Black Friday Shopping Spree Survival Kit

Intentionally written a week before Black Friday shopping spree starts.

It will be here next Friday – The Black Friday. The magical day when the universe aligns and your inbox fills with sales alerts that scream “limited-time only” (but really, who’s counting?). It’s the day when shopping becomes a competitive sport and your credit card might get more cardio than you do.

Black Friday shopping spree: the words that send shivers down the spine of your bank account. But hey, who are we kidding? We all love it!

But first, let dive deep into the history of Black Friday, what makes it tick, which items are actually worth your time and how to survive the shopping spree without feeling like you’ve been trampled in a Walmart stampede.

Spoiler: It’s going to be a wild ride, but at least your couch is comfy and there’s wine within arm’s reach.

A Brief History of Black Friday: From Chaos to Commerce

Black Friday didn’t always mean crowds of bargain-hungry zombies roaming department stores. In fact, the term was originally coined by the Philadelphia police in the 1960s to describe the mayhem that descended upon the city the day after Thanksgiving. Think of it as a mix of chaotic traffic jams, overcrowded streets and the kind of shopper behavior that made “bargain hunting” seem more like a contact sport than a leisurely afternoon activity.

Fast forward to the 1980s, retailers cleverly flipped the script. They started using Black Friday to talk about their business “going into the black” (as in, turning a profit). Suddenly, the phrase took on a much shinier, more consumer-friendly meaning. The next thing you knew, Black Friday became the gateway to the holiday shopping season, with discounts so steep, they almost made you forget about your overflowing online cart from last year.

But let’s not sugarcoat it: Black Friday’s origins are pure chaos. It was like the perfect storm of consumerism, social anxiety, and questionable decisions – all wrapped in a coupon code.

The Black Friday Shopping Spree: The FOMO and the Fury

Every year, we say we won’t get sucked in. Every year, we do. The Black Friday shopping spree is less of a peaceful browsing experience and more of a sprint through a never-ending jungle of sales. But, it’s so worth it – for a few things, at least.

In theory, it’s supposed to be a “strategic shopping spree” where savvy shoppers snag everything from electronics to fashion for a fraction of the price. In reality, it’s a fever dream where you’re questioning your life choices while navigating a maze of online checkout glitches and the constant dread that someone will snag the last 65-inch TV before you can hit “submit”.

Pro Tip: If you’re not shopping for something specific, you might end up impulse-buying something like a 3-in-1 waffle maker that you didn’t know you needed… until you saw it on sale for 80% off. If it makes you feel better, you’re not alone. We all make questionable decisions especially when see a discount of 20, 40, 50, 60% … even more. But nobody offer the real deal – a 100% discount.

A 100% discount price – not real

Seriously, will you buy it, if it is FREE even only on that one day after Thanksgiving Day?

What to look for a Black Friday Shopping Spree

Before you start hyperventilating about the mountain of deals, let’s get real: there are some items that make Black Friday worth it. And, no, we’re not talking about the random $5 sock bundles that seem to magically appear every year. You’ll want to focus on products that typically have high markups or are actually going to improve your life (or at least your streaming experience).

1. Electronics

Let’s face it: Black Friday is the day for electronics. If you’ve been dreaming of a new laptop, tablet or a TV (because, apparently, your 2015 TV just isn’t cutting it anymore), this is your time to shine. Expect massive discounts on gadgets like:

• Smartphones: The latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy usually sees some pretty decent discounts, especially if you’re willing to go for the previous model.
• TVs: Huge markdowns on 4K TVs. Don’t be surprised if you find a massive 75-inch beauty for less than what you’d pay for a decent mattress.
• Laptops & Tablets: Whether you’re after a MacBook or a cheap-but-effective Chromebook, Black Friday is the time to pounce.
• Smart Home Devices: Alexa, Google Home and those fancy light bulbs that you’ll forget to turn off — they all go on sale.

2. Toys and Games

If you’re looking to score some holiday gifts for the little ones, Black Friday is a day when dream come true. Toys, games and gadgets that will soon be forgotten at the bottom of a toy bin are all marked down. From the latest LEGO sets to tech gadgets, your wallet might feel lighter, but your kid’s face will light up. Maybe, for a week or two.

3. Fashion

Black Friday isn’t just about gadgets. It’s the time to score some fashion deals too. While it’s true you might end up buying the 37th pair of shoes that are “just like the last ones, but 20% cheaper,” hey, at least you’re saving money, right?

• Coats, Sweaters and Boots: Winter is coming and so are the sales. You’ll find great deals on outerwear and cozy sweaters that you can wear for the next 3 months without regret.
• Athleisure: Who doesn’t love scoring leggings for half price? Your workout game might be weak, but at least your wardrobe will look strong.

4. Kitchen Appliances

You can’t go wrong with a kitchen gadget that makes you feel like a professional chef. Black Friday is the time to grab that fancy air fryer, instant pot or espresso machine you’ve been eyeing for the past year which your neighbor next door bought last month at a regular price. Sure, you’ll probably only use it three times before it collects dust, but hey, it looks good on your counter.

Tips to survive the Black Friday shopping spree before it starts

1. Plan Ahead: Don’t be one of those people who blindly scrolls through sales with no strategy. Make a list of what you want to buy and stick to it. Trust me, your impulse buys will thank you later.
2. Set a Budget: I know, I know. The “I’m saving money” excuse gets old, but seriously, set a cap for your spending. Your future self will thank you.
3. Sign Up for Alerts: Email sign-ups and push notifications can be your best friend. They’ll help you stay ahead of the sales and notify you when that last-minute deal hits.
4. Avoid the Madness: If the thought of elbowing your way through a crowded store gives you anxiety, skip it. Stay home and shop online from the comfort of your couch – the deals will still be waiting.
5. Don’t Forget About Return Policies: Always check return policies. Especially when buying electronics. A discount is only worth if you can return the item without hassle.

Where to shop on Black Friday: Online vs. In-Store (and how to avoid the chaos)

So, where should you go for your Black Friday shopping spree? Let’s break it down.

• In-Store Shopping: If you’re into the whole “thrill of the hunt” thing, then the in-store Black Friday madness might be your jam. Just be prepared to dodge people with shopping carts and remember: the early bird gets the deal, but the early bird also has to wake up at 4:00 AM.
• Online Shopping: Forget the crowds. Forget the chaos. Black Friday online is the true MVP. Check out major players like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target and even niche sites that specialize in the tech or lifestyle products you’re after. Don’t forget about Cyber Monday (the online cousin to Black Friday), where the deals continue, minus the frenzied store experiences.

If go a little further and research a bit know that half of the electronics and 90% of the tech gadgets came across the Ocean so might check places like Temu and Aliexpress for even better prices. If too lazy check our Black Friday winter selection build with an self-made script for ads management that you can get with 100% discount at an unbeatable price, for Free.