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Party Planning Tips

Administrator — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 18:01:30 +0000

We have all experienced those times when we want to host a party but budget is tight. The more you think about the guest list, the longer it becomes and the more excited you get. And then, thinking about the things you’ll have to buy to pull off this party, the excitement comes to an abrupt halt. There are invitations, paper goods, decorations, party gifts, food & drinks, the list becomes a deal breaker. But it doesn’t have to ruin the party, the earlier you plan, the more thoughts you put into it, the easier it is to keep within budget control. Here are a few tips for your next party planner to consider:

Don’t Mail Invitations
Send email invitations instead. Besides saving on the expense of a purchased invitation card, with the cost of postage seemingly increasing every other month, it makes good sense to turn to electronic invitations for all but the most formal events

Save money with a Little more work with the Produce
It’s tempting to pick up those little packages of pre-washed, pre-cut fruits and veggies, but they come at a price. Buy your produce in bulk and prep it yourself to save on your party grocery bill. It usually lasts longer, and stays fresher if you wash and cut your produce closer to the party date. And while we’re on the subject of produce, always choose produce that is in-season for your area. That’s where you’ll find the best deals

Limit amount of disposables
Even the least expensive paper plates, cups, and plastic cutlery will quickly add up. Although it’s unthinkable to be without disposables in some parties, especially when lots of young kids are involved, we can limit the number of wasted disposables such as writing names on the back of the cups and plates, encourage kids to reuse them. For parties that have a large guest list of older children, when breaking the plates is not a concern, you can save on that expense by using your regular dinnerware, flatware, and glassware. Not only will this save on expenses, it’s also good for the environment.

Plan early to maximize your choice and discounts.
Most customers or party planners get discount for bulk purchase of party favor and gifts from party supply stores such as cartoonfansclub.com. And usually the more flexible you are with the merchandise choice, and the more lead time you give us, the deeper the discount can be.

So plan early, contact us for your bulk purchase discount pricing, and the rest is just plain easy. Have FUN! and send us or post some of your party photos so that we can all share and spread your happiness.

New casualty of the economy, Biederlack is out of business!

Administrator — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:21:02 +0000

What a pity that Biederlack is now driven out of business. With so many years of working together, I know customers and some fans really like their product and look for them year after year. With them out of business, there is not too much choice of sports blankets and throws left on the market. We do keep some stock of their inventory but supplies probably won’t last too long. For fans who need a sports bedding or decoration, you might want to take a look at the line of sportscoverage products. For sports throw collection, there is some limited choice of comparable products made by Northwest. Although we don’t have the full line of Northwest products, customers are welcome to contact us and we can special order them for you.

Locomotive Luggage is gone, but would it be coming back?

Administrator — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 05:07:10 +0000

One of our most popular kids luggage for the past year, the train shaped luggage suitcase is now completely sold out. There might still be a couple of units that you might be able to find at superbackpack.com, but I don’t think the inventory there would last long either. Our purchasing department want to bring back the luggage with some improvements. We appreciate if customer and fans can use this blog or email us with feedback on how you like to see this luggage concept improved. Would you like to see it a little bigger? a little stronger? in different color? Give us your thoughts and we will bring a better product out for Holiday 2009.

Wii, flex your Nintendo power with these Holiday gift ideas!

Administrator — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:28:30 +0000

It’s the Holiday season again. Lot of young friends, including my own son and daughter wish Santa bring them a Wii. But for friends who already own Wii, these are some cute gift ideas for Nintendo fans:

1. All I know I learnt from Nintendo tshirt, design by Changes

2. Nintendo character plush toy including: Mario, Luigi, Wario

3. Japanese flag flavored Tshirt featuring Mario and Yoshi

Why use Google Checkout!

Administrator — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 06:12:49 +0000

Some customers who are new to Google Checkout have hesitated about using it. Here are some reasons why they hesitated, and the reasoning behind why it’s to your best interest to use Google Checkout:

1. Customer: “I don’t have a Google Account yet”
Answer: “Don’t worry about not having a Google Account previously. Just create one now while you shop. You would be spending the same time, entering the same address and payment information, as if you were to checkout through the merchant directly. The only difference with Google Checkout is that you need to create a password (8 characters length), and that is for your own security. Once you have entered the information, you automatically create a Google account, and you will be able to use it again and again. In addition to make future purchase faster and easier (since you won’t have to enter the same billing information again) You also make online shopping safer, since now only Google has your payment information, and not 10 or 20 different merchants.

2. Customer: “I don’t know if I can trust Google with my credit card info”
Answer: Google is a big company. Much Bigger than cartoonfansclub.com for now. If you trust cartoonfansclub, then you should trust Google too.

3. Customer: “I don’t want too many people to have my email address”
Answer: With Google Checkout, you can keep your email address confidential, and easily turn off unwanted emails from stores where you use Google Checkout.

Big season for Elmo

Administrator — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:56:43 +0000

With Christmas just around the corner, Elmo and friends from Sesame Street Workshop are getting hot again! Here is our 2008 Elmo toy scoreboard (ranked by popularity):

1. Barbie loves Elmo doll playset by Mattel

2. Elmo Game House. Perfect gift to entertain the young fans. But adults needs to spare sometime to play and share the fun!

3. My First Pals (available in characters Elmo, Cookie Monster, or Big Bird). Soft and cuddly, as the name indicates, these are perfect teether plush toys designed for toddlers

4. For the sportive fans, this Elmo scooter may be just what you need for a fun day out!

5. For the little helpers who like to help bag and carry, this Sesame Street large woven tote is practical and useful for toys, laundry, or art supplies.

6. Enjoy a day of sunshine outdoors with Elmo! Make sure you protect your eyes with Elmo sunglasses. And if the weather is not all that sunshine, you can still enjoy the day knowing that in the eventuality of rain, Elmo umbrella is there to protect

7. When it’s time for a trip, don’t leave Elmo behind. Carry your travel gear and accessories with this practical size Elmo duffle bag

8. Large Elmo cuddle plush is your best friend to hug and share night time stories with.

Sportscoverage Holiday Schedule!

Administrator — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 22:09:22 +0000

Hey sports fans! Checkout our sports category and pick a sports themed gift featuring your favorite teams. Cartoonfansclub.com has a great selection of home decor and gifts from the MLB, NHL, NFL and NCAA. Aside from our great selection of floor mats, car mats, watches, and lighters we also offer a great selection of bedding sets, accessories, and home décor by Sports Coverage Inc!

When planning your holiday shopping, keep in mind that many of the Sports Coverage products are made to order and usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to a to the customer. To ensure that your order will arrive on time for the holidays, place your order by December 1, 2008. Orders received after December first may not arrive on time for the holidays depending on the shipping location and the shipping method that you choose. For your reference, here is the Sports Coverage Holiday calendar for year 2008:

************************************************************************

All orders received on or before December 1 and are “READY FOR SHIPMENT” will be sent out
before or by December 20. subject to change depending on inventory

After December 1, we will continue to ship orders via UPS ground and you will have the option
to expedite orders.

Expedited shipping option means faster transit time, but does not mean it will be made or shipped out earlier. All expedited orders will be completed based upon inventory availability.

Orders received via website will be processed electronically on a daily basis.

Also, please take note that any and all “mail or phone orders” are processed manually and may result in delays due to the high volume of holiday orders.

We encourage you to hurry and place your web order today!

High School Musical Gifts For The Holiday

Administrator — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 21:55:23 +0000

With the release of the newest addition to Disney’s High School Musical series, High School Musical 3: Senior Year has been exceeding all expectation in ticket sales, CD sales and product sales. The movie has been such a hit with tweens and teens that Disney is even planning a fourth installment due out in 2010. Do you have a son or daughter that is a fan of the series? Here are our 10 popular High School Musical theme toys and gifts for your consideration:

1. HSM Beauty and make up set

2. High School Musical Pencils

3. Diary and Notebooks

4. High School Musical Pillow with Journal

5. High School Musical Stationery Value set

6. HSM Stickers adhesives

7. Hair Clips, or bracelets

8. HSM carry all tin box

9. HSM Photo Album

10. HSM Messenger bag, backpack, or luggage

Magic of Tinker Bell

Administrator — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:46:30 +0000

With the recent release of Tinker Bell movie and dvd, fairy related toys and supplies have become one of the hottest trends for 2008 Holiday shopping. In fact, according to web search statistics at cartoonfansclub, Tinker Bell currently ranks as the 3rd most frequently searched character name. That’s up from #9 from last month.

Some of the hottest Tinker Bell gifts are:

Dolls & Toys

Tinker Bell Ride-Along Friends Doll Playset $ 26.00 by Superbackpack.com
Tinker Bell plush backpack $ 18.50 by cartoonfansclub.com
Tinker Bell Fashion Playset $ 28.50 by Superbackpack

Fashion Accessories
Very Sassy Tinker Bell Zip Wallet $13.95
Tinker Bell knit beanie & gloves

School Supplies

Very Glamour Fairy Backpack
Tinker Bell Pencils , crayons, diary, bookcovers

DVD

Peter Pan and Tinker Bell 3 DVD gift set
Tinker Bell 2008

Smart Holiday Shopping Tips

Administrator — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 06:23:55 +0000

It has been nearly two months since the Wall Street meltdown and the credit crunch shook up. Unemployment rate is up, consumer confidence is down… with all these negative news around us, it’s important to plan early and spend wisely. Here are some planning tips:

1. Plan early and have a shopping list.
It’s my own experience that if you write down your shopping list, it’s easier to stick within budget and not end up buying too much because of impulse purchase.

2. Do a product search online.
Do a quick search online through Google and Google Products. Learn your products, hear some reviews to help you decide whether it’s the appropriate gift for the intended recepient. Also learn the market price so as to help you know what is a fair price and spot a deal when you see it.

3. Consider substitute products
Is it absolutely necessary, and the only product that will work? Consider alternatives… Can you use an alternative product, or brand? Substitute may offer more bang for your bucks. For toy and school supplies, online stores such as cartoonfansclub and superbackpack offer easy to browse search function where you can easily shop and compare alternatives

4. Calculate the time wisely.
When doing your shopping online, check when can product ship, where it is shipping from… For example, most items sold online manufactured by Sports Coverage ship in 2 to 3 weeks from time of ordering. Make sure you allow enough time and order in advance.
Knowing the transit time will also help you determine the method of shipping so that you don’t overspend on shipping and still have your package ontime. Here is a valuable tool from Fedex that will help you determine the transit time http://www.fedex.com/grd/maps/ShowMapEntry.do

5. Consider the total cost of purchase and delivery
Many online payment services such as paypal and amazon payments offer special financing options. Knowing when you can pay them off will help you get a better picture of the overall cost. If you are buying the gift for someone located in a different location, where mailing is necessary. Compare the cost of shopping locally + mailing cost, vs the cost of shopping online. Most online stores these days offer a lower rate of shipping than what you would pay if you were to ship yourself. For example, amazon fulfilment items ship for free when qualified purchase is over $ 25.00. So if you can get an item for $ 25.00 at amazon with free shipping, and the same item in a local store for $ 20.00. Knowing item weighs 2.5 Lbs, Where would you spend your shopping dollars? (Assuming you have to pay $ 9.30 to mail it (flat rate box mail), then your cost of purchase would be $ 20.00 + local tax + 9.30 shipping)