Shop Early and Save Big

When I was younger (i.e. before kids), I used to love shopping the day after Thanksgiving. I had enough energy to wake up at 4 a.m., enough patience to brave the frenetic holiday shoppers, and enough time to wait in line to get that deeply discounted sales item.

With child in tow and a busy schedule full of school activities, playdates, errands and birthday parties, I have neither the energy, patience or time to entertain Black Friday. But that doesn't mean that good deals can't be had beforehand. In fact, better deals are sprouting way ahead of the highly anticipated post-Thanksgiving sales. Just shop early and you'll probably save more money! Here are a few deals to kickstart your holiday shopping - I'll keep posting more holiday deals under the heading "Shop Early and Save Big" so be on the lookout!

TOYS, TOYS, TOYS
Toys R Us: Get free shipping up to $15 by signing up for their free rewards program here. The code is valid 10/28/08 through 11/11/08.

Amazon.com: Currently, Amazon is offering a free 2-year subscription to Cookie Magazine with any toy purchase of $25 or more (see details here). You can opt to get a refund for the subscription, thereby recouping $15 (the value of the subscription). Also, check Amazon's Monday markdowns, where several random toys are discounted. Sign-up for their e-mail newsletter to stay on top of the sales.

LeapFrog.com: Save up to 70% selected toys, plus get free shipping on orders over $50 through 10/31/08.

RESTAURANTS
Restaurants.com: This website is slashing 80% off $25 gift certificates, bringing the cost down to a mere $2. These make great Christmas gifts for family or friends who enjoy dining out! Enter code TREATS. If you check out through Ebates, you'll get 15% cash back to boot.