Recently in Shopping/Deals Category

Sure, gas prices dipped a penny this week. But you know it's not going to last, with oil prices continuing to gush higher and higher. So, not surprisingly, drivers are desperate to downsize from gas guzzlers to smaller cars. See the full story: http://www.dailynews.com/ci_9164539

The fastest way to alienate a mother/consumer is to insinuate that you know better than she does what's best for her children, says Maria Bailey, author of “Trillion Dollar Moms: Marketing to a New Generation of Mothers.” She also runs BSM Media, a Pompano Beach, Fla.-based marketing firm specializing in that demographic.

Another quick way to lose moms as customers is to invest in advertising campaigns that circumvent moms entirely and aim straight at their kids. Read more of this fascinating Stores Magazine article at: http://www.stores.org/Current_Issue/2008/02/Edit3.asp

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As a followup to yesterday's ode to Costco wipes, I've created this handy poll, because I'm burning to know just how versatile wipes are. So cast your vote and we'll pub the results next week.

One reader wrote in responding to my column today about where all the toy recalls are leaving parents this holiday season. Here's what she is doing:

I am trying not to buy toys from China for Christmas which as we know is almost impossible. I did find a great toy maker who has wooden toys and he is located in California. My son loves his trucks: http://www.thewoodsmantoys.com

It's harder for my daughter but I do think that I will get her one nice American Girl doll rather than many little things. She is also getting clothes and books. She is 6 ½ and I know that it will be hard shopping for her. Many of the items she would have wanted have been recalled.

It will not be an easy shopping season however it will be simpler and scaled down which sounds good to me. She adds that she may also buy from Step2, another USA-made toy company.