prepping for Black Friday

Black Friday is two weeks away – which is totally crazy!

It’s definitely a shopping extravaganza but with some tips and tricks it can be productive. Having worked on the corporate side of a major retailer, I know how important this time of year is. So there really are some great deals, but there are also some tips to make your shopping even easier! I’ve talked about this before (aka last year!) but wanted to update it – so keep reading for my tips, and then what’s on my shopping list.

Unless you want Doorbusters, just shop online!

Prices are the same for the majority of your Black Friday deals. The one exception is doorbusters – those are only in store and super limited. But if you don’t care about those, just shop online. Places like Old Navy and Target have the same deals on clothes and electronics online as they do in-person. It’s so much easier and the crowds aren’t an issue! (Unless you have tons of people at your house 🙂 )

***ALSO – don’t waste any money paying for shipping. Any legitimate retailer should have free shipping during this time of the year! For real, if you’re paying for shipping buy the item elsewhere. Whenever people tell me they don’t shop online because of shipping I tell them they’re doing it wrong!

Most prices are actually marked down on Thanksgiving

I’m not a huge fan of shopping on a holiday, but maybe you have a few hours at home before you head anywhere. Last year my husband was sleeping so I did some shopping on Thanksgiving morning from the comfort of my couch! Nothing like shopping while your turkey is in the oven:)

Prices might go back up on Saturday and Sunday, and then probably down again on Cyber Monday.

As you can see from these first two points, I never go in-store during these days. It’s too crazy and the deals are just as good online. So enter Cyber Monday! Cyber Monday is the next big shopping day after Black Friday – so if you missed a deal on Friday (or wanted to think it over), check back on Monday. These deals are online only.

Create a list ahead of time!

My motto for all shopping – create a list. There are thousands and thousands of deals, and lots you won’t care about. I’ve already got a list running so I’m planning what items might go on sale those few days. So focus on what you want and go from there! Retailers also release their Black Friday ads ahead of time – they’re already out there for Walmart and Target – so you can see what the prices will be on items you’re interested in.

What’s on our list?

Uppababy Vista stroller – we’ve heard this is the ONLY day they discount their new models. We love the Gregory color! I am so excited about this stroller!

Christmas gifts – but I can’t get into details because of some blog readers 🙂

Madewell Tote – My Old Navy work tote is finally breaking down after a year of using it daily. I’ve eyed these leather totes for years and I think they’re timeless and perfect! Plus they’re big enough that I can shove baby things in them too. I just told my husband I want this for Christmas so I might not buy it myself……we’ll see!

J.Crew Chateau Parka – I have looked at this coat for years and I might spring for it as a Christmas gift to myself. But I’m not going to buy it for under 40% off – so I hope they have a good deal.

Gold mirror – I want this mirror for the nursery so I’m hoping it goes on sale.

Christmas cards – I’m looking at Minted for our Christmas cards this year. They have so many amazing designs!

Sharing how, when and where to shop this Black Friday to get the best deals - for the least work! Click through for all my super easy tips & tricks for your Christmas shopping! // Helen Loves

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash


So there you have it – a way to plan and prep for Black Friday. Are you guys planning on doing any shopping, or do you prefer to wait until after that weekend? Obviously there will be other sales don’t worry 🙂

I’m starting to work on gift guides so please let me know if you have anything specific you want to see! Gifts under $50, Amazon guides….you name it, I can work on it. Let me know in the comments!

Have a fabulous weekend and see you back here Monday!

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