Tips for Black Friday Shopping

Nov 26, 2010 Val Blakely

shopping cart - Val Blakely

How do you rack up on all the bargains that Black Friday can offer? Truth be known, you can't, unless you follow a few simple tips. But just as a word of caution, realize that you are only human, you can't be in several locations at once. You can however, enlist a partner (or two) in crime, allowing you to expand your reach. Still, you must realize that hundreds and even thousands of people want these same deals, so if you do not make it there quick enough, take your losses and move to the next item on your list. There is really no need to knock someone down, fight, be rude or likewise to anyone.

The Huddle

Before you and your crew enter a store, get your plan ready. Quickly decide who will go where and what each person will be looking for. If you have cell service inside the building, you can call one another, and communicate to each other about the items you run across that may not be on your list so everyone doesn't show up at the check out with the same things.

The Bargain

Be advised that hundreds and even thousands of people are seeking these same deals. Ask yourself before taking home a $10 pink guitar, do I really need this? Do you have someone on your list that can use this? If you have all boys, why grab a pink guitar that's not on your list simply because it is 75% off?

The Cart

Before you snatch up a cart, be advised that these sales do drive people in by the hundreds. Maneuvering a cart can be difficult, leave you in a traffic jam and slow you down tremendously. Having only one person with a cart can be to your advantage if there are multiple shoppers on your team. This also leaves one person more agile, mobile and free to move quickly around the store dropping items back by the cart carrier when necessary.

Safety

Safety should always be key, especially when shopping alone. If you can put your keys, cards and cash in your pockets, don't carry a purse. Though it may be a fashion don't, consider wearing a fanny pack for this one day or cargo pants with secure pockets. You might consider clipping your phone to your waistband during Black Friday shopping. Try to keep long hair pulled back so it doesn't fall down into your eyes, blocking your vision at any time. This could cause you to have an accidental fall or prevent you from seeing predators in park area. Keep close contact with family while out shopping. Sending occasional texts so someone knows where you are.

Have fun shoppers. Enjoy being out with everyone, even if it is 4 a.m. Be safe and help spread a little holiday cheer. A smile can be contagious.

Copyright Val Blakely. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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Christmas Shopping Survival Guide

Nov 10, 2010 Georgina Bourdeau

Christmas is thundering toward us like a steam engine fully stoked. Anxiety levels are starting to rise as each day is marked off the calendar. Being prepared both in mind and body can alleviate the Christmas jitters. Having a well thought-out plan can make shopping during the holidays uncomplicated and reduce post holiday credit card debt.

What can we do to prepare ourselves before we set out to shop for presents?

First we have to be in a certain frame of mind. Preparing your body and mind is the first step. Rushing from work to the overcrowded department stores is definitely out of the question. Make sure you are in a good place, spiritually and bodily. This requires a well-rounded meal so that your body is fueled up. A soothing bath or shower, meditation, yoga, anything that can contribute to a feeling of well-being, will start you off on the right foot.

What do we plan ahead of time?

Santa Claus has a list for a reason, and so should you. Each shopping excursion should be short and productive, so keep your list to no more than ten people or presents. Any more than that on one outing will wear you down and make the shopping a chore rather than an adventure. Always have a budget for each gift. This will diminish your credit card debt after Christmas, and will give you the best bang for your buck.

Balance your list of easy gifts to buy with those that may be more difficult. From the grandma that has everything to your nephew who just moved out of the house, write down gift ideas for each person on your list. It narrows the search for you and helps you combine gift searching in one department. This alleviates aimless wandering and impulse shopping.

When is the best time to do my Christmas Shopping?

Many large stores like Wal Mart have truly blessed the Christmas shopper by staying open all night during the Christmas season. The stores are like ghost towns compared to the daytime peak hours.

Christmas shopping can truly be painless and satisfying if you are prepared both in mind and body. You can survive the Christmas season both financially and mentally if you plan a list, stick to it and shop in the stores during their low traffic periods. Remember your survival guide to holiday shopping and embrace the Christmas spirit.

Copyright Georgina Bourdeau. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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