Best Tips for Finding the Best Black Friday Deals and Reducing Holiday Stress

Black Friday shopping is probably on your mind, and we’re here to help you plan to find the best deals and minimize shopping stress. The holidays can be enjoyable but also stressful because of the money needed to celebrate with everyone you love! Let us help you shop without the added stress of overspending on the items you want and need this holiday season! 

Start Looking Now

It’s always early enough to start shopping during the holiday season. The Black Friday deals are showing up earlier and earlier every year! Why not look ahead of time to reduce some stress later? 

“Even though Black Friday is at the end of the month, retailers are releasing Black Friday deals early. I recommend getting on your favorite retailer’s email subscription so you can stay updated on the best early Black Friday deals,” says Jacqueline from Mom Money Gap.

Watch Your Favorite Influencers and Bloggers

At this time of year, your favorite influencers are working hard to bring you the best deals and sales. If you can find some local influencers, that’s even better. 

“The Budget Savvy Bride posts a massive list of Black Friday wedding deals to help couples looking to save money on their wedding purchases. The list includes discounts on everything from wedding dresses, flowers, suits, decorations, invitations, and much more,” says Jessica from The Budget Savvy Bride. 

Sign Up for Emails

Make sure you are on the email lists for the latest tips and tricks for this holiday season. Save yourself some time researching and following the tips provided by the sites you already trust!

“A simple Black Friday shopping tip for shoppers is to sign up beforehand to receive emails from the retail stores they plan to make their holiday purchases,” says Starr Wells from A Centsational Life

“By signing up for retailers’ newsletters and emails, shoppers can access all the sales and discounts in their inboxes. Plus, many retailers offer several perks and discounts for their email subscribers that can save shoppers even more money on their Black Friday purchases. Also, this can help shoppers plan their Black Friday priority purchases.”

Price Match

When you plan your list of things to buy, going to stores and sites with price matching can be the key! It’s time to get in on this easy way to save money and ensure you get the best price on your items this holiday season. 

“Check for stores with a price-matching policy. Many will price match a Black Friday deal if you show proof of the sale price on your phone (assuming the item is not excluded from their policy). Planning will save you from lining up and fighting crowds to get the thing you want on sale. Research ahead of time to know which stores you want to go to for what item,” says Nadia from This Mom is on Fire. 

Search for Facebook Groups

Facebook has groups for almost anything you can think of, so why not savings and deals? Using these groups to plan your holiday shopping will simplify planning your gifts and getting the best prices. 

“One of the best ways to find Black Friday deals is using Facebook professionals. Multiple Facebook groups are out there dedicated to helping people save money, both on Amazon and at other stores. These professionals know how to tell if something is a good deal or if it’s just the stores trying to game you,” says Tiffany from Saving Talents. 

Use Shopping Sites to Monitor Prices

Sticking to your budget just got easier with this tip. Always make sure you’re getting the best price to come out ahead this season. You can’t go wrong using online tools to track prices. 

“Some websites allow you to check how much an item has sold for previously, helping you evaluate whether the sale price offers the value you initially thought. Look at CamelCamelCamel or Keepa to crosscheck Amazon-sold products and Aliprice for AliExpress products. 

Slickdeals has a broader choice of retailers, including Amazon. As you’d expect, Google also has something that can help. Google’s Shopping dashboard lets you track certain products and see the price history,” says  Tim from Mama Say What. 

Make a “Black Friday Folder”

Shopping smart and comparing prices becomes easier when you stay organized and plan. Finding those deep discounts is a huge bonus when trying to stay on budget.

“A few days ahead or when you find free time to search for the items you want a discount on. You can add these to your cart or bookmark them in a special “Black Friday” folder so it’s easier to find. 

Be bold in looking at comparisons for deeper discounts. Take Magna Tiles, for example; we must have educational toys for kids this year. Look at a comparison of its closet competitor Paccasio Tiles. They are close enough; you should pick the one offering the most significant discount. You can see what I mean from this article, Magna Tiles vs. Picasso tiles,” says Kristal from STEM Education Guide.

Make Your List and Check It Twice

Who doesn’t love a good checklist? It keeps you shopping for only what you need, and you can use it to stay organized to check prices on the items you need. 

“The best way to shop Black Friday is to plan before heading out. 

Make a list of all the items you’re looking to purchase. Crosscheck websites and circulars to find the best deals,” says Kristin from Cents and Purpose.

“Be sure to download the app for each store you plan to visit. Often retailers offer additional promotions on their apps that can’t be found in-store or on their websites.

Knowing exactly what you need to purchase at each store will keep you from getting distracted and avoid being overwhelmed.” 

Use Coupon Comparison Apps and Extensions

Shop confidently, knowing you are getting the best deal online and in stores by tracking coupons for the items you want. 

“You never know what hidden wonders are hiding on different shopping sites. This time of year, there are so many deals and coupon codes that it is impossible to keep up with the best choices. Using apps like Honey to keep track of the best deals as you shop is a great way to ensure you have the best working coupon for your purchase. 

Amazon has a great price comparison extension that pops up as you shop on other sites! It never hurts to have your browser help you as you shop,” says Dana from Debt Blogger.

With the many emotions around the holiday season and current world events, we hope these tips help you navigate Black Friday shopping a little easier and help you save some money. This year’s inflation has made it harder to think about holiday budgeting, but utilizing these tips and tricks may be the answer to a debt-free holiday season and successful gift buying this year.