sm1kla

I was being optimistic-now I'm totally bummed! (maybe I need a shopping fix) Any I am disappointed with Walmart's ad and nothing really great at BB either. Keeping my fingers crossed for Target.

Most things are regularly $6.98 every day at my local stores - My hubby just got some clearance Ts for work for only $3.49 - can't imagine if they go any cheaper.

My son received the original Leapster 2 years ago for his 3rd birthday, he loves it and it is great for longer car trips. As with any of the handhelds, the games are a bit pricey, usually $25 a pop. He and my older son share between the Leapster & GBA-SP.

We always start at walmart and price match as much as we can. We can often skip some stores that my have had an item or two that we are interested in.

Maybe larger metro areas, but I can't imagine any malls in my area opening that early.

I don't think I've noticed people staring (maybe I've noticed & it doesn't bother me) - Most people in line are very nice. The occasional grumps that act so surprised that the stores are as busy as they are, are the ones that drive me crazy.

We played Stack the Cup as a drinking game in college. I'm sure some marketing company will be selling a dixie glass and a quarter next year for $20.

Ruffs Dale, PA Instores about 110°F AVERAGES Hi 50°F Lo 31°F RECORDS Hi 74°F Lo 12°F

As often as the kids look in the fridge. :)

Nothing exciting, every ad I've seen is $199 - is it even worth advertising when everyone else has them for the same price? I would expect to see some type of bundle closer to BF, maybe from Radio Shack or Sams Club.

My kids have GBA-SPs (scored a free one from mysurvey.com) and a PS2 - What are the hot games for these systems this year? I haven't heard any gotta haves, outside of the release of Madden 07. There has been a lot of chatter about PS3 & Wii (I have absolutely no interest in buying a PS3) - but nothing on games. Last year was Ultimate Spiderman & Nicktoons Unite. My sons are 4 1/2 and 7, I like to buy games rated E and PS2 games that are for 2 or more players -

I don't mind either, I look forward to BF all year - As far as I'm concerned, it's one less person in-line, crabbin' about the crowd or in my way.

Yes, I recall Joann's running a 2-day event last year. They had different early bird specials for both Friday & Saturdays.

I'm so torn - I don't know if I'm disappointed. I love the sneak peaks & I feel I'm becoming compulsive each time I check back - I think I've become addicted to this site -- but I think my mind is rejecting them --there's just something about diving into the Thanksgiving paper to see the colorful ads. I guess I'm a victim of marketing & advertising.

I always take nutrition bars - they are delicious and nutritious - I recommend GNC Pro Performance Pro Crunch Lite bars or EAS MyoPlex bars -- they also help with a chocolate fix.

Retailers are nervous. They have not been meeting expectations and retail has been low all year. Here's a good story on this same topic from Marketplace.org (American Public Media) http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/11/03/PM200611032.html

My first year for teacher gifts, I thought I was so creative, until I got to the school and saw all the holiday mugs with chocolates - then reality set in. Imagine a class of 25 students and the amount of mugs, candles & lotion you would receive through your career. Last year, my youngest son's pre-school teachers (3) told the party committee moms that they appreciate the gifts from the children, but they would rather have us make a donation to a charitable organization in the school's name. I'm thinking of starting this as my standard teacher gift, any thoughts?

Definately yes, one person stays with it at all times. How can you shop without one? Grab'em up in the parking lot on the way in. Last year @ Target, I had to push a big wheel box loaded up Razor scooters, my arms were filled with PS2 games & board games. This was first time I was not able to get a buggy, it was ridiculous. I could have spent much more, but I ran out of patience & strength.

I buy extra toys every year. My kids do not receive their weekly allowance in the months of Nov & Dec, instead they use their money to buy small gifts to donate to Toys for Tots at school.

I donate every time I pass a bucket. Yes the dollars add up, but it helps people in need.

I'm right there with you. The perks keep getting more competitive - I pay with cc and pay it off. As long as I pay it off each month, they are rewarding me for items I was planning to purchase anyway, it's like being paid to shop! Can't beat it.

I dress in layers so I can strip down when waiting in lines - my staples are track pants and a cardigan sweater. If anyone is looking for ideas for a good fundraiser - consider a coat check @ the mall during the holidays.

1. Develop a buddy system - We always shop in pairs. One person stays with the shopping cart at all times - the other should be the runner. 2. Familarize yourself with items that others in your group are interested in scoring. 3. Protein/meal bars are a must. There is never time to eat healthy on BF, finding a place to sit in the food court is nearly impossible. Every year I stock up on Pro Performance Pro Crunch bars from GNC. These bars are awesome, they now have Pro Cruch Lite that will definately be my bar of choice this year.

My entire family is BF NUTS. It has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. After Thanksgiving dinner, we gather around the ads and develop our game plan - depending on the deals, we may need to split up and go to different stores. We always have a buddy system -- one to gather the goods & one to protect them. Nobody steals anything from our buggies.

GBA SP- After I waited in line @ walmart last year for a $48 one, my son lost his on the school bus -- Because Santa would not bring him another, he has saved his money for a new one - hard lesson for a 7 year old. I've been delaying his purchase in hopes to get another deal on BF.