Here are five tips that will help you get your best shopping done on the busiest shopping day of the year:
1. Don’t shop at peak hours.
Go to the mall in the early morning or the late evening for your purchases. You’ll avoid crowds, lines, and the inevitably desperate search for a parking spot within a mile of the mall.
2. Plan ahead.
Know whom you’re shopping for, exactly what you want to buy for each person, and where you can find these items.
3. Go with a list, and stick to it.
Don’t be suckered in by flashy “On Sale” signs and people handing out coupons. You’ll just end up spending extra time and money that you didn’t want to.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of gift cards.
It seems our friends and family are always returning or exchanging the gifts we buy for them because something isn’t right. Instead, save yourself and your loved ones the hassle and let them choose their heart’s desire when it’s convenient for them. You’ll know that you’ve gotten them exactly what they want, as long as you pick the right store.
5. Try online shopping.
You can spend as much or as little time as you want perusing a store’s items. You won’t have to deal with lines, grumpy checkout people, parking spots, or crowds. And you’ll never have to go to another store to get the right size or color. Plus, many sites offer free shipping - and you'll save money on the gas you'd use driving to the mall.