Tis the time of the year to start buying presents for your family, friends, etc, if you do that sort of thing! We’re sure some of you are already finished shopping, while many others don’t plan on starting until it is too late to have everything shipped in time. This weekend is generally seen as one of the best to shop, at least when it comes to prices. There are countless sales for Black Friday and we recommended taking advantage of this for a few reasons: 1) you might save some money in the process and 2) it will help you get your shopping done now and alleviate some stress in the upcoming weeks.
Here are some Hungry & Fit Black Friday Tips to consider and some random recommendations:
- Wearable fitness tech is still relevant, although the crave feels as if it has started to dwindle down since more phone services are integrating similar features, such as step counters and other activity trackers into the one device that nearly all of us carries with us. (Crazy to think that some people would rather carry their phone than their wallet!) With this all being said, these devices can be a diplomatic way to hold someone you care about accountable for their steps, sleep or general health and wellness. Fitbit, which both of us currently use, is having a sale on their website. Use the code VIP at checkout.
- There are a lot of membership based services that participate in Black Friday deals. In the past, I’ve purchased Audible, Pandora 1 and others for Alana. You’re generally buying a code that you can activate at a later time, which helps when you’re saving the present for later in December. I’ve also seen these memberships available for magazines and even gym memberships. If you’ve been interested in a membership based service, whether it is annual or monthly, you might want to see if that service is having a Black Friday promotion. This could be a great gift for someone else, or just a way to treat yourself!
- I think that buying gifts for nieces, nephews or younger cousins is challenging for most people. They’re always looking for recommendations from that group’s parents, which often takes the authenticity out of the gift giving process. I’ve given plenty of gifts that ended up being duds, whether they were made from environmentally friendly materials or just too puzzling for the youngsters, but I still try to push them into a more creative direction because I’m a firm believer in trial and error. Earlier this year, for Alana’s birthday, I bought her a Harry Potter wand-themed coding kit from Kano, so I’m now signed up for their newsletters. They are having a sale on their Pixel Kit, which is a great way for kids to learn how to code with their own little pet. It is $30 off with early access and now at a $50 price point, which I find appropriate for that special little one in your life.
- Similar to the idea of buying memberships, there are also deals on experiences. For example, Six Flags is having a sale through Cyber Monday, where you can save up to 65% off of season passes. These are gifts that keep giving and can also be a really smart play on your end. Just remember that whenever you’re buying something like this, there will be additional costs included, such as the travel and food/drink at the park, so have a plan for that as well!
- If you’re going to brave a trip to the outside world and shop in person, make sure you give yourself plenty of time and arrive early, otherwise you may waste a trip. This happened to me nearly a decade ago, when I decided to go to every Target in the New York metropolitan area, trying to get a 42” television that was already sold out at every single location. A few years ago, we went to Target when it opened at 6 pm (or so) on Thanksgiving Day and it was completely empty. We even made it a reasonably sized family event!
- Consider perks other than the sales. Some businesses, generally smaller ones, might not be able to afford major discounts, but in order to attract shoppers, they’ll have other promotions or activities. It might mean some free food or handouts with a purchase of a certain size. Some bigger retailers might also throw in free items for the first 100 or so people who make it to the register for a purchase. Research around and try to hit a location that might have something fun going on!
- Last but certainly not least, be safe! I wish it was surprising to find out that people are injured and worse during Black Friday, while rushing into Walmart, but it isn’t. There are a lot of selfish people out there, who are willing to hurt others for their own gain. Be completely aware of your surroundings at all times. There are people who go to stores in order to pickpocket because they know everyone will be focusing on the rush. Remember, you’re braving the wilds to have a positive impact on your life so avoid any accidents.
- Last but not least, please, leave your pets safe and sound at home! All of you who already break the rules and bring your dogs where they don’t belong, please don’t risk their safety more than normal on this day.
