Break Time

Hello wonderful readers and friends,

I am sure this will come as no shock for you all, but I have decided to go on hiatus from my blog.  As you all know I haven't been posting much anyway (other than about the wonderful Target Toy Clearance), but at this point I'm going to shut things down.  I'm doing this for many reasons...first and foremost is that I just don't have time to fit it all in anymore.  I'm working full time, my kids are getting older with more after-school activities and responsibilities, and I have other interests and obligations that require my time and effort.  Though I still enjoy savvy shopping, I really don't have time to get to the stores very often (other than during my time off from work, which conveniently falls during Target Clearance time...lucky me!). 

I feel like this blog has run it's course for me, so I'm going to hang up my Couponizer for a while.  I am going to leave the blog up because I think it has some good info for anyone who is looking for information about Target Clearance, especially.  (The links on the left will still be active, so if you have been using my links to shop at Amazon or print coupons...THANK YOU...and that will still be there).  I will keep my Facebook page up, as well, and I may post over there if I see something pop up that is worth sharing.  You will probably see some posts about Target Clearance and Amazon finds and maybe some other deals here and there.  And I will likely come back for the next big toy clearance because you know I can't resist it and I love to share my finds and hear about everyone elses, too!

But for now, THANK YOU all for reading.  This blog has meant a lot to me and has been a lot of fun to write.  Reading your comments and seeing photos of your bargain scores has been so much fun.  And there is nothing better than running into a reader in the Target aisles!  :)  I will keep in touch over on my Facebook page so please post over there if you come across a hot deal or if you have any questions for me!  And until next time...happy shopping!

Thank you all again,
Sara

Target Toy Clearance: Today Could be the Day! Check your Stores!

Just a quick little post to say that my regular store had all of its toys marked down TODAY (Wed, 1/11)...they were already marked down when the store opened.  There was one big consolodated aisle and the endcaps were jammed full, too.  However, all of the Legos were just 50% off.  There were TONS of Legos, but alas...none at 70% off.  Got a few little things and I'm happy!

NOTE:  This store typically marks down on Wednesday and it happened once again this year.  However, MOST of you will find that your markdown will be tomorrow.  (And hopefully no one will have to wait until next week...that would be surprising).  Get up and get there bright and early!


I will post a photo and a list of what I got when I get home, but I hardly picked up anything because I got most of what I wanted last week.  But some of the things I saw but did not get:
Little People Sets (pirate ship, nativity)
Play Kitchens (Disney Princess, Circo, and a big Step 2 one)
Polly Pockets
Matchbox Sets (Ship, Aircraft Carrier)
A few Barbie things...not much
Lots of Teacup Pigs
Bop It
Weeble Wobble Set
Mind Flex
TONS of Baby Dolls

How about everyone else?  Has anyone else seen 70% off today?  Once you hit your store post here or on the Facebook page!!

Target Toy Clearance January 2012: My Store Marked Down Early!!!!

So, I'm checking on the Christmas clearance at the Ward Parkway store here in KC and was annoyed that it was just 70% off.  But as I was trying to scan something I noticed that there was one markdown person working in the toys. I checked some of the toys she had marked and they were 70% off!  WHAT?!  I asked her casually if a lot of toys were getting marked down and she said, "Yeah...all 70% off."  Woo!  She went on break so I had to wait in suspense, but sure enough she came back and brought the whole markdown team with her.  They proceeded to mark down every clearance toy to 70% off (with a couple of exceptions, but 95% of everything got marked down).  I almost died!  I would have totally missed it if I hadn't been walking by that aisle at that time b/c I never even thought to check this week. 

I called a friend of mine who came down but really there weren't many people at all shopping so it was a nice leisurely shopping experience!  Sadly the selection wasn't the best at this store to begin with.  There were NO Legos...not a single set.  But I found a few Disney Princess things that I wanted and a couple of great Matchbox sets, too.  I'm not complaining...we had our pick of the whole section!  Here is what I got:

Squinkies: $1.57

Tinkerbell Doll: $4.48
Orbeez Mood Lamp: $4.48
Matchbox Ship/Shark: $11.68
Matchbox Squid Set: $5.98
Motorbike: $2.83
Tiny Dino: $.74
Disney Princess big set: $9.98
Disney Princess Baby in a Bath Set: $5.98
Strawberry Shortcake Set: $5.98

Also, the camping goods and sporting goods were marked down to 70% off, too! I picked up a portable table for $20.98. Saw tents, sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and more. The sporting goods were also 70% off...motorized vehicles for kids, scooters, various balls and sporting equipment, and a few sets of golf clubs for $40. SO much stuff.


 Seriously...I was having to force myself not to load up 3 carts.  I was good, though!  :) 

NOTE:  I am almost positive that this store is only marking down early because it is going through a remodel.  I doubt that many stores around the country will be marking down today.  So don't rush out to check your store unless you are going anyway.  :)  My friend checked another store in our area and it was marking down only to 50% off.  So, I think that this is just a case of me getting really really lucky because of this remodel.  But what this tells me is that it is looking really good for all stores to go to 70% off next week.  (And, sadly, it tells me that the days of 75% off are gone).  But when it comes to Target Toy Clearance there are always surprises each year...this was a really awesome one!!  :) 

Target Clearance Report!

It has been a long time since I've been able to do a Target Clearance Report!  I'm happy to see that there is Clearance all over the store right now. 

First and foremost, the Christmas Clearance is still hanging on at 70% off.  I'm really hoping that tomorrow they will mark it down to 90% off.  We'll see.  But at my store there is still a LOT in the Christmas section and a few things around the store to check on as well.  I have been lucky enough to find a few boxes of Kleenex and Softsoaps spread around the store, so even if the bulk of all of the household items/food is going at your store, take a look around just in case! 

Next, the toys.  They had started to consolodate the toys at my store but most of it was still spread out.  A lot of it was 50% off already with some still 30%.  I'm getting more and more confident that they will mark most of it to 70% off next week, but you just never know.  The selection was so-so in my opinion.  I only saw a few Lego sets marked down and virtually nothing that I would be buying.  But, different kids like different things so you may find a lot that your kiddos will like!  I also think that the full selection isn't marked yet, so we'll see. 

One thing that is different than last year is that they have already marked down a lot of the play tents/sporting goods to 50% off.  Last year those didn't get marked down until a couple of weeks after the toys.  Look for disney Cars/Princess play tents, ball pits, dart boards, and that kind of thing. 

Also in sporting goods...I found a bunch of baseball items (pants, bags, plastic bats/balls, etc) at 70% off.  The camping stuff has also been marked down to 30% off. 

Shoes were 30% off...LOTS of snow boots on clearance (it hasn't even snowed more than 1/4 inch here yet!) and slippers.  The whole women's clothing section seemed to be marked down, too. 

You can pretty much walk around the store and find clearance at every turn.  While most things are 30-50% off right now you can bet that in the next few weeks it will be a 70% off bonanza!!

Target Toy Clearance January 2012: Timing and How To Get The Deals!

It's time once again, shoppers, to get ready for the January Target Toy Clearance!!  For those of you who have not shopped this sale before and are wondering how it all works, please visit my Target Toy Clearance Tutorial for all of the details.  Then check out my Target Toy Clearance page for links to all of my past Toy Clearance posts including photos of the hauls from each year! 

Now, for this year's sale...last year everything got marked down to 75% off on January 12th (Wed) or January 13th (Thursday).  The year before that it was Thursday, January 14th.  So, based on that, my prediction for this year is Thursday, January 12th (or Wednesday the 11th for some).  Remember...this is just my estimate based on years' past.  I have no idea when it will mark down and no "inside scoop."  Just a few years of experience shopping the sale!  :)  It sounds like most people are seeing a ton of toys at 30% off already and some at 50% off, too!  It's a good sign that it will be happening on time!  But there is always that chance that they will drag it out another week. 

As a reminder, different stores have different markdown days, so some will get marked down on Wednesday and some will be Thursday.  I have one store that always goes on Wednesday and one that goes on Thursday.  If you don't know which day your store typically marks their toys down, I would recommend checking Wednesday and going back Thursday if they haven't marked things down. 

Also, one thing that MAY be different this year...they may only mark the toys down to 70% off instead of 75%.  This would be a huge bummer.  Yes, it's only 5% but I miss that little 5% off!  We'll see what happens.  I still see some things getting marked down to 75% off around the store, so there is a chance.  :) 

I will be checking and monitoring everything as closely as I can and I will definitely post updates here and on my Facebook page.  I will be shopping this year, but I will probably not buy much this time.  (We'll see how well I can restrain myself!!).  I still have some toys in my stash and my kids have gotten MUCH pickier about the toys they want, so it all depends on what the selection is like! 

So be sure to LIKE my Facebook page for the most up-to-date information and to be able to share your photos and scores!  I love to see everyone else's hauls so please share when the time comes!  That helps us all know what toys to look for, too! 

Think Fun Rush Hour: $4.99 (75% off)

A perfect item for the gift closet!  Get  ThinkFun Rush Hour for $4.99, which is 75% off!  Hurry...the price my jump up any moment!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!

It probably goes without saying since I'm kind of a part-time blogger anyway, but I will be taking the holidays off from blogging.  I hope that every single one of you have a wonderful Christmas with family and friends and that you all take time to sit back and enjoy the season. 

Before I go, though...don't forget to think about shopping after Christmas at Target (or other stores, but you know that Target is my favorite!).  All Christmas items should be 50% off on the 26th and then will likely stay there for a few days before getting marked down to 70% off (used to be 75% off, but recent trends show that it will likely be 70% off).  Then a few days after that...about a week after Christmas...it will all get marked down to 90% off.  And THAT is when I buy stuff.  :)  Don't forget to look for the things you can use year round like Ziploc, papertowels and napkins, non-candy foods & mixes, towels or throws, gadgets marketed as stocking stuffers...the list is a mile long.  And don't forget to look in the regular aisles for these things.  Sometimes they don't get thrown in with the Christmas stuff.  And last...don't be greedy...leave some for everyone else!  Resist the urge to fill your cart with holiday Kleenex, people!  :)

I'll be back at the beginning of January with the latest news about the big January 2012 TARGET TOY CLEARANCE!!!!!! 

{My early prediction on the big 75% off date?   January 12th!}

MORE Amazon fun deals: Extra 10% off select toys

The deals keep on rolling in at Amazon (they do this every year...just as soon as I'm done Christmas shopping).  :)

Right now  you can save an extra 10% off on select toys that are already marked down.  So the deals are really great.  Check out the Selection HERE

My favorite?  The Rapunzle/Flynn Rider boat set for $10.99, just under $10 with the 10% off. 

Oh, wait...but check out this awesome trampoline for just $42.99!!!  We have this and the kids love it.  And I can tell you (bitterly) that I paid more than this for it and I thought *I* was getting a good deal back then!


Lots of LalaLoopsy dolls, pillow pets, craft sets, Barbies, and more! 

A Very Toy-Dealy Day on Amazon

Today's Gold Box deal is up to 50% off a bunch of different Alex Toys craft kits.  PERFECT gift idea for kids of a lot of ages.  There are a lot of different ones on sale...the cute friendship bracelet making kit shown above for $14, art lap-desks, a knot quilt, sewing kit, and more.

Also keep an eye on the Lightning Deals.  They have all been toys so far, so I'm guessing it will be all toys all the time today!  You can click through to get hints of what is to come and there are some Star Wars, pillow pets, and a Science kit being hinted at along with a lot of other things.

Also check out the toy clearance that has started (love this time of year!).  Up to 60% off a bunch of toys...some even more than 60% off.  There are SO many toys, but a couple that caught my eye are this Boy LalaLoopsy doll, regularly $24.99, now $11.99. (Your daughter's girl LalaLoopsy dolls need a friend, right!?)

I also like this Rocket Balloon Set for $4.99.  My kids had one of these and it was a lot of fun.  The balloons zing and zip around the room (or high in the air if you are outside).  It's a GREAT one for the gift closet!

I could go on and on...check the whole selection out for yourself here.  You can sort it by Girl, Boy, Preschool, and Learning Toys.  Happy Shopping!

Great Deal of the Day: Up to 50% off Melissa & Doug on Amazon!

I love Melissa & Doug toys.  They are fun for the kids, require some creativity or brainpower, and they are durable!  They are also pretty reasonably priced even at full price.  But today is a super day for anyone who still has some Christmas gifts on their shopping list because Amazon's Deal of the Day is Melissa & Doug toys and puzzles for up to 50% off!!




Birthday Cake Set for $10...this is one of the best birthday gift ideas ever!


100 Piece Wood Block Set $10 (WOW!)



Pattern Board Set for $10



Abby & Emma Dress Up Set for $10



Magnetic Responsibility Chart for $10...the lowest price I've ever seen for this.

There are tons more, too...check them out by clicking "Learn More" under the Gold Box deal.  And do it fast...these are likely to sell out.  Last time they did Melissa & Doug everything was gone by the end of the day.  Happy Shopping!

18 Days of Video Game Deals!

Amazon is starting 18 days of Video Game Deals today with Disney Deals!  I'm thinking the Toy Story Mania!game will be going in my cart for $9.99 for sure!  Lots of other good Disney games as well.  (But please do NOT buy the Disney Princess Wii game...it's terrible). 

Be sure to check back each day on this page: Amazon Daily Video Game Deals to see what new video game deals come our way!  I'm crossing my fingers for a Mario day so I can finally get a good deal on Mario Kart for the DS!!! 

Guess What...It's Cyber Monday.

Cyber Monday Deals at Amazon

Unless you are sleeping under a rock you know it's Cyber Monday!  So that pretty much means that every single online retailer has a deal of some kind running.   Here are my tips for how to make the most of today. 

1. Do NOT shop unless you are getting cash back! When you are shopping online you simply must go through a cash-back site like ShopAtHome.com or Ebates or you are throwing money away. These sites are easy to use and they will give you cash back for the shopping you do at your favorite retailers. All you have to do is sign up for a free account and then click through their site to your favorite store. You will get a percentage of your purchase back into your account (varies from 1% up to 20% or more). They will eventually send you a check when you have a little chunk of change in your account. FREE MONEY. Do not shop unless you go through these sites first. They don't have relationships with EVERY store, but you will find that most big retailers will give cash back (with the exception of Amazon).



2. Go with what you know. Don't try to visit every online retailer under the sun. Check out your favorites to see what deals they're offering and leave it at that. Yes, there will be deals all over the internet, but just because it's Cyber Monday doesn't mean you should go nuts and order from every store under the sun. By ordering from websites you know and love you will simplify your life and also ensure that you are shopping at SAFE sites. You may want to check your email early in the morning to see what kind of special offers might have landed in your inbox and/or check Facebook for special deals/codes, too!



3. Stop byAmazon. Even if you aren't an Amazon shopper on a typical day, stop by Amazon.com on Cyber Monday!! They have a ton of lightning deals going on all day long and the discounts will be deep and they usually throw a couple of HOT products in the mix.



Happy shopping, everyone!

Get up to $100 in Amazon Gift Cards for Referring Friends to Shopping Notes

Awesome!  I have told you before about CamelCamelCamel, a service that will alert you when the price drops on an item you are interested in.  Well, there is a new site doing the same thing called Shopping Notes.  Just copy and paste the URL of an item you are watching and when the price drops they will email you! 

And, if you refer your friends you can earn up to $100 in Amazon gift cards or any electronic gift card!  For every friend that sets a price alert you will get $1, up to $100! (If you sign up on the link below I will get $1...thank you, thank you!!)

Here's how:

-Go to Shopping Notes
-Set a price alert for a product (I set an alert for Mario Kart for the DS...I am determined to get it below $30!)
-You enter in your email address to get the price alert
-Go to that email account and verify your email address in the email  they send you
-Come back to the site and find the "Invite Friends" button.  Click that to get your link to send to your friends or to post it on Facebook! 

Not only are you earning a few bucks, but it's a useful service!  I love to set price alerts around this time of year because a lot of popular products will go on sale for a day on Amazon and you don't want to miss it!!