Writing a deal post on Black Friday is kind of like taking candy from a baby. The real challenge is narrowing things down so that this post is not overwhelming like all of the e-mails and circulars that are arriving in my inbox and mailbox. Good news! There is an app for that..well…several.
Pure Wow had some great app finds and there are several good websites to check out before, or while, you stand in those sale lines today or get online on Monday.
> Slice Price Drop Alert-This genius money-saving app for iPhone and Android has just introduced a new holiday-friendly feature. The new alert allows you to buy items whenever you want at any store (rather than waiting for a sale) and then alerts you if and when the item’s price is reduced. If it is, Slice guides you through a quick and easy refund process.
> Black Friday Smart Aisles App– This app searches major stores for Black Friday offers, including deals only redeemable in-store. You can list stores you intend to visit to view their offers–or enter specific items to see which store will give you the best price. (For iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch)
> TheFind App Scan a barcode in-store on your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch and search other shops selling the same item to ensure that you’re getting the lowest price. If you’re not, the app provides a map to the store with the best deal.
I also found several links to help navigate Black Friday and Cyber Monday:
> Check out blackfriday.com and cybermonday.com (and, of course, don’t forget to use ebates for cash back (and many specials) on most online purchases.)
> The Today Show had a segment on snagging the doorbuster deals.
> SheKNOWS has a great set of information to help navigate fitness deals. I am sure they have other helpful links, as well.
OK – now you are set: GO! I for one never shop on Black Friday (we are normally away… but I also hate lines and crowds.) Cyber Monday is another story (although this year I have to work at a conference from 10 – 5 cutting into prime shopping hours!) Do you shop on these days? What is the big thing you are looking for this year?
To get you started, here are some good deals I have seen this week:
You know I love Gilt.com. They have lots of specials for Black Friday:
> 6am EST and 9am EST mobile-only Door Buster Sales
> 12pm EST – Mispriced Mystery Products. Gilt will misprice products throughout the site at 12pm, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm EST. Think designer goods for $20, $40. The mispriced products will not be revealed – happy hunting!
And more on Cyber Monday:
> At 11:45am EST, Gilt will launch a new sale called “Free Fall,” which includes sales in Gilt’s Women’s, Men’s, Home and Taste stores that will only be available for 5-10 minutes each- the prices will continue to drop until the sale ends. New “Free Fall” sales will continue at 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00pm EST
> Also don’t forget national and local deals at Gilt City!
> Visit Ubid.com for a chance to win two coveted holiday gifts this season – the iPad Mini and WiiU. Starting Monday, November 26 to Friday, November 30 you can register to win a free iPad Mini (One iPad Mini will be given away each day of Cyber Week (5 total).) Visit ubid.com’s sister site, RedTag.com, to register to win a free WiiU (One WiiU will be given away each day of Cyber Week (5 total).)
> Have a lot of photos that you want to save on CD? Check out the offer for Ditto Bee on Google Offers $39 for 500 photos scanned or 50% off digital services at Memory Hub on Daily Candy Deals.
Daily Candy Deals has some great gift ideas:
> Check out cool iPad and iPhone cases at Dew Drop Designs – $40 for $70 of merchandise
> Have a fashionista on your list? Check out 40% off at Lauren Merkin for awesome purses!
> Kids on your list? check out 50% off at Palm Kids on cool, educational toys
Spa Finder Wellness NOW! is offering $5 off on some great spa products with the code SFNOW5 through today.
> Check out 50% off on a variety of great beauty and fitness products and great travel deals, too!
> They also have deals in NY, Miami, Boston, Los Angeles and Texas!
> Spa Finder wellness also has cool spa sampler boxes with Spa Finder gift cards that are good all over the country!
Sick of shopping by now? 
> Hey Runners – Life Time is offering a sweet deal on Commitment Day registration for Black Friday – TODAY ONLY. Special $20 Commitment Day 5K Registration. Receive special one-day only Commitment Day (1/1/2013 5k in over 30 cities) registration pricing for $20 this Friday — that’s nearly 50% off the race day price! Enter discount code CDBF2012 when asked during the registration process. Offer is only valid on November 23, 2012. New registrations only. I am running in Chicago – who is with me??
In Chicago? Need a massage or to give one as a gift? Check out this great deal from my friend Jim at Revive Massage: 1-DAY ONLY Gift Certificate Sale Friday, November 23, 2012 Note: Gift Certificate must be purchased on 11/23/12; certificates may be used beginning January 1, 2013.) To get the deal:
> Purchase a Gift Certificate for $79.00 online at www.revivemassagechicago.com (go to scheduling, gift certificates)
> In the message box, type in your personal message (if it is a gift) and the service you are selecting (either a 90 Minute Deep Tissue Massage or the Ultimate 5-Star Facial). If it is a gift, you can just send it to yourself and then email to the recipient or print it out and enclose in a card.
One last thing for today – when you are done shopping, check out Giving Tuesday! What is it? #GivingTuesday™ is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the annual holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations. We have a day for giving thanks. We have two for getting deals. This year help create #GivingTuesday™, the giving season’s opening day.
On Tuesday November 27, 2012 help to create a dialogue around giving. This site provides links to countless charities and you can learn about their missions and beneficiaries. Check it out and pass it on!
Overwhelmed? Me too! Let me know if you get any awesome Black Friday, Cyber Monday or Giving Tuesday deals! Would love to hear how you do!