Toy price comparisons
Target launched a big toy sale last week, and Bloomberg research shows its toy prices online were more than 1% cheaper than Walmart's based on a study of 47 similar items conducted this week.
That might not sound like much, but Walmart's pricing has dominated Target's in the past four weeks.
Diamond prices rising
If you're shopping for diamonds, maybe for a Christmas-time engagement, you might think about getting them sooner rather than later. Diamond prices are poised to go up even higher due to growing demand from a booming middle class in China and India, according to a Bain and Company report. Surprisingly, Debeers says diamond sales in the U.S. are actually growing, despite the tough economy.
Flexible spending accounts
As the end of the year approaches, if you're trying to burn through the rest of your Health Care Flexible Spending Account so you don't lose that money, here are some tips from Aetna. You should spend the money on contact lenses, cough suppressants, acupuncture, over-the-counter vitamins and certain cosmetic treatments if you have an injury. However you can't use the money to cover liposuction or a facelift.
Gifts for pets
Man's best friend is apparently becoming a bigger part of the family. Eight in 10 pet owners say they are going to get their four legged friends Christmas presents.
One quarter say they will spend $50 bucks, according to a survey by Pet Plan, which sells pet insurance.
Get this: 71% say they sign their pet's name in the family greeting card. A majority even have a special stocking for their pet.
