Stowasser

YES! BUT I DO IT FOR EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY, I FIND GREAT BARGAINS AND USUALLY CAN END UP WITH CHRISTMAS PAYING FOR ITSELF SOMEHOW......

Doesn't Dell have a laptop on right now for $399 after rebates

December 26th!

I have to tell a funny story, it was after Halloween at Walmart one year and of course the candy was in carts all lined up. So I started going through one of the carts when this lady ran over and said "hey, thats my cart". I love candy but this cart must of had hundreds of bags in it.....Everyone stopped and just looked at this lady and all the candy in her cart. I think they thought like I did it was another cart of candy......Jill

They have clearance all year round! I have been picking up toys since last February. Pretty much everything goes on clearance at one point. Sometimes they keep stuff in the aisle too. I was just there and picked up some more toys that came on clearance. They have some My Scene cars, Bratz stuff, cards, Nerf stuff.....I go every week and do the end caps and walk around the whole store. There are some great clothing clearance items like Mens T-shirts, flannel sleep pants, lightweight jackets-girls there are pants, t-shirts, jackets. Housewares has pillows, sheets, bath items. It just all over the store. I think Target brings in people because of their clearance. I know I go there and end up picking up lots of other things too....

What stores have stuff that is 90% day after Christmas? Target takes 7 days to go to 75% so just curious if we might have those stores that do 90%......

I buy batteries in bulk and as i am wrapping, either slide the batteries into the box or spend a few minutes (if you can) sliding the item out of its box and put the battery in. Not all items can you do this, but it sure saves some time on Christmas morning trying to get the batteries in or finding the right ones. We also try to assemble large items and just put a bow on it, instead of trying to do it Christmas morning when its chaotic. Of course, you need a place to hide the big gift, but each Christmas there are gifts that aren't wrapped, it really gets the kids going......

You might want to check around on the house and see if you can get a bundle deal. I think I saw someplace like Sears that had the whole house with furniture for $99, not sure if that was the store. But the sets are $10-$15 ea and last year they were the HOT HOT HOT item, all stores were sold out and people were getting them from eBay at incredible prices. Might think about buying now and if you get a better deal down the line, return the others. Just a thought and observation.

Question: There are many stores that promote different weekly ads in different areas. Do you think all areas with Walmart will have these specials? I think it was last year, we got a different flyer here in Montana than I had seen in other areas....not sure if it was Walmart though.

I did that two years ago at Kmart. I went in several days before and had some PS2 games put in layaway and went in when they had their sale. I agree, it might be a mad house but maybe later in the day it wouldn't be that bad. Of course, wouldn't help for the pallet items that they bring in just for the sale. Not sure about other stores...

I personally see nothing wrong with regifting. If you have never used the item, in fact, doesn't even make it out of the closet, by all means, send it along to someone else who might enjoy it. Its sad getting a gift that has no thought to it, it really doesn't take but alittle observation or directly asking someone what they would like. My MIL just sends stuff to send it, I know they were gifts to her, and wouldn't mind if they were items I would enjoy but enough with the stinky perfumes or scarves (I am a blue jean/t-shirt kind of gal, don't think I have ever worn a scarf in my life). Of course, this year she sent Christmas money-be it, the end of August, way too early but than again that is another story. Regift galore, better than letting things collect dust in the closet......Jill

keep checking out TRU online, I got ours and I love it, by the way, and it was $29.99 but it came with a free game or it was on the BOGO free deal....I want the HP one too! Jill

I wonder if they will be doing alot of online sales to that will make up for instore ones.....I have been doing their clearance online and been getting deals like items for $5.29 and free shipping....Its not this years hot toys but the toys are pretty nice. Jill

I emailed Nintendo and asked about the Nintendog Bundle (about a month ago) and was told that they were only selling the Pink at TRU and Target. The Teal I have found on preorder at TRU, GameStop, EBGames, and other places. I noticed today the TRU online is sold out of the pink on preorder. I am going to Target on Monday to check them out too, like to see the package. If they definitely have it in stock, I will post.....Jill:crossfing

Not sure what TRU's return policy is but most stores it is 90 days, if you find it cheaper somewhere else, you can always return one to TRU....I do that especially around the holidays with "hot" toys, I do alot of returning...LOL:gd_artist

Hadn't heard about that one, but there is a teal and pink Nintendogs bundle coming out next Monday, Oct 24th. It will include Teal or pink DS, Nintendogs Best Friends edition, this is a special one and Nintendo Skin Nintendogs for $149.99, pretty good deal. I am getting the pink for my daughter.

Reminds me of the Amazing Ally doll, we got two sitting in the garage sale box. Watch out, little girls like to take them for a bath and they are ruined after that. I don't think the price will drop much, you might see her bundled with something. I like the new play kitchens....one speaks french, english and spanish. The kids can learn how to say things in all three languages, its a hoot.......

Not sure you will get back on but Amazon.com had Satellite Radios for $0, they were $49.99 with a $50 rebate....Sirius Brand....

I only carry a wallet anyway. I would consider putting all your items on a CC than all you have to do is carry that CC and ID in your pocket. Leave your purse locked in your car, its too chaotic to think of watching it. Prime target for people looking at stealing things. Look into a fanny pack thing, you can put it on so the pack is in the front. Alot of great ideas here!!!! Jill

There is going to be a Nintendo DS special package offered here at the end of the month. It will come in Teal and Pink (hard to find) for $149.99 and it will include the special color DS, Nintendogs (a special version) and Nintendogs skin for the DS. It will be really popular and of course DS will play all Gameboy advance games. With that in mind, I think there will be alot of Gameboy Advance Sp specials, they will still want people to buy it. Hope this helps alittle. I am via for the pink version for my daughter but it seems to be only offered at two places and TRU being one, they are charging $30 over retail price...Jill (MT)

I start the day after Christmas, actually at the 75% sales. I than look all year round, Feb at Target the sporting goods clear out, summer at Target was the toys and so on. In fact, Walmart has clearance going on now in most sections. Its a great start, also if you are looking for little gifts, look at buying a bulk item and splitting it up and putting it into nice gift bags. It stretches the dollar. Target keeps a regular stock of goods on clearance, also buy for birthdays etc. Jill:elmo:

One trick that I used one year at Kmart was put the items on layaway (usually requires just alittle down), than the day of the sale, I just go to layaway pull it out and pay for it at the reduced price. It works for items that are already in. Doesn't work like at Walmart on the items that they bring in by the pallet. Jill:gd_orange

I look forward to the sales but do watch online, with free shipping from most sites you can pick up the same things and not have to fight the crowds. I find there are always one or two items that are really good but its nice to just have to go in for those items. One thing I notice is the difference in areas and what they sell. Someone mentioned above Walmart had GBA for $25, our area didn't carry that special?????