Calling All Mommies, Awesome Aunts, and Grand Parents...

As I was thinking about buying gifts for tomorrow’s Jingle Ball (www.jingleball.org), I realized that I obviously don’t do all that much toy buying!

I am wondering if any of you awesome readers have any tips on how to maximize $25.00 in the world of toys?

Since this is such a great cause, I want to try and contribute as much as I can with a $25.00 value of gifts donated, but I don’t want to buy things that will go unused. I know this is probably not the best time of year to try and work some magic for toys, but didn’t know if there were any good options outside of a traditional toy store that I should be looking at.

Or, if there are any toy retailers, who always have a coupon available like Bed, Bath, and Beyond does for household items ;-)

Thank you - in advance - for any tips!

I also emailed this to Sue Stock to see if she has any tips. If she does, I'll be sure to post them here in the comments.

PS - Daddy input welcome, too. Sorry I forgot about that major group!

The Good Stuff

Because my posts about booze, tailgating, and the like always get the most attention, I know you all will enjoy this budget-saving tidbit.

Courtesy of local retail queen - Sue Stock - this is a mail-in rebate that basically hooks you up with... you guessed it... free vodka! And not just any vodka, but good for the earth vodka (billed as "the world's first eco luxury vodka")!

It's distilled by a company called "Earth Friendly Distilling Vodka, Co." out of Missouri (yes, I had to Google it to make sure MO was in fact Missouri - don't laugh).

Read Sue's whole post here and print off your mail-in rebate!

As Sue mentioned, the fine print doesn't include NC in the ineligible states, but the biggest obstacle is whether or not it has been approved by the state and county boards for distribution here... guess we'll find out (or at least I will find out)!


{Image: Vodka360.com}