Honestly needed to grab new pool toys after last summer wrecked our old ones. The flamingo float had a slow leak, and the kids’ dive sticks just vanished. Realized it was already June when I saw the thermometer hit 90 degrees. Big mistake waiting this long! Prices usually skyrocket right after Memorial Day.
The First Try: Big Box Store Blues
Went straight to the huge discount store near the highway thinking they’d be cheapest. Walked past aisles of gardening stuff and grills, finally found the summer section. Shelves looked kinda picked over already. Saw some basic inflatable rings for 8 bucks each – way more than I remembered paying! The bigger floats with cup holders were pushing 25 bucks! Felt way too steep. Even checked their outdoor furniture clearance hoping for a random float thrown in. No luck. Grabbed a 5-pack of water balloons for backup, but walked out empty-handed for the main toys. Frustrating start.
Lesson learned: Don’t assume the biggest stores have the best deals on everything, especially seasonal stuff peaking in demand.
Switching Tactics: Hunting the Clearance Sections
Decided to check places that might be clearing out last year’s stock or have random summer sections. Strategy shift!
- Discount Department Store: Hit the one downtown. Went straight to the basement level where they stash random clearance. Jackpot! Found a bin marked “Summer Clearance – 75% off.” Dug through it like a treasure hunt. Found two giant rainbow unicorn floats originally 40 bucks each – got them for 10 bucks each! They had a tiny stain, but heck, chlorine washes everything.
- Drugstore Chain: Stopped at the corner drugstore for sunscreen. Almost missed it, but right near the checkout was a tiny rack with pool stuff marked down 50%. Grabbed a mesh dive stick set for the kids and some neon diving rings for like 3 bucks total!
- Local Hardware/Garden Center: This was a long shot, but figured they might have some leftover seasonal stock. They did! Back by the hoses, found an endcap with pool noodles for 1.50 each and a big pineapple floaty originally 30 bucks, marked down to 12. Score! It had a slight manufacturing dent on the tag, invisible once inflated.
The Unexpected Hero: Online Grocery Pickup
Was doing my usual grocery order online. While scrolling through the app for eggs, spotted a “Seasonal” tab. Clicked out of curiosity. They actually had pool toys! Ordered a torpedo ball set for 6 bucks and a big shark sprinkler for 15, added them to my cart alongside milk and bread. Picked everything up curbside the next day. Convenience bonus!
Final Haul Breakdown:
- Two giant unicorn floats: 20 bucks
- Pineapple float: 12 bucks
- 3 Pool Noodles: 4.50 bucks
- Dive Sticks & Rings: 3 bucks
- Torpedo Balls: 6 bucks
- Shark Sprinkler: 15 bucks
Whole setup cost me just over 60 bucks total – less than I would’ve spent on two cheap floats at that first big box store. Felt like I hacked the system.
What Actually Worked
Forget the obvious stores unless you go way early season. The real steals came from:
- Digging in clearance bins (especially places you wouldn’t normally think of for toys)
- Checking smaller chains trying to offload last season’s stuff fast
- Utilizing grocery store apps for weird seasonal sections you miss in-store
- Being cool with minor cosmetic flaws – they literally get thrown in chlorinated water and sat on!
Saved a ton, kids are thrilled with the ridiculous unicorns, and I’m chilling on a dented pineapple. Mission accomplished without tanking the bank. Definitely doing this scavenger hunt again next year!