frangelica

I have been shopping at Amazon for about 9 years and this year was a big disappointment. Very long delays in getting merchandise shipped out...ordered on Nov. 26 and ordered shipped from Amazon on Dec. 15!!! Dec. 14 receive an email that one item would ship out on Dec. 27!!! I got that item at BB later that day, so it was not a popular item in short supply. The post office was a disaster in getting that package to me...they lied...said they tried delivering and no one home...I was here both times and they never left any notices, then the post office could not find the box. Finally, called the Postmaster and a miracle happened...it was delivered 2 hours later. Amazon was not helpful when I called either. They said " If package lost we will credit your account when they receive it back" Huh...I said " In this country no package, no pay" Probably will think long and hard about shopping at Amazon next year.

I use paint cans ...new...no paint in them... from Home Despot. Sometimes I paper the outside of the can. Fun to give because you have to get a screwdriver to open the lid. The quart size are less than a dollar.

Some ideas that have worked for me: Find a college student who needs money to stand in line. Know someone who regularly gets up at 2-3am for work, get them to do the shopping. Buy the items before and then go and get price adjustment while the mobs are going nuts. Personally, I have not done any bf shopping, other than online in a few years. My brother volunteers to go, list in pocket, thermos in hand he is a warrior...hits 2-3 stores, home back in bed by 6:30. He loves it...wonder how many people he has injured:D