Last year, Amazon unveiled their Frustration Free Packaging program. They have repackaged several products that are typically difficult to consumers to open—toys are a specific frustration for parents. The products are still new and under warranty, but they come in a simple cardboard box without all the twist-ties, impossible clamshells and frequent swearing.

I hadn’t heard much about it, but I did stumble on one accidentally. My mother was determined to buy my youngest daughter a Little Mommy potty doll—in hopes of encouraging our then 2-year-old to ditch those diapers. I was determined to find my mother a deal because I just couldn’t handle unleashing a $60 toy on my destructive child. As a result, I was frequently checking Amazon for price drops.

That’s when I realized there were 2 versions of the doll—the regular, colorful box for $59.99 and the “Frustration Free Packaging” doll for $29.99. Considering that most kids love the plain, boring cardboard box more than the gift anyway, it was an easy decision. Hooray for getting the exact same thing for half price!

I am pleased to see that not only have the continued the packaging program, but the money saving trend appears to be intact. I found the Fisher-Price Imaginext Adventures Pirate Ship for $79.99—pretty price but sure to be at the top of the wishlist for a lot of little boys. You can save yourself $30 buy purchasing the Frustration Free Packaging version!

Be sure to check for different versions of any product you purchase at Amazon—you never know when you will find a deal on something it is almost exactly the same. Aside from this packaging program, books are another one to watch closely. Sometimes a hardback book will have a special offer that makes it less expensive than the paperback version.

More Amazon Deals you may enjoy:

• Wii/Fit Plus Balance Board Deal
• $10 off Magazine Subscriptions
• Gold Box Best Deals

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