Hey hey, my fellow online shopping night owls! We’re a few hours post dinner, and now settling into our strategy for tomorrow. Am I right? If you’re overwhelmed with options, or simply a procrastinator, it’s okay, I’ve got a quick game plan for ya.
I love the thrill of Black Friday for the same reason I love video games: the thrill of the chase. However, I also love the opportunity to use strategy to make it as painless as possible. If you’re shopping from your laptop tomorrow, I’ve got you boo: to help you not only maximize your savings but also earn maximum rewards back too! In?
Before You Shop: Pro Tips
Rewards Credit Cards
If you have rewards credit cards, Black Friday is the time to use them! I do all my major shopping hauls on my airline credit card to earn rewards for new trips, perks, etc.
BUDGET. BUDGET. BUDGET.
How many times have you all felt mega buyer’s remorse? Me too. Don’t worry about it, instead be proactive about it. I like to set an overarching budget for all gifts and distribute from there. It’s super helpful and actually helps weed out the fluff and subsequent remorse.
Use Discounted Gift Cards
This is one of my best-kept secrets. Did you know that millions of dollars in gift cards go unused? Do you wish you could sell your gift card for cash? You can. For less. I often pick up (and sell!) gift cards to places I don’t use, and vice versa. Raise is a SUPER safe discount site, and if you don’t believe me, take it from the experts: they’re backed by Accel Partners.
Go Time: My Picks
Significant Others & Family
I believe in the power of quality over quantity when it comes to holiday shopping, as I find I use a well thought out gift more than just a few of my favorite stocking stuffers. Even though the price tag might be a little bit higher, it’s bound to be a thoughtful one that will last for many years to come!
This is for all your music lovers or a great gift for your significant other or family. I had the pleasure of meeting the team at Thiel this past month, and after chatting with their CEO I couldn’t be more pumped to watch them disrupt the home audio vertical. Their product is meticulously engineered to deliver sound exactly as music producers worked hard to create, in real life. I couldn’t be more blown away by mine, and stay tuned for a full post about it later as I begin to test it out to learn the tips and tricks for you.
Sale runs until Sunday, and use BLACKFRIDAY at checkout to get 25% off.
Here’s your chance to score the hottest style of the past few years at 40%. Net-A-Porter is one of my favorite places to shop for designer items, as the deals are fantastic!
Net-A-Porter’s sale runs through Sunday, take up to 50% off sale items, no code needed.
Sam Edelman Velvet Lace Up Bootie
Loved my black tie up booties from my New Mexico trip? Look no further! This pair is only $80.
Besties
I’ve been getting so many questions about my silver Saint Laurent mini wallet, and I found this similar option for you. Guess what? It’s even under $200! Give this as a gift to your fashionista bestie, or snag one for yourself!
Touch XL Dimmable LED Makeup Mirror
Have it. F&%in’ lurrvvv it. It’s under $50 and makes a great investment into optimizing your space in your apartment as far as beauty goes.
I’ve gotten the chance to play around with this at work, and I must say I’m impressed. This baby is on sale at Nordies, which means you can score a killer gift with an even better loyalty reward. On sale, it comes to less than $80. Remember to use your triple points day, especially if there’s more in the cart!
Swell White/ Calcutta Gold Insulated Bottle
These and Bkr bottles are my number one holiday gift this season! I love the price point, as it’s perfect for just about everyone.
This is a great way to earn mega points back for your rewards at Sephora, or Nordies! While there isn’t a dedicated sale, the payoff you get in your direction is a killer compromise.
Black Friday Quick Browses
Because efficiency, I’ve also rounded up some of the most popular retailers we shop at today under one list for a quick easy link into each of their sale pages. Browse and choose on your own accord right from the site!
Glossier: 20% off site wide! Go fetch.
Carbon38: 30% off sitewide with HOLIDAY38
Bandier: 20% off everything.
ASOS: 30% off everything with EPIC30
Nordstrom: extra 20% off sale items
Sephora: Special edition and limited edition value packs galore! Plus. Bkr bottles. Because VIB Rouge.
All Saints: up to 40% off everything. My favorite retailer ever for sweaters and jackets.
Missguided: 50% off EVERYTHING.
SHOPBOP: 75% off sale items, and 30% off full price items sitewide.
Revolve: 50% off selected items.
Nordstrom Rack: extra 30% off clearance.
QVC: $10 off your first order with TEN4U, major deals on electronics and homeware
Now, go grab a glass of wine and settle into your Black Friday shopping sesh! I’ll be updating this list along the way with items I got and new stuff released tomorrow.
Photos by Rachel Radcliffe Photography
