December 15, 2009

Sorry for the long time away – the holidays with a family of 7 are a bit crazy

We took a trip to Vermont for Thanksgiving and just finished the happy chaos of gingerbread houses last night (my next upcoming post!)

Since I’m an avid bargain shopper, some friends have been asking how I get such good deals on Christmas gifts.  Here’s my secret:

I do a lot of shopping this time of year at Amazon.  Combined with the Free Month Trial of Amazon Prime, I’m able to get many of my gifts on sale with no tax, and shipped right to my door.

But, you have to hurry – there are only 2 days left to get gifts delivered in time for Christmas with Free Super Saver Shipping.

Here are a few of the tips I use to find the best deals:

1. Check out the Holiday Lightning Deals that come up throughout the day.  You can scroll through them in the morning, and see if there is anything you’re interested coming up that day.  Make sure to check back right on the hour, if it’s something popular.  There are usually plenty, but often for no more than 10 – 15 minutes.  For example, there has been a nice Lego set ($30-$50) come up almost every day for 50% off!  Or a big $25 Transformers toy for $9.99.  There are gone quick.
2. Check out the Movers and Shakers Page to find items that have suddenly increased in popularity.  This is a great way to find items that have suddenly dropped in price and are worth buying.  Click on you catergory on the left, ie. “Toys” to see what’s a deal.
3. Browse the list of items that are discounted 70% off or more on Toys.  Many toys are the cheapest they’ll be all year and make great additions to a ‘gift box’ you can keep in the closet and have on hand for future birthday parties, etc.
4. Check out the 18 Days of Video Game Deals, with the Special Deal of the Day - something new only for that day.
5. And if you’re looking for FREE:  Check out 25 Days of Free Holiday Songs - a new MP3 is added every day, and if you missed any, they are all available right now.  This makes for a great list to play for holiday background music on your computer.

Here are some examples of HOT deals today (Grab them quick, prices change fast!):

Lil’ Movers Vehicles – Tow ‘N Pull Tractor - $5.99 down from $17.99

20Q Harry Potter - $7.99 down from $24.99

Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Birthday Cake $9.99 half price from $19.99 (My 4-year-old LOVES this – he still plays with it a year later and ask me to make wishes and blow out candles!)

Trivial Pursuit Digital Choice $9.99 down from $49.99

Monopoly Family Championship $7.99 down from $24.99

Scene It? Deluxe Star Trek Edition$7.99 down from $29.99

There are seriously too many to list.  I enjoy browsing the lists above and finding gifts I know my family and friends will enjoy for half (or more) of the price.

Enjoy!

Posted under Homeschool Bargains