I bought the pocket at walmart for 79.99. Had the console but was looking to upgrade. I wasn't really finding any deals on it so I went ahead and bought it...I was afraid I would wait to long and not be able to get ahold of one.
You can get really good deals if you are a member of like a childrens book of the month club. They have clearance sections. No real selection on a paticular book, my 3 year old loves the lift the flap books of any kind.
We exchanged names one year. But as the family grew we decided to just buy for the kids. Everyone was on board so it worked out great. We are able to spend a little more on them this way and get them better gifts.
Do you know if that is just a local thing ? They had a mailbox in the post office last year for santa letters I think, but my son was too young so I am not for sure.