DEALS AND STEALS: Black Friday Before Halloween?

That's right. I said Black Friday is today. For some retailers, at least. The real Black Friday is still 5 weeks away, but some stores are already dropping prices to get an edge on (extra) early holiday shoppers.

Consumer Reports went shopping, here are some of the major markdowns they found:

Remember that availability can vary from location to location.

Toysrus.com

Sing-a-ma-jigs (normally $12.99) are marked down to $9.99. It appears they're out of stock online, but check in your local store.

Kung Zhu or Zhu Zhu Pets purchase of $75 or more is 30% off!

All Leapster toys are 25% off.

Prices valid from October 31 thorugh November 24, 2010.

Amazon.com

Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition U6485-900 upright vacuum marked down to $189, with free shipping.
Cuisinart DCC-1200 12-Cup Brew Central is $65.50; a factory-reconditioned model is $52.98.
Weed Eater’s FB25 gasoline-powerd handheld leaf blower is $68.60. The handheld electric Toro 51599 is $69.97.
Olympus’ Outback 8x21 RC1 binoculars are $43.99.

Lowe’s

Five Dyson vacuums are $100 off: The DC24 Ball Upright ($299), the DC14 All Floors Upright ($349), and the DC23 Motorhead Canister ($499). (Vacuum Ratings.)
Select Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid appliances are 20 percent off. (CR Appliance guides.)
All Energy Star-qualified appliances are 10 percent off and include free delivery and recycling.

Sears

On “Sears Days” (Friday and Saturday) price cuts include Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances. Shoppers can also get a $10 off coupon on the Sears website. (CR Appliance guides.)
Select Kenmore Elite dishwashers and Kenmore Elite high-efficiency washers and dryers are 30 percent off. (Ratings: Dishwashers; Washers; Dryers.)
All Kenmore Elite freezers are 25 percent off. (Freezer Ratings.)
Some Kenmore, KitchenAid and Whirlpool appliances and Maytag washers and dryers have had their prices cut by 20 percent. (CR Appliance guides.)
Craftsman 25 cc gas blower is $89.99; a Craftsman 30-inch poly leaf rake is $14.45. (Leaf blower Ratings.)

Home Depot

Prices have been lowered across a wide range of lawn and yard equipment, including leaf blowers and chain saws. (Ratings: Leaf blowers; Chain saws.)
All Energy Star-qualified appliances have been reduced by 10 percent, including free haulaway of old appliances. (CR Appliance guides.)
Select Maytag cooking appliances are reduced 15 percent and prices of some GE cooking appliances have been cut by 20 percent. (Ratings: Ranges; Cooktops and wall ovens.)

Best Buy

Free delivery and recycling on appliances over $599. (CR Appliance guides.)
Discounts of 10, 15 and 20 percent for buying two, three or four major appliances.
Some pairs of steam-equipped washing machines and dryers are 15 percent off. (Ratings: Washers; Dryers.)
Gift cards ranging from $25 to $150 are being offered with the purchase of some Maytag appliances.