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.
#
This adds up to over $500, so I got carried away. I’m pleased that the Kmart receipt gives buyers a chance to provide real feedback besides rating 1-10 (as I had feedback from recent shopping experience, not being able to find some items I expected) as well as join the Sears/Kmart social network sk-you.viewpoints.com
I’ll retweet over at @eve11 – thanks!
HP Deskjet F4280 All-in-one printer, scanner, copier – #883585581313
Coleman Geosport 15X15X95′ Shade Tent – #076501012248
Coleman Folding 2-Burner Propane Stove – #076501222975
Mongoose Spark Mountain Bike – #038675520035
Linksys Wireless G Router – #745883584062
Oster Blender 12-Speed – #034264415645
Women’s Athletech Windsuit – #618527051001
Lost Season 4 DVD – #786936769838
#
This adds up to over $500, so I got carried away. I’m pleased that the Kmart receipt gives buyers a chance to provide real feedback besides rating 1-10 (as I had feedback from recent shopping experience, not being able to find some items I expected) as well as join the Sears/Kmart social network sk-you.viewpoints.com
I’ll retweet over at @eve11 – thanks!
HP Deskjet F4280 All-in-one printer, scanner, copier – #883585581313
Coleman Geosport 15X15X95′ Shade Tent – #076501012248
Coleman Folding 2-Burner Propane Stove – #076501222975
Mongoose Spark Mountain Bike – #038675520035
Linksys Wireless G Router – #745883584062
Oster Blender 12-Speed – #034264415645
Women’s Athletech Windsuit – #618527051001
Lost Season 4 DVD – #786936769838
#
This adds up to over $500, so I got carried away. I was pleased that Kmart receipt has a link to a good feedback survey (beyond the rate 1-10 variety) as I had some genuine remarks after my recent shopping experience, as well as being able to join the Sears/Kmart social network, http://sk-you.viewpoints.com
I’ll retweet over at @eve11 – thanks!
HP Deskjet F4280 All-in-one Printer Scanner Copier #883585581313
Coleman Folding 2-Burner Stove – #076501222975
Coleman Geosport 15x15x95′ Shade Tent – #076501012248
Mongoose Spark Mountain Bike – #038675520035
Linksys Wireless G Router – #745883584062
Oster Blender 12-Speed – #034264415645
Women’s Athletech Windsuit – #618527051001
Lost Season 4 DVD – #786926769838
#
This adds up to over $500, so I got carried away. I was pleased that Kmart receipt has a link to a good feedback survey (beyond the rate 1-10 variety) as I had some genuine remarks after my recent shopping experience, as well as being able to join the Sears/Kmart social network, http://sk-you.viewpoints.com
I’ll retweet over at @eve11 – thanks!
HP Deskjet F4280 All-in-one Printer Scanner Copier #883585581313
Coleman Folding 2-Burner Stove – #076501222975
Coleman Geosport 15x15x95′ Shade Tent – #076501012248
Mongoose Spark Mountain Bike – #038675520035
Linksys Wireless G Router – #745883584062
Oster Blender 12-Speed – #034264415645
Women’s Athletech Windsuit – #618527051001
Lost Season 4 DVD – #786926769838
#
Well, all I really want for Christmas is a Dyson Animal:
Kmart item# 006W707241110001 Mfr. model# 103
(But that’s a bit over at $549.99.)
But, the pugs and I would settle for a regular old Dyson All Floors Upright
Kmart item# 006W734090110001 Mfr. model# 69
for $379.99
#
Well, all I really want for Christmas is a Dyson Animal:
Kmart item# 006W707241110001 Mfr. model# 103
(But that’s a bit over at $549.99.)
But, the pugs and I would settle for a regular old Dyson All Floors Upright
Kmart item# 006W734090110001 Mfr. model# 69
for $379.99
#
Okay –
My 16 year old daughter wants the new iPod Nano for $199
item# 018W929088490001 Mfr. model# MB911LL/A (in orange of course)
I would then get the Yukon Express 200-Piece Wooden Train Set for $129.99
Kmart item# 1030000000785762 Mfr. model# 785762 for my 3 & 4 year old sons.
For me I would add the Smartparts 5.6 in. Digital Picture Frame – Black $59.99
Kmart item# 020W331269110001 Mfr. model# SP56M to display photos of my 3 kids enjoying their new gifts.
I would probably buy a Sony DVD/VCR Combo Player with Progressive Scan for $99.99
Grand Total of 488.97 (plus tax) and my kids would be thrilled!
Going to RT @SocialPMChick
Kmart item# 018W884931110001 Mfr. model# SLV-D380P for the whole family.
#
Okay –
My 16 year old daughter wants the new iPod Nano for $199
item# 018W929088490001 Mfr. model# MB911LL/A (in orange of course)
I would then get the Yukon Express 200-Piece Wooden Train Set for $129.99
Kmart item# 1030000000785762 Mfr. model# 785762 for my 3 & 4 year old sons.
For me I would add the Smartparts 5.6 in. Digital Picture Frame – Black $59.99
Kmart item# 020W331269110001 Mfr. model# SP56M to display photos of my 3 kids enjoying their new gifts.
I would probably buy a Sony DVD/VCR Combo Player with Progressive Scan for $99.99
Grand Total of 488.97 (plus tax) and my kids would be thrilled!
Going to RT @SocialPMChick
Kmart item# 018W884931110001 Mfr. model# SLV-D380P for the whole family.
#
My Kmart wishlist !
Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board, Kmart item #25500WIIRVLRRFNE, Mfr. model #WII RVL R RFNE $89.99 and
Sony PLAYSTATION®3 40GB
Kmart item# 018W963975110001 Mfr. model# PS3 SCE 98006, $399.99
$489.98 –
#
My Kmart wishlist !
Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board, Kmart item #25500WIIRVLRRFNE, Mfr. model #WII RVL R RFNE $89.99 and
Sony PLAYSTATION®3 40GB
Kmart item# 018W963975110001 Mfr. model# PS3 SCE 98006, $399.99
$489.98 –
#
I would totally get the Weslo Pro 13.8 Elliptical (Kmart item# 080W106406110001). That’s awesome!
#
I would totally get the Weslo Pro 13.8 Elliptical (Kmart item# 080W106406110001). That’s awesome!
#
I tweeted. http://twitter.com/angiesue43/status/1061482849. Thanks.
#
I tweeted. http://twitter.com/angiesue43/status/1061482849. Thanks.
#
All right – I picked out a JVC camcorder but it’s $509.99, so in keeping with the rules I’ll submit this less expensive camcorder:
Sony DVD Camcorder, Handycam®
Kmart item# 018W684805110001 Mfr. model# DCR-DVD610
which is $299.99 – but if I win I’ll pay the extra $10 myself & get the more expensive camcorder.
#
All right – I picked out a JVC camcorder but it’s $509.99, so in keeping with the rules I’ll submit this less expensive camcorder:
Sony DVD Camcorder, Handycam®
Kmart item# 018W684805110001 Mfr. model# DCR-DVD610
which is $299.99 – but if I win I’ll pay the extra $10 myself & get the more expensive camcorder.
#
I would love to win! Here is my wishlist:
1. Panasonic PAN DMC-TZ5K 9.1MP DIGITAL CAMERA, BLACK 10 X ZOOM, 3″ LCD, 28MM, HD VIDEO
Kmart item# 108000000DMCTZ5K Mfr. model# DMCTZ5K $349
2. Mio Moov 200 Portable GPS Navigator w/ 3.5 in. Touchscreen Display
Kmart item# 018W822342110001 Mfr. model# MIO MOOV 200 $129.99
Thanks !!!! & Merry Christmas to you!!
#
I would love to win! Here is my wishlist:
1. Panasonic PAN DMC-TZ5K 9.1MP DIGITAL CAMERA, BLACK 10 X ZOOM, 3″ LCD, 28MM, HD VIDEO
Kmart item# 108000000DMCTZ5K Mfr. model# DMCTZ5K $349
2. Mio Moov 200 Portable GPS Navigator w/ 3.5 in. Touchscreen Display
Kmart item# 018W822342110001 Mfr. model# MIO MOOV 200 $129.99
Thanks !!!! & Merry Christmas to you!!
#
Garmin NUVI 205
Kmart item# 1210000100071740 – $199.99
Apple 8GB iPod® Touch Digital Media Player – Black
Kmart item# 018W929092100001 – $229.99
Youre In Movies (With Camera)
Kmart item# 255XB3MICLKC0131 – $69.99
$500 goes by so fast!
#
Garmin NUVI 205
Kmart item# 1210000100071740 – $199.99
Apple 8GB iPod® Touch Digital Media Player – Black
Kmart item# 018W929092100001 – $229.99
Youre In Movies (With Camera)
Kmart item# 255XB3MICLKC0131 – $69.99
$500 goes by so fast!
#
So many items to choose from! I haven’t been in Kmart in ages, but the prices really are fabulous.
Here’s my “wish list”:
• Distinct Personalitites Pink Pop Sheet Set – full – $31.49
• Distinct Personalities Pink Pop Comforter Set – full – $44.99
• OXO spatula – Kmart item# 011W897773110001 – $5.99
• OXO 11 in. Good Grips Balloon Whisk – Sears item# 00836352000 – $7.19
• Sony DVD Camcorder, Handycam® – Kmart item# 018W684805110001 – $299.99
• Mr. Coffee 8 cup Thermal Programmable Coffeemaker – Kmart item# 011W515089110001 – $42.99
#
So many items to choose from! I haven’t been in Kmart in ages, but the prices really are fabulous.
Here’s my “wish list”:
• Distinct Personalitites Pink Pop Sheet Set – full – $31.49
• Distinct Personalities Pink Pop Comforter Set – full – $44.99
• OXO spatula – Kmart item# 011W897773110001 – $5.99
• OXO 11 in. Good Grips Balloon Whisk – Sears item# 00836352000 – $7.19
• Sony DVD Camcorder, Handycam® – Kmart item# 018W684805110001 – $299.99
• Mr. Coffee 8 cup Thermal Programmable Coffeemaker – Kmart item# 011W515089110001 – $42.99
#
#
#
All great stuff. If I win your contest I would pick a needy family or two to pick out what THEY need from K-Mart! Fun blog.
Andrea
#
All great stuff. If I win your contest I would pick a needy family or two to pick out what THEY need from K-Mart! Fun blog.
Andrea
#
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Kmart over the past few weeks. Toys selections are great and almost always in stock and prices are awesome. Gotta love some of those “at checkout” coupons too. If I won, I’d love to purchase Kmart item# 9990000025777711, a bunk bed, for my nephews. ($199) The boys, their Mom and sister have ben homeless since March and are moving into a new apartment tomorrow, with no beds! I’d probably want a gift card too so they could choose some kiddy bedding and something for sis and Mommy for the holidays! I’m handling Santa, but this would be a CRAZY, AWESOME bonus gift!! Thanks. Merry Christmas ALL!
#
I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Kmart over the past few weeks. Toys selections are great and almost always in stock and prices are awesome. Gotta love some of those “at checkout” coupons too. If I won, I’d love to purchase Kmart item# 9990000025777711, a bunk bed, for my nephews. ($199) The boys, their Mom and sister have ben homeless since March and are moving into a new apartment tomorrow, with no beds! I’d probably want a gift card too so they could choose some kiddy bedding and something for sis and Mommy for the holidays! I’m handling Santa, but this would be a CRAZY, AWESOME bonus gift!! Thanks. Merry Christmas ALL!
#
Thank you so much for this amazing giveaway! Here is my Kmart wishlist:
Emer Donatello Upright 1000 Watt Vacuum Cleaner, White – $159.99
Kmart item #1060000000909010
Roomba Remote Control Vacuum
Kmart item# 006W225058110001 Mfr. model# 40901 – $129.99
Garmin NUVI 205
Kmart item# 1210000100071740 Mfr. model# 205 – $199.99
Essential Home Small Apple Pattern Oval Dish
Kmart item# 011W429643110001 Mfr. model# 42964311 – $9.99
#
Thank you so much for this amazing giveaway! Here is my Kmart wishlist:
Emer Donatello Upright 1000 Watt Vacuum Cleaner, White – $159.99
Kmart item #1060000000909010
Roomba Remote Control Vacuum
Kmart item# 006W225058110001 Mfr. model# 40901 – $129.99
Garmin NUVI 205
Kmart item# 1210000100071740 Mfr. model# 205 – $199.99
Essential Home Small Apple Pattern Oval Dish
Kmart item# 011W429643110001 Mfr. model# 42964311 – $9.99
#
Tweet, tweet! I tweeted this here:
http://twitter.com/hardertobreathe/status/1062249301
My Twitter username is hardertobreathe. Thank you!
#
Tweet, tweet! I tweeted this here:
http://twitter.com/hardertobreathe/status/1062249301
My Twitter username is hardertobreathe. Thank you!
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
#
I’d love to finally own an HDTV like this one: Element 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Kmart item# 012W804958950001
#
I’d love to finally own an HDTV like this one: Element 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Kmart item# 012W804958950001