Ahh, Black Friday. It’s the biggest shopping day of the year and rightfully so, considering all of the amazing deals and discounts. If you’re smart about it you can end up scoring items for significantly less than the regular retail price and find awesome deals for everyone on your Christmas list.
But raise your hand if you’ve ever overspent or ended up buying things you didn’t really want or need? (Raises hand sheepishly) Yeah, me too. We’ve all been there. In the sea of discount madness it can be all too easy to go overboard and end up buying everything in sight.
That’s why today I’m sharing my best tips on how to score deals for everyone on your holiday shopping list without impulse shopping and breaking the bank. I’m also sharing some of my favorite Black Friday deals of 2017 and what items I don’t recommend you buy during Black Friday and the holiday season.
Black Friday & Holiday Shopping Guide- Tips to Avoid Overspending + How to Find the Best Deals
*this post contains affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks for helping keep Kindly Unspoken up and running!
Create A Budget
The first and most important rule of thumb for Black Friday and holiday shopping is of course creating a budget. Make it a point to sit down one evening and figure out what you can afford to spend this holiday season without going in the hole.
This can be accomplished by listing out all your monthly expenditures, monthly income, and notating the difference + adding in additional savings that is intended for shopping use. Be sure and include any extra holiday expenses such as travel costs to visit family, christmas donations, etc.
Once you’ve determined the number, write it down on a piece of paper or place it in an excel workbook to come back to every time you make a purchase. This will help you know exactly what you’ve spent and what you have left to spend out of your shopping budget.
Make a List of Gift Recipients/Gift Ideas
If you read my How to Save Money on Groceries post, you already know I’m a huge advocate of making a list and sticking to it, so of course thesame rule applies for Black Friday.
I recommend making a list of everyone you plan to buy for and add any items you know they want or need out beside their name. Feel free to ask for family member’s input for wish list items, but be sure and make it clear that these are just for ideas and not everything on the list will be purchased.
We personally always ask our boys what items they’d really love to have each year, and then we end up selecting a few of their choices to give to them. As a parent, it can be easy to feel pressure to buy every toy your child asks for, but you and I both know they don’t need hundreds of toys each year and it’s important to teach them early on lessons on budgeting and gratitude.
Creating a list will help hold you accountable for staying on track when shopping and will help you avoid buying items that aren’t on your list.
Research Items on Sale
Did you know some people go to the Black Friday sales without ever looking at the ads ahead of time? Yeah I just shuddered too. As a budget-friendly shopper one of my favorite things to do every year is to check out all of the Black Friday advertisements that stores release.
My favorite way to keep up with all the advertisements is to sign up for BlackFriday.com deal alerts. Typically in early November, BlackFriday.com will start sending out advertisements released to their e-mail subscribers and it’s a great way to stay on top of upcoming deals. You can check out all the current Black Friday ads over here.
I recommend picking out your top favorite stores and comparing items at their biggest competitor to see which store has the best deal. (i.e. Walmart vs. Target) Although the difference sometimes might only be $5, other times you can score an item for significantly less, making your research completely worth it.
If you find specific items on your holiday list, then be sure and write those down so you’ll be ready to go once the deals are live. Also, make sure you double check the sale dates for specific deals, as many stores do doorbusters for special times. For instance, if you’re a Target RedCard Holder, you get early access to the Black Friday Deals starting on Wednesday 11/22 plus you save an additional 5% off your purchase every day! Head here for all the details!
Shop Online
Want to know one of the biggest reasons I love Black Friday, beyond the fact you can find amazing deals? Because you can shop at home in the comfort of your PJ’s and STILL score the same amazing prices as all the people scrummaging through the stores.
While it used to be that stores wouldn’t share their biggest discounts with shoppers online, times have changed and there’s absolutely no reason to shop in store for something unless you just want to. With free shipping, coupon codes, and cashback sites like Ebates, it almost makes MORE sense to shop online. Get started with Ebates here, and score $10 back towards your first cash back check.
Plus who doesn’t like shopping in their PJ’s while eating Thanksgiving leftovers? š
Shop In-Store Alone or With A Budget-Mindful Person Only
If you must shop in-store I recommend going alone or taking that one friend or family member that you can count on in helping you shop wisely.
Ya’ll, I love my husband. But shopping with my husband for groceries, Christmas gifts, or pretty much anything is like shopping with a kid in a candy store. He gets all excited about the new gadgets and toys and always wants to buy those infomercial items that nobody needs (you know the ones!)
If you or someone in your family is similar, it’s best to avoid shopping with them on Black Friday altogether. There’s way too much temptation on all corners of stores and you’ll only end up frustrated and broke, which isn’t good for anyone. Plus when you’re alone it’s so much easier to look at your list, get what you need, and get home quicker to enjoy the rest of your day with family.
Determine Good Deals Vs. Gimmicks
One of the reasons it’s important to do your research when it comes to black friday deals is because this is retail’s BIGGEST day of the year. Meaning they’re in it to make sales and money. That’s why as a shopper, you have to be extra smart and stealthy in knowing what’s a good deal vs. what’s a gimmick.
Years ago, I can remember buying one of those little throw blankets at a Black Friday Sale and feeling so proud of myself for “scoring” it for only $15. Days later, I was appalled to find out the regular price of that blanket was $15.99. Now of course $15.99 isn’t a horrible price for a blanket, but the point is, a lot of times retailers will put out a display of something and make you believe it’s some amazing value, when really it’s only slightly discounted or even worse- not discounted at all.
Also, don’t fall trap for items stores have near the checkout aisles or if you’re shopping online, the recommend items in your shopping cart. Again, it might seem like an awesome deal for only $5 but if it’s not on your list, then don’t get it. Just don’t. You’ll thank me later, when you still have money to spare. š
Have Accountability
This one’s a tough one but after shopping, make sure to check all your receipts, add up your expenditures and compare to your budget and don’t be afraid to return something if you don’t feel good about the purchase. There’s been times I’ve bought something because it was only $20 and then realized I already have 3 more of those at home. There’s no shame in taking back something to the store the next week and getting your money back to put towards something else more important.
Best Black Friday Deals 2017
Okay, so now that we’ve covered all the bases on how to save money here’s some of my absolute favorite Black Friday deals this year! Unless noted otherwise, these deals are all valid starting on Friday 11/24! Happy Shopping!
Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate Activity Tracker at Kohls– Only $99.99 Plus $30 Kohls Cash (Regularly $149.99
- Available in-store and online at Kohls from 5 PM on Thursday, 11/23- Friday, 11/24 at 1 PM.
Roku 4K Streaming Stick at Walmart– Only $48 (Regularly $69) or Roku Express+ HD Streaming Media Player at Walmart– Only $22 (regularly $39)
- Also, includes the following: (1 FREE Month of DirecTV NOW ($70 Value), 1 FREE Month of Showtime ($10.99 Value), $5 Vudu Credit, and HDMI Cable Included)
Google Home at Walmart– Only $79 (regularly $129)
Instant Pot 5 Qt Pressure Cooker at Walmart– Only $49 (regularly $69.99)
Google Home Mini at Target– Only $29 Plus $10 Target Gift Card with purchase (Regularly $49.99)
iPhone8 or iPhone8 Plus at Target– $250 Target Gift Card with qualified activation
Amazon Echo at Target– Only $79.99 (regularly $99.99)
50% off Select Family Board Games at Target– Perfect deal for stocking up for family game night! š
Amazon Fire TV Stick with Alexa Voice Remote at Target– Only $24.99 (regularly $39.99)
Women’s Sweaters at Target– Only $10 & $15 (regularly $17.99- $24.99)- Such a great deal for stocking up on sweaters!
Select Boots for Her at Macy’s– Only $19.99 (regularly $59.50-$69.50)- These Style & Co Madixe Riding Boots are so cute and such a versatile color! – Deals are LIVE now!
Rampage Women Boots at Belk– Only $19.99 (regularly $59- $79)- I own so many pairs of boots from Rampage and they are my absolute favorite! I always hit up this deal at Belk every year to get the cutest boots! – Deals are LIVE now!
Urban Decay Nocturnal Eyeshadow Palette at Ulta– Only $14.99 (regularly $29.99) – You can’t beat the price of this palette and would make a great gift for any makeup lover!
Hope you enjoyed today’s Black Friday Shopping Guide and learning about ways to find the best deals and avoid overspending. How about you- are you a fan of Black Friday Shopping? Be sure and share this post with a friend who’d love these tips and deals! š
My family is in from VA and the boys are off school this week, so I’m off to enjoy the week with them! I’ll catch you back on the blog next week and I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with your family!
Thanks for stopping by- Cara
Love the tips dear, and really handy shopping guide! Thanks for sharing.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Thank-you! š
These are such great gift ideas! I love your tips on how to not overspend. I set an overall budget and a per person budget. I came up with a list in my phone who all I need to buy for and will get a few extras for just in case.
That’s awesome! It’s so helpful in staying organized and on-track with the budget!
I definitely need to research and get my game plan together for black Friday. Can’t believe it’s almost here!
Hope you were able to score some great deals, Greta!
You’re so right about some items not actually being discounted. I hate when that happens! I plan to do most shopping online this Black Friday.
Me too! It’s definitely a bummer when you find out it wasn’t really a good deal at all. I shopped online and it was so nice to not have to leave the house lol
Such a great post with amazing tips! I can’t wait for the sales! I love how you said go shopping by yourself or with another budget friendly person only, SO HELPFUL! I have a friend who I occasionally shop with and she is such an enabler, ha!
xo
Sami
http://www.theclassicbrunette.com
Lol. My husband means well but it’s not good on the wallet if we go together.
Such good tips- having a budget and ideas already in mind always helps me!
Same here! Lists are always a good idea!
I do most of my black friday shopping online to avoid the chaos and impulse buys I would make at the stores. I definitely think making a list of gift ideas for friends/family ahead of time helps a lot!
Me too! I love shopping from the comfort of my PJ’s lol
You’re so right on some things just being gimmicky deals and not REAL deals…but that Urban palette is an AWESOME DEAL OMG
Yes! Hope you scored some amazing deals!
Seriously great finds and you’re totally right, having a budget is so important
Thanks Bri!
Making a list is HUGE is for. THat way, I stay on track hopefully and don’t buy those things that I truly don’t need!
Exactly! Otherwise it’s waaay too tempting!
Oooo! I’ve been wanting an UD palette for a while now! Good call!
You’re welcome! Such a great deal too!
I love Black Friday shopping! These are great tips. Its so easy to go overboard if you’re not careful!
Thanks! It can be so tempting to want to buy everything, but good to go in with a game plan!
It really is so important to go in sort of knowing what you want to get! I get a majority of my shopping done on Black Friday and also treat myself to a few things if I find a great deal, haha!!
Haha me too!
Great tips! Shopping online has become my favorite because I love avoiding lines and I can compare different retailers.
Mine too! I was able to shop on Thursday evening before bed and not even really have to do “Black Friday” shopping, which was nice.
So many great tips here and so many items I’d love to add to my shopping basket!
Thanks Caroline!
This is superb! Those some really great tips for anyone who’s looking at doing a lot of shopping this Black Friday (which is all of us right?!). ?
I also posted my first holiday gift guide today – Travel Gift Ideas for Every Type of Traveler on Your List. Do check it out!
Cheers
Parul
http://girlinchief.com
Thank-you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Good to know about the Instapot – the cheapest I had seen was $59.99 – so I’m totally checking out Walmart now! Thanks for that!
You’re welcome! š
I try to always start with a list of things I need to buy for people! Great tip!
It really helps to stay on track!
These are such great tips! I love Black Friday Shopping; I’m thankful for all of your great tips. Sticking to a budget and being careful of gimmicks are so important!
Thank-you! And absolutely! So many stores raise the prices just to make more money so you have to be careful!
Omg, this is all so awesome! Thank you for all these tips! This year my boys want video games – not really sure what do with that. Lol. I’m eyeing the sale on the google home, I may have to get that. Happy shopping!
Glad you enjoyed it, Gail! š
I’m already finding myself making a list for my family/friends and also deals I’m going to get for myself too ugh! I need to chill lol. Those boots above for $20 is a steal!
Black Friday is the only time of year that I buy boots. I always stock up for the next season!
Haha, picking the right shopping partner is such a good point! I’m totally like your husband, so I definitely need someone budget conscious to come with me, or I know things will get out of control! xx
http://hollyhabeck.com
Lol love his heart he means well! š
So excited for Black Friday! I do most of my shopping in store – I like all the craziness.
xx,
Amanda || http://www.fortheloveofglitter.com
Thats awesome! I’m more of a stay at home shop online person but I can see it being fun if you don’t mind crowds!
All very good tips! It’s definitely a good idea to go in with a plan, whether that’s shopping in stores or online. And thanks for sharing some fun deals!
-Lauren
Thanks Lauren! I love making lists!
ugh black friday makes me cringe! so many people overspend and honestly the deals are never really good! There was a rossen report last year where brands actually mark the prices higher and then make it look like a “sale” and its really just the regular price #SMH
That’s what irks me about the whole thing. People think they’re getting a great deal when in reality it’s been jacked up for the holidays. So wrong.
I’m all about saving and getting good deals. Awesome tips, girl and great finds!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Thanks Lily!
I could really use a new FitBit. Mine broke a year ago and I really miss having it. That is definitely a tempting deal!
Oh no! I love mine for keeping track of my activity and sleep!
FYI, that top pic of the mall is the Toronto Eaton Center š I was just there yesterday and they have all of their awesome Christmas decor up.
I’m looking at 3 things to buy for Black Friday (all Christmas gifts) but so far, no sales have been posted yet so I’m keeping an eye out…although I am tempted to buy an Instant Pot!
Oh so cool! Hope you were able to find some items you were looking for! š
Usually I have a Black Friday shopping list a mile long, but this year I just have a few select things I am looking for. Definitely going to hit up Target for their sweaters, games and their Cat and Jack baby clothes are going to be $3. Chris is hitting up a few sales too and we will browse Cyber Monday stuff. Love all your tips!!
Thank-you! Target, Amazon, and Old Navy were my 3 faves for deals this year!
I love Black Friday shopping. Thanks for the tips, my granddaughters love Urban Decay so this helps me a lot.
That’s such a great deal too!
These are such great tips! And I love your picks! I need to create my list especially with Black Friday fast approaching!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Thanks Belle! It really helps keep you on track!
Yesss to all of this! I absolutely refuse to go out anywhere on Thanksgiving, and wait until actual Black Friday but even then I do my research and try to do most of it online in my PJ’s <3
Green Fashionista
Yep- actual black friday gives me way too much anxiety! lol
I had never heard of blackfriday.com. Going over there right now! Thanks!
It’s awesome! I always love getting early notifications of the ads being released. š
These are great tips! I agree that budgeting and making a list are key to not going crazy on all the sales. I hope that you have a great thanksgiving!
Thank-you! I have to make lists and budget otherwise I’ll buy a whole lot of items I don’t really need lol.
Such great tips! Can’t wait to shop and save š
~Samantha
http://goldcoastgirlblog.com
Thanks Samantha! Hope you enjoyed scoring some great deals!
Great tips! Signed up for ebates.
Thanks! Be sure and use it before shopping online to get your cash back earnings! You can install the plugin for easy use!
That instant pot is definitely on my Christmas wish list!! My friend just got one and she loves it!!
That’s awesome! I’ve heard nothing but great reviews about it!
So many great tips! I can’t bring myself to go out and shop on Black Friday but give me all the online deals! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Same here! Everything’s online now which makes it so easy! š
I love Ebates and am always stunned by the number of people who still arenāt using it!
I know! It’s such an easy way to earn money just from shopping!
I’m not the biggest fan of the Black Friday but I love the fact that you gave such a great tips on how to avoid overspending and to plan ahead. Nice post!
Thank-you! Online shopping makes it much more enjoyable!
Thanks for these tips, Cara. My husband is a great fan of Black Friday deals so I’m pretty sure he’ll find some bits and pieces for everyone. I’m not sure if her can get what I want this year, my dream is to refurbish my studio and get a new desk and a chair so.. we’ll see š
Oh that sounds awesome!
O my. I still cant get through the thing, that its already Xmas time soon. Have not thought of anything. But…. already have 5 things from your list to buy.
I know- this year has flown by!
I love these shopping tips! It seems these days I do most of my shopping online, but all of your tips were spot on. Also, I loved your product selections. Very good choices!
Beth || http://www.TheStyleBouquet.com
Thank-you! isn’t it amazing to shop from the comfort of home now!?
Whoop whoop, letvthe shopping begin! Cash and CC in hand! I’m ready girl and these are great tips! Have a great start to your Thanksgiving week beautiful!
Thank-you! Hope you were able to score some great deals! š