Cheap Alternatives to Pricey Kitchen Gadgets

That $150 panini press looks really cool. But guess what? A $15 George Foreman grill will do the job just as well.

Sears Enters Book Wars with a Bonus: $9 Credit, Even if You Buy from a Competitor

Amazon is already duking it out with Wal-Mart and Target in the competition for new book sales, and now Sears is getting in on the action in a big way with its “Keep America Reading” promotion.

On the Second War of Christmas, Barbie is Attacked by Plastic Doll Rivals

Mattel is spending millions to promote the new “Fashionista” Barbie at the same time competitors like Bratz and Liv dolls are turning up the pressure in the battle for doll dollars. The squabbles are getting nasty, and will probably grow more so as the winter holiday shopping season hits full throttle: “The Fashionista Barbies don’t [...]

It’s a Deal: $10 to $25 Off at the Discovery Store

Toy and DVD purchases are being discounted by $10 to $25 today only (October 21) at the Discovery Store website. Use the coupon code SAVE10 to save $10 off a $60 purchase, SAVE15 to save $15 off of a $75 purchase, or SAVE25 to save $25 off of a $100 purchase, via Bargainist.

On the First War of Christmas, Amazon is Attacked on Three Sides

The upcoming winter holiday period is shaping up to be one of the most competitive, wildest shopping seasons ever. Stores started hosting Christmas displays way back in July, and toy store skirmishes are already well under way. And now, preeminent online retailer Amazon is fighting battles on several fronts.

Introducing the $70 Refrigerator

Also, the $23 stove, the $2,200 automobile, the $43 water-purification system, and the $20 cell phone with 2¢-per-minute rates—all courtesy of India, where engineers and innovators are coming up with ingenious products that are within reach of the country’s poorest citizens.

BYO Bags to Save Money at Target and CVS

Much like bottled water, plastic shopping bags are viewed as wasteful and bad for the earth. They’re natural (unnatural?) targets for environmentalists and tightwads alike. Starting on November 1, all Target stores in the country will begin giving customers a discount for every plastic bag they don’t use.

New Debit Card Overdraft Law Would Change the Game Entirely

Banks have grown accustomed to reaping in big bucks off of overdraft fees—$35 or so assessed each time a customer uses a debit card when there’s not enough money in the account to cover the tab. This year, banks are expected to take in more than $38 billion (!) in such fees.

It’s a Deal: $31 Flights Anywhere in the Country on Halloween

One-way tickets on JetBlue are on sale for $31 on any route in the country—with the stipulation that you must fly on Halloween (October 31) after 12 noon. Tickets must be purchased today to get the special sale price. More details here.

Are You Stupid to Trust SmartMeters, Unit Prices, and Energy Star Labels?

The Energy Department admits it doesn’t properly track how and when manufacturers put Energy Star labels on products. The labels’ ratings, which are supposed to indicate a product’s energy efficiency, were “not accurate or verifiable,” according to the agency. In other words, products that are supposed to save you money, and that are supposed to [...]

It’s a Deal: 20% Off at FootLocker.com

Use the coupon code LKS19355 to get an easy 20% off of all purchases at FootLocker.com. The code should work until November 2.