It’s that time of year again. Every year, we see tons of news updates, advertisements, and more talking about Black Friday. Black Friday is a great time to score some deals, but not every deal is worth giving into.
If you’re planning on doing some Black Friday shopping this year, it’s important to go into it with a plan and knowledge of what’s worth skipping out on this year. To help you prep for Black Friday, here are our tips for what to buy and what to avoid.
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Black Friday offers significant deals on electronic purchases, from televisions, gaming headsets and accessories, cellphones, laptops, tablets, and more. Just remember to avoid generic electronics brands, as these don’t always live up to the same quality as name brands, even if they offer a better deal price-wise.
If your loved one is all about electronics, this is the perfect time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping.
Clothing
Most clothing retailers heavily discount their products during Black Friday, making it the perfect time to stock up on some new clothes. Check out your favorite clothing brands to see what kind of deals they’ll be offering on Black Friday.
These retailers often extend their sales through Cyber Monday, especially if they offer both in-person and online shopping. This is a great time to invest in your favorite brands, from ethical clothing retailers to activewear brands. You can also check out discount stores like Saks Off Fifth, Nordstrom Rack, and more for even lower Black Friday prices.
Toys
If you’re planning on doing some shopping for the children in your life or simply are a kid at heart yourself, games and toys are a great score on Black Friday. From toy stores to retail giants like Target, you can find excellent deals on toys, crafts, board games, and other entertainment products.
Amazon is another great retailer for toys and games, and as a bonus, they continue their deals through Cyber Monday, allowing you to take part in some Black Friday shopping without even leaving your home.
Appliances
If you’re looking to upgrade any home appliances, such as your laundry machines, oven, and more, you’ll be able to find some major discounts for these products on Black Friday. However, we recommend doing your research on which products you plan to invest in before making the plunge on Black Friday.
During Black Friday, you’ll see many brands of appliances go on sale, some more generic and lower quality than others. To get the best deal, ensure you do your research on model types, brand reviews, and specs to avoid the hassle of investing in an appliance that you end up hating later on.
Kitchenware/Cookware
Kitchen and cookware are another great investment during Black Friday. Many high-quality, chef-rated brands host major sales to help clear out inventory for the New Year. Everything from knife sets, pots and pans, tableware, and more will be heavily discounted during the sale.
Name brands like La Cruset and All-Clad, which are typically inaccessible economically for the majority, are made reachable with the help of major Black Friday discounts. Check out major retailers like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table, or go directly to your favorite brand’s website to see which is offering the best deals this Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
Things to avoid buying
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A new car
Many people may think they’re getting a good deal on a new vehicle during Black Friday; however, you’d be sadly mistaken. The deals offered by car dealerships during Black Friday aren’t always better than the deals they offer closer to Christmas. Plus, you can always get the best deal by negotiating, so save yourself the hassle this November and keep your eye out for a better deal on cars throughout the rest of the year.
Travel tickets
Travel tickets are another item to skip this Black Friday, as these deals on flights and hotels are limited. Plus, you’re likely to find a better deal by booking your trip well in advance and during special sale events offered throughout the rest of the year.
Generic items
The whole point of Black Friday is to take advantage of sales offered by established brands. While generic brands may go on sale, they’re not always up to the same standard of quality. Skip the generic items this year and look for sales from your favorite brands that you know and trust. Whether you’re planning on buying a new TV, clothing, or other items on this list, keep an eye out for deals from the consumers’ trust.
Jewelry
If you’re planning on surprising someone special with a new necklace, purchasing during Black Friday isn’t recommended. Jewelers often offer better discounts at other times of the year, such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. So plan ahead and keep your eye out for the best deal, which you’re likely to find during other holidays.
Large furniture
Large furniture like couches and dining tables may go on sale during Black Friday; however, this is another class of items you’re likely to find a better deal on throughout the rest of the year. The best deals on furniture are usually offered during Memorial Day sales in the U.S., as brands are trying to make room for new inventory. We suggest taking advantage of Memorial Day sales over Black Friday for discounts on large furniture.
To buy or not to buy
While many of us are tempted to go crazy and take advantage of every deal we see, this isn’t the smartest choice for your wallet. If you plan on doing some Black Friday shopping this year, go in with a plan.
Determine what it is you want to buy on Black Friday and do your research on the best deals by checking out different retailers. With a little homework and determination, you can get everything you need at a good price without feeling buyer’s remorse. From electronics to toys, clothing, kitchen supplies, and more, you can save tons of money on Christmas presents or things you need in general.
