Black Friday Hacks: How to Shop Smart and Save More

Black Friday sales start the shopping season, but are the “best deals” really the bargains we’ve been waiting for? While the countdown timers can make you feel like you're missing out if you don't buy now, the real must-haves add value to your life without cluttering your home with unnecessary junk.

We’ve all been seduced by a flashy ad only to find ourselves with a closet full of regrettable buys. It's high time we shatter the illusion of the so-called deal and embrace the anti-sale mindset. This year, flip the script. Here's how to resist the hype, identify true savings, and make smart purchases that won't just fill your home with junk but actually benefit your life.

In this article:

Escape the Sale Trap: Strategies for Savvy Shopping

Create A Smart Shopping List

Must-Have Buys for Parents

Quality Over Quantity

Gift Smart: Ask for Family Gifts

Escape the Sale Trap: Strategies for Savvy Shopping

Your goal is to be a mindful consumer, not a marketer's puppet. Part of making wise financial choices for your family is ensuring your hard-earned money is spent wisely. Here’s some tips on how to resist the sales pressure:

• Unsubscribe from every retail newsletter.

• Make a list of what you actually need and stick to it.

• Compare prices over time.

• Look for genuine reviews.

• Avoid buying just because it’s on sale.

Before you click ‘buy,’ ask yourself: Would I pay full price for this? If the answer is no, it's not a deal. Real savings are about quality and longevity, not a short-lived rush from a ‘bargain.’

Create A Smart Shopping List

Ever notice how every store has a "limited-time offer"? These tactics are crafted to make you act impulsively. Beware of countdown timers that coerce you to buy immediately without thinking the purchase through.

Instead, try the Honey app, which searches for the best deals online. It also monitors prices and price history for items you're interested in for up to 120 days. You can save items to a Droplist to track price changes and receive email alerts when prices drop.

If you shop online often on your phone, you can download the Honey app for iOS or Android devices. It's like having a personal deal detective who helps you see through the hype and snag genuine bargains.

Or, you can start a smart shopping list on Amazon by adding items to their cart and then clicking "Save for later." This handy feature allows you to keep track of potential purchases without committing right away. Amazon will notify you if the price changes, making it easier to snag the best deals and stay within your budget.

Must-Have Buys for Parents

The frenzied shopping madness of Black Friday can actually work in our favor—if we play it smart. Saving money during the holidays isn’t just about finding deals—it’s about making smart purchases.

Forget another toy. Look at what your household truly needs. Big-ticket items like strollers, car seats, and cribs often see significant markdowns before the holidays. If your little one is moving into a new stage, get ahead of the game and snag these at a discount.

For our first Christmas with the baby, we got a new dryer because our old one stopped shutting off automatically. We were terrified of starting a fire because we were too sleep-deprived to remember the laundry. Upgrading outdated or dangerous household items can be a lifesaver. Safety first, folks.

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to shopping, the mantra should be: less is more. A well-made, durable item that might be a bit pricier upfront can save you money in the long run. Likewise, energy-saving purchases might not be the sexiest items on your list, but they’ll save you a ton in the long run.

Quality Items Worth the Extra Cost for Parents

• Kitchen Gear: High-quality cookware, knives, and appliances. Durable kitchen gear lasts longer, performs better, and can make meal prep more enjoyable and efficient.

• Smart Devices: Smart thermostats, home security systems, and smart lighting. These devices not only add convenience but also improve safety and can help reduce energy bills.

• Appliances: Energy-efficient washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Investing in quality appliances ensures reliability, longevity, and lower utility costs.

• Furniture: Solid wood furniture and well-constructed pieces. Quality furniture can withstand the rigors of family life and can often be repaired or refinished.

• Mattresses and Bedding: High-quality mattresses and bedding provide better sleep, which is crucial for the health and well-being of both parents and kids.

• Strollers and Car Seats: Durable and safety-tested strollers and car seats. These items ensure the safety and comfort of your children, making them worth the investment.

• Toys and Books: Well-made toys and books that can withstand years of use and can be handed down to younger siblings.

These aren’t just purchases; they're investments. Prioritize items that promise longevity and can withstand the test of time. Swapping out your old power-hungry gadgets for energy-efficient ones pay for themselves over time through lower utility bills and longer lifespans.

Gift Smart: Ask for Family Gifts

Now, let’s talk about how to handle the influx of gifts from well-meaning friends and extended family members. Instead of something for each person, ask for a single family gift everyone can enjoy.

For this holiday, we asked for a sturdy wagon to tow the little one around the park or wherever. It’s practical, fun, and encourages family time. Plus, I know we will use it for years to come.

Alternatively, consider the gift of activities like:

• Zoo or Aquarium Memberships: Year-long memberships offer endless educational and entertaining trips for the whole family.

• Museum Passes: Annual passes to children’s museums, science centers, or art museums provide fun and learning experiences for all ages.

• Theme Park Season Tickets: Season tickets to a nearby theme park or amusement park provide multiple family outings filled with excitement.

• National or State Park Passes: Access to parks encourages outdoor activities like hiking and camping, promoting fitness and family bonding.

• Sports or Activity Classes: Enrolling in activities like swimming, yoga, or martial arts keeps the family active and spending quality time together.

• Subscription Boxes: Monthly boxes for crafts, science experiments, or cooking provide ongoing projects for families to enjoy at home.

• Outdoor Gear: Investing in bicycles, a family-sized tent, or kayaks encourages outdoor adventures and creates lasting memories.

• Season Tickets to Local Events: Tickets to local theater, concerts, or sports offer regular, enjoyable family outings.

• Family Gym Memberships: Memberships to family-friendly gyms or recreation centers support health and well-being for both kids and adults.

These can provide endless entertainment and educational opportunities, providing countless family outings and memories. The best deals aren’t always the ones with the biggest discount stickers.