Get free computer games at Popcap.com. David, who emailed me to tell me about this deal, says "the site offers a solid mix of puzzle games and arcade favorites." Click on the "online" tab to find their free games. There are a few dozen. Download the game you want to play.

You get 60 minutes to play the game free. I tried Insaniquariam and believe me, after three minutes I had enough! But I'm not the computer game type. You can pay $30 to download a "complete" version of a game if you want. Read more about them.

Thanks, David!

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 25% off sale items at Babystyle now until Tuesday, May 13, 2008 online only. Use coupon code 25EXTRA. All sales final. Shop sale items here. A white maternity dress with eyelet details around the bust and hem is $60 (orig $88). A tiered toddler's skort is $19 (orig $24).

Caveats: the discount is only valid on spring sale, babystyle outlet and Cadeau outlet items, cannot be combined with other discounts, not valid on gift cards or past purchases, coupon takes precedence over any discounts you receive as part of the babystyle Rewards program, no rain checks on out of stock items.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 20% off regular priced merchandise and 10% off sale items during Stride Rite's first friends and family sale. Now through May 11, 2008. In stores only. Get the printable coupon. Find a store near you.

Caveats: not valid at outlet stores, cannot be combined with other discounts.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 30% off everything at Gymboree starting Thursday, May 8 and going until Sunday, May 11. Use this printable coupon. Online use code GYMFRIEND.

Caveats: one per customer, not valid on shipping, taxes, gift certificates/cards, Play & Music class passes, in-store phone orders or donations. May not be combined with any other offers. Find a Gymboree near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get $15 off $100 or $30 off $150 at Babystyle now until Sunday, May 11. Many brands are excluded, see below. For $15 off use code 15OFF100 and for $30 off use code 30OFF150 during checkout. Online only. Shop the sale.

Caveats: no rain checks, not valid on past purchases or gift cards, cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts, no rain checks, this discount will take precedence over any discounts that are part of the babystyle Rewards program. The following brands are excluded: Baby Jogger Company, Britax, Bugaboo, Citizens of Humanity, Eberjey, Habitual, J Brand, James Jeans, Juicy Couture, Maclaren, Maxi-Cosi, Mustela, Medela, Nest, Orbit, Paige Premium Denim, Peg Perego, Petunia Pickle Bottom, Quinny, Stokke, Storksak and Timi & Leslie.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The boys clothing store Boy Oh Boy! is closing and all clothes, shoes, and hats are 50% off. Webkinz are $10 and Lil'kinz are $8.50. The sale goes until the end of the month. I have not been to this store but it sounds like a good sale.

Visit them at 20929 Ventura Blvd # 7 (just west of De Soto on the North side of the street) in Woodland Hills. (818) 888-1824. Hours Monday 11 to 5, Tue through Sat 10 to 5, closed Sunday. Thanks, Jen!

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

This Scholastic book sale is for school employees, school district personnel, registered home schoolers, and book fair chair people and volunteers. If you are one of those, sign up to get into warehouse sales in Thousand Oaks and Culver City. Register your name and password and I'm told Scholastic will send you a Fast-Cart Pass along with a $10 off coupon. Find a sale in a different state and read more about their warehouse sales here. Thanks, Jen!

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get $5 off a purchase of $25 or more at Toys R Us today and tomorrow only (April 18 and 19, 2008). Some exclusions. Need to have the original coupon (no copies) in stores. Online use code 921362.

The floating planet Saturn, above, is way expensive at $400 but looks like a ton of fun. You stand on a ring around a giant ball and try to climb to the top while it tilts this way and that. One wrong move and you'll fall into the water! Great for kids who already know how to swim. More water toys here.

Caveats: can't be used on diapers, formula, video game hardware, phone orders, special orders, past purchases, gift cards, Kiddie Kandids, Motherhood Maternity, and buyer protection plan. Find a store near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 20% off at Babystyle with some brand exceptions now until Sunday, April 20, 2008. Good online, in stores, and at Cadeau Maternity. Print out the email here to get the discount. Online use code FRIEND2008 during checkout.

Caveats: not valid at their stores in Mission Viejo, CA; Farmington, CT; Garden City, NY; Austin, TX; or Plano, TX, cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts; no more than one coupon can apply per order. Cannot be used for gift certificates or costumes. No rain checks on out of stock items.

The following brands are excluded: Baby Jogger Company, Britax, Bugaboo, Maclaren, Maxi-Cosi, Mustela, Medela, Orbit, Peg Perego, Quinny, Stokke and Storksak or other products marked non-discountable in their product descriptions.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CORRECTION: The sale is NEXT weekend, April 25-27, not this weekend as I originally said.

Kristin Nelson's LA Kids Consignment sale comes to the Santa Clarita Valley NEXT weekend. Remember? I blogged about it when the sale was in Van Nuys and a year ago I wrote about it for the paper. Nelson organizes dozens of parents who want to sell their gently used kids stuff, from clothing and toys, to gear and books.

The SCV sale is Friday and Saturday from 9 to 5, and Sunday from 9 to 2 (50% off most items). It is being held at 26346 Ruether Ave. in Santa Clarita. (818) 693-3183.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The KidVantage program at Sears gives perks to those who buy kids clothes at the store. Once you join the program they will replace any kids clothes with the same size if your kid wears a hole in them. So you cannot upgrade to a bigger size as your child grows, but you can swap beaten up threads. I don't think stains count.

Every time you spend $100 on kids or infant clothing or kids or infant shoes you get a coupon for 15% off your next kids or infant apparel purchase. Look for the coupon at the end of your receipt. Not sure when it expires.

Sign up for the program at any Sears' register. Read more about the KidVantage program here.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get an extra 30% off at Babystyle Outlet, which has maternity clothes on sale, baby bargains, and deals on kid's stuff. Cropped leggings for Mom-to-be are $13 (orig $44). A nursing bra is $20 (orig $38) but comes in medium only. A long sleeve baby T-shirt that says "Loading...smart remark" is $12 (orig $22).

The site lets you shop by department, percentage mark down or price. Unclear how long the 30% off sale lasts. Use coupon code ALLOUT30. Note some items are final sale (no returns).

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Starting Friday, April 11, basic kids tops at H&M are buy one get one free, according to the retailer's April newsletter. Not sure what they mean by "basic." T's only, maybe? Deal lasts until Sunday, April 20. No coupon needed. Find a store near you.

Caveats: selection will vary by store.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Get all kinds of books at steeply discounted prices at SortFloorBooks.com. I didn't have to look hard to find a great book at a super low price. I gave my nephews "No, David!" about two years ago and my sister said they loved to read it. The more trouble David got into, the more excited they got. I paid $17 for it, Sort Floor Books has it for $5.50.

They also have Mitch Albom's "Five People You Meet in Heaven" for $3.50. The same book is selling for $11 at Barnes & Noble.

Browse by categories on the right or search for a specific book on the left. Free media mail shipping on orders over $15. The site says the company is one of the biggest sellers of bargain and remainder books. They sort through millions of leftovers and add more than a thousand books to their inventory everyday. Thanks, Jen!

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Kid's Consignment 4 You sale at the Ventura County Fairgrounds is this weekend, Friday April 11 to Sunday April 13. The twice yearly sale features gently used clothing, toys, furniture, linens, nursery items, play equipment and books for kids and babies. The sale is run by two guys, a dad and a future-dad, who thought the sale would be a great way for parents to save money. Read about them here.

The sale is in San Nicolas Hall, the "Home Arts" Building at 10 West Harbor Blvd. in Ventura. Hours are Friday 1 to 6, Saturday 9 to 6 and Sunday 9 to 2 with some items half off. They accept cash and credit, but not personal checks. Parking at the fairgrounds is $5 or you can park across the street (Perimeter Roadway) at the 'Surfer's Lot' for $2.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

For their spring break sale, the educational toymaker Discovery Toys has marked down 17 items by 50%. A stunt loop track for toy cars, above, is $17.50 (orig $35). An elephant teether is $4 (orig $8). Click here to see everything that's on sale. Prices go back up April 27.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seems like everybody I know is making babies. My best bud from eighth grade and high school is knocked up, in two weeks I've got a baby shower for another friend, and just last night I got an e-mail from a third friend announcing the birth of her second child. Even my masseuse is preggers!

I'm not sure if all this activity is making my "clock" tick louder or softer, but it will have me heading to Carter's to buy miniature clothes, one of the most appealing aspects of being a mother (at least, that's the way it looks from this side of the fence). Get $10 off your purchase of $50 or more at Carter's stores with this coupon until Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

Caveats: one coupon per customer per day, not good on gift cards, past purchases, or online. Find a Carter's near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A huuuuuuge kids sale with thousand of items including clothes, toys, gear, is going on this weekend. The LA Kids Consignment sale is in a random warehouse in Van Nuys but I've been there before and it's super organized and only gently used items are sold.

The sale is run by Kristin Nelson, a mom was who tired of paying full price and finding grungy items at garage sales. Now Nelson enlists Moms who wants to make a buck off their kids' gear by re-selling it at the sale. Each person sets the price for their stuff (so it can vary), then Nelson organizes it and runs the sale. It's too late to be a consigner this year, but you can get on the list to be a consigner at the next sale in about six months.

Hours are Friday and Saturday 9 to 5, Sunday 9 to 2 and most items are 50% off. Cash only. Visit them at Seville Hall at 7963 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kids aged 3 to 12 eat free every Tuesday night at Ruby's Diner in Woodland Hills with every adult meal ordered. So basically 1 adult meal = 1 free kids meal, 2 adult meals = 2 free kids meals. To get the deal eat between 4 and 9 pm. Caveats: free kids meals must be ordered from the kid's menu.

Not sure if the freebie is happening at all Ruby's Diners. Find a Ruby's near you. Visit them at 6100 Topanga Canyon in Woodland Hills. (818) 340-7829.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Buy one game and get one free at eToys through tomorrow. Check out their selection of games eligible for the discount here. To get the discount put both games into your cart and the lower priced game will be free. Note, their prices are slightly higher than what you can pay on Amazon, so only buy the games if you really want BOTH. Otherwise just buy one game for a cheaper price elsewhere.

I compared the prices of three games on the discount page and found Scene It DVD movie trivia was $15 more than on Amazon, Superman Returns was $6.50 more than Amazon, and Deal or No Deal Living Room game was the same price.

Caveats: available while supplies last.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get $5 off a $25 "baby purchase" with some exclusions now through Saturday, March 22 at Babies R Us. Good online or in stores. Online use code 921086 or in stores print this coupon.

Caveats: not good on diapers, formula, video game hardware, gift cards, phone orders, special orders, buyer protection plans, Kiddie Kandids, and Motherhood Maternity.

Find a Babies R Us near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Select toys are up to 60% off at KB Toys until March 24, 2008, though I found many toys marked down up to 75%. Search all the sale toys here. A five-inch superman figurine is $3 (orig $8). A Superman costume for playing dress up, above, is $5 (orig $15). A princess dress up costume is $5 (orig $20).

A wooden Noah's ark comes with 16 animals and is $8 (orig $20). A Dora the Explorer bedroom set is $8 (orig $10). Many Bratz dolls are marked down from $30 to $16.

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The fashionable budget retailer H&M is introducing their kids line with a 20% off coupon that is good towards a pair of shorts, pants or jeans in the kids department. Discount starts March 14 and goes until March 30 at US H&M stores only.

One of the reasons I like their clothes is that they are cheap, sure, but more interesting than what you see at Gap or Old Navy. The clothes don't generally wear well - I bought a $15 swimsuit that only lasted one year - but with kids I would think this would be less of a concern. Chances are they are going to grow out of it or get a huge stain on it before it falls apart, no? To be fair, an H&M work shirt lasted two years and I'm still wearing socks I bought there three years ago.

Caveats: gotta have a copy of the coupon, cannot be combined with any other discount or be applied to previous purchases. One coupon per customer. Find an H&M near you.

Thanks, Jen!

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 40% off select Easter outfits at Carter's stores and knock $10 off your purchase of $50 or more until March 5 with this printable coupon. You can also get a $10 gift cheque for every $40 you spend now through March 13, but the cheques are only redeemable between March 14 and 30 when you spend $25 or more. Stagger your purchases to maximize the discounts. Note, you can't actually buy stuff through their Web site. Eyes rolling - how outdated is that?

Find a Carter's near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The kids clothing store Naartjie, originally from South Africa, is offering 15% off your total tab on new and sale items when you buy online, in the store, or over the phone. Naartjie sells clothes for infants up to 10 years old for boys and girls. The coupon is good until March 9, 2008. Use the promo code rainbow in lower case.

A girl's polka dot top is $10 and comes in eight colors with names like Dew and Jellytot. Matching capri leggings are also $10 and have subtle frills around the calf. Browse their sale items.

Stores in Glendale, Sherman Oaks and Canoga Park in the Valley. Find a store near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Get $5 off a toy purchase of $25 or more at Target stores with this printable coupon. Expiration date is October 1, 2008 but that seems odd. Print out a few and hope they all work.

Caveats: not good online. Only one coupon can be used per transaction.

The Alex Super Art Table is $180. Browse their toys. Find a Target near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jen's list shares discounts for baby and mom. The prices at Serena & Lily, a design resource for nursery/kids's rooms, may be above many folk's budget (a 4' x 6' rug was $289). But you can still get some really good ideas for color schemes. Their book, Nursery Style, has decorating ideas and could be a nice shower gift. The site sells furniture, rugs, paint and other decor. Use code MWS15 to get 15% off. Note: their site is really slow.

The T-shirts at Love My Belly Maternity are a tad pricey, but if you look for the ones on sale it's not so bad for a cute shirt. The site also has a ton of coupons - $20 off $100 with code 100, $45 off $150 with code 150, and free shipping on purchases of $100 or more with code freeship100. If you can combine them all that's quite a markdown. Their signature tank, above, is $28 (orig $40). Others run as high as $60+. Yeesh. Use code MWS30 for 30% off your purchase.

Thanks, Jen!

Posted by Julia Scott at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

And you thought the madness of shopping at 3 am for super sales was limited to the winter holidays. Well, think again. Kmart is offering extra discounts this weekend if you shop overnight - from 10 pm to 6 am. Here are their nightowl discounts:

Get an extra 20% off all My First Craftsman Toys, like this kiddie sized Ford F-150, for $160 (so you'd save $32 off that). Pretty much all the other MFC toys are $5 to $20 so losing sleep over a few bucks seems crazy.

Get an extra 15% off all small appliances, and get a five-drawer Craftsman tool organizer for $100 (orig $150). Get an extra 10% off bikes, patio furniture, and car seats. Read all their nightly sales here.

Looks like you can also get the discounts online. Find a Kmart near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 25% off full priced items at Babystyle, which sells maternity clothes, baby clothes, and accessories. Use coupon code DAILYC25 for the discount. The sale brings down a black pleated Jersey dress from $154 to $115. Search their baby wear, kids stuff, and gear. Make sure to enter the code above where you enter your billing info.

Caveats: won't work on some items. Unclear when sale ends.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Clothes fitting babies up to tweens are on sale at Old Navy until Feb 21. A pack of three bodysuits are $7.50 (orig $12.50), graphic polos for toddler boys are $6.50 (orig $10.50), rib knit tanks for girls are $4 (orig $6.50), and ringer T-shirts for boys are $4 (orig $6.50).

No coupons or codes needed, tho you can always check retailmenot.com for online discounts. Find an old Navy near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Kristin Nelson's kids consignment sale is eight weeks away, but registration to sell your stuff is open, and spots always fill up. If you are thinking of selling your stuff start by reading her consignor guidelines. There are 275 consignors spots. Consignors keep 65 to 70% of their sales depending on whether they volunteer for three hours or not.

The sale is three days, March 28 to 30, 2008. I wrote about her last sale for the Daily News and it was massive, highly organized, and full of great deals. There will over 20,000 items on sale, including clothes, toys, baby equipment, outdoor/sports equipment, furniture, books, videos/DVDs, games, shoes, socks, strollers and maternity clothes, Nelson writes.

The sale is Fri and Sat, March 28 and 29 from 9 to 5 and Sun, March 30 from 9 to 2, when most items are 50% off. The sale is at Seville Hall, 7963 Van Nuys Blvd. in Van Nuys, CA 91402. Entrance is free. Cash only.

To get on an email list with updates about the sale email Nelson at lakidsconsignment@earthlink.net and say “add me to the email list.”

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Get 20% off select items, at Leapfrog.com plus free shipping with code WT8VFS. Get 70% off permanently reduced LeapPad, My Little LeapPad and Little Touch LeapPad books. "A gift from big sister" Dora the Explorer book is $4 (orig $13). A Fridge Phonics magnetic set is $16 (orig $20). Sale ends Feb 14, 2008.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Pottery Barn Kids is having a sale through Jan 31, 2008 on bedding, toys and accessories, furniture, Christmas and seasonal stuff, baby clothes and curtains. A sea themed crib mobile is $19 (orig $59), kid-sized rocking chairs are $99 (orig $139) and come in honey or red, and the retro sock monkeys making a comeback are $19 (orig $39). They also have sock lions and sock elephants.

Find a store near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Toys are the last thing your kid needs so soon after Christmas, but why not buy toys ahead of their birthday or stock up for future parties your kid will be invited to? With markdowns up to 60% during the KB Toys clearance sale, the hardest part will be finding a place to hide them. A 100-piece Yukon Express train set is $17 (orig $80), a Little Tykes junior quad bike that goes up to 1.5 mph is $50 (orig $100), and a Change 'n Go bag is $30 (orig $50). There's also a good selection of soft football helmet hats for $15 (orig $25) and tons more toys. Prices good through Feb 4, 2008.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CityMommy.com posts this notice of a free talk/workshop on "Finding the Right Kindergarten for Your Child" this Thursday at Wicati, a children's clothing boutique in Los Angeles. "The Speakers are Christy Bergin and Tanya Anton and they are experts in both public and private school options in Los Angeles." The session is from 6:30 to 9pm. All merchandise is 10% off the night of the event, except for the large number of sale items still available from 50-75% off. Snacks and wine will be served. Read a little more about the event or RSVP by emailing eve@wicati.com.

Visit them at 2318 Westwood Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The educational toymaker Discovery Toys is celebrating its 30th birthday with markdowns up to 60% off thru Feb 19, 2008. The company sells its toys online or you can make an appointment with a consultant to see the toys in person. In the sale brochure I spotted a monster truck rocker for 18-months up to 100 pounds for $40 (orig $80), on page four. A girl's ladybug costume with skirt and wand was $15 (orig $30), on page five. Many more books, games, and craft projects on sale.

Discovery also sells toys for autistic kids. Read about the company.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 15% off with this link to a printable coupon for one 'baby item' at Babies R Us thru Jan 13, 2008. You can only print it once so be ready when you click through the link. Caveats: some exclusions apply, see coupon for details. Find a store near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A friend sent me this link, saying anyone who signs up will get Toy R Us coupons emailed to them over the next week or so. I signed up this morning, so will let you know if I get anything worthwhile.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today only the mega toy store is having a sale on certain items in the store and online. Their in store deals include a buy one get one free offer on all Play Doh, an Equestrian dress up set two for $5 (orig $20 each), an Air Hogs Mini Storm Launcher for $20 (orig $40), and many other toys. Check out their online only deals for today. (Note this link will most likely not work after today, Dec 12.) Many items qualify for free shipping. Find a store near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The online girls shoe store Sweet Soles is having a big sale this weekend starting today at 4pm thru Sunday at 10 pm. I have not bought shoes from Sweet Soles before, but reader Rein says "on black Friday I bought 11 pairs of shoes, sandals, boots for my 7 yr. old daughter and spent, with shipping $123!! Now that's a steal!" Look for these automatic discounts at checkout: spend $50-$99 get 20% off total, spend $100-$199 get 30% off total, spend $200+ get 40% off total AND FREE SHIPPING! I like these black and tan sandals for $15 (final sale) and these baby blue sandals with butterflies (for $30) are so cute I wish I had a baby girl to dress up!

Search their catalog by type of shoe, or check out their clearance shoes.

Caveats: free shipping does not apply to international orders. Sale does not apply to previous orders, or ebay purchases. If an item is out of stock, we will contact you via phone or email asap.

Their return policy is strict: "I will allow an exchange...

Continue reading "Sweet Soles sale" »

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A friend suggested I check out the old school toys at Restoration Hardware after she found a number of gag gifts and stocking stuffers at the furniture and home store. I was skeptical going in - I'm a journalist after all - but was pleasantly surprised. A balloon modeling kit with 30 balloons and a pump is $8, a metal matchbox music box that plays "Jingle Bells" is $15. An 82-steel piece Helicopter Erector kit is $22. Their prices are a tad high (surely a Whoopee Cushion can be had for less than $6?) so if you are on a tight holiday budget take notes then look at other stores.

Their regular toy section includes musical instruments, circus toys, magic kits, DIY wooden vehicles, and pricey pedal vehicles. View all their gifts under $25. Find a store near you. Thanks, Beth!

Posted by Julia Scott at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 30% off at the Encino store and education center Mother's Haven thru Dec 9. The store sells maternity clothing, baby products, family gear, toys and also offers classes. About a quarter of their stuff is online if you can't get to the store. Use code Holiday30 for the discount. Not sure if it applies to classes. Get free shipping on orders over $50 for a limited time.

Visit them at 15928 Ventura Blvd., Suite 116, Encino. (818) 380-3111. Thanks, Jen!

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Toys 'R Us has 105 items on sale online only today, including a Dora the Explorer Fiesta Doll for $5 (orig $20), two wooden toys from Melissa and Doug for $5 (orig $20), and a Barbie-and-Elmo doll for $6 (orig $21). Perhaps this is part of the Cyber Monday fallout. Retailers are trying to drum up online business at the start of the week leading up to the holidays.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Get 20% off anything that has already been reduced at Gymboree, including newborn girls, newborn boys, baby girl, baby boy, kid girl, and kid boy. This boy's hooded vest is $20.79 (orig $32). The 20% off is taken once you put an item in your account, so the markdown you see is higher than the final price. Unclear when the sale ends or if it is also in stores.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Four Seasons in Westlake Village is having afternoon teddy bear tea that is free for children who bring in a new teddy bear or toy. The deal is for every weekend in December before Christmas. Adults are $32, children are normally $21. There are three seatings, at 3:30, 4, and 4:30. To make a reservation call (818) 575-3000 and ask for the lobby lounge. Everybody gets a pot of tea and you also get a tiered tray of tea sandwiches, scones and fruit. The bears and toys will be donated to Toys for Tots.

Posted by Julia Scott at 1:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get 25% off at Disney online on select merchandise. Choose from their toys, holiday ornaments, home decor, branded warm clothes, and sleepwear.

This set of 6 figures from the "Cars" movie is $9.37 (orig $12.50). Use coupon HOLIDAY25. Expires Dec 2, 2007. Get $5 shipping on orders over $50 with code SHIPFOR5. Not sure if you can combine codes.

25% caveats: excludes CDs, video games, and many other items and brands. To find the stuff the 25% coupon applies to, shop directly through the six categories in this link.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The indoor playground TinyTown in Granada Hills is offering a free baby massage class for parents. Children are $8 for the first one and $6 for every kid after that. As a grand opening special they are also offering $25 off any party when you book before December 1. Contact Kendra at kendra42@sbcglobal.net for details. TinyTown is at 16909 Devonshire St in Granada Hills. (818) 366-0305.

Posted by Julia Scott at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Toy Association, a trade group that has major toy makers like Mattel as its members, set up a Web site just for toy safety info in light of so many recalls right before the holidays. There's a list with pictures of toys that have been recalled, info on why Aqua dots are being recalled, a description of how toys are made.

They also address buying toys made in China by explaining toy safety standards. "All toys sold in America regardless of where they are made must conform to tough U.S. safety standards...it is companies that are responsible for adhering to rigorous safety standards and conducting inspections throughout the process." They don't gloss over the fact that safety standards are self-enforced and not regulated by the government, but they don't come right out and say it either.

I know this is the way it works because I wrote a story for the Daily News Aug 16, 2007 (too old to be listed on our Web site). Part of the story reads "About 80 percent of the toys on U.S. shelves are made in China, where toys can be made more cheaply than in the United States.The United States government does not regulate toys, aside from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which prohibits lead in toys but does not enforce the law. Instead, manufacturers voluntarily test their products. Safety standards in the toy industry are set by the American Society for Testing and Materials, an organization that develops standards for various industries.Many local toy companies require their own set of tests at independent labs, such as Bureau Veritas in Buffalo, N.Y. Mass retailers such as Wal-Mart and Target require a second set of tests done by labs of their choice."

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The
Scholastic Holiday Book Fair is coming up with locations in Thousand Oaks and Culver City. I heard about this from a friend who has gone in past years and reports "the warehouse is HUGE and the deals are excellent...Although kids are allowed, it is not "Small Children" friendly as it is held in a large, sometimes very cold warehouse!"

Find a location near you. Thousand Oaks sale is Friday, 12/14: 12 PM to 6:30 PM and Saturday, 12/15: 9 AM to 6 PM.

Caveats: The sale is exclusively for book fair chairpeople and volunteers, registered homeschoolers, and School Personnel: principals, administrators, faculty, teachers, librarians, and media specialists. But I'm told if you are volunteer at a school, temple or church you will be able to get in.

Here are some of the deals: up to 80 % off bestsellers, chapter books, beginning readers, and activities. Up to 50% off books for all ages, software, and school supplies. Up to 30% off newest releases. Also a lot of $1 or less items. Thanks, Jen!

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a slew of coupons for toys at Target, good online only thru Wed, Nov 21, 2007. How about $5 off a Playskool toy, A Thomas & Friends playset, or a Leappad Read & Write. Get $10 off a Darth Vader Transformer or $5 off a Star Wars Light Saber. And get $10 off a Power Tour Electric Guitar or a Mio Pup. Shop online at Target.

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Saw this post on CityMommy and thought it was worth mentioning even though it's second hand. (Or maybe third hand since the person who wrote it got an email about the sale.) She writes "I've shopped at this sale before and it's pretty incredible." The sale is at Over the Moon Children's Boutique (no Web site, unfortunately) Saturday Dec 1 from 10 to 2 in Tarzana. Featured designers include: Binky Couture, Tea Collection, Cakewalk, and Hannah Banana. Cash only, all sales are final and no dressing rooms.

Visit them at The Tarzana Community and Cultural Center, 19130 Ventura Boulevard, Tarzana.

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KB Toys will give you a free toy when you buy three. My guess is the cheapest thing you buy will be the free one. Just a hunch. Excludes gift cards. Offer good thru Nov 21, 2007. You can also get a free toy from Melissa and Doug when you buy two of their toys at KB until Nov 19, 2007. KB has a gift finder that let's you search by age and gender. I bet my sister would KILL me if I bought my nephew this ride-on motorcycle for $90, but it looks like a ton of fun. And hopefully noisy! She'll really appreciate that. Max speed 3mph (looks like it comes with training wheels). ZOOOoooooomm.

See all their deals and promotions here. Find a store near you.

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Get 20% off of anything that's already been reduced at Gymboree online or in stores. Unclear when the sale ends. Check out the sale girl's clothes and boy's sale clothes. This girl's three-button camel shorty jacket is $25 (orig $39). A grey wool cap for $9 (orig $14.50) will turn any boy into a pint-sized gentleman. Also check out their sales for baby boys, baby girls, and newborns. $6 flat shipping. Find a store near you.

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Ouch! If you are used to Target- and H&M-priced clothes, shopping at Baby Laundry Boutique is going to hurt. But the clothes are *so* cute. This brick-red long sleeve T-shirt for a lil boy has a picture of a cowboy bulldog about as determined to get dirty and find trouble as your little boy is. But it's $56! Ease the pain a little with a 25% off coupon good thru Tue, Nov 13, 2007. Use coupon code VETERAN. Shop girls clothes here. Free shipping on orders over $100. Thanks, Jen!

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Toys 'r Us claims to be having one of their biggest sales of the year right now, ending Sat Nov 10. The Air Hogs radio controlled helicopter is $50 (orig $65), a Radio Flyer trike is $30 (orig $40), and a Mega Bloks truck with 40 pieces is $13 (orig $26). Free shipping on orders $50 or more. Find a store near you.

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Get 30% off at Gymboree until Nov 11, 2007 online or with this in store coupon. Online use code GYMFRIEND and remember there's $6 flat shipping for a limited time. A girl's pony gown is $23.50 (orig $29) or this red holiday dress is $38 (orig $50). And those prices are BEFORE the 30% off. Slim pickins for boy's holiday clothes, unfortunately.

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A friend said she unexpectedly came across great toys - and cheap - at her local Ross. For $100 she took care of almost all her holiday toy shopping, buying presents for nine kids. I myself did not know Ross stocks toys but around the holdiays I guess it's important because so many people are buying them. Keep it in mind for your own toy needs! Find a Ross near you.

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Graveyardmall.com has a 390-piece magnetic links kit for $9 (orig $60, they say). Every piece connects to little magnet balls on either end so you can build all sorts of stuff like shapes and towers and poking sticks. Inclues 288 bars and 102 magnet balls. For ages 5 and up because of all the small parts. Comes in a plastic carrying case.

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Acapulco restaurants has a coupon for a $3.50 entree when you buy one at full price. Their prices are high to start with ($11 for a burrito?) but if you like going there this is a good deal. Expires Nov 23, 2007. Find a location near you.

Toy 's Us is giving away $10 off cards when you spend $75 or more until Nov 21, 2007. There are lots of caveats though. The gift card expires Dec 31, 2007 and diapers, formula, video game hardware, phone orders, or gift cards do not count towards the original $75 purchase. If you are getting a head start on your holiday shopping $75 is not hard to spend. Find a store near you.

Michael's has a 40% off coupon for one full priced item that unfortunately does not include faux Christmas trees 4 feet and taller. But they do have a lot of other holiday decorations on sale. Good thru Nov 3, 2007. Find a store near you.

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Get an extra 20% off at the Children's Place with this printable coupon. If you shop online use coupon code %20CLUBEAGML98A7. Expires Halloween. Shipping is $5. Find a store near you.

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The AMS Warehouse in Santa Clarita is liquidating Disney merchandize from Disneyland. Prices are up to 80% off retail, I'm told. They have adult and children's apparel, toys, trading pins, watches and collectibles. Get an extra 10% with an ad in The Signal. Sale ends Nov 11, 2007. They were closed Mon and Tue because of the fire but are open today.

Visit them at 18533 Soledad Canyon Road in the Canyon Square Plaza behind Kindercare. Open Mon thru Sat from 10 to 8 and Sun from 11 to 6. (661) 424-0046. Thanks Janet!

UPDATE: A reader visited the sale and said they take cash and credit cards only, no checks. And they play Yo Ho music from Pirates of the Caribbean to get you in the Disney mood!

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Parents can find discounted baby and kids gear at a consignment sale at the Ventura County Fairgrounds this weekend, Oct 26-28. An organizer says the "families can sell, buy, and donate gently-used children's merchandise and pick up great bargains on new items they need." About 80 families are selling their stuff, so it should be pretty big. Hours are Fri and Sat from 9 to 6, and a half-priced sale Sun from 9 to 2. For more details visit the sale's Web site here.

Parking is $5, or you can pay $2 and park across the street at the 'Surfer's Lot.' Visit the fair at Nicolas Hall, 10 West Harbor Blvd., Ventura.

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Use this printable coupon to get $5 off a Polly Pocket doll. May not be good at every single store that sells PP because it's a manufacturer's coupon. True, these are some of the same toys that were recalled for having tiny magnets that kids could swallow, but Mattel is a massive company that would be stupid to make the same mistake twice. Read about their safety procedures and reaction to the recalls. On the other hand, maybe the fact that they are giving these dolls away practically for free (Polly Pockets cost about $5) is a sign that they blew it so badly nobody wants to give them a second chance.

Coupon good thru Dec. 31. Stocking stuffers?

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Get a free 24-pack of Crayola Crayons or a 4-pack of Playdoh with this printable coupon good at Toys R Us Oct 18 and 19 only. You can only print it once so don't open it until you are ready. I accidentally closed mine before printing and it won't let me open it again! If the link above doesn't work, get the coupon from their homepage. It scrolls through three windows but soon the free coupon will come up.

Find a Toys 'r Us near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 8:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A quick pitch for a story I wrote that ran on the front page of today's Daily News. It starts like this:
Imagine a garage sale on steroids. That's what Kristin Nelson has built her twice-yearly kids consignment sale into. Starting today, thousands will flock to her packed warehouse looking for a deal..." Finish reading the story here. Most of the mothers I talked to while reporting the story said they had found great bargains at the LA Kids Consignment Sale and that the quality was fairly high.

Visit the sale at 7963 Van Nuys Blvd. (on the west side of the street with a very small entrance so check the map). Hours Fri and Sat 9 to 5. Sun 9 to 2. Cash only. Free admission and valet parking.

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Target has a 10% off coupon that works on most purchases. I tried it on a purple wrap sweater, a Kitchen Aid mixer, and a Hello Kitty two-way radio. Use code TGTAFTXC. Doesn't look like it works in thes tore. Expires 12/31/2007. Wahoo!

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Toys 'R Us claims to be having one of the biggest sales of the year. Halloween costumes are 50% off. For tikes there is a cow, lady bug or dinosaur costume for $7.50. For older kids costumes like Cheetah Girl, a fairy, a power ranger or black spiderman are $10 to $15. Games like Life, Monopoly, and Operation are 30% off (all games from Milton Bradley, Hasbro and Parker Bros are). Thomas Train sets are up to 35% off, like the Thomas-Saurus Rex Set is $50 (orig $80). Lincoln Logs and Tinker Toys are 25% off. Time for early Christmas shopping. Prices good thru Oct. 6. Read the ad. Locations near you.

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Babies R Us has a printable coupon for 15% off one item. But it only lets you open it once, so don't close the coupon window without printing it! Get the coupon through SlickDeals.

Posted by Julia Scott at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Children's Place has a $10 off coupon for purchases of $30 or more. Use code NMS97 when checking out. They have a lot of 40% off stuff in their fall sale. Shipping is free if your tab is $75 or more with code FSFAMILY. Thanks SlickDeals!

Posted by Julia Scott at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Enough parents are worried about the Mattel toy recalls (owing to high amounts of lead paint on millions of Chinese made toys) that many are searching for USA-made toys. But so many of the toys on our shelves are made in China - about 4 out of every 5. My Sunday story in the Daily News highlighted six Web sites and brands that sell all USA-made toys, plus one store that sells high-end toys. The toys are not a bargain, and its anybody's guess as to whether parents will shell out extra bucks to buy USA-made this holiday season.

There's also a list of a bunch of common toys made here. Check it out!

Posted by Julia Scott at 7:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Old Navy has a 25% off sale on baby and kids clothing until Sept 20. Body suits are $5.62 to $7.12, toddler hoodies are $10.87, and toddler cargos are $12.37. Locations here.

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Get 20% off at Gap Maternity online when you spend at least $125. (For the math challenged a bill of $125 will cost you $100.) The coupon code is GET20. Easy enough. Shipping is $6. Thru Sept 16.

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A lot of parents are freaked out, rightly so, about the Mattel toy recalls (mostly because of high levels of lead paint). So the comparison shopping Web site Shopzilla did a little reserach into where people can buy toys online that are made in the good 'ol USA. Haven't checked these out yet so I can't vouch for them, but I thought you would be interested.

www.ShopForAmerica.com
www.ZebulonUSA.com
www.usmadetoys.com
www.unclegoosetoys.com
www.holgatetoy.com
www.maplelandmark.com

Shopzilla also compiled this list of items that are American Made: Bicycle Playing Cards, Battleship, Boggle Jr., Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Clue, Connect Four, Crayola Crayons*, Life, Louisville Slugger, Monopoly, Mouse Trap, Operation, Parcheesi, Play-Doh*, Pop-O-Matic Trouble, Radio Flyer Discovery Wagon, Scrabble, Sorry, Stratego, Tri-ominos, Trivial Pursuit, Yahtzee, and anything from American Plastic Toy Company.

* Some Crayola Crayons and Play-Doh containers are NOT made in the USA. Check the label.

Games have evolved a lot since I grew up playing Connect Four and Parcheesi (one summer my sisters and I played it non stop for like two weeks) but I bet kids will still get a kick out of the classic toys on the list. Fun is fun, right?

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Green Cradle in Sherman Oaks calls themselves a baby's pharmacy. The cremes, lotions, and clothes are all natural or organic. Baby soap was $4.29 to $10 for 4-ounce bars, chapstick in mint, chocolate or citrus was $3.75, after sun aloe balm was $10, and 1-ounce pots of Shea butter were $12.50. Also treatments for fussy babies, colicy babies, stretch marks, back aches, heartburn, and coughs.

Mention City Mommy for 10% off your purchase. Visit them at 13344 Ventura Blvd. (818) 728-4305.

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Kmart has 10% off car seats, bouncers, high chairs, toys, boxed gift items, and up to 25% off on sleepwear and layettes. Sale thru Sept. 8.

Find a location here.

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This sale isn't until Oct 12-14, but it's not one to miss. Kristin Nelson, a Sherman Oaks mom, runs a huge consignment sale out of a 6,000 square foot warehouse in Van Nuys. Think a neatly organized garage sale on steriods. You will find "anything you would possibly need for a baby," she said. Clothes, toys, changing pads, exersaucers, bouncy seats...Pictures of past sales give you a good idea.

This year the LA Kids Consignment is at Seville Hall at 7963 Van Nuys Blvd. For more info, or to become a consigner, check out her Web site here. Kristin takes a 35% cut of sales, or 30% if you volunteer for 3 hours.

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Toys 'r Us stores (not online) are selling the Air Hogs Hyper Hawks plane for $12 (orig $30). For ages 5 and up. See it fly here.

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