We just returned from another trip to the flea market, though this one didn't turn out as well as other ones.
I bought a Junior Scientist Kit
. It retails for $24 + shipping at an Amazon store, and I paid $3. Most of the kit seems to be there, BUT, and this is key, it's missing the instructions (which I didn't notice when I bought it). I found them online but for $5 - but I bought them nonetheless. Still, I'm pissed.
I also got a Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker
(retails for $20, got it for $4). In this one I didn't realize it was missing quite a few things ( spoon, water dropper, mixer bowl, cupcake papers, 2 mixes, all four frosting mixes and 1 shortcut card). I would probably not have bought it, but it's my fault for not having looked at it more closely. It does get pretty bad reviews on Amazon, mostly for the taste/texture of the cupcakes and specially the frosting (which I don't have anyway). But I found a posting online about using store-bought cake mix. The idea is to make the batter as usual, pour it in the cupcake cup as per the instructions then microwave 30 seconds at the time until they seem ready. Someone else suggested to use 3 Tbsp cake mix to 1 Tbsp batter and microwave also for 30 seconds. I'll probably try the two mixes that came with the set and then an angel food mix that I have (which does not call for adding eggs). I'll also buy some store frosting (I hope it's not too thick). First I have to get some cupcake liners, though.
I also got three very cheaply made jewelry boxes ($1 each). Two of them already broke - so that was a big waste :-(
On a more positive note, Mike got an Eddie Bauer backpack for $4. It's sturdy, with a leather bottom and in very good condition, though used.
We also got two DS games for Mika, but paid $10 each - not much less than what we can get them new online for.
So really, the only good deal was the backpack. Well, I hope we learn the lesson and we're more careful in the future.