KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS CONTEST ENDS AT 11:59 PM ON DECEMBER 23, 2009. ALL PARTICIPATION AFTER THE FACT WILL NOT BE COUNTED. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
This post is a sponsored post on behalf of Sears via Izea. The opinions are mine.
The economy is tough right now, and in my personal life, things are as challenging to me as they might be for you. So when offered an opportunity to work with IZEA on a Sears Grant a Wish program, it piqued my interest.
Sears is not typically my store of choice to shop. Christina likes to accuse me of being a metrosexual – that is, I like to look good and am willing to put out money to make sure it happens. I don’t think that makes me metro, but who knows.
The program that Sears and IZEA are partnering on provided a $500 gift card for me to use in my Christmas shopping at any Sears store. The point was to grant a wish, as the Sears program name suggests. As an uncle of three boys on my side of the family (Ages 3, 2 and 6 months) and a girl (14 months old), there were plenty of wishes to be granted.
I went over to the Sears in Alexandria at the Landmark Mall and began by strolling the store. I checked out the electronics department (for me), the clothing department for kids, tools, toys… I even walked through the bedding section.
I was impressed that there were actual brands, mostly at discounted prices (50% off, 40% off, etc).
Without giving away the house (as folks read this blog, believe it or not), all the cousins were taken care of (my sister and her family and my brother and his family are really strapped right now, so this is a huge bonus for them, and it gives me an opportunity to Grant a Wish not only to the kids, but to my siblings who could benefit from the reinforcements). In addition, various other members of the family will be treated to “electronic gear” including a much needed digital camera. I was also taken care of in a small way to pick up some warmer winter clothes that I’m going to need here, especially with frequent trips to Boulder, CO for work.
Of course, 5 gifts were purchased to Grant a Wish to Toys for Tots as seems appropriate.
I want to be clear. This is not a business and technology post. This is not a how-to, or advocacy for smart social media presence in the web space. However, Sears is obviously positioning themselves to be smart social media citizens through their partnership with IZEA and bloggers (some of whom are Red Carpet bloggers). This is not a SEO post that is paid placement, for all intents and purposes. This is doing good for others with the knowledge that doing good for others will do good for them, and they are merely using folks like myself to do that good. I’m really blessed to have been given this opportunity.
I don’t know how often I will shop at Sears. I hate shopping anyway. But this was a great experience that helped me accomplish most of my Christmas shopping quickly (I don’t have a lot of time this month with travel) and allowed me to give where there was real need. I truly appreciate that most of all.
Obviously, larger principles apply here to business and life. It is what many have called The Golden Rule: Do to others, what you would have them do to you. Businesses can give if they don’t limit themselves to a bottom line, but engage in a culture of positive returns.
But wait, there’s actually more…
As part of this program, Sears has given me the opportunity to give away a Holiday gift package to one of you, my readers. That means I can Grant a Wish to you as well. :)
First the gift packs (Winner can choose one gift pack):
The iPod Pack
- Apple 8GB iPod Touch (Black)
- iHome 2.1 Channel Micro Bookshelf System for iPod
- i.Sound 2-in-1 Rechargeable Backup Battery for iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod
The Playstation 3 Pack
- Sony Playstation 3 80GB
- Fallout 3 (Those who read this blog frequently know I’m a huge fan of this game and playing it currently)
The “Electronics for Your Car” Pack
- Tomtom GPS, One 125 Portable GPS Device
- Audiovox Two Way Remote Car Starter
- Motorola HF1000 Bluetooth Car Kit
How to Play
Official rules are here. You can enter to win up to three times per person:
- Use Twitter and tweet out “RT @technosailor please grant my wish to win the #Sears [package name] – tweet to win your own wish http://urlbrief.com/1c5ba9″
- Leave a comment on this post with the Sears Item #s of products you would buy (up to $500). You can go to http://www.sears.com to look for item numbers.
- Create a blog post about the contest and leave a link to it in the comments of this post.
Hire me! I am actively looking for full-time work. If you're interested in discussing opportunities, please email me at aaron@technosailor.com
About Aaron
I’d love to buy the iPod touch, # 05791318000, it’s on my wish list!
My wish would be 0579772400 , a flat screen for the bedroom! And the package I would like is the PS3(DS askedfor it for Christmas and we cant get him one. Dont know how to Twitter and I dont have a blog so I only get one entry! Thanks to you and Sears for the fabulous giveaway!
I would buy the ipod pack. I have a teenage daughter who has a nice new ipod, but I am stuck using a 4 year old mp3 player… I need an update.
The “Electronics for Your Car†Pack
I need a battery for my gracefully aging truck.. how fun.Sears item# 02830051000 $69.99
Then if I’m just dreaming, the Playstation 3 for the kids. Sears item# 05896008000 $399.99
I love to shop at Sears! Thanks for this great giveaway. I would personally like to win the i Pod Pack but my family would love the Playstation 3 Pack. Either would be great! At Sears I would like #05730719000 the GPS, ONE 125 Portable GPS Navigation Device. I also like the Wii Fit Entertainment Pack #05892940000. Thanks!
#05898015000 PSP for the kids, #00953560000 garage door opener for me, #00944101000 stubby wrenches for hubby. If I win, I would like the i Pod pack. Thanks!
I’d buy a new television. Thanks!
Sansui 22 in. (Diagonal) Class Widescreen LCD HDTV w/ Built-In DVD Player
Sears item# 05797723000
I would love to win the great iPod Pack. Here’s my Sears wish list:
Sony 8.1MP Digital Camera, S780 $179.99
Item #00343099000
Delonghi Retro Panini Maker $100.80
Item# 00862083000
Globalinx Tropical cedar adirondack chair 2 @ $79.99 = 159.98
Item# 07107722000
Farberware 2 qt. Classic Stainless Steel Covered Saucepan w/Double Boiler Insert $35.99
Item# 00855448000
Thanks for the fantastic giveaway.
I WOULD GET THE FOLLOWING
PANASONIC DVD RECORDER 299.00 Sears item# 05757398000
Reversible Omega Chain Necklace. 14K Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Sears item# 04450429000 199.00
ARDY22 AT EARTHLINK.NET
What a fantastic idea! To create that childlike awe and wonder for one wisher!
Please see: http://alwaysknitalways.blogspot.com/ for a post leading to this contest.
Thank you for your sharing spirit, no matter how it came to be. It is the part of the Magic of the Season!
I, AlwaysAlways have Tweeted!! :)
I’d like a pony, Aaron. I didn’t see that on the list. How many tweets for a pony?
this is my wishlist! Graco imonitorâ„¢ Digital Color Video Baby Monitor
Sears item# 04922426000 Mfr. model# 2797DIG $179.99
Lolita Lempicka Lolita Lempicka 2.5 Oz Eau De Toilette Spray For Women
Sears item# 07464662000 Mfr. model# 418262
Shermag Glider Rocker/Ottoman Combo – Chestnut with Galaxy Camel Fabric Cushion
Sears item# 04988164000 Mfr. model# 37913CB.H4.1103
——————————————————————————–
and I just tweeted (I am kgail11)
My Wish List:
For the Home:
Stainless Steel Kenmore 24 in. Built-In Dishwasher with Ultra Wash&174; System Sears item# 02213593000 Mfr. model# 13593 $339.99
For My Hardworking Hubby:
Carhartt Sandstone Duck Active Jacket
Sears item # 04116215019 Mfr.model # A0098 $82.49
For Each of My Teenagers (so they will stop taking mine..lolol)
Micro Raschel Solid Throw
Sears item # 09674719000 Mfr.model # B8111 5 @ 7.99 = $45.00
For Donation to the Women’s Shelter
In Vain Corduroy Long Swing Jacket
Sears item # 00297005059 Mfr.model # A4101 $24.99
Grand Total: $492.47
Samsung Single-Disc, 6-Speaker Home Theater System, 1000W
Sears item# 05798658000 Mfr. model# HT-Z310
need for the new tv. a bose would be nice
All 3 are great prize packs! Um, decisions, decisions, decisions………..! But, because my household is full of gaming fanatics (myself included), I think I’ll go with ‘The Playstation 3 Package’! My entire family would be thrilled to win such an ‘awesome’ bundle of joy! Thanks for the ‘incredible’ giveaway and Happy Holidays!
i choose what id get for my son if i had to choose, thanks
Mario & Sonic At The Olympic Games
Sears item #05895780000
Master Of Illusion
Sears item #05895759000
NDS,Puzzle de Harvest Moon
Sears item# 05895738000
Nintendo Metallic Rose Ds Lite
Sears item #05893024000
If I win I would love the playstation 3 for my husband ,and from Sears I would love item #05791320000 for my daughter
Playstation 3, wireless controllers for two, and several Blu-Ray DVD’s
Forget the kids !! Merry Christmas to Me!
I want “the electronics for my car”.
#05730719000 GPS
#05730431000 Car Starter
#00333136000 Bluetooth
Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Sony PLAYSTATION 3 160GB Uncharted Drakes Fortune Bundle
Sears item# 05896009000 Mfr. model# 98038
I would love the iPod Pack.
Samsung 22 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p) Sears item# 05771018000
for all to share.
Nintendo Metallic Rose Ds Lite
Thanks!
We’d love the Playstation 3 pack!!
i twittered your page http://twitter.com/lvelasco
we really need a new dvd player so we can have our family movie nights, and a microwave becuase ours is about to blow up! please grant my wish!
Sony DVD/VCR Combo Player with Progressive Scan
Sears item# 05757467000 Mfr. model# SLV-D380P $99.99
Stainless Steel w/Black Kenmore Elite 2.0 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave with Sensor Cooking Controls
Sears item# 02066463000 Mfr. model# 66463
If I had $500 to spend at Sears I’d pick up a Wii Fit (Sears item# 05892358000) and a purple iPod Nano (Sears item #05791311000) and a South Shore Double Dresser (Sears item# 00822385000). That would pretty much cover it, with a few bucks left over for warm socks!
I would buy the Mirus Intel Atom 270, 10.2″, 1GB, 120GB, 802.11G, Webcam, 2.8lbs, Windows XP Home
which has an item number of: 00398573000
I would love to win The “Electronics for Your Car†Pack
Sears item# 00625727000 Mfr. model# 63560
Sears item# 05279461000 Mfr. model# 729513
Sears item# 04910287000 Mfr. model# 44537
Please enter me for 2. Sony Playstation 3 80GB, Fallout 3.!
This is a really cool thing that Sears is doing. I do marketing for a community theatre, so it’s really interesting to me to watch how Izea and their clients are using social media in new ways and really touching lives.
If I’m a lucky winner, I choose the iPod pack. I have a nano and I love it, and I would use it even more if I had external speakers for it.
What would I buy with $500 at Sears?
For my mom, who bought a camera with no battery: Item# 00345190000
For my husband, who’s wanted a router for years: Item #00990999000
For the many sewing projects around the house: Item# 02018030000
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/Auriette/status/1073682176
What a cool giveaway! I’d love to win these for my family-
Microsoft Xbox 360 Elite 120GB Bundle
* Sears item #05891057000
halo 3 for X-Box
Sears item #05891161000
Boom Blox for Wii
Sears item# 05892354000
Thanks and happy holidays.
Sears item# 04421820000 , indulgent but I’d love to have it
I would purchase 10 boxes of FreshLook Colorblends Contac Lenses(6 lenses) @ $48.24 per box.
Very generous giveaway! It was fun to window shop and dream!
daughter–Kamik Delancy – Brown
Sears item# 05428507000
dh–Citizen Mens Stainless Steel Watch with Black Dial and Link Band
Sears item# 04449378000
both girls–14 ft. Trampline with Enclosure
Sears item# 05210076000
Thank you!!
Element 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Sears item# 05771318000 would be at the top of my wishlist since my T.V died. If I won I’d pick the ps3 prize pk.
angelacisco@rocketmail.com
Electronics for Your Car Pack: Tomtom GPS, Portable GPS Device , Audiovox Two Way Remote Car Starter, Motorola HF1000 Bluetooth Car Kit.
With my $500 at Sears I would buy:
1. Sony Blu-ray Discâ„¢ Player $249 ( save $50)
2. Sony 8.1MP Digital Camera, W150 – Silver $149 (save $80)
3. Case Logic Medium Camera Case $9.99
4. Smartparts 7 in. (Diagonal) Digital Frame $39.99
5. Craftsman 10 in. Electric Weedwacker® Line Trimmer/Edger, Cordless $49.99 (save $50)
I would love to win the #1 pack–Apple 8GB iPod Touch, iHome 2.1 Channel Micro Bookshelf System for iPod , i.Sound 2-in-1 Rechargeable Backup Battery for iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod.
I would like to enter for The “Electronics for Your Car†Pack.
$189.99 Sears item# 05891429000 Mfr. model# XB3 ELA 19156
$69.99 Sears item# 05891444000, Mfr. model #XB3 UBI 59340
$59.99 Sears item# 05891418000, Mfr. model #XB3 LUC 33276
$59.99 Sears item# 05891474000, Mfr. model #XB3 ELA 15564
$59.99 Sears item# 05891403000 Mfr. model# XB3 BET 12680
Total: $439.95 before Tax
Sears item# 05757438000 I would get two of these, one for me and one for my parents.
i would get 2 wireless 360 controllers item #05891814000
All Power America 3500W 6.5 HP OHV generator
Sears item #07107330000
$419
Any of the prize packs would be great! Can I tell you how much fun I had imaginary shopping? I chose all the things I have always wanted but would only be luxuries. Here goes:
Monterrey Salsa Maker/Mini-Chopper 500 Watt Smoothie/Margarita Maker and Quesadilla Maker #00888551000 $74.99
Deni Vacuum Sealer #00862013000 $80.99
Deni Meat Grinder #00870400000 $125.99
Nesco American Harvest Square Dehydrator-700 Watts #00880806000 $80.99
Wii Fit & Wii Balance Board #05892358000 $89.99
Wii, Cabelas Legendary Adventures #05892528000 $39.99
That was a blast!!!!
My husband has been wanting an LCD so my wish is for him:
Samsung 32 in. (Diagonal) Class LCD Integrated HDTV (720p)
Sears item# 05771033000 Mfr. model# LN32A300J1DXZA
If I had $500 to spend at Sears I’d buy:
All Power America 3500W 6.5HP OHV Electric Generator with Mobility kit
Sears item# 07107326000 Mfr. model# APG3002 $429.99
My favorite of the packages you are giving away is the IPOD package…thank you
Wow I wish for #05799959000 Creative Labs Zen (Looks so cool)
And the little hot pink Apple 16GB iPod Nano #05791316000. Wish Wish Wish
KitchenAid Custom Metallic Series 5 Quart Stand Mixer, Brushed Nickel
Sears item# 00869222000 Mfr. model# KSM152PSNK