Black Friday 2018 Deals and Happy Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving!I hope everyone has a great one; and I cannot say that focusing on finding the best deals should be your number one priority. BUT… Black Friday 2018 and the Black Friday deals for 2018 are now here.

Deals and shopping tips can *maybe* help you navigate the holiday shopping season. And can definitely help save money and find that great gift.

Here are my Black Friday 2018 tips and holiday gift giving ideas.

Black Friday 2018 Shopping Tips

1. First, Do Not Ignore Black Friday Deals

Black Friday deals have began, but they really kick off on Thanksgiving. Do you have to stand in long lines or deal with holiday traffic to get them? Absolutely not. You can still get deals online pre-Cyber Monday, as well as now and the rest of this holiday season.

My favorites????

Amazon

Check out the most wished for items via this link:

And what do I love to do with Amazon (and gifts)?

I love to add potential gifts to my wish list or shopping cart until a great deal pops up for it.

Need gift ideas? Look here for some of Amazon’s top gift ideas:

eBay

eBay Home Page

And Etsy!

Check out my store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/Wanderingformoney

But also look at the tons of great deals from the many talented persons with shops on Etsy. There are great finds on there and MANY promotions. For unique gifts and deals go to the cyber week sales page.

BUT….CHECK OUT EVERYWHERE!

E-Retailers are not the only ones with Black Friday deals online. Do not miss out on a great deal from any store!

2. Tips While You Shop

Need some extra incentives to go brave the stores?

Use these apps that reward you for visiting shops:

Shopkicks – http://getsk.co/best106227
Checkpoints – use my code (clauren19) for extra points when you sign up.

Use these apps to save big while you shop (with links for referral code bonuses):

Ibotta – https://ibotta.com/r/nvwmboe
Dosh – https://link.dosh.cash/k7pbuqud9M
Drop – https://b.ewd.io/code?c=janq5
EBates – https://www.ebates.com/r/CLAURE106
RetailMeNot – see my post on Chrome Browser extensions for more on this one and others.

And use them all to get ideas via suggested stores and articles on top deals and picks. Hint: these are in demand.

Which leads to the next tip…

3. Get Ideas Now

You may not have the perfect gift yet decided, but you can get ideas by looking at some of the seasonal favorites.

4. Anything You Do Buy Does Not Have to Be Big

You can use Black Friday and the upcoming Cyber Monday deals to get something. Perhaps it is part of a theme gift you have planned (or you plan after finding some inspiration via looking at what the deals are promoting). Or perhaps a stocking stuffer. Or just a great deal on something you cannot pass up because you know someone that would love it.

Bottom line: you do not have to do your entire holiday shopping to take advantage of what Black Friday 2018 deals can offer.

5. Reading This Post-Black Friday? Know that Deals Will Keep Going

If you are reading this after Black Friday, you did not miss out on all of the 2018 holiday season deals. They will keep going on. So keep a look out. This is especially true on Cyber Monday. And my tip for it? Look up the best deals for cyber Monday before Monday. Know what is coming so you can be ready.

Basically: keep looking out for other holiday deals and promotions. They will be out there. I think paying attention can eliminate SO much stress AND provide some inspiration.

As for me??

I got inspiration for a few gifts last year by looking at deals and gift websites. You can see a picture that made up part of a gift in this post – a response to the weathered daily post photo challenge.

And did I honestly pay for it using apps? Yup. Check out my master list of ways to make money for more ideas on that. It is possible. For the apps that offer gift cards? Well eBay and Amazon are often options!

So where did I get that cool find? eBay! Again, a great place for finding something unique. And also a way to turn a gift into something more personal.

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6. Unique or Personal Gifts are Sometimes the Best. Here is a general round-up list of places for finding something unique. (Bonus: many offer Black Friday deals too!)

Amazon

-Tip: see Amazon handmade for unique gifts. Also exclusive innovative finds:

Redbubble.com

Etsy.com

eBay.com

Other apps and websites to sell used or new items.
- Tip: Check out my spring cleaning – apps to sell items post for some options. They are not just for selling and can be great places to look at for gifts.

Local shops and markets.
- Tip: Consider craft stores, antique stores, small local finds, pawn stores, pop-up shops, craft fairs, and farmers markets. Need help finding local events?
- My suggestion is to check for a community-based sub-reddit.

Forums, Discussion Boards, and Social Media.
- Tip: Reddit and its sub-communities there are fantastic for finding out about local events and news.
  - The broader, more general topic communities can also offer great gift ideas and inspiration. For example, check out r/crafts and r/Etsy for some gift inspiration.
    - [Somewhat side note: Reddit can also help with saving money and making money during the holidays. Need thoughts on how to save? r/povertyfinance provides a ton of great suggestions and do not let the poverty throw you; this is a fantastic sub-reddit for anyone looking for ways to save.
    - Or do you want more ideas on how to earn a little extra? See r/beermoney, r/forhire, r/workonline, r/sidehustle, r/freelance]
- Also look at other social media groups.
  - Tip: especially consider the ones you use often already as they may surprise you. It will also help if you are already familiar with their set up.
  - Another tip and some suggested platforms to look at: Quora, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook can all be great resources for current and new users.
    - Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram can help you find friends (or friends of friends) that are selling items or services which may be perfect gifts. And why not support your network while shopping for holiday gifts and seasonal events? That is a win win I think.

Side job apps and websites.
- TaskRabbit and Fiverr are two great places.
  - Both can be used to earn extra money; but ALSO can be excellent for finding a custom, perfect gift.
- Bonus: if you use these during your holiday gift shopping, you are also supporting someone nearby during the holidays. That is another win win to me.

Do not forget about those in need.

While the holidays are hopefully great for anyone reading this, I think it is important to remember there are many that could use a little holiday spirit. Any amount will help.

I know this topic is mentioned frequently already and so it is hard not to around this time, the point is: you can. And sometimes it is easier than you may think. Or a small difference can make someone’s holiday season much better.

Want ways to help that are easy and that you can do while shopping Black Friday deals?

Check out my recent post here for some apps that let you easily contribute to charities.

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Final Thoughts

Happy holidays!

Questions? Contact me here.

Also, if you have a shop (including online ones such as Etsy) that you would like me to mention – let me know!

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Black Friday 2018 Deals and Happy Holidays