Sara Gelser - Sarison Communications + Design

12
It’s cold and we’re shivering, surrounded by
hundreds of dedicated fans waiting for the
big event to start. No, it’s not the Civil War
football game between the Beavers and the
Ducks. It’s that one day that nearly every
mom looks forward to all year—when we can
get incredible deals on everything we never
knew we needed. It’s Black Friday!
Reportedly thought to be the day that
retailers get “in the black” (hence the name).
My sister and I have been committed to going
shopping together on the day after
Thanksgiving for close to five years now.
Hopefully you’ll find some of our secret
planning and game day hints helpful.
One week before (Earlier if you want)
1 . Find a buddy. Believe me, it’s more fun to
go with a friend early in the morning. Besides,
you can split up and get to more stores.
2 . Make plans for the kiddos. If at all possible,
let them stay home and sleep. Our kids stay
overnight at grandma’s house.
3 . Create your Christmas list. I use the
wonderful organizing tool Holiday Control
Journal (by Marla Cilley, www.flylady.net).
4 . Scope out the stores about Tuesday before
Thanksgiving. Don’t be afraid to ask where
the great deals will be located. They may not
tell you, but it never hurts to ask!
5 . Fuel up your car. The last thing you want to
do is run out of gas.
Thanksgiving Day (after you’ve
eaten your fill and the dishes are
done—right?)
1 . Buy the newspaper early, or you won’t be
able to find one.
2 .Do your research. To find sale flyers before
they go public visit www.blackfriday.
gottadeal.com.
» Find out what time stores open and list
them by time. I set up a spreadsheet. Maybe
I’m overdoing it, but it works.
black friday
Day after Thanksgiving shopping
» Go through all the ads and match up gifts
with the Christmas list you made earlier. I love
giving gifts that look like I spent a ton of
money, but really didn’t.
» Make a separate list for each store.
3 . Prioritize. Decide which deals you simply
cannot miss. Sometimes that means you’ll
miss another great deal, but this is what
makes shopping with a friend helpful.
4 . Plan to hit the “Early Bird” specials first.
5 . Check for freebies! This will also help you
decide where to go first. There will be limited
gifts available, so plan to arrive early if you
don’t want to miss out.
6 . Divide and conquer. Decide who is going
where and what they’re getting. Now is a
helpful time to have lists on separate pages.
7 . Plan your budget. You may choose one
credit card for all your purchases. Most credit
card companies will insure items against
theft. Otherwise, make sure you have enough
checks or cash to get you through the day.
8 . Charge your cell phone. Everyone in your
group needs one to meet up at the end.
9 . Set your alarm clock. And set the one on
your cell phone too. You’ve gone to all this
work planning, it would be a shame to miss it
because you slept in.
10 . Go to bed. We all need our beauty sleep.
Black Friday
1 . Wake up and call your buddy (in case they
forgot step nine). Whether you go with
perfect hair and makeup or pajamas and
slippers, be comfortable. Remember, those
4 a.m. pajamas can look ridiculous at 2 p.m.
2 . Arrive early. Usually an hour or two before
opening will guarantee you one of the first
spots, but there are really hard-core people
who line up the night before. (That’s not me.)
Some stores hand out vouchers for big-ticket
items to the first people in line. This does
by Kristin Smith
allow you to relax a bit knowing there is one
set aside for you.
3 . Keep your receipts with you, not in the bag.
Face it, we’re moms and it’s early. If you
accidentally set the bag down, you’ll have
your receipt to show what you purchased.
4 . Take your purchases to the car. It’s hard to
shop quickly if you’re holding bags. And don’t
use a shopping cart. Keep your list small
enough to carry everything in your arms—it
will help you get in and out of the store faster.
5 . Look for obscure cash registers. Lingerie,
perfume and jewelry departments can ring
purchases up and have smaller lines.
Most of all have fun! Bring a good attitude
and remember that we’re all out for the deals
too. Figure that you probably won’t get
everything, but the thrill of the chase is half
the fun. End your shopping day with friends
at breakfast or lunch and swap war stories.
This day only comes once a year. Oh, and if
you see me in line—make sure you say hi.
Smith is mom to nine-year-old
twins Blaine and Sharolyn. She is a
licensed broker for Keller Williams and
has a blog at www.callkdsmith.com.
Check out her work life on page 4.
»Kristin