5 items not to buy on Black Friday and one must buy

Not a Black Friday shopping fan? While sometimes Black Friday deals can bring big savings, others aren’t worth the price on this major day for saving.

Black Friday can be a shopper’s dream, but it isn’t always the best time to buy — depending on what we’re looking at. Pre-Black Friday deals have stores enticing shoppers with some big savings prior to the huge shopping event. While many people have a Black Friday shopping tradition, more stores are starting the savings prior to the annual shopping spree.

Since overspending is never a good idea, certain categories of items are better purchased prior to Black Friday or during Cyber Monday’s shopping bedlam. From items that you might need for Thanksgiving to better sales later in the holiday shopping season, sometimes Black Friday isn’t the best time to purchase that special gift.

Additionally, some items are better purchased later in the holiday shopping season. Just because those special enticements are quite appealing, bigger savings will come later. No one wants to overspend.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 23: People shop at Macy’s department store on “Black Friday” on November 23, 2017 in New York City. Black Friday starts earlier in the season on Thanksgiving Day instead of the Friday after. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Here are five items to avoid buying on Black Friday.

Beauty

Ever wonder how a store will make room for all those amazing holiday sets? Some of your favorite beauty items will have to go on sale to make room. Check out places like Sephora or Ulta, who will be making room for holiday sets.

This type of pre-holiday sale buying can be a great way to stock up on products that you use all year round. These items aren’t necessarily out of style or discontinued. The stores just need extra room for those limited edition, special holiday buys. The stores’ lack of space puts savings in your purse.

Winter clothes

Did you know that 10 days leading up to Cyber Monday are when winter clothing prices are at their lowest? Right before Black Friday is the perfect time to stock up on jackets, boots and hats. Who hasn’t lost a hat or gloves during the winter season? With these sales, you can stash an extra pair in the bottom of your purse.

Also, these pre-holiday sales are a perfect time to purchase a cute new winter accessory. Don’t you want to look cute when you go home to see friends and family? Plus, when you want to go outside to avoid relatives, at least you’ll be prepared for the chill.

Cookware

Thanksgiving is always a huge feast. Even if you aren’t a foodie, many people attempt to create lavish feasts for the holiday. Why purchase cookware after the holiday?

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving party, don’t try to make all that delicious food with outdated pots and pans. Stores like Amazon, Kohls and other retailers will be looking to make deals on tons of cooking related items. Don’t try to shove a 20-pound turkey into a tiny sheet pan. Take advantage of the sales and make sure your kitchen is stocked.

Toys

History shows that toy prices tend to drop mid-to-late December. Even though some Black Friday toy sales look tempting, stores will drop those prices even further. No one wants buyer’s regret when she sees that same toy 50 percent off in two weeks.

Unless there is a toy that you fear will be gone before December 1, wait for the later sales. If you just can’t wait, ask the stores if they will price adjust later in the holiday shopping season. Wouldn’t you rather have extra money for another present than feeling bad about overpaying?

Gift cards

There is one simple rule for Black Friday shopping. Never buy gift cards on Black Friday. It can be tempting to stock up on gifts cards to ensure that all holiday shopping is completed before November 24. This purchase isn’t a smart one.

Again, stores tend to run specials closer to Christmas. Plus, no one wants to forget about that gift card purchase and have the gift card sitting in the draw after December 25.

What’s the one item that is always a great deal on Black Friday?

The best deals on televisions, laptops and the like are always on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. So if you have a holiday wish list filled with tech items, you will have to get up and get to the store. Sorry — the leftovers and binge-watching will have to wait.

What is the big must-have item on your holiday shopping list? Will you be shopping on Black Friday?