Black Friday is almost here and I know some of you will be out hunting down the deals. I won’t be joining you, but I did a little research for you to find the top 10 Things NOT to buy on Black Friday:
Toys – Surprisingly toys are not at their best prices during Black Friday sales. If you are willing to wait, you can find the lowest pre-Christmas prices around the second week of December. Of course, if your child wants a hot item, buy it now and return it if you find a lower price later.
Jewelry – Another surprise but jewelry and watches are not a great buy this time of year precisely because it is the time of year when most people buy them.
Brand Name Televisions – Black Friday is generally a great time to buy televisions but not name brands. DealNews.com notes that Thanksgiving Day is actually the best day to find a name brand HDTV deal, or wait until the end of the year.
DSLR Cameras– It’s tempting to buy a camera to capture those Christmas memories but you will pay much less if you wait until after February when new models are announced and the old models are discounted.
Winter Coats and Jackets – You will typically find the best deals on winter coats and outerwear in January but you may be able to find other winter clothing at a deep discount with some of the most impressive apparel coupons at major retailers coming out this weekend. Cyber Monday deals on clothing and shoes are worth taking a look at.
Blankets and Bedding – Just like winter coats, the best deals on blankets and bedding can be found in January along with other household items at the “White Sales”, so named because in years past sheets and towels were primarily white.
Christmas Decorations – These are probably not on your Black Friday shopping list, but may be an impulse buy when you see that “too cute to pass up” garland or stocking. You should at least wait until the two weeks before Christmas to get a lower price, and of course the best prices will be after Christmas (although, that particular item your eyeing may not be available.)
Video Game Consoles – Game consoles are a hot selling item during the holidays, so prices are not often lowered significantly for Black Friday. The exception is the bundle deal when a console is packaged with free games and accessories. Just make sure that the games are something your family will enjoy playing, or it’s not a good deal for you.
Exercise Equipment – Yet another item that may not be on your list, but if it is, wait until January to get the best prices. Better yet, check a second-hand or consignment store around the middle of February when most people have abandoned their New Year’s Resolutions and dump their expensive equipment.
Android Smart Phones – While the best deals on iPhones have typically occurred on Black Friday in past years, android phones have seen deeper discounts on Thanksgiving Day.
The best advice for saving money on Black Friday is to know what you want, do your research ahead of time and plan to buy only what you need. Impulse buying is exponentially increased in the frenzied environment of Black Friday, and you can very easily blow your entire holiday budget while searching for “deals”.
To help organize your shopping, print my FREE Black Friday Shopping Planner.
It’s part of the FREE Happy Holidays Planner you can grab when you join The Peaceful Mom Community HERE.
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Click here to see what’s inside!
Want to know the best times to buy stuff? Print my FREE Best Times to Buy Everything Chart here.
Sources: DealNews.com, FoxBusiness.com
I am not a crazy Black Friday shopper but I do go out in the late morning to find deals on stocking stuffers.
I notice you mention a few things are a better deal on Thanksgiving day. The sad thing is that no one should have to work on that day at a retail store. I refuse to shop on Thanksgiving day! Those people should be home with their families.
I completely agree with you Wendy! I do no like the trend of stores opening on Thanksgiving.
Great advice! I really think good deals can be found year-round if you look hard enough!
What does this leave to buy on Black Friday? LOL
I don’t really shop Black Friday, but I love Cyber Monday.. have any statistics about that?
Exactly! I think there are a lot fewer deals than people think. Some clothing items, cookware and small appliances are good deals, and from what I found clothing and shoes are the best buy on Cyber Monday and Amazon.com will have the best online deals on Black Friday. Hope that helps!
Really though, if you know what the retail price and sale price of the item(s) you’re planning to purchase, then on Black Friday you’ll know if it’s really a deal or not. Just like anything else (Costco, Sam’s Club, etc.) it’s all about planning first.
So true Stacey. A little research can go a long way toward saving you money.