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In addition to the 15 hottest toys this holiday season, you’re probably looking for cult classics like LEGO, Disney, Melissa & Doug, and American Girl.
Use this guide (along with our Black Friday Cheat Sheet) to map out your toy shopping strategy for 2019.
TIP: There are a few things you can do in advance to make sure you save the most: Unless it’s an in-store doorbuster, plan to shop online and sign up for EBates early to get instant cash back. Also, get on the mailing lists for these stores to receive exclusive coupons and deals throughout the shopping season, and always buy with a discounted gift card.
1. Get $98 Power Wheels from Walmart on Black Friday.
Those little battery-operated cars that kids can actually ride were just $98 from Walmart on Black Friday last year.
The deal included the Lighting McQueen or Minnie Mouse 6V Ride-On. For any brave souls looking to go in-store on Black Friday, the GMC 6V Ride-On was available for $98 as a Special Buy (in-store only).
Walmart’s Black Friday deals start at 6 p.m. on Thursday and all day Thursday online. In-store-only doorbusters are called “Special Buys.” Check your flyer’s fine print because if it’s not an in-store-only doorbuster, make your purchase online.
2. Save 50-60% when you buy Barbie, Fisher-Price, and Disney from Target.
Even though they sold out online quickly, Target offered the Barbie Ultimate Closet, Doll & Convertible Gift Set for $28.49 (regularly $59.99) on Black Friday.
The week prior to Black Friday last year, we saw a sale for BOGO 50% off all Fisher-Price Imaginext toys.
And look for Disney My Size dolls at Target on Black Friday for half-off.
3. Get 42% off Xbox and PlayStation during Kohl’s Black Friday sale.
Last year, Kohl’s featured the Xbox and PS4 consoles for $249.99 each ($50 off). You’ll see this price at other stores, but the Kohl’s deal came with $75 back in Kohl’s Cash, making the adjusted price $174.99.
Kohl’s Black Friday sale starts the Monday prior to Black Friday Five, so shop ahead when you can!
4. Get 50% off Nerf from Amazon.
Look for Amazon 50%-off popular Nerf sets like the Nerf Zombie Strike SlingFire Blaster, featured as a Deal of the Day in late October.
5. Buy LEGO from Target when sets hit 50% off.
Target featured the LEGO Batman, Star Wars and more for 50% off during Black Friday. Star Wars TIE Striker was marked down to $32.58 (regularly $69.99).
To get the biggest savings, stack Circle offers with sale prices and store coupons — like the “$10 off a $50 toy purchase” coupon you’re likely to see again in November.
Target’s best deals are online, so enjoy free shipping (no minimums) through December 23.
RELATED: 23 Tips to Save on Toys Now that Toys’R’Us Is Gone
6. Save up to 30% when you buy American Girl from Costco.
Costco wins.
Look for American Girl dolls at Costco in early November, before Black Friday begins. Last year, Costco offered Kit Kittredge for $65 less than Amazon’s price.
This year, you can get a Ballet Barre Set and Outfit for $69.99. Compare this to the Creative Studio sold at the American Girl Store ($58) + ballet outfit for dolls ($28).
You’ll save $16 when you buy from Costco. Find out more secrets to saving on American Girl.
7. Save 50% on Melissa & Doug at Kohl’s the week after Black Friday.
Shop Kohl’s for Melissa & Doug toys the week after Black Friday is over.
Last year we saw Melissa & Doug’s “Let’s Play House” collection for at least 50% off, and 55% off select Disney-themed Melissa & Doug toys (like the 10-piece Mickey’s Deluxe Band set).
8. Score $4.88 board games from Walmart starting on Black Friday.
Last year, Walmart offered a collection of board games for just $4.88 including Sorry, Trouble, and Connect 4, while a second collection including Twister, Operation, and Pie Face were priced at just $6.72.
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