Today is Cyber Monday, when most of the major stores with online sites have either more sales or more free shipping. Of course, that’s something feds can check out tonight when they get home.
You can also check out the sales at the federal government’s massive shopping site, Government Sales and Auctions. I looked at unusual items for sale and found old tapes of folk songs, including some by Woodie Guthrie, and some remastered CDs available from the Library of Congress.
Somewhat less interesting -- unless you're a die-hard collector -- were 24-karat gold holiday ornaments from the Treasury Department with such special editions such as one from 1995 that celebrates the Secret Service. You can find greeting cards from the U.S. Postal Service, but be careful because you will have trouble navigating back to USA.gov.
An amazing array of items can be found in agency stores. Of course, the gift stores of the Smithsonian Institution, NASA, the National Zoo and the National Gallery of Art are always worth a look. You can also check out the presidential library stores, which go back to Herbert Hoover. Gifts and memorabilia can also be searched by type.
Even the Supreme Court has some surprises, such as books for young readers, including "President Adams’ Alligator: And Other White House Pets."
Frankly, it is amazing what you can find. If you are cyber shopping, you can also have a good time browsing stuff repossessed by the marshals or auctioned by Treasury. If you get some real finds, let us know.
