Christmas Stimulus Brings You a $200 Shopping Spree!

Welcome to the 4th year of Christmas Stimulus! Brought to you by your boy J$ and a dear blogging friend of mine, Brad Chaffee, from Enemy of Debt. Who will unfortunately be joining us only in spirit this year as he continues to save away for his family’s emergency fund :) But all this grew from a seed he planted early on, so we continue forward sharing the love and being thankful!

So before we even get started, a HUGE THANK YOU for reading our two blogs! We know you have options when consuming financial websites, and we thank you kindly for choosing ours :)

It seems the timing can’t be better too, with the results of last week’s Christmas Stress-o-Meter coming in… If you recall I had guesstimated that 65% of y’all would be rockin’ your gift giving this year without even breaking a sweat, and that 30% of you would be struggling just a little bit more. With the remaining 5% being in the deeper doo-doo category and not fairing as well :( Which unfortunately was almost dead on:

christmass stress-o-meter
I’d also like to point out how good I am at this game :) You think I don’t pay attention to y’all, but I do! I’m a sneaky little devil like that! Haha… But all this goes to show is that 118 of you are in financially shakier positions than the rest of us :( And that’s only the ones who TOOK the poll! (Kudos to the 65% btw though – way to go!!) Factoring in the amount of readers to this site everyday, and those numbers go substantially up.

All the reason more for a Christmas Stimulus today!

So to help all those struggling with their Christmas shopping, and to reward those who are already done (you quick little bastards!) today’s your chance to come away a BIG winner. A $200 Amazon winner, to be exact, to be spent on whatever and whomever you wish :) With plenty of time to get your gifts ordered and sent in by Christmas too, if that’s what you’ll be using it for.

*Here’s how to enter*

We’ll keep it as simple as it always is:

  1. Go to Amazon and pick something you’d get with the money
  2. Come back here and drop the link to it in the comments

That’s it! The funnier the items, the more you make me laugh ;) But that’s all the extra attention you get – all entries still count the same and you can only get *one*. But it’ll still be interesting to see what y’all come back with :) (And fyi we just did a secret one of these for our newsletter-only subscribers over the weekend, so if you’re not VIP yet you may want to sign up for the future!)

I’ll be announcing the winner next Monday night, December 17th, using Random.org, so make sure all your entries are in by 5pm EST to be entered. And that you can use an Amazon gift card wherever you’re located in the world too (not sure if all foreign Amazon sites accept the same cards?).

Now stop reading this and go enter! Good luck! :)

j. money signature

[***GIVEAWAY NOW OVER*** Click here to see who won!]

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379 Comments

  1. Coffee December 10, 2012 at 5:24 AM

    I would use the 200.00 toward the VIZIO E601i-A3 60-Inch 1080p 120Hz Razor LED Smart HDTV. I wouldn’t buy the TV till after Christmas though in hopes it will go on sale :-)

    Reply
  2. Betsy December 10, 2012 at 6:17 AM

    What I’d love to have from Amazon is a learning tower for my toddler daughter.  I’d never heard of one until just recently.  Here’s the link:  http://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Tower-Natural/dp/B001ECHXVC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354906489&sr=8-1&keywords=learning+tower

    Since using this as my newsletter secret entry, I was doing some Christmas baking with my toddler in tow this weekend. I put her on a chair, and she was so interested in what I was doing…but wouldn’t stand still on the chair. Since I couldn’t watch her and bake, I sent her out of the kitchen. :-(

    Pick me, pick me, Random.org! We’d love to have a learning tower.

    Reply
  3. Wild Orchid December 10, 2012 at 9:55 AM

    I would love to get this–http://www.amazon.com/Fitbit-Wireless-Activity-Sleep-Tracker/dp/B0095PZHPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355151240&sr=8-1&keywords=fitbit

    I love tracking my activity, and this looks like it would really kick it up a notch!!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  4. daydream kate December 10, 2012 at 9:57 AM

    I would treat myself to new books that have been on my wishlist FOREVER:
    1. Mutter Museum Historical Medical photographs.
    http://www.amazon.com/Mutter-Museum-Historic-Medical-Photographs/dp/0922233284/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3I0P3QYLAVLYA&coliid=I1J4VREBWA6U5T
    2. In the Realms of the Unreal: The Mystery of Henry Darger
    http://www.amazon.com/In-Realms-Unreal-Mystery-Darger/dp/B00094ARX2/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3I0P3QYLAVLYA&coliid=I1AXAK79SE2HJ6
    3. Colors of Confinement: Rare Kodachrome Photographs of Japanese American Incarceration in WW2.
    http://www.amazon.com/Colors-Confinement-Photographs-Incarceration-Documentary/dp/0807835730/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pdT1_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3I0P3QYLAVLYA&coliid=I3GIL62G9R8TS9

    Since that totals to less than $100, I think I would fill in the gaps with other wish list items. But those are my must-haves.

    Reply
  5. Jessica December 10, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    Kindle Fire…Merry Christmas to me :)

    Reply
  6. Joanna @ Our Freaking Budget December 10, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    I’m saving up for this lens (http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-24-70mm-Nikon-Mount-AFA007N-700/dp/B007RZB3KM/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1355154272&sr=1-9&keywords=24-70mm+f2.8) so it’d definitely go toward my savings for it. And I have a feeling my husband would try convincing me to split the money with him 50/50, but I would only give him enough to get these: http://www.amazon.com/Bear-Paw-Meat-Handler-Forks/dp/B003IWI66W

    Reply
  7. graduate.living December 10, 2012 at 11:41 AM

    Normally I’d restrict myself to something frugal, like paying down debt or buying groceries, but since I HAVE to get something off Amazon, I picked Neil Gaiman’s Absolute Sandman Vol. 1 (and 2 & 3, with a $200 giftcard!) I’m slowly amassing my collection of Gaiman’s work, and Sandman is the big, huge, GINORMOUS gaping hole in it right now. I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews of the Absolute series, so I figured I’d put my money toward the nice volumes instead of the smaller trade paperbacks. Silly and not frugal at all, but something that certainly made my Christmas list (and probably won’t show up under the tree) this year!

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Absolute-Sandman-Vol-1/dp/1401210821/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355157562&sr=8-1&keywords=absolute+sandman+vol+1

    Reply
  8. Chung December 10, 2012 at 11:45 AM

    I want to get a bread maker.
    http://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-5891-2-Pound-Programmable-Breadmaker/dp/B00067REBU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354890297&sr=8-2&keywords=bread+maker

    Also, I’ve been wanting to get a pair of UGG boot. It’s so expensive and I just can’t justified to get one. If I win, then I really want to get a pair:
    http://www.amazon.com/UGG-Australia-Womens-Bailey-Button/dp/B002L6I594/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1355157864&sr=8-3&keywords=UGG+boot

    Reply
  9. ashley December 10, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    i would buy a few books and some gifts. an amazon gift card works for everyone’s list, including mine.

    Reply
  10. Peter December 10, 2012 at 12:26 PM

    I’d probably use a gift card towards buying a LeapFrog LeapPad for our son for Christmas!

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z7H07K/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

    Then since i’d have some left over I’d probably buy myself one of these awesome “three wolf moon” tshirts, an awesome and magical tshirt with 3 howling wolves and extra large moon! Read the reviews on that one, how could you resist buying one after reading those reviews?

    http://www.amazon.com/The-Mountain-Three-Short-Sleeve/dp/B002HJ377A

    Reply
  11. Financial Black Sheep December 10, 2012 at 12:45 PM

    Can I donate the card to a charity? I don’t have anything I want and I think donating the card would make much better use of it.

    If I have to play along in order to be considered for the card I would go for an iPhone 3GS 8GB Unlocked, because I would never purchase such a luxury item for myself. http://goo.gl/1aLVu

    Reply
  12. Nick W December 10, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    Just ONE item!? How about one LIST? Okay fine, one LINK, that has three lists!
    http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3F4EO6YDN2F4O/ref=cm_wl_search_1

    Those three lists only have 86 items on them. Will $200 get all of those items? Yeah… uhm, probably not. It would let me pay for 3% of everything on that list though!

    If I went and scooped up all the CHEAPEST items on the lists, I could get 14 out of 86 which is 16% of all three lists combined!

    BUT, that list is solely for me, I would spend all $200 doing holiday shopping for others!

    Reply
  13. Shawna December 10, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    I would buy this:
    http://www.amazon.com/Royal-Weave-Dog-Gate-Large/dp/B001NIPDPU/ref=sr_1_94?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1355163349&sr=1-94&keywords=baby+gates

    When I picked up my new puppy a couple of weeks ago, I thought I picked up the most calm one. Turns out it’s all an act. This dog is a psycho. It took her 4 days to learn how to spiderman climb up our current baby gate, and swan dive into the living room. Last night, while sitting in the chair with me, she attemped to jump over the baby gate into the sunroom… Did I mention there is a 3 foot gap between the chair and the gate?

    Reply
  14. Georgie December 10, 2012 at 3:10 PM

    I’d use it towards this:

    http://www.amazon.com/Dell-Inspiron-i15R-2105sLV-15-Inch-Laptop/dp/B0081YPVHE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1355170108&sr=8-2&keywords=Dell+Inspiron+i15R-2105sLV+15-Inch+Laptop+%28Silver%29

    My husband bought a “budget” laptop when starting his own business because it’s all he could afford, and while the business has taken off, it hasn’t taken off to the point where he can afford the laptop he really needs…and needs is the word, because we literally saw smoke coming out of his current one the other day :-(

    Reply
  15. Angella December 10, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    Oh my goodness this is awesome J$! I’m pretty lame and even though I want so many new gadgets and toys…I’d resort to this…
    http://www.amazon.com/Shark-Lift-Professional-Steam-Pocket/dp/B005GPVN5K/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1355170351&sr=8-5&keywords=shark+steam+mop
    A shark steam mop. Mine was broke during our move. I have a sticky 2 year old boy, a husband that works on cars and has no idea how to WIPE HIS FEET before coming into the house, and now a friend who also trails the dirt in. Seriously…a mop. I feel old. lol

    Reply
  16. Brittany December 10, 2012 at 3:50 PM

    I’d hunt for the best bargain on a 32″ flat screen tv. I currently watch all my entertainment on my laptop screen, so I could use an upgrade for group viewings.

    Reply
  17. RichUncle EL December 10, 2012 at 3:53 PM

    As I think for a few minutes as to what I would want with this giftcard, nothing comes to mind initially. But then I start to weed out things that I want, but not nesscisarly need. The first thing that came to mind is a road bike, then a cool tissot watch, then a nice Tommy Suit, but I cannot be selfish this christmas and I ended up picking this:
    http://www.amazon.com/Power-Wheels-Barbie-Jammin-Wrangler/dp/B0037KL7R0/ref=sr_1_15?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355172501&sr=1-15&keywords=power+wheels

    Power Wheels Barbie Jeep Wrangler for my twins.

    Reply
  18. Tamar December 10, 2012 at 4:25 PM

    I’d buy Diablo 3, a tea set for my daughter, and a few cookbooks.

    Reply
  19. Deb December 10, 2012 at 4:47 PM

    Considering my wish list is ever-growing, my house is ever-dirty, and my husband is ever-loving, I’d buy me a CD from my wish list, a carpet cleaner, and some lingerie. Then I could pop in the music to jam out to while cleaning the carpets, surprising my husband when he got home to a clean house and me in lingerie waiting for him. :P

    Reply
  20. Mami2jcn December 10, 2012 at 4:55 PM

    My daughter would go nuts for this–http://www.amazon.com/Step2-790100-Sweetheart-Playhouse/dp/B00002EIVD/ref=sr_1_10?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1355176450&sr=1-10&keywords=step+2+playhouse

    Reply
  21. Kadye December 10, 2012 at 6:08 PM

    a new grill! My fiance just moved in our house and I move in in March and that’s something we’ve already put on our wish list

    Reply
  22. Kathleen, Frugal Portland December 10, 2012 at 6:42 PM

    I would hoard it just like I do all of my Amazon cards and wait for the right opportunity to come along — it’s a savings policy strictly for spending. Weird?

    Reply
  23. Caitlin December 10, 2012 at 7:17 PM

    http://www.amazon.com/Nordic-Naturals-Ultimate-Omega-Fish/dp/B002CQU564/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355184865&sr=8-1&keywords=nordic+naturals+fish+oil

    Yes, seriously – fish oil pills! These are totally the best out there, but man I hate spending that $.

    Also, I would definitely buy a whack of copies of the Smitten Kitchen cookbook to give out to friends and family.
    http://www.amazon.com/The-Smitten-Kitchen-Cookbook-Perelman/dp/030759565X/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1355184885&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=smitten+kitchen+cookbook

    Reply
  24. Jessica, The Debt Princess December 10, 2012 at 9:16 PM

    Well I would buy myself a Kindle Fire. I’ve been saving my Amazon GC for one and I had just saved enough when Christmas gift buying rolled around. I’m building it back up but the kids have birthday’s within 6weeks of Christmas so the extras goes for that. THIS would be all me baby! I’m selfish like that!!

    Reply
  25. Amanda Talbert December 10, 2012 at 10:09 PM

    http://www.amazon.com/Infiniti-Conair-Tourmaline-Ceramic-Styler/dp/B000R80ZTQ/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1355195219&sr=8-9&keywords=hair+dryer

    Okay, so that’s only like $25 but that’s not all I’d buy (it’s just a hair dryer). I have a whole wish list of items I want to get on Amazon that I NEED but I don’t need IMMEDIATELY and I’m buying them one by one with Amazon gift cards. I just got a new waffle iron that way, a new battery for my daughter’s Barbie jeep, and all new matching accessories for our master bathroom. Next on the list is new paint for the bathroom, the hair dryer, this cool toilet scrub brush I’ve seen… trust me, I can spend the money :)

    Reply
  26. Stephanie Meyer December 10, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    http://www.amazon.com/Asus-Google-Nexus-ASUS-1B32-Tablet/dp/B009X3UW2G/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1355198006&sr=1-1&keywords=nexus+7+32gb

    My husband and I are currently 8 hours apart because he took a better job for our family. He started on 11/12/12 and we’ve been commuting back and forth on the weekends. We intended to rent a house until we got used to the area again, but there are NO rentals in the area. We started looking for a home and long story short, it looks like we will be apart until February.

    The complicate things further, we have a 3 year old and I’m expecting our 2nd child in April. Our daughter is having an especially hard time not being with her daddy every day. We talk on Google Hangouts every single night, but he’s doing it through his phone and it’s not ideal. The laptop will make things 100% easier for her. It breaks my heart to watch her grab at her dad, begging him to come home and snuggle.

    Reply
  27. Eric December 10, 2012 at 11:02 PM

    http://amzn.to/YKcEEc

    Ion Therapy Lamp! I’d get some more of my textbooks with the leftover $$$.

    Reply
  28. Brandi December 10, 2012 at 11:35 PM

    I would get this book because I’ve been trying to increase my charitable giving:
    http://www.amazon.com/The-Life-You-Can-Save/dp/0812981561/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355200018&sr=8-1&keywords=the+life+you+can+save

    With the rest I would treat myself to a new purse, but then give the same amount away to a charity
    http://www.amazon.com/Crunch-Leather-Zippered-Handbag-Closure/dp/B0074YE94I/ref=sr_1_50?ie=UTF8&qid=1355200511&sr=8-50&keywords=cobalt+leather+purse

    Reply
  29. Christine December 11, 2012 at 1:26 AM

    I would use it towards buying applecare for my laptop! Thanks J Money for holding this! Good luck Enemy of Debt!

    Reply
  30. Sweta December 11, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    I would by staples like toilet paper, toothpaste, etc. Pretty boring, huh?

    Reply
  31. Trisha December 11, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    I know, not even funny, but would love to have the new Kindle Fire HD! :-)

    Reply
  32. christina h. December 11, 2012 at 2:56 PM

    Nature Babycare Eco Toddler Flushable Wipes. Because we’re environmentalist hippies, and because we’re potty training and my husband is completely grossed out (like gagging for 2 minutes) every time he has to wipe the little one’s tush and carry the wipe in to the trash can. You’d think he’d just put a friggin trash can next to the training potty!

    http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Babycare-Toddler-Flushable-60-Count/dp/B003F8HFY8/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1355255601&sr=8-7&keywords=flushable+wipes

    Reply
  33. Katie December 11, 2012 at 2:57 PM

    I would get a new camera! I have been saving for a Canon t3i for my husband :)

    Reply
  34. Mike Collins December 11, 2012 at 3:55 PM

    Since we finally got a blu-ray player I’d use it to upgrade a few of my favorite movies to the blu-ray experience. I’m thinking lots of Pixar movies would be involved.

    Reply
  35. Linda Lansford December 11, 2012 at 4:07 PM

    I will buy opium

    Reply
  36. Sarah Hirsch December 11, 2012 at 4:36 PM

    i need to get some new toner for my printer

    Reply
  37. Beth December 12, 2012 at 11:28 AM

    I don’t know about you, but I LOVE germs. How about some:

    E. Coli – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O22V4C/ref=s9_al_bw_g21_ir06?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-9&pf_rd_r=AF3A9D7DB8E64A5AB8D7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1410016102&pf_rd_i=165793011

    or the Rhinovirus – http://www.amazon.com/Giant-Microbes-Common-Rhinovirus-Plush/dp/B000NOC52Y/ref=pd_bxgy_t_img_z

    or how about Chicken Pox – http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XAX5OU/ref=s9_al_bw_g21_ir05?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-9&pf_rd_r=AC5C4D290E084C8E8121&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1410016102&pf_rd_i=165793011

    They’re so adorable when they’re not coursing through our blood streams :)

    Reply
  38. Valerie December 12, 2012 at 1:15 PM

    himalayan salt lamp to help my copd and asthma.

    Reply
  39. J. Money December 12, 2012 at 8:52 PM

    OMG some of you are hilarious – I love it! All great great items so far, only half a week to go until someone wins! Keep ’em coming :)

    Reply
  40. Ciara H December 12, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I would put the money towards crest white strips and other little things to pamper myself with! Amazon has it all :)

    Reply
  41. natalie rose machowski December 13, 2012 at 6:49 AM

    I would put the 200 toward a samsung galaxy

    Reply
  42. Kyra December 13, 2012 at 8:36 AM

    I would buy an unlocked cell phone so I can cancel my contract.

    Reply
  43. Megan J. December 14, 2012 at 8:42 PM

    Seriously, I would wait for a super sale on toilet paper and get enough to last like a year.

    Reply
  44. Patricia Treskovich December 14, 2012 at 9:24 PM

    a new Kindle Fire HD

    Reply
  45. Pamela D. December 15, 2012 at 8:43 AM

    http://www.amazon.com/Engelhard-ounce-999-Silver-Bars—Rare/dp/B004WQ2SDA/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1355577571&sr=8-7&keywords=silver+bar+5+oz+troy

    Many years ago, I read a story about a wealthy eccentric old dude. He had huge bricks (bouillon bars of silver) that he used for doorstops. He also had them in various, not so subtle, places in his home. He had a faux fireplace made from silver bouillon bars as wells as a base of a fountain fashioned out of them. Sure, it was obviously all vanity, but it was sort of cool. If the financial markets ever crashed, he would certainly have his silver. While I couldn’t purchase bricks of silver with $200, I could get some 1 oz bars. They would be enough to make me feel rich!

    Reply
  46. Barbara A. Ramirez December 16, 2012 at 1:51 AM

    I would try to buy this for my son and daughter-in-law and their three children. I survive on an SSD check so hopefully I could find a way to come up with the extra money I’d need to purchase it. They have been through so many bad experiences this year that I’d really like to do something this nice and special for them! Always and Merry Christmas, Barbara

    http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Kinect-Holiday-Bundle-exclusive/dp/B0050SY800/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=31TUYTC8FEFZ4&coliid=I3BC61HNKUH8C6

    Reply
  47. Valerie Taylor Mabrey December 16, 2012 at 3:59 PM

    I would get a kindle fire HD

    Reply
  48. Carmen Lebron December 16, 2012 at 7:37 PM

    I would get a Kindle Fire..I have wanted one since they 1st came out,but because I live on a limited income I have not been able to get one on my own…This would be my Christmas present If I win…

    Reply
  49. joseph gersch jr December 17, 2012 at 5:05 AM

    i would buy this haircutting system because i am too cheap to go get mine cut Wahl 79524-2501 Chrome Pro 24-Piece Haircut Kit

    Reply
  50. Raine December 17, 2012 at 8:41 AM

    http://www.amazon.com/Kitty-Polis-Climbing-House-KiKi-Collection-/dp/B009EWOJ8Y/ref=sr_1_120?ie=UTF8&qid=1355751383&sr=8-120&keywords=cat+condos+for+large+cats The ‘Kitty Polis Light Brown Multi Level Climbing Cat Tree & Lounge Pet House-KiKi Collection’, My cats are my kids, and although I try and buy them the best food and toys-I can’t budget for something this awesome because 3 of them are handicapped and this is for large cats and 3 of my boys are 20+lbs. This would be a dream come true for them-they’ve never had anything like this! What an amazing giveaway, thank you & Happy Holidays!

    Reply
  51. Hollie Jahnke December 17, 2012 at 6:47 PM

    I would use it toward the purchase of a new samsung chromebook!
    http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-XE303C12-A01US-Chromebook-Wi-Fi-11-6-Inch/dp/B009LL9VDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1355787712&sr=8-1&keywords=laptop

    And then I would throw in a box of pickle candy canes for my daughter because she’s been begging to try them!
    http://www.amazon.com/Fancy-Pickle-flavored-Candy-Canes/dp/B009SD2OKE/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1355787933&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=pickle+candy+canes

    Reply

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