Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what you are most thankful for in life and to appreciate the loved ones around you. Yes, the turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and so on might be one of the best things about Thanksgiving, but as soon as the eating ends, a night known as Black Friday begins. Black Friday is a day where stores offer special deals or stay open later in order for you to get all your Christmas shopping done in one night. The crowds and malls might be overwhelming, but here are a few do's and do-nots you should consider when you are shopping on this crazy night.
Do: Pre-shop
Go into stores a day or two in advance to spot the gifts you are planning on purchasing on Black Friday. Your shopping experience will go much smoother if you know where your items are located in the store!
Do: Make a list
Make a list of what you want to buy and for whom. It's much easier when you go to a store and can easily find what you are looking for because you have an idea of what you're going to be buying. Scanning the store for gifts you think the person you are shopping for might like, is very difficult to do on Black Friday. There are crowds and lines of people everywhere and it makes it almost impossible to leisurely browse the store for gifts. Also, you won't forget anyone and it will save you a trip or two back to the mall!
Don't: Disrespect employees
The employees in the store are there to help you navigate the crowds and lines. They are working very late and very long hours to make Black Friday happen. Try not to be disrespectful towards them because, odds are, they already don't want to be there themselves and just want to help you in any way possible.
Do: Have patience
Lines and crowds are inevitable when you go Black Friday Shopping. The stress and frustration begin when you want to park and you're not even inside the mall yet! Patience is the best tool you can bring with you on a day like Black Friday.
Don't: Succumb to misleading sales
Yes, the poster might say, "Buy 2, Get 1 Free," but if the first two items cost over $50 a piece, it's not worth the free item. This so-called "deal" is especially prominent when it comes to clothes. Unless it's an item you really want, spending $100 first is usually not worth it.
Black Friday shopping is one of the best traditions out there and is a great way to ring in the holiday season! By keeping these do's and do-nots in mind, you will have a much easier time navigating the crowds this season and conquering the madness known as Black Friday.
