Thanksgiving brings about the annual shopping frenzy that is Black Friday, followed closely by its online counterpart, Cyber Monday. Whether you’re hoping to get some holiday shopping out of the way or just need a little retail therapy, be sure to take advantage of these short-lived deals.
To ensure you make the most of these limited offers, I’ve collected a few tips over the years that will take your shopper game to a whole new level.
Tip #1: Make a List
In the overwhelming mass of deals, it’s easy to fall victim to impulse shopping. I recommend making a list of your top must-finds. Before settling on it, have a clean-out day to verify you won’t end up buying items similar to what you already own. Diving into the chaos with a plan will help assure you’re able to get the items you really want rather than be stuck with a number of pointless purchases. Don’t get me wrong, a couple of random add-ons is totally fine, as long as you don’t break the bank.
Tip #2: Prioritize Gift Shopping
With the holiday season approaching, gift-giving is top of mind. Tackling the search for the perfect present for a loved one can sometimes be difficult, not just for deciding what to get, but also finding something affordable. Let’s be honest: college is expensive. Finding little ways to save money here and there can be a huge help. So, spending some extra time planning out holiday gifts before the post-Thanksgiving discount shopping spree can be worthwhile.
Tip #3: Prepare for the Rush
Once you’ve determined your list of essentials, you’re already a step ahead of the crowd. But to have a true advantage, you need to take it a step further. If Cyber Monday is your holy grail, do some internet searching and fill your cart early so on the day of, all you have to do is hit “check out.” For those of you who crave the adrenaline rush of in-person Black Friday shopping, confirm which stores you’re going to hit and what time they open so you can map out your day.
Tip #4: Compare Sales
The abundance of discounts can be paralyzing, and you might be tempted to stick with the first one you find. However, spending the time to filter through all the deals to find the best one can be very rewarding. But be sure not to settle for the better deal if it’s not your top choice item. It’s a balancing act of finding the better bang for your buck while also making sure you get the things you really want.
Check out some of the most popular stores that honor the holiday sales. Happy spending!
- Best Buy: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
- Amazon: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
- Walmart: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
- Target: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
- Sephora: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
- Macy’s: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
- JCPenney: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
- Lululemon: Black Friday | Cyber Monday
Written By Maggie Anderson ’25, S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
This article is for reference purposes only and is not deemed an endorsement by Syracuse University.