Don't You Just Love a Bargain?

Don’t You Just Love a Bargain?

Learning to shop as a grandparent continues to be an adventure. I simply love buying clothes for them….. at rock bottom prices! Over the years through observation both at school and out and about with my grandchildren, I have noticed how others respond/interact with well-dressed children. The cuter the child looks, the more words, smiles, and hugs others bestow. A child whose clothes are nondescript, whose face is smudged with goo, (not cute goo, but the stuff that looks like someone forgot to wash!), and whose general appearance is unkempt, simply will not get the positive vibes that a child who looks cute attracts like a magnet. However, dressing “cutely” can be very expensive, if you don’t know how to get those adorable clothes at bargain prices. I am not going to discuss buying toys here, as I do little of that, and only when we have been allocated a specific, much-desired item. They already have houses full of “stuff”, and we do not need to add the collection!
First rule is never, ever, ever buy anything that is not on sale. I generally do not look at the rack until it says at least 50% off, and I prefer 75% and 80%. Once the price ends in 7 (as in $5.97 or $19.97), it is not going to go any lower. It will be shipped off to wherever retailers designate as their final destination. I learned that from a friend who works in retail (she says it is universal) and also on GMA’s shopping tips before Christmas one year. Most children’s stores (Gap, Gymboree, Hannah Anderson, Hart Strings, to name a few) usually put the clearance or most heavily discounted items way up back. That forces you to walk by all the lovely but unaffordable (and not on sale!) “new arrivals” that invite you to peruse them on your way to the bargains. At Hart Strings I got both the red velour jacket and pleated skort you can see Emma wearing in the picture for under $10….for both! They were not together on the 80% off rack; first I found the jacket and was looking for something to go with it, when I happened upon the skort. In the town of North Conway, NH, there are many outlet stores. On Rte. 16 N headed out of town toward Jackson is an outlet store for The Wooden Soldier, a catalogue store for upscale children’s clothing (and matching adult versions, too, if you like to dress like your child…. you can even do the whole family!). Here the clothing is somewhat discounted. However, in downtown North Conway, behind the Joe Jones Ski Outlet, is the truly discounted Wooden Soldier store. Just to make things even more confusing, the store out front is, again, only slightly discounted, while the one in the back has better prices….. and the back room of the back store has the best deals of all!
Every clothing item in the pictures accompanying this blog was purchased on sale. The twins’ sport coats, pants and ties I found in a TJMaxx in Portland, Maine. I’d gone with a group of women to have lunch and attend a concert, and we had some time to spare, so, of course, we looked for our favorite stores (Marshals and Home Goods being the others). I was just making my way through the clearance rack when I found the first one…. size 3T…. and it was marked $5! I checked it all over…. what could be wrong with it that I could get all three pieces for that price??? Couldn’t find a thing. What were the chances I could also find it in a 4T (the twins are no more alike than two strangers on the street!) and voila, there it was! They were the only two in the whole rack (I kept looking thinking I might find something for Owen, also a 4T at the time). For $10 I got dress up outfits for two children. So what if they only wear them a few times?
That’s the other kicker. Real dress up clothes get worn but once or twice, so you just hate to pay big bucks for them. They outgrow them before they can wear them very often, and the occasions are just not there. But they look so darn cute when they are all gussied up…..
If you shop end-of-season for the following year, you will get unbelievable bargains. Right now all things winter are significantly reduced in our area. Soon they will disappear from even the clearance racks, so it is a great time to go shopping. You guestimate the sizes, and even if something doesn’t fit, donate it to a local charity group (such as a church shop) and write it off as a tax deduction. For years I have bought winter jackets for both genders and dress coats for the girls at truly rock bottom prices. Look for good names if you have more than one grandchild so the item can be passed down. For example, Rothschild is simply a quality name in outerwear. The girls’ coats have endured through several children, and look so beautiful. I was trying to find one for Molly, and next to the coffee shop I frequently meet friends at was a children’s clothing store. I rarely went in, except during the sidewalk sale in August, because it was just too expensive. One day I ventured in after coffee because there was a huge sale sign in the window. I fell in love with a gray Rothschild, trimmed just a bit in gray fur…. but it was $75, which was out of my budget, even though Molly could then hand it down to Emma and Megan. Macy’s had the same coat for $90, so it was on sale, but…. Now I was a bit obsessed. I went back three or four more times, until the proprietor said, “What are you looking for?”, obviously noticing my returns. I was candid and told her what I was up to….she then asked, ”What will it take for you to buy it?” I said I really couldn’t pay more than $30. She said she would throw in a muff for $35….and the coat is still alive and well and getting used. However, as I write this, I realize I have no idea what happened to the muff.
One thing I have not had much luck with is shoes. I need to write down sizes, but then they change overnight. One time I got the cutest rain boots in Restoration Hardware; no idea why they were carrying them, and they obviously wanted to get rid of them, because they were $5/pair. I bought several different kinds and sizes (lady bugs, frogs, etc.) and was able to find feet for all of them!
In general the children like the clothing I get, with an occasional error. Now they are getting older, and I am not so sure when they will become so particular that I will not be able to choose things for them anymore. I suspect that I will then take them shopping with me, which I imagine I will enjoy, but differently. I do love poking around in the backs of these stores, with no particular agenda, and snagging such wonderful buys routinely enough to keep me coming back. I know that by helping them to look as darling as I know they are, I am also increasing the depth of warm responses they are getting from people who encounter them looking so cute….talk about two birds with one stone! Happy shopping!

Tip #13: Scour the children’s stores for bargains and end of season clearance sales so you can promote your grandchild’s love factor by helping him or her to dress attractively.

Highly Recommended Books #2

Highly Recommended Books #2

“Grammy, hi, it’s me, Noah….you know, your grandson?"
“Oh, yes, of course….Noah….. how are you?”
“I’m great, Grammy. Grammy, I have something very exciting to tell you!”
“Oh, good. What is it?”
“Grammy, I can read!!! Want to hear me?”
“Sure”. “ The big red car……is that enough?”
“Do you want to read more?”
“Not right now, but I will later, when I learn more words”.
“Okay. Thanks for sharing your exciting news with me.”


“Bye”. Five seconds later: “Grammy, hi, it’s me, Noah….you know, your grandson?”
“Hi again, Noah. What’s up?”
“You know how I can read now?”
“Yes, you just read to me a few seconds ago”.
“Well, will you still read to me? Even though I can read myself?”
“Of course, if you want me to…..”
“Phew. I was worried for a minute. Thanks, Grammy. Bye”.

This is the actual phone conversation we had, except for the specific words he read. Now that I think about it, it may have been from Mrs. Wishy Washy.* Noah is 9 now, so this happened at least 3 years ago, and it is a moment that sticks (more on “sticky moments” later). Recently Emma entertained a gathering at a friend’s baby shower by reading a book about a gosling aloud to the assemblage. She was so very proud of herself, and graciously accepted their applause. Reading is just such a huge part of our lives, and we try to celebrate the sheer joy of reading by doing it routinely, keeping a steady supply of old favorites in the house, going to the library often, and giving gift certificates to book stores so they can choose their own. Here are some more suggestions, from me and my family and friends. Please feel free to add any of your own favorites under the “comments” section so that we can all benefit.

Several by Mo Willems:

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (ages 4-8) From School Library JournalStarred Review. PreSchool-Grade 1–Trixie steps lively as she goes on an errand with her daddy, down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. For the toddler, loading and putting money into the machine invoke wide-eyed pleasure. But, on the return home, she realizes something. Readers will know immediately that her stuffed bunny has been left behind but try as she might, (in hilarious gibberish), she cannot get her father to understand her problem. Despite his plea of "please don't get fussy," she gives it her all, bawling and going "boneless." They both arrive home unhappy. Mom immediately sees that "Knuffle Bunny" is missing and so it's back to the Laundromat they go. After several tries, dad finds the toy among the wet laundry and reclaims hero status. Yet, this is not simply a lost-and-found tale. The toddler exuberantly exclaims, "Knuffle Bunny!!!" "And those were the first words Trixie ever said." The concise, deftly told narrative becomes the perfect springboard for the pictures. They, in turn, augment the story's emotional acuity. Printed on olive-green backdrops, the illustrations are a combination of muted, sepia-toned photographs upon which bright cartoon drawings of people have been superimposed. Personalities are artfully created so that both parents and children will recognize themselves within these pages. A seamless and supremely satisfying presentation of art and text.–Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 2-A brilliantly simple book that is absolutely true to life, as anyone who interacts with an obdurate three-year-old can attest. The bus driver has to leave for a while, and he makes one request of readers: "Don't let the pigeon drive the bus." It's the height of common sense, but the driver clearly knows this determined pigeon and readers do not-yet. "Hey, can I drive the bus?" asks the bird, at first all sweet reason, and then, having clearly been told no by readers, he begins his ever-escalating, increasingly silly bargaining. "I tell you what: I'll just steer," and "I never get to do anything," then "No fair! I bet your mom would let me." In a wonderfully expressive spread, the pigeon finally loses it, and, feathers flying and eyeballs popping, screams "LET ME DRIVE THE BUS!!!" in huge, scratchy, black-and-yellow capital letters. The driver returns, and the pigeon leaves in a funk-until he spies a huge tractor-trailer, and dares to dream again. Like David Shannon's No, David (Scholastic, 1998), Pigeon is an unflinching and hilarious look at a child's potential for mischief. In a plain palette, with childishly elemental line drawings, Willems has captured the essence of unreasonableness in the very young. The genius of this book is that the very young will actually recognize themselves in it.Dona Ratterree, New York City Public SchoolsCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

The Pigeon Has Feelings, Too! And The Pigeon Likes Things that Go! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreS–Everyone's favorite pigeon is back with two titles for the board-book crowd. In Feelings, the Bus Driver tries to get Pigeon to make a happy face. Pigeon, of course, has other ideas. Words such as happy, sad, and angry stand out in bold colors. Things That Go! presents popular modes of transportation such as a bus, a train, an airplane…and a hot dog (A hot dog can ˜GO' right into my belly!) while Pigeon provides colorful commentary. Both books use the same style and color scheme found in the original picture books, with clean bright pages and simple thick-lined illustrations. Pigeon's fans will be excited to see this wacky bird and his friends again.–Julie Roach, Watertown Free Public Library, MA

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog! (ages 3-6) From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 1-In this second book featuring the star of Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Hyperion, 2003), the shoe is on the other foot. Once again, the action starts on the title page, with the pigeon's joyous discovery of a hot dog. However, his initial delight is dampened when a small, wide-eyed duckling appears and asks, in a seemingly innocent manner, "Is that a `hot dog'?" The interloper's younger status is conveyed not just through his tinier size, but also through his dialogue, which is presented in smaller, rounder font. Though the duckling never directly asks for a bite, his incessant questioning-"Would you say that it tastes like chicken?"-infuriates the pigeon. Ultimately, the duckling's subtle approach proves successful, and both birds happily share the treat. Children, especially those with younger siblings, will have come up with this obvious solution long before the pigeon does. Willems's deceptively simple cartoon drawings convincingly portray his protagonist's emotional dilemma, from his initial joy to his frustration and struggle over what he wants to do versus what he knows is right.Robin L. Gibson, formerly at Perry County District Library, New Lexington, OHCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

As you have probably guessed, there are more pigeon books, and a sequel to Knuffle Bunny as well. We love these books because they are great read alouds, and the kids love joining in the chorus of “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” so it is an interactive experience!

The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Super Heroes by Maxwell Eaton (ages 4-8) Book DescriptionTHEY BATTLE SNOW MONSTERS, save whales, and stop falling meteors - but Max hogs all the glory while Pinky mostly gets clobbered! Will the super-duo become solo-heroes? What will happen when one of them gets his head stuck in a fence? Who will save the day (and exact a little silly revenge)? All will be revealed in this thrilling tale of capes, friendship, and lemonade!Maxwell Eaton offers a sweetly zany tale that will have both kids and grown-ups laughing out loud and possibly donning a cape.

The Adventures of Max and Pinky: Best Buds by Maxwell Eaton (ages 4-8) From School Library JournalGrade 1–3—Max, a bald, Charlie Brown look-alike, and Pinky, a pig, are best friends, so when Pinky disappears, his pal is worried. However, with a little thinking and common sense, Max figures out just where to find his porcine pal. With minimal bold lines and bright colors, Eaton has created a humorous story of an unusual friendship. Max is fun, creative, and adventurous, while Pinky's one-track mind keeps him focused on consuming as many marshmallows as possible. Children will laugh at the silly conversations and at the funny art. The cartoon pictures offer an explanation of the simple text while the dialogue is a little more advanced. Max and Pinky will delight both readers and listeners.—Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School,

Me and the Pumpkin Queen by Marlane Kennedy (ages 8-12) From Booklist Mildred misses her mother. She died when the 11-year-old was only six. But one thing Mildred remembers about her mother is how she loved Circleville, Ohio's pumpkin festival. So Mildred takes up growing pumpkins, big ones—make that huge ones—all in hopes of winning the pumpkin show weigh-off. "I don't think I'm abnormally obsessive," Mildred says as the book opens, but frankly, anyone reading her story might beg to differ. Told in a first-person narrative, this novel offers a step-by-step, detailed explanation of how to grow giant pumpkins. Fortunately, there is more: Mildred's prickly relationship with her aunt; her satisfying bond with her veterinarian father (a rather graphic description of a calf’s birthing is included); and a little about her friendship with other kids. But, mostly, this is about growing pumpkins. Interestingly, even readers with no particular interest in the topic are likely to be drawn in by Kennedy's straightforward narrative, as solid and unadorned as a pumpkin, yet lovely in its own way. Cooper, Ilene

Go to Bed, Fred by Alison Inches; Lauren Attinello ill. (ages baby-preschool) Book Description As the sun goes down and night falls, in kids' rooms all across the country, the same scene is enacted: settling the children down and reading a story. Combining Alison Inches's crackling language with a new Muppet puppet from Jim Henson Productions, Go to Bed, Fred is a perfect good-night storybook that comes with its own custom-designed Muppet made of blue plush, with white googly eyes and a shock of bright yellow hair, sized to fit an adult's hand—which means that Fred himself can read and act out the story. Suitable for ages 6 months and up.Winner of a National Parenting Publications Honor Award. Illustrations by Lauren Attinello; Puppet by Rollie Krewson

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows that Type by Doreen Cronin; Betsy Lewin ill. (ages 5-8) The literacy rate in Farmer Brown's barn goes up considerably once his cows find an old typewriter and begin typing. To the harassed farmer's dismay, his communicative cows quickly become contentious: Dear Farmer Brown,The barn is very cold at night. We'd like some electric blankets.Sincerely,The Cows When he refuses to comply with their demands, the cows take action. Farmer Brown finds another note on the barn door: "Sorry. We're closed. No milk today." Soon the striking cows and Farmer Brown are forced to reach a mutually agreeable compromise, with the help of an impartial party--the duck. But this poor, beleaguered farmer's "atypical" troubles are not over yet! This hilarious tale will give young rebels-in-the-making a taste of the power of peaceful protest and the satisfaction of cooperative give and take. Witty watercolors by award-winning illustrator Betsy Lewin (Snake Alley Band, Araminta's Paint Box) will make this a favorite for one and all, even if words such as "ultimatum" and "neutral" throw the younger set. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

Mrs. Wishy Washy* by Joy Cowley (ages baby-preschool) Book DescriptionCow, Pig, and Duck are playing in the mud, when along comes Mrs. Wishy-Washy. "Oh lovely mud," think the three friends. But Mrs. Wishy-Washy says, "Just LOOK at you!" and washes them clean: wishy-washy, wishy-washy.But what do you think happens the moment Mrs. Wishy-Washy turns her back on this mud-loving trio? Better have a scrub brush ready!Children around the world have laughed at the fastidious Mrs. Wishy-Washy as they first discover the joy of reading. A perfect introduction to the delightful storytelling of Joy Cowley.

Tip #12: Ask other grandparents, children's librarians, and classrooom teachers to recommend much loved books to you. Keep books easily accesible in your home, and read to and with your grandchildren often. Give gift cards to book stores, and take the children to the library with you. The more you celebrate books, the more they will want to interact with them, and you!

Dress Up and Role Playing

Dress Up and Role Playing

“Hey, Grammy, let’s play “Beauty and the Beast”!
“Sure, Em, just tell us who you want us to be”.
“You can be the beast, Grampa can be Gaston, and I will be Belle”
“What about Owen?”
“He can be Mrs. Potts or Luminiere…..they don’t have to say much.”

Great. We don’t remember the details of this fairy tale or most of the others, either. We faked it as best we could, with Emma directing and finally giving up when we didn’t know anything. Shortly after this we borrowed a few of their videos and did a crash course on these stories. I also found a few synopses online which quickly brought us up to speed. If you are going to hang out with your grandchildren, you are going to have to immerse yourselves in their culture. If you do not know the Veggie Tales, Disney Playhouse, Hannah Montana, and a host of other kids’ icons, best to start learning now!

I’d saved bridesmaids’ and prom dresses from our own daughters, and someday the children will have fun with them. For right now they are simply too big. However, a former student gave me two bags of her dance recital costumes, and they continue to be a huge hit with boys and girls alike. It is routine now for someone to grab the dress up bags from the upstairs closet and suggest the roles they are going to play that day. Now we have a bag (mostly bought at yard sales) of hats, tiaras, boas, bags and jewelry, in addition to the actual clothing. Swords and beads abound. Elmopalooza cd has tons of good songs to dance to, and they just love getting all gussied up and dancing around the house. It amazed me how long this activity has endured, and how joyously they all participate. I have censored the pictures I’ve selected here so as to not embarrass anyone, but they are priceless!

Sometimes the kids dress up just for nothing. They like to read, eat, celebrate birthdays, and play with toys in various get ups. They also love the pictures of them fooling around. Megan and Emma started out playing Potato Head together, and then got progressively sillier as they donned the accessories. Emma used a bureau scarf under a tiara to create one costume. Owen nearly destroyed everything the girls constructed when he decided he was really a super hero in disguise. You don’t have to buy a lot of fancy things; hold on to last year’s Halloween costumes because they, too, are great for rainy day playing.

Tip #11: Let your imagination soar and be creative in acquiring items for role playing and dress up and don’t worry about gender or stereotypes. Get in garb yourself and maybe they will let you play too!