It’s that time of year again! The time when avid shoppers attempt to beat each other to the punch (metaphorically and literally) for products at amazing deals. But while you’re bum-rushing the racks at Forever21 or Target have you ever stopped to consider if you actually need half the things you’re scrambling for? It seems to me many people just fatten their eyes on the prices rather than the usage of some items. Sure, you can’t beat a crazy good deal but it’s never worth it if there’s some uncertainty in its use. Your college years are the times when the value of money really hits you. You might be on a budget, so spending frivolously is a big, fat ‘no’. Here are some extremely worthwhile items for your Black Friday wish list.

1. A good winter jacket

This is important, especially if you live in an area notorious for harsh winters. Black Friday sales are a good time to invest in a jacket that is everything you might be looking for. Humans aren’t penguins. We need to be warm. Don’t sacrifice this for something you’ll just throw into your closet inventory after a week.

2. Proper snow boots

There are some shoes that are just not cut out for cold weather, snow and ice. Get shoes that are. You’ll be way less terrified to set foot outdoors if your soles can handle the frightening terrain that the winter months bring us.

3. Texting gloves

If you go to college in Long Island or anywhere there’s frightful weather, then chances are you’ve found yourself trying to use your phone against the elements. It’s pretty hard to text or check your email when your fingers are numb from the cold. Texting gloves keep your extremities warm while still allowing you to successfully use your phone.

4. A Snuggie

There have been times when it was super cold in my dorm and I wanted to study. Wrapping myself in my comforter kept me warm but restricted my mobility if I had to write or type. Because of the sleeves, Snuggies provide full functionality of your arms, so you can study hard while you stay warm!

5. An external hard drive

Back up your files! Technical tragedies happen once in a while and you may have some really important documents on your laptop that you’d hate to lose. Instead of buying another outfit that you’ll forget about for a few months, invest in an external hard drive.

6. Extra Underwear

I say this in all seriousness. If you’re a resident on campus you’d hate to run out of clean underwear before getting the chance to do laundry. Do yourself a favor and take advantage of the sales on apparel to grab a few extra pairs of your unmentionables!

7. Professional attire

You might want to apply to positions or internships on campus and interviews are almost always part of the hiring process. You want to present yourself as professionally as possible, so investing in a blazer or two and a few dress shirts will cut your interview wardrobe anxiety when the time comes.