Over the next few weeks, you will start to notice more “deals” on items I wouldn’t normally post. With the holiday season approaching quickly (Christmas is just 67 days away and Hanukkah is 44 days away), there will be more toys, electronics and such. I want to stress how important it is you are still careful with your purchases. The objective is to save money – not spend more. I want to provide great bargains for everyone. However, I do not want this to be seen as a reason to spend – just because its a deal doesn’t mean it is something you should buy.
Here are a couple tips:
1. Before you purchase, be sure you know who you will be gifting an item to.
2. Have a Holiday Budget Plan. Write your budget down and stick to it.
3. Make sure your purchase doesn’t break the budget – no matter how huge of a bargain it is.
4. Don’t overshop. Keep a list of what you have already purchased.
So, with that said, I do believe that bargain hunting early in the season is the way to find the best deals. I will be posting these deals as I come across them – many times they go very quickly, but do not get discouraged – there are always more.
So happy bargain shopping and here’s to tipping off a wonderful holiday shopping season!
P.S. If you are looking for any specific items, leave them in the comments. This will help me know what to post and keep an eye out for.
HI! I am looking to get my daughters the Fisher Price Little People barn/farm set! Thanks!
Hi I am looking for a deal on the Duracell My Grid Starter Kit. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
@Duckswife,
ohhh I want one of those too! I have not seen a deal on those yet, but will keep an eye out.
Looking for a sony reader or kindle
@, Smashbox has good deals and the quality is great. Look at there site and you’ll see when you spend over a certain amount you can get free gifts. Also they have a lunch shopping deal on tues and thurs. Look there for more details.
Need lots of snuggies! :)
@Laura F, Instead of Snuggies, go now onto QVC and get “Slanket”; comes in different sizes and quality-wise, was rated much higher
Looking for a deal on one of those Mobigo systems (in the family with leapster, but it’s a touch screen.. like a little kid ipod touch!)
If you enter the promo code OCTBDAY on the leapfrog website it gives you 20% of your entire order! Plus there is free shipping when you spend over $50 right now. I got the new leapfrog explorer for $55 which is cheaper than it is at walmart.
I (like a few others) am looking for a deal on a Leapster gaming system. Could go either Leapster II or Explorer. Still deciding what might be best for a 5 and a half year old. :)
If you enter the promo code OCTBDAY on the leapfrog website it gives you 20% of your entire order and there is free shipping over $50 right now. I got a leapfrog explorer for $55 which is cheaper than anywhere else I have found.
Searching for deals on DSi and a netbook. Hoping Black Friday brings great prices.
Ok Shannon, you wanted a list some I’m going to give you one. :)
Towels, sheets, kitchen stuff, clothes for everyone of all sizes, tools, hunting/fishing items, toys for toddler boy, toys for little girls, electronics, I could go on and on but if you think it’s a good deal I’m sure there is someone on my “nice” list that would like it. I’m especially looking for a GREAT deal on some type of power wheels type atv/4wheeler. Happy Hunting!
The Leapster Explorer looks pretty cool! I will have to gather lists for the other four. I’m thinking Legos, ipod touch, anything Dora, etc. What do you get the fifth child who has most of the toys her siblings have had!? :) And I’m all about keeping it “small” too as one person said. Toys have overtaken my house!
I’m looking for a killer deal on the new LeapFrog Explorer system, if you see anything would love to hear about it! Thanks :)
@Laura, I second that one! just got the Didj System for the 6 & 9 year olds & need something similar for the 4 year old.
I am looking for a pink Nintendo DS with the bundle or without. I know I have seen them on sale often but now that I am ready to buy I need information on the best deal.
Thanks
Carolyn
codyandkaitlynsmom@yahoo.com
Lalaloopsy dolls, twin pack to be precise.
I am looking to purchase a digital camera for my 4 yr old son as he loves to take pictures. I was looking at the Fisher Price Kid Tough digital camera and VTech Kidizoom earlier today. So far Walmart is the cheapest price but it would be nice to find it for less. Thanks!
My son is 4 and loves to take pictures so I want to get him a digital camera. I have looked at the Fisher Price Kid Tough and VTech Kidizoom camera so far.
I need ideas FAST for a 10 yrs girl “godchild” B-DAY on November 16 plus Christmas, also something for a 13yrs girl b-day November 13 plus Christmas.
I am a guy how do I know what to get my girl cousins, money has always worked before but I have been “informed” not to try that again bc their mother’s has been picking it.
What is wrong with money?
Thanks
@Chris,
Awww — let see does she like to read, shop ? does she have a video game?
mini and/or regular laptops :)
I have three daughters – ages 14, 23 and 27 and ALL of them LOVE cosmetics in one form or another. It’s very hard to get really nice gift packages around the holidays. They’re either ultra-expensive, “designer” cosmetics or they’re the cheap stuff, which isn’t exactly good for your skin. Everybody loves a nice cosmetic package with halfway decent items in it. Also, ART supplies, crafting supplies – from kids through adults, everybody’s got a little niche either as painters, sewers or just project kits. They’re fun and an especially good gift if you don’t know what to give someone but suspect they have a hidden creative side! (Or for Secret Santas or Yankee Swaps)
@Laura, With all the cheap/free deals on cosmetics, start collecting them and put together “personalized” gift baskets. You can get them cheap at the dollar store and make up a basket of nice cosmetics for almost nothing!
This year I plan on making home-made gifts for alot of people (or pretty much everyone), so some helpful tips on making home-made gifts for hard-to-buy for people would be good..Sorry I’m not much help. :P I’ve been thinking of creating gift baskets and putting things a theme basket together for each person. Any ideas for good theme gift baskets, would be great! :)
I’m looking for a Kuerig for my mommy and 2 leapsters for my 3 and 4 year old. Thanks for all your help.
Toddler toys would be great.
Thank you so much for all you do for us….you literally allow my family to have a great x-mas b/c of all the $$ you save us throughout the year.
I am looking for the Little People Home Sweet Home – or other ideas for a 1 year old girl – all she does is play with her 3 yo brother’s toys.
Also looking for a small compact fridge (dorm size) for my husband and a GPS for my mother.
Thanks for all you do – so looking forward to having your blog this Christmas!
@Tara,
I heard that someone found the dorm size fridges on clearance at Target for very cheap, and also the Garmin GPS units are supposed to be on clearance. HTH :-)
I bought the Little People Home Sweet Home and Little People Animal Sounds for $29 each from Walmart.com. Both of them came with a $5 e-gift certificate. @Tara,
@Ruby, Shannon, Thank you sooooo much for the Target tip. I stopped today and got a fridge for my husband (larger than normal dorm size too) for 50% off – only $60 – thank you again so much – he’s going to be so happy to have a “beer fridge” to put down in his “man cave”!
Laptop & GPS! Thanks for all you do!
I am looking for the leapfrog Scout or Violet talking dogs. The cheapest I have seen is around $18 and that is just too much.
I’m not sure if its still available, but I got Scout a few months ago using my pampers points.
@Kim K, I got one last year at walmart on black friday for really cheap….but I have to tell you it is so worth the money…my 15 month old lights up when scout says his name!! So cute!!
Been saving all year for a new laptop computer! Any tips would help! Thanks!
Looking for iPod Nano and Video Game Chair (Hopefully on Amazon as I have a ton of credits there from survey sites) and any kind of Wii Party Games.
I’m looking for a geocaching gps! Thank you.
SO, SO, true! I’ve been guilty many times! Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks! My 3 1/2 yr old daughter seems really interested in the Leapster and/or games for it.
I love how you cautioned us to be careful with our spending. Thanks for saying that; great deals can be so tempting some times! I appreciate the reminder.
@Annie,
Yep they sure can.. you can only imagine how hard it is for me!
Office Depot has some Wii Games for $7.99 and the there is a code to get a percentage off plus free shipping. I bought two today and with the code and free shipping I paid a little over $14.00 and that is with the tax too.
@Rachel,
oh rachel, nice find! do you know the code so I can share
The code was 82632163.
@Rachel,
Thank Rachel.
i’m looking for deals on girls scooters, specifically for my 3 yr old. thanks!!
Little Big Planet Plush Dolls….can’t wait for Little Big Planet 2!
Pillow Pets
Nintendo DSi
I’ve got over $200 in Gift Cards to Target, LOVE those transfer script coupons and I’ve been saving all year for this!
Me too – I need 2 pillow pets! Was thinking of using my RA gift cards for them, but not sure how cheap they will get, so I’m waiting – semi-patiently! ;)
@Laura F, They won’t get any cheaper then $20 and the closer we get to Christmas they will start to sell out, just like last year.
IT SUCKS MY STATE DOESN’T ALLOW US TO GET THE GIFT CARDS FOR SCRIPTS.
You are AWESOME! My husband wants a subscription to Rolling Stone. 2 little boys want legos. Thanks for all you do.
DSI XL I don’t know if they do deals on these I have been looking for the last 2 months and have come up with the same $169.
@Angela Davis,
Not sure if you have a membership to Costco, but they have a $30 off coupon in thier current book for the bundle. You can get it online too (not sure if the price is different in store). The online price is 159.99 (shipping incl.) after discount and it includes the DSi XL, car charger, wallet, and 2 screen protectors. It comes in bronze, burgundy, or blue. The price is valid through November 7th, while supplies last.
@Lindsey,
Sweet!
@Lindsey,
Also, I forgot to mention that every year they come out with bundles for the different consoles (Dsi’s included) where you get a game, special case or dsi, and possibly accessories. They are ususally available the day after thanksgiving, but they usually don’t sell out right away. I could be wrong, but I would guess you will see some good deals on this since the 3Dsi comes out in March and they will be looking to clear out some of thier stock at Christmas. If you have the Costco membership, I would get that (just incase) and return it if something better comes up closer to the holiday.
I am looking for educational baby and toddler toys.. Also just neat gift items for mother in law and family.
PS. just started trying to do deals/coupons at kroger and walgreens we dont have a rite aid :( Your blog has inspired me and helped me go in the right direction!
Nintendo DS or DSi ( I need to do some research to see which is better and what the difference is). Also Legos, boys bicycles, Disney Princess stuff and any kind of art/craft items. Thanks so much! Looking for some awesome deals again this year.
Xbox 360 and Wii games!
I’m looking for gps systems for the parents/in laws. And then, any toddler toys! I have a one and a two year old :)
Hi Shannon,
My hubby love National Geographic magazine…If you could find a good deal on a subscription!
Tag reading system, My daughter would love one and I missed the deal yesterday, so upset :(
@Seanne,
It was sold out before I went to post today.
@Shannon,
Wow- sorry you guys didn’t get it :( I’m lucky I did, to be honest. Do you think they’ll keep the low price when/if they restock?
@Seanne,
Hey dont be sorry, you got a fabulous deal — we all love when another person gets a great deaL!
Me too! I’ve been waiting, just knowing there was going to be a deal and must have missed it by minutes. I hope there will be another one!
Nintendo Large Dsi :)
@Georgiana Taulbee,
I second this one!!
Thanks, Shannon! So excited to start Christmas shopping – I already have a small stash! ;) I’m looking for littlest pet shops and baby alive items. Also, American girl accessories (not sure if they ever go cheap).
This is the first Christmas that I will be following your blog – excited! You are amazing and thanks to you I save oodles!!! :)
@Laura F,
You can find deals on the American Girl website, check out the clearance section, they usually have large discounts but it is hit or miss. Also, if you visit a store ask at the counter for discontinued, slow sellers or overstock on items. They are usually cheaper and not advertised or on the selling floor. I have gotten some great outfits this way. Good luck!!
Thanks for the tips, Shirley. :)
@Laura F,
Not sure if it is exactly what you are looking for, but Target also carries Our Generation Dolls and accessories that work with the American Dolls. Not 100% sure of how they compare (accessories wise), but they are lots cheaper and many people seem happy with them. So if you are looking for alternative this may work. We are going to get one for my daughter as I just can’t stomach American Girl prices. Maybe when she’s older, but right now I can’t do it.
Just started my Christmas shopping today! Yay! Actually last night, the whole TAG reader deal got me started. We’re considering getting the kids a Wii for Christmas. Right now it’s on sale at Target and Amazon.com for $187, cheapest I’ve seen so far, but I think I’ll wait a little while. Would love to know if you come across any better deals.
Shannon,
I would be really interested in any Amazon.com deals to use my credits from Swagbucks on!
Also, my husband gets gift cards for Walmart from work and I have been saving those all year!
Any ideas for my 90 year old grandma?
Ann
my grandma lived to be 107, she always liked the bodywash and some pretty washcloths to go with……Nivea bodywash deals this week!!
@Ann, My 100 year old Grandma LOVES soft blankets and cushy socks. I got her a Snuggie last year and she LOVED it. She also loves Bath and Body Works stuff, but she’s picky on the scents, so i stick with just a few. Hope that helps a little.
Hi Shannon,
I think this is great. I am looking to buy Fiesta dinnerware, a hand held corded vacuum, lego city sets as well as lego bricks. thanks for all your help, had a really good rite aid trip yesterday
@Donna, I saw an ad at Target for Lego for as low as 10 for the large lego for little kids and it comes in a little wagon type thing. They also had different sets for more. The ads may be different in different areas but I thought it was worth mentioning :) Good luck
@Sara, They are the duplos that are on sale – and the storage thing they come in is really awesome as most of the other sets are just in boxes – you can also fit more than just that 1 set in the tub!
3 little boys means legos, legos, legos…..oh, and legos
Find me deals! thanks!
Baby toys and those GIANT bean bags chair things.
Thanks!! I’ll be looking for a kid’s art easel and deals on IPad and/or tablets.
@Kristina, Ikea has a cheap art easel. One side is a white board the other a chalkboard. They also have a roll of paper you can attach. I think I bought it for under 20.
@Kristina,
Do you have a Michael’s? I used one of their 40% off coupons and got a wooden art easel for like $12.00ish. It was $19.99 to begin with.
And, Hanukkah is only 44 days away! I’m almost done shopping but I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of deals we’ll have this year. Plus, my daughter’s bday is in February. For me, nothing beat the Leapfrog Jr. Target deal last year!
@Dani,
Updated that to add Hanukkah! Wow its only 44 days geez.
Hi there! I am looking for Little Missmatched deals! I am pretty much just doing Money as gifts this year, but for the girls, I want something different.
Thanks!
Anything Thomas the train
@Candace, I bought most of my sons Thomas things at Micheals Craft Store or AC Moore and use a 50% off one item that comes in the paper each week. They accept each others coupons as well. I don’t know if you have either of those stores near you.
@Candace,
Yeah…I’ve got an almost 2 year old and an almost 5 year old boy who are both Thomas nuts!!! I did see that both TRU and KMart have a deal on the Misty Island Rescue sets this week, I think the KMart is the better of the 2 because you get a free Thomas and a barge by mail, but I wasn’t positive on the initial cost of the Misty Island set. It is $29.99 at TRU.
My parenting early years magazine I received today has a $10 off coupon for the wooden thomas train sets.