If you didn't know, I'm actually quite a seasoned Black Friday shopper and have elbowed my way through years of sales. I don't just show up hoping to find things. As with most things, I'm a planner. I like to check out the deals in advance and put together a list of what I need to get. Black Friday shopping is like a tactical strike and I want to come out the other side in one piece and with my targets acquired. 


It's all about speed and organization and having a list together of whom you are shopping for and specific items can make all the difference. This year I'm still not quite sure if I'll be doing shopping in the flesh but I know I'll definitely be logging on to get some goodies. Some companies have already started their sales, which will run all the way through to Sunday. Here are a few of the deals I think are worth a gander, whether you're shopping for yourself or for a loved one.


AERIE & AMERICAN EAGLE
American Eagle and Aerie's Black Friday sale has actually already begun, serving up a lovely 40% off your purchase from now until 11/30 when using the code: GOBBLEUP. Some exlusions do apply, like undies and PJ bottoms at Aerie (sigh) but I'll definitely be picking up some new bras. They are also offering free shipping which makes shopping a sale that much sweeter. And as an extra treat, Aerie is giving shoppers a free pair of slippers with purchases over $45, while supplies last. Check out some of my favorites:



ASOS
Asos is giving shoppers 30% off everything, with savings of  up to 70% off all sale items. I haven't decided what I'm going to be picking up yet but I'm sure I'll find some lovelies in their CURVE and Accessories sections.


OLD NAVY
Old Navy is offering a massive 50% off the entire store on Thursday and Friday, with doors opening at 4:00pm on Thanksgiving Day. I love me some Old Navy, and it actually accounts for a huge amount of the items in my wardrobe. Jackets, tops, sweaters, pants, jeans, dresses, you name it. I've also bought lots of clothing for uncles, cousins and my brothers from Old Navy and think scoping out the sale might get you some great gifts for your family. Here are some items I might be picking up during the sale:


























ULTA
This year Ulta has some fantastic gift options on sale for Black Friday. The sale begins online at 7pm on Thanksgiving Day and 8pm in store. The real bargains in Ulta's sale are gift kits which give you a chance to try multiple items from a brand at a greatly reduced price. Here is a link for the Black Friday ad scan so that you can peruse the sale items for yourself.

I would recommend the Mario Badescu Ulta's Favorites Kit ($10) which is a great way to try an array of items from the brand. The OPI Mini Nail Sets (2 for $12) includes 3 miniature nail polishes and would make a wonderful stocking stuffer. The Benefit One Hot Bamba! set is an amazing deal, including a full size Bella Bamba Box 'o Powder and Lip Gloss for just $18 (a $44 value).



TARGET
Target is the only store that I make a habit of hitting on Black Friday every year. There are a multitude of reasons, like $4 and $6 movies and $8 and $10 TV series seasons, which make great gifts. You can also always find cheap kitchen appliances, like hand-mixers or crock pots, and inexpensive towels and sheets. But this year I'm most excited by the 40% off sale on all clothing (with some exclusions: Pjs, Outerwear, Underwear). Doors open at 6pm on Thanksgiving but I think I'll be hitting their website instead. Here are a few of the things I'm going to try to snatch up: