Christmas was much easier and far less expensive when my boys were into Tonka trucks, wooden puzzles, and plastic balls. My teenagers want guitar amps, video recording equipment, microphone stands…
We see these items as useful toward their careers someday, but the price tags are frightening. Doesn’t anyone in this house want a hot wheel or a pez dispenser? Anyone??
Three out of four of our boys need tennis shoes. (Yep, the shoes are going under the tree. I buy all sorts of practical items the boys need this time of year. I have to buy them anyway. Might as well give them the pleasure of opening them as a gift.) My teens have adult feet and need quality shoes for their athletics. Target won’t cut it for my teenager shoes. But for Malachi, who is almost 11, I can still skimp on the everyday shoes. I look for quality, but try to pay less than $20.
This morning I clicked and clicked and clicked over all the sites I typically shop. I mostly shop Amazon, Target, Eastbay, and Kohl’s online – clicking back and forth to compare prices. All the shoes I found were ridiculously priced for kid shoes (or didn’t come in his size). Knowing he’ll outgrow them quickly or bust out the soles, I just couldn’t bring myself to pay $30+.
Finally, I remembered Zulily. I don’t know why I forget to look there. You never know what they might be featuring from day to day, but typically I’ve found our family’s essentials and almost always, their prices are competitive if not really, really good.
Look what I found for $12.99!!
It’s not the finest shoe on the block, but it’s definitely not the worst either. Perfect for my youngest son. (Hey, Malachi. Probably not but just in case you get on Mama’s blog and see that shoe – that’s not the pair I got you. I posted a different pic just in case. Keep the magic alive, buddy.)
I snatched up the shoes and paid for shipping, which still cost less than all the other shoes I had looked at. Once I’d paid shipping, I qualified for free shipping on every other order today. Therefore, I went back and ordered a realllly nice coat for my oldest son, a pair of silly socks for another son, and this fun t-shirt for my boys to put their grandpa’s stocking when we go visit:
Today I checked Zulily as a “when all else fails” option. It has now bumped itself up on my list of “always check when shopping around.” I can almost always find a steal on something we need. At Christmastime, they always feature even more goodies.
Do you do most of your Christmas shopping online or in stores? Have you shopped Zulily before?
Kimberly says
Ooooo…thank you for telling us all about great prices at Zulily. Just looked on their site and saw some things we want and/or need! Wanna ask you how long things usually take to arrive, please.
P.S.–I’m so sorry you were under the weather for Thanksgiving. :-/ Grateful that your prep-ahead feast, along with your family and Brittany, saved the day!!
Laura says
Usually it takes about 2 weeks. :)
Roma says
You might also look into http://www.sierratradingpost.com
And sign up for there emails. They have great prices and when you sign up they give you better deals. Sometimes they send out deals in the AM then another deal in the PM all in one day. One will be a better deal then the other. I like zullily just not the shipping
Christine says
I have good luck on http://www.nike.com. Though I do not get sneakers for $20 I can usually get running shoes for around $30 (normal price $100+) and basketball shoes for $50-$60 (normal price $120+). My kids are ridiculously hard on shoes and Nike holds up to the abuse they dish out. The only shoes that showed wear were the Kyrie basketball shoes–do not buy these. All other shoes I have bought have been worth the money.
Jane says
I love Zulily but be careful. Shipping can take FOREVER! I’ve waited as long as 6 weeks to receive something from Zulily in the past. Just thought I’d share this since it’s getting so close to Christmas.
Karen says
I always gift my teen boys with clothes if it makes sense! I try to stick to a 4-gift rule at Christmas — one want, one need, one wear, one read. It works out and sort of keeps the number of packages exciting, too. As for shoes, I have had great luck for my boys at Zappos. I love online shopping and must confess, I love getting packages in the mail, even if they aren’t for me! LOL.
Brooke says
Mostly online shopping! I love free shipping at this time of year.
Request: can you do another game post soon? Pretty please… With sugar and butter on top. ;-) I love your Christmas game posts to find new ideas for my family – because we love to play games.