Department 56 sale Just when I thought that the Department 56 blowout sale that benefited Minneapolis public schools had gone to Snowbaby heaven, the bargains have resurfaced thanks to a huge donation (four semi trucks full) from Department 56 to the American Cancer Society. Everything in the 10,000-square-foot showroom will be discounted 60 to 75 percent, including Snowbabies, villages, collectibles, home decor, jewelry, purses, Sandra Magsamen giftware and, natch, holiday and seasonal items. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Friday through Sunday at 8400 89th Av. N., Brooklyn Park, 651-255-8127.
A trio of sales for children's consignment It's the weekend to save money on children's consignment items. It's part of a new trend of franchises that have local families bring their seasonal merchandise (clothing, maternity wear, toys, sporting goods, baby and nursery items, cribs and strollers) to consign. Under one roof, the sellers get 70 percent of the selling price and the buyers get good deals. It's too late for consignors to bring items to these sales, but ask about sale dates for later this year. Admission is usually $1 to $2 on the first day of the sale. Most items are half-price on the second day. Cash, credit cards and checks are accepted. The Just Between Friends sale is in the Hopkins Activity Center (33 14th Av. S., www.jbfsale.com, 612-508-3938) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The Munchkin Markets sale is at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Lake Elmo (Building A, corner of Manning Avenue and Hwy. 5, www.munchkinmarkets.com, 651-253-0897) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday. The From Yours to Mine sale is at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington (Horticulture Building, 4008 220th St. W., www.fromyourstomine.com, 952-564-7566) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Jewelry sample sale If Mom likes bold, art-inspired jewelry, try the Lonnie Lovness jewelry sample sale (450 N. Main St., Stillwater, 651-430-2234 and www.lonnielovness.com) for Mother Day's gifts on a budget. Save 50 to 70 percent off retail on sterling, beads, necklaces, earrings and bracelets ($9 to $150) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. His articles are online at www.startribune.com/dollars.
