Ask MetaFilter questions in the shopping category

What website can print this book for me?

ThePinkSuperhero — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 15:19:47 -0800

What online printing service could cheaply and quickly print a PDF document to paper, slap it in a 3-ring binder, and send it to me? The document is roughly 200 pages. I want to have printed document in my hand in no more than 7 days, and I really don't want to pay an arm and leg for it. What are my options?

The Incredible Shringking Yogurt

longsleeves — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:27:29 -0800

Is the 8 oz. yogurt serving gone for good? For some time now I've been noticing that the national brands of yogurt have been reducing the size of their single-serving containers from 8 ounces down to 6 ounces. One by one, they've been getting smaller. The last of the name brands has now gone that route, and now the store brands seem to be doing this too. Today, I noticed that one of the last local store brands with the 8 oz cup has restocked their product with containers that are the same price, same basic package graphics, but 6 ounces. The Nov. 1st expiration date containers on the shelf were 8 oz, the Nov. 15th ones are little 6 ounce-ers.

I'm a guy who has been in the habit of bringing a yogurt to work for lunch 2 or 3 days a week and the little servings don't really satisfy, with the added insult of not being any cheaper. I live in New England, by the way.

Is this happening everywhere? Anybody in the food market or yogurt biz have any insight?

Where can I buy a mail-order boojum tree?

Gneisskate — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:09:02 -0800

Where can I buy a mail-order boojum tree? Yes, there is such a thing. Here is a bit more detail on the subject. I think they are quite interesting and look like something out of Dr. Seuss, but I can't seem to find anyone who sells them. Cactus suppliers, maybe? Any help would be appreciated. I am in Indiana for shipping and shopping purposes.

Need a Primer on Print Shops

backwards guitar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:24:48 -0800

What should I be looking for in a print shop? Any recommendations for print shops in the Greater Toronto / Hamilton area? Online print shops based in Canada (or with cheap shipping to Canada) would probably work too. I've gotten a couple of quotes from local print shops, and from the local Staples. There's a big difference in prices, so I think I need an intro to Print Shops 101.

I'm looking to print some letterhead (3 colours) and envelopes, for now.

Yet another headphone question

Diskeater — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 21:15:55 -0800

I'm looking for some great headphones and I'm lost in a vast sea of information. Help? I just got a job in the big city. Go me! My new commute will now be a half hour walk and subway ride, so I’m going to need some good headphones. I’ve relied on a $5 pair of Coby earbuds that are just awful and I want to upgrade to something a lot better.

I’ll mainly be using the headphones with my Sandisk Sansa E280 and occasionally with my PC and laptop.

I’ve usually owned closed headphones but they tend to be pretty bulky and I don’t want to look like a total loser when I’m on the subway. I’d be willing to buy closed headphones if they weren’t too large.

I was never a fan of earbuds but a lot of people swear by them so I’m willing to give them a chance. Same with in-canal headphones but frankly….the idea of those scare me just a little bit.

Cost is not really an issue but I don’t really want to spend $500 if I can get a great pair for $50.

I’ll mainly be using these when I’m on the subway so noise reduction/lack of noise bleed is pretty important. I don’t tend to listen to my music that loudly when I wear headphones. I listen to a wide variety of alternative rock (Radiohead, Mars Volta, Rage Against the Machine, etc) as well as some classic rock and more “ambient” rock (M83, Sparklehorse, Mercury Rev, My Bloody Valentine). I never listen to rap, hip hop, or podcasts.

I have checked out the AskMe questions about headphones and the various recommended links (like this one) but I haven’t found anything that really jumps out at me just yet.

That’s where you guys come in. Thanks!

What stores in Canada sell tie racks?

newatom — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:01:27 -0800

What stores in Canada sell tie racks? I can't seem to find them anywhere. I don't need anything fancy, a wall mounted one would be perfect, or one that does over a door frame. Any ideas?

Where to find desk and office pretties?

alpha_betty — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:35:47 -0800

Where to find pretty and unusual desk and office accessories? I'm about to start a new job with a new desk and a new area to decorate. My old job did not allow for much personalization, so I'm pretty much starting from scratch. I want to accessorize my desk with pretty, colorful and professional items (e.g. pencil cup, business card holder, etc.) that coordinate, but have run into a wall when it comes to where to buy these items. I'd like to find something more unusual than the typical black, leather, or wire mesh things you see in most offices. Aside from SeeJaneWork and Red Stamp, what are some online shops where I might find what I'm looking for?

Where can I buy a two-hour kitchen timer?

eisenkr — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 19:48:42 -0800

Where can I buy a two-hour mechanical kitchen timer online? I've been searching for a two-hour mechanical kitchen timer for a while now, but have only been able to find the timer listed on this amazon UK store. Unfortunately, that stores only seems to ship to the UK. Does anybody know where I can find a similar product in the US?

Joining the Park Slope Co-op, worth it?

whoaali — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:53:54 -0800

Joining the Park Slope Co-op, worth it? I just moved to Brooklyn and am considering joining the Park Slope Co-op. I know there are a ton of Brooklynites on MeFi, so I'd love to hear some of your experiences.

Is it really that much cheaper?

Is it difficult to switch shifts (I realize there is some online thing to do it, but I'm wondering about how easy it is to actually find someone)?

Is 2 hours and 45 minutes a month as easy as it sounds?

Is it a good way to meet people in the neighborhood?

Is it worth it for someone that doesn't cook all that much from scratch?

I should add that while I like good fresh food, I have no particular preference for organic/locally grown food and don't normally buy it unless I am at a farmer's market or something. I do however eat a lot of foreign food, specifically asian food.

Help me find the apron of my Nana's dreams!

cardamine — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 13:44:08 -0800

Apron Filter! Where can I get a really nice (pretty, well-made) waist apron for my beloved Nana? Catch - must fit UK size 20-22! My Nana has wanted a nice waist apron for ages, (i.e. not one that goes over your head) but can't find one. It's her birthday soon so I'd like to get her one but my google-fu and shopping-fu are failing!

I've found some nice ones at Anthropologie but the trouble is, the largest measurement they have is 34-inch apron ties, which according to their size guide is a UK size 14. My Nana is...um...a little stout, and I'd hate to get her something that doesn't fit.

So, i'm looking for shops that sell nice aprons in larger sizes, that ship to the UK (or within reach of Harrogate). Thank you in advance!

i need a new online smoke shop

sdn — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:09:00 -0800

cigarette filter, so to speak: the online smoke shop i've been using for years just shut down. i need a new one! any good/legit sources? (yes, i've paid with echeck for years, not a problem)

Like the one ring, but with less evil.

SNWidget — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:32:30 -0800

EngagementRingFilter: I'm coming upon that time in my life - I'm going to buy a ring and propose to my wonderful girlfriend. My problem is, though, that no matter how much I look up, and what I read, I still can't wrap my head around buying an actual ring. She wants something like this, but I can't see to find anything. Help! Issues: I'm looking for something within the next few months. She doesn't care if it's a real diamond or man-made, but no cubic zirconium. She does want a diamond, though, so recommendations for other stones aren't entirely helpful. She prefers the three stones as in the photos linked above, and no solitaires. The ring in the photos was purchased as Wal-Mart as an example of something she'd like. It doesn't have to match perfectly, though, just the general aesthetic.

The Quest: I've looked at various online websites, and nothing seems to match up. I feel like I'm going about this whole search wrong. I've been avoiding mall stores, because I was told that, but most of the local diamond dealers seem to be less than helpful. I'm in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, if that matters at all.

Question: Does anyone have any suggestions as to where to find something, either real or man-made in that style? My price range is somewhere under $3000, but I can go higher if I find something I absolutely love. Size of the stone isn't a big deal... I just feel completely out of my depth in finding this.

Thanks Hivemind - I've looked at past questions, but they all seemed to be not quite what I was looking for.

Any suggestions/advice/general recommendations for engagement ring shopping is much appreciated.

[Wii filter] too scarce at Christmas?

parilous — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:12:57 -0800

[Wii filter] Is it going to be impossible to find the Wii right before Christmas? Should we wait until after Christmas to get it? Is it still in high demand? Are there new online resources to find Wii systems for sale? My niece has been saving her $10/weekly allowance to get a Wii. She started saving after her birthday in July and now has $120 saved. We plan on paying her for her amazing grades (she's on the honor roll!), but only about $80. So, by the time she's saved $350 (15 weeks from now), it will be RIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

We want her to learn delayed gratification and the importance of saving money up for something you want, rather than buying it on credit. For that reason, I'm reluctant to purchase it for her in advance; I'd rather she had to walk up to a cashier and hand over the money herself. But when she finally has enough money, I want her to be able to buy it -- not be on a waiting list for another month.

So, should we advance her on the money to get it before Christmas, or should we just wait until after Christmas?

Assuming you suggest we buy it now, when will they start getting tougher to find -- right after Thanksgiving? Or are they getting more scarce now? Do I have time to wait until she's saved a bit more money, or do I have to start calling around now?

Assuming you suggest to wait until after Christmas, when will they start being available again? Will the idea of waiting until after Christmas be too disappointing to her, negating any lesson she may have learned about delayed gratification?

We're in Tucson, AZ and would prefer not to drive to Phoenix but will do what is necessary if it means she gets her Wii with her own money. I'd rather not spend the night in line outside a retail establishment, however.

Thanks.

Gift for a goth wedding?

velvet winter — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:35:59 -0800

Help me choose an unconventional wedding gift for a goth couple. Friends of mine are getting married this Halloween. The bride and groom are in their late thirties, and they've both been in the goth scene for many years; the groom plays in a goth band. The ceremony is a masquerade affair, so all the guests will be attending in costume, and the bride, groom and attendants will be dressed in black. Though I can't attend the wedding, I'd like to send them a small gift that fits with their theme. But what should I get?

They've lived together for years, and they don't really need any start-a-household items. They already have large music, movie, clothing, and board game collections. They haven't registered anywhere, so I'm on my own in choosing a gift, which would be great if only I could think of something!

I want to get something creative and unconventional that won't strain my grad-student budget too much. I'd like to avoid sending cash or gift certificates, and I don't think I will have sufficient time to do anything crafty or handmade, unless it's something really simple.

I'm drawing a blank. What kind of wedding gift might be suitable for a couple like this? Any ideas would be welcome. I'm in Portland, OR, if it matters.

Where to buy cheap groceries in Vancouver?

Xianny — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:00:25 -0800

Where can I buy cheap groceries in the Vancouver/Burnaby area? I'd like to know where all the ethnic markets are, or smaller shops that offer lower prices than supermarkets. Economy-of-scale savings are out as I don't have a car. For the purposes of this question, I'll define "cheap" as "cheaper than Superstore".

In need of comfortable work shoes.

Dreamcast — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:59:57 -0800

Looking for some comfortable, yet affordable, shoes that are suitable for jobs involving a lot of moving around and heavy lifting. I don't know the first thing about footwear. For over a decade, I've purchased only Vans brand tennis shoes, and then last year, I purchased a pair of Nikes (these, solely because I found the blue ones pleasing). I'm not quite sure what kind of shoe I should look for when it comes to a job that's going to involve a lot of moving around, heavy lifting, and climbing of ladders.

They need to be comfortable, of course, and affordable (I can't really afford to pay $60+ for shoes at this point, though, I will be able to after I get paid). I'm not so sure if my old Vans, or my cool blue Nikes, are going to provide me with the comfort I'll need, and it'd suck if I wore them to work, only to find that four hours in, my feet are killing me.

So, does anyone have any suggestions? I was sure that someone had already asked a question similar to this one earlier this year, but I couldn't find it.

If it matters, I'm a size 12, a male, and a resident of the United States.

Take me out to the ballgame

eatdonuts — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:21:30 -0800

Mets Fans! My accountant just saved me $10,000 with the IRS. I would very much like to thank him in a way he can accept with a small gift. He's a huge Mets fan, is there a book or something I can send to show my appreciation? I'm not a sports fan at all and I won't be taking him out to dinner or some event (my husband might object, heh.)

Craft shops in London?

gakiko — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 05:44:20 -0800

Please give me recommendations for craft stores in London, UK! Specifically: card making, optional: knitting and soap making/rebatching. Bonus points for locations around Oxford Street and/or easy access by tube! And please don't send me off to some distant location or make me get lost, as I only have 1 day in London to do my shopping. ;) Thank you!

Can you find my boy a toy shoe polisher?

moof — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:37:49 -0800

About a year ago, we bought our son a shoe polishing toy. Yes, a toy. Yes, shoe polishing. My little guy absolutely *loves* this kit, which is from Playgo Ltd of Hong Kong. Unfortunately, the motor just burnt out and he's devastated. All my attempts to google for a replacement have failed. We bought the original at Tuesday Morning, which usually only gets things after they've been discontinued. Replacing the motor is beyond my skills. Any of you able to help find either a replacement or a near equivalent that will please the precise and fussy ocd heart of my darling boy?

Is this an impossible camera quest?

booknerd — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:55:08 -0800

I'd like a new point and shoot digital camera, but am at a bit of a loss on where to start. My current camera-history and requirements for a new one are inside. I currently have a Canon S400 (or something similar, off the top of my head that might be wrong) that I got in 2003, and have used and abused ever since. My main rig is a Canon digital Rebel XT that I adore, but I'd like something smaller to toss in my purse. The S400 still works fine and I love it, but it's a bit bulky, and the resolution isn't very good. It's been having some problems lately corrupting photos, and it's slooooow. I know cameras have gotten a lot faster and better at low light situations over the past five years.

Canon is my brand of choice. I love the aesthetics of the Elph series, and I trust them because all of my other cameras have been so amazingly sturdy. However, I really only want a camera that uses a CF card. My digital Rebel uses CF cards and I have a lot of them, and don't want to have to buy into a new memory card system at this stage. I can't seem to find any newer, better point and shoot Canons that use CF instead of SD. If I have to abandon Canon to use a CF card instead, I'm willing to, but I don't know the first place to start with non-Canon cameras.

Because this is just a back-up camera, something around $200 or less is what I'm looking at. Decent resolution, ability to fiddle with all sorts of manual settings, and "takes good pictures" are all I'm after. The slower the lag between aiming, focusing, and shutter release, the better. I don't know if any point and shoot cameras these days are able to shoot in RAW, but if they are that'd be great. Thanks for any suggestions!

Seeking calendar w/out year or days of the week.

epersonae — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:08:02 -0800

I want to have a permanent calendar-like book that lists all of my important annual stuff: birthdays, when to plant veggies, get car maintenance, make Xmas cards, etc., and I don't want to have to get a new one each year. What am I looking for? What I want is a desk calendar with the dates, but without the days of the week. (For noting stuff like this.) My Google-fu is very weak on this one; can you help me, hive-mind?

(No, I don't want an online calendar for this. In our household, that may be more trouble than it's worth.)

It cuts/prys/screws like a knife

Newbornstranger — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 19:38:14 -0800

Where to buy a Gerber Artifact in Toronto, or at least order in Canada. I'm looking to buy a Gerber Artifact. It seems like a nice simple cheap tool to have in my pocket. However, buying from Amazon (or anywhere else I've found online) makes it over $35 after shipping to Toronto - a bit more than it's probably worth to me.

I've tried a few outdoor supply stores (MEC, the crappy one across the street from MEC, Sportcheck in the Eaton Centre), A few hardware stores, and a couple army-surplus stores that have a good selection of new knives. No luck yet. I'm running out of ideas. Any help?

How can I update my menu without breaking the bank?

FireStyle — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 05:20:58 -0800

I would like to diversify my meal choices, but I can't afford to shop every week.... any suggestions? I recently graduated grad school, so I'm your typical poor post college guy trying to get his life started. One way I found helps to greatly reduce expenditures is to go grocery shopping once a month. I've accomplished this by buying in bulk, and buying the same things over and over. However, I'm getting sick of the menu, and shopping for food is now a chore. My time as a bachelor has actually made me a good cook, so I'm not afraid to be adventurous. The only caveat is my budget is $80.

The typical shopping cart consists of 3lbs of 95% lean ground beef (2-3 nights of chilli, 2 nights of tacos, 3 nights of spaghetti and meatsauce); a bag of frozen chicken (8-12 dinners), pork chops or steak (the not so great cut of what's on sale, 2-4 dinners); 3 packs of spaghetti (30 dinners I do get sauce whenever I need it, not once a month) 5 packs of store brand "flavored" rice (10 dinners), 8 bags of various frozen veggies (30 dinners), 5 cans of tuna (10 lunches), 25 ramen noodles (25 lunches), eggs (6 breakfats) and oatmeal (12 breakfasts). If I hit the jackpot catching good sales, I may indulge in ice cream. I usually just drink tap water, but I can afford it, I get juice too. And believe it or not, I live in southern Cali, and that is $80 bucks give or take 5 bucks I usually just drink tap water, but if I can afford it, I get juice too.

So as you can see, I get a lot of mileage out of my food, but 4 months of this is getting to be unbearable. I used to love chicken... now I'm like X_X when I have to make it. I was hoping the metafilter think tank could suggest some things. I should note, I do spice up my secletion.... BBQ chicken, or I'll grill chicken, or bake chicken lol. The main consideration is it last to last for a few nights and not break the bank! thanks much =)

Looking for an infant doll that fits newborn baby clothes for my preschooler.

mausburger — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:45:06 -0800

My 3-year-old is getting into dressing her Little Mommy doll. I've been using her old newborn clothes, but the dolls are too small. (And the stuffed animals are the wrong shape.) Can you recommend a doll that can wear the newborn clothes? It should be a doll that she can play with-- that means no expensive collectibles. Also, it should be light, so she can carry it around with her.

Cool things. I needs them.

Bakuun — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 01:36:17 -0800

I'm looking for interesting and fun online stores similar to ThinkGeek, PerpetualKid, etc. Something that has unique, unusual gadgets, or home/office decorations. What are some such stores I might not be familiar with, or maybe previous threads that mention them?