Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

After Christmas Shopping

The day after Christmas is usually the biggest shopping day of the year.  That yearning to spend gift cards and bag a bargain persists in most of us. But the streets around the malls are still a traffic nightmare and the parking lots are filled with ill-mannered parking imbeciles. I try to avoid shopping the day after Christmas, but not this year.

Of course our kid wanted to go to the mall with friends. I told her she had to spend her own money and we made her take the bus.  She took her piggy bank filled with change to the Coin Star machine at Ralph’s and came up with $50. She had a great time shopping, bagged a couple of great deals and hung out with friends without adding to the insanity or digging into moms wallet.

We however, headed out to the sale at Stats in Pasadena. We went late, but it was still a zoo at 3pm and most of the items I was interested in were sold out. I still bagged a few large glass ornaments at 50% off and my hubby found some “Disco ball” ornaments at half off that he just had to have.

Then we headed out to our favorite used bookshop, Brand Books (231 N Brand Blvd., Glendale).
This clean, well-organized shop has a crack staff and the owner, an older guy named Jerome, is a gem. You’ll always find some quality books in any category and they will take special care if you mention you’re giving the book as a gift. They also mark down books on a regular basis, so you’ll always find a bargain!

We spent hours looking through the incredible selection of books and picked up a hard copy of Dracula and a historic picture book on WWII. Got both for under $20.
Afterward we cruised around the Goodwill store across the street. Where we spotted a totally retro cool, mint 1950’s Westinghouse Roaster for $20. We passed on it when I pointed out that we had nowhere to put it and as a vintage piece, it probably sucked a lot of electricity. Looking cool didn’t mean we had to buy it.

We mostly avoided the worst of the crowds, stayed away from the mall but still got some recreational shopping done.