Our neighbor from down the street, a single dad of two young children, announced yesterday that he is done with his Christmas shopping.
Apparently, he went to Toys “R” Us last weekend and purchased five toys for each kid, and officially called it a day for the year.
He’s done.
He’s delighted.
He’s so not me.
I barely made it through September and am slowly limping my way to the end of the week.
Christmas? I can’t even see beyond Columbus Day.
Yet, like it or not, the gift-giving season is quickly moving in for the kill. My 7-year-old has already started her Santa wish list (thanks Saturday morning commercials).
Not surprisingly, my kid is not the only one prepping for the holiday season. A number of major retailers just announced that they are planning to go out of their way to accommodate cash-strapped parents who may be struggling to buy Christmas gifts for their children.
The economy stinks, millions of moms and dads are jobless and money is extremely tight. Those are just some of the reasons Toys “R” Us is extending its layaway program.
According to CNN, the popular toy store is lifting restrictions on its layaway program. Starting October 15th, parents will be able to put almost any toy, from Barbies to Lego sets, on layaway. Previously, the store would only allow customers to use the layaway program if they were purchasing big ticket items, such as bikes or swing sets.
Under the new program, you must put fork over 20% of the total cost of the item and pay a $5 service fee. You then have 90 days to pay off the total amount due, but to guarantee delivery by Christmas; the item must be completely paid for by December 4th. In addition, Toys “R” Us is charging $10 for cancelled orders. Online shoppers can use the “Bill Me Later” option to access the layaway program.
Toys “R” Us joins Wal-Mart, which also announced a new layaway program for electronics and toys over $15. That program runs from October 17th to December 16th, and also includes a $5 fee. Meanwhile, Sears and Kmart plan to continue the layaway programs they run throughout the year.
Personally, I am not a layaway lover.
I can’t stand paying fees for anything, let alone for an $18 Barbie doll. I prefer to sock the money away in a secure place where I won’t be tempted to spend it, and then withdraw the cash when it’s time to buy the toy and avoid the service fee all together.
Will you be taking advantage of stores’ layaway programs this holiday season?
And please don’t tell me that you are already done with your Christmas shopping.
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