It’s that time of year again. Yes, shopping time. This year, stores are putting Black Friday sales up earlier than ever. But what can you do to make this your most effective shopping year yet? 

Plan Your Purchases

When Black Friday shopping, it can come in handy to make a list of items you want, and to research those items, finding what store offers the best price. When planning, prioritize the popular items you’re looking for; these will sell out quickly, sometimes before Black Friday. 

Don’t forget, not all purchases have to be made in store, and if there is a better deal online, do not hesitate to go for it. However, when shopping online, check for a “curbside pickup” option so you don’t have to pay for shipping or risk close contact with others. Having a plan ensures that you are not spending over your budget. 

Start Early

Because of stores putting up Black Friday sales now, everyone will be beginning their shopping early, and you should too. If you don’t start now, you may be risking not getting the items or sales you intend to. Starting your shopping now will alleviate some of the stress Black Friday creates, especially pertaining to risk factors associated with COVID-19. Without a doubt, shopping early decreases your chances of being exposed to the pandemic.

The True Cost

People surrounding you, germs everywhere, masks on, rushing to find items, at what cost? Is there even going to be a “thrill” of Black Friday shopping this year? Personally, I would focus a large majority of my Black Friday Shopping online this year.

Most stores are anticipating an abundance of online shoppers, so their sales will be offered virtually as well as physically. This year, there is a clear advantage to online shopping during Black Friday: You are able to make all of your purchases in the comfort of your own home without having to worry about either contracting COVID-19 or the stress of physical Black Friday shopping.

Good Deals You Might Need

In order to get you started for your Black Friday planning, here are some deals available which may peak your interest.

Best Buy: Beats by Dr. Dre – Solo Pro More Matte Collection Wireless Noise Cancelling On-Ear Headphones

These $299.99 Beats headphones are marked down to $179.99, and have a 4.6 star customer rating. Additionally, Best Buy is offering both free shipping and curbside pickup for these headphones. 

Best Buy: Microsoft – Wireless Mobile Mouse 3500

If you are bored of tediously dragging your fingers over your chromebook’s mousetrack, then a wireless mouse is the perfect option. Best Buy is offering these for half price, dropping from $19.99 to $9.99. This mobile mouse can be carried everywhere, and has a 4.7 star customer rating. 

I will most definitely be picking up one of these, as I think they will make school a whole lot easier. Besides free shipping and curbside pickup, Best Buy is also providing the ability to pick up your item at a convenient location such as CVS pharmacies or other local businesses.

Target: Quip Metal Electric Toothbrush 

This electric toothbrush has been marked down from $50.00 to $25.00, so if you are looking for a new one, I would recommend this item. It has a five star customer review, and if it is the only target item you buy online, I would suggest in-store pickup, since Target charges shipping on orders under $35.00. 

Amazon:  Echo Dot (3rd Gen) – Smart speaker with Alexa

Amazon’s Echo Dot, equipped with several advanced features like Alexa, voice control for music and home appliances, improved speaker quality and more, is on sale for $19.99. The set retail price is $29.99, so if you are thinking about getting one of these, now is the time.

If you want to take advantage of Black Friday sales this holiday season, take my advice: Shop online, shop early and shop smart