Black Friday Shopping Alternatives

Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, and it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season.  It’s a day filled with great deals on popular Christmas gifts.  For some, Black Friday is more hotly anticipated than Thanksgiving itself, but others would just as soon stay at home and avoid the crowds in stores.

Those who are turned off by the consumerism of the holiday season have developed their own alternatives to Black Friday.  In fact, some people celebrate the day after Black Friday as “Buy Nothing Day”, an unofficial holiday that originated in the United Kingdom.  Another group has proclaimed the day after Thanksgiving “Make Something Day” to promote creating handmade gifts.

Here’s a fantastic idea for Black Friday for moms – do something nice for yourself!  If you have the day off work, why not do something that you’ve been wanting to do but never found the time?

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• Take a trip to the spa.
  The local spa shouldn’t be too crowded since just about everyone else will be out shopping. They might even offer some special deals to attract customers on Black Friday.
• Visit local attractions such as museums and amusement parks.
  When we go out of town, we often take the time to patronize such places, but when they are in our own back yard, we often don’t bother. Take this opportunity to see what your town or city has to offer.
• Go to the movies.
  It’s highly unlikely that the theater will be crowded, so chances are good that you’ll get a good seat.  If you go during the day, it’s also usually less expensive.  You could watch a movie by yourself, take the kids, or make it an outing with the girls.
• Enjoy nature.
  If the weather co-operates, Black Friday is a great day to go hiking or birdwatching.  You could even make it a family event.
• Try a restaurant that’s off the beaten path.
  The restaurants located near malls and shopping centers will most likely be packed, but small cafes tucked away in less busy areas are likely to be near-empty.  Take this opportunity to try them out.
• Stay home and pamper yourself.
  Buy some scented bubble bath, body lotion, nail polish and other goodies before Thanksgiving.  When Black Friday comes, you’ll be prepared to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet.
• Curl up with a good book or DVD.
  We all need a little time alone every now and then and Black Friday can provide a much needed opportunity to take advantage of it.

There are plenty of things to do on Black Friday other than shopping. (GASP!)  Instead of fighting the crowds, consider doing something for yourself.  You’ll still have plenty of time to take advantage of Christmas deals.

OR, you could always sneak online and rack up some great deals that can shipped to your door!  So maybe you should go ahead and start that holiday wish list now…  

Chele Neisler is your host for Moms Love Shopping. As a mother of three boys, Chele is happy to have Moms Love Shopping as an outlet and a connection to other women. Spending every moment with all males isn’t easy! Hosting the show also allows her the chance to return to her two first loves, shopping and chatting.