Cheap Thrills

Kidstuff for Less

290 N. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst
631-592-2561
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon- 5 p.m.

From Bellini cribs and Graco strollers to baby clothes from Gymboree, BabyGap and Carter's, this newly-opened store in Lindenhurst is bursting with bargains on all things for kids and baby.

I spotted a gorgeous new tan and cream bassinette from Kolcraft for $35 (retails for $79.00). New or almost-new cribs from Pali were $150 (retail for $400 and up).

There are racks and racks of clothing for babies, toddlers and juniors-- prices range from 33 cents for a newborn Carter's onesie to about $15 for infant snow suits and winter jackets. Tommy Hilfiger, Nannette, Circo and Nike are among other brands spotted. The shocking thing-- many of the items are brand new with tags.

Owner Sandra Satzinger says that's because she's buying liquidation or overstock inventory right off retail shelves. These items are typically sold for 60-80% less than the original retail price. Satzinger, who lives in Amityville, also purchases new or gently used clothing, accessories and nursery furniture from customers (walk-in sellers can show their items to her from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday).

What a treat! Two brand new boutique yarn shops opened recently, offering knitters and crocheters (aspiring or experienced) a selection of specialty yarns and project supplies in modern colors and textures:

Infinite Yarns
275 Main Street, Farmingdale
Infiniteyarns.com

Owner Anne Schneck stocks her tastfully decorated store with a selection of designer yarns by Debbie Bliss, Madile and Knitting Fever, among other brands. Mohair, merino wool, silk blends...the textures go on and on. A well-lit work area in the back will be the setting for knitting and crocheting classes, which are forming now.

Village Knitter
Fire Island Avenue, Babylon
Village Knitter

This new yarn shop in Babylon Village comes from Karen Klein, the former owner of KnitWorks in Amityville. It's a small space with a colorful variety of yarns tucked into white cubbies along the wall. Knitting classes-- some focused on unique projects like felted clogs, bags or bow-tie scarves- are held several nights a month.

Think of it as attending a convention, without having to travel to the convention center.

Pre-registration is now underway for the first-ever virtual scrapbooking fair that's being organized by Scrapbooks etc. magazine and the online event planning company, InXpo. Scrap-A-Faire, which runs online 24 hours a day from Feb. 28 to March 4, will feature 25 online scrapbooking classes, seminars and virtual discussions that people are invited to participate in right from their home computer.

There will be on-demand videos demonstrating step-by-step techniques for embellishing pages, journaling and designing digital layouts (complete with templates and tools to download). Scrappers can chat with experts and connect with each other in discussion forums. As with any traditional fair, there will be prize giveaways, vendors and an idea showcase.