Smart shopper's guide: How to make the most of Black Friday

1. Budgeting for Black Friday: The first step to smart shopping

Black Friday shopping can be a real trap for impulsive shoppers, so setting a budget is essential. Think about how much money you can spare for the purchase, without bringing into question other expenses and obligations.

How to plan a budget:

• Define priorities: First, determine the key products you want to buy, such as larger items, wardrobe or holiday gifts.
• Separate the budget by categories: Divide the amount into categories
• Budget for emergency discounts: Set aside a portion of the budget for unplanned but useful offers that may come your way.
• This step will help you not to exceed the financial limits and save on the products that you actually planned.

2. Make a wish list in advance: A smart way to stay focused

A pre-made wishlist helps you stick to the plan and not fall into the trap of buying unnecessary things. In addition, the desired products can be expensive during the year, but now is a real opportunity to buy. If you have been planning for a long time, for example, to buy a high-quality Slavic icon, which is otherwise expensive due to its quality and gold plating, Black Friday is the ideal moment.

How to create a wishlist:

• Use sites that allow you to create a wish list; this is great for tracking prices.
• Check the availability of the desired products and possibly activate discount notifications.
• Sort products by priority — put what's most important to you at the top of the list.
• The wish list allows you to target the products you want for a long time and to stick to the plan, without the impulse to make unnecessary purchases.

3. How to recognize real discounts and avoid scams

On Black Friday, many retailers use marketing tricks to make the discounts look bigger than they really are. In order to achieve real savings, it is important to know how to recognize genuine offers.

Tips for recognizing real discounts:

• Pay attention to pre-sale prices: Check to see if the price was higher weeks before Black Friday only to now show a "discount."
• Ask for references and product reviews — especially for larger investments like electronics or luxury items.
• The real offer is not only in a high discount percentage, but in a real reduction that enables real savings.

4. The best products to buy on Black Friday

Black Friday is a great opportunity to invest in quality and long-lasting products that are usually expensive. Here are some suggestions for products that are smart to look for at a discount:

1. Quality Slavic icon

If you were planning to buy a Slavic icon for your home or as a gift, Black Friday is the right time. A quality gold-plated metal Slavic icon is something every Orthodox would want in their home, so investing during a sale can be a great opportunity to get a long-lasting and valuable piece for your family or friends.

2. Football or basketball jersey of the national team

For football fans, the national team jersey is the perfect gift. If you're looking for a gift for a boyfriend, friend, brother or dad, a quality discount jersey can be a fantastic choice for the New Year. On Black Friday, sports stores often have sales on popular jerseys.

3. Interactive toys for children — perfect for children learning their mother tongue abroad

Interactive toys are not only fun, but also help children learn their mother tongue through play. They are especially useful for families living abroad because they help children connect with their culture through sounds and words in their native language. During Black Friday, these products often have significant discounts and are an ideal gift for children who are just learning the basics of language. Perfect gift for the New Year or Christmas.

4. Ethnic shirts and tunics – add tradition to everyday life

Handmade shirts and tunics with ethnic motifs represent a unique combination of fashion and tradition, ideal for everyday wear. Made of high-quality materials, these pieces of clothing have specific embroidery that symbolizes the culture and customs of a particular region. Black Friday is a great opportunity to get these pieces at more affordable prices and add a touch of tradition to your style.

Smart preparation for Black Friday means smart shopping

With good preparation, Black Friday can be a great shopping opportunity. By following the basic steps — budgeting, creating a wishlist, identifying the right discounts and choosing quality products — you'll ensure you have the best experience and maximum value for money. Black Friday is not only a day for big shopping, but also the perfect opportunity to find gifts and invest in valuable items.

Take into account the tips we have shared, make your plan and get ready for the day of the biggest discounts!