[*Jackie*]

Black Friday can be one of the most exhilarating and exhausting days of the year; the amount of sales and dealing with crowds of people can make even the most veteran of Black Friday shoppers shudder in fear and anticipation. If you are going to brave the lines this November 27th, here are some tips:

1. Depending on where you live in the country, your basics might differ. Your clothing and outerwear should be simple and hassle free-tennis shoes, sweat shirts, t-shirts, hair back in a pony tail, etc. If you live in colder climates, carrying a back pack with extra mittens, warm packs, energy bars, energy drinks, etc is not a bad idea either.

2. Keep your wallet in your back pocket if at all possible-the amount of people around, your purse could be your biggest obstacle

3. The day before, map out your strategy. Research who will price match so you can limit your time spent at other stores, create a timeline on when you want to arrive/leave each store and stick to it.

4. Create a list-don’t go into the stores with just your ads in your hand. They take way too long to decipher while you are looking for your items. Tip: cut out the pictures of the items you want to purchase at each store and glue them either into a notebook or a binder. Then, organize it by each store to ensure accuracy.

5. Check to see which stores are offering their Black Friday sales online with free or extremely cheap shipping. In past years, Best Buy, Walmart and Target have all had their items (and more) online for the same Black Friday price as in stores.

These are just some of my tips, from an upper-Midwestern veteran Black Friday shopper to you! Now it's your turn! Do you have an tips? Advice? Questions? Post them here! This link will be featured in the upcoming AFC Newsletter, so check back often with more tips and advice from fellow members!

[fredysmama]

This will only be my second year going out on BF, but something I learned last year was that if you don't get a shopping cart at Target or Walmart(because they will be gone lightning fast) you are not stuck carrying your stuff-go immediately to grab a plastic trash can or laundry basket to hold everything. I found this out the hard way last year, when I thought all hope was lost and it was just me trying to push a christmas tree, barbie dolls, hot wheels, blocks,and all my clothes up to the register This is probably something everyone knows, but I just wanted to share what I learned last year and what I will definitely be doing this year

[crissy148]

In stores with long lines, have someone stand in line for you while you look, and then take their place while they look. Or you can just grab their stuff for them if its not much. Saved me many times in Target.

Also, if in shopping centers or malls with lots of stores, park strategically. Sometimes parking took longer than shopping (maybe thats just because i am in jersey!). We usually park far from the stores, but in the center and near the exit of the lot. Quick in and out, and if you are in the middle, you can run out to the car with your stuff after each store.

[JDOGGETTE99]

I always go to walmart first and i never get a shopping cart just for the fact that it gets in the way why I am toy shopping. everybody bombards all at once and it is crazy! The first year I went i had a shopping card but abandoned it with it like 5 second of them cutting the string to get to the toys! Which I have a few extra hands with me grabbing the stuff so it works out for me. And if you are shopping with a buddy make sure you have a cell phone fully charged just in case y'all get lost from each other. I know me and my buddies do! We also call each other when we are scoping out the store to tell each other where everything is! the number one thing is you have to be oraganized!!!

[djcullen]

I think the biggest thing to remember is to have patience. No toy, video game, tv or whatever is worth you loosing your cool over. DON'T push, shove and run over people with your cart.

Maybe this year an employee wouldn't get hurt or worse like in years past!

I did shop last year on BF but that was the only year I have ever shopped (and I only went out just too see what all the excitement was all about). All my Christmas shopping is done, most of it was finished by July. What can I say, I am an early shopper.

[crissy148]

Originally Posted by JDOGGETTE99

I always go to walmart first and i never get a shopping cart just for the fact that it gets in the way why I am toy shopping. everybody bombards all at once and it is crazy! The first year I went i had a shopping card but abandoned it with it like 5 second of them cutting the string to get to the toys! Which I have a few extra hands with me grabbing the stuff so it works out for me. And if you are shopping with a buddy make sure you have a cell phone fully charged just in case y'all get lost from each other. I know me and my buddies do! We also call each other when we are scoping out the store to tell each other where everything is! the number one thing is you have to be oraganized!!!

I forgot about the cell phone thing. HUGE necessity on Black Friday!

[moore79]

I'm going to use my re-usable shopping bags instead of a shopping cart this year. Hopefully it will make things easier to drag around

[shanac2008]

Originally Posted by moore79

I'm going to use my re-usable shopping bags instead of a shopping cart this year. Hopefully it will make things easier to drag around

Smart thinkin'!

[eeyore55107]

This year I'm enlisting a driver so I don't have to deal with the parking. I also suggest eating a good breakfast and please remember to have fun!!

[heidibethh]

Mostly...just have fun! Nothing is worth losing your cool over!

My DH and I scope out the deals and then he gets part and I get the other part, if possible. Usually I stand in line (particularly at Menards which is his "toy store") while he runs around and gets the deals he wants. When I am five people from the front, I call him and he brings his stuff over so we can check out. Thus far, that has worked well.....

I'm about done for the kids, so I just go for the fun of it! I really enjoy it...though a lot of that is that we don't live in a big area so the stores, while crowded, aren't out of control like they would be in a big city.

Everyone have fun and be safe!! (oh, and as a PS....last year in Walmart we checked out back by the Christmas stuff. Hardly any line at all!)

[littlejen875]

I usually pack drinks and snacks in the car to save on fast food expenditures.

[dsmk]

Same here, just hope I can get it all!!! Thanks Shannon K

[Shahina79]

Oo I like the idea about the reusable shopping bags how smart! I agree - the cart gets in the way (even though we need it). I usually do Target every year and people run like madmen once the doors open. What we did last year was we all gave each other everyone's lists and then whoever found whatever item first grabbed it and put it in the cart and then later we met up and exchanged. Pack drinks and snacks! Also another tip - people often grab lots of things and then they will put them back randomly around the store. Last year the check out lanes had tons of BF items that people changed their minds about so if you see a shelf cleared off - check the registers! Thats how we found a computer screen panel for my dad last year - happy shopping and good luck everyone!

[BetsyRuhland]

I do a lot of what was mentioned - plus I add a Santa hat to my outfit to get me and others into the holiday season.

[schmidt00]

My biggest tip is: CHECK OUT ANY WHERE YOU CAN!!! On BF anything goes! I am NEVER afraid to ask people if I can check out in jewelry, electronics, hunting even!!! Seriously~ on BF usually every single small desk is open and I take FULL advantage!

[bargainshopper]

My survival this year is that I have nothing on my lists that I just have to have. If I get it I get it if not I don't'. No biggie. Also I get to enjoy it with my 14 DD. When we are done with the shopping we will be off to watch New Moon!!!!

[schmidt00]

Also, consider using a gift card or one use debit card for your purchases. This limits the number of people who handle your credit / debit card and helps to cut down on identity theft. For me, I use a card that is tied to an account which only has XX dollars on it. Once that money is gone there is no more. It helps me to feel a little more safe as someone can't STEAL my bank account and also helps me "stay in budget!!!!" and reduces my "impulse buys"...

[Helena68]

Yes...please be careful out there and don't lose your cool as said before it's only a t.v. etc...my kid will be out there...She just got a job with Walmart and is scared to death they just did a huge safety training with scary video and all...She will be line managing the t.v.s and having done black fridays I must admit I am a little afraid for her at Walmart...so please take care out there.

[abner463]

Boy after reading all of this, I am pretty sure I'm going to be painting my bathroom that day! I have never really been out in the Black Friday madness. I did most of my shopping already and am trying to save $$ on things for myself. So have fun everybody, and stay safe! Wishing you luck from the safety of my home....

[joshmamabear]

My safest and best BF survival tip: Don't go and stay home! try online shopping for once, some of the deals are even better

but for those who likes to experience the thrill of finding bargains, ya'll be careful and stay warm

[supercouper]

Did anyone see the episode of Gray's anatomy when the surgeons were going to be "hard core" for a surgery that would last hours and they put on disposible underwear so they wouldn't have to have a bathroom break? Now that's hard core BF shopping!

[arupe001]

Good company is a must in my book! I always go with my mom and sis-in-law and we have a blast! We usually compare what we want before we go in the store so if the other person spots it they grab it just in case. We always get a Starbucks and eat breakfast at Chick-fil-a. I agree with the above post about keeping your cool...nothing that can be bought is worth me losing my cool and being rude to someone. I hope you all have a wonderful time and get great deals!

[CouponingInNorthCarolina]

I try to at least go to Wal-Mart each year because it is close to my home and my husband never gets the day after Thanksgiving off so I have to shop quickly. Wal-Mart will price match items (such as dvds, games, etc.) as long as they aren't special bundles or percentages off and that way I usually on have to hit one store.

I've never had a problem with checking out because my particular Wal-Mart usually has so many of the registers open.

Go in knowing it will be a crazy house on that day and don't get hurt or hurt anyone else in all the craziness. :-)

[Jataweb1]

BF advice - make it fun and a day out without the kids. We usually stand back and let everyone push their way in and then we walk in and still get all the stuff. We usually have one get in line after getting the big stuff and switch off going and getting things adding to the pile. Remember the true meaning to Christmas is Christ, not pushing and shoving. We have learned patience and niceness does pay off. Sure you might miss out on1 or 2 deals, but those deals will come back again. Have a very Merry Christmas and drink your coffee!

[LadyLisette]

I stay far away from the "big" stores like Wal-mart and the mall. Most stores offer big sales that day and many are easier and less crowded than the big box stores. I hit smaller stores and there are no crowds or lines. And since all the stores big and small are getting ready for huge crowds "just in case" there's plenty of employees to help you find what you need. Last year I hit Dicks, True Value, Ace, Staples, Half Price Books, Tuesday Morning, Home Depot, and two shoe stores and was totally finished by 9am. No shoving, no crying, no crowds, no problem.