While Black Friday shopping may seem stressful and chaotic, the results can be very successful. You can get nearly all of your holiday shopping done in one night as long as you plan carefully. If you’re ready to take the challenge of Black Friday shopping, here are a few tips to make sure your shopping trip isn’t only a success, but stress-free!
- Make a Plan
-
Write down a list of all of the stores you want to hit before you go to the mall to avoid being overwhelmed. If you’re going with others, ask them what stores they want to go to so that everyone can get exactly what they need.
- Plan Your Budget
-
If you’re shopping for multiple people, it’s best to have a budget to work with. If you don’t plan your spending, you may end up buying everything you see because it’s a great sale but end up looking at your bank statement and having to live off of ramen until January.
- Decide what’s best to be purchased in-store vs. online
-
If you think most of the gifts you’re going to buy can easily be purchased online, waiting for Cyber Monday deals may be your best bet. If you think something can only be bought in-store or a deal is only offered in-store, then take a trip to the mall.
- Bring Reusable Shopping Bags
-
Skip the plastic bags from each store and tote around large reusable shopping bags. You’ll be able to carry more in one bag rather than having 10 bags on your arm. Plus, you’ll be helping the environment by choosing not to have plastic bags.
- Dress Comfortably
-
Change out of your cute Thanksgiving outfit and into something that will keep you cozy. Sweatpants are the perfect accessory to wear after eating enough Thanksgiving dinner for three people. You definitely won’t regret being comfortable!
- Use Apps to Help You Save Even More
-
Apps such as Retail Me Not and Ibotta offer both online and in-store coupons to help you save on your purchases. If you’re shopping online, download Honey. It’s a browser extension that automatically applies coupons to your shopping cart and it’s free! Seriously you need it in your life!
- Be Nice to Everyone
-
Nothing is worse than trying to Black Friday shop with hundreds of other people and having to deal with rude people. Retail workers are working their hardest, so just always be sure to not only treat workers with respect but everyone around you. Don’t let someone else’s bad mood ruin your day! After all, it’s the holiday season!