Monday’s Money Deals: Electronics and Free Greeting Cards

Black Friday is right around the corner and retailers are gearing up for it with extended days of “deals” – but in many cases, the savings aren’t that great. Watch your wallet this week and check out savings on electronics, Christmas decorations, and maybe a few stocking stuffers.

In the freebies category, we actually didn’t spot any food this week. However, you can get $10 of free Hallmark greeting cards – or whatever else you can buy from their store at that price – if you’re expecting to be a mother anytime soon. That’s kind of a bizarre condition for a freebie, but we don’t ask questions. (The only “proof” they require is an expected date of birth.)

Electronics Expo has a 65-inch 3D DLP HDTV for $1,065. The list price is $1,800, but coupon code LSDA1118 will knock off more than $700. Shipping is around $180, or you can pick it up free if you live close to one of their New Jersey stores. This is a great deal, but some people have gripes about DLP – that’s digital light processing – TVs, such as the limited viewing angle and the bulkiness compared to LCD or plasma TVs. Be sure to research before buying.

If you’re looking for affordable digital photo frames, Amazon.com has many around 50 percent off right now, with the cheapest ones under $30. These make an easy gift, too.

Hewlett-Packard is having a Pre-Thanksgiving Sale through Nov. 24. You can save up to 50 percent on HP printers, 60 percent on HP cameras and accessories, and up to $500 off some PCs and laptops. While you’ll see comparable deals on HP and non-HP computers in the next week, this is a great sale if you already own or like HP goods. Shipping is free with a $40 minimum purchase.

Amazon.com is also feeling the HP vibe, putting all their HP brand photo paper more than 70 percent off. You can get 100 sheets of 8.5 x 11 glossy paper for $7.

Office Depot has free shipping with no minimum purchase along with several deals, many of which are standard fare for pre-Black Friday. One that stands out is a decent all-in-one printer (printer/copier/scanner/fax) for $30. You can also use code 98997255 online to get $10 off $50 on anything but “technology” products – which basically means it only works on furniture and office supplies.

Home Depot is discounting Christmas decorations and offering free shipping on any holiday decor as well. They’ve got over 30 items for less than $10 – mostly lights – and more than 800 items for less than $50, plus plenty of more expensive stuff like fake Christmas trees.

Since the Catholic Church has finally endorsed condoms, maybe you’d like to celebrate by stocking up. You can get a 36-pack of Okamoto condoms for less than $4 on Amazon.com, which is less than 10 cents each. Why so cheap? Apparently they’re blue and don’t come in a box – but they’re still individually wrapped and are ranked second on Amazon’s list of best-selling condoms.

How about a couple stocking stuffer or low-end gift ideas? Target has 55 Lego sets for under $20 this week, and you can also use a coupon for $5 off. If you buy online, the coupon code is TCHD1036, and if you’re heading to the store, it’s printable from the Toy Catalog section.

Lastly, Bath and Body Works is running a Buy 3 Get 3 Free Sale. You can mix and match among shower gels, body lotions, perfumes, bubble baths, and other pleasant-smelling liquids.

Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving and a money-saving Black Friday! See you next week.