Black Friday can be STRESSFUL. In years past, I have definitely had my moments where I felt the pressure brands like to put on customers to BUY NOW. TIME IS RUNNING OUT. ACT FAST. So, you act. You impulse buy. Then you get the item and think, “why the heck did I get this?!”.
This year, I am coming at Black Friday & Cyber Monday with a whole new outlook. I have been browsing the web and researching day and night to get y’all the best deals out there that are QUALITY items; not just more junk to add to your collection. Anyone else ever feel that way?
Grab your coffee, climb back in bed, and buckle up!
Black Friday Tips
#1: Create a List of what you WANT/NEED
This sounds so simple, and in all honesty, it is! The problem is that many of us don’t do this. So, once BF comes around, we are stressed, overwhelmed, and either impulse buy OR do the opposite and don’t get anything and have major FOMO.
I’ve already started compiling a list of items that I would love to add to my closest. It is sort of like creating a wishlist you give your loved ones when your birthday rolls around, but instead of giving it to someone, you are crafting it for yourself as a frame of reference.
How to do this?
The best way to tackle your list building is to stop what you’re doing RIGHT NOW, grab a pen and paper, and go into your closet and evaluate your wardrobe. What do you have too much of? What do you want to add? Where are you wanting your current style to evolve into? What products would help that transition? What outfits do you need for work? Working out?
I think it is so crucial to start with a list of needs and desires. That way, when you are bombarded with Black Friday spam, you don’t fall victim to their traps. You are a smart consumer!
#2: Shop NOW, buy LATER
Confused? Let me explain! One of my favorite strategies is online shopping for all the things you want. I am just not a fan of the crowds and mad-dashes. Subsequently, where I live, half the time the big stores don’t buy the same products that are offered online so I end up driving all the way there just to be let down and go online anyways.
Currently, there are so many tabs open on my computer, but for this time of year it is okay! I will go to my favorite retailers and look at all the new arrivals and other products I love. I will add them all to my cart and just keep my cart loaded until they release a discount or something of the like. If the site you go to doesn’t keep items in your cart for more than 24 hours, I would add those items to your wishlist so you don’t have to search for them all again during the panic of Black Friday!
#3: Don’t get your hopes up
I know this sounds pessimistic, but I fall into this trap literally every year. About a decade ago, stores truly followed the rule that sales don’t start up until Black Friday. These sales would last all weekend long and then be FINISHED. Then, to spur more sales, they would launch a WONDERFUL day known as Cyber Monday. Basically, they would have some amazing deals for their online website only for Monday, only.
Brands are starting Black Friday and Cyber Monday days (or even a whole week) in-advance and they can last a little longer too (Cyber Week!). Every year, I see some good deals and products that I love, but I think…’hey, it’s only Thanksgiving, I’m sure this site will have an even better deal on Cyber Monday!‘. So, I wait patiently and excitedly for that Monday to roll around. But, to my dismay, there is no new deal and now my favorite product is sold out in my size.
Is that scenario familiar to you, too?
Avoid that FOMO by just grabbing the item when the deals start going live. Chances are, companies aren’t going to lower any prices MORE after their first initial “savings” on Black Friday.
The reason brands have started extending the savings days: to avoid lines and crazy shoppers. There used to be major trampling in stores, websites would completely shut down, etc. because of the mass number of shoppers in the one day. Now days, companies have spread out the longevity of their sales, creating a more streamline and less stressful shopping experience. That doesn’t mean that the longer the savings go on the more deals you will acquire. HA!
#4: Make Lists for Christmas
Before you know it, Christmas will be here. The whole REASON Black Friday became a thing was to help shoppers get some deals and save some money for the holidays. In my opinion, Black Friday officially kickstarts the holiday season.
So, while of course I’ll be adding things to my own closet because….#deals, we should also get some of our Christmas List checked off.
I will be posting a new GIFT GUIDE for him, her, mom, bff, dad, you know the drill. These will be just some gifts that I think can be so universal, great gifts, and very thoughtful. Keep your eyes out for those coming VERY soon. I’m working super hard on them to give y’all the best quality out there.
Like before, make a list of everything you want to get your friends, family, and loved ones. Then, start browsing the web for products you want to get them. I would add these to my cart and see if you can get any Black Friday Deals. This way, when the sales roll out, you are not stressed about finding some gift they might like and wind up getting something you didn’t really want. (We’ve ALL been there).
My Wishlist
With all of this Pre-Black Friday sourcing, I have quickly compiled a list of things I would adore. If you are having a hard time figuring out what you want this year, what you should add to your own closet, or you just want to take a peek, here are a few things that are on my wishlist this year! Fingers crossed for more DEALS!
Quick Tip: You can actually click the product on this image and it will take you directly to the product site where you can shop!
DISCLAIMER: Every time you make a purchase using my links, I do get a super small (often less than 10%) commission off the purchase. Even if you click the link to the website, but end up buying a different product than the one I linked, I can still earn some commission off your purchase because I directed to towards this site.
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If you click on my link to a store, that link will be “live” in your browser for a few hours (as long as it is open). If you exit out of the link or a few days go by, the link will no longer link back to me and I won’t make any commission off of that sale. So, if you do see something you like, be sure to click my link before you purchase something to help support my blog!
I’ve realized lately that a lot of you don’t know how affiliate links work, how my blog makes money, or how I am able to produce content. I hope this enlightens the subject a little better. I am thinking of doing a more in-depth post about it soon.
