12/16: Free Shipping Day

Friday cheapness is below and on the calendar (thru Sunday).

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Few things are guaranteed, but this seems like it's worth a shot if you want to get merchandise delivered by 12/25.

If you go to the Free Shipping Day site, they claim to have 2,590 particpating merchants -- so chances are good to find something you're looking for.

It also has options to view businesses that have "no minimum" offers or "faster-delivery" offers or free return shipping.

Some of merchants who are also sweetening the deal today include:

J Crew -- 30% off
Ice.com -- $25 off
Lands' End -- 40% off
eBags -- 20% off
Shoes.com -- 20% off
Gander Mountain -- $20 off orders over $100
Tommy Hilfiger -- 40% off everything (except watches and fragrances)
Hush Puppies -- $10 off

The stuff should arrive by 12/24 in the contiguous U.S. for in-stock merchandise. Of course, "Some restrictions may apply."

I know this doesn't jibe with my urgings to shop locally, but sometimes that doesn't always do the trick.

I have -- and will -- buy local & independent goods!

10/2 & 10/3: Even Cheaper Thrift Shopping

Hey, Somervillians, I should also mention that the Nave Gallery is having a "Semi-annual Flea Market" on Saturday from 10am to 1:30pm:

Most items are $20 and under, including furniture, books, CDs, clothes, coats, lamps, housewares, pots, handbags, candle holders, belts, and much much more! Proceeds to benefit Nave programming.

They also say there will be "deep discounts" during the last half-hour.

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11am to 5pm
Parking Lot Party
behind Boomerangs,716 Centre St, Jamaica Plain (enter via Harris Ave)
- Whatever You Buy

While it's already a good place to find cool stuff on the cheap, Boomerangs is having a parking lot sale.

What makes it a party? DJ's, baby. I suspect you'll hear the the most underground of the underground that hipsters pretend to know -- or Kool and the Gang. Maybe both.

And the prices sound pretty darn right to me!

Saturday:
Clothing items and books = $1 each

Sunday:
Fill a bag for $5

I assume it will be their bags, because we don't want people to bring giant duffel bags, etc.

Proceeds always benefit the AIDS Action Committee, so buying stuff is a karmically excellent thing to do.

60 Days of BJ's, Part III

Until the Saturday post is up, there is Saturday and Sunday cheapness on the calendar.

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It's summertime, and maybe you want to buy a bulk of food, so I'll remind you about this BJ's membership deal one more time:

You might as well sign up if there's a location near you, because these stores sell way more than 2-gallon jugs of pickles.

It could be worth a trip* if you're thinking about having a party or two -- and you might find a good deal on something else you're interested in...

The beauty is that you have until July 5 to redeem this coupon, so you could print it out and have a June/July or July/August membership.


* By my current count, including the new Waltham store, there are 10 locations within 20 miles of downtown Boston.

Tip of the hat to The Beantown Bloggery for the original post.

60 Days of BJ's, Part Deux

Posting the necklace photo (below) reminded me about the BJ's membership deal that I posted about a month ago:

You might as well sign up if there's a location near you, because these stores sell way more than 2-gallon jugs of pickles.

It could be worth a trip* if you're thinking about having a party or two -- and you might find a good deal on something else you're interested in...

The beauty is that you have until July 5 to redeem this coupon, so you could print it out and have a June/July or July/August membership.


*I checked, and there are 8 locations within 20 miles of downtown Boston.

Tip of the hat to The Beantown Bloggery for the original post.



Yes, there's Friday stuff on the calendar. More to come soon (I hope).

60 Days of BJ's

I saw this on The Beantown Bloggery, and I wanted to share it.

You might as well sign up if there's a location near you, because these stores sell way more than 2-gallon jugs of pickles.

It could be worth a trip* if you're thinking about having a party or two -- and you might find a good deal on something else you're interested in...

The beauty is that you have until July 5 to redeem this coupon, so you could print it out and have a June/July or July/August membership.


*I checked, and there are 8 locations within 20 miles of downtown Boston.

4/23 to 4/25: Cheap, Hip Sneakers

11am to 6pm
Sneaker Sample Sale
at Bodega, 6 Clearway St, Boston (Back Bay)
50% to 70% off

I posted about this shoe sale last year so why not again? Most of their shirts cost way more than I'd ever pay, but the sneaker prices seemed reasonable (Yelp opinions). It's time for their annual sale to clear out the old/sample models.

If you happen to go today, there's a 50% discount. Whatever is left will be 70% off on THUR 4/23 and FRI 4/24. Finally during Friday's last 2 hours (4pm to 6pm), all remaining pairs are $10.

Who knows... They might have a kickass set of kicks in your size!

Their website is better than it used to be, but it doesn't show what sneakers they've had in stock.

Wouldn't hurt to check it out, if you're near Berklee or the Christian Science Center...

If you haven't been there yet, it looks like a convenience store and you walk to the vending maching that's really a secret sliding door.

(Do you see it?)

More Non-Mall Shopping Ideas

"Part Deux" of my thoughts on the commercialism of the holiday season --

You're probably going to spend more than $10 a pop at these places, but you might find some deals anyway. You'll definitely find original items. (They aren't going to know the retail value, so you might be able to spend less...)

So there's no need to go to the mall or a giant conglomerate for holiday shopping. Yes, your loved ones might want something like a cool game for Xbox/Playstation, but what better way to show them that the holidays are about family -- and not conspicuous consumerism.

If you're going to spend, you might as well give it to the independent business-person than hope the prosperity trickles down from the conglomerate's profit margin. So look at the owner-operated shops around town, or check out these special shopping opportunities.

I think I might even do a third instalment for last-minute shoppers (like me).

I heard about these online shopping links on NPR. Do with it what you please: RetailMeNot, FreeShipping.org, PriceGrabber...

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SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14

10am to 7pm (SUN: Noon to 6pm)
Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)

I like going here for my Christmas shopping for the women in my life (jewelry & arts-crafty stuff), but I've also seen funny t-shirts, cheap art, etc.
(Also: THUR 12/18 to TUES 12/23)

SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14

10am to 6pm
Cultural Survival Bazaar
at Center for Latin American Studies, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)

A chance to purchase fair-trade crafts from all over the world. They should have some international food and entertainment.

SUN 12/14

9am until 3pm
Comicazi-Con and Bad-Ass Christmas Bazaar
at VFW George Dilboy Post, 371 Summer St, Somerville (Davis Sq)
$3 (includes toy & comic book)

In the spot where Bazaar Bizarre got its start, the guys from Comicazi are doing their own thing.. There's gotta be a lot comic books and geeky gifts available at the this event. It looks like several of the other local Davis Square stores and some local comic book artists will be selling wares (and other things)... Again there's something for your small fee. There's a chance to win a "Rock Band II" game too.

Don't be afraid of the giant crowd, it's mainly the Jingle Bell Run.

SUN 12/14

11am to 8pm
Arts & Crafts Fair
at "The Loft", 438 Somerville Ave. #4, Somerville (near Union Sq)

Don't know much about this, but I think this loft is the home of the very awesome Audrey Ryan -- so I get the feeling this really will be a place to find "cool and cheap presents". I don't know how many artists/artisans will have stuff for sale, but the info I saw listed:

hand made Hula hoops, original punk rock clothing, vintage gifts and clothing, vinyl bowls & bracelets, handmade jewelry, handmade hats, blown glass, photography, stain glass ornaments, homemade goodies by the "food geek", and much more...

Additionally you can listen to live acoustic music while you're shopping (or if you want to linger during or after checking out the merch):

Noon to 2pm: "Ed and others..."
2pm to 3pm: Dave Alpert
3pm to 4pm: La Tuza
4pm to 5pm: Chris Wilhelm
5pm to 6pm: Olde Men on Acid
6pm to 7pm: Laura Regan
7pm to 8pm: Dan Blakeslee

There were exclamation points, so I think they want you to feel comfortable having some complimentary wine and coffee.

This is in the building next to Market Basket, behind the graveyard. (Dang, I almost took a picture of this building last week!)

SUN 12/14

Noon to 6pm
Mass Market #3
at Pozen Center, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt, enter on Evans Way)
$1

Hey, your dollar admission will benefit the Aids Action Committee.

This is basically the successor to the Punk Rock Flea Market. It's at the same place and has the same format. This is a good thing if you're looking for some cool DIY arts & crafts (clothes, books, paintings, pins, stickers, etc), plenty of used music, and other peculiar stuff. The last time I went to this event, I bought myself the coolest Jimi Hendrix "Are You Experienced?" clock (made out of an old LP)!

Support your local, independent vendors... Listen to DJ's while shopping... Buy a vegan snack... (It would be a good idea to bring small bills.)

There will be DJ's and performances by Bonezone and Zoig-Ma-Noig

MassArt campus map [PDF]

Macy's Coupon

Hello, my friends.

Yes, I encourage shopping at independent businesses; but my office sent this out. If you're going to shop at a department store, you might as well get 20% off!

The coupon is good from WED 12/10 to MON 12/15.

I might have some more "non-mall shopping ideas" before the weekend...

Non-Mall Shopping Ideas

You're probably going to spend more than $10 a pop at these places, but you might find some deals anyway. You'll definitely find original items. (They aren't going to know the retail value, so you might be able to spend less...)

So there's no need to go to the mall or a giant conglomerate for holiday shopping. Yes, your loved ones might want something like a cool game for Xbox/Playstation, but what better way to show them that the holidays are about family -- and not conspicuous consumerism.

If you're going to spend, you might as well give it to the independent business-person than hope the prosperity trickles down from the conglomerate's profit margin. So look at the owner-operated shops around town, or check out these special shopping opportunities.

I'll add more, but these events are happening this week. (The NY Times had "25 gift ideas for $25 or less")

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FRI 12/5 & SAT 12/6

10am to 7pm
MassArt Annual Holiday Sale
at Tower Building Lobby, 621 Huntington Ave, Boston (MassArt)

This has been going on since 12/1, so maybe there might not be much left -- or maybe some deals could be had... Over 150 MassArt alumni and students are offering a "selection of ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, fibers and jewelry." The Dig's article suggested that gift wrapping may be complimentary. I don't know.

Proceeds go to the artists and to support student scholarships. (Visa, MasterCard, cash, and checks accepted.)

FRI 12/5 to SUN 12/7

11am to 5pm (FRI: Noon to 7pm)
Fort Point Arts Community Holiday Sale
at 12 Farnsworth St, Boston (Fort Point, next door to Flour Bakery & Cafe)

"...30 area artists to display and sell works in a wide array of media. From baby clothes to silver jewelry, from clay pottery to handmade pet toys, there’s something for everyone on your holiday list."

SAT 12/6

11 am to 4 pm
Winter Craft Market
at Union Sq Plaza, Somerville (nexus of Somerville Ave, Washington St , Bow St)
at Precinct, 70 Union Sq, Somerville
at Gallery 321, 321 Washington St, Somerville
at Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Rd, Somerville
at Taza Chocolate Factory, 561 Windsor St, Somerville

This is an effort all around the Union Sq area: craftspeople on the Plaza and inside Precinct, the surrounding shops selling their goods, at the nearby art center, at the museum, and there's a chocolate-making operation in Somerville "from bean to bar" and all other sorts of choco-products.

SAT 12/6

1pm to 5pm
Traditional Christkindlmarkt
at German International School, 57 Holton St, Allston (near Brighton Mills)

German-style Christmas shopping [PDF].

SAT 12/6

11am to 5pm
Jamaica Plain Holiday Craft Fair
at First Church, 6 Eliot St, Jamaica Plain (near Soldier's Monument)

"Over 35 Craft vendors, lunch & bake sale."

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

10am to 7pm (SUN: Noon to 6pm)
Harvard Square Holiday Craft Fair
at First Parish Church, 3 Church St, Cambridge (Harvard Sq)

I like going here for my Christmas shopping for the women in my life (jewelry & arts-crafty stuff), but I've also seen funny t-shirts, cheap art, etc.
(Also: FRI 12/12 to SUN 12/14 and THUR 12/18 to TUES 12/23)

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

10am to 6pm
Cultural Survival Bazaar
at Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St, Boston (Back Bay)

A chance to purchase fair-trade crafts from all over the world. They should have some international food and entertainment.
Also: SAT 12/13 & SUN 12/14 at Center for Latin American Studies, 1730 Cambridge St, Cambridge (Harvard campus)

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

10am to 4pm
"First-ever Warehouse Sale"
at Harvard Book Store Warehouse, 14 Park St, Somerville (near Union Sq)
FREE

I'm excited about this one! I wonder if I'll buy anything for other people...

Harvard Book Store's warehouse sale -- find thousands of:

- Bargain books
- Used books (at 1/2 off the cover price)
- $1 books
- Comic books
- Rare and collectible books
- Selected rare titles available at a 30% discount!
- and more!

SAT 12/6 & SUN 12/7

Noon to 6 pm (SUN: Noon to 4pm)
"Natures Gems"
at Franklin Park Golf Club House, 1 Circuit Dr, Boston

This is a combination sale and exhibit featuring works by local artists inspired by nature and community along the Emerald Necklace, but I was told there would be calendars, cards, t-shirts, etc. The price range for the art -- paintings, photographs, jewelry, hand carved wooden pieces, prints -- goes from $25 and up.

Proceeds will support woodlands restoration and youth jobs in the parks.

SUN 12/7

Noon to 7pm
Bazaar Bizarre
at Park Plaza Castle, about 130 Columbus Ave, Boston (Back Bay)
$1 to get in

Okay. Every other listing has no admission fee, but this is just a dollar. They started out at the Dilboy VFW in Davis Sq, and now it's in the Castle, so throw them a buck for the effort...

"Shoppers can expect to find the creme de la creme of indie goods: handbags, pottery, letterpress stationary, silk-screened t-shirts, baby clothes, body products and more"

At least 3 food vendors: Petsi Pies; Snacks, Crackers and Pop; and Mr. Puppovich's Odd Beverages & Uncommon Delights.

Through THUR 12/11

Abandoned Property eBay Auction

Just had to share this: The State is selling a 100 lots of watches, jewelry, and collectible currency. Auctions end at noon on Thursday 12/11.