Some Holiday Shopping Savings Tips...

Since so many of you tell me how busy you are all the time, I thought I'd give you some of the updates on the price comparisons I've done so far this holiday season. I'll give you some of my favorite places, some deals I've found and whatever else I think might interest you.

We'll start with books... many of you out there are Stephen King lovers, so let's take "Under the Dome." It's been out for a few weeks and it's available almost everywhere. You can hit the big name stores like Barnes & Noble and pay something like $22 for it. You can hit Walmart and pay right around $19. Costco has it for $18 and change. However, if you're smart, you'll head straight to Amazon.com, find it for 14.50 and take advantage of the FREE Super Saver Shipping. You have to spend $25 to get the free shipping, but they will combine almost anything that ships from AMAZON (not one of their re-sellers) to give you the discount. If you have readers on your holiday list, always go to Amazon first.

For all you scrapbooker's on my list, there are a few products that are pretty cool this year, but some of the deals already passed on Black Friday. The Making Memories Slice machine was $89.99 at Hobby Lobby (reg. $149.99) and they had all the cartridges for $19.99 (reg. $39.99). Archiver's had a pretty good deal too; they offered it for $119.00 but you got the Sports cartridge free (reg. $39.99) so you got $190 worth of products for $119.00.

Right now one of the hot items is also the Sizzix Texture Boutique Embossing Machine. The Beginner's kit retails for $49.99 but you can get it for 34.88 at www.scrapbooking-warehouse.com. Their shipping is fairly reasonable too, although it used to be a flat rate and they don't do that anymore. You can find it all over the place, but there are really no other great deals on this. Even on Ebay it's selling for almost full price, and with shipping you might as well pick it up at your local store.

One of the hot toys this year seems to be this goofy little truck from Matchbox called Rocky the Robot Truck. There were no deals on Black Friday and the only place I've actually seen them has been at Target. They are going for full price on Ebay and while the retail price at Target is listed as 59.99, they are on Toys R Us.com at 64.99, although they're offering free shipping. I think it's a crock, so if you're looking for Rocky, try your local Target. I have yet to see them at Walmart or any other discount-type stores. I got mine the week BEFORE Thanksgiving at Target for $45.00, but I think that ship has sailed...

Now if you're already relatively frugal, you still need to keep your eye on the ball. There are a lot of sales going on everywhere. Hobby Lobby and Michaels are putting most of their Christmas-themed items (everything from trees to ornaments to wrapping paper) on sale at 40-50% off. Some of the bigger name stores like Macy's have been advertising "Friends and Family" specials with "extra 25% off everything" type deals. There are tons of coupons in the newspapers and online, and I've noticed that a lot of stores seem to be price-matching. If you see a digital key chain for $9.99 at one store, chances are you will find it at several other stores as well. No one wants to lose a customer this year, so keep your eyes open.

The only things I've noticed this year that isn't "on sale" in general is holiday-themed entertainment. The Radio City Rockettes are in town and tickets range from $45 to the $100 range, which is a lot for a family of four. Stone Mountain and popular rides-throughs like the one at Lake Lanier Islands haven't been broadcasting discounts this year either. It's sad, because the prices really make them almost prohibitive, but there's enough going on this time of year to make up for it. However, I've noticed a lot of Homeowners Associations are doing fun things this year like cookie exchanges and breakfast with Santa, so if you're looking for affordable holiday entertainment, check your local neighborhoods!

I'll have more tips and bargains for you in the coming days...

Kathy