After working retail on Black Friday, I can't even stand the thought of being in a store on that day! I worked in a mall bookstore right after college - Black Friday was CRAZY! Online shopping at amazon sounds good

Great article, thanks! Last year I did about 90% of my shopping at Amazon. Worked wonderfully! I'll be looking out for that cheap shipping and discounts.

We've gone out on BF every year since we've been married, this year will make #6. We avoid Best Buy and Target. Rarely does Wal Mart have anything we're interested in (no kids). We usually go to Circuit City first, then Sears, then any stores that have something specific that we want. We got our TV on BF at Circuit City TWO years ago and its still a very competitive price. They have amazing deals there and the wait to get in and out are nothing like Best Buy.

Which website is good to take a look at for Black Friday sales and deals on certain items???

Stacy - I totally agree about Circuit City. I may brave going there this year to if the deals are right...DH has been hinting towards a HDTV for the bedroom.

SBD - I usually just get the deals in the local paper. I used http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/ website last year for other deals, but I think it is more fun just digging through the paper. Some ads for BF are released the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving, others are released Thanksgiving day. It is hard to tell. Also, each of the stores websites will have information on what sales they will be having.

Thank you!

just reading this is starting a panic attack for me. lol. for the first time EVER I don't have to work the day after Thanksgiving. My aunt and cousin want me to go do black friday with them. I've never done it before- I'm terrified. I don't know if I can do it.

And really- it's just STUFF. I don't know how I feel about feeding the corporate machine.... on the other hand it's STUFF I desire... hmmm... we'll see. Maybe i should just take a valium with my thanksgiving dinner. lol.

Lizzie - a lot of coffee helps

Last year I converted my sister in law. She was a staunch "NO" in years past, but last year there were things that she really wanted. She admitted that she had a lot of fun and was the first person in the group to bring it up this year.

I thought you were going to post an article about the stock market crashing on Friday. Lol. I'm a dork!

I've only ever gone shopping on Black Friday twice. Once years ago and last year I got dragged with my Aunt and cousin. I was surprised, it was busy, but not insane like I thought. Target, Kohls and Old Navy were the only stores mentioned that we went to. Then we went to Michaels.

Unless I see some killer deals, we'll probably stay home. This maybe be a digital camera Christmas though, so I might brave some stores.

I make most Christmas gifts and I pick up stocking stuffers here and there for a few months, so I don't usually need to buy much by the time Thanksgiving rolls around.

Zenor - Michaels had some really great deals last year. I bought my Mom a ton of scrapbooking stuff for a great price.

Also, I stocked up on knitting needles and other odds and ends.

Hobby Lobby (if you have one around) has really great stuff as well. I bought my baskets there on BF to make holiday baskets. I think I paid $2.50 a piece.

This year may be a digital camera year for us as well. Try circuit city over Best Buy....they usually have a lot of the same stuff on sale and it is MUCH less packed.

I just discovered Hobby Lobby and that place is awesome! I went looking for 2" rings (I'm making ornaments with them) and Hobby Lobby was the only place I could find them. I <3 a good craft store.

Me too!

They also have a buttload of Christmas decorations on sale around that time.

Definitely a store I need to put on my list. Also, since they cater to a rather small crowd and aren't selling televisions, the crowds are very light.

The anxiety of the day and the crowds is so not worth my time, or my sanity!

All this talk of Black Friday makes me wish that I could see some of the ads and start making a list!

For those who are interested in knowing stuff ahead of time, try this

http://bfads.net/

You can sign up to get emails whenever they receive new ad info. I just got my first email of the season a couple days ago. No ads yet, it was just the warm-up letter, sort of, but it was exciting. It won't be long now!