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Tips for Successful Black Friday Shopping

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.

Thanksgiving break is right around the corner I can almost feel the comfort of my bed at home calling my name. Before I know it I will be back home with my family, hanging out with my high school friends, and eating a delicious and calorie filled Thanksgiving dinner with no shame. But other than the usual activities everyone looks forward to over this short break there is one more activity I’ve been waiting all year for, Black Friday.

For those that may not know about Black Friday it is essentially one of the biggest shopping days of the year, a day where all stores offer large discounts on almost everything! Black Friday is pretty controversial, people either love it or hate it and think that it is one of the roots of all evil. Personally, I love it and have loved it ever since I experienced it for the first time as a freshman in high school. I am not one of those hard core Black Friday shoppers that camps out in front of Best Buy all week to get a really cheap TV but essentially that is all part of the thrill of the event. I prefer to just wake up early and head out to the stores and explore. I don’t always have a plan on what I want or what I am trying to “score” and I don’t think you need to in order to enjoy the benefits of Black Friday. Many people don’t realize that Black Friday is more than just cheap electronics; especially for us fashionistas there are many great deals to be taken advantage of. My best friend and I go clothes shopping crazy on Black Friday and it is completely justified through our savings! Below are a few of my favorite Black Friday tips!

1. Bring a friend!

Let’s face it Black Friday is not something to be tackled alone. By bringing your friend or mom you can fight long lines and double your chances of getting the deals you want without nearly as much trouble. 

2. Have a Plan

Don’t just walk into your mall or Target and expect things to pop out at you, by knowing what times each store opens, which ones open first, and what deals you are looking for you can save a lot of time and a lot of money by starting at the ones that open first and beginning at the ones with the best deals!

3. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Black Friday is not the day to look cute! You want to be wearing sneakers, sweatpants, and your hair tie because no one wants to be wearing uncomfortable skinny jeans while waiting in line or have to deal with taking them off while in the dressing room trying on a bunch of clothing. 

4. Don’t Just Buy Anything

Although some prices can be so tempting, still be careful when buying items on Black Friday just for the price. In my earlier years of Black Friday shopping I would end up getting stuff I never used just because it was so discounted, don’t make that mistake. This is another reason to plan ahead to see what items you actually want and seek out those ones instead!

5. Have Fun!

Please, I beg of you, do not stress over Black Friday and become one of those crazy intense shoppers. There is no need for pushing or sassiness to other shoppers, just enjoy Black Friday and make it a fun enjoyable event. Remember how appreciative and thankful you were during Thanksgiving dinner? Don’t ruin your good karma points by taking Black Friday a bit too seriously. 

And if you still are against going out on Black Friday don’t worry there is always Cyber Monday! (Which you can enjoy from the comfort of your warm bed).