Black Friday Shopping Guide & Tips

shopping tips, black Friday shopping guide, Black Friday, Black Friday ads, Thanksgiving ads, Black Friday shopping, Thanksgiving ads, Black Friday advice, shopping advice, Black Friday shopping advice, day after Thanksgiving ads, Black Friday sale, Black Friday tips, shopping advice and tips,  shopping advice, shopping tips, how to Black Friday shop, shopping, shopping on Black Friday, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving sales, Thanksgiving shopping, money saving, budgeting

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and that means all the Black Friday ads have been released, granted Black Friday has become more of a Black Thanksgiving evening over the last few years but that doesn't stop people from going out, shopping and trying to get the best deals!

Black Friday is Friday November 27, 2015 this year but several stores open Thanksgiving evening. I've posted links below to the main retail stores Black Friday ads and hours along with some Black Friday shopping tips.

UPDATE: The links and hours are from Black Friday Ads in 2015 but several of the companies update the link every year with the new Black Friday Ads so the majority of the links still work!


If I didn't post a link to a store you like to shop at, check out The Black Friday.com or Black Friday FM. Both those websites have a full list of all the stores Black Friday ads that have been released.

Barnes and Noble, Bed Bath and Beyond, Costco, Dillards,  DSW Shoes, Game Stop, Lowes, Sam's Club, Staples, TJ Maxx, and several other retailers will be open on Black Friday but refuse to open on Thanksgiving day because they believe Thanksgiving is a time to spend with family and I don't blame them!

For those of you that love Black Friday shopping and do it every year, I'm sure you have it down pack by now but for those of you that are new to Black Friday shopping here are a few helpful suggestions:

Have a Game Plan 
  • Check out all the deals online/print ads before you go to the store and figure out exactly what you want and what store has it at the price you want. Make a list of what you plan to buy. 
  • Compare Prices before hand to see what stores offers what you want for the lowest price. Example: Walmart's DVD's are cheaper than Target's DVD's so if you want DVD's go to Walmart first.
  • Know what time the stores open and what times the deals you want are valid that way you don't waste your time at a store if there offers don't start till later. 
  • Know what stores are located in the same area so you aren't wasting gas and time driving back and forth.
  • Bring the store ads with you that way you know exactly what is on sale and how much because the prices sometimes get moved and aren't always marked. 

Start Early
By getting an early start you are more likely to get what you want because there will be a better inventory. If you go later, the lines most likely won't be as long but the stores will be out of a lot of their sale items.


Pack a Snack and Drink
Throw some snacks and a water bottle in your purse or your car for when you get hungry. All the walking around and standing in line will wear you out especially if you are planning on being out all day. 

By packing a snack and drink you will save money and time because you won't have to wait in line to buy food. You can also refill your water bottle at any water fountain and keep shopping.


Dress Comfortable 
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes because you are going to do a lot of walking and standing around. I recommend wearing layers like a hoodie/zip-up with a short sleeve shirt under it because all the walking around and the crowds can make it warm inside stores. Layers will allow you to cool off a little.


Make sure your phone is Charged 
That way you will have something to keep you busy in line, you can access the store ads and hours online, save coupons to your phone, contact someone incase of an emergency or find your shopping partners if you get separated. 

There are several Black Friday apps you can download that will give you a list of all the Black Friday ads, savings, etc... I've never used one, but they may come in handy! 


Ask for Gift Receipts
Always keep your original receipt but when checking out make sure to ask for a gift receipt because most of what you will be buying will be gifts for other people. 

Yes I know it is the thought that counts but some things won't fit or they may not like what you bought them so will want to return it. Gift receipts make the return process a lot easier.


Don't Shop Alone
Bring a friend or a family member. I know several families that go out Black Friday shopping every year as a family tradition. Shopping with somebody will make shopping more fun because you will have someone to talk to and you can cover more ground if you are with more people. They may not need something in a store but can help you grab everything you need quicker. They can also wait in line if the lines are long while you grab your items real quick.


Stay Calm
With all the people and great prices things are bound to go south at some point. Stay calm and keep your cool because arguing with the line cutter or the rude sales person will only ruin your day and at the end of the day it's really not worth it. 

If you aren't into the whole Black Friday shopping deals and fighting the crowd its okay, several retailers have already started offering pre Black Friday sales in their stores and online along with free Holiday shipping online so you can get some of the Black Friday sales without leaving your house!

I hope everybody has a Great Thanksgiving and I wish everybody safe and happy shopping on Black Friday!

What are your go to Black Friday shopping tips? Comment below!

shopping tips, black Friday shopping guide, Black Friday, Black Friday ads, Thanksgiving ads, Black Friday shopping, Thanksgiving ads, Black Friday advice, shopping advice, Black Friday shopping advice, day after Thanksgiving ads, Black Friday sale, Black Friday tips, shopping advice and tips,  shopping advice, shopping tips, how to Black Friday shop, shopping, shopping on Black Friday, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving sales, Thanksgiving shopping, money saving, budgeting, turkey shopping

0 Comments