leefamily23

My son's Xbox got the dreaded red ring and it's several years old so the warranty is expired. Anyhow, wish this would of happened a few weeks ago when Walmart had their gift card w/ purchase offer. Does anyone know of the best deal out there right now for an Xbox 360? Was going to get him a Ipod Touch for Christmas (tomorrow actually), but looks like I'm getting a new Xbox instead.

It was the MOST disappointing Black Friday EVER. Enough, I may not bother next year. 2am: arrived at TRU. I told my sister this was going to be a mistake. That it would be ransacked already. So, I really expected this. I only had 1 item on my list and it wasn't a make or break deal, but she had a long list she wanted from here. She was able to get the diapers, wipes, and 2 of the video MP3 players. Ironically the parking lot was empty, but the line was really long. We found the end of the line and was told to expect at least a 2 hr wait. We decided it wasn't worth it and left. 2:45 am: arrived at Walmart . This is a new Walmart that replaced our original smaller one. It just opened in late October so this was our first exp. w/ a 24 hr Walmart . We knew we'd never get any of the high demand items. Though if I could of scored one of those Ipod Touches, I wouldn't of minded (but didn't expect too). We wanted to look a the DVD's, video games, and some of the toys and clothes. Well ours opened all their pallets at midnight and EVERYTHING was gone. I mean EVERYTHING. There wasn't a $2 DVD to be had. I could not believe they opened every pallet at midnight and let the masses at it all. This is the first time since I started BF shopping 14 yrs ago that I did not buy a single item at Walmart . Even items that were supposed to be 5am-11am only and not 2 day items were gone. 3:45 am: arrive at Kohls . This wasn't even a planned stop as we thought we'd be longer at the first 2. We got in line and my sister grabbed a few things and I stood in the line for her w/ her items while she continued to shop. Target is right next door, so we figured at close to opening we'd swap places in the Kohls line. She did get everything she wanted at Kohls expect and the aquarium nightlight thing. That the employees didn't even seem to know about. 5:15am: Was able to enter Target. They had the DVD's all right at the entrance. I don't think they could of picked a worse place to put them. Anyhow, I was able to get 6 of them and then a pair of the men's $5 PJ pants. My "hottest" item I wanted this year was the T-FAL set. (pretty pathetic I know). I found the end cap they were displayed on and there were 5 left. I needed to get 2 of them and was successful. Only problem I did not have a cart and could not carry the 2 sets myself. So, I moved into an aisle and waited for my sister. From the time she was able to get a cart until she got through the crowds to me was almost 45 minutes. We then got into line and took turns shopping for other items. We got everything here we wanted and began what I like to call "the wait". She ran to Justice (next door) and got what she needed there while I continued "the wait". Hours start ticking away and I'm anxious to get to the mall. Now don't get me wrong I expect some lines, but when I hit the 2 hr mark in line I'm getting very frustrated. Then 2.5 hours-- and I am still almost 300 people back in line. People were starting to get out of control and the police were called in and were telling people they'd remove them. I have been at this store since 5am and it's now going on 9am and I haven't moved very far. I don't know what the problem was???? Once again we ended up leaving precious time was ticking away and we were still in the way back of the store in line. **On a side note I spoke to a friend this evening who was at the same Target and got the TV. So they were waiting it out no matter what. They said it took them 4 hours 20 minutes to make it through line. That is really ridiculous!!! 9:30am: We make it to the mall and usually I'm almost out of money by this time and this year I hadn't bought anything yet. I couldn't believe Pac Sun did not have their normal store wide sale. Though I did get a thermal shirt and the Buy1 get 1 50% off jeans. My purchase qualified me for the cologne for $5 so I bought that too. The only other thing I bought was a set of silverware at Macys for my mom. 11:00am: We went back to TRU, my sister got the diapers and MP3 players, the wipes were gone and nothing else was in stock. We then went to Target again. Lines were still wrapped around the store and people were hostile, so we left. We ended up at Fashion Bug . Where I got 2 sweaters and a pair of pants for $26. I was home by just after noon. The things I noticed: -Target needs to really do something about how they have people line up to cash out because waiting over 4 hours is just crazy. -Next year we'll have to be at Walmart at midnight, though I am writing a letter to corporate, our local news channels, and the local manager tomorrow about their sale just to see what response I get. -My sister is 6 months pregnant and I was worried about her going out. People were considerate and that was a bright spot. -In line at Target I let the people behind me put there stuff on top of mine in my cart because they didn't have one and they were dying trying to kick all their stuff and carry the rest. They were appreciative and that made me feel good. I've been doing this long enough, but never had a BF like I did today. It was enough to turn me off of it. leefamily23 is online now Report Post Edit/Delete Message

Gotta love teens. My son is 16. He gave me a list and then a catalog w/ items circled. From the list is: -BMX Bike (There was a very specific one he wants, I remember the days of getting a bike for $50.00, I paid $400 for this one). -Bean Bag Chair -1 new Xbox game--- no title specified, he says he doesn't know suprise him -4 prs of Jeans from Pac Sun -Boxers an socks -Itunes gift card Then from the catalog: -Sneakers -2 hoodies -3 T-Shirts -Belt My mom will be getting all the items from the catalog for him. Very coincidental that he knows what grandma spends, he knows she like to order online, and his catalog items w/ shipping add up to EXACTLY what she'll spend. The Itunes gift cards he'll be getting from 1 aunt and my MIL. He knows about the bike and I'm getting all the other stuff since there is nothing really unreasonable left on his list. I also am getting him a few additional clothing items. I am thinking of getting him a second "BIG" suprise item though he won't be expecting. I'm trying to decide between trying to get him 1 of the Ipod touch deals on BF or a Laptop. His died completely over the summer so now he shares w/ my husband. Though I'm leaning towards the Ipod touch for Christmas (still cheaper) and then getting him a good Laptop w/ my parents for his birthday in late January.

We usually only get there shortly before opening. Though, we never are in the market for any of the big electronic items. Also, there are some things I'd "like" to get, but no make it or break it deals for me.

I checked 3 local Walmarts-- all show the same 10 items. Just different locations. Last year our Walmart handed out store maps w/ all items marked on it about 1 hr before the sale started. I hope they do this again this year for all the other items.

3-Pc. Toile Bag Set $39.99 Clearance $4.99 87% Off http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image/brylanehome/mm/1554_54185_mm_0420.jpg?wid=275&hei=275&qlt=95&op_sharpen=1 http://www.brylanehome.com/decor/3Pc-Toile-Bag-Set.aspx?PfId=120447&DeptId=15334&ProductTypeId=1&PurchaseType=0 Here are the codes for that site from right here @ gottadeal: BHCHILL Free Shipping on $50 Purchase 11/23/09 BHDECOR Save $15 on $75 Purchase 11/30/09 BHBREWARD Save 30% Off Highest Priced Item 12/15/09 BHAFALL1 Save $15 on $75 Purchase 12/31/09 BHAFALL2 Save $20 on $100 Purchase 12/31/09 BHAFALL3 Save 10% on Any Purchase 12/31/09 BHENTERTAIN Save 20% on Any Purchase 12/31/09 BHWENTBOOK Save 20% on Highest Priced Item Purchase 12/31/09 BHNSHOPNOW Save 25% on Highest Priced Item 12/31/09 BHZR1575 Save $15 on $75 Purchase 1/15/10 BHKSALE Save $15 on $75 Purchase 2/15/10 BHWELCOME Save 20% on Highest Priced Item Purchase 6/30/10

Todays deal of the deal is a GI Joe set. Found a code for an extra 10% off-- GIJOE10.

K'Nex Loopin' Lightning Coaster List Price: $49.99 Price: $28.97 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details You Save: $21.02 (42%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61sEzA7gvkL._SL500_AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/KNex-50025-Loopin-Lightning-Coaster/dp/B001TH8KR8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1258424343&sr=8-4

Cabela's Big Game Hunter 2010 ist Price: $49.99 Price: $39.99 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details You Save: $10.00 (20%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51exTkdCHcL._AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Cabelas-Game-Hunter-Bundle-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B002E1UY8G/ref=pd_nr_vg_8?ie=UTF8&s=videogames This is cheaper than I've seen this anywhere else yet.

Petz Hamsterz 2 List Price: $29.99 Price: $14.52 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details You Save: $15.47 (52%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61c6h5rPkbL._AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Petz-Hamsterz-2-Nintendo-DS/dp/B000SQ5LP0/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1258423068&sr=8-11

Petz Wild Animals Tigerz List Price: $29.99 Price: $15.59 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details You Save: $14.40 (48%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51UexsfTVgL._SL500_AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Petz-Wild-Animals-Tigerz-Nintendo-DS/dp/B000VWYJ90/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1258423068&sr=8-5

9 out of 10 BF's we wait in the car until 10 minutes before opening. Then we go to THE END OF THE LINE. I just cannot do the cold, and know if there's a really HOT item, I'm not getting it. Thus far, I've had no problems getting what I'm after. We can have anything from upper 50's to below zero w/ a windchill factor. So, how long we'll wait to get into line depends on the temps. This year my shopping partner, my sister, is 5 months pregnant so there will be no line waiting for us. We'll wait until the crowds stampede in. Thankfully, the only sale I'm really looking to hit is the Pac Sun sale and we don't get there until mid-morning. There isn't much I need in the ads.

I'm wondering the same thing

I want to second the Lego's games. We just bought last weekend a Nascar game and found it to be easier to control the cars on the track than MarioKart.

Sprig Toys Eco-Truck Loader List Price: $19.99 Price: $11.09 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details You Save: $8.90 (45%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31TjqelLWnL._SL500_AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Sprig-Toys-E8013-Eco-Truck-Loader/dp/B001GWK8X0/ref=xs_gb_A2AV9EL9X50VRL?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=492907711&pf_rd_s=right-1&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=165793011&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1WYV6RPAE06T0G6CYCEZ Struxx ROBOTRIXX List Price: $69.99 Price: $30.00 & this item ships for FREE with Super Saver Shipping. Details You Save: $39.99 (57%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Y3ejdwd8L._SL500_AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Mega-Brands-06001U-Struxx-ROBOTRIXX/dp/B00175YUBC/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1258258845&sr=1-17 Labyrinth List Price: $24.99 Price: $12.61 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details You Save: $12.38 (50%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51nNw8UftDL._SL500_AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Ravensburger-MN006-025-Labyrinth/dp/B000EAT35E/ref=sr_1_71?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1258258946&sr=1-71

DS (16): A freestyle BMX Bike (this thing cost me $400), and a new backpack are what I've bought so far....he'll also be getting some clothes, a new XBOX game or two, cologne, a bean bag chair (his request), possibly new sneakers, Itunes GC ($25 or $50), and then MAYBE.....a new laptop. There will be some little filler gifts. (Budget: was $600 BUT I might be increasing it if I can find a good deal on a laptop) My Mom: New silverware (budget $50) My Dad: A Sears GC (Budget $50) MIL: Windchimes (Budget $10-- there's a story behind why so cheap) FIL: ???? (Budget $10) Sister & BIL: ???? cannot be a gift card (Budget $20 each) Niece (7): Zhu Zhu pet (bought 1)-- would like to find her 1 accessory to go w/ it, looking to get her the Build-A-Bear DS game and either a cheap outfit or PJ's Nephew (5): Zhu Zhu per and would like to find 1 accessory also. A DS or Wii game, and he'll get an outfit or PJ's too DH--- we don't always buy for each other. It all depends on how much money we have when everything else is bought. So I don't plan anything until I know if and how much (budget could be $0-300 all depends) I don't have a lot of people to buy for so I'm lucky.

I've bought 3 gifts only.....2 small ones and 1 big one. I don't buy for many people.....so the price of the big one (for my ds) it puts me at 50% done money wise. I am happy to have his most wanted and big item ordered and paid for. Now I'm just hoping they don't deliver it when he's home as he thinks I won't be buying it for him.

How exciting....funny how an ad can make a bad day GREAT!!! Not too much I need in the ad so it won't be my first stop, but in reality it never is. It's usually our second stop---and I almost never have a problem getting what I'm looking for. Making my list from here: Men's Robes $15.99 Toaster $3.00 TFal Set $49.99 (actually I'm gonna pick this up for my mom to give to me and dh for Christmas)

We did the trade-in a few years ago when my son wanted the Xbox 360. It was just too much, so he was willing about 2 weeks before Christmas to trade in his PS2 and everything he had to go with it. This was 2 yrs ago. Anyhow, w/ his trade-in's it brought the price down by 50% and made it more affordable. Which was the only way he was getting it.

Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Blanket and Bed - Orange List Price: $19.99 Price: $9.49 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details You Save: $10.50 (53%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FRfpoOhuL._SL500_AA280_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Zhu-Pets-Hamster-Blanket-Bed/dp/B002R671P2/ref=sr_1_52?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1257724106&sr=1-52 ***Decent price considering usually so hard to find.

Rebecca Mini Doll (American Girl) (Hardcover) ist Price: $21.95 Price: $14.93 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. Details You Save: $7.02 (32%) http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PToWvq-sL._SL500_AA240_.jpg http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Mini-Doll-American-Girl/dp/1593696140/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257723952&sr=8-27

Not at either of my 2 local WM's either.

We now only have 24 hr Walmarts. Our original Walmart (that was not 24 hr or a supercenter) closed last week and opened a massive one a few miles away. That rounded out all the ones in our area to be 24 hr supercenters.

http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Plaid-Fleece-Cape.aspx?PfId=147130&DeptId=8412&producttypeid=1&pref=SavedBasket http://media.redcatsusa.com/is/image/chadwicks/mm/2129_72413_mm.jpg?wid=230&hei=331&qlt=95&op_sharpen=1 Use code CHDEAL30 to get the 30% off which brings it to $6.99

Ours usually goes up sometime Thanksgiving weekend........my birthday is 11/23 so sometimes I can convince dh to get it put up early as my "birthday gift". However, never before then. We used to take it down on January 1st--- but the last few years it was the first or second weekend in January usually due to other events going on. Now my inlaws seem to put their tree up every 2-3 yrs. Only when they do put it up-- it usually stays up until the following summer-- same w/ any Christmas decoration they put up (out). They have no ambition to put them away they say. Actually I can almost bet on it that at this minute there are still Christmas Gifts from last year in a stack in the living room at their house they just never put away or used.