Shhhh! Black Friday is the best shopping day of the year. Or so we have been told. Yes, there are steals and deals to be had on Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving – for those living under a rock). But more and more, I am finding out that while there are some deals that day – the days leading UP to Thanksgiving may be better. Also, several stores have released their ads early (it used to be such a family tradition to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and peruse the newspaper for plans on the next morning’s shopping excursion – but now I don’t get the paper and everything is online).
For some really great tips, don’t miss Black Friday retail veterans share their secrets to buying smart.
The majority of the Fantastic Black Friday door-buster deals are similar to what they have been in years past. These include great deals on TVs (many near $115 at Best Buy, Target and WalMart), Laptops (Best Buy and Staples), Tablets (Target, Best Buy, and Office Depot), and loads of Housewares (Macy’s, Best Buy, Target, Kohl’s and J C Penney). But as a parent, I am always looking for the “toy of the year” and great deals for the kids stuff.
Target will have great deals like 40% off Lego Sets (goes well with many ages). Target and WalMart will have Barbie dolls for $5. Perhaps the best all around sale on toys will be at Kohl’s with Fisher Price toys, Playskool, Little Tykes, Barbie, Monster High, Hot Wheels, Nerf and more on sale for 50% off plus you can get $10 Kohl’s cash for each $50 you spend.
Target Gift Cards. On Nov. 28, from 6 a.m. to noon, get 10 percent off on Target gift cards, up to $300 per customer. This is the first time the giant retailer has offered a discount on its gift cards (The cards won’t be active until Nov. 29.).
Toys R Us has the best deals on toys (no surprise there) with most toys being 40-50% off during their Black Friday Doorbusters on Thursday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and great family DVDs – buy one get one for just $1. Play-doh 4-pack is just $1 as well. I couldn’t identify the toy of the year – so if you see a trend please let me know.
Soybu Discount. Last spring, Mile High Mamas was thrilled to partner with Soybu women’s activewear to collaborate the grand opening of their flagship store in Greenwood Village next to Trader Joe’s. Their “Life is a Workout” messaging particularly resonates with moms; their feminine, stylish and comfortable clothes are perfect, whether you’re chasing a toddler around the house or fitting in a hardcore workout. On Black Friday: Everything will be 25% off for one day only – 11/28/14. Enter code “Merry25” at check out. Cyber Monday: Free Dianna Scarf for all purchases of $100 or more on Dec. 1, 2014 ($35 value).
Get 50% off Winter on the Mountain at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. For an unique day of winter fun with your family, the new Winter on the Mountain experience at Glenwood Caverns in Glenwood Springs, offers a host of holiday-themed activities for kids of all ages. Everyone will be dazzled by over a half-million lights, holiday-themed displays, music, and more. Relax by outdoor fire pits and roast s’mores while watching the giant Christmas tree with its choreographed light show. During the holidays, Santa will be greeting children and posing for pictures in the yurt. Smaller kids can ride with adults on Colorado’s longest Alpine Coaster or, a 600-foot zip ride. And, kids love the Wild West laser tag arena and Colorado’s first 4D Motion Theater. In the evening the mountain-top restaurant serves amazing family=-style dinners with unparalleled views of the valley below. Glenwood Caverns and Historic Fairy Caves are rated one of the country’s “10 Best Family Places to Go Underground” where it’s always a comfy 52 degrees. Call for hours or go to their website and enter the promo code MHMAMA14 for a 50% discount on the Winter Funday Pass.
Reindeer games. For kids who need some holiday magic, head over to Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops (7970 Northfield Blvd.) through Dec. 24. The event may be the best holiday deal in town for parents, as everything is free — animated and “live” elves, nutcrackers, reindeer, an old-time model train area, remote-control trucks, games and activity tables. Children can write a letter to Santa, color, make ornaments or decorate cookies. Kids even get a free photo with Santa. If the line is long, grab a Bass Pass and return at a set time. Santa’s Wonderland operates from store opening to closing daily, with special hours for crafts and visits with the big, jolly guy. Complete schedule, go to basspro.com/santa and choose Denver from “Select a Store.”
Denver Zoo. Through Nov. 30, just tell the cashiers, “I love turkeys!” and they’ll give you a $7 discount on admission, making it $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Also check out a special discounted $30 Glow Package (regularly $50) online through Dec. 4 for Zoo Lights this holiday season. The deal includes two adult tickets, two souvenir mugs with free hot cocoa and two 3-D glow glasses. denverzoo.org
YMCA of the Rockies. For one day only, on December 1, both Colorado locations of YMCA of the Rockies will offer $15 off per night in lodge rooms when booked online. Guests can book a lodge room that sleeps up to 6 people for as little as $64 per night. A perfect opportunity to book a spring break trip to the mountains at prices you won’t find anywhere else. This offer is valid only for individual reservations, staying between December 2, 2014 through May 31, 2015. Not valid from December 20 – January 4, January 16-19, or February 14-17. http://ymcarockies.org/
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Kids Eat Free Mile High Mamas has rounded up a huge listing of local restaurants where kids eat free or for a discount with a paying adult.
Author: Gretchen
Gretchen loves to be outdoors! She is addicted to coupons and finding the best deals or entering sweepstakes (one day she will win something really great!)
