We’ve began to take the joy away from the holiday and replace it with a monetary value. We don’t enjoy the holiday season because we’re rushing to get gifts, we’re rushing to place orders so that things get here in time, we are rushing out to the malls, we’re going broke and spending money we don’t have on gifts, we are prioritizing buying gets over our own financial goals, bills and possible debt etc. But I’m here to tell you that the price of a gift should not be more important than the thought that you put into it for the person you’re shopping for.

There are many different things that you can get for someone aside from a physical gift, or something frivolous like clothes, shoes and bags that you may not need or can’t afford. And sometime we just simply don’t know what to get people or you’re shopping based off of what are current trends instead of buying them what they really need. I know this post is late and I know Christmas is in two days, but this post is for my last minute people, my people buying gifts after Christmas (yes this is okay, do things when and how your pockets allow, if they love you they won’t mind), and for my people who want ideas for next year.

For your friends or family members that are business owners or entrepreneurs and you want to gift them with something ask them if they need any equipment and try to give them money towards that or pay for it if it’s not that expensive such as money towards a new laptop, a printer, labels, packaging, money towards inventory, business cards, flyers, ads, gift cards they can use anywhere, Best Buy gift cards, masterclasses, courses, books etc. these are things that they actually need and that will be beneficial to them compared to clothes or shoes that they may not even really care for or wear that often.

For your other friends or family instead of spending a bunch of money on something you can maybe take them out to their favorite restaurant, take them to do something they really enjoy, pay for a manicure and pedicure, pay money on a small bill or a little towards it, buy things to help enrich their knowledge or something they want to begin doing etc.

Start thinking about getting people things they really enjoy instead of being worried about spending the most money or buying the most stuff. The thought is really what counts, don’t forget that the gifts are not the most important part of the holiday and you don’t want to go broke trying to impress people because if they really love and care about you they will understand if you can’t afford to buy gifts or if you have to get them something later.

Click here to watch my Youtube video about Black owned businesses you can shop with for the holiday and low cost gifts you can get people.

So as we all know black Friday is a very big day for shopping and spending money. It’s full of long lines, crowded spaces and shopping bags. Sometimes many of us don’t know how to navigate exactly what we are going out to shop for and the budget we set for ourselves so here are some tips on how to work through black Friday successfully.

Making a list of things that you need to purchase so that you can be organized and not overspend or buy things just because there are sales.
-Make a list of all the things that you have been wanting throughout the year or gifts that you need to purchase for people and it may be helpful to put next to them which stores you can get them from. Making lists makes everything so much better and easier to navigate.
Set a Budget for yourself.
-Setting a budget based off of your list and what you need to get will help you maintain the fact that you don’t want to go broke shopping just because. I’m a firm person on not spending money if you don’t have to and creating a budget.
-Set a realistic budget and make sure that you’re only spending what you can afford. Try as hard as you can to not go over your budget or even set a budget that gives you a little wiggle room outside of the things on your list so you can have just a little bit of leisure spending.
Get things done early
-I know that it’s hard to avoid the crowds but going out to the malls or store maybe around 9 am you may avoid the long lines at 5 and 6am and you may be able to move more quickly and get what you need and get out.
Dress Comfortably
-When you’re out in these black Friday streets you want to make sure that you are dressed comfortable from clothing to shoes. You can be cute but make sure you’re able to wear something that you can move around in such as some cute sweats and gym shoes or some stretchy clothes that aren’t tight and constricting to your body. Carry a small crossbody purse as well to cut down the amount of things you have to carry.
Time Management
-Cut down the amount of time that you spend in each store. Get what you need and go, once you get what’s on your list don’t spend too much extra time in that store because then you start to look at things you don’t need and just start making impulse purchases.
-You don’t want to spend all day shopping so be strategic, be concise and be quick.
Other Things:
1. Participate in small business Saturday. I know that we get caught up in spending money at the big box stores, but we need to make it our duty to participate in small business Saturday and put that money back into our communities like we would these bigger companies. I know that I will personally be supporting some black owned businesses.
2. Participate in Cyber Monday!! All the stores that you go to for Black Friday will 9 times out of 10 be having a Cyber Monday sale and many of these stores may actually be doing sales this entire weekend. For your favorite online stores Cyber Monday is their time to shine so be ready!! Places like Amazon are especially great during Cyber Monday. This is the time for you to be in your bed and not have to leave home.
  Overall I wish you all a great shopping weekend. Have fun and be smart with your money, also be safe. Good luck and great shopping this weekend fashionistas!

Other Things: