Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo

3 Ways to Make the Most of Your Black Friday Shopping

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at George Mason University chapter.

Holiday shopping is finally upon us! Are you short on cash and brave enough to venture out on Black Friday? Grab some coffee for your midnight adventure and check out these tips.

1. Do your research

Go into Black Friday with a plan and a list. Check out sites that compile deals from all major retailers and pay attention to opening times. The extravaganza has slowly made its way into Thanksgiving so many stores open as early as 4 PM on Thursday. Stores like Wal-Mart have staggered deals every few hours throughout Friday. After looking at the sales, make your list and establish a budget. Those adorable $20 boots may hurt your bank account later. Keeping the list will help you avoid impulse purchases.

2. Take advantage of Black Friday exclusive deals

Target is knocking $50 off the new Xbox One and $40 off the classic Fitbit. Ulta Beauty opens at 6 PM Thursday with a 24-piece NYX vault for only $25. Pre-packaged beauty kits are great stocking-stuffers and run about $10 each! Sephora’s app is releasing a sneak peak of all their deals on November 18th.  Old Navy has yet to release their ad but have had up to 60% off winter coats and $2 gloves in the past. Tag-team with a friend if two stores are dropping great deals at the same time.

3. Keep the less fortunate in mind

This Black Friday (or Thursday), try to remember the importance of giving. If you can, budget to buy an extra winter coat or pair of socks and drop them off at a donation bin for the shelter. 

Photo credits: Pic Jumbo, The FW

Courtney Boone

George Mason University '18

Courtney is a senior at George Mason University studying forensic psychology and criminology. She serves as Editor-in-Chief for Her Campus George Mason and is also a Her Campus National Chapter Advisor. She graduates in December of 2018 and will be starting her Master's in Criminal Justice this spring at Mason. The motto she lives by: "Put your hair up in a bun, drink some coffee and handle it." 
George Mason Contributor (GMU)

George Mason University '50

Want to get involved, or have a story idea we should write about? Email us! hc.georgemason@hercampus.com