Cyber Week Survival Kit

It’s coming.

Winter is coming and it’s bringing with it a ton of sales. This weekend is single handedly the best weekend to shop all year long. It can be a lot to handle so I’ve created a nice little list to help you take this weekend like a marathoner, not a sprinter. (No personal experience needed with either one of those physical feats, by the way.)

I’ve given it lots of thought and do you know what I think the best way to handle Black Friday and Cyber Monday? From your couch or bed or wherever you prefer. But staying in is the new going out. I’ve come up with a few tips + tricks to survive this super saving weekend.

Get your marathon on.

That’s right — a Netflix marathon. You are gonna need something in the background while you are making smart decisions so here are a few of my favorites lately and of always:

1. The Crown — if you haven’t started this yet, cancel all your weekend plans. It’s amazing.
2. Gilmore Girls – you can start from the beginning to catch up and remember good times or start with their newest reunion season. Either way, you can’t lose.
3. Parks and Rec — ALWAYS a favorite around here. Perfect to pick up at any point in the show.
4. Freaks and Geeks — if you haven’t, please do yourself a favor and start. It’s only one season, so binge it up!
5. A Very Murray Christmas — get in the mood with everyone’s favorite weird uncle.

Comfort plus cozy.

You need to be comfortable and if you are willing, pajamas all day are the best choice here. But if you need a bit more…structure to your life, a pair of skinny jeans and oversized sweater will be just fine. I would suggest soft shoes or no shoes at all. As the old saying goes, the more comfortable you are while shopping online, the more you’re apt to save. See my must-haves below.

Stocked and loaded.

You will need to hydrate while surfing these sales and that coffee is not going to make itself. Make sure you’ve got your stash of coffee, tea, wine, whatever it is you need to keep your endurance. Oh and my husband suggested a friendly glass of water every once in a while. Do what you feel is right for you. Your water is my coffee and sugar. (And actually maybe hold off on the wine, or everybody will know you were under the influence when you give everyone the same Christmas themed onesie this year.) Also popcorn is the most perfect food and should be readily available at all times this weekend.

Okay so, yes obviously those were some lovely if not the most practical tips for taking any weekend on while living you best life, but you are here for actual tips. I get it. So without further ado, here are actual shopping tips to help you get through the madness of gift shopping this weekend.

Make a list.

(Check it twice, if you must, but once should be fine.) Get all of your gift recipients this year on a list and make sure you’ve got your facts — sizes, addresses for shipping, preferences, etc. I also like to have an idea of what I’m looking for, that way it isn’t me wondering through the galaxy of gifts alone. Because when that happens, everyone gets a food basket from Costco. Once you have your list, you will be better equipped to attack these behemoth sales where everything starts to look the same in the 9th hour. Stay strong and mark off that list.

Set a budget.

And stick to it. It’s easy to get carried away especially with sale items, but remember when looking for gifts: if the price is the best thing about it, don’t buy it. Budget and don’t budge on it. (Unless it’s a present for yourself then all the rules get blurry.)

Preview and Plan.

Make a plan of attack for your sales this weekend and know when they starts. Some have already started – Nordstrom and Shopbop have already begun the fun! Some stores have deals at different times through the weekend, etc. Just be sure to check out your favorites and be in the know to get the best deals.

Add to Cart.

I like to go ahead and start adding the items I’d like to purchase in my cart so that when the sale starts, I’m already to go. You wouldn’t believe how many carts are full around the internet with my name on them. I also add to carts instead of wish lists because a) I forget about wish lists and b) that way I can see my final total and compare prices at different stores.

Get rewarded.

Sign up for rewards programs. Nordstrom has the best rewards program and now you don’t even have to be a cardholder. I also love Loft’s rewards and Old Navy’s Super Cash. Now don’t waste your time signing up for places you are buying one thing and will never purchase from again. Be smart about it, but also be sure to get points or rewards for the purchases you make at the places you will continue to shop.

I will be posting my very favorite sales and picks for Cyber Week this Friday so be sure to check back! I will happily go through the sales and deals to find the best for you guys. Until then, rest up and eat turkey. It’s gonna be a fun weekend. 🙂