Life

The Black Friday Sales You Absolutely Must Hit

by Autumn Jones

Thanksgiving is a day of relaxing, eating, and watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving for the hundredth time. But after the last bite of pumpkin pie has been devoured, it's time to crawl into bed and rest up before diving into some Black Friday deals — because you're going to need your energy. With just about every store and website offering sales and discounts, the amount of options for savings can be overwhelming.

Speaking of overwhelming, the hardcore Black Friday shoppers have a reputation for being intense. Perfectly nice citizens have been known to body slam innocent bystanders to get their hands on the last limited edition My Little Pony light-up bicycle. But if you play your cards right, you can take advantage of this annual day of discounts without having to throw any elbows.

This year, shop smart and maximize your shopping time with just a few stops at the stores that have what you need. Once you have everyone's wish list, you will be able to see which stores are offering the best deals. Don't waste time trying to hit up every sale, stick to the short list of Black Friday sales that you must hit before the clock strikes midnight

For Stocking Stuffers

Load up on stocking stuffer at Five Below, where everything in the is $5 or less on Black Friday. You can cram those stockings full of ear buds, art supplies, stuffed animals, and books. Other great gift ideas from Five Below include:

  • Board Games
  • Slippers
  • Pajama Pants
  • Selfie Sticks
  • Craft Sets

For The Whole Family

If you have a long list of gifts to buy for a variety of people, try one of these places to check most of the items off your list.

Walmart will be offering deals on some big ticket items such as:

  • Fitbit for $119
  • Nabi Nick Jr Tablet fo $79
  • 55" Smart TV for $498
  • Playstation 4 for $299
  • Wooden Train Table for $37

Over at Target, enjoy savings on:

  • $100 gift card with purchase of Apple Watch
  • 25 percent off all Beats Wireless headphones
  • Wii U for $250
  • Roboraptor for $49
  • Frozen, My Size Elsa Doll for $40

Dick’s Sporting Goods will have something for all the sports lovers.:

  • 50 percent off women, men, and children's cold weather compression wear
  • $100 off cardio equipment (such as treadmills)
  • 50 percent off select camping gear
  • 50 percent off select Wilson balls
  • $320 off Table Tennis table

For The Kids

For all things toy and beyond, head to Toys R Us for some great Black Friday deals. Save up to 50 percent on:

  • Keyboards, drum sets, and karaoke machines
  • Video games
  • Leapfrog Leapster Explorer
  • Outdoor playsets

For The Person Who Has Everything

Whenever I'm stuck on finding a gift for that hard to buy for person on my list, I head to Best Buy for inspiration. Check out the deals you can find there this Black Friday.

  • $300 off bluetooth speakers
  • $100 Nest Cam Security Camera
  • $160 off DeLonghi espresso maker
  • $40 off 16-bottle wine refrigerator

Load up on saving from Groupon, without even leaving your couch. Groupon will be offering Black Friday savings on:

  • Jewelry
  • Purses
  • Wine
  • Cigars

Check everyone off your list this year, with just a few shots at stores with the best Black Friday sales. I have a feeling you may even find a few great steals for yourself. 

Images: pressmaster/Fotolia; Five Below; Walmart; Toys R Us; Best Buy