The holiday season is coming up! The leaves have fallen and the cold is creeping in, maybe more quickly than some would like. But put down the Christmas lights and snow sleds for just a moment. Don’t overlook the benefits of Thanksgiving and the long-awaited Black Friday and its younger cousin, Cyber Monday! Oftentimes, the stores are flooded with furniture sale-crazed moms and appliance-obsessed dads. But sales are not exclusive to a certain person. Teens usually make less than adults with a full-time job so some items are out of reach, even when they are on sale. So what do the teens have to look forward to this Black Friday?
One item that is often too expensive to justify but everybody likes to get a new pair of shoes. Specialty shoes are a hot item among many teenagers. Sneakerheads are sure to enjoy a lowered price for the kicks they’ve had their eye on. This is also the perfect time to get those fancy steppers for a holiday party. Usually, teens are living their lives in some sneakers, uggs, or Crocs. Black Friday is the perfect time to get the shoes they won’t wear often for a price that makes them worthwhile. Whether your parents are nagging you to dress up in a pair of loafers or heels, or you want to look nice at your school’s winter formal dance, picking up your nice shoes for an even nicer price is sure to be worth it this Black Friday.
Your purchases on Black Friday don’t just have to consist of specialty buys that you wouldn’t normally get. An awesome way to save money is to restock your personal items that you may normally buy. For example, if you buy the same shampoo every few months and you are running out, then Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to save some cash. Even if you just restocked your favorite products, buying it on Black Friday so that it’s there when you run out is a good way to take advantage of lower prices. Some items to be on the lookout for lower prices are makeup, soaps and face washes, skincare items, candles, hair care products, perfumes, colognes, and a variety of other hygiene products. Or if you don’t use those items but are looking for a holiday gift for someone close to you (or even that awkward moment where you have to find a Secret Santa gift for someone you don’t know), these items are perfect to buy during Black Friday.
That brings me to my next point, gifts. Black Friday is the classic time to buy holiday presents. Why? Well, because presents are supposed to come from the heart, not the wallet. What you wouldn’t give to find the perfect gift for your mom, dad, sister, brother, grandma, grandpa, cousin, friend, whoever. Snatch up the opportunity to get them exactly what they want while still having room in the budget for other people in your life. Does your sister want a snazzy new scarf, or your dad a dazzling new drill? Get both at the same time while the sales are going on. And what better gift than a good memory with your close ones? Black Friday is a perfect opportunity to charge into the battle that is budget shopping with your closest buddy!
“Me and one of my best friends made it a tradition,” said Chesterton High School senior, Marlee Wilson.
And your sister has the right idea with that scarf because right now is the perfect time to get cozy. As the prices go down, so does the temperature so now is the perfect time to switch your closet from tank tops and shorts to sweaters and pants. Buying your hoodies and sweaters at a lowered price will help to soften the blow of the harsh winter weather.
While staying cozied up inside, you are bound to be bored. Black Friday is the perfect time to find stuff to keep yourself busy. Puzzles, books, art supplies, and more will all be on sale this Black Friday and are a productive way to keep your mind busy on chilly winter days. Some students are in the right mindset with the chilly weather coming up.
“I also buy a lot of books but sometimes there’s buy one get one [sales] with sweaters,” said CHS junior, Lily Anne Peschke.
Now with all of these great ideas on what to shop for, you might ask what the best places to shop are. Some places are sure to have great deals such as Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot, or Walmart. Others may just be more fun, like Macy’s or Barnes and Noble. Some students helped out by giving their best suggestions for Black Friday.
“I like to go to Target, Ulta, and Sephora,” suggested Wilson.
Other students had suggestions for online shopping during Black Friday.
“We do a lot of Kohl’s shopping, Walmart, and Target…We mostly only really do it online,” said Peschke.
While Black Friday shopping can be a ton of fun. The number one priority is to be kind and safe when shopping on Black Friday. Shopping in groups is a good way to have fun and stay safe. Remember to not only be safe but be kind to the employees and other shoppers. I know it can be a bummer to see someone grab the last product from a really good sale, but there’s always next year. Especially remember to be kind to staff on this day because it can be an insanely stressful day. While you are only shopping for an hour, they are stuck there all day. So remember to treat people with kindness, prioritize safety over sales, and have a safe day of Black Friday Shopping
