Black Friday 2016: What Not to Buy
There’s a ton of deals offered to shoppers this Black Friday, but some of them won’t give you the best bang for your buck. What should you avoid buying this holiday season?
They can’t all be winners. Though you’re sure to get amazing deals on things like electronics this Black Friday, not everything you desire will be the ideal time to buy. Those Christmas toys or that coveted trip to Maui may have to wait.
Check out the Best Black Friday Deals of 2016
What other items should be avoided this holiday shopping season? Fair warning, these are only suggestions and you can buy whatever you’d like. But we’ll make sure to give you some recommendations on when to pick up what you’re really after.
1. Toys
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It seems like the perfect time to pick up the hottest holiday toy, but pump the brakes. Though you’re sure to see discounted items in megastores like Toys R Us, there’s a very limited quantity, and those same discounts will be cut even further if you wait. Retail sites like BestBlackFriday.com recommend waiting until two weeks before Christmas to snatch the best toy deal.
2. Airfare and Vacation Packages
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Sure, some hotels are offering fantastic rates to fill up empty rooms, but squeezing in a last-minute vacation is better suited to the beginning of 2017. Sites like DealNews.com agree that January is the best time to book a holiday getaway. That’s where the best deals for both national and international travel come into play. You can find ideal vacation packages through March. It’s a great way to spend some cash during that post-holiday haze.
3. Winter Clothing
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We’re already seeing signs of winter, but keep last year’s coat on just a little longer. The best deals on winter gear don’t show up until early January. Retail experts say that’s when shops really slash prices in order to make way for next season’s lines. The 50% off deals you’re after will happen during winter clearance sales, not on Black Friday.
4. Furniture
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If you’re reading this, it’s too late (to buy furniture). That sale cycle usually peaks in July and August, with patio furniture up for grabs in August and September. While you can find a good deal here and there, most are doorbuster sales (like at Macy’s). That means products are limited. You’re better off scoring some home appliances rather than big pieces to make your living space that much more comfortable.
5. Gaming or High-End Laptops
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There’s always fantastic deals on laptops around this time, but be sure to read the fine print. Laptops with higher processors to run more advanced games/programs usually fetch the best deal in either July or September. After all, they’re considered back-to-school items. You’ll find plenty of good Black Friday deals for both Windows and Mac if you’re a casual user.
6. Christmas Decorations
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Doesn’t it seem obvious to throw some last-minute Christmas lights into your cart? Turns out, holiday decorations are a lot like Halloween candy; they’re way cheaper after the holidays. Retail experts say stores know you’re itching to decorate your home, so there’s less incentive for them to offer spectacular deals. But for those who can’t wait until December 26th, Target (last year) offered $50 off $100 worth of decorations a week after Thanksgiving, and may revisit that deal. They’re already offering a 5%-10% off sale now.
Next: Black Friday Deals for 2016
Above all, there’s one final rule we’d like to lay out for any Black Friday shopping spree: Don’t push! Those lines do move, but it’s all a matter of patience. Happy shopping!