The official date answer to the question “When do Christmas Sales Start?” is Black Friday, which is the Friday immediately following Thanksgiving.  As you probably know, stores have tremendous sales on the day after Thanksgiving.  Black Friday is also known as the biggest shopping day of the year.

To avoid long lines and get the best deal, we prefer Black Friday at Amazon.  When you buy Christmas Gifts Online, you receive many benefits.

The first benefit of shopping for Christmas Gifts online is price.  It’s simple really.  Online retailers do not have the overhead of a brick and mortar store and thus can give you the lowest price.

We find another great benefit of shopping online is the shopping experience itself.  Sometimes, browsing through virtual aisles is easier than browsing through real ones.  There are no crowds to slow you down and get the last gift available.

Retailers do not have the ability to stock a tremendous amount of gifts.  Thus, during the Christmas season, they often run out of stock.  This is another good reason to ask when do Christmas sales start.  If you shop early, you eliminate the risk that your particular gift will not be available.  And if you Christmas shop early and online, you will not be victimized by limited availability.  Online Stores warehouse products in large facilities and run out of merchandise far less frequently.

If you want to get an early start on the Christmas Season, you may also want to check out some other retailers.  Many of them start their Black Friday sales early to beat the competition.  For example, last year, Walmart held a secret Christmas sale that actually began the first Friday in November.   You may want to sign up at Walmart.com to get their secret Christmas Sales announcements.

Other stores are getting in on the act too.  Sears, for example, already has a Christmas Lane set up for those who want to start shopping for Christmas right now.  And Toys R Us began a Christmas in July sale.  Yes, July!

Thus, while the conventional answer to When Do Christmas Sales Start? is the Friday after Thanksgiving–Black Friday– many stores have already begun offering Christmas sales.

In summary, it is a very good idea to shop early for Christmas presents.  You get great deals and you can be sure that items are in stock.  Also, this helps you budget better for Christmas as you will not be stuck with huge bills in December.

We recommend the Amazon Black Friday page as a first stop.   If you search carefully online, you can find great bargains that will be in stock and you will not have to get in line at 4 in the morning on Black Friday!

A Great Toddler Christmas Gift: The Playskool Busy Bee Hopper

The Busy Bee Hopper makes one of the best Toddler Christmas Gifts and has received tremendous reviews from many of those who have used it.

As you see below, of the 683 people who have reviewed the Busy Bee Hopper, it has received nearly perfect reviews.

In fact, one grandmother stated:

“I ordered this for my one year old granddaughter. She seems to like it. My two year old granddaughter has one and always played with it. It is a toy the kids like.”

This game is perfect for those 9 months old to 3 years.  It has lots of music and balls flying everywhere providing both education and fun for your child.

It has been selected as one of the Best Christmas Christmas Gifts of 2009 for the toddler group.  The reason?  The kids smile and learn at the same time!

Get yours now before they sell out over the holiday season.

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper by Hasbro: Product Description

Hasbro has been a mainstay in making outstanding quality toys for kids for many, many years.  Here is what they had to say of the Busy Ball Hopper:

Get ready for some poppin’, droppin’, air-powered fun. Drop the five colorful balls onto the track. Watch them pop out of the top, roll down, then pop out all over again. Sometimes the balls spill over for even more interactive, put-and-take play. Silly sound effects and eight upbeat tunes accompany the animated action. This toy provides one “air-mazing”…read more“.

Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper: Customer Reviews

More important than what the manufacturers claim is how people reacted when they bought it.

On August 16, this mother said: “This is a fun little toy. It is educational to the point where you can count the balls. And it helps the small children understand that you have to put the balls back in in order for them to pop out. ” She named her review Ball Popper and gave Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper a 4 star rating.

On August 12, this reviewer agreed with the previous one: “I agree that the balls tend to roll everywhere, but the kids are now older (3 yrs and 18 mos)and having fun collecting them. It is a little loud, but it is sturdy and has held up with 3 toddlers playing it for nearly two years now. When they come over (I’m a grandma) it’s one of the first toys that they go to…”  This grandma named her review The kids love it and they gave Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper a 5 star rating.

On August 04, this grandma said: “I ordered this for my one year old granddaughter. She seems to like it. My two year old granddaughter has one and always played with it. It is a toy the kids like.”  She named her review Abby’s birthday present by Grandma and gave Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper a 4 star rating.

Based on all 683 reviews, the Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper has achieved an average rating of 4.0 STARS out of 5!

It’s time.   Buy the Hasbro Playskool Busy Ball Popper now.

A Christmas Caster Board: Great Christmas Gift for Teens

Are you aware of hot new gifts for teenagers?  If you are in search of Christmas ideas for teenagers, the Ripstik Caster board may just be your answer. 

A Ripstik Caster Board looks like a hybrid between a skateboard and a snowboard.  But it is the best of both!

A Ripstik Caster Board is designed for those who are 8 years and older and supports people up to 220 pounds.

Unlike a traditional skateboard, you do not need to push the Caster Board even though it rides on the ground.  It simply uses shifts in weight to maintain forward momentum.

Suffice to say, the Caster Board is a hot gift and has been selected for our Best Christmas Gifts for 2009 site.

One of the latest reviewers simply says “This thing is amazing!”

Read the reviews below and then get your Ripstick for they sell out now!

Ripstik Caster Board (Red) by Ripstik: Product Description

This truly is an amazingly stylistic way to get around and a very hot gift for teens.  Here is what Ripstick had to say about their board:

Razor RIPSTIK in-line caster board. Easier to ride than a skateboard. Plastic end platforms with metal torsion beam. 86A Inline-type wheels on precision ABEC-5-sealed bearing casters. Spiked traction pads and kick tail and raised nose with concave design for tricks and improved footing. Ages 8+, weight limit 220lbs….read more“.

Ripstik Caster Board (Red): Customer Reviews

As we do with all of the great gifts at the Christmas Store, let’s take a look at the latest reviews of the Ripstik.

On August 12, this reviewer said: “My daughter was very surprised over getting the hot pink rip stick! We Love this product and can’t believe how easy it is to use, highly recommend this product.” This mother named her review Very Happy 11 year old and they gave Ripstik Caster Board (Red) a 5 star rating.

On July 14, this reviewer said: “I’ve had the ripstik for 1 year now and i havent had to change the wheels yet, im 12 and im 5′4 at 91 lbs and i cant do tricks (except the wheelie) i ride it around the driveway, i have complete control over it, if your a skateboarder its pretty easy. i recommend it highly.” This person named their review This thing is amazing. and they gave Ripstik Caster Board (Red) a 5 star rating.

On July 07, this parent proclaimed: “My kids love their new Ripstiks. Every free moment is taken up with them using their new boards.”  She called her review Fantastic Fun and gave Ripstik Caster Board (Red) a 5 star rating.

On June 23, this grandma  said: “My oldest granddaughter, Cara, loves her Rip Stick…she has some good moves….good construction on this products. Has held up well ” This person named their review Grandaughters Rip Stick and they gave Ripstik Caster Board (Red) a 5 star rating.

Even grandmas are chiming in!

Based on all 223 reviews, the Ripstik Caster Board (Red) has achieved an average rating of 4.5 STARS out of 5!

They will sell out over the holidays.   Buy the Ripstik Caster Board (Red) now.

Sports Lovers Christmas Gift for Him or Her: Extreme Workout Bar

If you are looking for a Christmas Gift for the workout enthusiast that won’t break your bank account, the Iron Gym is it.

It is rare that a piece of workout equipment receives such raves from its user.  Most of the time people buy workout equipment, use it for a week, and then put it in a closet never to be seen again.

However, the Workout Bar works and people who use it love it!  (You do have to use it to have it work )

One recent real user of this product said:

This exercise product is great. I bought it thinking it would be pretty good but what I got exceeded my expectations.

People are frankly amazed at the results this will provide. At only $29, it is one of the best workout products on the market.

Why is it so effective? The answer is simple. Body resistance. Ask yourself this question: Do you know anybody who can do pull-ups that does not look great?

The reason is simple: Pull-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups work out every single muscle.

So, if you are looking for a Christmas Gift for Him or a Christmas Gift for Her, this is the perfect gift for them if they enjoy staying in shape!

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition by Pro Fit: Product Description

Pro Fit has been behind the Iron Bar since its inception.  Here is what they say about the latest Extreme Edition:

The amazing new IRON GYM Xtreme by Pro Fit is the perfect workout solution for your home, office, or dorm room! With the single unit, you can work your Chest, Arms, Shoulders, Back, Abs, and more! You can do pull ups and chinups, situps, pushups, and dips.

Iron Gym Xtreme is the multi function training bar that combines every exercise you need to…read more“.

Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition: Customer Reviews

Well, we have seen what the manufacturers have to say, but let’s take a look at what those who use the Iron Bar have to say:

In a review on August 26 entitled capybara wrote, ”

On August 23, this reviewer said: “I am a hockey player and I have a very busy daily schedule. This upper body workout bar is an easy way to get a very good workout in. If you want to get strong or just want to look good, this is the thing for you….Overall this was a very good buy.   P.S Fit in my door perfectly. I have a normal door… maybe even on the small side, but it fits very nicely.”   This person named their review Perfect workout couldn’t have asked for more! and they gave Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition a 5 star rating.

The great reviews of the Extreme Bar continue:  On August 22, this reviewer said: “This exercise product is great. I bought it thinking it would be pretty good but what I got exceeded my expectations. The quality is very good and if you put it together carefully and securely and use it according to the directions, it is safe.   This product works well for me in addition to my 8 pound medicine ball and dumbell set.” This person named their review Great Product and they gave Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition a 5 star rating.

Based on all 104 reviews, the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition has achieved an average rating of 4.0 STARS out of 5!

Those who use it get in great shape so…

Buy the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar - Extreme Edition now.

Family Christmas Games: Electronic Monopoly

The classic is back and modernized!

We love finding great Family Christmas Games.  After all, Christmas is a time meant to be enjoyed with family and what game could be better than Monopoly…the all time classic game.

How is this monopoly different than the original?  It has been modernized…it’s electronic and uses electronic money.

What does this mean?  It means that you do not spend your time counting money.  Rather, the new Electronic Monopoly is a game you can finally finish as all the money is counted electronic.

It’s one of the best Family Christmas Gifts 2009 so order it fast before it runs out!

Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition by Hasbro: Product Description

Monopoly, as you may remember, is made by Hasbro and it is a classic game for all to play.  Hasbro describes their new electronic version this way:

Now players can experience the most current version of Monopoly with an electronic banking unit instead of cash. A truly fun experience which utilizes today’s trend of a cashless society.

The Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition game combines the best of classic Monopoly with updated electronic transactions. As with the original version, players still…read more“.

Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition: Customer Reviews

Let’s take a look at what recent purchasers of Electronic Monopoly had to say….

One reviewer recently summed up the sentiments of many:  “All in all, monopoly is an awesome game, and that still goes for this electronic banking version. We are enjoying it a lot, and in all likelihood you and your families will enjoy it, too.” This reviewer gave Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition a 4 star rating.

On February 19, this reviewer said: “We like to play games with our kids and with friends. But we never played much monopoly, it seemed too involved. Now, with this electronic version, playing is much faster and more fun! With no money to be counted the pace picks up and you can actually enjoy the game!” This person named their review Family fun and they gave Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition a 5 star rating.

The bottom line with electronic monopoly is that it is much more fast-paced.  The classic addition is very difficult to finish as money is counted and changing hands.  This new version is fast, furious, and fun!

In a review on February 15 entitled much faster, ldylyn40 wrote, “The game goes much faster when your not stopping to count out paper money. However I wish the game board was the old Atlantic City. Guess its just because I’m a Jersey girl.

” This reviewer gave Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition a 4 star rating.

On February 06, this reviewer said: “I don’t think I’d ever finished a game of Monopoly before we bought this version. It’s all the fun of the original Monopoly without the tedium of dealing with the paper money. We can get through a game much faster, so I actually suggest playing this on game nights instead of trying to convince my friends to play something else!” This person named their review Monopoly without the tedium and they gave Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition a 4 star rating.

Based on all 66 reviews, the Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition has achieved an average rating of 4.0 STARS out of 5!

The people love it! Get yours before they run out. Buy the Monopoly Electronic Banking Edition now.

The Settlers of Catan: A Great Christmas Toy for 2009

The Settlers of Catan has made our list of Best Selling Christmas Toys! It is a game of strategy that allows kids to learn about developing cities, roads, and settlements on their way to victory.

This game is for ages 10 and older and has climbed to a status of the Best Selling Game of the Year.  Kids simply love it!

One of the great thing about this game is that it can be played by adults as well allowing parents time to interact with their children.

And, it fits our beloved category of Edutainment allowing your child to have fun and learn at the same time.

In more than 200 reviews, The Settlers of Catan has received almost perfect reviews by all those who have used it.  Get yours now!

The Settlers of Catan by MayFair Games: Product Description

Mayfair Games is one of the best toy manufactures and they spared no ingenuity with Settlers of Catan.  Here is what they had to say about the game:

One of the most successful games of all time, Settlers of Catan is a trading and building game set in the mythical world of Catan. Players roll dice to determine which resources are generated each round and then must strategically trade those resources with other players to get what they need to build their settlements, cities, and roads. With multiple…read more“.

The Settlers of Catan: Customer Reviews

Let’s take a look at many of the latest reviews for Settlers of Catan.

On August 23, this reviewer said: “a fantastic game. it blends strategy, luck, and player vs. player gameplay really well. it’s very well-designed…”

This person named their review one of the most well-balanced game of strategy, luck, and player vs. player gameplay. very addicting and they gave The Settlers of Catan a 5 star rating.

In a review on August 18 entitled Great Game, olshan wrote, “This is a fantastic game which has simple enough rules not to spend forever trying to learn and varied enough for some very challenging and fun games.”

This reviewer gave The Settlers of Catan a 5 star rating.

On August 16, this reviewer said: “Teenagers and grown-ups alike love this game in our house…teen friends come over sometimes just to play! It’s a winner!” This person named their review The Settlers of Catan a great game! and they gave The Settlers of Catan a 5 star rating.

Great reviews abound on Settlers.   Based on all 204 reviews, the The Settlers of Catan has achieved an average rating of 4.5 STARS out of 5!

Buy the The Settlers of Catan now.

Sexy Anklet: A Great Christmas Gift for Her

Sometimes, you need to break free of the norm.  The norm in jewelry of course is earrings and necklaces.

However, this Christmas you can go unique, special, and extraordinary!

Anklets are sexy, unique, and highlight a woman’s beautiful legs.  We have chosen this diamond cut anklet for our Christmas Gifts For Her page as it not only says “I love you” but lets her know that you still think that she is the sexiest woman in your life.

This particular anklet comes from Jewelry Days and is 14k beautiful white gold.   This stunning white gold chain is accompanied by a heart which is just the perfect way to tell her you love her at Christmas time.

This anklet comes from Amazon and they have a tremendous section of anklets that you may enjoy.

An anklet is the perfect Christmas Gift for wife or girlfriend….get yours now!

14K White Gold. Diamond Cut Cable Heart Anklet by Jewelry Days: Product Description

Jewelry Days makes fantastic looking jewelry and tremendous prices.  Here is what they have to say about this cut:

14K White Gold. Diamond Cut Cable Heart Anklet. Discover a new way to enhance your radiance with this heart anklet. Crafted in glistening and rich 14K White Gold. It features a diamond cut cable a 14KT. white gold heart dangling from the cable chain. This carefree accessory adds an unexpected shimmer around your ankle. Gold White 14K Approx Wgt 1.14…read more“.

14K White Gold. Diamond Cut Cable Heart Anklet: Customer Reviews

Joanne from Tennessee says,:

“I ordered this from Amazon (I didn’t even know they sold Jewelry) and it arrived promptly and immediately caught my eye.  I loved it!  Two weeks later, I saw the same anklet at the mall…and it costs double what I paid.  I am going to Amazon for all my jewelry in the future!”

This anklet will be a perfect Christmas stocking filler. Buy the 14K White Gold. Diamond Cut Cable Heart Anklet now.

Best Laptop Deal for Christmas

Do you think laptops are prohibitively expensive?

Well, that is all in the past with the new ASUS laptop, which is not technically a laptop.  It is called  a Netbook!

What is the difference between a laptop and a Netbook?  Netbooks are designed for ultra-portability which make them great Christmas gifts for teenagers who need to bring their laptops to school.

If users of laptops have one common complaint, it is this:  The battery life is terrible.  Not so with this Asus Netbook.  It gets over 10 hours of consecutive battery life.  For those who run out of battery life in 2-4 hours, you  will love this little machine!

At under $4o0, this Netbook cannot be beat on price and quality.  It makes a great gift for just about anybody and certainly makes our list of great gadgets for Christmas.

Want to know more?  View many of the user responses below and buy the ASUS netbook before stocks run out!

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life by Asus: Product Description

ASUS, the manufacture of this brilliant little Netbook, boast about their product this way:

Embrace mobile computing in style with the revolutionary Eee PC 1005HA-P. With an unsurpassed battery life of 10.5 hours, the 1005HA-P eliminates the need to worry about power while on the go. The 1005HA-P packs the latest ATOM CPU from Intel, the N280, which offers a 667MHz FSB, the fastest in its class. Built-in wireless technologies including Wi-Fi…read more“.

ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life: Customer Reviews

The feedback from people who have already used a product is critical in the technology arena.

What have people said about this Netbook?

Since we only choose the Best Christmas Gifts for 2009, you know that it will be good, but let’s have a look at the details:

On August 25, this reviewer said: “…, the Asus Eee PC 1005HA is everything you could want in a very small computer. For a fairly advanced computer that will run you less than $400, Asus delivers with this nice little model.” This person named their review netbook with power and battery life and they gave ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life a 5 star rating.

On August 24, this reviewer said: “Purchased this ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BU 10.1-Inch Blue Netbook for a Round The World trip. After doing lots of research on the various netbooks out there this was the most reasonable and had the best overall reviews…”

On August 24, this reviewer said: “I bought this netbook and find it to be very practical, user friendly, and it almost has all that a destop would have (with the exception of a cd/dvd drive), it’s light weight, and has many of the features of a big laptop.   This person named their review EEE PC 1005HA- Worth to Have it! and they gave ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life a 4 star rating.

On August 24, this reviewer said: “Let me start by saying I am a Mac person, but since Mac isn’t making a netbook…yet…this seemed like a great option.

And it is - for Internet and e-mail; pictures and music. It’s lightweight and extremely portable and comfortable to use.”

If a dedicated Mac user recommends another product, you know that it is good!

Based on all 144 reviews, the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life has achieved an average rating of 4.0 STARS out of 5!

Get this Asus Netbook before it sells out. Buy the ASUS Eee PC 1005HA-PU1X-BK 10.1-Inch Black Netbook - 10.5 Hour Battery Life now.

Best Christmas Gift for Men Under $20: A Personalized Beer Mug

Sometimes, men can be difficult to buy for.  At the Christmas Store Online, we try to ease that burden  for you with our Christmas Gifts for Men 2009 page.

We categorize the Personalized Beer Mug as one of the best, inexpensive Christmas Gifts for men!

For normally under $20, you can get him a great, sturdy and stout beer mug with his name on it or an engraving of your choosing.

If your man is not a beer drinker, this mug doubles as a large coffee mug or soda mug as well.

Men love special, engraved gifts!  And they might just use this personalized Beer Mug just about everyday.

It is easily one of the best Christmas Gifts for your boyfriend, husband, father, and special male friend…all at a price that you can afford!

PERSONALIZED Engraved 25 Ounce CLASSICALLY STYLED SPORTS MUG Bar Pub BEER GLASS by Xtreme Collectibles: Product Description

Xtreme Collectibles manufactures this beer mug and describes their product this way:

This heavy, quality glassware looks great and will last for years. These personalized gifts are perfect for your bachelor party, golf outing, anniversary, company party gifts or housewarming gifts. Names and dates are etched directly onto the glassware using precision laser guided equipment. Classically styled with a comfortable handle and weighty bottom,…read more“.

Get a great inexpensive Christmas gift for your man: Buy the PERSONALIZED Engraved 25 Ounce CLASSICALLY STYLED SPORTS MUG Bar Pub BEER GLASS now.

Melissa & Doug Standing Easel: A Great Christmas Gift for Toddlers

The Melissa and Doug Standing Easel is an extremely popular gift with the kids this year and has earned its standing on our list of Christmas Gifts for Kids 2009.

What is the Melissa and Doug Standing Easel?  Well, we are all familiar with the artist standing at his easel drawing portraits and pictures.  This is the same thing except that it is for your kids.  It draws out their inner artist!

Why does this Standing Easel make such a great Christmas Gift for Toddlers?

Well, the easel falls into our favorite category for kids–Edutainment.  Kids both love it and learn from it!

Your child will spend hours exercising their creative juices with the easel.  It allows them to safely draw and create for hours.  Instead of endless hours enjoying passive activities like TV, this easel allows your child to creatively flourish…and this is why the Easel is such a great Christmas Gift for Kids.

Remember, each of the Toddler Gifts we present are often very popular so get yours before they sell out this holiday season!

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel by Melissa & Doug: Product Description

Melissa & Doug bring you the standing easel.  Here is how they describe their product:

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel Give your child the freedom to explore creativity with the Melissa and Doug Standing Easel. This adjustable-height deluxe wooden easel comes with the accessories needed to help turn your child into the next Van Gogh. The colorful clips, sturdy paint tray with cup holders, and easy-loading paper roll will allow…read more“.

Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel: Customer Reviews

The latest person who purchased the Easel had this to say:

On July 19, this reviewer said: “Great buy for the money!! My daughter loves it and it completes everything she would need to go with her easel. Love the spill proof cups and easy to use containers of paint.

The only note to add is you will need to buy a black board eraser separately (it comes with a dry marker eraser)” .

This person named their review Perfect finishing touch to easel!! and they gave Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel a 5 star rating.

Based on all 1 reviews, the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel has achieved an average rating of 5.0 STARS out of 5!

Buy the Melissa and Doug Deluxe Standing Easel now.