Just because it is on sale, doesn’t mean we need it!
Don’t you just love all the consumerism surrounding the holidays? No sooner do we finish giving thanks for all we have only to turn around and think we need so much more! Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy looking at all the great deals, too. But, I also need to remind myself that there is a huge difference between want and need. And that is when Hubs and I became a Black Friday Scrooges!
After feasting on all the Thanksgiving goodies, Hubs and I did our traditional flipping through the Black Friday ads. I had already glanced at a few of the sales online, but even so, I still enjoy going through the paper. As is always the case, there were a lot of things that caught my eye. Same for Hubs. We made a few mental notes of items we’d like to look at but also decided there was no way we would wait in line for any sale.
The craziness of Black Friday started pretty much without us. We finally got in gear and hit Lowes at 10 AM. Initially, I wanted to get more garland but then decided we had enough. There was, however, a tree we wanted to check out. We had sold our bigger tree before we moved, and have talked about replacing it every year since. Even with adequate money on a gift card (snowblower rebate) we didn’t see anything worthwhile, even at their supposedly great discounts. We still have a smaller tree that will suffice for yet another year. The Scrooges won!
After Lowes, we stopped by a local clothing store. Hubs has been needing some new jeans. We struck out for his size, but some coats caught his eye. At 50% off, doesn’t this become a need? Good thing his cohort Black Friday Scrooge was with him. We also left that store empty-handed.
Another stop yielded several things for our business. That was a win as we will make money!
We did stop and get Hub’s glasses adjusted (free) and also bought him some new insoles, which were indeed a need. His old pair had seen some better days. Even at $50, they are worth the money as they prevent a lot of aches and pains. The one thing I won’t ever skimp on what is needed to take care of our feet.
A quick stop for a couple of grocery items and yet another quick stop at another hardware store for non-slip stair treads completed our day. Again, those were needed items.
I was pleased we resisted a lot of temptation and avoided buying any wants. As for gift giving, for our kids and grandkids, we shop online and stick to a strict budget. About the only Christmas shopping I’ll be doing in-store is for Project Angel Tree. We aren’t complete Scrooges as we do adopt a needy child every Christmas! To help offset that gift, I do have $17 on a Kohls gift card (anniversary cash) which combined with a sale and coupon, should get me quite a ways. Nothing wrong with a Scrooge being thrifty! Had it not been for the crowds (parking lot was full) I would have knocked this off my list, too.
Did you do any Black Friday shopping? If so, were you able to resist all the consumerism and stick only with what you needed?
Hub’s and I went out late in the evening. We needed leaf bags. I also wanted to see if I could find a good buy on white pillow cases for a gift I am making. I needed a few strands of embroider floss, so I did a Joanns run. Only bought what I came in for with a coupon. I did score a super buy at Tj max. Some really Ugly table runners made out of heavy flour sacking. I bought all three and they will make 9 dish towels and 3 place mats. . I cannot buy striope9 flour sack ticking at that price any where. There is a really pretty bird on each end and then this UGLY designs below. I will embroider something else and cover the Ugly. So $1 a piece.
Great way to repurpose! I envy your craftiness!
One year I went out on Black Friday. The traffic and the stress were too much. For me, it wasn’t worth saving a penny, never again. Besides, usually there are still things on sale the following several weeks. My hat is off to you and your husband for braving the traffic and crowds!
You are so right about the many more sales to come. I was thankful the stores we visited weren’t overly crowded. We used our measure of crowds based on the parking lots. Lol
I just placed two online orders on Thursday. Some garland (Lowes) and a Walmart order for some jeans for both of us, a shirt for me (all $10 each,so a good deal to me) and some movie stocking stuffers for DH. So many ads coming via emails and via Facebook. it’s a bit overwhelming. You guys did good not buying stuff!
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Online is really the way to go. You got some very good deals! I agree with all these ads becoming overwhelming. Most times I simply hit delete when they pop up in my email.
The only BF shopping I did was Rite-Aid(as usual). Got lots of stuff for nothing(Plenti Points). Bought some gift cards which also gave me more Plenti Points too.
I did cave and “cyber buy” a couple of gifts Sat. evening.
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I seriously have Rite Aid envy! Before moving we had several of the big 3 (Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens) nearby. I must say I miss the deals! Free is especially good!
I finished off my shopping on Black Friday, online. But, stuck to my list & finished well below budget. I always keep my eye open for any good gift card deals for places we regularly use (Home Depot & Uber). We have many, many home projects, so picked up a couple of Home Depot gift cards that will be used in the next month. And, I use Uber regularly for work travel, and will get reimbursed, and earned Rite Aid rewards. Otherwise, our big splurge was that caulflower (my husband’s favorite) was $.99/head & we picked up two. 😉
Good for you for sticking to your budget and coming under! Makes perfect sense to buy things that you actually need and will ultimately save you money! Love your splurge! At that price, buying 2 is truly justifiable!
This was a great post, Lucy. I am glad you were able to resist all the temptation that was around you and only get what you needed. I did a little Black Friday shopping, but not a ton. I am almost done with my shopping, only a few people left.
Thank you! I enjoyed writing it. Woohoo on almost being finished with shopping! Get it done and enjoy the holidays stress-free!
Sounds like our Black Friday. Petsmart for BOGO critter food, Lowe’s for some hooks to hang fireplace tools, Harbor Freight for zip ties.
We stopped buying gifts years ago with the exception of our Mom’s and now I have a great nephew that I will buy for until he turns 16.
Shopping only for what is needed…perfect! Gift giving has gotten so out of hand. We also quit doing most of it.