Table of Contents
This is a sponsored post.
Black Friday sales are around the corner. Have you ever shopped at Black Friday? Each year, people literally queue at shops online and on the high street, to find deals and save money. And there are some good deals to find, if you are searching. However, we can do this mindfully. With a little planning and self-reflection, you can do Black Friday Deals without buying unnecessary items, we might regret later.
My opinion on Black Friday was always “if you don’t need it, it’s not a deal”. If you don’t actually need it, it’s not money saved, it’s money thrown away. I guess many people would say: yes but it was so cheap! But did you need the product? Are you going to use it? So, I’ve not really shopped on Black Friday. When I did, I bought something I kept my eye on for a while and wanted it as a Christmas gift. Black Friday is the closest sales to Christmas, so I did buy Christmas gifts but otherwise, not much.
It’s possible though, to shop the Black Friday deals for Christmas, mindfully. Here’s how.
Know Your Needs
The first step towards a more sustainable way of shopping is knowing your actual needs. Before you spend money. THINK if you really need this product. Create a list of things you need: focus on items that are genuinely a long-lasting value. Remember, if you don’t need it, it’s not a deal.
Or, do it as I do: I always have a mental list of things I need to buy. Sometimes I write them down. I know, currently I want to buy a few larger items, like a rug for daughter’s room, a mirror for the hall and a room divider. These are not very urgent, but it would be good to buy them soon. Since Black Friday is coming up, I just browse for these items ONLY and see if I can get a good deal on these. If not, I can wait a little longer.
Create Christmas Shopping List
Similarly, for Christmas, create a shopping list of the most important presents you want to buy. Shop around, have a look at prices and then compare them when Black Friday comes. If it’s on your list and it’s cheaper as a Black Friday deal – you have something that absolutely makes sense to buy at Black Friday, because it’s definitely not going to be cheaper after that! This will also keep you from making impulse purchases.
Do Your Research
Once you know what you need, it’s time to research products and brands. Look for your favourite brands, discover new ones. What I normally do is, go on their websites and look for product information.
It doesn’t always have to be perfect in every sense. But it’s good to aim for better practices. For me, it’s important that the item I buy will last long and it’s good quality too. This saves money and resources on the long-term.
Start Christmas Shopping
Black Friday is a great opportunity to get some of the Christmas gifts ticked off your list. Often you might find that otherwise expensive gift items for your loved ones can be bought a bit cheaper at Black Friday. Like my husband’s golf clothing, that is always a well-received gift and it’s something he needs.
Check Out Personalized Gifts
Custom engravings, monograms and special messages, handmade gifts, or special experiences. Some retailers might offer discounts on personalised items during Black Friday, or offer free personalisation as part of the Black Friday deals, so if you are looking for personalised gifts (I’m a big fan of personalisation) you can look out for that too.
Look for Bundle Deals
Sometimes and especially at Black Friday, shops will bundle items together at a discount, which can be a great way to shop for multiple people on your list at once. If you are shopping for a family, a group of friends, so multiple people at once you can look out for things like a board game bundle, a book bundle or the same outfit for two children but in different sizes (or same sizes if you have twins).
Take Advantage of Pre-Loved Sales
Before diving into the new items on sale, explore second-hand options. It’s often my main focus too. A lot of brands now resell their own pre-loved products and have a section in the online shop for their pre-loved or refurbished lines. Really clever! And a lot cheaper in many cases, you can have the same item for the fraction of the price. Some companies specialise in selling refurbished or gently-used items, especially in categories like electronics, furniture and even mattresses.
Stick to Your Budget
It can be easy to get swept away in the excitement of Black Friday sales. To avoid impulse buys, set a budget for yourself and stick to it. This might also mean resisting the urge to buy items simply because they’re on sale. Invest in high-quality items that will last rather than cheaper products that will need replacing.
To me, this is one of the best tips to follow. If you are serious about your budget, you can’t just simply go and buy random things just because they are cheap. It’s also oddly liberating for me, there is no more FOMO and wasting time browsing the deals (even if you don’t buy anything, you can browse but if you are sticking to your budget, might as well not waste time on browsing).
Shop Local
You can also support local businesses during Black Friday by shopping at smaller, independent shop. Many of these shops offer products that are more likely be made locally and sustainable practices. This way, you’re also contributing to reduced transportation emissions.
Also Stock up on Things You ALWAYS Need
I think this isn’t wasting money – this is saving money. Yes you spend a little kore at once, but you save on repeat buying. For example: next size school shoes for the kids – always a deal. If it’s a good deal at the Black Friday Sale, I’d buy it in next size. Things you use regularly – always a deal, as long as it doesn’t go off. Bulk buying items you always need (and not perishable) – also always a deal.