Regular Tablescape and Household Searches

First, you’ll want to search for these regular table setting items and brands on eBay.  Depending on demand, you can usually find pretty good deals on tablescaping supplies, dishes, etc.

• “vintage table”, “vintage tea”, “tea set”, “table set”
• “table setting”, “table pad”, “table topper”
• “tablecloth”, “table runner”, “table pitcher”
• “tableskirts”, “table skirts”, “table covers”
• “napkins”, “mats”, “placemats”
• “napkin rings”
• “chargers”
• “place setting”
• “table decor”
• “Oneida”
• “Martha Stewart”
• “Better Homes and Gardens”
• “Pfaltzgraff”

Commonly Misspelled Household Items

If you didn’t find the low prices you were hoping for on eBay with your first searches, try our secret next.  Search eBay for commonly misspelled items and typing errors to get the advantage on bidding.  Common misspellings for tablescapes and household items:

• “dinning” instead of “dining”
• “table clorh” instead of “table cloth”
• “brocadd” instead of “brocade”
• “naplin” instead of “napkin”
• “platew” instead of “plate”
• “tes set” or “tee set” instead of “tea set”
• “saucerw” or “saucere” instead of “saucers”
• “table tunner” instead of “table runner”
• “centerpiecs”, “cebterpiece” or “centerpeice” instead of “centerpiece”
• “cebterpiece” instead of “centerpiece”
• “wine glsss” instead of “wine glass”
• “tabble” instead of “table”
• “flatwear” instead of “flatware”
• “vinntage”, “vintige” or”vintaje” instead of “vintage”
• “pfalzgraff”, “falzgraff”, or “pfaltzcraft” instead of “pfaltzgraff”

Have you found any super low prices for table setting and household items on eBay by using this secret?  Let us know in the comments.

For more great tablescape photos and information, check out Tablescape Thursday!

We talked about how to save 90% off kids’ clothes by shopping thrift stores out of season last week.  To make this strategy work, you’ll have to make an estimate of what size your child will be wearing at a certain point in time.  Always guess a bigger size instead of smaller, and if the clothes happen to be a bit too big, they’ll be able to grow into them.

The store sales and clearance schedule below lists the best times and places to buy kids’ clothes for the best price.  “Do not buy” indicates when the clothes will be at their highest prices of the year.  Bookmark or print out this list for future reference.  To all you mommy bloggers- if you like this list and think it will be helpful to others, please link to it for your readers!  The permalink is:

http://www.homeeverafter.com/buying-cheap-kids-clothes-store-sales-clearance-schedule. Thank you for helping support this site!

Kids’ School Clothes 

Buy long-sleeved shirts, jeans, pants, sweaters and other fall / winter type kids’ clothes in spring and summertime.  The best time to buy school clothes is April or May, when stores are trying to make room for summer clothes.

• Best time to buy at thrift stores: spring and summer.
• Do not buy: August or September.
• Retail store clearance time: April, May.

Halloween Costumes

For the best prices on kids’ Halloween costumes, look for them to appear at thrift stores all year round or at garage sales during the summer.  Consignment stores are a great source for cheap Halloween costumes as well.

• Best time to buy at thrift stores: November-August.
• Do not buy: September or October. 
• Retail store clearance time: November 1st-7th

Christmas Costumes and Themed Outfits

Retail stores start putting out cute kids’ Christmas outfits, like santa suits and elf costumes, around Thanksgiving time, but you’ll pay the highest prices possible if you buy them then and there.  eBay stores have super clearance sales on kids’ Christmas clothing the week after Christmas.

Winter photo by by fotologic.  Santa suit photo of Truett Ice-Simmons ©Danelle Ice/IS World Media.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to watch Walmart’s clearance items.  Many times their lowest price tag will still ring up LOWER at the checkout.  Here is my shocking find from this week as an example.

Maternity business button-up tops, by the brands Oh! Momma and Announcements:

• Regular price:          $16.87
• 1st clearance price:   $9.00
• 2nd clearance price:  $5.00
• 3rd clearance price:   $3.00
• 4th clearance price:   $1.00
• Rang up at checkout for just 31 cents EACH!

In the picture below, you can see some of the markdown stickers, the others were on the back of the tag.  I got 5 shirts for $1.55 total! This is a great way to buy clothing for gifts, or even sizes that your kids can grow into.  The Walmart clearance trick applies to items besides clothing as well, such as housewares and toys.  Watch for crafts and kits on clearance and stock up your gift-giving drawer.

Watch your clearance racks for spectacular savings!

For more Super Saturday Savings, check out Money Saving Mom.