sm1kla

Not at all like previous years. I'm not done either--I usually get caught up in the crowds & buying frenzy and spend more than I planned. Not this year... not yet anyway.

If you're shopping online Monday, I'd be patient sounds like Walmart.com was overwhelmed by high traffic on Friday. http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/11/24/PM200611241.html

The $59 ladder @ Home Depot. Never shopped there on BF before, the ad didn't have a time(not that I saw anyway). Who knew that Home Depot opens @ 6am EVERYDAY.

My Walmart had TONS of them.

Most definately, I have a few items that I purchased earlier that I will need to return. I either found similar items for less, or stumbled on better gift ideas. And, who knows what I will find tomorrow.

Agree with you on Best Buy as the worst. Made the mistake several years ago of wasting 2 1/2 hours in the check out line. Will never go back on BF. My vote for 2006 Best experience would be to Bath & Body Works. The line was terribly long, but ORDERLY. Their staff kept the line moving & stopped line jumpers.

I noticed that a number of stores have "unadvertised" deals this year. Wonder if it's because they've heard we're unhappy with the advertised deals or is it a strategy to stomp Walmart's price matching policy. No ad, No PM. It forces us into their store.

Not sure if everyone knows this, but LNT also accepts their expired coupons for up to 60 days. I've been saving a 20% off total purchase for this day.

I'm always afraid to add it up.

The coupons are usually only on the direct mail pieces, never on the in-store or on-line ads.

Not sure if I missed them on any of the ads. But has anyone seen Matchbox or Hot Wheel cars on sale BF? Usually one store will have them for $0.50 or less - I haven't come across any. They make great treats for school parties (instead of candy) and Santa hangs a bunch of them on the tree every year. Thanks for your help.

Heck yeah-won't miss it.

We put a spend limit on gifts every year for this very reason. It motivates us to get the best deals without going over budget and we are all spending the same amount.

I love my sony camcorder. It is one with the mini disk that takes stills too. It is the only camera I use now. Make sure you get the flash with it for pristine pictures.

Every year I hold off on buying new PJs for the boys until BF. I know someone will have them on sale. The past few years, Walmart & Target have been taking turns with flannel PJ pants for 5 bucks each, but not this year. Kohls has them 2/$12, so I'll be getting them there. What do you hold off on buying cause you know it is a sure thing on BF.

Awesome, I have all boys - so it's all for me.

Not sure if this is common knowledge, but LNT accepts their expired coupons for up to 60 days past their expiration date. Sweet.

Just an FYI for anyone in the Pittsburgh area. The Barnes & Nobles in town (near 6th Ave.) is going out of business. They have TONS of books, journals, calendars, you name it at 30% off. They are to close at the end of December.

Agreed. They have sale after sale. If I miss one, I know another is just on the horizon. I probably will do some shopping at Macys on Friday, I think they have a better selection than Kaufmann's did.

I LOVE TO SHOP, but I refuse to go on the actual holiday. My heart goes out to all of the people who are unable to spend the holiday with their families because they have to work. People in the medical field are one thing, hospitals must stay open. But I can wait a day to go to KMart. (insensitive side) Shouldn't they be resting up for 5 am -- It's black Friday for goodness sakes.

Here too. The boys wonder while the announcers are talking, but balloons get attention everytime.

Gotta Love the Rush of of the holiday season, saving money but spending more. There's nothing like the shopping hangover when you try to balance your account. There are a lot worse things out there to be addicted to.

They will be in Thursday's paper. All the ads in today's paper are 4-day sales. CVS ad was for the week.

I would never let my outside lights up, but I do keep a few items out all year. My Willow Tree Nativity Scene & a Cookies for Santa plate in the dining room and a Merry Christmas candle holder in the family room. Keeps the spirit of Christmas alive all year round :) .

Our lists have been on the fridge since August, I got tired of hearing mommy can I have.... So we started the lists then. If there's a commerical for it, it's on the list.