Black Friday Survival Guide (with printable list!)

I remember the early days of Black Friday–my mom would wake me up at 3AM, bundle me up in my coat and grab all of our catalog clippings that we had collected, circled and starred. Her and I would giddily stand in hour-long lines with thousands of other shoppers for “doorbusters” and “early bird specials.”

To say that Black Friday has evolved is an understatement. We now live in an era of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday and frankly, endless deals that traverse from Halloween through Christmas. But with so many opportunities to score the lowest prices of the year, there are even more opportunities for buyer’s remorse. One of the key elements to having a successful “sale season,” is going in with a plan. Don’t have one? You’re in luck. Keep scrolling for my Black Friday survival guide.

Here are some tips for surviving Black Friday: make a plan, shop wisely, set a budget and check prices.

• 3 ways to make the most of Black Friday
• Checklist to prepare for Black Friday

#1: Make a List

Santa shouldn’t be the only one checking his list twice this year. From tank tops to TVs, Black Friday is flooded with all-time low prices. If you saved the majority of your holiday shopping for this time of year (hello, everyone) now is your chance to to “proceed to checkout.” Creating a list not only helps to avoid that buyer’s remorse but also ensures that you won’t forget mom or aunt Susan when scouting out those extra steals for yourself. Also, be sure to have “back-up” gifts on your list just in case you find a sold out size or suddenly realize she has 35 pink dresses (the limit does not exist…right?)

#2: Check Stores NOW (hint hint)

Shops are no longer saving their savings for the post-Thanksgiving trend. Don’t believe me? Check your email! Many of your favorite stores (www.loleono.com) are featuring their best deals of the year long before turkey-time. If you’re not a keyboard warrior on Cyber Monday or simply can’t be bothered with the Black Friday craze, getting ahead of the rush will help you check off your list (see #1) in peace.

#3: Know When Sales End

Nothing will haunt you like that dress you didn’t buy *on sale*. If you find an item you love and plan to lull it over just be sure not to lull until it’s too late. Many stores will continue sales throughout the end of the year, but will scale back many of their large discounts and one-time-only perks. When making your list, jot down the sale start and end dates to be sure you don’t miss a thing!

Need a cute checklist to keep your shopping organized? Download and print my fool-proof list below!

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