One word: EVERYTHING.
With just a few days left until Christmas, chances are that you’ve paid a visit (or two, or three) to your local Walmart. You know I have! In fact, an informal survey amongst friends and neighbours has suggested that everyone has popped by the giant retailer at least twice… this week alone. And it makes sense – everything from toys to holiday décor to groceries to Christmas-inspired air fresheners can be found there! You can conceivable scratch everything off your to-do list in one visit.
(I make no secret of being a HUGE Walmart fan. Plain and simple, I believe it’s just the smartest way to spend your money. The prices are always right and I’m constantly amazed by their selection. #Fan4Life)
Two days ago, I found myself once again strolling through the aisles at 6:14am – which is, IMHO, the best time to visit Walmart. Think about it – only early bird, like-minded people like you are shopping at that ungodly hour, keeping the stress and bumper-carts to a minimum. I know what you’re thinking: Holiday shopping without stress and bumper carts? Sign me up! <<- No problem! Just set your alarm for 5:30am to beat the crowds, and get ready to have your most pleasant shopping experience ever. (Often, with a premium parking selection – score!)
Now you know I just had to snap a few pictures while strolling through the store, because it’s Walmart… and things ALWAYS catch my eye at Walmart. There’s no rhyme or reason to the photos – just a few of the more interesting things that were on my to-do list, ended up in my cart or made me smile (and in the case of the Justin Bieber singing toothbrush, howling with laughter).
First, I went straight to the holiday movies, because it’s tradition in my family to pick up a new Christmas movie every year. Can’t beat Walmart for their selection and prices! I settled on Shrek the Halls ($10) as Reid is now into everything Shrek (or “Frek” – as he calls him).
Next, I was dying to check out Walmart’s holiday decor as I’d heard that they brought in some fabulous pieces this year. Unfortunately, it seems that everyone beat me to it – most of the best ensembles were picked over or gone. So, I’ve made a mental note to come earlier next year, because there were definitely a few items here and there that looked interesting. However, I couldn’t decide if this dancing, singing tree was cute or just plain strange –
But I bought the one in green anyways, because I knew the kids would adore it. The photo’s a little blurry because I took it in action as it shook its money maker.
Just before I left the decor section, I did spot an item I was absolutely dying over –
HELLO! Having just returned from Disney World, this airblown Mickey and Minnie sled would make me a holiday hero. However, the $120 price tag was a tad steep for me, and seeing that our front lawn is about 6×6 feet, I couldn’t exactly rationalize it. Still, I’ll be hitting Walmart first thing on Boxing Day with hopes of grabbing a great deal. Cross your fingers for me!
Now if you think that Dollar Stores are the only places to get decent quality gift bags for a $1, you’re wrong. Walmart has a fabulous selection! I picked up 10 for various gifting moments this season, and absolutely love the prints and colours (the blue one pictured below is by far my fave). Wish they had $1 bags all year round!
Keeping with the holiday theme, now that Ryder is home for Christmas break I know he”ll be looking for arts, crafts and activities to keep him busy. We’re making homemade cards for family with these gorgeous stickers I found! Plus, I picked up a few extra sheets so he can decorate with his little brother, too.
Well, since I was at Walmart – of course I popped in on the toy section. And with wall-to-wall Rollbacks on toys, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular place for holiday shopping. I grabbed stocking stuffers for the boys and even picked up two toys to donate to our local toy drive.
Now I thought I was done, but on my way to the cash I couldn’t help but laugh over these character “Shave Gel” sets. Ryder’s always saying he needs a good shave like daddy, so I actually considered purchasing one. The only thing that stopped me? I knew Reid would want one too, and I didn’t want to have to deal with the ensuing shave foam explosion.
On the next shelf I did pick up character-themed bubble baths – I figured that they would be great stocking stuffers (plus I’d be the one controlling the bubbles). Plus, at only $2.50 each, I was kicking myself – they would have been the perfect little gift to hand out at Reid’s dance class the week before. Next time :(
Finally, just before making my way to the checkout, there was one product that made me do a double-take – SINGING Justin Bieber toothbrushes. #OMG
Was totally hoping that one of the packages was opened so I could demo the product but alas, all were sealed nicely away. However, I did make it a point to look up the product once I returned home –
There are many days that I am happy to be the mom of only boys. This is one of those days. Can’t even imagine having to buy one of those for a tween daughter… much less hearing Justin mechanically crooning from my bathroom at 7:00am.
Ah well, just another fabulous shopping trip at one of my favourite places on earth. Remember, there are only 4 more shopping days until Christmas – but since Walmart is open 24 hours up ’til the 24th, you actually have 4 more shopping nights too :)
The Justin Bieber toothbrushes have been scanning at $1.00 – $4.00 at Shoppers Drug Mart for months, and they’ve been seen at Dollaramas for about $3.00 too. Wal-Mart had a higher price on them then necessary, heh!
Oooh, thanks for the tip Jen! I’ll have to pass that on to my Bieber-loving friends!
I need to go to Wal-Mart but early tomorrow morning to beat the crowds. Kitty litter and kitty food is on my list. BTW Lena, the phone came yesterday and I picked up from Purolator tonight…thank you so much xo
I went to Wal-Mart before the Christmas rush and was disappointed with the holiday selection…people beat me to it too!
Poops, I feel like all the best stuff was gone when I went too. And so happy Teresa :) Hope your daughter loves it!
Walmart is the closest “grocery” store to my house (about an 8 minute walk, 3 minute drive), and as starving students, my husband and I shop there a lot. I love going there for household staples, and small gift ideas. I will definitely be picking up some of those holiday gift bags this weekend!
I think I’ll take the grumpy crowds over 6:00am, though! =P Or maybe I’ll go at 1:00am – much more my style!
Hahaha whether it’s late at night or early in the morning, I fully believe that’s the best time to shop!
I love Walmart and I love that they are open 24 hours because I love shopping late at night when its way less hectic!
Do you have an Walmart that’s open 24 hours all the time? Lucky girl! Awesome.
Love Wal-mart and their prices. Great options for the holidays. Thanks for posting!!!!
You’re welcome Marisha! Happy Holidays!
Forget Tween daughter, I had to buy one for my three year old!!!! lol She definitely has Bieber Fever!! Love your blog. Merry Christmas!
Haha SO FABULOUS! And so funny that your 3-year-old is already a super fan. Merry Christmas to you too!
I don’t get there often as it an hour away, but when I do I tend to get overwhelmed as it’s now a superstore and it’s massive.
It was like that for me at first too – especially since I couldn’t wrap my head around the produce!
I’ll be hitting my local Walmart this weekend. On the hunt for Batman things for my 16 year old step daughter! Wish me luck.
Good luck Lisa! Hope you were able to find some amazing gifts!
Love Walmart’s low prices on groceries too! Great for holiday extras while entertaining!
Indeed! I picked up quite a few party items for last week’s festivities!
I think you’re so smart for going that early! I never thought of that! I’ve never seen a Walmart that empty before! That must have been heavenly! LOL! I was just at Walmart yesterday and it was SO packed!!! Not a fan of grumpy, stressed out, pushy holiday shoppers. :( LOL!
I only wish that Walmart was open 24 hours ALL THE TIME, but my local store opens at 7:00am, so I can’t beat that!
I love shopping at Walmart – you don’t need to wait for a sale. Their merchandise is reasonably priced. Also, I love the idea of shopping under one roof for groceries as well. Got to hit the toy section for my grandkids today.
Hope you found some excellent toys Marissa!
If anyone still needs a Christmas tree, they’re clearing out for $1 at Walmart! Saw them last night in the rainy sleet…
Say what?? Crazy!
Smart, Smart shopping to go that early. If only I could pull myself out of bed at that hour for more than to grab a bottle for the baby!
Ha… well, next time if baby is very fussy, you can always both go!
Walmart has a great selection of movies including their 3 and 4 movie packs! I think its time for another visit.
Ah yes, I do remember you saying something about their movies before! The thing with 3 and 4 movies packs is that I never like ALL the movies featured!
I shopped at Walmart at 2:00am to beat the crowds. Aside from dodging floor cleaners and pallets of merchandise waiting to be stocked, it was a perfect time to shop!
Smart move! Love it.
The Justin Bieber singing toothbrush would make a great gift…a gag gift, that is, lmao.
Hahaha I guess I should have specified – tween girls or fully grown men :)
I love Wal-Mart! We now have two of them in our city, which makes me happy as the newest one is much closer to home and doesn’t seem to be as busy as the “old” one…yet! lol :)
LOL just give it a year or two, and enjoy in the meantime!
oh so true there’s something for everyone there!! and i also love their $1 wrap/bags section thanks for keeping it economical walmart!
So true! It’s my one pet peeve – retailers who charge $5+ for gift bags. It needlessly adds more to the present! Love that Walmart has affordable options.
wow the walmart here had verry little stock but lots of boxes of unpacked stock the staff wouldnt open left lying in the middle of the isles… we did get the kids a christmas movie this year too. an ice age one for 5$
Oh! I was looking for the Ice Age movie but couldn’t find it :) Awesome that you picked one up for $5!
I love Walmart! Except for when their shelves aren’t stocked and when only three of the 30 cash registers are open ;)
Hahaha see? That’s why I shop at 6:00am… usually, there are about 30 cashiers waiting for a customer like me so they have something to do!
Wal-Mart caught my eye…I, too, love to shop at WalMart. We just had a grand overhaul of our and it is now a Super WalMart. I love to get my groceries there as I can usually count on better prices and fresher produce.
Indeed Inez! Love Walmart!