Ask the Readers: Do You Do Black Friday?
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price adjustments (Comment #96) Submitted by Karen on November 18, 2009 - 14:54. I will be doing most of my shopping this weekend, before the crowds are too big and the selection is good. Then on Black Friday and the few days afterward (preferably late in the evening when it's less crowded), I'll go back to the stores with my receipts and get price adjustments. This way I have what I want to buy in hand, and the price adjustments are just added bonuses. I don't feel like I have to go out on Black Friday, but then I'm motivated to do so.
ktoth04I do black friday, just started last year. Nothing that gets me excited in the ads yet this year.
You've seen the hype, read about it in the news, and have even heard our thoughts on the matter: Black Friday is a buzzworthy topic, but is it really a great deal? With new developments happening as a result of last year's Walmart tragedy, it may not even be the same shopping event that you remember. (Reports from Walmart authorities reveal that stores will be open 24 hours prior to the shopping event, limited-stock merchandise will be offered at staffed "hubs" throughout the store, and order will be stressed above anything else.) But is it even worth going out into the madness?
I've done Black Friday in the past with amazing results, and with so much information being leaked online and ahead of schedule, you can plan, budget, and prepare well before that turkey ever hits the table. But will talks of $3 appliances at Target and half-priced robotic kittens be enough to push you out into the wee hours of the morning for deep discounts? Or will you sit it out, shop from home, or (heaven-forbid) regift with what you already have on hand?
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I do black friday, just started last year. Nothing that gets me excited in the ads yet this year.
It's not really an issue when you live IN a city. The Black Friday craziness is mostly in the suburbs. I might hit up Macys and a few other stores, but the urban setting isn't the same as the mass retailers and malls in the suburbs. That being said, we probably don't get as good deals, either.
If something I wanted to purchase for myself or someone else that fits in my budget is on sale for a great price, I'll get it. But I won't go into a store where I know the shopping would be more emotional than anything and could potentially create a problem for me financially.
I avoid it at all costs. For most of the items that I want, I can find them at comparable prices throughout the year (also... Cyber Monday is another reason). However, if there is something that I see that I really like at a great price, then I get my friend (who organizes a group) to get the word out and buy it for me, then I will just pay them back.
I think Black Friday is just another ploy to get people to buy more 'stuff', and stuff they don't need. I often hear "well I got a great deal", but even if you 'save' $40 on a $50 item, you are still out the $40. The question is... Do you really need a brand new ______?
Black Friday is also Buy Nothing Day, so no, I don't do Black Friday.
i do shop black friday, but i don't go out. i stick to online shopping only. i hit all the websites at midnight, when most of them start their BF sales. if nothing on my shopping list is on sale, i don't buy that day.
Just depends on various store offerings each year. @wisebread #WBAsk
I don't usually do Black Friday. I can't deal with the crowds. But I might do it this year. I need a new computer!
I do Black Friday if I am looking to buy certain things that go on mega-sale on Black Friday. For instance, I'm "doing" it this year because I need a large external hard drive and I know from the internets that those will be much cheaper then than they are now. Last year, I needed a good winter coat and went for the same reason.
If you're going out just to see what's around (I've done this in past years), it's a huge waste of money, time and energy. Much better to spend the morning sleeping off the carb hangover from the day before.
Black Fridays are usually more disappointing to me due to the crowds and stores running out of stock. But once in a while I strike gold and that's why I keep participating. This year I'll try to do more online buying.
after working in a major mall for a number of years, I don't go anywhere near one on Black Friday. Too many crazy people not even realizing how rude and pushy they're being.
I hate crowds and have no desire to struggle with sale mad shoppers. I prefer to find something fun to do with my family that is not about buying.
but mostly for entertainment purposes! My sister and I sneak out in the wee hours of the morning for a warm cup of Starbucks and then giggle in our car watching endless people stand in line wrapped around department stores fighting for carts. We do snag a couple good buys throughout the morning but nothing is ever worth the long lines!!
I've done Black Friday for years. Not as crazy as my mom was, but I also only buy things that are a great deal, and were already on my list.
I used to work retail and was on the clock for several Black Fridays. That's part of the reason I do not shop on Black Friday. Also, I never really see any deals so awesome that it's worth getting up early (or staying up from the night before), waiting in line, fighting the crowds, etc. I prefer to Christmas shop on random weeknights about an hour or two before closing when there are a LOT fewer people in the stores. I also do a fair amount of my Christmas shopping online (and I don't usually do that on Black Friday either). After Thanksgiving with my relatives and my in-laws I just make the next day the most relaxing it can possibly be!
I usually go on a long bike ride or hike; this year I think I'll be snowboarding. The stress of the crowds and trying to find some amazing deal just isn't worth it.
I do black friday normally in the afternoon. I end up going out sometime during the day, but not necessarily first thing in the morning, and typically not to get stuff for presents, but instead for gadgets for myself.
When did this start, anyway? No! I detest crowds & don't find it at all fun & hung around malls during the holiday season only because I was WORKING there!
I have been shopping black friday for the last 4 years. I try to do most of my shopping online beginning on thanksgiving day at 12 am.
But, I absolutely will NOT go NEAR best buy. I have boycotted them for 2 years due to Black Friday shenannigans in their stores 3 years ago.
We will do it if there is something that we need. We check the leaked BF ads ahead of time, compare to online prices, and if its still a worthwhile deal with significant savings we give it a shot.
I do black Fridays, if the prices are right. I normally find the stores that do giveaways. In the past, some stores would give away $10 giftcards, Id go with my family and get something decent (4 people X $10 = something we can all use that's decent)(surprised stores would honor it!)
Last year I did not go since there were no real good sales that I wanted to spend money on.
I noticed too that some stores did giveaways, like Christmas ornaments or free samples. If you can find a decent mall w/ a few stores, it works better then having all your eggs in 1 basket.
I agree w/ Dory.. you can only put up with people for so long, but my Black Friday is for stuff for me, and not for Christmas shopping anyway, so there's no stress about needing to get gifts for people.
The one thing that might have tempted me - because I tried to get it last year and it was sold out everywhere - I bought it this week. The rest of my shopping will be little things. I'm looking forward to getting the shopping done early and just enjoying the season and the 3 F's (food family & friends).
I absolutely do black friday. But only with a plan and a strict budget. I have a list ahead of time for what I plan to buy, and for whom. I only get those items, no impulse purchases allowed, no matter how great. And I try to do as much of it online as possible.
I tend not to do black friday in big mall-like stores because I don't like to shop with the crowds and there's rarely anything worth it to get up and go in at 3, 4, or 5am. I have done it in the past however, and there's a possibility I'll do it this year, b/c Target has a couple things for great prices that I would like. But, I won't be there at 4am, I'll likely be there at 6-8pm instead. And I know exactly what I want, and don't plan on buying anything else.
The only other place I love going to that day is a local bookstore that has a "customer appreciation" sale that day of 55% off - that is worth getting up early and heading over for their 9am start.
I tend to honor Buy Nothing Day. There are other ways to find good deals on good presents that don't involve fighting people at 2am in the morning.
It depends.... this year, I am doing one thing on Black Friday because it's an amazing deal on something I was willing to pay full price for anyway. I'll get out at 3am for that. Then, directly afterwards, I'm going home and going back to bed.
Personally, the lure of the "greatest deal of all" does not pull me to venture out on the day that capitalizes on our guilty need to conform in our materialistic society for a season meant to open our hearts to the wonder of our existence. I am not saying I do not feel the desire to purchase the nicest gift I can afford for each and all my loved family and friends, but I just cannot bear the huge crowds of shoving people to assist in my heartfelt gift decisions. Planning to think about my purchases more clearly and not give in to impulse purchasing, thus I will most likely purchase online and from my local primitive gift and craft shops. I find very reasonable consigned items for most of my loved ones, that seem to be very appreciated.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
I avoid retail stores whenever possible, especially on Black Friday. I will shop online however. That Amazon gift card is calling my name!
of course I do black friday! Its a shoppers paradise! Although my credit cards dont like it very much...lol
I consider Black Friday a day of sales made easy for "everyone else". I cannot stand crowds. I shop year round for deals online and in stores.
I will go if there is something that is a really good deal. This year I may give it a shot just for fun.
I find it very ironic that Black Friday is the day after Thanksgiving. First you give thanks for all that you have, and the next day you need to run out and get more!
No, I refuse to do Black Friday.
We are usually visiting family so I do not go to black Friday sales but I did once and it was the last time. I went to a Walmart sale and the line was unbelievably long and all of the items that were listed on sale were gone within the first few minutes. I left the store without buying anything but I had to return later that night and there were no lines. The best thing is that they had two of the three items that they said that they were out of earlier.
I prefer to avoid the crowds, but if there is something specific I'll brave them to check it out.
Saving over the year is the best deal you can get. Skip Black Friday and spend it with your family instead.
I'm interested in online black friday sales, other than that, nothing is really worth the insane parking & crazed shoppers!
I never have participated - I usually do thrifted, handmade, home baked or used books for gifts - but if I had a really compelling reason (ie something on sale I was planning to buy anyway) I might. If the sale is still worth it after counting the 90 minute drive from my very rural Montana home to the nearest shopping area.
never. i dont need any electronics, and if i did, i would order them on the computer.
i wont go on principle.
Black Friday has no place in our family's simple Christmases.
I hate Black Friday - the crowds, the rudeness, the violence. All for a $10 DVD player they probably don't even need? No thanks.
I do not shop on black Fridays. I also do not shop for Christmas....
I might hit an online deal, but I stay home in my jammies, with leftovers and Netflix on BF!
I use to go out and get some killer deals for myself and my sister. Since me and her are not on good terms this year, my Black Friday is canceled. But I might just make a run to the craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michaels for some deals. Not the mall, Target, or Best Buy...not this year.
I've never done black Friday, but would do it for the experience as much as the deals. Getting up at 2 a.m. with your bffs sounds...kinda fun.
I've never shopped in store on Black Friday myself, but I do check out the Thanksgiving sales online. Instead, I'll be working at my retail job on Black Friday for the second year in a row. (Have to be into work at five! The crowd sometimes begins gathering before that even.)
No thank you.
There's no amount of sales that can make me go into that mess. It's disgusting.
Buy early, or buy online. There's no reason to deal with black Friday anymore!
I started doing black friday shopping a few years ago for my kids. I find it a great time for me to get out of the house, BY MYSELF, to shop. True, sometimes I end up getting things I could probably do without, but I also find some awesome deals for family presents. I also stock up on extra birthday presents for all those birthday parties throughout the school year.
I think the trick is to make a list and try to stick to it as much as possible. Think about your purchase before hand. Would you still buy this if it was not on sale? If not, then you probably can do without it. I always stay away from those 3, 5 and $10 DVD's. If I'm not searching for a specific DVD, I don't even look at them. Three dollars here, five dollars there adds up quickly!
Set a budget and try, try, try to stick to it!
The bottom line is... Black Friday is for die-hard shoppers. If you don't like to shop, it's not for you. But if you do, there are great deals to be had if you plan your trip beforehand.
I absolutely avoid it - I'm pretty terrified of the stampeders, and of trying to make it through the crazy traffic. I do most of my holiday shopping online - often I can find better deals, and I can do it in my pj's at one in the morning if I want :)
While this sounds counter-intuitive to frugal ways.. I am planning to go out and shop-shop-shop on Black Friday!
As a college student living in my first apartment, I've bought a lot of furnishings.Through the past 3 months of school, I've been making a list of things I still really need, from an ironing board to freshen up interviewing clothes to a new pair of gloves. Oven mitts are a prime example of something I didn't think to bring but really need -- I don't know how many pans and pizzas I've nearly dropped while trying to use a dish towel!
There are other items that I've planned to buy, too, such as an external hard drive to back-up my school and business files which just makes sense to buy on sale rather than during the back-to-school hype. (From my unscientific analysis, the Black Friday prices are better brands at cheaper prices than I've seen at techie deal sites.)
Even if some of the smaller items aren't on super-hot sale, I'm planning to utilize the X off a $XXX purchase coupons especially to purchase things that rarely go on sale and don't have manufacturers coupons. I'm also going home for Thanksgiving, which makes getting to/from any store so much easier. Were I not planning to shop on Black Friday, I'd probably end up making a mass-purchase at a big retailer anyway, making Black Friday more of an opportunity than a gimmick for me.
Finally, since my sleep schedule is um, shall we say, more flexible than that of my parents, my fiance and I are planning to try to hit the door-buster deals at some of the big-box retailers to get items like a DVR and a LCD monitor that my parents were already planning to give as gifts.
All-in-All, November 27 itself will probably put quite a bit of wear-and-tear on my Visa, although I've been saving gift cards for the occasion to maximize their potential buying-power. I have been planning purchases for the past 6 months so I will be coming out ahead -- and able to pay the balance in full!
I'm fascinated and frightened all at the same time. Coming from Canada, we didn't have Black Friday but did have Boxing Day on Dec 26, same thing but later in the year and much more tame.
If someone wants to wait in line for days just to buy something because it's on sale, more power to 'em but I'll surf the sales from home and watch the madness on the evening news.
We no longer buy gifts in the family, everything must be homemade, recycled, event (like a game, or horseback riding or ice skating) or thrift store. :)
I love the online Black Friday, but refuse to leave the house to shop amongst the madness.
Last year, convinced by a cousin to try it, we went. Y'know, it was pretty fun. People were in a good mood, and we did get some great deals. And then, lunch and a nap. I could be convinced to go again if there are some great deals on something on someone's list . . . but otherwise, probably not. I'm not crazy about crowds.
Great post, Linsey!
No way in hell! I used to work retail and this is the most hated day of the year. Every idiot is out with their attitude in full force for this day. Add to that the fact that this is a big game of "lets get the sheep to spend money" and I will never go close to a store on this day.
The smart folks but things during the year when they are on sale and don't have to deal with all this holiday season hype.
Never have and I'm pretty confident I never will.
Never. I stay as far away as I can from anything retail that day. I mean - come on - waste my day in all that craziness and stress to save a few bucks on stuff I probably shouldn't be buying anyhow?
Even before the tragic events were reported, just the thought of being in a crazy crowd is enough to keep me home. The one thing I do enjoy is looking at the Black Friday ads, though. I've usually already bought all my presents, but it's fun to look for new ideas.
If there's something already on my CHristmas list on sale, I'll do what I can to get it. I usualy have most of my Christmas shopping done by Black Friday, though.
Yes I will! TrueCar.com predicts that Black Friday will best day of the year to buy a car. They also released a list of the best Deals for Black Friday. They expect some cars to be discounted up to 27% off sticker. That's unreal!
We continue our family celebration and celebrate the day by putting up our Christmas tree, relaxing, and doing a puzzle. I think this "Black Friday" hype is pretty sad. So is the "Buy Nothing Day" (I followed the link in a comment above, as I had never heard of it). It is the day after Thanksgiving. Celebrate with gratitude all that you have been blessed with and stop feeding the greedy accumulation monster that seems to be gobbling up all of our common sense.
I'm not a huge fan of Black Friday. I've shopped a couple of times on that day, but I didn't feel like I walked away with a huge number of bargains. On the other hand I do keep an eye out for deals on Cyber Monday. The last few years I found quite a number of good deals from the comfort of my home, while shopping in my pajamas.
Every people is waiting for Black Friday 2009 and this year,people will crazy for shopping and make more shopping on this year.
Most years my husband and I drove up to get in some awesome skiing over Thanksgiving Weekend at Mammoth Mountain with our sons and friends. If I'm going to get up early, it sure won't be for shopping! This year, we have family visiting us for Thanksgiving so we'll be doing a big brunch and then heading out for some ice skating or a visit to Crater Lake if the snow cooperates! We just don't do Black Friday.
Never ever ever would I do black friday. Life is too short to subject myself to that horror!
We used to do Black Friday -- until the FeeBayers started hiring college kids to sit and hold their spots. We'd get there at 12:01, thinking we were number 50 or so, only to have 300 people show up at 7:50 to claim their held "spots". It so hasn't been worth it. It will be an Amazon.com Christmas for us; no crowds, no hassles.
The only time I'll have anything to do with Black Friday is if there is one specific item I'm looking for. Last year I got a TV on Black Friday from Sear's. I went straight there, picked it up, and went straight home. That was my only trip that day!
This year, I'm looking for a specific networking router. So far, I can get better deals at discount sites online for it than any of the "leaked" Black Friday ads, so it looks like a nice Friday in front of a warm cup of hot chocolate for me!!!
You couldn't pay me a million dollars to do Black Friday. I will do all of my shopping from the privacy of my own home, and probably find better deals than anyone out there in the madness.
Plus I will not have to stand in one line, deal with one other angry customer, or worst of all, run the risk of being trampled at Walmart.
Happy Balck Friday to all!
I've done some Black Friday shopping in the past, but most of the deals just aren't on what I'm looking for...with one exception. The used bookstore near me does 20% off everything from opening (7am) through 9am with free bags and $5 gift cards (and one $100 gift card) for the first 100 people through the door. Last year I got there about 6:45 and got one of the bags as well as some good deals on books. I'm planning on doing that again this year.
Then I'll go home, take a nap and get ready to have friends over for my annual "I need to get away from my family" games night.
I live in the suburbs, right in the middle of all the mega malls. I don't leave my driveway on Black Friday! Thanksgiving evening, I have to take an elderly relative home. On the way, I pass a Best Buy. People are already lined up at 9 P.M.! I have no desire to participate. But...do I want a netbook...yep! I'll pay a few more dollars the following week. And I won't catch a cold doing so. Happy Holidays!
I think it´s better to trade online... The traffic is horrible, the people all together fighting to get the same thing... NO thanks. No amount of money buys your piece of mind... Not to mention, it is better to stay away from temptation.
I don't do Black Friday. I've gone out a few times for specific items, and it was always stressful and insane. I now participate in Buy Nothing Day instead.
I never did shop Black Friday in the past because of the crowds. Now the internet and early release of Black Friday deals I am comparing my list to the sales. Unless I find a GREAT deal on the gift list, I don't plan on going out. I'd rather be putting up the Christmas decorations with the family.
After preparing a giant feast all day Thursday and then stuffing myself I barely feel like waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning to go shopping. Instead, we wait until all of the early birds have gone home and we go out in the afternoon. The shops are all desperate with the bad economy and they are just trying to make up for 10 months of negative balance sheets, so there are great sales all day long. No need to get trampled to death over some cheap plastic ipod.
Black Friday is my idea of consumer hell. I did it once, regrettably. I shot out of bed at 5 in the morning to stand in a long line to get INTO the store, and an even longer line to pay. In the end, I saved about $20.
The main problems I have with black friday are:
1) the mindset that comes with the day. You are geared to go out and spend, spend, spend. Without spending copious amounts of money, the day is considered a failure.
2) the deals are generally no better than what you find at random times during the year. I make my Holiday gift list months in advance and watch for good deals. Black Friday would save me little money. Also, black friday is nothing compared to the deals to be had just after Christmas.
3) i just can't bear the thought of turning into an uber-competitive person to get a good sale. i find rushing to an item to beat the person next to you rude and dehumanizing.
so, this black friday i will be sleeping in, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, and really saving money by not blowing an entire day spending it!
Nope. I tend to drive back from wherever Thanksgiving was on Black Friday.
I have been getting up at 2 or 3am on Black Friday for several years now. Sometimes a family member comes with me, sometimes alone. It is a little bit of an adrenaline rush to get the things that you want or need for home and holiday at such great prices, even if you sacrifice a little sleep for it! :) I actually find the 2am shopping one of the most peaceful shopping times of the year. I can go all over the store without seeing more than 2 other shoppers. Very relaxing and I able to really look at items and decide if they're what I want rather than just zooming my way through the store trying to get in and out as quickly as possible, which seems to be the norm. Black Friday Shopping? Can't wait!
We have always lived a distance from family and try to get the gifts mailed out by Thanksgiving. So we snag deals all year long. A long time ago in a galaxy far away women were decking each other over Cabbage Patch dolls. Several years later I saw one in great shape (looked new, with papers) being sold in a thrift store for $2. If I ever had any inclination to go out to shop that day, that would have squashed it.
But my wife and I are moving into our first home, and we need a dryer. Home Depot has one on sale on Black Friday for much cheaper than I could find anywhere else, so I'm going to have to brave the madness.
I like it because i get good deals for all present. This time we will get a HDTV. Thanks!
I don't get with the maddening crowd at the super sales on Friday mornings. I've found those sales to be pushing items that the chains want you to buy, not what you want to buy.
I will check out online sales and if there is a fantastic bargain on something I need or want, then I purchase it from the comfort of my home.
I occasionally do Black Friday. I love the festival atmosphere. As long as I go with the intent to have fun and not get too invested, I have a great time, and my Christmas dollar goes a lot further.
Out of curiosity, my teenage daughters and I went out on Black Friday last year for the first time. It wasn't all we thought it would be. Will probably look at the online offers this time around.
Only if I see something I want in advance - or if I go with my Mom for fun. Otherwise, it's all online shopping for me!
I will check out the online sales on Black Friday, but other than that I will stay away from the main shopping centers. People from all over the Eastern half of South Dakota come to my town to do their Christmas shopping so I pretty much try to avoid the main shopping districts between Thanksgiving and Christmas (mainly because of the congested traffic). If I really need to go to one of these popular stores, I'll go on a week day.
I think it is fun! I always have gone out. The atmosphere is fun and the deals are worth it for a couple hours at least.
I don't Black Friday but I DO Cyber Monday. I shop for deals year round and ferret them away for later use. When you get good deals on a regular basis it just doesn't seem worth multiple hours of lines and crowds, fighting for parking, etc just to save a few bucks. I can bide my time and do it from the comfort of my own home instead. I LOVE shopping in my Pj's!
I love bargains and am willing to wake up ridiculously early for them. Not logical, but it's quite fun.
Stopped going into stores some time ago. The crowds drive me nuts. Also, it's too tempting to just buy random things. I plan, find the cheapest price and mail order. I rarely buy high ticket items (my tv is at least 10 years old) and I don't need $5 toasters.
I have gotten some great deals by shopping Black Friday over the years ... project TV for $400, laptops for $400, Games for $10, Home Theater for $50, are just a few off the top of my mind. It is cold here in Colorado waiting in line, so it is not for the faint of heart. If you are on a budget, it makes a lot of sense. I have done Cyber Monday as well, but Black Friday is more fun. I usually get about 1/2 of what I wanted.
Last year I noticed that, presumably in response to the more desperate retail climate, a lot of stores were advertising Saturday am specials that were nearly as good as Friday's. So I went out to do reconnaissance Friday evening, after the door-busters had gone home and collapsed in exhaustion. Then I went out Saturday morning and bought the things I'd picked out and confirmed to be available the night before. But it was focused shopping - only things that I needed (or at least intended) to buy anyway, things I would have bought at any other time of year and just had the convenient opportunity to get at a better price.
Also, I'm typically only shopping for myself/my household/semi-ordinary things - my Christmas gift shopping/making is often mostly done by Thanksgiving.
I am not sure whether I will "do" Black Friday or not, but I am tempted by some of the deals . . . we'll have to wait and see!
My experiences in the past have been as expected, given that it is Black Friday. I usually hit the computer stores with their great rebates. The few times I went Best Buy, people were pushy, but not obnoxious. There was this camaraderie on the outside, given that we were freezing our buns off @ 0300, waiting for the store to open @ 0500. I tried as hard as possible to be kind to the help and not overwhelm them.
I think that as the average Jane has gotten more and more used to technology and they are willing to stand outside for those technology deals, that it brings out the win-at-all-cost shopper.
My relatives buy into the early morning Black Friday rush to the malls (and strip malls, and big standalone stores, etc.). After one too many bad experiences shopping with them at 6am, now I stay home. I hate the crowds, and almost none of the gifts I buy are at those stores offering the huge discounts, anyway. I try to buy handmade or at least thoughtful gifts, so I'm doing online and boutique-only Christmas shopping this year. I don't spend a lot of money, but I seek out gifts that support individuals or the local economy. I admit that this works much better when you live in a big city, but even people in the suburbs can buy thoughtful gifts online without resorting to the mad dash on Black Friday.
If there was something I needed at a good price, yes, I've gone out. My family thinks I'm crazy, but it's fun. Unfortunately, can't do it this year since I just had foot surgery.
I will be doing most of my shopping this weekend, before the crowds are too big and the selection is good. Then on Black Friday and the few days afterward (preferably late in the evening when it's less crowded), I'll go back to the stores with my receipts and get price adjustments. This way I have what I want to buy in hand, and the price adjustments are just added bonuses. I don't feel like I have to go out on Black Friday, but then I'm motivated to do so.
I used to go out after the holidays with my mom as a kid, when barely anyone was out after the holidays to shop for Xmas. But today....there is no way I go out to shop! I don't have many people to shop for, mom, dad, grandparents, boyfriend, and pets. I try to do shopping throughout the year if I happen to see something they would like beforehand. Or I order online, get them things I can get while I'm doing grocery shopping, or I make them something.
I think a lot of people go and get the deals for items for themselves. I realize some people may have to buy a lot of things for kids and large families, but it is always wise to remember "How much would he/she like this gift, would use it, and wouldn't trash it a year later?" Kids don't have to have a million things.
In lue of Black Friday, my family and I donate items to the local humane society's annual yard sale. We save up stuff all year to donate. It creates great funding for the animals, and is an alternative shopping place for those needing to shop on Black Friday!
Even if I didn't have a small child or live in a small town with few big stores, I doubt I would be going crazy with Black Friday. Who wants to stand in long, horrible lines? There are few things I need that would be relevant (the big deals on Black Friday are pretty much just electronics and gadgetry anyway).
Cyber Monday may not have as many big deals, but with free shipping and shopping portals sites that give you cash back, buying online in the comfort of your own home is worth getting a slightly worse deal.
No Black Friday for this family. We always search for the best prices through out the year and most BF sales are for things we don't need anyway. It's not a savings if you spend what you weren't going to.
I never participated in Black Friday until I met my husband. His family always used to Black Friday shop together when he was young, so it feels like we are carrying on a tradition. It may sound strange, but it is bonding time for us.