Ah, Black Friday—the day of door-busting deals, long lines, and early-morning shopping marathons. For some of us, it’s all about the thrill of the hunt. But for others, the thought of battling crowds and waking up at dawn sounds like the worst thing ever. But guess what? You can stay home in your cozy pajamas, sip your coffee, and still score amazing deals without even getting up from the couch. Here’s how to avoid the Black Friday chaos without FOMO.
1. Shop online
Why brave the cold and the crowds when the same deals are just a few clicks away? Most retailers offer the same (or sometimes even better) deals online that they do in their stores. Plus, online shopping lets you hop from store to store in seconds—without the death-defying parking lot battles.
Brigit tip: Set up accounts on your favorite sites ahead of time and save your payment information to make checkout quick and easy. Some of the best deals sell out fast!
2. Start early with pre-black Friday deals
Many retailers have extended Black Friday beyond just one crazy day, offering pre-Black Friday and Cyber Week sales. So you can start snagging discounts days (maybe even weeks) before the actual Black Friday. By shopping early, you avoid the pressure of last-minute decisions and potentially get even better prices.
Brigit tip: Sign up for email alerts or download store apps to get early access to sales. Some retailers reward loyal customers with sneak peeks or members-only deals.
3. Let the deals come to you
Instead of constantly refreshing websites, let technology do the work for you. Use deal-tracking apps and browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten to automatically find discounts, apply coupon codes, or alert you when prices drop on specific items.
Make it fun: Make a game out of tracking down the best deal. Set an alert for an item you’ve had your eye on and wait for the notification so you can jump on it when it hits your target price!
4. Stay cozy with free shipping offers
Lots of retailers offer free shipping as part of their Black Friday deals. Even if they don’t, you can usually find free shipping codes with a quick Google search. If you’re shopping at multiple online stores, be sure to look for retailers with free delivery to save on shipping costs.
Brigit tip: Check if stores offer ‘buy online, pick up in-store’ options; if they do, you can lock in the deal without paying for shipping (and without having to battle the Black Friday masses in the store).
5. Plan a relaxing, deal-finding morning
Turn your Black Friday into a super chill self-care experience. Instead of rushing out the door in the middle of the night, set up a cozy space with blankets, snacks, and your favorite holiday movie playing. Browse deals at your own pace from your warm, uncrowded home.
Fun Idea: Host a virtual Black Friday PJ Party with friends or family. Everyone shops from home, and you can all share the best deals you find with the group. That way, you can make it fun and social, but you still won’t have to leave the couch.
6. Focus on small businesses and unique finds
Sure, the big box stores get all the attention on Black Friday, but don’t forget about small businesses. Many local shops and online boutiques offer amazing sales as well, and they usually have more unique or handmade items—things you won’t find at the mega-retailers. Plus, supporting small businesses during the holidays (or any time) just feels good!
Brigit tip: Check sites like Etsy for special Black Friday discounts from independent sellers, or visit your favorite local businesses’ websites to see if they’re offering online sales.
7. Use cashback and rewards
If you’re shopping online, don’t forget to take advantage of cashback and rewards programs. Using sites like Rakuten will let you earn cashback while shopping. Stack these rewards with store sales and coupon codes, and you’re almost making money as you shop!
Brigit tip: If you have credit cards that offer cashback or rewards points, now’s the time to use them. Some cards even offer extra rewards during the holiday shopping season.
8. Avoid the FOMO trap
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of Black Friday, and it can feel like you have to snag every deal you see. But before you hit the checkout button, ask yourself if you really need the item or if you’re just getting caught up in the hype. A good deal isn’t really a deal if it’s something you don’t need or won’t use.
Brigit tip: Make a list of the things you actually need (or gifts you plan to give) before the sales start. Stick to that list to avoid impulse buys that could derail your budget.
9. Make the most of Cyber Monday
If you didn’t get everything on Black Friday, don’t worry—Cyber Monday is right around the corner! Some retailers save their best online-only deals for Cyber Monday, so staying home on Black Friday gives you more time to plan and research your purchases for later.
Brigit tip: Just in case they haven’t taken all your money by Cyber Monday, some stores extend their sales into Cyber Week (it never ends, does it?). So even if you miss Cyber Monday, you still have time to grab those deals without feeling rushed.
10. Gift yourself some time and sanity
Ultimately, the biggest perk of staying home on Black Friday is the gift of time and relaxation. Instead of waking up early, fighting crowds, and stressing about snagging the hottest deals before they’re sold out, you can focus on what really matters—like enjoying a cozy day with family, binge-watching holiday movies, or getting a jump on your holiday decorations.
