The 5 Things I’d Recommend Buying on Black Friday
Photo by Kelly Dawson
I’ll tell you a tidbit that sort of makes me feel old: I remember shopping for Black Friday on the family computer. I was an early adopter of online shopping, I learned the ropes while flip phones were still ubiquitous, and so this upcoming BFCM bonanza feels familiar, but lately a little lackluster. I miss the thrill of rushing with the crowds — of going to big-box stores at midnight for a flat screen — and then scrolling sites that routinely froze simply for the novelty of having items delivered to my door. It’s so easy to capitalize on discounts now, and even easier to get things delivered. If I didn’t age myself at the beginning of this paragraph, I’m certainly doing so now.
Last year, I read a story about how clothes not only cost less these days, but they’re also made more cheaply. As a girl who played Mall Madness and strolled her local galleria most weekends, I’ve long ago noticed that consumerism as an iffy-yet-social culture had morphed into something a lot of us do alone in bed. I like shopping from bed, don’t get me wrong. But I appreciate the activity of it more, the perceived luck in finding something great for a steal and then telling literally anyone who complimented me on it that yes, I got it on sale. What I ordered to my door started to be less and less exciting, and more and more subpar. I don’t mean to put a damper on shopping as much as I want to explain how I currently feel about Black Friday: It’s become somehow more practical and personal to me.
I don’t want to buy anything I don’t need. I hope to buy things I’ll enjoy for a long time, and can otherwise give away to loved ones and charities when I'm through. Since the beginning of this year, whenever I was just about to impulse buy something, I’ve gone into my closet to see if I already own a similar piece. I often do. I’ve also left whatever it is in my cart for at least a day, and said things like, “I’m blessed to have a life of abundance” to myself, even though I eat plenty of processed foods and have quite a mouth behind the wheel. These boundaries have kept me in check, so much so that I only bought around a dozen new things these last 12 months — except for replacing items that ran out, of course. (Fun fact, did you know the average American buys 53 new clothing items a year? Just like me, they probably stick to the same three shirts regardless.)
So if you’re in a similar camp, which is to participate in Black Friday but do so strategically and with the long game in mind, here’s how I recommend making the most of it.
Skincare
Photo courtesy of Sephora
I’ve used this Fresh moisturizer for years now, and Black Friday discounts make it worth the replenish splurge. It smells so good, lasts for months, and definitely fights winter dryness. Plus, seeing the jar by my sink almost makes me feel like Elizabeth James. (That reference is for the real ones.)
Clothing
Photo courtesy of J.Crew
There are J. Crew sweaters in my closet that I’ve had for more than a decade, and I have to actively stop myself from buying more — it’s the one exception I often make in my “abundance” mantra. If I had to get another one, and I just might, it would be this bright red sweater. I know you’re imagining ways to wear it, too.
Home
Photo courtesy of Brooklinen
If there’s one simple pleasure that’s universally appreciated, it’s getting into a warm bed of just-washed sheets at night. I love my Brooklinen set, and if I were to cruise the brand’s Black Friday sale, I’d nab this cozy flannel bundle. Your future sleepy self will be so happy.
Travel
Photo courtesy of July
Getting through a terminal should be as seamless as you can muster, unless your goal is to bask in the freedom from societal pressure in the hours leading up to takeoff. And even in that scenario, who wants to deal with a clunky carry-on bag en route to margaritas at 10 a.m.? No one! Black Friday is the time to replace more expensive items with quality upgrades, and that’s why I’d get the July carry-on in forest green. We’d match, and dare I say, look super stylish and ultra-efficient at our gates.
Accessories
Photo courtesy of Rifle Paper Co.
I try to add a joyful detail to boring, everyday stuff if the opportunity presents itself. And that’s how I came across this sweet daisy keychain from Rifle Paper Co. Besides looking cute and reminding me of a close friend, it also makes that perfect jingly sound whenever I pull it out of my purse.
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