Say it ain’t so! (Only don’t use “ain’t,” because that’s not really a word.) Alas, it’s true: Today is Day 17 of Amazon’s 17 Days of Video Game Deals. After this we’ll have to hunt around for the game deals. Hmph.

Today’s theme is music games, which means it’s a great time to scoop up things like Kidz Bop Dance for the kiddies (just $25, today only) or the latest DanceDanceRevolution software for yourself ($17 today).

Me, I try very hard not to attempt any dancing where someone might see me. But what you and your Wii do in the privacy of your own home is your business.

As near as I can tell, PixOs are little beads that magically stick together with water and make… things. They remind me of perler beads, but without the need for an iron and even more likely to roll off the table and get stuck to your socks. And Paperoni is wads of paper, but artistic-like. Doesn’t that sound awesome?

PixOs:
PixOs Micros Intro Set for $4 (73% off)
PixOs 3D Starter with Pen for $5 (69% off)
PixOs Micros Show N Glow Studio for $8 (73% off)
PixOs Ultimate Design Station for $9.90 (75% off)

Paperoni:
Paperoni Variety Pack for $4.50 (68% off)
Paperoni Magic Movin’ Pets Version 1 for $5.80 (74% off)
Paperoni Deluxe Studio for $7.20 (76% off)

Kids love these, by the way. There is a direct relationship between how big/annoying of a mess a toy makes and how much kids like it. Trust me.

Sometimes I find markdowns on Amazon by going through their “Bestsellers in the last hour” list, and then I find other things by looking at their “People who bought this item also bought” items on the product pages, and now you know how I find a lot of these things, and also why I spend 16 hours a day on Amazon in December. (Wow, when I put it like that it sounds kind of… well, nevermind.)

So here’s some random markdowns:
Playskool Clipo Mini Bucket for $5.40 (73% off)
Insect Lore Ladybug Land for $6 (70% off)
Connect 4 with five ways to play for $6 (68% off)
Fuzzoodles Jumbo Plush Construction Kit for $7 (75% off)
Fantasma Toys Astounding Magic DVD Set for $9 (78% off)
Barbie and The Three Musketeers Magical Balloon Carriage for $14.40 (68% off)
Fisher-Price Imaginext Sky Racers Carrier for $25 (44% off)
Radio Flyer Tailspin Trike, Red for $30 (67% off)
Barbie Fashion Fairytale Palace for $35 (70% off)

I… kind of want that tricycle. Is that wrong?

Earlier I was all “I’ll just post that $5-and-under link” and then I’ll call it a day. But we finished dinner and here I am again. And y’all these prices are insane; I can’t not tell you about them. That would be irresponsible.

I think my husband is starting to become a little concerned. (Sorry, honey! ‘Tis the season!)

Plan Toys utter craziness:
Plan Toys Miracle Pounding for $7.88 (77% off)
Plan Toys City Crane for $14 (80% off)
Plan Toys Road & Rail Play Set for $40 (80% off)
Plan Toys Eco Town Deluxe Adventure Set with Bonus Light Rail Train for $40 (80% off)

See?!? Crazy! Those train sets are nuts.

Amazon was kind enough to round up a number of toys and games for under $5, saving me from that thing where I open twenty windows at once to find you cheap stuff. Very kind of them.

Some of these items would be good for the ol’ gift closet, but lots of ’em would also be great for donation—I know my local supermarket still has a giant box out for Toys For Tots, and with that 2-day Prime shipping and not very much money, I can order up a box of goodies to drop off.

I’m not telling you what to do, you understand. Just putting it out there.

You are keeping an eye on those Holiday Lightning Deals at Amazon, right? In a few minutes this talking microscope is coming up. [Edited to add: It’s up! Just $24—40% off!]

And today is day 16 of 17 Days of Video Game Deals, with today’s offering being Activision Kids’ Games. I see many, many games my children have been begging for.

I’m all done with Christmas. And birthdays. And Easter. And yet, I’m still looking….

Today and tomorrow are the last days to take advantage of free get-it-in-time-for-Christmas shipping from The Scholastic Store, so hop on over there if you haven’t already. Take a look at the box sets—the 39 Clues Boxed Set is down to just $70, and with a coupon you can take it down to $56 shipped.

So: Use coupon code EDUCATE for 20% off your purchase, then stack coupon code FS2010 for free shipping, too. Result: Happy readers, happy shoppers. Yay!

Just a few fun markdowns from some movies your kids may love….

A Nightmare Before Christmas:
A Nightmare Before Christmas Monopoly for $12 (66% off) (okay, I know, it’s Monopoly, but if you’re a Nightmare fan this is pretty cool)

Toy Story:
Toy Story 3 Action Links Buzz Saves the Train Stunt Set for $5 (67% off)
Toy Story 3 Action Links Evil Dr. Porkchop Attacks Stunt Set for $5.75 (62% off)
Toy Story 3 Action Links Jessie to the Rescue Stunt Set for $6 (60% off)
Toy Story 3 Action Links Sunnyside Breakout Stunt Set for $8 (68% off)
Toy Story 3 Action Links Junkyard Escape Stunt Set for $14 (65% off)

Cars:
Cars Gil Hauler for $6 (63% off)
Cars Sidewall Shine Hauler for $6 (60% off)
Cars Hauler Mood Springs for $8 (50% off)

Transformers:
Jetblade for $5 (67% off)
Sea Attack Ravage for $6 (60% off)
5-pack Rallybots Double Clutch for $7 (72% off) (there’s a lone poor review on this one; you’ll have to decide if it’s worth chancing)
Defender Optimus Prime for $10 (60% off)
Mindwipe for $10 (60% off)