Blog Archives for 2011

Snow may seem like the enemy when you're shoveling your walk or commuting through it, but for the skier, a heavy snowfall is a ticket to heaven. Few moments in life are as exhilarating as gliding down a mountain, carving smooth curves in fresh snow. If you're itching to give the sport a try, read our checklist of the gear you'll need, and about how much you can expect to pay.

The dealnews Podcast is sending you Episode 189, so open your heart (and ears) and let it in. This week: shipping deadlines, tipping guidelines, and (again) SharkBanana.

Every year, PNC Bank calculates the cost of all the gifts given in the classic song "The 12 Days of Christmas". They call this their "Christmas Price Index" and they say it can be viewed as an indicator of how the economy is doing. This year, the magic number for all those birds and lords and ladies is $101,119.84. But here at dealnews, we're all about bargains. So we went looking to see if there was a better "12 days" that would be more in-line with our cost-saving perspective. We found just such a list in Bob and Doug McKenzie's version of the classic.

Athletic shoes that promise toning and shaping without actual physical exercise have become a popular trend, but do they actually work? If you or anyone on your gift list this holiday season is craving a pair of toning shoes, then some recent studies may make you reconsider your investment.

Making gift returns after the holidays can be a stressful task, since you're receiving an item that could have been purchased several weeks earlier. Fortunately, a handful of merchants have relaxed their return policies for the holidays, giving consumers until January to make any returns. Inside, we've got a cheat sheet of stores that are and aren't offering extended return periods.

Short on cash this holiday? Your insurance policies may be tying up hundreds of dollars over the year that you could be putting towards a plethora of other things. We've got some tips on where to begin to find your extra savings.

Ahhh, Hawaii. The name conjures up images of clear, emerald green waters, miles of beaches, tropical waterfalls and volcanoes... and often how expensive it can be to visit. If you've ever thought that the Aloha State was out of your budget, then maybe these Hawaii travel deals will make you think otherwise. Just send us a postcard, will ya?

Wintertime is upon us, and while many people associate the weeks ahead with snowfall, Santa, and sleigh bells, it also means we're indoors a lot more. While that can lead to cabin fever, it can also make you ill in other ways. The more you're indoors, the more exposure you may have to household environmental hazards, which is why this week, Green Dad turns the spotlight on indoor risk factors — and deals on handy products to help keep you safe, all winter long.

Christmas is right around the corner, which means we're approaching numerous shipping cutoff dates. If you're still planning on placing online orders, then be sure to check out our expanded roundup of shipping deadlines.

Shopping for women can be a daunting undertaking for the average guy; even if you know that she'd like new clothes, where do you begin? What brand? What size? What style? We've got some solid advice to get you started as you seek out the perfect jewelry, handbag, clothes, or shoes for that special lady in your life. Take a look, and keep these tips in mind while perusing the deals on our site.

The dealnews Podcast is streaming Episode 188 through your ears. It's like an audible neti pot. This week, your phone is spying on you, you can rent toys for your kids, Google's planning a 2-day shipping scheme, ad-supported ATMs are in our future, holiday Coca-Cola cans and bottles confuse the masses, and more. Also: SharkBanana!

'Tis the season for gift cards — regardless of whether you're looking to give them or receive them. We've rounded up some current deals that come with free gift cards so you can score credits to buy future gifts, for yourself or someone on your holiday list.

The holidays should be fun, not hazardous. However, there are always toys just waiting to harm your kids. That's why W.A.T.C.H. puts together its list of the 10 Worst Toys every year. The group's mission is to save your children from horrible, strangulated, punctured, visits to the doctor and hospital. Here's the big 10 for 2011!

Twenty-first century technology has revolutionized the way hikers and hunters explore the woods. Both handheld GPS units and smartphones have compasses, but which is more reliable out in the middle of Mother Nature? Are smartphones replacing GPSs in this area as well? We compared the two technologies to determine which is the better wilderness guide for your needs.

The Vibram FiveFingers: a goofy running trend or the best way to run? We frequently find discounts on Vibram FiveFingers, and nearly every time they end up being amongst our most popular deals. So our staff became curious about their comfort and running attributes. We put four pairs to the test under three conditions: walking, hiking, and various increments of running. Here's what we found.

Last week, ConsumerWorld.org criticized Sears for padding online appliance purchases by automatically tacking on lengthy warranties that cost up to $550. Sears reacted by changing its practice, now allowing shoppers to manually opt-in. Are there other sites that engage in a similar practice? Are you less likely to shop there? Click here and sound off!

Been curious about those DSLR-like cameras we've been listing? Their compact size and price tags can be appealing, but what sort of features can you expect? We've got details on the oft-misunderstood mirrorless digital camera, as well as reviews on five models we've frequently found discounted.

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing about the future of Apple, Google, and Amazon? No? Well neither are we! That's why we put all the latest buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup! Go on, indulge your guilty pleasures!

The temptation to shop enticing flash sale sites like Gilt and One Kings Lane for holiday gifts may be strong, but there are numerous caveats you should be aware of before you buy. Make sure you get your goods on time, and more, with our flash sale shopping tips.

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas, and with just 24 days left 'til the big day, we've examined some important shipping deadlines for 15 of your favorite stores. Take note, dealnews readers, so you can avoid paying hefty expedited delivery fees later this month!

December is a month when you almost can't avoid shopping. You may have skipped Black Friday — overwhelmed by the offers, hype, and crowds — but the holiday season is a different beast all together, with gifts from loved ones, friends, and people you barely know, coming at you from all angles. Keep your holiday cheer level high by shopping wisely. We've pored over the extensive dealnews archives of sales, coupons, and individual products from years past to guide you in your quest for the most savvy purchases in December.

We saw some sell-out Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales on an array of iPad and tablet devices, and we hope that our readers were able to jump on the bargains. If not, we've found another round of discounted iPads, as well as a handful of perfectly-priced accessories to go with your shiny new purchase.

The dealnews Podcast is sending Episode 187 your way. Catch it ... with your ears! This week, our panel gives a post-game wrap-up of Black Friday 2011: what was hot, what was not, cheers, jeers, and more. Also: Jeff reviews the Motorola DROID RAZR. It's fun stuff!

A house isn't a home without love — and a comfy couch. dealnews is here to help you find the best prices on accoutrements to furnish your abode. We've rounded up this week's home good bargains for just about every room in your house and are proud to offer four Editors' Choice deals from sofas and mattresses, to shower and bath hardware.

We're guessing that you bought yourself a little holiday gift this past Black Friday, but also thought of your loved ones — and now you have to wrap all those presents. To avoid sending all that wrapping paper to the landfill this Christmas, Green Dad has some eco-friendly tips, several of which are also conveniently good for your wallet too.

It's so easy to overspend during the holiday season if you aren't careful; constantly making purchases throughout the month can add up. But nobody wants to kick off the new year with a load of debt! Be wise about your shopping habits this year by keeping in mind a few of these tips to avoid overspending.

The leaves have fallen, and have been raked and bagged. Now snow season is making its way down from the northern climes, and you'll soon have to shovel before you can walk in a winter wonderland. Before you resign yourself to breaking your back tossing snow with the standard shovel, read our feature on the various snow-removal options available — including a pretty nifty levered shovel — that can make your life easier.

We've acquired data about last year's shopping trends, to see what we can expect from this year's holiday season. But we want to hear from you! When are you doing your shopping? Will you buy mainly online or in-store? And what products are you planning on getting? Click here to read the infographic and take our poll.

Another Black Friday is on the books, and while you have another day of good deal-shopping ahead of you on this lovely Cyber Monday, it's time to asses the deals we've seen so far. Who served consumers well, and who stumbled? Read the fifth annual dealnews awards for the best and worst of Black Friday to find out!

Smack dab between Black Friday and Cyber Monday sits Small Business Saturday, a shopping day intended to help the independent retailers of the world. But what's in it for shoppers? As it turns out, Small Business Saturday offers consumers a unique shopping experience, deals with money-back savings, and a whole lot of good will.

Suit up and save big with the Best Black Friday clothing deals that are still available. We've found five Editors' Choice deals for men and women's apparel: a Macy's coupon for $10 off $25, an extra 40% off Levi's, $20 at Old Navy for $10, and more!

Although we've said that toys aren't the best thing to buy on Black Friday, we recognize that many people are itching to get the shopping done. If you just can't put it off, then peruse our roundup of the best Black Friday toy deals that are still available. We've found five Editors' Choice deals: a Gingerbread Boy or Girl from Build-A-Bear for $5 each, a talking bacon plush toy, a Little Tikes outdoor bouncer for $150, and more! New deals are popping up by the minute, and prices are subject to change, so please be sure to check before you buy.

Smile and say cheese for our roundup of the very best Black Friday camera deals we've seen so far. We've found five Editors' Choice deals that are still available: Canon Rebels T1, T2, and T3 each under $650, a waterproof 3D camera, and more. New deals are popping up by the minute and prices are subject to change, so please be sure to check before you buy.

We've been keeping our eyes on the hotness meter all morning, putting together a roundup of the very best of Black Friday's tablet and eBook reader deals we've seen so far. We've found five Editors' Choice deals: an Apple iPad for $480, a B&N NOOKcolor for $119, and three other devices for under $300. New deals are popping up by the minute, and prices are subject to change, so please be sure to check before you buy.

We've been sitting behind our laptops all day, putting together a roundup of the hottest notebook deals from Black Friday sales that are still available for you to compare. We've found five Editors' Choice deals: three HP notebooks, a MacBook Air for $850, and a 16" Gateway for $330, but new deals are popping up by the minute.

Get a clear picture of Black Friday's best HDTV deals with our roundup of the hottest offers for you to consider and compare. We've got a pair of LG HDTVs, a Sony BRAVIA 60" 3D-Ready Widescreen LED-Backlit LCD HDTV for $1,399, and deals on everything in between.

We've been keeping our eyes on the hotness meter all morning, putting together a roundup of the very best of Black Friday's Blu-ray players and disc deals we've seen so far. We've found five Editors' Choice deals: Blu-ray movies starting at just $4 each, a refurbished Blu-ray player with Netflix for $35, and more, but new deals are popping up by the minute.

We've been keeping our eyes on the hotness meter all morning, putting together a roundup of the very best of Black Friday's video game deals so far. We've found five stellar deals: Batman: Arkham City, Halo Reach, Kinect Sports: Season 2, and more.

Every day is almost like Black Friday when it comes to daily deal sites, but how do their offers stack up against deals from retailers on the actual shopping holiday itself? Last Black Friday, sites like Groupon and LivingSocial caught some flack when they ignored the shopping holiday and offered only their standard discounts. This time around, we may be in store for something special.

The dealnews Podcast is broadcasting Episode 186 to your ears! This week, the gang talks about everything you wanted to know about Black Friday, including deals that might be worth shopping in-store for, things you should avoid buying, the Apple Black Friday sale, and more. Enjoy!

You know the holidays have come around again when your neighbor begins to set up his elaborate holiday display just after Thanksgiving. Don't be the only house on the block without some holiday spirit. We've got some tips on how to easily and cost-effectively embrace this celebratory winter season.

Numerous recent surveys have indicated that more consumers are planning to shop from their mobile phone during the holiday season, and several retailers predict increased numbers for Black Friday specifically. (It does seem pretty convenient, since Black Friday now starts on Thanksgiving day; you can shop without leaving the presence of family!) Will you partake in m-commerce this year?

Although we list hundreds of deals each day during Black Friday weekend, sometimes you'll encounter an offer while shopping that doesn't appear on our site. How then can you discern whether it's actually a great bargain, or if you can get a better deal somewhere else? Here's eight steps to follow to make sure you're getting the most out of your Black Friday purchases.

Every year during Black Friday weekend, the dealnews staff scours the Internet for all the deals that are fit to print. Since this entails a few extra-long shifts, we're also experts on how to cope with working late. We polled our staff to see what keeps them going during the shopping extravaganza and put it into our Black Friday Preparedness Guide!

Are you tired of reading rumors about the latest technology? Sick of hearing about the future of Apple, Google, and Amazon? No? Well neither are we! That's why we put all the latest buzz from the Internet into one place, the Rumor Roundup! Go on, indulge your guilty pleasures!

Although winter has yet to start officially, the weather throughout much of the country already has got many looking forward to a warmer weather reprieve. But why wait six months for summer in order to exchange your boots for flip-flops and work emails for beach reads? Take a trip to Mexico while temperatures are mild and the beautiful beaches aren't overrun with co-eds on spring break. We've found six vacation deals for resorts on the Riviera Maya, in proximity to the cities of Cancún and Playa del Carmen.

Laptops are a hot item around Black Friday, so it comes as no surprise that we've already seen at least 65 laptop ads — with many more to come. To help you separate the gimmicks from the doorbusters, we've combed through each of the ads and highlighted the best laptop deals so far, including numerous offers that meet our Black Friday prediction prices.

Chances are your seasonal holiday shopping will cost you, even with all of the great dealnews deals you'll find. But there's something even better than a great bargain, and that's "free!" With Black Friday sales waiting in the wings, we've found five freebies that will help you stretch your holiday shopping budget just a bit further.

We here at dealnews can get just as excited about a great hard drive deal as we can any of the other "big" Black Friday offers. That's why we eagerly sifted through the hard drive ads that have popped up so far. Unfortunately though, we haven't found much to get excited about — yet.