news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Dad and I usually didn’t coordinate what we were getting Mom for Christmas. And one year, that turned out to be a big mistake.

Or a little mistake, depending on which gift you’re talking about.

That’s because we both got her the same thing: an electronic keyboard.

Mine was cheaper and much smaller than Dad’s.

After unwrapping our gifts, Mom sized them up (she needed only one hand to hold up mine).

I then rhetorically asked her which one she wanted to return.

She burst out laughing. And soon enough, we all were laughing.

It gave us something to chuckle about for years.

What has been the funniest holiday gift experience in your household?

Send me an email at michael.fuchs@news-record.com. Include your full name and where you’re from.

I may share some of your comments in next week’s column.

Trader Joe’s

Amid renewed talk of Trader Joe’s coming to Greensboro, that got me wondering: What’s the big deal?

In other words, what makes Trader Joe’s so special? Is it the Two-Buck Chuck wine?

Is it that you feel as if it’s more of a cultural experience versus a ho-hum trip to the grocery store?

The customer service?

The value? Variety?

All the above?

Or maybe — gasp — you’re not a fan of Trader Joe’s and don’t understand what all the fuss is about.

Let me know what you think. Send me an email at michael.fuchs@news-record.com. Include your full name and where you’re from.

I may share some of your comments in next week’s column.

Gift ideas

If you’re looking for special gift ideas, there’s an online gallery featuring dozens of locally-made ornaments, jewelry, clothing, home accents and art sold at shops in downtown Greensboro.

Check it out here.

Deal at Greensboro Gap

Download a new mall shopping app and get 40 percent off one item at Gap’s Friendly Center store in Greensboro.

The MallMerlin app can be used at malls including Friendly Center, The Shops at Friendly Center, Alamance Crossing, Hanes Mall and Oak Hollow Mall.

Malls in the Triad are now using the MallMerlin app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Visit www.mallmerlin.com for more information.

Four Seasons mall

Several stores at Four Seasons Town Center are offering discounts and holding special sales during the holidays.

Classic ornaments are on sale for $7.99 at Things Remembered.

Aeropostale has a $10 off coupon if you spend at least $50.

Bakers has a 15-percent off coupon that’s valid with a purchase of at least $75.

At Fox, get 20 percent off if you’re a member of the military, police, fire or in the emergency medical profession. Just bring your ID.

Visit www.shopfourseasons.com/sales for more information including links to coupons.

Mechelle’s specials

Enjoy warm cider and cookies and get 20 percent off everything Tuesday through Friday at Mechelle’s boutique in downtown Greensboro (227 S. Elm St., Suite A, 574-4496).

The discount increases to 30 percent on Christmas Eve. If you spend at least $20, you also get a free stocking stuffer or small Hanukkah gift.

Mechelle’s, which moved from State Street this summer, sells a mix of jewelry, shoes, home accessories, gifts and consignment items.

Science center

Get a membership for yourself or as a gift for another family to the Natural Science Center of Greensboro (4301 Lawndale Drive, 288-3769).

If you buy it by Dec. 31, the annual membership is $55, or $20 less.

The perks of being a member include unlimited, year-round access to the science center and Animal Discovery, discounts on camps, birthday parties, workshops, priority registration and special events.

Visit www.natsci.org for more information or call Wayne Johnson at 288-3769, Ext. 305.

Sylvia’s Outlet sale

Everything is 25 percent off Monday through Saturday at Sylvia’s Outlet (4654 U.S. 29, Greensboro; 621-6466), including new shipments of shoes, clothes, jewelry and accessories such as women’s fedoras and scarves.

Mr. Thrift moves

Mr. Thrift, a discount furniture store, has moved into bigger digs in Burlington Outlet Village.

The store is at 2308 Corporation Parkway, which is across from the Hospice clothing store.

The store sells items such as accent pieces and living room, bedroom and dining room sets.

They also sell mattress sets, area rugs, lighting and accessories.

Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Call 222-0778 or visit www.shopbov.com.

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports lists what it calls 25 great gift ideas in its January issue.

For the shutterbug on your Christmas list, the magazine recommends the Sony Cyber-shot (model DSC-HX9V0).

For the chef in your household, an Emerilware nonstick cookware set ($200) gets two thumbs up.

Money no object?

Consumer Reports is all revved up over a BMW 328i convertible (about $50,000).

Other suggestions include an Acer netbook, Bose headphones, LG Blu-ray player and the Amazon Kindle.

Become Web savvy

Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/BargainBlog. You also can follow me at facebook.com/bargainblog.

Got a tip to share? Let me know by Monday before the Sunday publication date.

Contact Mike Fuchs at 484-1175 or michael.fuchs@news-record.com