It’s almost time for one of the most beloved days of savings all year long—that’s right, Black Friday is nearly upon us! Though I refuse to go to the stores on Thanksgiving, I will gladly get up in the wee hours of Black Friday morning to snag some deals. I’ve been doing this for nine years strong, and I am here to tell you that there are some amazing deals to be found. Sure it takes some planning, patience, and determination—but it’s well worth it when you see what you come home with.
As a Black Friday veteran I do have some helpful tips that will make your trips to the store more productive and enjoyable. Sure you will hear the negative advice, but there truly are some great deals and bargains that make the trip worth it. This has become a fun tradition within our family, and I hope that these tips can help you to do the same.
Always Go In With A Plan
Sure it sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many people don’t go in with a plan. Even if you’re going for one specific gift, you need to think it through beforehand. Make your shopping list and attach as much detail to it, and then that can work as the framework of your shopping trip. Know where you want to go logistically speaking and then plan around that in terms of which gifts you want to get.
There is no such thing as too prepared out there! If you are somebody that is willing to wait in line, then more power to you. For me personally though I find that I can get just as great of deals if I go at 4am, than to wait for hours and cut into turkey time. A plan will help you to figure out which works best for you.
Do Your Research As It Will Really Pay Off
I’m not exaggerating when I tell you that I have a list for the list for Black Friday. I will look into what stores are offering deals that fit my needs. I have an idea of what I want to get my kids, my husband, and all of my family and friends.
I will say that sometimes you change it on the fly—as a $5 DVD or a $20 men’s watch simply can’t be missed out on! Know what you have to spend, who you’re buying for, and then look into the Black Friday ads beforehand. This will save you time and a lot of frustration the day of, I promise you that. Sometimes you may even find that getting yourself a little something is a nice reward for bargain shopping.
Know Which Stores Fit Your Needs Best and Focus On Them
We have a planned route every year as to where we’re going to hit and then we work our way from there. If you happen to have a shopping plaza nearby that offers favorites like Kohl’s, Target, Old Navy, and such stores then it can help you to get a lot of shopping done in a close proximity.
Look into which stores are going to best fir your needs and then plan your route accordingly. Everyone has different things to shop for, and so if you know what stores you need to go to it will help you to focus. Having a route of the stores you want to hit can help you to cross things off the list little by little—that is shopping magic!
Always Refuel
Everyone laughs when I tell them this, but there is great power in a cup of coffee and small meal. You will be amazed at how you can start to get “hangry” and crabby when you haven’t had anything to eat and the crowds just get to you. Bring a snack with you and plan out your route around a good breakfast spot, something quick like Panera works well.
Don’t underestimate the power of refueling as it will keep you going and ensure you stay focused, rather than wandering through the aisles aimlessly tossing things into your cart. Keep your energy up and you won’t become a casualty of Black Friday shopping!
Pack Your Patience and Have Fun With It
We listen to Christmas music in the car and try to have fun with the whole Black Friday experience. It is nice to save money and come home with a bunch of things on your list, so try to enjoy it. Yes people can be rude sometimes, but don’t let them get you down. You will find that if you go in with a good attitude, that people won’t bother as you much and you can enjoy this tradition and save bundles of money in the process.
Happy Shopping!
