Black Friday 2012 Cricut Deals

How many of you have been waiting for a good deal on your Cricut?

I am obsessive about Black Friday.  It is a bit crazy but judging by the weirdos I am in line with waiting for these sales each year I am far from the worst.

The days leading up to Black Friday are the best.  I pour over the released/leaked flyers looking for great deals- even on stuff I don't want or need.  Sound familiar?

Some of you are looking for Cricuts.  I wanted to post some of the deals I have seen here.

If you are a Cricut virgin here are some basics you need to know before buying.  Not all machines are created equal.  I never pay full price for anything.  Beneath each description I have included some sale prices I see out and about.  I personally wouldn't pay more then that price.

Types of Cricuts  (these are some basic comparisons there are other differences but I could go on forever and really who cares?):
Cricut V1 - You don't see these out very much anymore but I think some "special" ones are being released for Black Friday.  This is the simplest of the Cricuts.  It cuts in 1/2 inch increments starting at 1" going up to 5.5".  You use a 6x 12 cutting mat in this machine.
I have seen regular sale prices on this under $75.

Cricut Create-  Just like the Cricut VI except it cuts in 1/4" increments.
I don't see this one anymore.

Cricut Mini- This is a new machine.  I haven't used it.  Of course I am curious about it.  This one you need to hook up to a computer.  It cuts on an 8.5" by 12" paper.    It is a small machine because most of what you need is right on the computer and you hook it to that.
I have seen regular sale prices on this for about $100.

Cricit Expression-  Cricut Expressions are bigger machines and cut on a 12x12 mat at 1/4" increments.  It is very similar to the Create just bigger.  I don't care what anyone tells you- size matters in my craft room!
I haven't seen these around lately.  Given there is an updated version I wouldn't pay more then $175.

Cricut Expression 2- This is a newer machine it is an updated Expression.  This has a touch screen and updated capabilities and is more computerized in the machine itself.  I have this one and I love it.  I have used all but the mini and this is my favorite machine by far.  Of course, it comes with the bigger priced tag.
I have seen sale prices on this for $199

ALL machines come with some images so be careful if they are telling you that is an added bonus ;)  If it is I will indicate below.

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS I HAVE SEEN-

Walmart Expression 2 bundle
Their price on this tomorrow is $199.  I think this is a good deal because it comes with a tool kit a $20 value and a spatula a $6 value.  Both of these are must have tools!


This one is one of the 1st 2 that I was talking about that you don't usually see for sale anymore-
Cricut v1 at Joanns
Priced at $89  (I think better deals can be found)

Amazon Expression for $169
This isn't a bad deal at all.  This is the first Cricut Expression.

Amazon Expression 2
They have 2 options here one without a starter tool kit bundle and one with.  It appears as though the starter kit is 2 bonus maps, a deep cut blade, and a spatula- well worth the $10 add on.
This is a reasonable deal.  I have seen it on the lightening deals this week for better so if you have time to watch it could pay off, no promises.

Amazon Cricut Mini $99

AC Moore has the mini for $88.  That is a great price if you are looking for a mini!
AC Moore also has an Expression 2 for $160-  nice deal on that too!

Mini Bundle at Walmart
This is only $99 and comes with the tool kit and some other options.  I think this is a better deal then A.C. Moore's if the $10 is free to spend ;)

Michaels has an Expression 2 for $179 and it looks to come with a bonus cartridge.  Not a bad deal on this.
They also have a mini for $99.
Michaels has a buy one Cricut supply get one for free.  That is a good deal.

Cartridges and More
They have some good deals going on here!
Expression $160
Expression 2 $178
Mini $99
Not to mention some cartridges on sale

So this is a ton of information I realize.  If i was buying a Cricut for someone that doesn't have one I think I would lean towards one of the bundles.  That way they have some fun essentials to get started.  If you have any questions let me know!