3 for 2 on Toys at Boots, Includes Lego, Barbie, Playmobil etc.

This afternoon I called into the Trafford Centre, Manchester for a quick browse. Didn't see much in the sales as they are now starting to finish but one offer that did catch my eye was in Boots. 3 for 2 on toys.

Boots prices can be more expensive than other shops but don't forget if you have an Advantage Card you can collect a good rate of points that can be redeemed against future purchases. And...if you have a Boots Advantage Card and a smartphone, download their app from the app store and get even more offers and coupons!

For example I used one today which was '£5 off your next shop over £20'. So an even better buy when combined with the 3 for 2! The vouchers on the app can only be used in store and not online. But the 3 for 2 offer on toys is also online. 

If you are a Parenting Club member you also get extra points if you are buying baby toys. Think they also were doing a promotion for Parenting Club members, 10 points per pound on luxury beauty products too if you're interested. Not sure when available until or if only in store, I just thought I was worth a mention. 

For anyone who doesn't often shop at Boots, some of the larger stores stock brands like Lego, Playmobil, My Little Pony, Barbie as well as baby and toddler brands such as Vtech and Fisher Price. There's not a lot of choice but could be worth a look.

For example their small range of Lego Star Wars. 

I love my Advantage Card and often save my points up to use on the 3 for 2 gifts and toys at Christmas time.

Another card scheme which I'm starting to like more and more is the 'My John Lewis' card. Which sends you vouchers for a free hot drink and cake. Just lovely on a busy shopping day!

Read more »

Flash Sales - Don't Panic Buy!

Today I had a a little trip to Manchester city centre, I'd heard a rumour that Boots might be further reducing their remaining sale items today so thought I'd take a look.

The rumour was true! And it seemed everyone else had heard it too! When I got there around 1pm there were hoards of people grabbing reduced stock here there and everywhere!

The shelves were half empty, and impromptu aisles of plastic crates containing sale items could be found on the floor. The staff couldn't get new sale stock out quickly enough, as soon as they appeared with a new trolley people were starting to rummage through it before the wheels had stopped turning.

It was like a crazed jumble sale! Those in the know had got there early waiting for the store to open, ready to pounce on the best bargains.

I've never seen so many people carrying so much stuff. There were shoppers with four baskets each, full to the brim! And others leaving the store laden down with at least a dozen carrier bags...and no, I am not exaggerating!

The sale was 70% off, so there were some good buys to be had but the level of impulse or even panic buying suprised me. When I got there the sale mainly consised of leftover stock from Boots' Christmas gift selection. Bath and beauty gift sets, photo frames, celebrity perfumes as well as a few toys and a small selection of children's clothes.

The queues for the tills were horrendous, (fortunately I went to the photo counter where there were only a few people in front of me) but at least the long queues seemed to provide people with a cool-off period where they could re-evaluate what they'd hastily put into their baskets. I could see people looking through their acquisitions and asking themselves if they really wanted to buy what they had picked up. There was a plethora of items abandoned on the shelves lining the path to the tills after many last minute changes of heart!

It's easy to get caught up in the moment when everyone around you is shopping like there's no tomorrow! And at 70% I can understand why. But..even if it's in the sale, it's only a bargain if it's something you need or want. Otherwise it's just a heavily reduced mistake! It may just be a couple of quid, but why bother spending that couple of quid on something to put away in a cupboard if it's not something you are really going to use?

And if you buy half a dozen items just because they're cheap, you could have spent the best part of £20 before you know it. Just something to bear in mind...as well as remind myself!

I didn't escape without buying anything, I couldn't resist picking up these two Vtech Toot Toot Animals for my little girl for £2.10 each at Boots today (normally around £6 or £7). However, at one point I must admit I had five of them, all different, in my hand. I had to take a step back and tell myself 'she doesn't need five'. Just because they're on offer doesn't mean I should buy them all! My self discipline is improving!

I also got this Baylis & Harding beauticology gift set for £2.40 (originally £8) as had been looking for something like this for a while. All will be revealed at some point in the future ;) 

Read more »

Reduced Perfume Gift Sets - Plan Ahead for Valentine's Day

I think the shops must have really overestimated how many perfume gift sets they would sell in the run up to Christmas as now, in January, they're abundant at much reduced prices.

The gift sets I've seen today at Debenhams and Boots (Trafford Centre, Manchester) have all worked out cheaper, some up to half price, than just buying the exact same perfume on its own.

And I'm not just talking about the cheap types once worn when a teenager or the celebrity flash in the pan ones either. Some classics and popular designer brands can be found at great prices too.

With Valentine's day just over a month away, this could be a great time to buy and spoil that special someone without breaking the bank.

Marc Jacobs Daisy 50ml perfume gift set seen in Debenhams and Boots. They both had plenty left. Reduced from £56 to £37.33 and £37.32 respectively. I did check the price of a 50ml bottle and it is around £50.

Also in Boots, Stella McCartney and Dolce and Gabbana perfume gift sets...

Ellie Saab...

Jimmy Choo...

And Armani Code for men...

And these were just a few of the many on offer. No doubt in a couple of weeks time, new Valentine's gift sets will be hitting the shelves at full price. 

If you've seen them cheaper elsewhere, pleas do leave a comment on this post. 

Read more »

Bargain Perfume gift sets at Boots.

New year brings sales and great bargains! Although they can be a little gutting if it's something you paid full price for before Christmas! Maybe I should start now for next year..? If only I was that organised!

Anyway, spotted in Boots today (Walkden, Manchester) were some great value
perfume gift sets that were left over from Christmas including this Marc Jacobs Daisy 50ml perfume, body lotion and shower gel for £37.32. Normally this 50ml bottle of this perfume is around £50. So a great price and advantage card points too!

They had various men's and women's perfume sets, great to spoil yourself after the stress of Christmas or to put away for gifts. Valentine's day is not far round the corner too!

These deals may be better found in smaller stores which may have been bypassed by sale shoppers. 

Read more »