Today's Target Run - A Few Back-to-School Bargains

While I was a little unsettled to see the Christmas items already populating the shelves at one corner of my Target, I did notice today that opposite the Christmas stuff in the same aisle was a LOT of deeply discounted school supplies - large signs read 75% off. I scooped up:

• Some Dora the Explorer single-subject notebooks for $0.48 ea.
• Some Dora the Explorer folders for $0.24 ea.
• Some stretch fabric book covers, various styles and colors, for just $0.22/ea. (!!) Think about that price, then think about all of the pains you'd have to take to cut up a paper grocery bag for a homemade cover. At $0.22 each they'll keep well for next year!

I also spotted some Disney princess and Tinkerbell stuff, along with basics like solid color notebooks, pencils, etc., all discounted at least this much.

Next to this display were also a lot of summer-oriented objects (an outdoor "mist-blowing" fan, for example, and OFF sprays) that were significantly discounted. Do a Target run this week if you can to see if there are any seasonal-discount deals like these that may interest you!

Amazon: get a free Fisher-Price TRIO toy with purchase of selected toys

Amazon has a good deal running right now: get a free Fisher-Price TRIO vehicle toy with purchase of select toys.

Click here for the full details. The basics are that you could pay $10-$15 and have 2 toys shipped to you. There are some classic toys on the list like the Brilliant Basics Baby's First Blocks set, the Stack & Roll Cups set, and the Rock-a-Stack set.

Since we're a train-lovin' household, I(Mel) was excited to see Thomas represented! This is a great opportunity to stockpile some toys for summer birthdays or plan ahead for Christmas. Woot!

Expires April 30, 2010. Thanks, Slickdeals!

Target Clearance Shopping: A Bridesmaid's Dream, Shoes + Dresses Totalling Less than $25!

You've heard a lot from us and other bloggers lately on the importance of shopping year-round for Christmas gifts and decorations to keep expenses lower. But as we head into the heart of the Christmas season, what constitutes "out of season" in terms of sales? I was browsing the Target website tonight, and found some hot deals on summery styles.

If you're a bride and looking for outfits for bridesmaids (or maybe a bridesmaid hoping to influence the bride?), check some of these out. The deals don't get much cheaper on dress shoes and semiformal short dresses! Could you imagine outfitting each bridesmaid with dress and shoes for under $25?

And bonus: you can probably wear much of these to holiday parties now if you accessorize appropriately for the weather (as with hosiery, jackets, etc.). Almost every single item qualifies for free shipping on orders over $50, and if you click through ebates to make your purchase, you'll get 3% cash back.

These are only the beginning of what's available! See all Target Women's Clearance here.

Dress shoes on clearance:

Strappy pewter/silver sequin trim dress shoes, $6.98
Strappy ivory dress shoes, $8.04
Strappy black heels with rhinestones, $9.99

Semi-formal dresses on clearance, $13.98 down from $39.99:
Sleeveless little black dress (also in navy!)
Sleeveless scoopneck cream satin dress with sash
Sleeveless V-neck front/back black party dress
Sleeveless lavender crossover/surplice V-neck dress (Very Easter-y!)
Strapless turquoise dress (also in lavender)
Halter reddish-pink knee-length dress

Disclosure: If you join ebates using our referral link, you'll get a $5 bonus to start, and so (thanks!) will we.