shop Zhu Zhu pets through Ebates!



So put a smile on the face of a kid on your list this year and some cash back in your wallet!

With Thanksgiving less than a week away, everyone is preparing for the launch of the Holiday Season. Whether it be dusting off the roasting pan, looking for the turkey baster, planning your table settings, or getting a head start on gifts, there is work to be done. Luckily, Macy's is having a sale on everything you need for the perfect holiday.

Shop Macy's this weekend and get 5.0% Cash Back (increased for our November Holiday Double Cash Back month) and save 20-50% off plus everyday values with free shipping on orders of $99 or more with code READY at checkout. Save on bed & bath items, holiday decor, kitchen, luggage, entertaining, clothing, and accessories for the whole family. I clicked over to the Macy's homepage to shop for much needed home entertaining items (my guests need napkins other than paper towels) and was enamored by their spectacular holiday gift guide. With helpful categories like gifts under $25 and gifts for him, it is easy to find the right gift at the right price while you pick up some necessary holiday items this weekend at Macy's.

While clicking through the categories, I found this special edition MAC Do The Trick Brush Set for $49.50 with 5.0% Cash Back. MAC makes the best brushes on the planet and every year during the holidays they release a special value, limited edition gift set. Since a beauty obsession runs in the family, I will pick up this set for my mom's stocking and earn some cash back for myself!

Want more cash back? Want more deals? Don't miss Ebates Black Friday extravaganza!

I'll be frank, when it comes to buying gifts, I'm all about saving money. Makes sense since I have nearly a dozen people to shop for. Helping ease my financial woes is Kohls. Not only are they part of Ebates November Double Cash Back, but they feature a Holiday Gift Shop dedicated to gifts neatly categorized from over $100 to under $25. The following are just a few of my favorite picks arranged, of course, by price point.

Gifts Under $100
What do parents need or want that they can't buy themselves? The answer is nothing, so instead of buying things they'll use, go to plan b and buy them things they like. My dad loves the New England Patriots (and anything fleece) and my mom likes (read: is addicted to) cookbooks. The answer? One New England Patriots Fleece Jacket and one Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook. Both come out to $100, and both are just what they would want. 



Gifts Under $50
What could be better for the college student (like my brothers) sick of popcorn chicken than a George Foreman Grill? This one is just $33.99 and it's a fast and safe way for my siblings to cook something that isn't fried and doesn't require a microwave.



Gifts Under $25
A teenagers love for pajama bottoms never ceases to amaze me. What is it that makes wearing pajama bottoms with reindeer or teddy bears cool? Answering this is like finding the meaning of life, so rather than scratch my head I found these Plush Pajama Pants for just $12.99. At such an affordable price I can buy my little sister a few pairs and supply her with nearly a week's worth of clothing.

Get double cash back on your gifts with November Double Cash Back!

When it comes to shopping for Holiday gifts, I often do the majority of my shopping for gifts at Sephora. This year, with their participation in our November Double Cash Back month, I have even more incentive to do my holiday shopping there. Offering 8.0% Cash Back and a ton of free gift and shipping coupons, Sephora through Ebates is the place to be this year. With best-selling gifts from last year, like this Scent Sampler (with more varieties) back for another season and new gift collections in skincare, makeup, and fragrance from virtually every beauty brand Sephora carries, there is literally something for everyone at Sephora with increased cash back.
Even better than having a gift for every recipient on your list, Sephora has made the process a cinch with a new and improved gift guide: shop by personality (The Luxe Girl, The Natural Beauty, Men's, and more), gift type (stocking stuffer, corporate gifts, gift card) and price (with ranges from $25 and under to $50 and over). One of the irresistible new additions to the gift set arsenal is this My First Makeup Kit Deluxe Sampler, an $89 value and just $32. While this is a great kit for someone new to makeup, it is also suitable for virtually anyone looking for the perfect travel-size beauty kit to keep you looking gorgeous.

Get 8.0% Cash Back at Sephora on gifts, gadgets, and more! Want more cash back? Shop all twenty of our November Double Stores.

You Better Watch Out...You Better Not Cry... and if even if you do pout, it won't stop the holidays approaching faster than a speeding sleigh. In some places temperatures are still topping 80 degrees, but other parts of the country have already experienced falling snow and cold snaps below 20 degrees leaving no doubt that summer is over and it's time to start making that list and checking it twice. 

If you drag your feet like I do, the holiday planning process starts some time around December 15th. Unfortunately that usually means a poor selection of gifts, crowds, and a mad dash to mail the holiday cards.

Sleigh bells ring - are you listening? Here's a great website, CurrentCatalog.com, that's a procrastinator's salvation. Whether you celebrate Christmas Hanukkah, Kwanza or something in between, their unbeatable selection of holiday greeting cards - personalized for free - will save you time, money, and last-minute trouble:

FREE Shipping on any order of $40+ from CurrentCatalog.com: Halloween, Kids Crafts, Holiday Gift Wrap & more. Offer expires 10/31/09.

Are you tired of giving the men ties, women slippers, and the kids gift cards? Again Current Catalog comes to the rescue with unique gifts at affordable prices. One of our family and friends favorites this year is the new Personalized Canvas Prints. You can even use your own photo for a truly personal touch.




And if it's something small and memorable you're after, the Santa and Elf Treat Pants will be hanging around for many holidays to come:

CurrentCatalog.com will also help wrap up your shopping early with seasonal gift paper, tags, decorated boxes, bells, bags and bows.

So kick back, relax and let Current Catalog be your one-stop shopping source for happy holidays without the hassle! Plus, put a little back in your stocking with 3.0% Cash Back through Ebates!

We've all seen a movie in which the lead woman sends herself flowers or candy to make it look like she's being pursued. The goal is to make herself seem unavailable (because all men love a chase), and thus more attractive to her love interest. While this may work in the romantic comedy genre, in real life it's just weird. This isn't to say I don't love buying myself flowers, because I do. I just don't attach cards that read "can't stop thinking of you".

With that being said, when I do buy myself flowers for no other reason than wanting flowers, I shop at 1-800-Flowers. Between money saving 1-800-Flowers coupons, and other great deals, I'm able to spoil myself on a single gal's budget. Which, coincidentally, happens to be single as well. I don't despair though, because with bouquets like this 50 Blooms of Spray Roses selling for $19.99, the affordable options are endless. Like all purchases at 1-800-Flowers, you'll get 5% Cash Back from Ebates, and find other great deals.

So you see, there are discrete, acceptable ways to shower yourself with love. And if the cute guy who lives downstairs happens to notice, well then that's acceptable too.   

Save more with Ebates coupons!

They say that chivalry is dead. Personally speaking, I admit that it has, in fact, been a while since I received a bouquet of fresh cut flowers. And while I could blame that on the economy, there is truly no excuse for not sending flowers when you have cash back and ProFlowers coupons. So instead of letting another flower-less day go by, I have decided to seize the day (and some deals) and take advantage of all the ProFlowers coupons Ebates has to offer and get myself some flowers.

Shop ProFlowers and find deals like a Proflower coupon for flowers starting at just $19.99 with a free vase. No code is required and you can choose from a wide variety of beautiful flowers that don't cost a lot, but don't look cheap either. In addition to money saving Proflowers coupons, get 10% Cash Back when you shop though Ebates. So bring back chivalry or send some love to yourself for less.

Find more ways to save with coupons and cash back at Ebates!

It's mid-summer, romance should hopefully be in the air, and nothing says "let me romance you up" quite like flowers. I've been reading on various blogs about women discussing the wildly romantic gestures made by their menfolk who have showered them in flowers. Being both frugal and single, if I'm going to woo any young lady, I sure as heck had better be getting something back in return. Money wise - get your mind out of the gutter!

To assure that I can say I have secure finances, I can use FTD coupons to purchase those blooming beauties that I want to give to a blooming beauty. Most FTD coupons seem to be for 15% off, which when paired with 12% Cash Back from Ebates puts enough cash into my pocket to pay for the first round of cocktails on a first date.

So buy something special to be romantic or just spruce up your tabletop, and make sure you shop at FTD and use FTD coupons to save even more.

Find more great gifts in our Gifts and Floral Category.

Image © Tom Grill/Corbis

Devoted SATC fans such as myself will recall the episode when Carrie's brand new Manolo's are stolen during a baby shower. When the host scoffs at the cost of replacement, Carrie follows suit and registers at Manolo Blahnik. After all, if thousands of women are entitled to gifts in celebration of weddings, baby showers, etc. Why shouldn't she register in celebration of herself? It's with this mantra that I've decided to splurge and buy myself the ring I've always dreamed of. While normally this kind of venture would be too costly, with the help of HSN coupons and 3% Cash Back, celebrating myself just became manageable.

As stated before, I have a panache for costume jewelry and this Diamond and Ruby Snake Ring combines luxurious gems with funky design. Priced $600 less than appraised value, this ring is just one of the many deals to be found at HSN. With plenty of HSN coupons, spoiling yourself never cost so little. So go ahead, celebrate you!

Save more with Ebates coupons! 

Whether you've got a small business, or just like to buy in bulk, Sams Club has always been a great place to get lots of stuff at ridiculously low prices. But for so, so long, you could never find Sams Club coupons or get any sort of break on necessities like gallon jars of mayonnaise, 500-count snack packs, and actual boxes of candy. But no more! With 1% Cash Back at Sams Club, you can save on every purchase, regardless of size!

Even though you still have to be a card-carrying member of Sam's elite Club, the amazing values and deals on practically everything and anything just can't be beat. Plus, with shipping to your local Sam's Club, you can save big bucks on shipping all those massive things!

While we're currently low on Sams Club coupons, there's no reason to worry! You'll always get cash back on the best sales and deals at Ebates.

Guess what! Father's Day is coming up! Guess what else! Here at Ebates we have double cash back at Dell Home Systems in honor of Father's Day!

Now you all know entirely too well that Dell has a vast array of laptops, desktops, monitors, mice, printers, faxes, and all that other computer-related jazz. The question is: do you realize that Dell also sells digital cameras? How about unlocked cell phones? Video game consoles? They got 'em. Giant TVs, Blu-Ray players, and home theater systems? Oh, you better believe they've got those.

So, you know there is double cash back right now, but did you realize we also have Dell Home coupons? Oh yeah, Ebates is always looking out for you, with great deals, killer sales, and all sorts of other ways to help save you money. So browse around a bit, take advantage of the discounts, and find something for Dad, or just yourself!

Or check out any of our other Electronics merchants for other great sales and products.

If you folks didn't grow up with a tinkerer, you don't know what you're missing. By age ten I was proficient with a soldering gun; I could drop a new capacitor into a PCB board with ease. Nothing couldn't be fixed without some super glue, maybe some duct tape, and the right tools. Where most people saw broken appliances or ready-to-be-scrapped cars, my dad saw a wealth of spare parts just waiting to be utilized.

So it is in honor of my dad and his tinkering ways that I volunteered myself to write about the great specials at Radio Shack, who, during our Father's Day Promotion, have gone from 2 to 4% Cash Back. If your father (or any member of your family, really) isn't the tinkering type, don't be dissuaded; there are all sorts of great deals on everything from cell phones to stereo equipment. Plus, with Radio Shack coupons, you can pile on the savings even higher, which would make good ol' Dad proud.

Check out all the other great deals in our Father's Day Promotion!

If asked to describe HSN, I would probably ramble on about how much I adore Destination Style by Pat Field, or how my obsession with jewelry by Jay King borders on psychotic, but the truth is when it comes to shopping for men on this site, I draw a blank. Sure I know HSN carries today's hottest products, but even I, the shopping obsessed, had no idea how many amazing items there are for men. With Father's Day a mere week away, my time to buy is running out. As part of Ebates Father's Day extravaganza, I'll earn double cash back or 6% at HSN.

From Todd English cookware to TomTom navigation systems, HSN offers something for every dad. For those on a budget, and who isn't these days, you'll love saving even more with HSN coupons like 15% savings for new customers, and $15 off orders over $75. No matter what type of dad you're shopping for, head over to HSN for coupons, deals, and other special offers!

Shop Ebates for Father's Day deals and increased cash back!

With only eleven days separating you from Father's Day, it's not uncommon for panic to set in. Before poor buying decisions are made, remember that you've got Home Depot and Ebates. From now until Father's Day, you'll earn 5% Cash Back at Home Depot, while saving on countless items with Home Depot coupons. So stop worrying about what to get dad. With Home Depot and Ebates, you'll find the perfect gift at the perfect price.

Home Depot makes it easy to shop for every dad, whether he's a sports enthusiast, a culinary king, or Mr. do-it-yourself. Check out the gift center and shop by price or by personality. Receive up to a 30% discount on select items in the savings center, as well as online rebates. Not only will you find the ideas necessary for acquiring the perfect gift, but you'll also enjoy free shipping on orders over $149. With so many ways to save, you'll never have to shop anywhere else!

Shop Ebates Father's Day Merchants and earn even more cash back!

Celebrate Father's Day with a personalized gift from Snapfish By HP, a leading digital and film photo hosting site where you can print and share your photos then create personalized gifts, albums, and frames. Shop Snapfish and get a staggering 15% Cash Back from Ebates (its like 15% off your entire order!) and special deals and Snapfish coupons for additional savings.

Head over to Snapfish now and enjoy fifty free prints and free shipping on orders of $30 or more with coupon code SHIP30 at checkout. So make Father's Day special this year and upload some of your favorite family photos, get plenty of prints and find a great gift for Dad like a personalized coffee mug, photo album, cards, posters and much more. Get the right gift at the right price in a quick and efficient manner from Snapfish, through Ebates and get double digit cash back!


Shop all of our Father's Day Merchants with increased cash back and coupons galore! Or, Shop all online stores.

I am not yet a father, but I will tell you this much right now, dear Ebates users: when I become one, I only want my children to give me gifts that I can barbecue and eat. For my money, the best place to get said edibles is Omaha Steaks. Throughout the course of our Father's Day Promotion, Omaha has upped their cash back, so now through the 21st, you can enjoy 6% Cash Back at Omaha Steaks -- now that's a tasty little morsel of cash back goodness!

Now, extra cash back isn't the only thing you get when you shop through Ebates, you will also be able to take advantage of Omaha Steaks Coupons for added savings on some tasty treats and savory meats. Take a look for yourself, and give Dad the gift that keeps on eating: a thick, juicy steak.

Looking for the perfect gift for my active Dad, I found myself on the Cabela's website, and I knew that it would be just the right place to find it. Cabela's carries a complete inventory of outdoor equipment for hunting, archery, shooting gear, fishing, camping, boating and much more.  With 3% Cash Back from Ebates and Cabela's coupons for additional savings, I was sure that the perfect gift would also come at the perfect price.

Shop Cabela's during the Ebates Father's Day Promotion and find deals and Cabela's coupons galore. Currently, Cabela's is having their Spring Sale, where over ten thousand overstock, special buys, and clearance items are up to 70% off. With ten thousand items to choose from, surely you can find something just right for your Dad and maybe even yourself too!

Shop all the Father's Day Merchants and get increased cash back and coupons too!

I will expose my naivete here for a moment and tell you, Ebates Blog reader, that until New Merchant Week, I had never heard of Lenox.com. Lured by the promise of 8% Cash Back from Ebates during New Merchant Week and Lenox.com coupons, I took a trip to the site and was amazed by the section of tableware and gifts at great prices. They have crystal, table linens, flatware, and much more.

Not really being the type to buy things for the home on a regular basis, I was more inclined to browse the gift section. With weddings, graduations, and baby showers on my calendar, I got great gifts and saved money with cash back from Ebates! My best friend is pregnant and due in July, and instead of a "Made in San Francisco" onesie for the tot, I found this baby feeding set that will be much more celebratory. Plus, it's on sale for $29, marked down from $58. If I spend $75 or more, I can qualify for free shipping too, so I will pick up a few more gifts and get more cash back and save on shipping!

Since I will be dusting off my mortar board next Saturday, I've had a few people ask me what I want for a graduation gift this year. Thanks to my being gainfully employed and a picky individual when it comes to my possessions, I don't want anything other than some gift cards.

What most people forget, however, is that here at Ebates, there are a handful of merchants who offer cash back on gift cards, so you are really earning money on money. It's not common, and if you don't see the store you're searching for in the list on the Ebates Gift Card Page, then chances are that merchant does not offer Cash Back on gift cards. Still, we do have a number of merchants who are willing to do it, so it's a great chance to give someone a gift that won't get exchanged and will earn you some cash back!

Mother's day is just days away and I will shamefully admit that I have not yet procured a gift to celebrate the most important woman in my life. Because I have waited longer than I should have to get her an appropriate gift, I thought I would have to send an IOU or the dreaded "I will give you a gift when I see you." Quickly I learned that all hope for a gift was not lost when I got on to Ebates and checked out deals from 1-800 Flowers and Teleflora, both offering increased cash back for our Mother's Day Promotion.


In addition to increased cash back, they both have exclusive deals and coupons to make getting the perfect flowers at the perfect price the easiest decision I have made all day.

Teleflora is offering $5 off all Bouquets with coupon code AFPX5D at checkout and 15% Cash Back. Or if you prefer to shop at 1-800 Flowers, you will find 30 gifts under $30 and same day delivery. Also use 1-800-Flowers coupon code MOM to take $15 off two or more bouquets and get 15% Cash Back.

Find more last minute Mother's Day gifts and coupons here.

Try as I may, when it comes to Mother's Day I am always buying gifts at the last minute. This used to cause panic and the inevitable lecture from Dad, but thanks to great deals on same-day delivery, Mom never has to know my tendency to procrastinate. If you find yourself on the last minute boat, don't worry. As part of the Ebates Mother's Day cash back bonanza, not only will you enjoy same day delivery, but you'll also receive increased Cash Back of 15% at Teleflora.

At Teleflora, there's something for every mom whether she's classic, stylish, or down to earth. Choose from bouquets of roses and lilies, or go for something exotic and surprise mom with orchids and alstroemeria. No matter what you choose, be sure to use Teleflora coupon AFPX15 to save an extra 15% off your entire order. Want same-day delivery? Easy! Just order before 2pm Monday through Friday, or noon on Saturday and rest assured Mom's gift will be on time and beautiful!

Check out our Mother's Day merchants and save!

Here at Ebates we know your mom deserves the best, so we've teamed up with Kohls to present you increased cash back, the best deals, and enough Kohls coupons to save you the most cash. For a limited time, you'll receive 3% Cash Back at Kohls. Think of it as good karma for showing mom you care.

With over 700 gift ideas, there's something for every mom. Choose from home goods like the KitchenAid Artisan mixer now $75 off. Or shop for the mom-to-be and save on strollers, diaper bags, and more. Is your mom always ahead of the trends? If yes, then wow her with gifts like Burberry Brit perfume or a Dana Buchman convertible clutch. For the grandma extraordinaire, surprise her with keepsakes that will keep her smiling all day. No matter what you choose, you'll find great Mother's Day deals for less at Kohls.

Shop our Mother's Day Merchants and enjoy increased cash back!

Easter is April 12 this year and my friend over at the Wild Planet Toy Store kindly agreed to give fellow Ebates shoppers a special discount on toy purchases.

It's simple - just go to the Wild Planet Toy Store, pick out a bunch of stuff that you wish had been around when you were a kid, then after checkout, enter EBATES in the Coupon Code field on the payment screen.

Click "Redeem It" and you'll receive 3% off the price of your purchase. This 3% discount is offered in addition to the 3% cash back you'll get in your Ebates big fat check.

Extra bonus: the discounts count toward the purchase of bundles, including those that are already discounted up to 15%. The only thing you can't use the additional discount for is the purchase of gift certificates (but you probably knew that already).

For those with toy buying needs beyond Easter, my buddy said he'd extend the discount and honor the code for all purchases made between now and (including) April 30, 2009. So you can stock up on birthday presents too!

What I like best about the Wild Planet Toy Store is that they carry the complete line of Wild Planet toys, so you can get everything at one place, which increases your savings on shipping.  (In case you're wondering, I don't work for the Toy Store, I work for the company that makes the toys - a  totally separate group of people.)

Hey there dear readers, I have had a few comments and e-mails here and there about some purchases not tracking correctly due to gift card purchases. This is a common issue with Ebates users, so I figured I'd take a little time this evening to clear up exactly what is going on. 

See, many of our merchants consider gift cards to be an exception to any type of discount. I can speak personally from my years of experience in retail when I say that many retail establishments don't even offer employee discounts on gift cards, since there is no type of markup or profit on the sale of them. Therefore, it is somewhat rare to find merchants who are willing to offer cash back or discounts on gift certificates.

But don't give up hope, gentle readers! You can still give yourself a little gift of cash back when you buy gift certificates for your friends, you just need to make sure they are in the list of pre-approved merchants who offer cash back savings on gift cards. So show someone you really care while earning a little cash back on the sly!

Ladies, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: men have it much easier than women when it comes to Valentine's Day gifts. A dozen roses, some chocolates, a teddy bear, some jewelry, or all of the above, and we're pretty much set. For you ladies, finding something for your fellas can be a lot more daunting, and that's where Ebates comes in. You have two male bloggers working here who not only are wonderfully talented at expressing themselves textually, they also love to get presents!

I'm going to give a couple of recommendations of what I'd like to get if I had a valentine to get gifts from this year. Then again, perhaps these choice are why I don't have a Valentine... because I'm outlining the finer parts of food and drink gifts.

If there is one thing that almost all the gents I know clamor for, it is beer. However, on a special day like Valentine's Day, you don't just want to bring home a six pack of whatever you could find at the store to be consumed from a bottle or can. This Valentine's Day go the extra mile. Nothing says "I love you" like a custom-etched beer boot from Bier Boot Haus. (except maybe the fact that you'll earn 4% cash back on that boot) I know I'd want to hang on to the cutie who'd buy me something that would unite my two great loves - her and beer. But what good is a giant glass boot if you don't have something good to drink from it? No good at all; and that's why you should also visit Mr. Beer, where the amateur home brewer can craft his own personal ales. If you play your cards right and heed my advice, you could have a custom beer named after you by this time next month. Plus, you get a whopping 10% cash back just to make tasty beer. I love it!

Chocolates, jewelry, wine... the gift list for February 14th goes on and on. It's no wonder that men (and women) can get frazzled when trying to do something nice for the special someone in their life. Commercials bombard with overpriced truffles, diamond necklaces, and skimpy lingerie, but is this really what Valentine's Day is about? The origin of lovers' day comes from Saint Valentine. After being rejected by his mistress, Saint Valentine sacrificed his heart and sent it to her in a dramatic show of undying love. Luckily for you, modern times call for less bloodshed, with a heart-shaped card replacing the body's strongest muscle.

The point of this day is to show loved ones the true feelings that everyday can hide. While dinner at a nice restaurant is one way to celebrate, cooking a meal together can be much more intimate. Sur La Table (4% cash back) offers classes encompassing a world of flavors, including a Valentine themed "Date Night" class. For the cost of a fancy meal for two, both you and your partner can enjoy the satisfaction that comes with preparing your own unique meal taught by world class chefs.

Somewhere between the need for a last-minute gift for the hostess and a desire to spread holiday cheer exists the need for a faux nutcracker fashioned after a soldier. While it has been a while since I have seen a nut cracked by a solider figurine, there does still seem to be a need for the Christmas icon in homes across the globe on Christmas Day. With the help of the Bill, I found a Nutcracker figurine on sale for only $8 (originally $19.99) with 4% cash back at Kohl's. I was pleased to know that one could still buy a classic nutcracker (and for a great deal, I must add). And while this one does not actually crack nuts, it certainly fulfills the role of spreading holiday cheer and being a great last-minute gift for someone on your list who has everything, or for the person has been kind enough to open their doors to you during the holidays. And at the very least, he will be a great conversation starter, especially when you arrive at your Holiday destination with the Nutcracker under your arm.


Shop on!

While it used to be considered rather insensitive to give money for the holidays, retailers have taken the taboo out of not knowing what to get someone and turned it into something desirable. Thanks to the rise of the gift card, anyone can purchase them for any person, from any store, and for any reason. Beyond the holiday season, gift cards are perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduation, you name it. Being that it's Christmas Eve and the frantic search for the perfect gift is over, now is the time to relax and enjoy the presents coming. In celebration of the receiving of gifts, here is a list of my most wanted Gift Cards, and the things I would buy with them.

1. Number one on my list would be a gift card to beauty heaven, also know as Sephora. Although my attempts at make-up application have sometimes been frightening, I still enjoy the task of picking out the perfect shades of eye shadow, finding the best blush, and the greatest task of all, matching my skin tone to a new foundation. In a perfect world, I would receive a gift card in the amount of $500, but I'll happily settle for $75.

2. My second choice for must have Gift Cards is none else but Shopbop.com. Those of you who have been faithfully reading my blog (bless you) will know all about my obsessive tendencies to hunt through this site on a daily basis. Top on my list of items from this mega cool website is the Filomena Bag by Malababa. Also known as the chicest of briefcases, this bag will be complimenting my outfits for decades to come.

3. The next give-it-to-me Gift Card is none other than electronics central; Best Buy. Before I go and state my case, let me preface by saying that when it comes to electronics, I don't see what the big deal is. Blue-Ray, HD, blah blah blah. A TV is a TV, and if you want to be "in the movie", then I suggest an acting coach and a ticket to LA. It's because of this attitude that I rarely step inside a mega-chain store such as this, but for the few times that I have needed an electro-improvement, Best Buy offers the biggest selection and the best prices. Topping my list is a Zune 120gb MP3 Player. Alas after five years, the iPod Mini is dying a very slow death, and needs some serious upgrading such as more music space and the ability to watch videos.

The holidays are not solely about Christmas and no one knows this better than myself. Sunday night was the start of Chanukah, a celebration of family, life, and history. Most everyone has heard of The Festival Of Lights, (especially if you're an Adam Sandler fan) however most don't know the history and meaning behind this eight day celebration. What I'm sure everyone does know is the jealousy felt as a child when your Jewish friends would get presents for eight days while you only had one day of gifts. Let me clear the air and say that it wasn't eight days of jaw dropping gifts. More like two or three really great gifts, with the remainder of gifts being socks and underwear. My mother alone would supply me with enough underwear to clothe an army, and that's before my aunt and grandparents had a chance to give me anything.

The reason for the eight nights has a long, long, history. During the Maccabean Revolution of 200 B.C. the Holy Temple (center of Jerusalem) was destroyed. All that remained is what is now known as the Wailing, or Western, Wall. The temple was home to The Eternal Flame, a sign of God's eternal presence. It was thought that the oil needed to fuel this flame would last only one day, yet it lasted for eight. Cue Mel Brooks yelling "It was a miracle!" and you'll understand the significance. Each day of celebration commemorates each day the oil lasted. My Hebrew school teacher would be so proud of me.
 
Now that you've got the history down, let's get on to the good stuff...gifts, family, and of course, the food. Here's a list of my favorite Chanukah items. Being that this list was made by myself and not my mother, there will be no mention of socks, underwear, or calendars. Even if I did need socks and underwear, they never make an exciting gift. Sorry Mom.

The first item on my list addresses the most important part of this holiday - Latkes! Potato pancakes fried to oblivion and drowned in sour cream. I don't think I need to mention how utterly fattening this is, and unless you're an Atkins follower, now is not the time to diet. Getting the mixture just right takes a bit of know-how, so if you're new to the world of Jewish cooking, fret not. Jewish Cooking For Dummies is the ultimate guide to cooking falafel, Hamantashin, and other delicious Jewish foods. Be warned: side affects may cause un-zippering of pants, and a renewed membership to Jenny Craig. Both Jewish and Italian households have a tradition where the grandmothers who have slaved in the kitchen for hours, walk around making sure everyone else has eaten. Commonly heard phrases are "You look too thin" and "When are you getting married?"

My second favorite thing about Chanukah is the chance to see family. My family happens to be the kind that shouts your name out as you enter a household, and it sounds something like "Allison!, Allison's here!" "Hey look who it is!" It's such a red carpet welcome, that it will easily give anyone a superiority complex, and I firmly believe I can blame them for my big head. Considering that I am not able to see them often, this Kosher Hanukkah Cornucopia basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets makes the perfect Wish I Could Be There gift. It features dried fruits, smoked salmon, chocolate, dip, and much much more. It's enough to please the pickiest eater, and the 5% cash back is pleasing to my wallet.

So there you have it, Chanukah a la Allie. Perhaps some of you thought I would talk about the new jeans I'm eyeing, or the chic sweater I've been dying to get, but during these eight crazy nights, all that matters to me is the love of my family, the memories made and to be had, and of course the food. Happy Chanukah to all and whatever you get, as my mother says, "Use it in good health".

For those you you out there who have not yet finished your Holiday shopping, this year your procrastination has paid off. You will not be forced to endure the dismal fate of crowded malls with bitter shoppers, long lines, and influenza-ridden surfaces. Instead, this year you will be able to shop (quite literally last minute) for great deals on great gifts from the comfort of your own home and have items shipped right to your door (or the door of the gift recipient) without paying an insane amount of money for express shipping. For a list of shipping deadlines of your favorite stores, look no further than Ebates. Where, we have taken the time to compile a comprehensive list of the shipping deadlines of our top merchants.

If you are looking for a somewhat generic gift that is by no means lackluster, these cute Kate Spade "zzee' slippers from Nordstrom fit the bill. For just $49.90, with 6% cash back, these slippers are just as cozy as they are festive, and will be perfect for anyone on your list regardless of taste or how well you know them. They are also a thoughtful and useful gift that hopefully the recipient will not want to return, however, if they do, they can painlessly take them back to any Nordstrom retail location or send back by mail. The shipping deadline for standard shipping at Nordstrom is December 19th (tomorrow), however with express shipping you can order these up until the 22nd and still have them arrive in time for Christmas.


If you really like to 'live on the edge' and are planning on procrastinating longer than the 22nd, shop at Banana Republic (Gap or Old Navy too), where you can earn 3% cash back and have express shipping with guaranteed Christmas delivery until the 23rd. Try this Brooch Bangle that is now just $19.99 with 3% cash back. It is a great buy for under $20 because it looks high-end and it will arrive in time, so no one will know you waited until the Eve of Christmas Eve to complete your shopping.

Shop on!

With so many sales going on all over the Internets, how can you, dear reader, be expected to keep up with all of the madness? I spend the entire day looking for deals, and sometimes I can't even keep up with it all! But that's not to say I won't do my best to find the craziest holiday deals out there. Even though I'm completely inundated with all of the special sales and promotional deals to keep you spending throughout the weekend, Buy.com in particular has a few fantastic gift ideas (bundled with fantastically low prices) that should fit the bill for some of your trickiest giftees. Take a peek at four of my personal favorite tech gifts, and be sure to check back next week for more great last-minute gift ideas!

Gift #1: Samsung S860Z Digital Camera
For?: Your favorite emerging, or exceedingly clumsy, photographer.

Do you have a son, daughter, or especially clumsy friend that should never really have any portable electronic device costing more than $50? Then this particular Samsung Camera was MADE for you. Featuring 8.1MP of generous picture-taking power, 9x total zoom (3x optical and 3x digital), and a small form factor, the Samsung S860Z is an outright steal at $50. It takes clear, 640x480 video that's perfect for recording YouTube videos, home movies, and capturing even the most random and inane happenings on digital "film." Of course, you'll need a SD card to go along with it, but for only $50, this Samsung is a no-brainer for anyone asking for a simple digital camera. It's small, it's sturdy, and takes clearer pictures than some cameras twice it's price. What's more can you want than that? Search for it at Buy.com and save!


Gift #2: Western Digital My Passport 2.5" 320GB External Hard Drive
For?: The adorable, tech-starved special someone in your life

While I'm not quite sure where external hard drives fit into the traditional gift-giving continuum (It's neither blue, nor new...), I can safely say that this is the best deal on a portable hard drive I have seen yet. If you need a little something that really says "I know you have a whole lot of (essential) crap that you like to take with you everywhere," nothing is better than this 320GB Western Digital 2.5" external hard drive at it's bottom-barrel price of $79. It's so small it will fit in your pocket, and so spacious that it will hold over fifty seasons of your favorite TV shows, 70,000+ songs, and close to three hundred movies in it's 2.5" chassis. Wow! Recently, I purchased a near-identical drive at a special "deal" site for $85, thinking it would never get much better than that. Now, Buy.com comes along and offers up a superior model for $5 less. Amazing! Search for it at Buy.com and save!


Gift #3: Westinghouse Digital Photo Frame
For?: The person who literally has everything.

Hello, friend! Are you tired of the hum-drumming of life? Have you given, and possibly received, practically everything under the sun for the last few holiday seasons? There's a slim chance you (or your giftee) may have one of these little unique desktoppers, but if not, the Westinghouse 10" Digital Photo Frame is the perfectly thoughtful gift that screams "I have no clue what to get you, but chances are there are some people you'd like to look at on your desktop." In case you haven't seen one before, a digital photo frame is like a little high-definition computer monitor for your pictures. You simply load up a folder of your favorite images, pop it into the digital frame, and choose to display one image, multiple images, or view a slideshow of your favorites with just a few button clicks. Thats it! No more annoying opening or closing frames or cropping images!

While it may seem slightly random at first, a digital photo frame is an easy gift to make "personal" by adding sentimental pictures, music, and movies before wrapping it. Best of all, this Westinghouse 10" digital frame will be sure to turn heads with its crystal-clear, high resolution display and stunning ebony finish. Show that you care, and save $30 while doing it with Buy.com's rebate that makes this pricy frame an affordable $83 with free shipping. Search for it at Buy.com and save!

Gift #4: Maximo iMetal HS2 Stereo Earset
For?: The musically minded iPhone or Blackberry owner.

A product so nice, I'll blog it twice! The Maximo iMetal HS2 Earset is a godsend for thrifty iPhone (and Blackberry!) owners, as it's one of the few earsets out there that actually packs some thump for the buck. Sure, you could go ahead and drop $100 on a set of slightly nicer headphones, but, man! That's an extra $70! As an owner of multiple headphones, I can honestly say that this earset (or "canalbuds", as they are sometimes called) are a great deal for their price - which has just been knocked down 48% to only $36! These are ideal for iPhone-rs who like to listen to music and chat on the go, as the little "play" button is invaluable for switching/pausing songs, and managing phone calls without ever taking your phone out of your pocket. Additionally, the unique design of the canalbuds (which take a day or two to get used to) effectively cancel out almost all background noise, including obnoxiously loud bus chatter and subway traffic. For only $40, they're practically an impulse buy for anyone who needs a headphone upgrade.

In the end, these few holiday picks were just a handful of things I highlighted from the sales over at Buy.com. Poke around the website and see what you can find! Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to the holidays, so leave some comments and let me know what sweet deals you can find!

Here at Ebates we are getting geared up for Christmas, and I can speak at least for the male half of the blog team when I say that one of the things we get most excited about this time of year (in addition to all the great sales and promotions) is toys. Personally speaking, nothing says "happy holidays" like fun and goofy toys. Even as I grow well past the commonly accepted toy giving and receiving age, I still love to give and get toys at the holidays. True, the toys I give and get are a little less conventional these days (can you say "Avenging Narwhal Playset"?), but there are also some cool toys for the kids or kids-at-heart who might be on your list this year.

It's for that very reason that I am bringing Wild Planet Toys to your attention. While you might just skim on by it as "just another toy store," a little examination shows that it is much more than that. They have a vast array of creative gift ideas for the clever and curious, and a number of toys that will be just as coveted by the adults in your family as by the children.

Among their great toys is the game Hyper Dash, which was recently the #1 selling toy on a site which I will not mention except to say that it has a connection to a certain area of rainforest in South America. It may say that the game is intended for ages six and up, but trust me when I say that "and up" knows no limits. It can be played as a table-top game, or with great distances, and between you and me, after a couple of cocktails, this game gets very challenging.

Another must-have toy this year is a pair of Night Goggles. There are all types in all price ranges at the moment, but few are in the sub-$20 range. This pair sold by Wild Planet is currently on sale for $19.95, and have received rave reviews from a number of users. I hope that these are strictly used by kids, and not for more taboo voyeuristic pursuits, but hey, I can't tell you how to use your present!

Finally, one for the girls is the always-popular Water Babies. Just how popular are these cuddly little babies? They are the second best selling doll ever behind a lovely young blonde named Barbie. So if you want to nurture some maternal  instinct in your little girl with a doll that doesn't look like she just stepped off the runway, this is a perfect gift. They even come in a wide ethnic range as well as a variety of ages for the babies themselves.

Also, just as a note of social conscience, I am also a huge proponent of toy donation programs. So if you are out there clicking around and shopping, please take your time to shop at any toy site, Ebates merchant or not, and pick up a toy or two to donate to those who are less fortunate, because I can't think of anything sadder than a child with nothing to open on Christmas.

If I have learned anything in my quest to become an expert in the newly developing science of  shoponomics, I have learned that a version of a luxurious item will soon be available en masse. Call it the shopping law of supply and demand. It will happen. Take cashmere for example; cashmere was once an ultra-luxurious fabric reserved for the items hanging in sections of stores I only shopped at in my fantasies. Now it seems like every store has some kind of cashmere for sale: a scarf, coat, throw blanket, even socks and undergarments, all available at a very reasonable price. You don't really need to cloud your shopping judgment and think of how or why the price has dropped so significantly, you just follow the rules of shoponomics and buy. This year, you can pass on the the luxury of cashmere to anyone on your list, regardless of your budget.


I found this to be especially true when browsing the cashmere selection at Bluefly. I discovered this Portolano Cashmere Hat reduced to only $36 with 3% cash back. With a retail value of $75, this hat is a great deal and available in an array of colors sure to suit anyone's wardrobe or tastes. For less than a candle or a coffee table book, you can give someone (even a peripheral person on your list) a cashmere cap to keep them warm and stylish.





I discovered this simple and gorgeous Italian made cashmere scarf on sale at JCrew. Once $125, it has been reduced to only $75 with 2% cash back. Even though you cannot put a price tag on a wardrobe staple that will last forever, you can recognize that while this may not be the cheapest cashmere scarf out there, it is certainly the best quality for the price.  In shopanomics, that is called an investment piece.

This beauty will be the perfect item to wrap around your neck on even the coldest of days. What's more is that it is available in a selection of both vivid and neutral colors, either of which will bring joy to a very happy recipient, even if it is yourself.  If the color selection and beautiful construction were not incentive enough to get that item in your shopping cart, take this into account: if you spend $100+ you automatically earn 20% off your entire order. So stock up, and move quickly; colors are selling out fast.


Shop On!

Maybe it's just me. Maybe it's the fact that one of the best gifts I received many years ago was a pocket watch, but I always have always had a soft spot for the pocket watch. I am always saddened that the classic look and style of the pocket watch has all but fallen by the wayside. Granted, the pocket watch's cousin the wristwatch is also going the way of VHS tapes and the Discman due to cell phones and their built-in timepieces; but there is something inherently timeless about a pocket watch. I know I faithfully carried one for probably about seven or eight years until I finally caved and started using cell phone as my dedicated timepiece. So it is in that spirit of uniqueness and individuality that I am suggesting it to you wonderful folks as an alternative to just another gift card or money.

I realize that this is a generally masculine present, but at least it is a unique one. So which one should you get? I recommend this Coleman Silvertone Pocket Watch from Target. It's got the great timeless look of a pocket watch, it's refined enough to take anywhere, but it's not covered in ornamentation or imitation antiquing. Plus, the fact that it's manufactured by Coleman, who has long been a trusted name in outdoor recreation products, means you know it should be able to stand up to almost whatever you can throw at it. Plus, this pocket watch has the push-button cover which not only protects the watch face when it is in your pocket, it also sells the entire look of the pocket watch; in my opinion, a pocket watch without a cover is like having peanut butter with no jam.

So act quickly and place your order before the eighteenth if you want to gaurantee delivery before Christmas. Plus, this item (along with a ton of other select menswear) is eligible for free shipping when you spend fifty dollars or more, plus no matter how much you spend, you'll get 4% cash back from Ebates. So show off your creative side with this great gift, and avoid those gift cards. Your recipients will thank you.

Of the many charming qualities I possess (wink wink), gift giving is not one of them. Frankly, I am just not an adept gift giver. Good shopper, yes. Good Samaritan, sometimes. Good at finding the perfect gift for someone, no. This personality defect only becomes a major problem once a year, so I have learned to live with it as I gently glaze over Christmas Gift time quietly and stealthy, with nice (just not perfect) gifts for everyone on my list. This year, I have decided to overcome the "bad gift giver" flaw and make the attempt at the elusive Perfect Gift.

Frankly, the odds are in my favor, and with my Ebates arsenal of over 1,000+ merchants, I really have no excuse. I have done a good job so far. I have my gifts and stocking stuffers picked out. Except for that one person on my list: the one who has everything and therefore is impossible to buy for. This person shall remain nameless, because this person does read my blog and I don't want to spoil the excitement of what might possibly be the best gift for the person who has everything.

Much to my excitement, I stumbled upon this Green Dimes Eliminate Home Junk Mail Gift Card, for just $19.99 with 7% cash back at Drugstore.com. This amazing gem promises to eliminate 90% of your home junk mail and plants up to five trees in your name! So not only do you give the gift of saying goodbye to annoying catalogs for stores where the previous resident shopped, but also the unwanted credit card offers that threaten the safety of your identity. This is a gift of joy and peace of mind - make someone you love the King of their mailbox once again and do something good for the earth in the meantime.


If the Green Dimes gift card does not seem like it will bring tears of joy to the recipient, the Sephora Brand Monopoly surely will. Sephora has teamed up with Monopoly to create a beauty-full edition of the classic game where you - Go To Jail for bad hair days, Advance To Go for winning a shopping spree, and pay for your products with Beauty Bucks. The special edition game sells $23.50 with 8% cash back, plus this items ships for free with code SHOPNOW (hurry, ends tonight). This is a great gift that will bring a sincere smile to the face of every man woman and child who has dreamed of taking over the world vis-à-vis their beauty product empire.


Shop on and Give!

Ah, the first weekend of December. The cool, crisp wintry air, the fallen leaves, and the first real glimpse of the holiday season. It was exactly one week ago that we had the huge, crazy rush of Black Friday (along with its equally busy sibling, Cyber Monday), and it seems to me this weekend is going to be one of two things:

1. A continuation of last weekend's madness, as all the rational people who weren't crazy enough to get up at 4 a.m. for sales head out to the malls and shopping centers.
2. The final relatively mellow weekend before last-minute shoppers trample over one another for the last Elmo Live to be had before Christmas.

Either way, the beauty of Ebates is that you don't have to wade through the lines and play the guessing game of what's going to sell out first. With our (literally) virtual bevy of stores and items, you can always find a great sale almost any day of the week. This weekend, J & R is having a superb sale on all things electronics. Whether you're looking for a new, portable hard drive to take all your movies and music on the go, or picking up a travel mouse and a Wusthof 8418 8 Piece Knife Block Set, J & R surprisingly has it all on sale!

Poking around the five pages of deals, a few things jump out to me as a great deal. Firstly, the Buffalo Technology 300GB 2.5" hard drive. Just a few weeks back, I picked up a similar 320GB drive from another website for over $85, and I haven't seen anything come close since. This is simply a great deal on such a small, spacious drive, and is a perfect companion for anyone on the go. With it you can take all your movies and music with you, making updating your iPod, watch movies, and show off family pictures on the go easier than ever before. It's small enough to fit in any purse or briefcase, and at just $69.99, is a great deal considering the instant rebate, no tax, and free shipping.

Equally impressive is the Olympus Stylus 12-megapixel digital camera, on sale for $149 (down from $349.99).  Many photographers have said that 12-megapixels is right about where there's almost no discernible difference between physical film and a digital pictures, meaning your pictures will come out just as good (if not better) than your old point-and-shoot ever did. Better yet, the Stylus 1200 includes Olympus's TruePic III Image Processor, found in many of their expensive top-of-the-line SLR cameras for a fraction of the price. It's a great holiday bargain for anyone looking for an upgrade/replacement for their camera, so give it a peek!

Whatever you're looking for, there's a ton of good stuff on sale over at J&R this weekend. Most importantly, with under 20 days left until Christmas, everything you order on sale should be able to make it to your house before the 25th with their Free Shipping! So act now, before prices go up and shipping gets more pricey as the shopping days dwindle down! Oh, and don't forget that with Ebates you'll get 3% cash back on all those great sale items!

With Christmas just about three weeks away, many of us are making our lists and checking them twice - to budget out gifts for people on our lists. Regardless of the economy, it is still Christmas, and when you are spending your hard-earned dollars on the people you love, it is important to make sure, this year more than ever, that you are getting someone a thoughtful gift at a great value. A tried and true gift that fits this very criteria are books. Whether they are artistic coffee table books, hardcover classics, or the newest bestsellers, most everyone is pleased or at the very least grateful to open up a book from under the tree.


A great books for the Fashionista this year is "Bobbi Brown's Makeup Manual: Everyone From Beginner To Pro" available at Barnes & Noble for 30% off the list price at just $22.40 with 8% cash back. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $25, so pick op something else while you are at it and the entire order will be at your doorstep in three business days or less. This fabulous book covers everything from skincare essentials to every aspect of makeup execution from Bobbi herself  who has twenty five years of experience behind her. This book is essentially an all-encompassing how to guide detailing how to get many coveted makeup looks with easy-to-follow instructions. Plus, the book even has a section all about makeup artists and their insider secrets which can help to turn every woman into a gorgeous, flawless pro. The book itself is also pretty flawless: glossy pages (easy to wipe down if you have some makeup spillage) and a fun cover that will make any coffee table more intriguing. Check out the Bobbi Brown website in our Health and Beauty Category to shop for some goods with 4% cash back.




If someone on your list is less inspired by makeup and more by fashion than Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's new book "Influence" is the gift for them. This book is filled with beautiful photographs and anecdotes about all the things that influence the Olsen twins and their noteworthy fashion and cultural influence. This book is wildly entertaining and sells for an affordable $24.50, saving you 20% off the list price with 8% cash back also from Barnes and Noble.


For the more refined woman, I recommend Nina Garcia's (former editor of Elle Magazine, now for Marie Claire and host of Project Runway), "Little Black Book of Style" for just $15.96. This book is intended to guide one through the discovery of their fashion voice and personal style, to always look their best with ease. She details what to wear and when, and throughout the book she promotes the importance of 'eternal style being internal style'. Garcia is both credible and easy to follow, and this book makes a fun gift for the developed fashionista or the struggling one young and old.

Shop on!

In the lunch room at work this afternoon, we somehow got on the topic of dental hygiene. You'll be very happy to know that it turns out most Ebates employees (at least those who were dining in the lunch room today) are all avid brushers, flossers, and a few are even mouthwash enthusiasts. I, like my co-workers, can't get enough of that freshly-brushed feeling that most people only enjoy but once or twice a day.

Still, no matter how meticulously you care for your teeth, most people ignore the other major component of dental hygiene: the toothbrush. While we may buy wonderful and futuristic electronic toothbrushes or just get the newest latest traditional brush with hand-selected bristles or magical alignment, most people I know treat their toothbrush in the same manner: pick up, apply toothpaste, brush, rinse, replace in holder or cup, repeat.  It's a time-honored process that most everyone grew up with. I am no exception. However, after doing a little research, I discovered that there could still be thousands of germs and bacteria all over my brush every time I put it back in its designated spot, and that's just gross.

The solution? The VIOlight Zapi. This silly looking little egg-shaped marvel contains a special UV light that helps sanitize your brush after every use. It really seems about as simple as can be possible: set it inside the housing and press a button, and the Zapi takes care of the rest. And by "the rest" I mean massacring germs and bacteria. So if you want a clean, fresh, and, most importantly, healty mouth, this is the product for you. Right now they're in stock and on sale at drugstore.com for $29.99, with 7% cash back. They're available in four colors, so you can find the one that best matches your personality (or just your bathroom) and it even comes with a matching toothbrush. But fear not, you don't need to use their supplied brush; the Zapi sanitizer it compatible with most every "traditional style" toothbrush or electric toothbrush head. From what I can gather "tradtional" just means that it's long, narrow and has bristles that you clean your teeth with. 

If you have any questions about the Zapi, you can check out the user's manual in .pdf format here. 

In my ceaseless quest to find the interesting or at least ambiguously named merchants here on Ebates, I stumble across a number that really tickle my fancy. This week's site, RaidenTech.com is one of those sites. 

So what is it about this site that amuses and amazes me at the same time? Simple: they have quite possibly the largest collection of remote control items I've seen assembled in one place. With the holidays right around the corner, this could be a godsend to some of us looking for some sort of tech-type gift on a budget. What's even better is that they don't limit themselves to just RC, either; they have a wide range of accessories for consumer electronics including the Nintendo Wii, the PlayStation Portable, even the Apple iPhone.  Probably the best way to put it is that they have a little bit of everything for the geek or gadget lover in your life... from spy cameras to tabletop foosball tables.

So check out RaidenTech.com - fulfill your remote control dreams or pick up some hard-to-find accessories for your favorite gadget, and while you're at it, get 3% cash back from Ebates.com.

Greetings again, good readers. As the holidays come rushing towards us again, I figured I'd start to do a small series for the person who has everything. You know the one I'm talking about: they don't have a lot of space to keep things, but they love buying stuff for themselves. According to my family (though not my friends) I fall into that category. So I figured I could use my firsthand knowledge to help you all to try to give you some ideas for that person who stumps you around this time every year.

My first recommendation is this set of do-it-yourself speakers. They are portable, they are made of eco-friendly cardboard, and they are completely customizable to anyone with some artistic leanings. Available from Urban Outfitters, this set of speakers are small and light enough to take almost anywhere. They come with a set of colored pencils so you can custom design the look of these "speaker boxes", and at just $18.00, even if you only get a handful of uses out of them (despite the fact that they are designed to last), you won't feel like you're throwing your money away. Best of all -- they are so small, that they don't take up a lot of space in a crowded room or apartment. They can even be collapsed down for added portability.

Plus, you get 2% cash back from Ebates, which helps make your own holidays just a little more merry!

Hopefully, you all love a good joke as much as I do. I've never been a big prankster in my day, but I enjoy a laugh at least as much as the next person. I'm also horrible when it comes to peeking at presents. Ever since I was a small child, I would always poke around all the boxes in front of my family's Christmas tree, trying to figure out what was what. It was a running joke in my family because all the gifts with my name on them would always have a liiiitle tear in them somewhere on the package - just enough so I could try to angle the package in just the right direction so I could get a better look at the box. I was obsessed.

While I have learned a bit more restraint in my older age, I still revel in those brief moments of recognition where the wrapping paper falls away and you see the box for exactly what it is. Even more exciting is when whatever is waiting behind that wrapping paper isn't what you expected it to be. This can work in both ways: what you thought was a DVD set can turn out to be something awesome like a new electric toothbrush or a first edition book, or it can be something "less desirable" like a shoe shine kit or a super saver package with like ten pairs of underpants. It is that anticipation and rush of recognition that makes this product so great.

Leave it to the geniuses at The Onion to come up with something like imitation gift boxes. These babies are just basic boxes that you place your actual gift inside of that appear to be boxes for absurd products like the "Visorganizer", a visor-organizer, or the "Sounds of the Rainforest Fire Alarm" so that you are more relaxed the next time you find out that there is a fire in your home. They're great for covering up the fact that you picked out a sub-par gift, or just for throwing off people who obsess over what their present might be, like yours truly. As you can see from the picture, they look completely legit, and the set of four is just $20. It sounds silly, but can you put a price on laughter? Moreover, can you put a price on laughter that comes with 6% cash back through Ebates?

The only thing that could make this better would be if you could actually modify products so that they actually looked like the outside of the boxes. Now that would be a great gag!

There comes a time in every blogger's life when he or she runs low on things to write about. I am somewhat at one of those times. With the addition of the rest of the blog team, I have been more content to sit back and watch their blogs roll out while I do more work in other areas for Ebates. Granted, I write my regularly regimented blogs, but it's becoming more and more scarce that I write a blog simply because I am choosing to write a blog. 

Today, however, I am choosing to write a blog. I will warn you right now - this blog will not feature a product on the cutting edge of fashion, nor is it technically advanced, or even an overwhelming sale price. Today's pick is all about aesthetics and feel. Today's pick is the Moleskine Notebook.

Yes, it's just a straightforward blank notebook. It does have a clever storage pouch on the back cover for loose papers and cards and whatnot, and it does have a nifty elastic band to hold it shut, but other than that, it's just a hardcover notebook.  So why is it worth writing about?  Simple: it's timeless.

Long after my iPod (I'm on my third, mind you) dies, after my iPhone is replaced with some amazing gadget that will make my life even better, even after I turn on my beloved Dell Inspiron laptop, I will be able to use a blank notebook. Even if I only write in it once a month or so, I know it will always be ready to go - there will be no system upgrades, no viruses, no nothing that can go wrong with it.  This is the kind of thing I love to have with me. Moreover, this is the notebook that all the cool kids want to own; it is the brand that Hemingway used to write stories in, it's the brand Picasso sketched in, and it's the brand that all-star blogger Bill Bergstrom uses to capture his ideas and observations before they end up on the internet. There is something about the feel of this notebook and the quality of the paper inside that just makes you want to write. In short, it feels like you're holding a piece of history.

Later this week/end, Cole will be writing about the city-guide notebook he recently purchased from Moleskine as well. I personally prefer the 5"x8" - it lends itself to fitting my large scrawling handwriting, and while it doesn't fit into my pocket quite as well, it fits my style just fine.  Be the envy of your friends and get one for yourself, or give it as a gift to your favorite book nerd - they'll love you forever.

Greetings again, folks. I have an admission to make, if you haven't noticed: I love doing these Wednesday segments. My usual process in finding the sites that make the cut for this segment involves skimming our Stores list, finding names that I can't immediately connect to an obvious product source, being amused by their products, and it eventually ends with me realizing "Hey, this stuff could really be appreciated by the right person." 

This week is no exception. GoGoods has one of the least descriptive names I've seen on the 'net: clearly they sell goods, but that's as much information as I could glean from the name. So I clicked around the site a bit, and I was amused at some of the more... "niche" selections, like the wide supply of CB radio equipment, but I also noticed something else: the site has a wide array of specialty gift categories, and also has a ton of various gift baskets to choose from. So soon it dawned on me "Hey, this place is a great site to find gifts for people."  So whether you prefer home spa items, toys, gift baskets, or CB radio, GoGoods.com has a great selection of products that can make you or your loved ones very happy.

And what kind of blogger would I be if I didn't mention that you will get 5% cash back on all your purchases?!?!

If you or someone you know has a birthday within a two month radius of the Holiday season you know what it's like: the infamous Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas gift, the fruit cake with candles, the forgetting to send happy birthday wishes because everyone is so occupied with holiday festivities. My brother is born on Christmas Day, and while it may seem kind of cool and interesting to the outsider, he really got gypped in the end.

He never had a legitimate birthday party, always had birthday gifts wrapped in snowman paper, and every year some relative forgot to wish him a happy birthday. Furthermore, being told that you're special because you share the same day of birth as Jesus is really no consolation. Instead, make it easy on yourself and fun for the birthday person by picking up a celebratory gift set that is both festive and says "I acknowledge its your birthday." This Dylan's Candy Bar Birthday Collection from Sephora is a great find. Prices range from $16-22 dollars for each piece in the collection of shower gel, sugar scrub, or butter cream (lotion) - all of which come with 4% Cash Back.

It is a thoughtful and inexpensive way to wish someone a happy day that doesn't involve a holiday sentiment, but fits perfectly in a stocking or Reindeer gift bag if you forget! Shop on!