This post is a sponsored post on behalf of Kmart via Izea. The opinions are mine.
I have to admit that I haven’t stepped foot in a Kmart for a while, like probably since before they merged up with Sears. But this assignment was totally worth it. Basically, the plan was this: take a $500 gift card and figure out what was cool to buy at Kmart. They want you to know that they’ve got all kinds of gifts and stuff people want. That was the basic theme. I was game for the idea, and I even came up with a way to do some good in the process. Here’s what we did, and what I found along the way.
Bring Along the Kids
My six year old daughter came through the front doors, and the girls clothes was to the right. She looked over and said, “These are beautiful,” and sunk into a rack of winter coats. That particular one in the picture is a Disney princess one, so that had to go in the cart. I thought I had her trained so well, with Bob the Builder toys in her little pink purses when she was 3, but no. She loves princess things. Alas.
Yes, I’m the kind of dad who buys clothes as part of the holiday gifts. My folks did it. Why should I be any different. There were lots of clothes my daughter willingly would wear. We didn’t exactly equip her, but she got a few things she absolutely *had* to have.
My nearly three-year-old son was another matter. He needed some clothes. I found everything he would want there, and with really no effort. And again, there was lots of good variety, and I felt like everything was great and of a quality I expected.
Dad note: I don’t know that I saw clothes I’d wear as a grown up. I mean, if you’re not very stylish, which I am not, there were some items. I liked that they had Joe Boxer underpants, for instance.
Name Brands
Since their merging with Sears, Kmart has upped their name brand game. They had a few that really surprised me, like Dyson vacuum cleaners. Those are pretty high end, right? And they had Craftsman tool supplies, which was nice, because I remember the “old” Kmart where their tools were more like pretend ones made out of chalky metal. But, I didn’t really buy any of that. I went right to electronics, and then into toys.
Electronics
I had a hunch that I’d have some fun in their electronics section, and I was right. They had quite a display of flat screen high definition TVs, and I knew most of the name brands. I’m not high def enough to tell you if they were really killer, but I give points for the brands, at least. They also had a small, but decent assortment of new movies on DVD. Their CD collection at the store I went to was small, but who buys CDs these days?
It was in games that I was impressed again. They had a really good selection of XBOX360, PS3, and WII games (we have a Wii at home), as well as DS and PSP games. I was surprised, plus I had that sort of “secret” feeling of realizing that I bet most people looking for games around the holidays have Kmart on their radar.
Toys
Here’s where I got clever. I had my kids pick out some toys to donate to Toys for Tots, so that this sponsored shopping spree could also be used for good. It was a lot of fun. There were all the name brands you’d expect, like Nerf and Star Wars and things like that.
The toy section was actually the best kept and best stocked at the store where I shopped. Some of the other sections seemed to have been attacked (this was, after all, the day after Black Friday), but toys? Fresh as a daisy.
In the End
If you click on the picture of the bill, and zoom in, you’ll see the biggest surprise I got from the entire experience. The shopping spree was for $500, and I went just a hair over at around $567. But, if you look at what I SAVED, I saved over $200 during this experience. Some of it was from holiday sales, but some was just their regular weekly stuff. So I saved over 30%? Is that right? That’s what the biggest surprise was, to me.
And Now, the Contest
Dad-o-Matic readers (you!) have a chance at doing your own version of my $500 shopping spree at Kmart. The official rules are here. But in a nutshell, here’s what you can do. One’s a bit of work, and the other is a lot easier (hint, hint).
(1) Place a comment on this blog post. Include a description and SKU or item numbers of items on your holiday wish list that total $500 or less. Contest participants must send their email address with the comment to the Participating Blog. This should be done in the private field provided by the Participating Blog and should not have to be included publicly in the comment.
(2) Use Twitter to tweet the message found on the blog post:
” RT @chrisbrogan is giving away a $500 Kmart Gift Card on his blog – simply tweet or comment to enter http://urlbrief.com/27bb3f”
*** That was updated. I had the info wrong.***
Now, I’m not telling you what to do, but step 1 takes a lot of typing, and step 2 is retweeting a link to this post.
Again, check out the official rules here because I might have left something out.
Good luck, and I hope you win. The experience opened my eyes, and I also found a way to give a bunch of kids some surprises this holiday season. Seems like a win, eh?
By the way, if you want to learn more about Kmart Gift Cards, that’s here.
The preceding was a sponsored post. For more information about the sponsor (Kmart), see Izea.
#
who couldn’t use a spree?!
#
who couldn’t use a spree?!
#
I love K-Mart and with 5 kids I could use $500.00 as much as the next..lol.I guess we just have to do what we all can to get through the holidays.Merry Christmas to all
#
I love K-Mart and with 5 kids I could use $500.00 as much as the next..lol.I guess we just have to do what we all can to get through the holidays.Merry Christmas to all
#
#
#
Fucking ASSHOLE kinda CONTEST.
U people SUCK.
#
Fucking ASSHOLE kinda CONTEST.
U people SUCK.
#
What a wonderful contest! I could go crazy at Kmart for $500. I am a single mom with three little girls. So far, they each have one gift under the tree…. How I could definitely use this card!
Last year a family at their school gave each of my girls a backpack for Christmas and it was such a blessing. I would love to spend some of the money to buy gifts for a charity that could use them. My kids don’t need $500 worth of stuff anyways!
Hope we win!!! yay!
#
What a wonderful contest! I could go crazy at Kmart for $500. I am a single mom with three little girls. So far, they each have one gift under the tree…. How I could definitely use this card!
Last year a family at their school gave each of my girls a backpack for Christmas and it was such a blessing. I would love to spend some of the money to buy gifts for a charity that could use them. My kids don’t need $500 worth of stuff anyways!
Hope we win!!! yay!
#
I twittered @ ihatesomuch
#
I twittered @ ihatesomuch
#
Wishlist:
Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board
Kmart item #25500WIIRVLRRFNE Mfr. model #WII RVL R RFNE
Price: $89.99
anasonic PAN DMC-TZ5K 9.1MP DIGITAL CAMERA, BLACK 10 X ZOOM, 3″ LCD, 28MM, HD VIDEO
Kmart item# 108000000DMCTZ5K Mfr. model# DMCTZ5K
Price: $349.99
#
Wishlist:
Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board
Kmart item #25500WIIRVLRRFNE Mfr. model #WII RVL R RFNE
Price: $89.99
anasonic PAN DMC-TZ5K 9.1MP DIGITAL CAMERA, BLACK 10 X ZOOM, 3″ LCD, 28MM, HD VIDEO
Kmart item# 108000000DMCTZ5K Mfr. model# DMCTZ5K
Price: $349.99
#
will grab kmart item # 018W677925110001 – Slyvania 32″ LCD. thanks chris & kmart!
#
will grab kmart item # 018W677925110001 – Slyvania 32″ LCD. thanks chris & kmart!
#
FGGMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
#
FGGMNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
#
The LEGO nerd in me dictates that I go with the LEGO Millennium Falcon
SKU# 1030000000713352
At $499.99, I just barely come in under $500. Ah, 5000 pieces of awesomeness!
#
The LEGO nerd in me dictates that I go with the LEGO Millennium Falcon
SKU# 1030000000713352
At $499.99, I just barely come in under $500. Ah, 5000 pieces of awesomeness!
#
You know, I really wouldn’t complain if Santa K(mart)laus left a Flip Video Mino in my stocking this year (item #00356909000)… they make recording digital video a cinch, and then I could bring CSS Newbie into the 21st century!
#
You know, I really wouldn’t complain if Santa K(mart)laus left a Flip Video Mino in my stocking this year (item #00356909000)… they make recording digital video a cinch, and then I could bring CSS Newbie into the 21st century!
#
What a great contest! Well, since I am expecting my first baby and we just moved 1500 miles away from all out family and friends I would buy all the stuff I need for the little one (since we aren’t having a baby shower).
Graco Pack N Play Portable Playard – Kirkwood
Kmart item# 024W898611110001, Mfr. model #9E00KWD $75.00
Grow with Your Baby Bag
Kmart item# 1030000000702201, Mfr. model #702201 $26.
Avent Newborn Starter Set
Kmart item# 9990000035778711, Mfr. model #35778711 $24
Munchkin Baby Food Organizer
Kmart item # 9990000015068611 Mfr.model # 15068611 $7.99
Summer Infant Zimbabwe Smart Solutions” Newborn-To-Toddler High Chair
Kmart item # 3460000000022090 Mfr.model # 22090 $109.00
Graco DuoGliderâ„¢ Stroller – Barrett
Kmart item # 024W954783110001 Mfr.model # 6L03BAR3 $139.00
Summer Infant Mothers Touch Infant Bath Tub by Summer
Kmart item # 9990000021031911 Mfr.model # 21031911 $10.00
Disney Baby Lights & Soundsâ„¢ Walker
Kmart item # 024W897480110001 Mfr.model # 04028LBF $49.99
Safety 1st Complete Health Care Kit
Kmart item # 024W949565110001 Mfr.model # 62403 $9.99
#
What a great contest! Well, since I am expecting my first baby and we just moved 1500 miles away from all out family and friends I would buy all the stuff I need for the little one (since we aren’t having a baby shower).
Graco Pack N Play Portable Playard – Kirkwood
Kmart item# 024W898611110001, Mfr. model #9E00KWD $75.00
Grow with Your Baby Bag
Kmart item# 1030000000702201, Mfr. model #702201 $26.
Avent Newborn Starter Set
Kmart item# 9990000035778711, Mfr. model #35778711 $24
Munchkin Baby Food Organizer
Kmart item # 9990000015068611 Mfr.model # 15068611 $7.99
Summer Infant Zimbabwe Smart Solutions” Newborn-To-Toddler High Chair
Kmart item # 3460000000022090 Mfr.model # 22090 $109.00
Graco DuoGliderâ„¢ Stroller – Barrett
Kmart item # 024W954783110001 Mfr.model # 6L03BAR3 $139.00
Summer Infant Mothers Touch Infant Bath Tub by Summer
Kmart item # 9990000021031911 Mfr.model # 21031911 $10.00
Disney Baby Lights & Soundsâ„¢ Walker
Kmart item # 024W897480110001 Mfr.model # 04028LBF $49.99
Safety 1st Complete Health Care Kit
Kmart item # 024W949565110001 Mfr.model # 62403 $9.99
#
Tweeted too, awesome!
#
Tweeted too, awesome!
#
I really liked your story about how you spent your $500 — especially the part about your kids picking out toys for Toys for Tots. Also, I will say that our Kmart usually has the best toy section in our area — we even have a mall here. Thanks for such great contest! : )
Here is the item that I would love to purchase with a $500 gift card:
Sony 19 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p), BRAVIA® $499.99
Kmart item #018W809619110001 Mfr. model #KDL-19M4000
#
I really liked your story about how you spent your $500 — especially the part about your kids picking out toys for Toys for Tots. Also, I will say that our Kmart usually has the best toy section in our area — we even have a mall here. Thanks for such great contest! : )
Here is the item that I would love to purchase with a $500 gift card:
Sony 19 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p), BRAVIA® $499.99
Kmart item #018W809619110001 Mfr. model #KDL-19M4000
#
I had to chose Option #2 due to time constraints. Very interesting blog. Like I learned Kmart was part of Sears, I did not know that. I will have to look at the Kmart ads more closely from now on.
#
I had to chose Option #2 due to time constraints. Very interesting blog. Like I learned Kmart was part of Sears, I did not know that. I will have to look at the Kmart ads more closely from now on.
#
My daughter won a $50 gift certificate when she was in 1st or 2nd grade and had an absolute blast spending it. She ended up with quite the haul of items (she’s 24 now so that was a few years ago, but we had incredible fun!)… I want the Sony DVD Camcorder Handycam. I want to be able to make video clips for my blog, showing steps when I am designing jewelry. Here is the information: Item Number: 018W684805110001 Mfr. model # DCR-DVD610
#
My daughter won a $50 gift certificate when she was in 1st or 2nd grade and had an absolute blast spending it. She ended up with quite the haul of items (she’s 24 now so that was a few years ago, but we had incredible fun!)… I want the Sony DVD Camcorder Handycam. I want to be able to make video clips for my blog, showing steps when I am designing jewelry. Here is the information: Item Number: 018W684805110001 Mfr. model # DCR-DVD610
#
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/retta719/status/1039088541
With hubby just home from the hospital & on disability for the next few months our budget is tiny so I’d definitely be shopping for our boys for the holidays. A $500 gift card is just enough to get them each a DS -OR- a bike! They’ve been wanting bikes since we moved this summer.
#080W350353110001 yellow for Noah item #080W115236110001 orange for Lucas #080W114328110001 blue for Ethan #9990000017514112 silver and blue for Dylan
#
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/retta719/status/1039088541
With hubby just home from the hospital & on disability for the next few months our budget is tiny so I’d definitely be shopping for our boys for the holidays. A $500 gift card is just enough to get them each a DS -OR- a bike! They’ve been wanting bikes since we moved this summer.
#080W350353110001 yellow for Noah item #080W115236110001 orange for Lucas #080W114328110001 blue for Ethan #9990000017514112 silver and blue for Dylan
#
Sony PLAYSTATION®3 40GB
Kmart item# 018W963975110001
#
Sony PLAYSTATION®3 40GB
Kmart item# 018W963975110001
#
Ok I have to admit I have been a huge snob. I haven’t stepped foot in a K-Mart in years. It was just well, to be honest, to icky. You see the K-mart of my youth had a really bad smell, wasn’t very clean and didn’t have the best items. Then I moved to Montana and the little town where I live is limited in shopping choices. I needed some things for our humble abode and guess where I found the best bargains? The nicest items? It wasn’t at the other two discount stores it was at the K-Mart.
I had such a wonderful positive experience that it is now my Favorite shopping place for housewares, linens (got to love that Martha), cooking utensils, dishes and even items like laundry detergent and personal items. I love the Joe Boxer PJ’s too. Thank You K-Mart for upgrading your merchandise without upping your prices.
#
Ok I have to admit I have been a huge snob. I haven’t stepped foot in a K-Mart in years. It was just well, to be honest, to icky. You see the K-mart of my youth had a really bad smell, wasn’t very clean and didn’t have the best items. Then I moved to Montana and the little town where I live is limited in shopping choices. I needed some things for our humble abode and guess where I found the best bargains? The nicest items? It wasn’t at the other two discount stores it was at the K-Mart.
I had such a wonderful positive experience that it is now my Favorite shopping place for housewares, linens (got to love that Martha), cooking utensils, dishes and even items like laundry detergent and personal items. I love the Joe Boxer PJ’s too. Thank You K-Mart for upgrading your merchandise without upping your prices.
#
Something for everyone in the family. We need a new TV the color on ours is going bad. Hubby and I always like neat clocks. Baby alive is the must have item on my daughters Christmas list.
Sylvania 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV Kmart item# 018W677925110001 Mfr. model# LC320SS9
Chaney 18in Wrought Iron Wall Clock Kmart item# 9990000006630711 Mfr. model# 176764
Baby Alive Baby Go Bye-Bye Kmart item# 103000000731375B Mfr. model# 731375B
#
Something for everyone in the family. We need a new TV the color on ours is going bad. Hubby and I always like neat clocks. Baby alive is the must have item on my daughters Christmas list.
Sylvania 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV Kmart item# 018W677925110001 Mfr. model# LC320SS9
Chaney 18in Wrought Iron Wall Clock Kmart item# 9990000006630711 Mfr. model# 176764
Baby Alive Baby Go Bye-Bye Kmart item# 103000000731375B Mfr. model# 731375B
#
Oh, how I desperately want:
Panasonic PAN DMC-TZ5S 9.1MP DIGITAL CAMERA, SILVER 10 X ZOOM, 3″ LCD, 28MM, HD VIDEO
Kmart item #108000000DMCTZ5S
Mfr. model #DMCTZ5S
#
Oh, how I desperately want:
Panasonic PAN DMC-TZ5S 9.1MP DIGITAL CAMERA, SILVER 10 X ZOOM, 3″ LCD, 28MM, HD VIDEO
Kmart item #108000000DMCTZ5S
Mfr. model #DMCTZ5S
#
Sony PLAYSTATION®3 40GB
Kmart item# 018W963975110001
I also tweeted.
#
Sony PLAYSTATION®3 40GB
Kmart item# 018W963975110001
I also tweeted.
#
i dont need anything..
all i want is to earn money for my family..
Maybe here it is..
Please email me for any instructions.
#
i dont need anything..
all i want is to earn money for my family..
Maybe here it is..
Please email me for any instructions.
#
Mongoose 26″ Men’s Hooligan
Kmart item #080W974209110001
Xbox 360 System Hardware
Kmart item# 9990000042317511
#
Mongoose 26″ Men’s Hooligan
Kmart item #080W974209110001
Xbox 360 System Hardware
Kmart item# 9990000042317511
#
K-Mart has been a staple in my life for ever. They do great things for our community as well. They let the Salvation Army ring bells, let the Boy Scouts sell their popcorn, sponsor Little League and Softball Tournments and many many more chartible gestures.
We have a mission in our community called The Lighthouse Outreach Center. One of the things I’m involved in is the feeding of the poor and elderly. They also sponsor a Children’s Christmas Program giving all kinds of toys and gifts to needy kids. Pastor Mel said becuse of the economy there are more kids and less donations. This would be a great opportunity to bless them.
That’s my wish list!
#
K-Mart has been a staple in my life for ever. They do great things for our community as well. They let the Salvation Army ring bells, let the Boy Scouts sell their popcorn, sponsor Little League and Softball Tournments and many many more chartible gestures.
We have a mission in our community called The Lighthouse Outreach Center. One of the things I’m involved in is the feeding of the poor and elderly. They also sponsor a Children’s Christmas Program giving all kinds of toys and gifts to needy kids. Pastor Mel said becuse of the economy there are more kids and less donations. This would be a great opportunity to bless them.
That’s my wish list!