Saw some great deals on lawn care and home maintenance at my weekly Target run. You’ll need to check the endcaps to look for the deals. Most of the ones I found were in the very back of the store - near the school supplies of all places!

Scotts Lawn Fertilizer - $2.49 per bag
Variety of grass seed and weed killer on clearance for 30% off.
Decorative iron pieces for the yard at 50% off
Bamboo tiki torches at 50% off.

There were a lot of other odds and ends as well - definitely worth a check of those clearance endcaps!

Even with our family of five we keep our clothing costs manageable by shopping in advance, way in advance. Now that the month of April is nearly halfway gone, seasonal items (i.e. winter clothing) are beginning to get heavily discounted. I’ve been scanning the clearance aisles at my local stores to see what items are appearing there - the winter fashions are really starting to get their prices reduced so now is the time to make an assessment of your needs for next year, and plan accordingly. Here are the techniques I use to shop for discounted seasonal items:

1. Develop a list of desired items including colors and sizes. I can’t remember everyone’s shirt, pant, and shoe size, or what items they will need for next year. I keep a list handy in my purse which shows current sizes and an estimate for seasonal clothing needs. I developed this list by going through our current winter clothing to see what we have and what we will need. Right now I am buying one size larger for the kids to be used for next winter. Even though we live in Florida, I do find that the kids need heavier jackets that they use pretty much only in December, January and February. Since they’ve all outgrown the jackets they wore this year, I will be looking for ones for next year as well as other items to be worn during the colder months.

2. Make regular trips through the clearance racks. Since the items can vary from week to week, it is a good idea to make this a habit. Target has been discounting jackets, fleece wear, long sleeve shirts, and other clothing meant to be worn in the colder weather. I’ve seen quite a few items in the children’s department at 50% off and women’s and men’s clothing and jackets as well. The list I made in #1 above helps me out when I am confronted with all those clearance racks just filled to the brim with clothing.

3. Check your local thrift stores such as Goodwill and Salvation Army. Many people are spring cleaning and donating items which they don’t want anymore. You can find wonderful deals on jackets and sweaters and items for winter related sports such as ski bibs, vests, and jackets. The time to buy them is now, because you won’t find nearly the same selection once next fall comes.

4. Search for garage sales, especially community sales or church garage sales. Every spring we see a large amount of garage sales and thrift sales hosted by a variety of neighborhoods or local churches. Again, people are selling and/or donating items from this past winter that they won’t use again, and many times you can find wonderful deals. Be sure to get there early though because the best bargains go fast!

5. Monitor your local Freecycle group. I’ve picked up several bags of winter related clothing for my kids that were offered by other freecyclers whose children had outgrown their clothing. Also consider posting a “needed” request to Freecycle - you may be surprised at the amount of offers you will receive.

Saw lots of great bargains today at my local Target in the toy department.  My Target had 2 full aisles of clearanced merchandise.  Here is a listing of some of the items I saw today and their clearance price:

Weebalot Castle - $17.48

Little Mommy Triplets - $9.98

Surprise Bear Care Bear - $14.98

Love and Grow Susie $44.98

Barbie Electronic Guitar $19.38

Study Buddy Koby - $17.48

Barbie Learning Laptop - $22.48

Spark Art Easel $48.98

Dora’s Talking Doll House $29.58

Barbie Groom and Glam - $16.44

Radio Control John Deere Tractor - $64.98

Leaps Phonics Railroad - $24.98