Retail Therapy: Hello Kitty, hello holidays
As we enter the holiday warehouse sale season, heed a few tips: Many clothing sales don’t offer dressing rooms, so ladies are reminded to wear layers like leggings and tank tops to make it easy to quickly try on garments. Leave the large bags at home, and never wear clothing by the label whose sale you’re attending or you might get stopped for shoplifting. Scan all items carefully to ensure there are no holes or rips. Naturally, sample and warehouse sales have a no-returns policy.
Cute attack: Stop by the Hello Kitty Warehouse Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Fullerton Marriott, 2701 Nutwood Ave., to save up to 70% on a huge range of Hello Kitty merchandise. Free hotel parking is available; no strollers will be allowed. (Pro tip: The last event sold out on the first day, so you might want to arrive early Saturday if you are a hardcore Kitty fan.)
Twee squee: Anthropologie and Modcloth fans might go gaga for the Nick & Mo Sample sale, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at 6735 Knott Ave., Buena Park. Save up to 90% at this one, where everything from a lace dress to an embellished pea coat goes for $5 to $25. Information: nickandmoclothes.com.
Footwear frenzy: Whether you need boots or sandals, stop by the OluKai warehouse sale at 7391 Heil Ave., Huntington Beach, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Save up to 75% on shoes for all ages. Information: facebook.com/olukai.
Surfing safari: The Hobie sale will be held one day only this year, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at 32921-A Calle Perfecto, San Juan Capistrano. Save up to 70% on clothing and gear for men and women. Typically, all items are priced from $10 to $20.
Word to the wise: As we approach Black Friday and then full holiday insanity — and if you already know what you want to get someone (or yourself) on Amazon — visit camelcamelcamel.com. From there, enter the Amazon URL for the item in question. You’ll see the price of the item over time and be able to sign up for alerts informing you when the item is on sale at the price you want.
Give a little, get a little: Fashion Island, the Irvine Spectrum Center and the Market Place are partnering with KTLA’s Annual Season of Sharing Toy Drive. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Toys for Tots drop locations through Dec. 20 and receive a Holiday Savings Passport filled with offers for each center. Examples include restaurant offers like $10 off a meal, buy-one-get-one-free entrees, a free kid’s meal at Chick-fil-A with purchase of an adult meal, and free appetizers or desserts with purchase. At the Spectrum, enjoy a free Carousel, Giant Wheel or Trackless Train ride; a free ice skating pass; and a free valet parking pass.
Little turkeys: The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity at SOCO is hosting a Creativity Camp for kids ages 7 to 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 24 to 26. Kids will create holiday ornaments, paint a mural of Looney Tunes characters, and construct a giant turkey. The whole family is invited to get creative with cranberries on Nov. 26. The camp is $100 for three days, or $40 per day. Sibling rates are $75 for three days, or a $30 daily rate. Register by visiting ChuckJonesCenter.org and clicking “Gift Shop.” Information: programs@ChuckJonesCenter.org or (949) 660-7793, Ext. 107.
Santa sorted: If a mall Santa photo is in your plans, but the idea of waiting in line has you less than filled with holiday cheer, fear not. Westminster Mall, the Shops at Mission Viejo and Brea Mall are introducing an appointment service at simon.noerrsanta.com. Parents can share their children’s good deeds with Santa at simon.bemerrysanta.com. When kids print and bring Santa a badge (or show Santa on their mobile device), they will receive a chocolate treat from Lindt. In addition, Westminster Mall will be hosting a Caring Santa session from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Dec. 7 for families with special needs (register at simon.com/caringsanta) and a Pet Photo Night with Santa from 6 to 7 p.m. Dec. 14, after the mall has closed. (The area is extensively cleaned after pet night, for the sake of allergy sufferers.) A Kidgits Holiday Celebration from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 6 will let area children participate in arts and crafts and write letters to Santa. Information: simon.com/mall/westminster-mall.
Treats for us, treats for pups: Top Dog Barkery at Corona del Mar Plaza, 924 Avocado Ave., will host a bake sale for human Thanksgiving treats like cakes and pies from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. All donations will benefit dog rescue efforts. From noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 30, professional pet photographer Diana Lundin will offer 15-minute pet portrait sittings. The $59.95 fee includes an ornament with your dog’s picture on it. From noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7, Santa Paws will be in the store, giving puppies treats and giving their owners cards. Information: topdogbarkery.net.
Turkey Tales: Still need to make those Thanksgiving plans? The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa will host a Turkey Tales dinner in its Vista Ballroom from noon to 7 p.m. The extensive buffet menu selection will be divided into “chapters,” with introduction options including Blue Point oysters or house-smoked salmon. The “chapters” include salads; a fruit display; chipotle pumpkin soup; cheeses; roasted turkey; prime rib; baked ham; all the trimmings; and a selection of desserts. Champagne, sodas, coffee and tea are included. The meal is $72 for adults; $65 for seniors ages 65 and over; $25 for children ages 4 to 12; and free for kids ages 3 and under. Information and reservations: (714) 698-1234.
Luxe furnishings for less: Stop by the Peninsula Home Collections Warehouse Moving Sale through Jan. 15 at 16951 Murphy Ave., Irvine, to save up to 65% on top designer furniture. Information: PHCollection.com.
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at candicebaker@gmail.com.