Enjoy the deals without the Black Friday rush this year

If you’re not a fan of Black Friday chaos—you know…the crowds, the rush, the relentless search for a parking space—then ditch the onsite shopping this year while still enjoying the sweet deals.

Here are a few ideas to get in on the savings…without stepping foot in the mall:

Take advantage of Cyber Monday
Why even get in the car when you can find just about anything online? Cyber Monday is a great way to get in on some excellent online deals. Once the ads start rolling out, cross-reference your gift list with Cyber Monday advertisements. Make note of what company is offering the best deals on the gifts you need to purchase. Then, on Cyber Monday, be one of the first to visit vendor websites and purchase items at a discount.
Beware of over-browsing, however. Don’t fall into the trap of buying items that are not on your gift list…just because there’s a good deal.

Shop local and negotiate
If you don’t want to do all your shopping online, shop local! Search out unique boutiques and consignment stores to find custom gifts at Black Friday prices. Sometimes, you can negotiate prices for even more savings.

Remember, gift giving should be fun. Use these tips to avoid the stress of Black Friday shopping if it’s just not your cup of tea.