I recall in the past that one of the big box stores had some great sales before black Friday. Also, I am not going out on black Friday. Also, the hype around cyber Monday and black friday don't always have the best deals.
Some items I am interested in are video games and nerf guns.
When have you actually gotten and good deal and what item was it? Just curious too.
Since I generally knew what I was getting my kids well in advance I just kept my eye out for sales. Sometimes I bought things as early as September, it just depended on the particular items and where I could get them.
For nerf guns you might try less traditional places like Menards, Big R, Farm and Fleet, Farm and Home. Ok, now that I've listed the names of those stores, I realize just how "Mid-West" they might all be. But we've got some great deals on toys at those stores.
For video games, you might try Game Stop or even Craig's List.
A lot of great sales on toys, clothing and housewares happen quietly in October, so I tend to do much of my holiday shopping then. Too-late advice for you this year.
Black Friday seems to be mostly 'amazing door busters' but the sale prices on other things are not worth facing the crowds. I'd rather pay more to skip that noise.
I've seen good deals on new-release video games and related online during the cyber sales. The trick is catching them, as they often tend to be time limited or low stock.
I hate black friday - it's just too insane to get involved with.
I know people that do - I think they suffer from a temporary insanity - you almost have to - in order to deal with it.
I never bother.
I generally do best when I do a little shopping for the holidays over the whole year and then put things away in my closet until Christmas.
Believe me - getting something nice in July - is WAY better than any deal on Black Friday.
I never go into debt for presents - and I never have any unpleasant bills after the holiday season is over.
When my son was crazy about nerf guns, I actually go the best prices closer to Christmas at Toys R Us and Target. I refuse to go anywhere near a store on Black Friday. It is crazy. You can get good deals in one day sales on line as well, just check the sites of some stores daily to see what the daily deals are. I got a great deal last year for my younger son.
Target just had a buy 2 get 1 free deal on their video games - it saved us a ton!
I think closer to Christmas you get the better sales, but you risk not getting the desired item too.
Depends how you feel about second-hand stuff, but personally, I'm a big fan of Craistlist. Since it's hit or miss, I start keeping an eye on it now to catch good stuff when it's posted.
75% off original price toys 2 days after christmas at menards.
I think right now until Thanksgiving are some of the best toy deals. Stores have started spreading out Black Friday deals to stave off madness and violence. I think Target just had a Nerf gun sale but I'm not sure. Get the Target app, Cartwheel, they have lots of toy coupons on there too. Just look at the weekly ads for the big stores.
