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Kmart 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

Violette models 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.

Dyson vacuumsDad 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

Decent DVD selection 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

toysHere’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

The goods the bill

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.

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1,428 Comments


  1. I sent a Tweet!

    http://twitter.com/CorrinRenee/status/1034076089


  2. I sent a Tweet!

    http://twitter.com/CorrinRenee/status/1034076089

  3. Tracey

    Magnavox 10 in. Widescreen LCD Portable DVD Player
    Kmart item# 018W805697110001 Mfr. model# MPD-1035 $199.00

    Garmin NUVI 205 Kmart item #1210000100071740
    Mfr. model #205 $199.00

    Lexington High Chair – Cherry Finish
    Kmart item #9990000018126511
    Mfr. model #18126511 $99.00

    $3 to spare :^D

    Thanks for the great giveaway!

  4. Tracey

    Magnavox 10 in. Widescreen LCD Portable DVD Player
    Kmart item# 018W805697110001 Mfr. model# MPD-1035 $199.00

    Garmin NUVI 205 Kmart item #1210000100071740
    Mfr. model #205 $199.00

    Lexington High Chair – Cherry Finish
    Kmart item #9990000018126511
    Mfr. model #18126511 $99.00

    $3 to spare :^D

    Thanks for the great giveaway!


  5. I’d be right at $499.99 (before tax) with the Element 32 in. Class LCD Integrated HDTV and it would be totally worth it to put an end to my husband’s begging and whining. Haha.

    Kmart item# 012W804958950001 Mfr. model# ELCHS321


  6. I’d be right at $499.99 (before tax) with the Element 32 in. Class LCD Integrated HDTV and it would be totally worth it to put an end to my husband’s begging and whining. Haha.

    Kmart item# 012W804958950001 Mfr. model# ELCHS321

  7. Tracey

    I tweeted about the contest @tlpounds

    http://twitter.com/tlpounds/status/1034084517

    Thanks again!

  8. Tracey

    I tweeted about the contest @tlpounds

    http://twitter.com/tlpounds/status/1034084517

    Thanks again!


  9. I twittered this! iatraveler


  10. I twittered this! iatraveler


  11. I re-tweeted about the contest at
    My entry is above in the other comments.

    http://twitter.com/meechele7

    Thanks for the great post and the contest.

    Merry Christmas!

    Micki


  12. I re-tweeted about the contest at
    My entry is above in the other comments.

    http://twitter.com/meechele7

    Thanks for the great post and the contest.

    Merry Christmas!

    Micki


  13. Oops! Did you need this, too?

    http://twitter.com/iatraveler/status/1034089989

    JLHalsted(at)hotmail(dot)com


  14. Oops! Did you need this, too?

    http://twitter.com/iatraveler/status/1034089989

    JLHalsted(at)hotmail(dot)com


  15. Let’s see… Christmas is tight this year so we are only buying for the girls… However, I would like:
    His n Hers iPod Nano (3rd gen) Apple 8GB iPod® Nano™ Digital Audio/Video Player, Silver * Kmart item #018W426645110001 * Mfr. model #MA980LL/A @$199 each
    And a Rival 18qt Stainless Roaster with Buffet Server to help with the big meal * Kmart item #9990000092711911 * Mfr. model #176392 $49.99
    And a couple sets of these: Trim a Home 4pk Giant C7 Bulb Pathway Marker
    Kmart item# 009W524672110001 Mfr. model# 631-61807005-0 @ $15.99 each

    For a grand total of $479.53 (plus tax of $28.77) which leaves me at: $508.30

    I went over! Does that disqualify me? 🙂


  16. Let’s see… Christmas is tight this year so we are only buying for the girls… However, I would like:
    His n Hers iPod Nano (3rd gen) Apple 8GB iPod® Nano™ Digital Audio/Video Player, Silver * Kmart item #018W426645110001 * Mfr. model #MA980LL/A @$199 each
    And a Rival 18qt Stainless Roaster with Buffet Server to help with the big meal * Kmart item #9990000092711911 * Mfr. model #176392 $49.99
    And a couple sets of these: Trim a Home 4pk Giant C7 Bulb Pathway Marker
    Kmart item# 009W524672110001 Mfr. model# 631-61807005-0 @ $15.99 each

    For a grand total of $479.53 (plus tax of $28.77) which leaves me at: $508.30

    I went over! Does that disqualify me? 🙂


  17. Wow! How awesome would it be to win this?!?

    My parents are getting my boys each a Didj for Christmas so I’d get them some accessories/games:

    Didj Carrying Case (2) Kmart item #1030000000716999 $19.99 each

    Didj Indiana Jones Software (1) Kmart item #1030000000715774 $29.99

    Didj Spongebob Software (1) Kmart item #1030000000715569 $29.99

    The baby is outgrowing her infant carseat. I’ve been eyeing this one for a while now so I’d go ahead and get it:

    Evenflo Triumph Advance Car Seat (1) Kmart item# 024W89712411000 $125.99

    My sister is pregnant with her second child so this would be perfect for my nephew:

    LeapFrog My Own Learning Leap – Personalized Learning Kit – New Baby! My New Friend! Kmart item# 1030000000141067 $13.99

    We like to adopt a child from the Angel Tree so I’d use the rest of the money to buy gifts for more than one child on the Angel Tree this year.


  18. Wow! How awesome would it be to win this?!?

    My parents are getting my boys each a Didj for Christmas so I’d get them some accessories/games:

    Didj Carrying Case (2) Kmart item #1030000000716999 $19.99 each

    Didj Indiana Jones Software (1) Kmart item #1030000000715774 $29.99

    Didj Spongebob Software (1) Kmart item #1030000000715569 $29.99

    The baby is outgrowing her infant carseat. I’ve been eyeing this one for a while now so I’d go ahead and get it:

    Evenflo Triumph Advance Car Seat (1) Kmart item# 024W89712411000 $125.99

    My sister is pregnant with her second child so this would be perfect for my nephew:

    LeapFrog My Own Learning Leap – Personalized Learning Kit – New Baby! My New Friend! Kmart item# 1030000000141067 $13.99

    We like to adopt a child from the Angel Tree so I’d use the rest of the money to buy gifts for more than one child on the Angel Tree this year.


  19. I tweeted it too! I am aheartforhome


  20. I tweeted it too! I am aheartforhome


  21. I Tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/PsychMamma/status/1034118150


  22. I Tweeted!

    http://twitter.com/PsychMamma/status/1034118150


  23. I retweeted:
    http://twitter.com/DavetteB


  24. I retweeted:
    http://twitter.com/DavetteB


  25. retweeted…user name acvlangas
    Thanks for the opportunity


  26. retweeted…user name acvlangas
    Thanks for the opportunity

  27. Jon Mierow

    A little something for everyone. Here’s my list:

    LEGO Make and Create Town Building
    Kmart item #1030000000298398
    Mfr. model #298398
    Price: $139.99

    LEGO Star Wars: Ultimate Collectors AT-ST
    Kmart item #1030000000298378
    Mfr. model #298378
    Price: $79.99

    Canon Powershot
    Kmart item# 121000002508B001
    Mfr. model# SD1100IS-S
    Price: $199.99

    Coby Electronics 7 in. Widescreen Digital Photo Frame
    Kmart item #020W334226110001
    Mfr. model #DP-758
    Price: $49.99

    http://twitter.com/jonmierow/status/1034106465

  28. Jon Mierow

    A little something for everyone. Here’s my list:

    LEGO Make and Create Town Building
    Kmart item #1030000000298398
    Mfr. model #298398
    Price: $139.99

    LEGO Star Wars: Ultimate Collectors AT-ST
    Kmart item #1030000000298378
    Mfr. model #298378
    Price: $79.99

    Canon Powershot
    Kmart item# 121000002508B001
    Mfr. model# SD1100IS-S
    Price: $199.99

    Coby Electronics 7 in. Widescreen Digital Photo Frame
    Kmart item #020W334226110001
    Mfr. model #DP-758
    Price: $49.99

    http://twitter.com/jonmierow/status/1034106465

  29. Bethe

    I love Kmart, and sad that they are harder to find these days. They have long pants — which if you are a tall girl are a total necessity. Always great deals for the entire family.

  30. Bethe

    I love Kmart, and sad that they are harder to find these days. They have long pants — which if you are a tall girl are a total necessity. Always great deals for the entire family.


  31. Gotta love K-Mart! Thanks for posting this, Chris.
    Retweeted @nursewriter


  32. Gotta love K-Mart! Thanks for posting this, Chris.
    Retweeted @nursewriter


  33. I re-tweeted this before reading more and here is my list too.

    RT @chrisbrogan is giving away a $500 Kmart Gift Card on his blog – simply tweet or comment to enter http://urlbrief.com/27bb3f

    Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board
    Kmart item# 25500WIIRVLRRFNE Mfr. model# WII RVL R RFNE $89.99

    HoMedics Therapist Select Shiatsu Massage
    Kmart item# 038W787822110001 Mfr. model# SBM 200H $99.99

    JVC Mini DV Camcorder with 30X Optical Zoom
    Kmart item# 018W876971110001 Mfr. model# GRDA30US $199.99

    Biddeford Blankets Automatic Heated Blanket
    Kmart item # 070W406327110001 Mfr.model # B405825110 $69.99

    DreamAway Memory Foam Contour Pillow
    Kmart item# 070W149708110001 Mfr. model# F-PIL-07630 $19.79

    Thank you.


  34. I re-tweeted this before reading more and here is my list too.

    RT @chrisbrogan is giving away a $500 Kmart Gift Card on his blog – simply tweet or comment to enter http://urlbrief.com/27bb3f

    Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board
    Kmart item# 25500WIIRVLRRFNE Mfr. model# WII RVL R RFNE $89.99

    HoMedics Therapist Select Shiatsu Massage
    Kmart item# 038W787822110001 Mfr. model# SBM 200H $99.99

    JVC Mini DV Camcorder with 30X Optical Zoom
    Kmart item# 018W876971110001 Mfr. model# GRDA30US $199.99

    Biddeford Blankets Automatic Heated Blanket
    Kmart item # 070W406327110001 Mfr.model # B405825110 $69.99

    DreamAway Memory Foam Contour Pillow
    Kmart item# 070W149708110001 Mfr. model# F-PIL-07630 $19.79

    Thank you.


  35. Hi, I retweeted. @laurinandkelly Thanks!


  36. Hi, I retweeted. @laurinandkelly Thanks!


  37. Mongoose 26 in Womens Estes Bicycle Kmart item# 9990000047124711 $149.
    Schwinn 26 in mens Mirada Bicycle Kmart item# 080W733776110001 $149.
    Bell Deuce Helmet X2 Kmart item #080W104655110001 $59.98

    It’s time to get fit..together~

    TY


  38. Mongoose 26 in Womens Estes Bicycle Kmart item# 9990000047124711 $149.
    Schwinn 26 in mens Mirada Bicycle Kmart item# 080W733776110001 $149.
    Bell Deuce Helmet X2 Kmart item #080W104655110001 $59.98

    It’s time to get fit..together~

    TY


  39. First, let me say thank you for the generous giveaway! Wow! Fab!

    This is what I want…badly. Or shall I say, my website wants this really, really badly.
    item# 00392679000 Mfr. model# SP570

    Also, “Joe Boxer underpants” ahahaha hahaha!


  40. First, let me say thank you for the generous giveaway! Wow! Fab!

    This is what I want…badly. Or shall I say, my website wants this really, really badly.
    item# 00392679000 Mfr. model# SP570

    Also, “Joe Boxer underpants” ahahaha hahaha!


  41. I don’t think I’d buy a bike at K-Mart. Give $$ to your local bike shop. Instead, K-Mart seems perfect for vacuum cleaners, ladders and that other thing I need so badly….


  42. I don’t think I’d buy a bike at K-Mart. Give $$ to your local bike shop. Instead, K-Mart seems perfect for vacuum cleaners, ladders and that other thing I need so badly….

  43. Michael

    PS3 Kmart item# 018W963975110001 $399.99
    Little Big Planet Kmart item# 255PS3SCE9814801 $59.99
    Kung Fu Panda Blu-ray $34.99
    great contest… thanks.

  44. Michael

    PS3 Kmart item# 018W963975110001 $399.99
    Little Big Planet Kmart item# 255PS3SCE9814801 $59.99
    Kung Fu Panda Blu-ray $34.99
    great contest… thanks.


  45. Great contest! I have to admit I was up early on Friday so I decided to drive by some of the open stores. Walmart looked a little intimidating with 6 police cars and baracades of hundreds of shoppers and Kmart was 50 people a few minutes before opening. I landed a fluffy robe, slippers and pjs for my niece and 4 Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots for my 40yr old and above crowd of men who executives/fathers or not will love being thrown back to their youth for xmas. Including some personal items like gum, tide and shampoo that were on regular sale my bill came to $54. I’ll be a return customer!


  46. Great contest! I have to admit I was up early on Friday so I decided to drive by some of the open stores. Walmart looked a little intimidating with 6 police cars and baracades of hundreds of shoppers and Kmart was 50 people a few minutes before opening. I landed a fluffy robe, slippers and pjs for my niece and 4 Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots for my 40yr old and above crowd of men who executives/fathers or not will love being thrown back to their youth for xmas. Including some personal items like gum, tide and shampoo that were on regular sale my bill came to $54. I’ll be a return customer!

  47. Dan

    First Thing I would buy is the
    Sylvania 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV
    Kmart item# 018W677925110001

    Next would be:
    Quik Shade 10 ft. x 10 ft. Shade Tech 64 Canopy
    Kmart item# 9990000022407811

    Great stuff for home, and for camping!

  48. Dan

    First Thing I would buy is the
    Sylvania 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV
    Kmart item# 018W677925110001

    Next would be:
    Quik Shade 10 ft. x 10 ft. Shade Tech 64 Canopy
    Kmart item# 9990000022407811

    Great stuff for home, and for camping!


  49. This is an easy one…dh would have to have a flat screen for our bedroom. Probably the Sansui 26in w/Built in DVD (item 250000HDLCDVD260) for $599.00.

    Either that or they’d get a PS3 with all the gadgets and games to go with it-my guys a tech nut! lol

    Thanks for the giveaway!


  50. This is an easy one…dh would have to have a flat screen for our bedroom. Probably the Sansui 26in w/Built in DVD (item 250000HDLCDVD260) for $599.00.

    Either that or they’d get a PS3 with all the gadgets and games to go with it-my guys a tech nut! lol

    Thanks for the giveaway!

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