MNN - Mother Nature Network

Black Friday deals can offer steep discounts on items you don't want or need and no one else does either. But there are certainly some good ones. Small appliances this year are some of the winners, including kitchen appliances. For example, Target, is selling a Kitchenaid Mixer for $200, and my favorite Pyrex bowl set for almost half off. They will also be selling $19 slow cookers and toasters. If these are items on your list, it could be a good time to buy them.

 

However, I have a confession to make. I've never gone shopping on Black Friday. I've heard that it's a madhouse. Standing in long lines, competing for dwindling items, and elbowing people in the face is the picture I get from some people's stories. But, even if you are like me, there are two ways to snag some of the great kitchen appliance deals without getting out of bed early on Black Friday.

 

1. Hit the pre-Black Friday sales today. Many stores have discounted products all the way to Black Friday, and then they offer them for a little cheaper on Black Friday. This is part of the reason they have dwindling stocks on certain items-they've been on sale all week. Chances are, you might miss the sale completely. By buying good sale items today, you ensure that you get a good deal without having to shop with the rush on Black Friday.

 

2. Shop online. I have a list of needed items, and I am keeping an eye on online sales both this week and on Black Friday. Shopping from the comfort of home with my girls nearby and a cup of tea within reach is much more my style. I am going to be checking out some of the big online stores, like Amazon, but I'm also going to check out some of the small businesses that I love that have online store fronts. You never know what good finds you can discover!

 

What about you? Do you have any Black Friday shopping tips? Do you plan on braving the crowds, shopping from home, or doing neither?