I used to have a tradition with my sister-in-law, and every December 26th we’d go to the King of Prussia mall bright & early to hit the sales. Back then,Yankee Candle seldom did promotions throughout the year, but Dec 26 they’d put the entire store at 30% off so it was a great deal. Now, they constantly have promos and this day, they’ll only discount the holiday scents. Plus, it’s not the same shopping without my sister-in-law, as we now live 2200 miles apart.

I looked over the ads yesterday, saw some good sales, but didn’t really need anything.

Until I saw the weather forecast. And we have one pair of snow boots in the house for the boys and no snow pants. So out I went. I headed down to Price’s Corner first. JCPenney had a good $10 off $25 coupon in the paper, plus I had hoped to score some of the great Lands’ End kids’ boots at a great deal at Sears.

Penney’s had nothing. Completely wiped out.

Sears–scored the snow pants but no boots. The good news is that they are 40% off if you need them. Bad news is that they only have big kid sizes like 12, 1, 2.  Those boots really are fantastic and they hold their resale value for ebay or consignment.

Famous Footwear-nothing in the size I needed. Clerk at Sears suggested I try Rugged Wearhouse, which I found to be dumpy and they didn’t have kids’ shoes.

Next stop was Kohl’s on Kirkwood Highway where I was able to get some boots in the size I needed for 19.99. They’re Carter’s and their cute, but they do light up with each step he takes. He loves it, I’m just not a fan of light up shoes. He’s insisting on wearing them now, over his footie PJs in the house. I overheard a clerk at Kohl’s telling a dad that they are completely out of snow pants. He looked panicked, so I directed him down to Sears.

Kohl’s also had xmas stuff at 70% off so I got a really cute tree skirt and we were in need of a new one.

They had NO gloves or mittens or hats. What they had was fashionable, but not functional. I ended up purchasing a 3-pack of knit gloves, I figure as they get wet he’ll have a new pair to change in to. After five stores I was wiped out and didn’t want to go any where else, so that was it.

I guess I’m *that* parent, the one who waits until they are calling for snow to buy snow gear for their kids. So if you live near me and are in the same predicament–here’s a recap:

JCPenney-nothing
Sears-good selection of snow pants, not boots. Coats/snowpants are 60% off.
Famous Footwear-not a great selection
Kohl’s-no snow pants, boots for girls, not too many left for boys.

Good Luck!