The Expected and Unexpected Places to Shop

We all have our favorite shopping haunts. Apart of this blog is the hope that we'll all have the opportunity to share and discover new places. In the meantime, there are the expected places to look for particular items and the unexpected alternatives. Here is an exercise in thinking 'outside the box', especially if that means shopping someplace other than a 'big box' store.

Towels
The usual: Any major department store (MDS)
The unusual: Costco. I don't know why but Costco consistently carries decent quality, basic bath towels. Yes, the color selection can be limited.

Kitchenware
The usual: Any MDS
The unusual: Cost Plus. Sometimes when I can't find an items, I'll try Cost Plus and be pleasantly surprised. Not only can I usually find the item, but it is frequently cheaper. Also check out Standard Restaurant Supply. No, I don't want to remake my kitchen into 'industrial restaurant' (although, I have considered it) but Standard Restaurant Supply on Fairview does carry some items that are hard to find anywhere else. If you can't find the item, they just might order it for you.

Toys
The usual: Toys R Us, Target, Fred Meyer, WalMart, Shopko
The unusual: There are a several options in this category. First of all, be sure to visit the Childrens Store on Orchard. It is an absolute treat. I try to go WITHOUT the children or else I'll end up spending a fortune. Another great option is Learning Express on State Street. The selection isn't as vast as Childrens Store but the quality is just as good. One store I'll gladly bring my children to is the KB Outlet at the Outlet Mall. We can usually find some little trinket of a toy that will keep the kids entertained. On the way out to the outlet mall, pull off the freeway and head toward the Edwards Theaters. Drop in and look at the little toy section in the gift shop of the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. You'll probably end up buying several toys just because what you see will bring back fond memories of your own childhood.

Books
The usual: Barnes and Noble, Borders, Hastings, Waldenbooks, B Dalton, etc
The unusual: The Book Warehouse at the Outlet Mall. The prices are worth the drive AND they have knowledgable staff. If you want to talk to a walking encyclopedia, however, you really must visit Trip Taylor Bookseller on 10th Street. The owner loves books and may have even read every title in his store.

Gift Wrap and Cards
The usual: One of the many Hallmark Stores or the gift wrap section of any major grocery store, drug store or variety store.
The unusual: There are so many wonderful places to go. Try the Record Exchange downtown for truly funny and unusual cards. Cost Plus offers beautiful gift wrap and unusual cards, too. If you keep checking Cost Plus after Christmas, you can frequently find their gift wrap deeply discounted and you can grab up a supply that will last you all year. For cheap, fast and consistent go to a dollar store. I cringe at paying $3.95 for a simple birthday card in the grocery store's card display when I know I can get THE SAME ITEM at the dollar store for 1/4 the price. For handmade cards with local interest, look near the check-out lanes at the Boise Co-op. For those funny Hanging Tree cards, you'll want to check out Sportsman's Warehouse or your closest D&B.

Jewelry
The usual: Any free-standing jewelry store that tends to advertise on the radio.
The unusual: Stewarts Gem Shop. Yes, you can get diamond rings at Stewarts and they will be beautiful qualify at a fraction of the price. If you haven't had a chance to go by Stewarts, they are highly recommended. They do jewelry repair, too. D&B also tends to have a nice selection - albeit small - of silver and Black Hills Gold jewelry. Frankly, the Shopko jewelry department is a pretty decent supplier of Black Hills Gold, too. If you must shop at a 'usual' jewelry store, then Helzberg Diamonds in the mall has our nod.

Groceries
The usual: Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Winco, WalMart and of course, Costco
The unusual: The Boise Co-op comes to mind first. Is that really unusual? Maybe not, but if you haven't been - go. While there, grab something from their prepared food deli, too. The Boise Co-op is known for their wine and beer selection (they really should open up a separate location JUST for that side of the business) but they also have great meats, cheeses, breads, and condiment selection. And yes, it is worthwhile to purchase a membership.

Other off-the-beaten track grocery stores are M&W on Warm Springs, Paul's Markets and Ridleys. Sometimes the higher prices can discourage shoppers from going the distance to get to one of these stores, BUT if you happen to live where one of these stores is convenient, you'll appreciate the hometown-friendly shopping experience.

About once a month it can be worth your while to go to the Grocery Outlet on Fairview just to see what they have in stock for cheaper than the standard grocery stores. Our last great buy there was frozen pizzas. While there you can also visit the Great Harvest Bread bakery. Yes, you can find real bread in Boise! Along the same lines (can you tell I love bread?), be sure to make Zeppole, downtown on 8th street, a usual stop. Zeppole is also a wonderful place to grab a quick bite for lunch.

Another good once-a-month stops is Cash-And-Carry on Shoreline. You don't have to have a wholesaler's license to shop there. It used to be, though, if you were one of the general public you had to pay with cash - a major inconvenience. Now you can use a debt card and buy all you want! The problem with Cash-And-Carry is the temptation to get carried away. My freezer isn't big enough sometimes.

For produce, it is hard to beat Reggies Veggies on the corner of Ustick and Milwaukee. Yes, they are in a tent. It is okay. Shop there anyway. The produce is worth it. If they have any pies left, seriously consider picking one up. If you don't the person behind you in line WILL. The worst part of shopping at Reggies Veggies is when they close down during the winter. I go through withdrawls.

There is so much MORE! But those other wonderful stores will have to be mentioned in another post.

Is it too early to think about Christmas?

If you have seen a local Target ad recently you've noticed the 'off to college' merchandise in the stores. While you may not personally have a need for extra-long twin sized sheets, this is a good time to go through the stores with early Christmas shopping in mind. There are some great deals out there on small household appliances, electronics, home office and home decorator items.

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? You may want to grab up some inexpensive coordinating plates, glasses and flatware. You can find some lovely tableclothes and serving pieces at Standard Restaurant Supply on Fairview by Orchard, too.

By the way, when those XL-twin sheets go on deep, deep clearance, consider buying them for fabric if you're into sewing your own Halloween costumes, Christmas gifts or even those adorable little-girl pillowcase dresses.

Speaking of little girl dress, don't pass up short sleeved T-shirts, sundresses, and tank tops when they go on summer clearance. Tank tops easily go UNDER a shirt during wintertime and those short sleeved T-shirts are fun to layer with a long sleeved plain shirt underneath. A carefully chosen sundress can be layered with a turtleneck and some cotton tights for an autumn-into-winter, back-to-school look. My little one likes to put those comfy cotton knit shorts under her dresses for a little extra warmth and modesty for when she's on the monkey bars. Boys will enjoy wearing their summer T-shirts under their flannel shirts, too.

While it is fun to snap up some summer toys and furniture that will easily store in the attic until next year, DO NOT buy any extra sunscreen or bug spray to stock away. It won't be good next year and plenty will go on sale next spring.

School is starting!

Can you believe we are thinking about school starting again?

Here is my personal hint on back to school shopping ...

DO NOT blow the budget on clothes before school starts!!!

Around here school starts in mid-August. The weather is still hot and will be that way until late September. That is at least 6 weeks where the kids will still want to wear summer clothes - summer dresses, shorts, short sleeve shirts, open shoes, etc.

On top of that, the important items to spend the budget on are beginning of school fees (for those kids in sports, etc) and school supplies - lunch boxes, backpacks, and the huge list of things the teacher says the kid needs.

And there are many a kid who has purchased what they thought was cool clothing for school only to actually attend school and find out that only the nerds wear it. If you must buy clothing for school, buy ONE new outfit for picture day or the first day and be patient!

There is a lot of stuff that goes on sale in October when the push for 'back to school' is over and the stores are preparing for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Then in January you'll start seeing deep, deep discounts and 75% or more clearance items on really nice winter clothes. Those new outfits - the stuff your kid will really wear - will get him or her from January all the way through to Easter if you buy smart. Then in late April or May you'll only have a couple of outfits to buy to get them through the warmer weather just before school lets out.

Another hint ... buy an extra lunchbox per kid now, while they are in stock, then HIDE IT. Kids invariably break their lunch box by January but by then it is really hard to find them anywhere (other than the generic can coolers you can find in the camping department). If your child can't decide which lunchbox they want to get, buy both. You won't be sorry.

Affiliations?

Am I affiliated with any business in town? In short, no. I will not receive compensation of any kind from any of the companies I recommend. Think of this site as the ultimate mystery shop. We'll tell it exactly as it is and YOU get to see the results.

I do have a business as an AVON representative. Because of that, I'll not be recommending any AVON products - although there are plenty I could recommend (wink!)

Treasure Valley Shopper

Welcome to Treasure Valley Shopper!

On this site you'll find hints and tips to shopping in and around the Boise, Idaho area. Whether you're new to the Treasure Valley or a long time resident, I hope you'll appreciate the inside scoop on great places to get fabulous deals, wonderful products and stellar services.

The Treasure Valley is the largest metropolitan shopping area in Idaho. The closest high-density shopping destinations are hours by car away: Portland, OR; Reno, NV and Salt Lake City, UT. The savvy shopper can find everything they want right here in the Boise area without having to hop on an airplane.

A little about the author ... I'm known as Cookie. I'm a long time frugal fanatic so when I shop, I prefer to save money. There is no reason to spend more than we have to! However, I also appreciate convenience and fine living. I strive to strike a balance between a nice lifestyle, simplicity and frugal living. I work hard for my money so I like to make my money work hard for me.

There is lots to explore in the Treasure Valley. Come along for the ride.