Black Friday Shopping Tips

I love Black Friday, I am no sure why, I just do. There is just something electric in the air. The beginning of everything Christmas, the excitement of a killer deal, gets me excited just thinking about it. Don't get me wrong though there are some things I don't love about Black Friday too. By the end of the morning I feel so over stimulated that I can barely function. So many people, usually women, means way too much estrogen. Some women take this shopping day way too seriously and if you get in their way, watch out sister, she'll take you out.

So if you have weighed the pros and cons of Black Friday and decided that you are going to brave the insanity, don't go ill prepared. This crazy shopping day can go from bad to worse very quickly, so be prepared. Here are some of my tried and true tips to make it out of the Black Friday rush alive, only a little battered, and most importantly a trunk full of Christmas goodies!

1. Dress in layers- It usually starts out pretty cold early in the morning, but as the hours progress you will get warmer, especially driving a cart like a race car driver. You will want to be able to easily remove layers as you go, for optimal comfort. If you are going to a super crazy store like Wal-Mart(which I have never have and never will enter on Black Friday), try to leave your coat in the car. With so many people the last thing you want to worry about is carrying your coat around.

2. Wear comfy shoes- You would think that this would be obvious, but it is not. This is definitely a time to put comfort over fashion. I have seen women hobbling around a store and feel so sorry for her knowing that she has a morning of pain and suffering ahead of her.

3. Bring a list & the add- Organization is key in a successful shop. You don't want to wander around the store going through the same aisle 5 times getting things you forgot you wanted. For each individual store have a list of exactly what you want to purchase, including sizes that you need. For that store bring along the add. You want to have the add in case you need to double check a price or see exactly it was that you wanted. Mark the item that you want boldly with a sharpie and or highlighter, so you can find it easily filling through the add.

4. Bring a Buddie- If at all possible bring a friend of family member with you. Good company always seems to lighten the stress. It is also great to have an extra shopping team mate with you. You can break up the shopping list and divide and concur the store. It is also a great way to speed through the line. One person stands in the inevitably long line, while the other person finishes the shopping. With 2 people there is no need wait until you are completely done shopping if there are long lines.

5. Bring snacks- Shopping takes a lot of energy! Come prepared for the morning dip in blood sugar with snacks. You will regret it if you don't when your tummy starts to growl and all you have is a credit card. I love to go to Fred Meyer because they provide the snacks. They always has hot chocolate, cider, doughnuts and fruit.

6. Listen to Christmas music- Nothing makes me feel Holly and Jolly like Christmas music. Enjoy the spirit of the season by cranking up the tunes. If you dare you can even sing along. Sing- a-longs always lighten the mood, right?

Well I hope that your Black Friday shopping experience is a success and you come home happy and satisfied with your amazing bargains!