We know everyone is on a tight budget, but here's a way to teach your kids that toys don't have to be expensive.

Toys “R” Us now has $1-$2-$3 Fun! feature shops in the front of its stores. You can choose from about 100 items for $1, $2 or $3. Here are some of the current offerings:

Dinosaurs – dinosaur eggs, glow-in-the-dark figures, stickers and key chains.

Fun Toys – Tic-tac-toe, puzzles, foam darts, a wind-up fishing game and other toys.

Princess Dress Up – mirrors, “diamond” rings, necklaces and tiaras, purses, wands and shoes.

Musical Instruments – recorders, tambourines, kazoos, harmonicas, bells, saxophones, horns and maracas.

Art Tools – coloring books, scratch cards, paintbrushes, paint by number sets and scissors.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Who says toys don't cost what they used to?

This week (March 9-14) you can get the 50th anniversary Barbie for $3 instead of $12.99. That's the same price she sold for when she was unvieiled at New York's annual Toy Fair. Her outfit: the now-famnous, black-and-white swimsuit, at right. (If you kept the original, estimates are it could sell for $27,400.)

The updated doll, left, has gotten a facelift -- well not literally - but those in the know say her face looks more natural with a thinner jawline, almond-shaped eyes, fuller lips and softer makeup. She is wearing a two-piece black-and-white bikini trimmed with Barbie pink, pink hoop earrings, her high ponytail and the accessory of the moment -- a cell phone.

We have been searching the net for participating retailers and have come up with Target, Kmart and Toys R Us. Better go early and it's a good idea to call first.

My mom never bought me a Barbie although I wanted one like every other child. In her typical way, she got me another lookalike doll with a full wardrobe, but it wasn't Barbie. I may still get one for myself.

How about you? Any Barbie memories to share?

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Salvation Army, which usually is in the business of collecting money for its good causes, is marking down its acquired furniture and other items at all its Broward County stores on Dec. 24.

Everything will be 50 percent off for this one day only at the six Salvation Army Family Super Stores, open from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The stores have clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books, electronics and more.

The best reason to buy: All proceeds from sales at the Salvation Army Family Super Store go directly to the operation of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

Here are the Broward County locations:

1791 W Broward Blvd. 888 N University Dr.
Ft Lauderdale Pembroke Pines
954 463-3725 954-433-2160

310 N State Rd. 7 7707 W. Commercial Blvd
Margate Tamarac, FL
954 979-6999 954-721-0705

2300 SW 56th Ave.
Hollywood
954 961-7523

451 E Copans Rd.
Pompano Beach
954 782-3925

Shopping and doing good -- now that's a great concept. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Thanks to Lauren for directing us to istorez.com, a great Web site for all kinds of deals for that forgotten Christmas present.

For children, find "Deal of the Day" coupons for: ToysRUs. Just today, Dec. 22, there's $20 off the Rock 'n Go Pony, for example.

For that man in your life, what could be more welcome than the Festival of Corona Gift Basket featuring Coronas and other goodies fo $59.95 from Beergifts.com. Unfortunately, shipping will make it quite a bit higher at this point.

But istorez.com also offers free shipping deals. For the woman you're still trying to buy for, click on Talbots through the site and look at their 65 percent off items. Order by 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, to get free shipping.

So all is not lost and you don't have to pay extra for shipping if you look around. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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If you're afraid of the malls and your relatives live in Wisconsin, online shopping beckons this weekend. Here are some ideas and deals:

For your young nephew or niece or grandchild: Amazon.com has toys 70 percent off and free shipping during the holidays.

For the tech nerd in your life: Cellphoneshop.net has some good deals on Bluetooths and car chargers.

For any woman who loves movies: Mamma Mia hands down the best chick flick of the year. Meryl Streep is unforgettable. The DVD is $24.49 on Amazon.com and $2.50 less on BarnesandNoble.com if you have a B&N membership.

For most anyone on your list: From a children's book to intellectual fare, I bought more books than any other gift this year using my 10 percent membership discount from Barnes and Noble, which also sent me a 15 percent coupon for one-time use.

For the youngster or teen: DVDs are always good. Wall-E for the youngsters and The Dark Knight for teens and up (a creepy Batman movie, be warned).

Order online no later than Monday if you want to get it there for Christmas. See! You did it and no crowds. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Looking for a good deal on toys? Who isn't.

Target is offering 50 percent off on a toys and games, including Nerf Cosmic Keep Away, was $31.99 and now $15.99; Yahtzee Free for All, was $18.99 and now $8.99; Monoply Town, was $15.99 and now $7.99.

But here's my fave: The adorbale Playskool's Kota my Triceratops that was $199.99 and is now $99.99.

Look for them in stores and online at target.com. Although the Web site says Kota is out of stock, Target's PR machine tells us more are coming!

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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