Shopping Savings: Best Things to Buy Black Friday

The holidays are right around the corner which means Black Friday shopping is on our minds! According to research from RetailMeNot nearly 78% Americans will be shopping at some point between Thanksgiving night and Cyber Monday this year. Luckily for us, Shopping and Trends Expert Sara Skirboll is here with the inside scoop on whats to buy and what to avoid this holiday season.

Best Things to buy on Black Friday Electronics: Electronics will sell out the fastest on Black Friday. If you see a good deal on TV, computers, tablets or phones, pick it up immediately! Electronics are going to be heavily discounted which means people will start shopping super early. Video Games and Consoles: Black Friday is a big time for gamers so look out for savings on video games and video game systems. Shoppers will find deeper savings by looking into great offers on gaming bundles that will come with a console, a combination of accessories and sometimes video games. Small Appliances: While there will be big-ticket items deeply discounted on Black Friday, don’t discount the smaller kitchen appliances you’ve been eyeing. Look for items like  coffeemakers, electric skillets, slow cookers, toasters, deep fryers, blenders and rice makers. Retailers make more mass orders than they usually stock, and prices drop much lower than normal retail.  Clothing: Black Friday is sure to bring savings on all forms of clothing  - from shoes and accessories, to pants and tops. While it’s not usually the best time to buy in-season clothing, Black Friday is the exception as many retailers will be discounting winter coats and cooler weather apparel. Now is a good time to gear up for the cooler months ahead.  Time specific travel: Those lucky few with flexible schedules can scoop up some stellar vacations. Hotels and car rental companies as well as travel packages will pump out time-specific sales Ski destinations, for example, which see peak visitor numbers December through March, are likely to push Black Friday/Cyber Monday bargains for their ‘need’ periods, which are the first and last few weeks of ski season.

What to Avoid on Black Friday  Furniture: You may find ads for doorbuster deals on furniture from your local department stores or retailers, but don’t give in to the hype. Black Friday is not the time to buy these items as indoor furniture is at its lowest in January and July through August, while the best discounts on patio furniture happen between August and September. Spring airfare: Sometimes buying airline tickets far in advance does not always yield the best airfare. Wait until after January to purchase airline tickets for spring travel. The optimum window to lock in airfare for this time of year is about six to eight weeks out. Toys: Don’t jump at the first toy sales you see. The best deals on toys are found about two weeks before Christmas.  Bedding: Cooler weather may have you wanting to curl up in a new set of sheets and bedding, but hold off on these purchases. “White sales” are held in January where all matters of linens, sheets, bedding and towels will be heavily discounted. Fitness Equipment: While some may want to work off their Thanksgiving dinner by purchasing or gifting a fitness fanatic with some new fitness equipment or new gym membership - Save your generosity for the new year. Most studios, classes and equipment will be heavily discounted in the new year to keep up with New Year Resolutions.