Blog Poll: Will you be hitting the sales on Black Friday?

Just for fun, I created a poll to see how many readers here are shopping on Black Friday and how many were planning to stay home. I hit Black Friday sales last year for the first time and was pretty unimpressed, though the whole experience was rather enlightening (you can read more about it here).

This year, I'm strongly considering staying home but I haven't made up my mind completely since there are a few things we've been needing to buy and if I'm in the mood for an adventure, I might just go for it. We'll see!

What about you? I'd love to hear whether or not you are planning to go out and your thoughts on whether shopping on Black Friday is a worth it. Take the poll below and then have fun discussing your opinions in the comments section!

Comments

[Chelssya]

I'm pretty disappointed with the black Friday ads I've seen so far. No great deals on things I was already planning to by. I usually make out pretty well with door busters at Toys R Us, but this year looks like they're targeting older kids than mine. :-( Just a few things at Target I'll pick up. On the plus side, this means I get to spend the whole day with my family decorating the tree!

[Katrina]

I will look at the ads and if there are some things I want, I will write them down and go just for those things... I went last year and got a few good deals, but I don't get in like at 1am. no way! =) I went one year in the afternoon and still got what I wanted!

[Minda]

Nope, I'll more than likely be at home. Last year, Hubby and I did go to Lowes and pick up a couple of deals but it was late in the afternoon. I have no desire to go stand in lines and freeze in the wee hours of the morning! And luckily this year I have about half my shopping done, thanks to a trip to the outlet malls this past weekend :)

[Jen]

I love to shop on Black Friday! Though I don't really buy anything or get up at 3 in the morning...its just the feeling of Christmas that I love!

[Amy]

I can't stand crowds so if we really want to buy something on Friday, I send my husband! :) He's super patient and isn't bothered by others!

Amy

[Rachel]

WalMart's $2 DVDs are good enough for me to want to go out. I won't stress about it, though.

[Melissa]

I have never shopped on Black Friday, nor do I plan to start this year. Big crowds make me uncomfortable, so I avoid it at all costs!!! The savings, it any, is not worth it to me.

[Julie]

I won't be standing outside the store waiting for a 4 a.m. opening, but I sure look forward to going out on Black Friday. I usually buy some things we need for the house and a few gifts and stocking stuffers. I just enjoy being out. And, it's the one day of the year that my husband assumes all child care responsibilities for the entire day.

[Dawn]

I will be shopping Black Friday deals online!! You should include that in your survey, No crowds that way.

[Marcia]

for the economy being so bad you think they would have awesome deals...but this year they don't seem to be that great...but it doesn't matter, because for the first time ever I am DONE Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving

[Lisa]

No way I'm getting out of my warm bed with my hubby to go fight the crowds! Hope the rest of you have great success!!!!

[Lyn]

Can I say no, no, and no again? I did it once. :) I'm all about being simple and don't really dig the materialistic part of Christmas that Black Friday portrays to me - like some people running over other people, being greedy and doing just about anything to get a deal.

I'll much more enjoy sitting home and browsing websites for fun, although I am pretty much done already with my small list of Christmas shopping, thanks to free shipping/reduced shipping deals.

[mamajuliana]

I am on the other side of the counter on Black Friday! Where I work we started our after Thanksgiving sale this past Monday...the owner is kind of worried about the economy this year.

I have been working on Black Friday for four years now. It really isn't that bad...

[TopazTook]

Even if I wanted to hit the Black Friday sales (which haven't lured me yet this year), I wouldnt' be able to, as we will be traveling the day after Thanksgiving.

[Mandy Atkinson]

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!! I always find awesome deals. Plus, it's an annual thing with my mom. That's our day to bond and do girl stuff. I've seen several deals so far that I am going to be jumping all over this year. Walmart will have the Barbie jeeps for $88 and that's going to be my 3 year old's big gift this year.

[Deborah May]

I need one item at WalMart....and I'm not quite sure I'm willing to participate in all the madness for ONE ITEM!
I'll probably decide late Thursday night if it's going to happen....

[Jodi]

Any suggestions on finding which stores will do the online Black Friday deals?

[Noah]

No way no how. At 8 1/2 weeks pregnant there is no way I could get up that early and do that much walking. I'd be so sick!

I *might* pop into JoAnns later in the day since I'm making some gifts and need some fabric, if they have good deals for that day only (otherwise I'll wait). But it's looking unlikely.

[Mari]

Black Friday has been a tradition with me that started with my grandmother in my early teens. Grandma is gone now, but I still go out alone. She loved the hussle and bustle and new where and how to find the best deals. Her 10 kids never went without at Christmas. Since Grandma is gone it is the one day that I have to myself. I shop some but just enjoy being alone and doing a few things for myself that I rarely do. I do have to agree with others that I am not overly impressed with the ads this year, though.

[Dona]

I love to go out with my mother-in-law and aunts. It is more about having a fun day out shopping then about getting some rock bottom price on something no one needs. I am not a stresser. I simply enjoy the excitement in the air. I always have an attitude that if the one or two items I want are not available then I am simply not meant to get it. NO biggie to me.

This year I have so far only seen 2 items I hope to snag.
that may not be much but its not about getting something for me as it about windowshopping, having fun with my family!

I remember your post last year, didn't you and your family hit goodwill and snag some deals???? I thought that was cool, I never thought of going there but I may this year!

[Jen]

I'll be home because I am not braving those crowds being pregnant

[Lynette]

I love to go on Friday. It is a big change in routine and I usually get a few really good deals. I started going when my kids were little and my husband stayed home with them in the morning. I could be home by 10:00 if I wanted, but I stretch it out for a little longer. I keep my list small and reasonable and don't go to the places with the really bad lines. My mom and I go and now my 15 year old daughter is going. We will get a special coffee (with coupon) and a special breakfast bagel at Big Apple (with coupon). We make it fun! This year I am excited about the "Yes to Carrots" body butter that is on sale at Walgreens. I have heard it is nice stuff and it is a deal at $1.99 instead of $12.99. I will give mine away but am hoping my husband will get me one for my stocking!

[celia]

Well, have to work on Friday. I am too crowd phobic to deal with that again. It is my belief that you can get the same or almost as good deals that weekend and even better if you wait till after December 20th.

[Carey]

Free one hundred dollar bills couldn't drag me out on Black Friday! I experienced in ONCE. I was in line one Black Friday at 4:00am with about 300 other people at a Toys R Us. I had to get a hugely discounted Barbie Dreamhouse for my daughter. As soon as the doors opened and the sea of people CHARGED into the store, I turned tail and ran for my car, went home and went back to bed! At around 2:00pm that afternoon I went back. It was still very crowded, but there were plenty of Barbie Dreamhouses left. I'll never do that again!

[Honey]

Back when I was single and childless(and much younger!), I did the big shopping day with my friend. I remember being exhusted and wondering what the big deal is. Now I neither have the energy, money, or time to deal with the crowds, the long hours, and all the spending! I have most of my gifts bought and wrapped. I really want to have it all done by Dec. so I can enjoy the month. I want to bake things with my children while listening to Christmas music and doing Christmas crafts and advent calendar. If I don't get the shopping done it feels like a big huge chore hanging over my head and I can't enjoy myself. Thanks to your blog, I have been getting alot of things to put in my Christmas baskets for everyone on my list. I only plan to go to CVS and Walgreens on Friday. So I guess that's a "no"? :)

[Honey]

Back when I was single and childless(and much younger!), I did the big shopping day with my friend. I remember being exhusted and wondering what the big deal is. Now I neither have the energy, money, or time to deal with the crowds, the long hours, and all the spending! I have most of my gifts bought and wrapped. I really want to have it all done by Dec. so I can enjoy the month. I want to bake things with my children while listening to Christmas music and doing Christmas crafts and advent calendar. If I don't get the shopping done it feels like a big huge chore hanging over my head and I can't enjoy myself. Thanks to your blog, I have been getting alot of things to put in my Christmas baskets for everyone on my list. I only plan to go to CVS and Walgreens on Friday. So I guess that's a "no"? :)

[Honey]

Back when I was single and childless(and much younger!), I did the big shopping day with my friend. I remember being exhusted and wondering what the big deal is. Now I neither have the energy, money, or time to deal with the crowds, the long hours, and all the spending! I have most of my gifts bought and wrapped. I really want to have it all done by Dec. so I can enjoy the month. I want to bake things with my children while listening to Christmas music and doing Christmas crafts and advent calendar. If I don't get the shopping done it feels like a big huge chore hanging over my head and I can't enjoy myself. Thanks to your blog, I have been getting alot of things to put in my Christmas baskets for everyone on my list. I only plan to go to CVS and Walgreens on Friday. So I guess that's a "no"? :)

[Stephanie]

Oh yes! I worked it for two years in high school, and I've been going ever since then. Last year, I even went a week before my son was born. There's just something about the frenzy that I love. So many people has to get you excited for Christmas.

[Becky]

Normally, I love Black Friday - but it seems that there are already great sales everywhere! I usually do Kohl's on Black Friday, but was so mad to find that a lot of the stuff I bought at 5 am on Friday last year was marked even lower the week before Christmas! I'm just going to sleep in and enjoy the day off!

[Chris]

I've been a few times, but only because a whole group of sisters, brothers, in-laws all go together and I don't want to be a party pooper. I absolutely HATE crowds. But at least I'm an adult voluntarily participating. Each time I go I feel terribly sorry for the younger kids (2-12 age range) who get dragged along from place to place! If we didn't have someone staying at the house to watch the kids, none of us would go.

[Amy]

Our local outlet mall opens at 12 am on Friday for its annual Pajama Jam. It is a great (and guiltless) time to go shopping since my daughter and husband are still in bed. This year my sister-in-law and I are heading out for wonderful deals at outlets like The Children's Place, Gymboree and KB Toys. I am still enjoying the deals I scored at The Children's Place last year.

[Cheryl]

No way, no way, no way. I have never gone out on Black Friday and never will. Every year me and my husband get up as late as we want to and each go on our laptops and order all of our presents online. And then relax and eat Thanksgiving leftovers.

This year he actually works in a mall, so he is stuck working at 5:45am on Black Friday. I have 90 % of my online shopping done already, so I will finish it up that day at home and then relax with my dog.

[Cherity Rinehart]

I'm not overly excited about what I've seen so far. Hubby and I are going out with my MIL...pappy's keeping the kiddos...more for the people watching than anything! I do hope to snag a few good deals at CVS and maybe some door buster deals at the mall, but I'm not stressing and I'm definately not going to be at the stores at 5am!

[Martha]

The crowds and traffic are too much stress for me. I suppose if I was in the market for big ticket items, it *might* be worth it, but I'm not. I plan to spend the day with my family.

[Jenni]

I haven't decided yet. I'll look at the ads tomorrow and decide. There are some things at Walmart that look great for my family. If I don't go there, I might go to Kroger (marked down turkeys) and CVS.

[Saver Queen]

I must admit that I was going to write a blog post encouraging my readers to stay at home and avoid the stores on black friday to just bow out of all the crazy consumerism. But then I heard about a great online sale Apple is having. So I might just be a big hypocrite and take advantage of the sale... at least I can do it from home!

[Jessica]

I'm going to go to Joann's for fabric that's on sale Friday. Since daycare is closed, I'm taking the day off. So my 2 year old will be with me. Her patience is low, so I doubt we'll go to many other stores besides Meijer for groceries!

[Karen]

I always go to Macy's every year. They have a $10 off $25 purchase coupon in the paper. I get a few and hit the clearance rack of kids clothes and buy bigger sizes.

I would do more shopping but hubby always has to work... :(

[mammaof2]

Five years ago we bought our laptop at Best Buy for a very discounted price and it is time (5 years later...not bad!) for a new one, so we'll be standing in line again for that! Otherwise, I wouldn't go out on Black Friday just for legos, DVDs, etc. I DO go out if there is a high-dollar item on sale (XBox, computer, etc.) that is specifically on someone's gift list.

[Pam]

OF COURSE! But we don't go to get deals. We go to people watch, to jostle around, have an excuse to wear our hideous Christmas sweaters (the uglier the better) & Christmas headgear-be it reindeer antlers-Santa hats-Elf hats you name it. My sister usually dresses like an Elf. It's great to have all those sleep deprived people staring at you like you have lost your mind. We totally go for the atmosphere! Love it! Last year, we had people take pictures of us in our glittering tinkling wonderful outfits! Ha!

[Heather]

No, there are so many things I want but nothing I need. What I want is a WII . I keep thinking it will pay for itself because we'll be able to have more fun at home..we'll see what happens.

[Catherine]

Normally I spend Black Friday at home organizing my already purchased gifts, watching marathons on TV, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

This year, I'm working with my boyfriend (he's a manager) at KBToys. Thankfully our shift doesn't start 'til noon, but the store is opening at midnight, so I know it's going to be a crazy day.

[Lisa H]

No poll option for me - I'll be going, and it is my first time to give it a try. Mainly because we've just closed escrow on a house (we're moving Thanksgiving Day, with my whole family's help!) and we need a washer and dryer. Sears has a great Black Friday sale on HE frontloaders, so we're going out for that.

[Lisa McAnnally]

Usually I mark what I want or need in the sales papers and my husband goes after them for me. He hates shopping, but loves to shop for our Christmas gifts on this day. Last year I did go with him and waited in a long line for the store to open at Best Buy. I never thought I would do that, but the doorbuster was a great deal on a much needed computer. So I did it, not sure I will this year or not though. It really depends on the sales and if it is something I'm looking for. It has to be a pretty spectacular deal to get me out.

[chris250480]

i'm doing all of my shopping online this year. i use this site

http://www.zingsale.com

i get emailed when there is a sale on something i want to buy. It's a free service that tracks prices of products from online stores (like amazon) and sends you an email when the price drops.

[Sharon Marshall]

My family and I will be on our way to Disney World. I guess that will be a different kind of crowd! But this time of year is slower there. I will do some online Black Friday shopping this year. With me it usually depends on the sales. Some are not even worth getting out of bed for. Sometimes I will just go when I get up, just for the holiday feeling I get when I go. Like it was stated above, when I was younger and childless I would go every year.

[Mary Ann]

On my own, I wouldn't go out. Last year, I went with my sister-in-law and this year, I'll be going with my sister. I don't need anything but there are some things she wants to get. We'll probably only hit 2 or 3 stores. We do want to go to CVS but will probably try that on Thursday.

Last year, when we went out on Black Friday, we started at Kohl's at 4:15 am. It was already packed! We did get a few things we needed and waited in line to checkout for close to 2 hours(which is how we did our shopping). The rest of the stores we went to were not that popular and we were home by 8 or 9 am. My sister-in-law planned it really good and some places she just ran in to get what she wanted.

What was funny was that her six year old really wanted to go shopping with us and my sister-in-law was like, no way!

[Stacy]

I don't want to get up early and I don't want to miss the FOOTBALL!!! My husband and I are huge football fans. :D

[Mary]

Great tips and finds. Thank you for sharing.

[Erin]

I am going out, but only to Joanns. :-) Last year I went there with a friend, and although we had to stand in line for a while it was still fun (and I got some good deals on fabric).
This year if I had someone with me that enjoyed getting up and going to a few stores early, I would do more. But shopping and looking for great deals by myself is not as fun.