A Craigslist Christmas

In this mad-dash time of year, when store crowds can shove and push more than fans at an OSU/University of Oklahoma football game, many shoppers turn to the Internet to buy their Christmas treasures.

At Patch, we thought we’d take a look to see what you can find when you go a less traditional route than corporate store websites. With a quick search for Calabasas—we want to keep it local, after all—we found, among all the professional furniture sellers’ items, some interesting deals on Craigslist. Granted, they weren’t as interesting (or puzzling, frankly) as some of the ads in the personals section—that’s a whole other column—but the diversity and, sometimes utter randomness, of the collections on the site make them fun to peruse.

Sometimes, buying used items that are like new or that you can put some loving care into and personalize for that someone special, can save you heaps. Here are some of the items we found:

Puma reversible jacket: Want the most you can get out of one jacket? Try wearing one that can be flipped inside out and still look fashionable for $20. Email the poster.

Leapster L-MAX with games: Give toddlers a head start on education with a bundle of electronic learning games for $85. Email the poster.

Bellini baby/juvenile bedroom set: A local resident is selling a dresser, a desk, a bed frame and other furniture for a kids room. Prices range from $50 to $200. Call 818-571-9102.

Palomino pony: Calabasas is home to many horse owners and one of them wants to part with an 8-year-old Palomino pony for $5,000. Email the poster.

Bill organizer: And if you don't have five grand to spend a gift, help a friend or family keep track of their finances with this $1 bill organizer. Call 818-800-9903.

Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS MK1: Got a shutterbug in the family? They'd most likely appreciate this add-on for $1,400 to improve the quality of their pictures. Email the poster.

Victorian-era chair from the 19th century: Give someone the gift of something you'd most likely find at your grandma's house. The $400 chair has been authenticated. Email the poster.