The countdown till everyone’s favorite shopping weekend of the year has officially begun, and it’s no secret that Black Friday will be as chaotic and intense as it is in previous years. Although Black Friday can be quite overwhelming to the average person, it can be quite rewarding for patient shoppers. The last thing you should do is go shopping without an idea of what to expect. As long as you step into Black Friday with a predetermined game plan, you can expect to leave with a ton of amazing deals while making the most of every dollar. As a seasoned Black Friday shopper, I decided to round up a few of my tried and true tips to help you prepare for Black Friday sales. Most of my tips are geared towards online shoppers, but I also included a few tips for how you can make the most of shopping in stores too.

Pay Attention to Emails

To ensure you’re getting the latest intel on Black Friday deals and promo codes, make sure you’re signed up for emails from your favorite retailers – and actually read them in the week leading up to the big day. These marketing emails will share valuable information regarding the sales they will be running and the kind of savings you can get. I always keep my eyes peeled for Nordstrom, Sephora, Shopbop, H&M, Mango – and tons of other beauty brands. I’ll even go as far as making a list of all the promo codes and discounts I may be interested in using. This helps me prioritize where I need to shop first and what I need to buy. If you plan on shopping in stores, then you should probably be looking for emails from major retailers in your local area like Target, Macy’s, and Best Buy.

Research Coupons

If you do not plan on leaving your house and will be participating in Black Friday solely on the web, don’t forget to research coupon codes! I’m a huge Internet junkie and like to make sure I’m getting the best deal possible. So while stores will often email or share promo codes on their home pages, I’m also keen on checking RetailMeNot!

Start Shopping Early

Although we don’t have a ton of information on what retailers are delivering online just yet, be sure to keep a lookout on emails early next week. Over the years, I’ve learned that online deals typically start on Wednesday or Thursday before the actual event, which means you can shop early! This is a great opportunity to snag what you want before it potentially runs out of stock. Some big ticket stores, such as Amazon, will actually have a different sale every day up until Black Friday. And this year, Target is offering REDcard holders early access to select Black Friday deals.

Shop In-Stores With Family or Friends

Black Friday was always a big deal in my family growing up – my mom, siblings, and I would always go together, and I just remember it being so convenient. One of us would scour a specific department while someone else went to another area. It helped save us a lot of time – and ensured we’d get what was on our shopping list. Plus, it made Black Friday shopping that much more enjoyable, so I highly recommend bringing someone with you.

Create An Itinerary

If you have ever ventured out on Black Friday, then I’m sure you know how extremely overwhelming the sheer amount of people can be. That’s why it’s so important to plan your itinerary beforehand if you plan on shopping in stores. Make a list of all the stores you want to hit up, starting with the places that carry your most coveted items. This will increase your chances of getting a hold of them, especially for electronics, computers, appliances, and select toys.

Wait for Cyber Monday

If all else fails, there’s still Cyber Monday, which usually has just as many great sales as Black Friday – and typically better online discounts. Even if you think you’ve got everything you needed, I still highly recommend checking back on Cyber Monday in case you find something better. This is my absolute favorite time to do most of my Christmas shopping – or just to grab a few extra sweaters and coats.

xo, Maria

Outfit Details

Cole Haan Camel Coat (sold out, similar here, better for budget here)
House of Harlow Camel Dress (wearing an XXS)
Stuart Weitzman Over-The-Knee Boots (better for budget here)
Gucci Dionysus Bag (mini size)
Celine Sunglasses (better for budget here)

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