Black Friday

I wasn't really sure if I planned to go out for Black Friday or not, but there were some gifts that I felt inclined to pick up. I didn't start my day very early. In fact, the kids let me sleep until 7, which was very welcome.

I took my youngest with me and headed to Toys R Us. I should have known that I was in for it when I had to park in a different lot. I was wise enough to snag a cart in the parking lot and take it in with me, since they were sparse inside. I was able to get quite a few gifts for the kids (nearly done) and take advantage of some coupons that I had gotten in the mail - one for $5/$25 and one for $10/$100. In addition, I had received a $100 gift card for opening a new account at a local bank. I applied that to my purchase and did really well, only $67 OOP. Part of that was a box of diapers (100ct) I got for only $10! I will also be returning an item I got cheaper later. The biggest draw back was the 1 1/2 hours in line, with a 2 year old, who was very well behaved for sitting in a cart that long.

I stopped at Michael's to pick up some chocolates for my Christmas baking. They had a great sale and when coupled with a 25% off coupon, I got 4 bags of Wilton Chocolate discs for under $4 - now that is a deal.

Then, because my mom had asked me to swap some items for larger sizes at the Children's Place, I headed to the mall. It was clear that parking was sparse, even the far out spaces were full. I happened upon a woman just getting in her car to leave and got a parking space in short order. I headed in to Children's Place, arriving at 10:57 - just moments before their roll in early take an additional 20% off your purchase was about to end. I got a "tag" that would allow me to get the discount at check out, even though it would be after the sale ended at 11. Turns out, I couldn't exchange my mom's gifts for the next size (supposed to check the outlet), but I got some great deals. They have already clearanced their Christmas outfits, and had them with an additional 30% off marked price. So, I got a skirt, shirt, sweater and patent leather shoes for my daughter and a pair of slacks, shirt and cardigan for my son, as well as a winter coat for next year for my daughter. At check out, I asked, can I use my 15% off coupon with the sale - they said YES! I was psyched. I got all of the above, plus 6 pairs of socks for about $80. And...I will get a Place Perks reward to boot - $10 off of $10. I clearly was meant to stop there today.

I made a mistake in stopping at JoAnn's for some fabric. When I saw that there was a line to get fabric cut (the number I drew was 30 away from what they were calling), I debated leaving. When I saw how far the check out line wrapped, I decided that the $7 I might save was probably not worth the headache. So, I hit the road, having lost about 30 minutes.

Next stop was Target, one gift and some household supplies before heading home.

Of course, as I was going back through the ads, I discovered that one of the items I purchased at Toys R Us, was $15 cheaper (only a $25 toy) at Radio Shack. After a call to confirm availability, I headed there to purchase. So, now tomorrow, I will be back to Toys R Us to return the item and save my money.

How about you? Did you get any great deals?

Head over to Money Saving Mom, Super Savings Saturday to see what other deals everyone got.