Holidays and Finances

Do you believe that those holiday deals really are deals? I have been in the process of putting that theory to the test.

I found all the gifts I wanted for my boys WAY back in July. I wrote down their original price and I have been watching their prices fluctuate ever since! Now some days I would miss the price, and a day can mean a whole lot, for instance one toy went up $50 in one day. I was pretty good at watching the prices at least once a week.

Would you believe that the price on one of their $35 toys has gone up and down within a range of $20! I couldn't believe it myself. Here are my findings for the past 5 months. All toys were compared on Toysrus.com

The toy: Grow to Pro Super Soccer Sounds

Original Price: $34.99

Highest Price I've noticed: $40.00 - this was RIGHT BEFORE the holiday season started

Lowest Price I've Noticed: $20.99 - during the holiday season

Conclusion: Great buy during the holidays!

The Toy: Step2 Lifestyle Marketplace Kitchen

Background info: I noticed

that Toys R Us was overwhelmingly cheaper on this product; more than any other company. So I followed their prices. This item was my main item for the holidays. So I wanted to get a really good deal.

Original Price: $199.99

Highest Price: $219.99 before the holidays season started and randomly other times. This toys price moved often.

Lowest Price: $143.99 this buy was tricky! I literally watched this price daily. One day it would be $180, the next $200. Only 2 days in the past 60 days have I seen it at the $143.99 price, AND it wasn't that price on a black friday or any other special day. It reached that price on just a random day!

Conclusion: Big ticket items, follow the price for a few months. It's worth it!

Overall conclusion: Never pay full price! The holidays are a pretty good time to shop, most things I bought before the holidays on a 'good deal' ended up being on sale during the holidays anyway, and for a couple dollars cheaper too. If you are buying an expensive item, find the price in advance and wait. You will end up paying a lot less in the long run.

Also, don't forget to pay attention to shipping! The price on the toy may be better, but the shipping may be higher. Know exactly what you are paying for the toy if you were to take it home with you. I hope you all try this, it was a great lesson to learn. Now I am interested in the after holidays prices! I will keep you posted.

Have you ever done this? What were your findings?

-Kari