Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Free Shipping Day, or Buy Nothing Day?

on November 20, 2009 at 7:00 AM

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the speedy month of December are right around the corner.

It's true. In less than a week, you're going to be lounging on the couch after Thanksgiving dinner, and some grandma or uncle or cousin is going to say, "Soooo, what's on the kids' wish list this year?"

Ugh, is it really time to think about the holidays, let alone start shopping?

Why, yes, yes it is...

The Friday after Thanksgiving, November 27th this year, is known as Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year and the day when most retailers kick off their first burst of holiday deals.

And now, with the growing popularity of online shopping, Cyber Monday — on November 30th this year — is also becoming wildly popular.

Of course, if you still need a little time, there is also Free Shipping Day a little later, Thursday, December 17th this year, on which day participating merchants offer free shipping with delivery by Christmas Eve.

But maybe you're kicking off an eco-friendly, frugalista, or an "I'm flat broke" holiday season. Well, in that case, the folks over at the Mother Nature Network suggest celebrating Black Friday as Buy Nothing Day. Instead of shopping with all your might, REDUCE your buying and start thinking of creative ways to REUSE and RECYCLE for the upcoming season.

Will you take part in Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and/or Free Shipping Day, or will you be celebrating Buy Nothing Day? Shoppers, what deals are you after this year? Tell us your secret plan of attack.

Some helpful links:

Black Friday sale ads

Cyber Monday deals

Free Shipping Day participants

Top 10 Black Friday Toy Deals

The Best Black Friday Phone Applications

Related posts:

Do you go out for Black Friday?

Black Friday Virgin...Any Suggestions???

Anyone NOT going to the Black Friday sales?

About the author Sheri Reed

is a writer and the Entertainment, News & Sports editor for The Stir. She loves a good film, watches lots of good TV and follows Ryan Gosling's every move because she has to -- for work.

Filed Under: budget finds, going green, holiday entertaining, holidays

Comments (9)

amybuddy45

on Nov 20, 2009 at 7:42 AM

I will do some online shopping on Black Friday and Cyber Monday but that is it. I usually go out but I now have 3 kids and my hubby can not get off of work.

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table4six

on Nov 20, 2009 at 9:28 AM

I always shop on Black Friday. I actually think it's fun, and I love getting a good deal. I will try to make it to Target, Kmart and maybe Gamestop.

MadsMom04

on Nov 20, 2009 at 9:58 AM

My sister and I will be at Target at 5 am!

LuminousMom

on Nov 20, 2009 at 12:05 PM

we already did all our shopping and we may go to Old Navy or a few other places on black friday but it wont be in the AM and it wont be for gifts.

girl_in_the_D

on Nov 20, 2009 at 12:46 PM

99% of my shopping is done-zo!!!

but i will hit up Americangirl.com on cyber monday for the free shipping

cant handle the crowds nor the temptation to over spend on black friday

Nonmember comment from Bill

on Nov 20, 2009 at 3:17 PM

I don't no if getting older is making me wiser or cheaper but me and the wife promised ourselves that we are not getting each other any expensive gifts ( if any) till after Christmas. We'll see how that goes:)

Nonmember comment from Online Coupon

on Nov 20, 2009 at 4:02 PM

I think stores must do enroll some strategy for wednesday and let get mommies busy in fun shopping..

skylarcheyenne

on Nov 23, 2009 at 1:29 PM

I am doing black Friday shopping with my mom this year. But I doubt we are up and about first thing.

LeeLeeMarie

on Nov 25, 2011 at 9:43 PM

I would have been out shopping bright and early at 4am but I had to work 6am to 4pm. I am very disappointed I missed such good deals especially since I work at Penneys and we had some killer deals. I will be taking advantage of Cyber Monday if the deals are worthwhile.