Source for reduced price electronics

[kkbmustang]

So, we are in a pickle this year. The kids are getting older and the number of gifts they will be getting them will be a lot lower. We sat them down and told them they might get  1 big present and 1-2 smaller ones. (Compared to crazy years prior of 15-20 gifts each.  Absurd, I know. My jaw is retroactively blue.) which brings us to this year. The girl wants an iTouch and the boy wants a wii U.

Any suggestions as to where I can get those for less than retail? Thanks.

[judgemebymyusername]

You sound like my in-laws. My parents never spent more than $50 on each of us kids for Christmas when growing up and then around  $75 in high school, and even now it's probably around $100. I don't plan on spending much more for my children either. We weren't poor either.

[kamikazejello]

Regarding the electronics, I was recently pricing out the Wii U as well. A couple things I found:

1) I wouldn't be afraid to buy used. To my knowledge, Nintendo has very few Wii U failures (compared to the Microsoft and Sony counterparts).  Check Craigslist as well, there are some Brand New ones near me for a discount.  Used games are especially a no-brainer since they work exactly the same as new ones
2) Buy a bundle pack - there is a Mario pack now which comes with 2 games for the same $299 as the regular console without any games
3) Buy at an online retailer to avoid paying sales tax (will save you $15-30 depending on where you live)
4) Check to see if there are any Facebook "Yard Sale" groups near you. Search for "(Your town) Yard Sale) in the search bar.  These are groups set up as a mini Craigslist just for a small geographical area and feel safer as you can see the profile of the person you're buying from (and they may even be your neighbor).
5) Ebay said that on Dec 2 or 3 (I think Monday) they will have some Wii bundle for $250 if you're fast enough to grab it before it sells out


As far as the iPod touch goes, I would just recommend checking www.slickdeals.net and consider setting up an email alert for "ipod touch" - this way you'll know as soon as the deal hits before it gets sold out.  I'd give the same advice as I do for the Wii U with the exception of perhaps dont' buy the iPod used on CL - better chance of it being stolen or beaten up pretty bad.

[SnackDog]

Craigslist!

[mpbaker22]

Don't.  Just Don't.  As a 24 year old male, I can tell you these things are a waste of time.  Not buying one today will be greatly appreciated in 10 years.