Black Friday Shopping

Day 2 of Aly's blog challenge! Today: shopping tips and tricks for Black Friday.

Tip 1: Send hubby. Last year I really wanted to get Jacob a play kitchen for Christmas, but didn't want to spend the $100 on one (since he's a boy, and I wasn't positive he would love it). Big Lots had a huge sale on a talking kitchen Thanksgiving morning, so I sent Bob out to get it. He was the first in line, and home within 10 minutes of the store opening. Normally, I'm not a fan of doing shopping on such a major holiday, but we are on a limited budget and it really didn't disrupt our holiday or anything - Jacob wasn't even awake yet!

Jacob with his kitchen Christmas morning...he woke up at 4:45 a.m. We are hoping for later this year!

Tip 2: Don't have your heart set on one specific thing that would make or break your Christmas. Last year, Mom and I went to Kohl's at 4 a.m. and headed straight for the toys. We didn't have anything specific in mind, just there to shop in general. I was able to buy some toys for super cheap and put some away for as Jacob got older and was developmentally ready for certain older toys. It took the pressure off to not have to get that one item that is so necessary to be under the tree. I view BF shopping as extra, and fun to see what deal you can get.

Tip 3: Chill out. Just because it is BF doesn't mean you can pretend you didn't pass kindergarten and push other people.

Tip 4: Go out to breakfast with your shopping partner.

Tip 5: Think of your sanity. Sometimes spending an extra $2 than the lowest price you have seen in the ads is a better decision than driving to four different stores, standing in huge lines over and over again, and wanting to rip your eyes out by the end of it.