No Black Friday Shopping For Me

I love Black Friday … it’s my favorite day of the year to go shopping.
Crowds at The Epicurean - Queen Victoria Marketphoto © 2008 Alpha | more info (via: Wylio)

That is soooo not true …. I LIED!

Black Friday shopping is not my thing. I don’t like the chaos of the day. I know many that love it … for some it’s a special event with friends or sisters and I get that, but I won’t be fighting the crowds.

It’s not that I don’t like to get up early … I’m awake by 5 most mornings, but if I’m up early, I’d rather run, read or write.

It’s not that I never go shopping … but I only shop when I need something. I go in, find it and I’m done. And I often shop online.

It’s not that I don’t like a bargain … come on, I’m Pennsylvania Dutch, how can I not be frugal? Disclaimer: That frugality did get me out early on black Friday one year when the boys were younger. Walmart had a super price on a freestanding basketball hoop at 5AM … so I went, bought it and left.

Most years, we limit our Christmas gifts for our boys and others. We buy a few small gifts for the boys (there needs to be something to open on Christmas morning) and instead focus on creating experiences … museums, zoos, parks, travel, etc.

Experience ideas for kids are almost endless … and can be fairly inexpensive. Gather brochures from your local tourist welcome centers and take advantage of off-peak pricing.

For adults … try classes for specific interests, plan a day trip or event tickets for concerts/speakers. (if you don’t want to be killed, you might want to stay away from self-help type gifts unless someone specifically asks for it)

Have you ever given an experience as a gift? And how did the recipient like it?

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  • http://www.bigmama247.com Alise

    I’m so with you on creating experiences rather than things. Don’t get me wrong, the kids have stuff. But I know that when I think back on my childhood, I remember the things I did rather than the things I had.

    I used to like Black Friday shopping when it started early, but not at a stupid time. But when you start talking about sales starting at 4am and needing to be there 3 hours before to even think about it? No thanks.

    • http://janetober.com Janet Ober

      Exactly Alise … my kids had/have stuff also. And now that they are high school/college age, gifts are definitely more about practical needs and/or experiences. (might write about that next week)

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