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.
#
OurTelevision went out a few months ago and haven’t had the funds to replace it so this is what I would probably get.
Thank You
Element 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Kmart item# 012W804958950001 Mfr. model# ELCHS321
#
OurTelevision went out a few months ago and haven’t had the funds to replace it so this is what I would probably get.
Thank You
Element 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Kmart item# 012W804958950001 Mfr. model# ELCHS321
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
Chris: you must be very desperate. I can’t believe that you’re associated with this $1.00 brand in pay per post
#
Chris: you must be very desperate. I can’t believe that you’re associated with this $1.00 brand in pay per post
#
#
#
#
#
Element 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Kmart item# 012W804958950001 Mfr. model# ELCHS321 $499.99
What a great giveaway!!!! 🙂
#
Element 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Kmart item# 012W804958950001 Mfr. model# ELCHS321 $499.99
What a great giveaway!!!! 🙂
#
I’ve been going to Super Kmart for all my shopping, they are so much cleaner and also cheaper than some others I won’t mention. I went there yesterday to finish up my Christmas and bought a new Little Tykes Kitchen with attached grill on the other side with all food and utenciles for $37.00, it was $157.00. Talk about a bargain. Also a lady bought a barbie battery operated car for $60, it was $300. Guess I just went on a lucky day. 🙂 The layaway has been a lifesaver.
Happy Holidays
#
I’ve been going to Super Kmart for all my shopping, they are so much cleaner and also cheaper than some others I won’t mention. I went there yesterday to finish up my Christmas and bought a new Little Tykes Kitchen with attached grill on the other side with all food and utenciles for $37.00, it was $157.00. Talk about a bargain. Also a lady bought a barbie battery operated car for $60, it was $300. Guess I just went on a lucky day. 🙂 The layaway has been a lifesaver.
Happy Holidays
#
well, i think this was obviously a great experience for you and your family. I am entering for my daughter so that she can give her two children a great christmas. I honestly was sitting here trying to figure out how to help her make this christmas a good one for her and jaden and bria. and here it is.
My daughter is 26, works part time, takes care of two kids and goes to college full time. this is coming up on her last semester, taking full time hours, then will sit for her mcat’s and then hopefully on to medical school. she has given up a lot and this would be a wonderful surprise for her. so heres hoping i can win this for her.
merry christmas to you and your family, peace and health for the new year
kathy
#
well, i think this was obviously a great experience for you and your family. I am entering for my daughter so that she can give her two children a great christmas. I honestly was sitting here trying to figure out how to help her make this christmas a good one for her and jaden and bria. and here it is.
My daughter is 26, works part time, takes care of two kids and goes to college full time. this is coming up on her last semester, taking full time hours, then will sit for her mcat’s and then hopefully on to medical school. she has given up a lot and this would be a wonderful surprise for her. so heres hoping i can win this for her.
merry christmas to you and your family, peace and health for the new year
kathy
#
WE decided not to buy gifts this year because everyone is living from paycheck to paycheck. I would go to our K Mart and buy food for them. You can get everything there. And i could get each family a Christmas feast. For that one day, they could forget the economy and enjoy each other. We still have a lot to be thankful for you guys. I won’t win because i don’t know what twitter is, but good luck to everyone and PEACE OUT.
#
WE decided not to buy gifts this year because everyone is living from paycheck to paycheck. I would go to our K Mart and buy food for them. You can get everything there. And i could get each family a Christmas feast. For that one day, they could forget the economy and enjoy each other. We still have a lot to be thankful for you guys. I won’t win because i don’t know what twitter is, but good luck to everyone and PEACE OUT.
#
If I could, I would get…
Sansui 19 in. (Diagonal) Class Widescreen LCD HDTV
Kmart item# 250000HDLCD-1900 Mfr. model# HDLCD-1900
$ 349.99
Apple 8GB iPod® Nano Digital Media Player – Pink
Kmart item# 018W929086050001 Mfr. model# MB735LL/A
$ 149.99
Thanks!
#
If I could, I would get…
Sansui 19 in. (Diagonal) Class Widescreen LCD HDTV
Kmart item# 250000HDLCD-1900 Mfr. model# HDLCD-1900
$ 349.99
Apple 8GB iPod® Nano Digital Media Player – Pink
Kmart item# 018W929086050001 Mfr. model# MB735LL/A
$ 149.99
Thanks!
#
We only have one K-mart left in our city so I don’t get there much(kind of a drive). Anyway, I was there last month and was suprised at all the cool stuff they had. I would love to do my shopping there for my kids but things are tight here as I’m sure they are for alot of people this year. Merry Christmas and Happy hollidays to all.
Bob
#
We only have one K-mart left in our city so I don’t get there much(kind of a drive). Anyway, I was there last month and was suprised at all the cool stuff they had. I would love to do my shopping there for my kids but things are tight here as I’m sure they are for alot of people this year. Merry Christmas and Happy hollidays to all.
Bob
#
I liked Chris’ description of his experience and the fact that he used it to help others as well. I hadn’t been to K-mart in quite some time, but went this year because they offered layaway. Although I couldn’t find everything on my list…I was surprised at the availability of many of the items. I’ve shopped for everyone else…I wouldn’t mind upgrading my tv to K-Mart’s
Sylvania 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV
Kmart item# 018W677925110001 Mfr. model# LC320SS9 429.99
That would be nice…………..
#
I liked Chris’ description of his experience and the fact that he used it to help others as well. I hadn’t been to K-mart in quite some time, but went this year because they offered layaway. Although I couldn’t find everything on my list…I was surprised at the availability of many of the items. I’ve shopped for everyone else…I wouldn’t mind upgrading my tv to K-Mart’s
Sylvania 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV
Kmart item# 018W677925110001 Mfr. model# LC320SS9 429.99
That would be nice…………..
#
Sylvania 20 in. Diagonal LCD DTV
Kmart item# 012W804681850001 Mfr. model# LC200SL9
$299.99
i want this item
#
Sylvania 20 in. Diagonal LCD DTV
Kmart item# 012W804681850001 Mfr. model# LC200SL9
$299.99
i want this item
#
I was surprized to read so many people don’t shop or haven’t shopped Kmart in years. It is one of my favorite places to find good deals. I have been buying winter coats there as a custom for years. The selection of clothing is priced better than Target where my sister worked, and she agrees. Give Kmart a second look, they may be surprized. I got an excellant deal on comforter last month, checker was wowed when she saw the price. I would wish for my son, the Sony 19 inch LGD Integrated HDTV (720) Kmart item #018W809619110001 Mfg. model # KDL-19M4000 $499.99.
#
I was surprized to read so many people don’t shop or haven’t shopped Kmart in years. It is one of my favorite places to find good deals. I have been buying winter coats there as a custom for years. The selection of clothing is priced better than Target where my sister worked, and she agrees. Give Kmart a second look, they may be surprized. I got an excellant deal on comforter last month, checker was wowed when she saw the price. I would wish for my son, the Sony 19 inch LGD Integrated HDTV (720) Kmart item #018W809619110001 Mfg. model # KDL-19M4000 $499.99.
#
Kmart item # 018W744985110001 would want 2
Kmart item # 255NDSACT8342701
Kmart item # 255NDSWAR4005201
Good luck to all and congrats to all winners
and to the one who commented a miracle if it happens, it’s Christmas time, what better time for miracles then now?
#
Kmart item # 018W744985110001 would want 2
Kmart item # 255NDSACT8342701
Kmart item # 255NDSWAR4005201
Good luck to all and congrats to all winners
and to the one who commented a miracle if it happens, it’s Christmas time, what better time for miracles then now?
#
#
#
Wow…I miss our KMart store and would really love a chance to make a special trip to shop there…I could use that giftcard to brighten the holidays for my 2 teenagers…heres my list…
GPX Portable DVD Player w/ 7 in. Widescreen Display
Kmart item # 018W928298110001 Mfr.model # Pd708B $79.99
Apple 16GB iPod® Nano Digital Media Player – Green
Kmart item # 018W929087900001 Mfr.model # MB913LL/A $199.99
Apple 16GB iPod® Nano Digital Media Player – Orange
Kmart item # 018W929088490001 Mfr.model # MB911LL/A $199.99
It comes to a total of $479.97 before taxes…
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
#
Wow…I miss our KMart store and would really love a chance to make a special trip to shop there…I could use that giftcard to brighten the holidays for my 2 teenagers…heres my list…
GPX Portable DVD Player w/ 7 in. Widescreen Display
Kmart item # 018W928298110001 Mfr.model # Pd708B $79.99
Apple 16GB iPod® Nano Digital Media Player – Green
Kmart item # 018W929087900001 Mfr.model # MB913LL/A $199.99
Apple 16GB iPod® Nano Digital Media Player – Orange
Kmart item # 018W929088490001 Mfr.model # MB911LL/A $199.99
It comes to a total of $479.97 before taxes…
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
#
I think this is the nicest promotion any retailer every has ever done especially at Christmas time. Kmart has a great selection especially since they carry the Craftsmans merchandise. The women get to shop while the men browse in the tool department. Thanks for the opportunity for the chance to win a shopping spree.
These are the following items I would like to win.
018W013950110001 Tom Tom Navigation System
018W966495110001 Zune
018W220084110001 Blue Ray DVD Player
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Missy
#
I think this is the nicest promotion any retailer every has ever done especially at Christmas time. Kmart has a great selection especially since they carry the Craftsmans merchandise. The women get to shop while the men browse in the tool department. Thanks for the opportunity for the chance to win a shopping spree.
These are the following items I would like to win.
018W013950110001 Tom Tom Navigation System
018W966495110001 Zune
018W220084110001 Blue Ray DVD Player
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Missy
#
Okay. I’ll take:
White Student Desk – $49.99
Kmart Item # 9990000021264411
UPC Item #29986076151
Modular Storage – $135.99
Kmart Item # 9990000021264411
UPC Item #29986076151
#
Okay. I’ll take:
White Student Desk – $49.99
Kmart Item # 9990000021264411
UPC Item #29986076151
Modular Storage – $135.99
Kmart Item # 9990000021264411
UPC Item #29986076151
#
My list:
John Louis Home 12″ Standard Red Mahogany Closet system x 2 at $264.99 each – Kmart item #258000000JLH-523
and
Sony 1-Disc DVD Player with Progressive Scan at $49.99 – Kmart item# 018W894752110001
Thank you!!
#
My list:
John Louis Home 12″ Standard Red Mahogany Closet system x 2 at $264.99 each – Kmart item #258000000JLH-523
and
Sony 1-Disc DVD Player with Progressive Scan at $49.99 – Kmart item# 018W894752110001
Thank you!!