Last week a professor asked my class if we had any big plans for Thanksgiving break. Other than going home and seeing my family, the thing I'm excited about most is Black Friday. As my classmates started talking about all the different cities they would be traveling to, I started to consider the different sales at my favorite stores.
But let me take a moment to clarify what Black Friday means to me. Black Friday became a tradition for me and my cousins a long time ago. Since then my sister's husband has joined and my cousin's boyfriend has been dragged along for the fun. We have ultimately become professionals at Black Friday shopping, but it's also a bonding experience we could never forget.
Among witnessing arguments over parking spaces, waiting in long lines for designer stores and eating Auntie Anne's pretzels at 3 o'clock in the morning, we've made memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are some tips on what NOT to do during Black Friday shopping this year.
1. Wear the same clothes you wore to Thanksgiving Dinner.
I have seen too many people make this mistake. During Black Friday, time is always a concern. You need to wear clothes that are easy to get in and out of so that the dressing rooms don't become a hassle. You also want to be comfortable throughout the night.
2. Use a credit/debit card the entire night.
I always bring cash with me Black Friday shopping. I will allow myself to spend a certain amount of money on each thing so that I know I am getting the best deal. Since I have the experience I understand what things should cost on Black Friday.
3. Carry too much cash.
It's never a good idea to carry a lot of cash. If you're like me, you will most likely take a break and head back to the car at some point during the night to either drop off your bags or keep warm. I tend to keep some of my money hidden in the car so that if my wallet gets lost or I need to splurge, it's not the end of the world.
4. Forget your shopping list.
It's okay to be spontaneous on Black Friday because you never know what you might find, but make sure you mark everything off of your list first. This year I'm looking for a Patagonia pullover, new running shoes and Christmas gifts for family members. After I check those things off I can look for surprise deals and purchases.
5. Wear cute shoes.
Trust me, you will want to be wearing comfortable shoes or better yet walking shoes.
6. Waste your money
One of the worst things you could do on Black Friday is waste your money. Don't buy things that are already usually marked down. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years there will be plenty of regular sales. If you're planning on buying clothes go somewhere like J. Crew. If you want a new bag, I suggest Kate Spade. The possibilities are endless, but I don't think it's a day to go to Old Navy.
7. Leave Thanksgiving Early.
It's called Black Friday for a reason. Therefore you shouldn't be shopping on Thursday when you could be spending time with your family. The department stores are the true reason that people feel the need to get there at 5 pm but think about the workers and their families. Don't rush your Thanksgiving meal to get the best deals because they will most likely be there at midnight and 1 o'clock in the morning as well.
8. Be rude to the workers.
It's not their fault that the bag or TV you wanted just sold out. It's not their fault that there's too many people on every ile. The workers are there for the customers but at the same time they are there on their holiday too whether they chose to be there or not.
9. Forget about Cyber Monday.
If you don't end up finding what you want or the store sold out of the item on your list, don't worry because Cyber Monday is two days away. Cyber Monday is something you also need to prepare for, but the good news is you can do it from the comfort of your own home and not at a mall full of people.
10. Forget to take a moment and be thankful before, during and after your shopping spree.
We are lucky to be able to go shopping and spend money on things we need and/or want on a day where prices are low. We are lucky to have the freedom to do so. We are lucky that stores graciously open their doors. We are lucky that we are here.
For me, Black Friday is something to look forward to with my family. So yes, I am one of those crazy people who waits in line for a deal or plan out my weekend around the sales, but I never regret my purchases or staying up until 4 o'clock in the morning.
I hope that this holiday season everyone will be smart shoppers and make the best purchases, after spending time with family and enjoying their breaks.
