nate-dog

I would suggest looking to buy earlier than later, even if the price per pound is a few cents more than the steal you mentioned from last year. Why? Grocery stores - and especially Wal-Mart - that are "EDLP" (Every Day Low Price) strategize around the entire basket that is typically purchased. They know exactly what the average consumer is looking for and will jack up prices on items complementary to Thanksgiving Dinner... and even moreso as it gets to crunch time. Sure, the .49/lb turkey may be featured the week of Thanksgiving, but only go after it then if it's the last item on your list (and then good luck thawing it in time :) ). Some articles that show how this works: Basket Pricing, Loss Leaders

Very true riven3d, further many retailers treat their websites as separate entities altogether - they are free to do their own merchandising, price setting, and promotions separate from the stores. Since they do operate under the same corporate umbrella, though, they must adhere to MAP agreements, etc. If you are interested, here is a good article on MAP: More on MAP

Can't say it exactly qualifies as fading, but LED lights run cooler than standard ones - meaning that they won't "melt back" to full visibility on their own in the event of a good snowstorm.

Thanks stacyk9 - now I can give my Daughter options to consider instead of her usual request for funniest videos... :)

We don't have a particular day we like to have them up by, but we are definitely regretting not putting the lights up last weekend when it was 70 and sunny. This weekend is rain (turning to snow) and wind straight out of the north!

Not sure exactly what your feature preference will end up being, but you may want to keep an eye out for refurbished Garmin Nuvi models. They were recalled in August for battery overheating difficulties - a VERY easy fix if you are a refurbisher... I used to manage a few vendors who did this. The problem is in the specs of the battery, not the unit itself. I would wager that these will end up popping up at daily deal type sites and the eBay/liquidation outlets of major retailers just in time for Christmas.

Missy - you aren't likely to find and XBOX360s at a price lower than advertised at the major electronics retailers (Best Buy, Wal-Mart, etc.) because Microsoft's resale agreement stipulates MAP (minimum advertised price). As such, buying a bundle with a gift card thrown in is pretty much the best deal you are going to find. I might suggest that if you shop online, wait for a free shipping deal + bonus gift card, and buy with a cash back credit credit card -- you are going to score almost as good a deal as can be had from a gaming system purchase. Article on MAP if you're interested: Dealicacy.com/?p=169