TOP TEN GIFTS FOR LITTLE GIRLS

Here's my countdown for a well-rounded Christmas list.

10. Movies. So many good kids movies this year to choose from...

9. Video Games. The obvious is Tinkerbell and the new Disney that's coming at Christmas, The Princess and the Frog. Whatever your system, these will be the princess games of the season.

8. Video Games for her handheld... or get her one. If she's too young for a DS look at the Didj or Leapster 2. They're educational!

7. Smelly bath stuff and make up. Even if she's very young, every girl loves scented bubble bath and lip gloss. Make her feel pretty.

6. Legos. Did you notice that they have tubs of 400+ pieces for around $30? The pink ones include cute pieces for creating a neighborhood.

5. Scooter. Well, my daughter got one for her birthday, but if she hadn't, there would be one under the tree. Don't forget the helmet and pads!

4. Cute jammies and slippers or a big fuzzy robe.

3. Chixos, bendaroos or paperoni... get her something she can make. If you don't know what they are, you been staying home too much.

2. A stuffed animal. The Wowee Alive pets are by far the most adorable to be found. The white tiger and the leopard are soooo cute. Every girl needs a robotic tiger cub to nurture. :o) Baby dolls are out--Animal babies are in!

1. This year science is hot. The number one thing to not forget is... something SCIEN-TERRIFIC. Get her a microscope, a "make your own volcano" kit, a telescope, night vision goggles, whatever, but get her something t/Users/michaelphillips/Desktop/30535-49.jpghat challenges her to explore the world. For scientific gifts shop online or check out ToysRUs. They have alot to choose from.

TOP TEN BLACK FRIDAY SALES: WALMART

THIS IS A PARTIAL LIST OF Doorbusters. I chose to list the items that might tempt me to get out early and wade through the crowds. Thanks to http://bfads.net/ for their research and lists

WALMART DOORBUSTERS BLACK FRIDAY 2009:
Cricut Expression Cutter $188
Mainstay True Colors Bath Towel $2
Faded Glory 4-in-1 jackets $15 (normally $35) (boys, girls, men, women)
Boys, Girls, Toddler Track Suits $3 (normally $9-$14)
Boys, Girls, Women Fleece lined winter boots $7 (normally $15)
Boys, Girls graphic hoodies $3
LAPTOP eMachines 15.6” 2GB, 160GB HD (EME627) $198
LAPTOP HP 15.6”, 3GB, 250GB HD, Intel (G60-519WM) $298
DESKTOP HP, 20” Monitor, 3BG, 320GB HD $398
BLU RAY. Magnavox Blu-ray Disc Player $78 (normally $128)
PORTABLE DVD Player. Phillips 7” $49 (normally $79)
MOVIES for $5: Horton Hears a Who, Hotel for Dogs, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar 2, Mall Cop, Nim’s Island, Surf’s Up, Despereaux
MOVIES for $9-$10. 17 Again, Fireproof, GI Joe, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Monsters vs Aliens, Terminator 3
TELEVISIONS: 32” Emerson HDTV $248 (normally $348)
42” Emerson Plasma HDTV $448
46” Sony Bravia HDTV $798
ELECTRONIC GAMES: Nintendo DS Lite $98 (normally $129)

TOP TEN BLACK FRIDAY SALE STRATEGIES

1. Let Your Fingers do the Shopping. Many stores will offer some of the same deals to online shoppers. Do your homework online to make sure you really need to get out in the crowd. It's going to be crazy out there. Wouldn't you rather stay home in your jammies and slippers?

2. Buy the Thanksgiving newspaper. Online sources will provide more detailed information as Friday approaches but I like to mark up a copy of the sale flyer and have it with me in the store.

3. Go with a buddy. Not just for fun, but you can divide and conquer. One of you go after the hoodies and boots while the other tracks down the must have movies or electronics.

4. Plan Your Itinerary. Make your list and prioritize. Even if it might be out of your way, go for the big ticket item first that might be out of stock later in the day. Also keep in mind some sales are timed.

5. Don't buy things you don't want. Don't buy things they don't want. 'nuf said.

6. Don't spend all of your money because new ads will come out after Thanksgiving, making your kids crazy to get things you haven't even thought of yet.

7. Relax, this is supposed to be fun. If you don't enjoy shopping you should probably stay home.

8. Go early if you want to park your car anywhere, even in the farthest row out.

9. Take a hot cup of Coffee or some steaming tea to sip while you wait for the clock to roll since you arrived early.

10. Always make a 24 hour store your first stop on Black Friday Sale day. I always being at a store that's open 24 hours so I don't have to wait outside. If the doors aren't closed you won't wait in the cold and there won't be a stampede. (Now that, I will not do!)