Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) – part 4: young girl

So, if you’ve been following along, you’ll know I was given a nice chunk of change ($1,000) from PayPal. My task, go shopping for five family members and friends, spend $500 online using PayPal and $500 at the mall buying comparable gifts.

Here’s the run down of gifts for a young girl:

Online
What: Groovy Girl: Fayla Fairy Doll ($15.95) + Fayla Fairy Dress Up Outfit $34.95
Where: honeybunch
Cost: $65.38 ($15.95 Groovy Girl: Fayla Fairy Doll + $34.95 Dress Up Outfit + $6.95 shipping + taxes)

In Store
What: Corolle Les Chéries Camille Doll (Best Toy Award platinum winner, $49.95, note it’s $26.95 online but they don’t have the special addition I found in the store) and Les Chéries denim set ($28.95, note it’s $26.95 online)
Where: Indigo, Yorkdale
Cost: $70.04 ($37.42, 49.95 @ 25% off discount coupon Les Chéries Corolle Doll and $28.95 Outfit – $5 promotional discount + taxes)

Outcome
I shopped with a little four-year-old family fried in mind. I checked out a few different Canadian-owned smaller online stores. There were some wonderful handcrafted toys and other goodies you just don’t see at the mall. Problem is, they really ding you on shipping costs. honeybunch seemed to have the best shipping rates. I would have saved $5 on my order had I registered for their email newsletter. The package arrived on December 15.

Indigo was my first stop at Yorkdale. I arrived with a 25% off coupon for any single item in the store and I was greeted by a salesperson who handed me another coupon for $5 off my purchase. I had every intention of buying the same items at Indigo but when I saw the Corolle doll and outfit and factored in the two coupons plus no shipping, I decided to upgrade and go for the award winner instead. Despite expecting a long line-up based on two earlier visits this season, when I got to the cash, there was only one person in front of me and it moved quickly. I was super excited about this purchase because I felt with the discounts I was able to get a much better quality doll and outfit for $5 more than the purchase online until…

I received the package from honeybunch. You see I wasn’t shopping as smartly as I usually d0. This was the last gift I bought online and I spent much longer than I anticipated. I knew I still had money left in the budget so when I was at the checkout and a suggestion for an outfit appeared, I ordered it too. I didn’t look to see what I was buying and assumed it was an outfit for the doll. Much to my surprise, I was delighted to see a thank you note when I opened the box offering me 10% off my next purchase. Then I found the Groovy Girl inside bright yellow tissue paper along with a matching Fayla Fairy outfit for a little girl. What four-year-old doesn’t like to play dress-up or like the idea of having a matching doll?

This was definitely a win-win situation in each instance.

Donated to: SickKids Dec. 21

Related articles

• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 1
• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 2
  
• Escape the Mall Challenge (for charity) - part 3: dad and teen
  

Bargainista holiday shopping guide - part 3: toddlers

In the third installment of Barginista’s holiday shopping guide, Rebecca looks at the youngest age group of all.

Babies are cute and fun and have little to no idea what the holidays are… And yet many parents spend so much of their time agonizing over the perfect gift or running all over town to find the “hot” toy. As a parent of a toddler – I can tell you it’s really easy to fall into that trap. So whether you’re buying a gift to satisfy your feelings of parental obligation, or because you’re hoping to bring a sweet smile to an innocent face here’s some ideas on what to fill your shopping cart with.

1. Board Books: Kids love reading – or even just flipping through books or putting them on their head. Board books tend to be a sturdier option – especially in my house since my daughter may have a future career as a champion paper shredder. Friends of ours gave us some Sandra Boynton books which were an instant hit. Moo Baa La La La is a crowd pleaser amongst most toddlers passing through my house.

2. Learning Toys: Educational and fun, Leap Frog makes all kinds of great (and not too noisy toys). The 3. Art/Craft Supplies: Crayola’s Tadoodles line offers several different options for introducing your kids to art – everything from crayons that are easier for little fingers to grip, right through to those are made for the tub.

4. The box the toy came in: Seriously. Granted this won’t work if you’re trying to donate or buy a gift for someone else’s tot, but a box that can be turned into a fort or anything the imagination desires can also be pretty fun and cool to unwrap and play in – and it doesn’t cost a lot but will likely give hours of endless enjoyment and is one more present for them to open…

Some of these gifts can be quite expensive – especially if purchased directly from the store or online and shipped. I recently discovered Liquidation World where I live and wished I’d found it sooner. I was able to score some Tadoodles for half the price you normally find them for in the stores.

There are several other seasonal liquidation/discount stores that have popped up where I live in Fredericton, NB and I know in Ontario the Samko-Mikko Toy Warehouse sale is also quite popular. I also make sure to visit the dollar stores to supplement items in my craft bin and sticker collection.

What are some other places that allow you to get twice as much toy for half the cost? Where do you find the best toy bargains this time of year?

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Jenny’s top 5 mom must-haves

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny shares her secret must-have list for making life with your baby easier.

A good friend of mine [ed. note: mine too!] had a baby recently and today was our first opportunity to get together so I could congratulate her in person and meet the little guy. (He is, of course, tiny, perfect, and adorable!) As we strolled along with our little ones we happened to pass by a local toy store, Treasure Island Toys, and stopped to check out the baby section. I suddenly found myself pressing numerous items into her hands, waxing rhapsodic about the baby products and accessories I’ve found most useful – even essential!

So I thought I’d share my favorites with you! Without further ado, here are my Top 5 Must-Haves for Moms:

1. Kushies wet bags
Ever found yourself in possession of a used diaper with no garbage can in sight, or soiled or wet baby clothes with nowhere to put them until you get home? These colorfully patterned drawstring bags will let you store the offending item(s) until you can deal with or dispose of them. I’ve even used them to tote a sopping wet bathing suit and towel back from the local splash pool, without a single leak.

2. Bebe Au Lait nursing cover
I’ve blogged in this space before about my love for these beautifully patterned, chic nursing covers. I carry one with me everywhere!

3. Ju Ju Be diaper wallet
Perfect for when you just want to carry a few essentials on a short trip, these purse-sized diaper wallets come in a variety of sizes and fun and funky patterns, and will fit a couple of diapers and a mini-pack of wipes. I love throwing one into one of my larger purses or totes, when I don’t want to carry a whole day’s worth of supplies or be weighed down by a diaper bag.

4. Sassy links
If you only buy one toy for your infant, make it these simple interlocking links. These colorful things have kept both my girls rapt attention during long car trips, waits in the pediatrician’s office, jaunts to the grocery store… and as they grow you can use them to attach larger toys and teethers to the stroller so they don’t hit the ground when they’re dropped.

5. Heinz Baby Basics Sticky Fingers disposable wipes
I don’t often use disposable face wipes – at home I find a wet facecloth works best – but when dining out with an infant who’s just learning how to handle purees or finger foods, sometimes disposables are a necessity. Of the ones I’ve tried I like these the best. Alcohol-free, they have a fruity scent (as opposed to the vaguely medicinal scent of other disposable face wipes), which means a lot less squirming and turning away when I’m trying to clean food off of baby’s face and fingers after a public meal. (Heinz is retooling their website so a link is unavailable – but they can be purchased at most grocery stores.)

What are your must-haves?

Last-minute shopping For kids

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny shares her experience as a last-minute shopper.

I confess: I am, in many ways, a classic last-minute shopper. I always try to get the bulk of my list completed well before the holidays, but inevitably, some late-season errand will send me out to the stores – usually to fetch tissue paper or scotch tape – where I am completely and utterly helpless against the siren call of the impulse holiday buy.

Happily, this often means that I can pick up some small items at a reduced price that are perfect for stuffing stockings, as retailers often slash prices right before Christmas in an effort to clear holiday-related merchandise from the racks. It’s also a perfect opportunity for me to replenish my stash of “emergency” gifts – ubiquitous items like candle holders, pretty boxes, photo frames or albums, that I keep on hand for use as hostess gifts or for co-workers, teachers, and the like.

This week I lucked out at Indigo Books & Music. While picking up some of the last things on my list I happened by a rack of Melissa & Doug toys at 20% off! The same offer is on the Indigo website, while supplies last – so if you’re looking for any last-minute kids’ toys, I highly recommend taking advantage of the deal.

I’m a huge fan of Melissa & Doug toys – they’re high quality, and the fact that most of their toys are made of wood puts any lingering fears about BPA to rest. I can personally recommend the Deluxe Wooden Easel; it’s the perfect height for 3-5 year olds, and while it folds up for easy storage, we tend to keep it open at our daughter’s “art station” in the kitchen; she enjoys doodling and practicing her letters on the chalkboard or the dry-erase board while her Dad and I tend to cooking and cleaning.

If you take advantage of the sale, let us know in the comments!

Christmas wishes

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny wonders how she’ll maintain the magic of Santa for her daughter because the only toy her little one wants doesn’t exist.

My Christmas shopping has begun, and I’ve already hit a major snag in my plans for what to place under the tree.

My 4-year-old is obsessed with this new animated show on CBC, Animal Mechanicals. The show features five transformable (and of course, adorable) characters, Rex the Dinosaur, Unicorn, Komodo, Sasquatch and Mouse, who live in a colorful “snap-together-take-apart” world. In each episode the Animal Mechanicals must overcome a variety of small challenges that require them to use their unique “Mechana” abilities.

Number one daughter has determined that the only thing she wants from Santa this year is Rex, the Animal Mechanical dinosaur. I’m only too happy to oblige – but unfortunately, no toys exist for this little-known animated series!

Perhaps as a parent I’ve been overly conditioned by the Disney merchandising machine to expect that every new show or movie will have accompanying toys on the shelves well before the holiday season. I thought surely some toys must exist somewhere (Japan? China?). I was genuinely shocked when my online searching only turned up multiple pages (including a Facebook group) populated with pleas from other parents desperate for these non-existent toys.

Usually I decry the commercialism associated with children’s entertainment; today, I find myself uncharacteristically wishing that Animal Mechanicals was made by Disney or Nickelodeon or another large conglomerate instead of a small, independent Halifax animation studio.

Now, I’m sure she’ll be excited to open any presents and happy with anything she’s given. I only wish well-meaning relatives and caregivers hadn’t filled her absorbent little brain with assurances that Santa can do anything, make anything, and bring her anything she wants. I hate the idea of disappointing her even a little. Maybe it’s time we told her the awful truth: Santa doesn’t have the licensing rights to make those toys.

Life was so much simpler last year, when all she wanted from Santa was a teddy bear!

What’s your child’s Christmas wish? Are you having any trouble sourcing the perfect gift for your little one(s)? Let us know in the comments!

The cheapest toys are the best

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny shares her thoughts about kids toys...

I was thrilled to learn recently about the newest entry into the American National Toy Hall of Fame: the stick.

“Curators said the stick was a special addition in the spirit of a 2005 inductee, the cardboard box. They praised its all-purpose, no-cost, recreational qualities, noting its ability to serve either as raw material or an appendage transformed in myriad ways by a child's creativity. ‘It's very open-ended, all-natural, the perfect price – there aren't any rules or instructions for its use,’ said Christopher Bensch, the museum's curator of collections.”

This is quite a contrast from the latest toys and gadgets for kids that are being advertised for Christmas… such as Kota the Triceratops, a “life-size” baby dinosaur that “comes to life with realistic electronic sounds and motion” available now for only $299!

As a cheapskate parent, I find this news very reassuring. Sure, I’d love to have the disposable income to shell out for Kota – and don’t tell my 4-year-old that such a thing exists or I will never hear the end of the plaintive pleading! – but I know in my heart that my little girl will have more fun and make greater leaps developmentally by using her imagination to turn a cardboard box into a fort, a string into a lasso, a coffee filter into a crown, and a stick into a sword.

But of course, my kid will not find a stick in her stocking this Christmas! More on bargain shopping for quality holiday gifts next week…

Dear Bargainista #16 - baby gifts

Leona from Toronto writes:

One of my oldest and dearest friends had her first baby (a boy) on July 8. She lives in Edmonton. Do you have some ideas for great baby gifts or unique shops here in Toronto where I could get a special gift?

Thanks for your help. Love the blog,
Leona

•••
Dear Leona,

It’s been ages since I had my babies and things have changed a lot since then. Seems every time I turnaround there’s something new. I’ve listed my top three suggestions:

I just learned about this great new baby bath towel called Kangaroo Towel ($39.99). You can wear it while you bathe your baby so you stay dry. When the bath is finished, you can simply pick up the little one and put him in the in the self-contained towel with it’s own hoodie while you dry the baby and then lay him on the change table. Bonus: the Kangaroo Towel comes in it’s own little organza bag perfect for gift-giving. Check for a store near you or your friend (you may be able to save on shipping costs if you order from a store near her).

I learned about the Kangaroo Towel from Parent Tested Parent Approved Media. You may want to check out some of the other great things on this year’s list of winning products.

The Bumbo Seat ($59.99) also makes an incredible gift. It’s a fun little seat for babies as young as 6 weeks old to 14 months. Babies can sit upright while interacting with you and you can have your hands free. There are so few things babies can actually sit up in during the first few months other than I car seat. The makers also claim it helps improve posture. You can pick it up at Mastermind or order it online. Either way, hey’ll wrap it up and add a gift card for you. I’ve had excellent experiences sending gifts from their online store for years.

Another one of my favourites is the Mini-Whozit ($12.99). It also makes a nice add-on. My little guy had one and wouldn’t go anywhere with out it when he was a baby. There’s a whole line Whozit toys at various prices. You can get it at Mastermind and lots of other place where baby toys are sold.

Dear Bargainista would love to hear from you too! Have a question about shopping, fashion or food? E-mail us.

Nintendo misses the mark with Super Smash Bros. Brawl

My kids have been waiting for “years” to get their copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl (SSBB). The North American release kept on being delayed.

Caving into the nag factor, especially because the release date was supposed to be on my son’s birthday in mid-February, I placed a deposit on a copy in January. A week or so after I put my money down, I learned SSBB release was delayed again!

EBGames left me a confirmation message on Tuesday. Our copy should be waiting for us in the store this morning.

You may know I’ve been hanging out on twitter lately. So, when I logged on this morning, there was lots of buzz about SSBB.

Jeff Pulver posted a video of the SSBB unveiling at his house. Guess he got some early-bird copies. ;)

Mitch Canter attended the SSBB tournament in Nashville last night and had a great time competing only to go home with his early-bird copy and learn the game didn’t work on his Wii. This morning he posted about it on twitter. So, I took the opportunity to quiz him and read his blog post.

SSBB uses a new technology called double-layer disc because it has more memory. Turns out “launch” versions of the Wii have dirty lenses and don’t play the double-layer discs.

Ninetendo cautions customers not to attempt cleaning the lenses themselves and is offering to repair “launch” Wiis within a one-week turnaround time for free.

Now I don’t know about you or your kids, but when you’re a die-hard Wii owner who has been waiting for months to get your hands on a copy of SSBB, this news is a major disappointment.

It’s March Break and my guys had been looking forward to playing with their new SSBB for ages. I’m keeping my fingers crossed but since we were early Wii owners, my hopes aren’t very high.

Why Ninetendo sat on this information is anyone’s guess. I wonder what the retailers will be doing to inform and appease their customers this morning. I’ll be watching closely.

My kids have been raised on Nintendo products. I’ll be curious to see how this affects their brand loyalty.

Talk about a Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Bummer!

Tip of the Week - for parents on the road

This week’s tip is dedicated to the moms and dads who are frequent business travelers.

I’m guessing typically the minute you get home and see the kids, the first thing they expect after a hug and kiss, is a little gift – your way of saying…

“I missed you, please forgive me for being away … again”

Do you often find yourself scrambling for that perfect something just before you hop back on the plane? Or maybe, you take you’re little angel to the toy store and let her pick out that special toy she’s been wanting for a while.

I learned a secret from a friend of mine a long time ago. Stock up on things when you see them, that way, you’ll have them on hand when you need them.

I once saw a pro hockey player and father of two, buying enough toys at one of my favourite toy stores to last him the entire season!

A twitter pal, recently on assignment in the Middle East, ran home and took his little girl to a local Build-a-Bear Workshop. I suggested he pick up a bunch of Build-a-Bear accessories to have on hand for future use.

So, choose some toys or other trinkets for your little one before your journey. When you get home, you’ll have something on hand and a lot less stress. And you’ll thank me. ;)

Share your biz trip gift tips.

photo credit: miketklee on Flickr

Spending Saturday at Vaughan Mills

I don’t know why our family started a ritual of going to Vaughan Mills at the end of December but we did. In the beginning, we focused on three places: Build-A-Bear, NASCAR SpeedPark and Eggspectation.

Vaughan Mills is a haven for outlets but we weren’t there for the bargains.

2007 was no exception. First, we ate lunch at the food court and then went bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes. What a blast! This state-of-the-art bowling alley isn’t your typical bowling joint. It’s upscale and spotless. Had we planned better, we would have eaten lunch there too.

If I’d had my way, I’d have spent more time at Holt Renfrew Last Call. They always have great stuff, sometimes even at affordable prices. I need new jeans and there was a 7 For All Mankind promo for $59, plus racks of other designer denim for under $100! But I did a dumb thing: Instead of trying on jeans when I got to the mall, I waited until we were about to leave. The line-up for the change rooms was huge and I didn’t have the patience to wait. Even Bargainista can pass up a good deal!

Next visit, my guys can go bowling or to NASCAR and I’ll go shopping.

Cranium WOW is one hot party game

Looking for a last-minute gift for that person who has everything? What about a different hostess gift for a New Years’ Eve party? Consider Cranium WOW. It’s an updated version of the original Cranium game.

My kids particularly like the four customizable game pieces or “movers”. Each one has a name and a back story. My favourite is Coco but I’m sure that’s no surprise. The folks at Cranium actually designed 12 movers and there are different ones in every box. Cool thing is you can order more if you like for $4.95 each.

I bought Cranium WOW on sale as my Chaunkah gift to the family. It’s really more of a party game for adults than a pastime for kids. Regardless, we had a great time playing together. Be prepared, it takes at least an hour to play and I think it’s more fun when played with more than four people.

I’ve seen it everywhere from fancy displays at Starbucks to the unique game selection at Mastermind but ToysRUs keeps putting it on sale. In fact, I think it’s half-price along with other Cranium games now through Dec. 24.

What's your favorite party game? Have you played Cranium WOW? Did you like it? How do you think it compares to the original?

Brain Age mania

I used to think the Nintendo DS was for just kids even though I was wowed last year when my son showed me all the cool interactive tricks he could do with his pet Nintendog.

Now all my grown-up friends are adding the DS to their wish lists. One even swore she’d never buy a game console for anyone in her family. But all that has changed! Why? Brain Age mania!

I decided to jump on the bandwagon and see what all the hype was about. We already have a DS at home; I just needed the games. In true Bargainista fashion, I bought them both for a mere $26.98 + tax. Here’s how:

I went to EBgames looking for a used version of Brain Age (it’s been around for a while). They were sold out. Next I tried Gamerama. I should have gone there first. Gamerama is a neighbourhood shop with all the newest games plus a huge used game biz. They wanted $14.99. I told them EBgames was rumoured to be selling them for $10 (at least according to a guy I met in the electronics department at ToysRUs who was stocking up). Gamerama met me halfway: $11.99 plus tax.

This week, ToysRUs is selling Brain Age 2 for $14.99. Other retailers have it priced at $19.99 and up. Today I needed wanted some retail therapy at lunchtime. I work near a Future Shop and they were happy to price match.

I’ve been playing Brain Age for the past five days and my score is steadily improving. Has it increased my brain power? Who knows? What about you? Have you jumped on the Brain Age bandwagon?

Tags: Brain Age, Brain Age 2, EBgames, Future Shop, Gamerama, Nintendo DS, ToysRUs

Happy Hanukkah!

Tonight my family started celebrating Hanukkah. It’s early this year.

mimoco, one of my favourite gadget companies, wished customers a Happy Hanukkah with a menorah filled with mimobots instead of candles. Today also marks the day mimoco posted their holiday shipping primer. How enlightened. ; )

I guess those awesome looking mimobot USB flash drives really do store a lot of ingenious information.

Mimobots are a definite must on my gift list this year.

Have you seen a holiday greeting worth sharing?

Tags: Chanukah, flash drives, Hanukkah, memory stick, mimoco, mimobots

Weekly Wish - a new digital camera

I’ve been wanting a new digital camera for a while. In my house we share a Canon PowerShotA550. It’s fine and easy to use. My only beef is that it’s heavy and doesn’t fit easily into my purse. I’d like a smaller and lighter camera to carry with me wherever I go so I can take pictures more often.

I’d been giving serious thought to the Casio Exilim Zoom then last week I learned about the new Fuji FinePixZ10. It comes in several smashing colours, including hot pink. I thought they made it just for me. ; ) What I like best is it’s blogging feature - it let’s you upload photos directly to your blog. Just think, I could take pictures while I’m shopping and share them with you almost instantly. How awesome is that? It also has IrSimple wireless technology so I could share photos with other friends who have IrSimple-enabled cameras.

I’m guessing some of the photo bloggers were sent samples of this camera back in July when the Z10 was launched. Only thing is, the photo bloggers probably use much more sophisticated cameras, not the simple point-and-shoot styles. If I worked for Fuji’s marketing department, I’d follow the lead of the KRZRBloggers and put it in the hands of some influential bloggers from several different communities.

This week, I’m wishing Fuji (or a competitor with an equally compelling camera for us bloggers) will step up to the plate and offer me a compact, sleek digicam I can use for the blog. And if so, in return, they can be sure I’ll give their camera credit every time I post a pic.

Tags: camera, Casio Exilim Zoom, digital camera, Fuji, FinePixZ10, photoblogging

Weekly Wish - new iPod

Do you even have to ask? I’m speechless. This week I’m asking for a new iPod. Any of these will do, except perhaps for the yucky blue or green ones.

What about you? What do you think of the Apple’s new iPods?

Technorati tags: Apple, iPod, iPod classic, iPod nano, iPod touch

Back-to-school wants vs. needs

Kathryn Lagden gave me a heads-up about a Fox News interview with her boss, Tim Sullivan president and founder of PTO Today and Back2School2007. He discusses some of the most interesting gadgets your kids may want (vs. what they really need) when they return to school next week:



I thought I’d let you know where you can find deals on some of these items in case you haven’t spent enough dough on your little ones already and/or if you’re like me and one of them has an upcoming birthday.

FLY Fusion Pentop Computer - this cool new gadget can be found at many stores at regular price ($99). However, if you don’t need the latest and greatest, you can find the original FLY Pentop Computer for $29.99 at Mastermind provided you buy any two accessories at 40% off. The biggest difference between the original and Fusion versions is the latter connects with your PC. For those of us Mac users, it’s a non-issue ’cause it’s not Mac compatible. I say stick with the original, at clearance prices it’s a steal.

Note: FLY Pen and FLY Fusion Pen both require software in order to work. Software is specific to each version of the FLY.

If you’re wondering how I know so much about this awesome gizmo, we have a family birthday coming up and I thought it would make a great gift. So does my son. ; )

As for computers, memory sticks and cell phones, I agree with Tim, the basics are all your kids need - FutureShop is having a big sale this weekend. Check RedFlagDeals too.

We’ve been fans of ObusForme backpacks for years. If you have a membership at Camp Connection, you can get them for 20% off. They start around $33 reg. price.

For more discounts on school supplies, join TD CanadaTrust’s, The Money Lounge on Facebook and download the coupons.

Have you done your back-to-school shopping yet? What are your child’s wants vs. needs? Do you stick to the needs or indulge a bit. Share your back-to-school bargains and cool finds. Leave a comment.

Technorati tags: back to school, FLY pen, FutureShop, gadgets, Kathryn Lagden, Mastermind, PTO Today, school supplies, The Money Lounge, Tim Sullivan

Tip of the Week: stocking up at sale time

If you can still find them, now is time to score that fabulous pair of designer shoes you’ve been eyeing but didn’t want to buy at full price. If you can find something you can wear year round, bonus! It’s also a good time to buy special clothes you think will still be in style next year. If you’re lucky you can score some great finds.

Seems like my kids are growing like weeds. I’m constantly buying them new clothes to replace the almost-new ones they’ve just outgrown. It’s tough keeping up. If you’re good at estimating how much they grow within a year, end of season sale time is a great time to stock up for next summer.

Keep an eye out for non-seasonal items too. At sale time, I often stumble upon household or gift items at great prices too.

Some of my recent finds:
75% off
• Linen shorts and t-shirts (Club Monaco)
• Guest book and board games (Essence du Papier)

50%
• Board games and coffee mugs (Starbucks)
• Greeting cards (Essence du Papier)

Remember, things are only a bargain if you actually need them. I used to have a bad habit of buying things just because they were marked way down. Problem was, I forgot I had them.

Do you stock up at sale time? If so, what do you buy? Have you ever stocked up then forgot you had something?

photo credit: enda on flickr

Technorati tags:

Sometimes it pays to spend more

Sometimes it’s worth spending an extra couple of dollars. It all depends on how you define value.

On Sunday, I took my kids out for a walk along Bayview. Being with the boys, we didn’t enter any of the cool clothing or accessory shops. Instead we went to a wonderful bookstore - The Flying Dragon - one of the few independents left in the city. I gladly bought my son a book even though I have a discount and gift card at the big box bookstore, you know which one I mean. ; )

Next we stumbled upon a nondescript no-frills shop, Strategy Games and Accessories. My 8-year-old found the TipOver game he wanted. I had promised him something special earlier that day. He’s become acutely aware of prices. (Hmm, maybe it has something to do with having a mom also known as Bargainista.) So, he quickly pointed out the game was less expensive than it had been at a store where he’d seen it the day before, but still more expensive than our neighbourhood toy store. We decided to stop there on our way home but had a change in plans...

After speaking with the man running the store, we learned it was part of a non-profit organization. The Chess’n Math Association runs chess clubs in schools in Ontario and Quebec. (My younger son is a member; my older son used to belong.) The man looked up an obscure game my son had played in school. It wasn’t available anymore. He told us about boardgamegeek.com - a game rating website - he’d try and find us a new copy of the game even though it hasn’t been manufactured in years.

I couldn’t get the boys out of the store. They shared some brainteasers with him and he reciprocated. So much for our walk! In the end, I bought my son his game right then and there - an additional $3 well spent.

Technorati tags: chess, Chess’n Math Association, Strategy Games and Accessories, The Flying Dragon

Mastermind Warehouse Sale

What?
Mastermind, my favorite toy store is having a Really Great Toy Warehouse Sale
Up to 70% off more than 10,000 assorted discontinued, discounted toys or items with slightly damaged packaging

Where?
1430 Birchmount Ave. (map)

When?
May 23 -25: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
May 26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 27: noon to 5 p.m.
May 28: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (subject to change depending on inventory)

Technorati tags: Mastermind

Toys “R” Us: Wii (don’t) play

I received this e-mail from Toys “R” Us this morning.
Wii Play was advertised in a Toys “R” Us flyer I received on Friday. It wasn’t available online that morning. I requested an e-mail notification but didn’t hear from them until today. I found it yesterday (busy day for gift shopping) and bought it at another store.

In addition to sending the e-mail notification sooner, they could have enhanced their customer service by offering a price guarantee.

Technorati tags: customer service, e-mail marketing, Toys “R” Us, Wii Play