I am really torn. I haven't done the Black Friday run around thing since my kids were kids..... but there are some pricey things the grandkids want this year, and I don't know if it'll be worth the waiting or just buying. Kira is really wanting a Nintendo DS. I've never seen one on sale. They are always $129. I can go and but one now at Best Buy, but will that be one of the biggie draws on Black Friday? Or will they be sold out by Friday?

Any thoughts? Any insight?!!!!

I don't do the Black Friday thing...I've gone out in the afternoon a few times, but never for the morning rush.... I'd buy now....

Gail, the price for Nintendo DS is fixed. However you can get some bundle deals (ones that come with the game system and some extra goodies like a game, carrying case etc.)For a few dollars more. I don't think there will be a shortage but you never know. you could also try bidding on ebay.

I did the black Friday shopping thing 2 years ago and got a portable DVD player for 29.99! They hid them around the store and you had to find them. Retail stores are really hurting, you will probably find some great deals from now until Christmas! I bought Rianna a $78.00 jacket on Saturday and after all the sales incentives it cost me $17.99, and this was at Macy's!

I love to shop but I also love a bargain!!

I hate Black Friday because I can't stand dealing with the people. However, I have a friend that shops every year and buys all of her gifts that morning. She does plan on going again this year. Me, I will be grading research papers that day.

I have that day off for the first time in years. I will probably sleep.

Years ago Ter and I decided that our dive trips are our Christmas gifts to each other. I'm still looking for a few art supply items for my sister, but that's about it.

I have seen preview deals for Black Friday at many of the stores I shop at. Seems that I will be able to get the same deals later too. Yes, there are some deep price cuts on stuff, but retailers are keeping the cuts a lot longer to get folks to buy at their store this year. Some are even now.

Now, when my kids were younger and there was a really hot item, Black Friday was the time to go stand in long lines and hope you got one of the cherished and wanted items. I haven't heard of anything this year like it was in past years. Electronics are already being slashed big time. Clothing deals can be had before, during and after Black Friday. Same for jewelry, so to sum it up, I will not be out on Black Friday this year. Haven't seen anything priced low enough to make me get up and battle the crowds for.

I could hardly stand the crowd at Disney yesterday, so I don't think I'd do too well standing in line and being jostled about by raving lunatics that want to save a few bucks!!!

I didn't realize the DS price was fixed. I have a $10 off coupon if I spend $70 at Best Buy, so I may as well just do it!

Thanks for all of your thoughts.

I'm not buying...period. Michael's bus has pretty much come to a screeching halt four months ago...no one buying boats? who'da thunk...so he did get a very part time job yesterday at UPS for the "season."...it may pay for the kids xmas gifts. He said there were quite a few "suits" there as well. All other gifts are on "hold" till things pick up.

Boy, I'm just a bundle of joy and full of holiday cheer eh? Been watching the puppies a LOT...lol...

HAPPY FESTIVUS!

(Message edited by cyndelee on November 25, 2008)

Cynde, you are not alone, lots of folks cutting back this year. We are cutting way back here too thanks to Ike, and economy issues.

I have never done Black Friday - I'm not much of a shopper anyway so BF is just BS for me
Besides we'll be at a winery on BF ~ maybe they will have slashed prices on wines?

Cynde - you're definitely not alone. It seems like our whole town is going very low-key. But it's nice too because the emphasis is on being nice to and helping each other. Now there's an idea!!!!

Hang in there friend and remember --- we're always here

If we all buy something online or ship a gift and use UPS, we'll keep Michael busy. I'm sending something to my sister today.

I'm cutting way back too, and the kids have asked for very little. I am also buying a few things from some of our very own BT artisans and plan on using UPS to ship them!

I like that we are getting away from the big gift buying frenzy, seems to make a lot of people happier.

It'll be low key for us, too. The last few months have been a real good reminder of what's really important...this Thursday, I'm thanking my stars for Eric's broad shoulder, my mother's small improvements, my friends' support, and my own ability to step up to family needs...


There'll be goodies, but not a lot of flash...doesn't seem like the year for it....

low key at our house also. i'd rather save and try and make this year's trip to bonaire
es

I can understand that a lot of folks are cutting way back this year. But I grew up poor, and as long as I'm able, the kids will always have a good Christmas. Josh and Chudney are cutting back, and can't afford the DS with other gifts. We're buying it to go under their tree from Santa. Kira will get a game and accessories from us. Alex will inherit Kira's Leapster, and I'll get her a new game for that too. Kira's father is taking her for Christmas, but doesn't put much effort into providing a special Christmas for her. There is no visit from Santa for her there. She's such a good kid, and I feel bad for her, and want her to have a good Christmas to come home to.

Danielle will be here this year, hopefully for 2 weeks! She already told me that she doesn't have any extra money for gifts so we're all getting homemade gifts. She's very creative and artistic, so I'm sure she'll think of something.
Last year she sent us a beautiful hand sewn throw for the couch.

We don't buy for each other anymore, as in this stage if life, we pretty much have whatever we need. We still need a new set of cookware, so maybe we'll splurge on that!

I love getting up at 2 AM, standing in line in the cold so I can over pay for some toy that a "MUST HAVE" only to see it go on sale Dec 26th for 70% off with free shipping.

My Lipstickers always draw names and exchange ornaments... this year we set a $5 limit but it can be anything (a couple have said NO more ornaments LOL). I'm doing a small potted plant with bulbs planted as well so that it will keep on giving in spring. I thought I'd paint the pot.

One of the girls recently found out that her ex has blown threw the family trust. All of a sudden she now has to figure out how to pay for 2 college tuitions, housing and assundries. She's taken on a part time job at a local clothes store - in addition to her full time job. Another one just got news that her company is downsizing since 90% of their business is to the auto industry.

It's scary but again we'll get through and we've got BT.

Gail - you got it right!!! It's all for the kids

Seems like this year is very different from the past, but I am thinking that is a good thing, as others have said.

Family, health are the main things that are really important. I am looking forward to visiting Tiffany this holiday, haven't seen her since the summer, so we all will just hop on a plane to be together. I can cook Christmas dinner in Texas just as good as here at home. Will bring some home baked goodies with me too.

Gail, Gregg and I dont' buy for each other anymore either, it's all about the kids and grandkids. This year, none of them really want anything special, now that's a first! Guess they have all they need, eh?

Gail, the kids and grandkids are the only one's getting presents The UPS job pays very little, but we figure it will pay for the presents we have to buy....

We went for a walk at the harbor on Saturday...a LOT of boats for sale, but no one buying, so no one needs surveys He has done a couple of insurance surveys, mandatory...

Barbara "CB" - all of you, stop it or, you'll make me cry.

I just sent two stuffed animals to my sister's boyfriend's grand daughters. Actually I sent them to my sister since I've never met the kids. But they are very young - 2 + 14 months - and the family is struggling. I also sent Sis a few of my dove ornaments (see my profile for a link to blog)

I love giving hand made items to those who appreciate them.

Several years ago Terry gave me a wire whisk for Christmas. When I opened it up the rest of his family had the "WTF" look on their faces. It was something I needed - I wore out my original one - and was my favorite gift that year.

Tom, I'm sending you some tissues.

Gail, I grew up poor too...lol...been there done that (more than once...uhg)! We had milk toast a LOT as kids...that and navy beans with ketchup on it three times a day!

Okay you guys, I guess not just Jerry will be coming with his party of at least 7, I will have open house for you all for Thanksgiving. There will be no presents and no turkey and absolutely NO pumpkin pie!!!. In fact you will all have to bring your own sandwiches. I might provide soup.Or it will be fish and chips. Children are welcome but there will be no computer games and they will all have to sit very still in the garden shed. Oscar had agreed to host any furry friends. We only have two bedrooms so I guess you will have to fight over the bath or bring tents. So just remember when you are cooking or washing up or fighting that you were invited to spend Thanksgiving with Bob and I and you turned us down!!!! ()

Dive trips are our Christmas presents too. My wifes' BC would not pass muster for overhaul this year so Bruce at Caribe has a new one set aside for her. I am eyeing a new second stage that will be all of it for us. Our three week trip will be Christmas in May. I've long given up on Black Friday.

I don't do " Black Friday", the grand kids have a savings account for college, and at thanksgiving the adults in the family pick a name for one present, not to exceed 125 $.

When the I was blessed with grandchildren, I was absolutely amazed at the amount of gifts they received and never played with!

I'm known as the ice cream grandfather, every time we get together I make sure they get ice cream!

Gail, looking back over this, I see that your shopping for children....sweet. Since I'm not, I hadn't thought of that...thanks for giving me a better perspective.

Come to think of it, the thing I never thought of cutting back on was my project to buy a few toys a month so I had a bunch for the Boys and Girls Club by the time Santa visits. And sweatshirts for the county run retirement home.

Gosh, I'm feeling better now...

STOP IT BARBARA "CB", PLEASE STOP IT!!!

Linda, can I have some more tissues - please?!?!

I buy when I see something I feel is special and will be loved by the recipient.

Here you go Tom.

Thank you Linda, my shirt sleeve was getting messy

Linda, never sit next to Tom at a movie, especially a tearjerker...