Brace yourself, Black Friday is coming. Plenty of people will be working off the calories from Thanksgiving Dinner while hunting for deals the next morning. How do you get the most out of this notorious sales day? Our editors have some suggestions.
Plan Ahead
I have never ventured out on Black Friday personally, but in general when I do my Christmas shopping I stay organized. Making a clear list of what presents I plan to get for each person and what stores I need to go to get these presents is key for me. That way I have a plan of action and am less likely to overspend. Do your research ahead of time. Figure out which stores will offer the best discounts on what you plan to buy and stick to your list. It’s easy to veer off course and begin frivolously buying because something is on sale. Prepare in advance, stay organized and don’t get sucked into the “it’s on sale so I have to buy it” vortex.–Jacqueline Klecak
Start Early
Black Friday has been edging into Thanksgiving Day for some time, with plenty of bargain seekers hunkering down in front of their favorite stores while their turkey dinner is still digesting. I don’t advocate sprinting out of house before dessert to grab a sweet deal on an XBOX 1, but there are savings to be found by starting your shopping excursion early. Namely, check the websites for big-box stores Thursday evening. Many stores will start their Black Friday sales online on Thursday.–Maryrose Mullen
Stay Hydrated And Fueled
This sounds basic, but it really is important, especially if you get up early for marathon shopping. Stick your water bottle in your tote—I like Smart Water with electrolytes—and Kind bars, nuts with just enough sweetness to keep me going. Feeling good will make you more alert (better to spot those bargains), more energetic, and make the experience fun. Remember, this is about getting gifts for people you care about, it shouldn’t feel like a chore!—Deborah P. Carter
Just Say No
Curl up with leftovers in front of the fire and spend Black Friday at home. Or, venture outside but steer clear of malls—maybe catch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the latest movie from the Harry Potter universe, which takes places in America long before He Who Must Not Be Named. Head to a local winery participating in the Garden State Wine Grower’s Association’s Holiday Wine Trail Weekend. If you have any young ones in the family, skip the vineyards and check out the Model Railroad Show at the Garden State Model Railway Club in North Haledon. Volunteer at a local charity. However you spend Black Friday, be sure to surround yourself with family and furry friends. Save the shopping for Cyber Monday.–Joanna Buffum