A Little Desert Apartment

I don't know about you but I get stressed out over Christmas presents.  I like to find something that is a fun gift but useful but the whole socks and underwear thing is for the birds.  Ha ha.  I have certain family members that are very, very hard to buy for.  It's not that they are picky but it's hard to know what they like! They also don't like to tell you what they want and will just say "I don't need anything".  Um.  I don't care.  I want to know what you WANT.  I can buy you underwear but I am not your momma....  I do the socks and underwear for my kid.  I have to say, though, a cell phone makes a great gift for ANY age.  Our economy is on the mend- slowly but it's mending.  It's not perfect but it's getting there.  However, we still have unemployed people who have run out of benefits or had to make cuts.  Having a phone is essential when job searching and having a cheap wireless plan is just as essential.  People like to say having a mobile is frivolous, I don't agree.  In a time where competition is fierce for an entry level job, being able to be reached by a potential employer can be the difference between whether or not you get the job.  They will keep calling through that stack of resumes.  

Speaking of the service, the rates are very, very, very reasonable.  The unlimited talk, text and web is $39.88.  It's such a good savings not only for me, as the gift giver, but for my family member who can actually be able to AFFORD it.  There is NO contract.  No credit check.  Also, nationwide coverage (all on the T-Mobile network). Online account management is also available. I am floored at how inexpensive this is.  Get a phone, activation and service for less than a month's service with most contract phone carriers. Let's also add what a GREAT gift this makes.  It's practical and who doesn't want a smart phone? Not only would this be great for a family member who has been trying to find a job after the recession, grandparents, parents and a teenager's first cell phone! I think what makes it a great gift is that there this is such an inexpensive gift that they can maintain the service themselves! 

I am super excited for Christmas day!  No lies! 

 I have to say that I was pleased with the entire shopping experience.  I live in a large city (Phoenix) and I have Walmart stores all over.  Not only do I live in a large city, but I am in the heart of Phoenix.  Phoenix is an interesting city- you can have a ghetto on one block, a nice middle class neighborhood the next and then multi-million dollar homes on the next block.  It's quite a mix!  So, I did go to the Walmart closest to my home.   I actually have a funny story.   I walked in.  I was hungry and went to the McDonald's (don't judge!) and I dug around in my purse and couldn't find my debit card.  My heart DROPPED.  I am lucky because my bank (a local credit union) has a branch inside this particular location and I ran over and just requested a replacement debit card.  The teller was new at this and had to call support, well, while I am waiting I put my hand on my rear (for some weird reason) and felt my debit card in my back pocket.  Well.... crud.  Ha ha.  Um, I didn't say anything.  I just had the new one printed and did the walk of shame.  Pfffftttt, I'd rather be safe than sorry!

This close to Thanksgiving and Black Friday and you can totally tell the store is crazy busy and trying to keep up with the holiday season.  The electronics department was very well staffed and I found them to be knowledgeable on the Walmart Family Mobile Plans and the activation process.  The young man who helped me was very nice.  I couldn't locate the starter kit (they were out on the floor) and he was quick to get me one and explain to me how to install the SIM card and how to activate the phone.  Although the department was slammed (I do mean SLAMMED), he was very helpful.   

Be sure to follow my Google Plus Album to keep track of more photos from this great #shop!