Black Friday: How to maximize your savings and minimize your effort!

Good morning Appleseed Readers!  Today's post is all about Black Friday.  Black Friday sales (aka day after Thanksgiving) are some of the best of the year.  Here's what you need to do to walk away a winner on Black Friday:

• Make your list NOW.  List each person you need to buy for (including stocking stuffers and wrapping paper if applicable) and the amount you are going to spend.  If you have an idea of budget but aren't sure what to get someone, note that as well.  To stay frugal, you are going to need to stick to your budget.  Cross people off the list as you buy.
• Start checking out the Black Friday "leaked" ads.  Our favorite website is Brad's Deals, where they have a solid history of accurate ads pre-Thanksgiving.  Check it out here:  http://blackfriday.bradsdeals.com/   (more ads come out in the days leading up to Thanksgiving so be sure to check back)
• Start planning who you are shopping with (it works best to have a team!) and start planning your route.  One of our best kept secrets: instead of heading to the "big" malls, stay local! In our experience the smaller malls have shorter lines and friendlier shoppers.  Half the fun is meeting people while you stand in line and striking up great conversations!
• Decide when you are leaving, the order of stores, and make sure to plan snacks/coffee breaks.  Wear comfortable walking shoes! One year I went in some "new" shoes, and ended up having horrible blisters.  Just don't do it.  
• Stay away from big box stores.  Places like WalMart are absolutely awful on the day after Thanksgiving.  In our experience, it is much more fun to hit the local department stores instead for great in-store savings.
• Remember that there are TONS of great sales that you can take advantage of from the comfort of your own home: shop online!  Amazon.com, Walmart, Target...all the "big" retailers will have great deals on Black Friday online.  Often free shipping will be offered as well.  This is a great option if there is something you want but don't want to fight the crowds.
• Be prepared to wait in line.  Often when a store advertises a special, super low price (e.g., a washer and dryer for $500) there will only be one or two offered in the whole store.  If you want that item, be prepared to get there at least a few hours before the store opens.  
• Be prepared to buy several papers on Thanksgiving before you head out to the family feast.  There will be coupons in the paper, as well as local sales fliers that may not have been posted online.  Adjust your route accordingly.
• Have fun!  

I hope your Thanksgiving is a bountiful one.  Best wishes from Thrifty Appleseed! :)