Completing Christmas Shopping BEFORE Black Friday

Do you have a love/hate relationship with Black Friday shopping like I do?  I love the savings that I can potentially get from shopping the sales, but I hate getting up early, waiting in lines, dealing with grouchy people, and possibly not getting what I want in a store.  Not to mention the added burden of standing outside in freezing temps!

What if I told you that you could score the same or even better deals in the weeks from Halloween to Thanksgiving, without leaving your house? Do I have you reeled in yet? Well, if I do keep reading.

Most stores offer pretty substantial discounts between Halloween and Thanksgiving for a few reasons.  First, these months tend to be slower months because people are gearing up for the Holiday season (Thanksgiving-New Years are HUGE months for retail stores).  Second, because they know that few people know about or will take advantage of their great deals!

I have a few tips to help you save!

1. www.retailmenot.com

• This website is a life saver! In the search bar simply type in the website that you are purchasing from and they will find all kinds of coupon codes to use! I've gotten most of my Christmas shopping from 30-60%, plus free shipping by using this site!

2. Free Shipping!

• Most retailers will offer free shipping during this period of time.  Target is one that has offered free shipping for a while to their redcard holders (More on that later).  Take advantage of this.  Even if stores are offering $0.99 shipping think of the gas money you will save! Not to mention the convenience of having somebody bring your purchases to your door!

3. Rewards Programs

• Most stores offer their card holders incentives around this time of the year.  Target card holders get 5% off on all purchases made throughout the year, but during this time the free shipping is an incentive, not to mention exclusive emails about secret sales going on!  Victoria's Secret sends out coupons along with Bath and Body Works, Lids, Finish Line, Famous Footwear, Toys R Us, etc.

4. Clearance 

• In order to make room for holiday merchandise retailers will begin to clearance out their inventory.  Snag up colognes and perfumes, bath sets, blankets, shoes, scarves, small appliances, pictures frames, etc. throughout the year to add to presents as "fluff".  I gave my friend last year a present retailing at $75 that only cost me $7! I did this by purchasing small items from the beginning of the year at rock bottom prices!

5. Coupons

• This method seems strange to most, however retailers will offer coupons in their ads off of electronics, toys, etc. that can save hundreds on your Christmas bill!

6. Take advantage of Cyber Monday and Black Friday deals online!

• Even though this doesn't fall in the category of completing your shopping before Black Friday, you can still snag some good deals! Browse the internet and see what deals may be popping up around these times, grab a cup of coffee, your warmest pj's, and some leftover turkey and spend the day shopping while warm and at home!

I hope everyone had an awesome Thanksgiving! I will be posting more money saving tips as time goes on!


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