[anixon2]

I have been using coupons off and on for several years, but didn't really get serious with them until this year. That being said, the seriousness came when I realized we could make it finacially w/o me working, but that we would have to give up several things we were use to being able to do. The choice of me not working was really not a choice, but a matter of necessity because the job I did work now only pays half of what I use to make and well it wouldn't even cover my daycare cost We have really spoiled our two little boys when it comes to christmas. So much so, that I am not really willing to disappoint them this year. I have already started shopping and gotten about 15 games so far free or cheap, but I need more for them. Well of course I don't need it, but I really want it.

In years past we usually spent around 400 per child. I know way too much but I wasn't suppose to even have kids, so I tend to go overboard. Anyways, my question is about black friday. Are there usually good toy qs that come out with the deals or our the deals the best they get. We are scaling back, but since I have only been able to score board games thus far, I would really like to get them at least 5 or 6 toys and maybe a couple ds games or something along that line. Any help would be appreciated and yes I know it is early, but we have to real crunch hard on how to pay for these type things.

[mrscrystal23]

Originally Posted by anixon2

I have been using coupons off and on for several years, but didn't really get serious with them until this year. That being said, the seriousness came when I realized we could make it finacially w/o me working, but that we would have to give up several things we were use to being able to do. The choice of me not working was really not a choice, but a matter of necessity because the job I did work now only pays half of what I use to make and well it wouldn't even cover my daycare cost We have really spoiled our two little boys when it comes to christmas. So much so, that I am not really willing to disappoint them this year. I have already started shopping and gotten about 15 games so far free or cheap, but I need more for them. Well of course I don't need it, but I really want it.

In years past we usually spent around 400 per child. I know way too much but I wasn't suppose to even have kids, so I tend to go overboard. Anyways, my question is about black friday. Are there usually good toy qs that come out with the deals or our the deals the best they get. We are scaling back, but since I have only been able to score board games thus far, I would really like to get them at least 5 or 6 toys and maybe a couple ds games or something along that line. Any help would be appreciated and yes I know it is early, but we have to real crunch hard on how to pay for these type things.

I certainly can understand spoiled children I too have 2 little boys and both are spoiled . I always go overboard too , just a habit . LOL . About black Friday , yes there are a lot of toys that have huge discounts on black Friday and you should have a pretty easy time getting to them if you are there really early in the morning when the stores open . I go to black Friday every year and I know from experience you don't want to be late if you are going for anything electronic . Video games , digital cameras . The people will run you over and never even look back to see if you are alright . Good Luck getting everything on you list for you boys.....

[Melanievcb]

I don't shop Black Friday because of the crowds. If you are looking for toys, I would also suggest to shop throughout the year and stockpile. After all the holidays and seasons the stores mark off their items 50-75% (Christmas, Summer, New Year) and the good thing is that you can use coupons on these clearance items. Look for the clearance section, shelf or tags. If you can't find it ask the staff. Happy shopping!

[evenkeel]

I totally could have written your post. Our income has been reduced quite a bit this year, part through choice but mostly not. Our two boys have also been very spoiled and though I know they'll be happy with what they get (I've got a huge head start after clearance shopping and stockpiling all year) I still want to make it as great as possible. I'm wondering how couponing works for BF also.

I'll give you some ideas that aren't necessarily coupon-related. I LOVE Gamestop anyway, but last year they had a B2G1F sale on the used games on Black Friday and another B3G1F sale before Christmas. I can also usually find a few DS games on clearance 50-75% off at Target. Do you have reward points or some such in your name that you can use? I'm using up my Disney Movie Rewards points this year. Depending on how old your kids are, cool or "upgraded" toiletries might fit the bill, too. My older son would LOVE to get a basket of Axe items. My younger son is getting more into his appearance, so he might be getting combs, hair gels and body spray. What are their hobbies? My younger son loves to draw and create stuff, so he's getting a bunch of crafty stuff I got for little of nothing on clearance and I'll fill it out with paper and such from Dollar Tree. If your kids like to read, their school book orders and book fairs generally have $1 and $2 items available, or hit Goodwill and such for really cheap books in good condition.

With a little creativity and "thinking outside the box" a little money can go a long way. My kids are not really ones to play with toys besides their DS's and Knex/Legos, so I've had a lot of years of thinking about this. I wish you luck!