Next week is Thanksgiving, a holiday that I have yet to find any haters of, and after Thanksgiving is a day that retailers wait all year for–Black Friday. Black Friday is the unofficial official holiday of shoppers everywhere: it’s the day where we stay up all night or get up very early, wait outside in long lines (no matter what the weather is), and return home by 2 p.m. because we have gotten everything that we planned (or didn’t plan) on getting.
I have been Black Friday shopping for many years with my mom and cousin and I have learned some “dos and don’ts” to help you with your Black Friday shopping to make it a little less stressful (and maybe even a less expensive!)
My #1 rule: You can only go shopping on Friday. Thanksgiving is as day to spend with family and friends and when you are out shopping, you are missing out on what Thanksgiving is really about.
DO have a game plan. A handful of years, my mom and I would go from store to store at random and we would miss out on some of the “early bird” deals. First, make a list of what you want to get (for yourself or for Christmas gifts), then find out what stores you want to go to, and finally figure out when their deals are (or if they have different deals for certain items at different times). This should help you get the best deals at the places you like best!
DON’T spend your money on things you don’t really need. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement (or madness, depending on how you look at it) of Black Friday and spend your hard earned money on unnecessary things. Even if you think that you MIGHT like it or if the person you are buying it for MIGHT like it, I suggest you don’t buy it.
DO set a budget for yourself. The best way to do this is to leave your credit and/or debit cards at home and bring cash only. This way you know your spending limit and you won’t over spend (or have some major buyer’s remorse).
DON’T be that crazy person. We have all seen those videos and news stories of the crazy things people do to get that Black Friday deal, but please, under all circumstances, do not be that person. (If you need some examples, just google “black Friday stories”) Black Friday has some great deals that are hard to pass up, but if you are fighting with someone over an alarm clock or running over someone’s foot with your cart to get that last TV, is it really worth it?
DO bring snacks. I can guarantee you that you will be hungry by 4 a.m. if you start your shopping at midnight. By bringing your own snacks you don’t have to wait in line at the nearest fast food place or spend more money than you anticipated.
DON’T split up with whoever you are shopping with. I have experienced this first hand and it can be scary. There are a gazillion people in the store or mall, and splitting up with your shopping partner is one of the worst ideas. Ever. Keep tabs on each other and you won’t have those moments of panic when you can’t find them.
Black Friday is a day that many people (including myself) look forward to because of the excitement it can bring, but it can also scare people away. I hope with these “dos and don’ts” you’ll have a successful Black Friday and get what’s on your list.
If you still haven’t found that perfect gift, there is Small Business Saturday which is the next day. So go out and support your favorite local businesses.