This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Aside from giving you all some gift ideas, I am also giving you all some tips on surviving holiday shopping especially Black Friday. These tips will help you shop smart and not over spend so you don’t start the new year with lots of debt.

First decide on a budget

I think this is the most important thing. Take a hard look at your finances decide on budget and stick to it no matter what!

Make a list of essentials that might go on sale

As you all should know by now I am the queen of list. I actually keep an ongoing list on my phone named “Black Friday” and throughout the year I add things on there I frequently use that don’t normally go on sale. Once Black Friday and Cyber Monday come around I go through the list and see if any of those things will go on sale.

Here are a few things on my list this year.

• Drunk Elephant LaLa Retro Whipped Cream
• Farsali Rose Gold Elixir
• Gathre Bib

Some other good things to look for if you are in need of them are

• Baby gear like carseats strollers
• Electronics
• Skincare products
• Makeup
• Shoes

Shop outlet malls a week before Black Friday

So I discovered this 2 years ago when I went to the outlet mall about a week before thanksgiving and they had lots of major sales going. I asked the sales associate at every store I went if they would have way better deals on Black Friday and get this they ALL told me nope this is it! I was seriously mind blown! All these people where going out shopping on Black Friday when it’s super crowded thinking they were going to get a better deal, when I reality they could get most of those deals a week before. So since then I don’t shop at malls on Black Friday.

Decide who you are actually going to buy gifts for

You  really don’t have to buy a gift for everyone you know, after all it is your money and no one can tell you how to spend your money. It’s ok if you are on a tight budget, and if someone in your life can’t understand that you are on a budget and will not get them a gift do you really need that kind of energy in your life??? Just saying… You can even go as far as telling these people they don’t need to buy you or your family anything this year because you are on a budget.

Once you have decided who you will buy a gift for decide on budget for each of these individuals.

Don’t buy it just because its on sale

A new TV at 50% off is a great deal! But if you can’t really afford it right now, or don’t actually need it, is it really a good deal for you?

Don’t go just to look 

I will admit I don’t have self control lol so I don’t got just to look because chances are I will end up buying something. So if you know you have no self control don’t tempt yourself. Just stay home

Keep your receipts

Black Friday deals aren’t always the best deals even though it may seem like they are at the time. So keep your receipt in case you find an item cheaper. Also if you change your mind about an item you can just return it. Just make sure you ask about their return policies for the holidays.

Don’t forget about cyber Monday

You really don’t need to leave your house to go shopping, which I actually prefer doing. A lot of times you will find better deals online than at the store. Because it is the holidays most places will offer free shipping

Here is my Amazon Gift guide for the entire family

Everything on there are things that I have either purchased already or plan on purchasing

BEAUTY

1. Drunk Elephant LaLa Retro Whipped Cream: I absolutely love this moisturizer! It has been one of my favorite moisturizer for the past 3 years. I reviewed it here in more details.

2.Blackhead Remover: Ive recently started using this and was surprise at the quality for the price!

3..Drunk Elephant The littles: This is perfect for someone who has been wanting to try this skincare line this set includes 8 of their popular products in travel size 

ELECTRONICS

4.Bluetooth Keyboard: I have this and love it, its super lightweight and easy to connect

5.Wireless Headphones: Ive has these for the last 3 years and love them.

6. Customizable phone case: I love these cases they are goof quality and perfect for anyone on your list. CaseApp was kind enough too give me a discount code to share with you all to get 20% off 20STYLISHPHARMACIST

PHOTOGRAPHY

7.Tall Tripod: I recently purchased this and I love it.

8.Remote Control: This is very handy for family pictures or if you are by yourself and want to take a picture its compatible with both iPhone and android 

9.Small Portable Tripod: This is how we take all of our family pictures when we are out.

GIFTS FOR HER

10.Fuzzy Sweater: Just added this to my list for myself! it looks so comfy.

11.Long Sleeve Leopard Top: This top is light weight and fits really nicely

12.Plush Slippers: These are so soft and cozy

GIFTS FOR HIM

13.Foldable Sunglasses: These fold pretty small and are pretty good quality for the price we actually both own a pair

14.Milk Frother: We have this and we both love it

15.Custom Leather Key Chain: I purchased one for my husband for his birthday with my son’s name. This is a good quality especially for the price

TODDLER GIFTS

16.Car: This is a lie size car for toddlers. The best thing about it is that it has a remote control, so you can control the movements of the car

17.Wooden Alphabet Puzzle: This is on my list to purchase for Aiden

18.Wooden Number Puzzle:This is on my list to purchase for Aiden

19.Broom mop set: This is on my list to purchase for Aiden

A FEW OTHER FAVORITES THAT ARE NOT ON AMAZON

Patagonia Sweater: I purchased this 2 winters ago and I bring it out every single winter. It is similar to the Thread & Supply sherpa sweater from the Nordstrom sale but the main difference is that this sweater does not pill as much as the Thread & Supply one so it will probably last you a lot longer.

IKEA Kids Kitchen: This has been on my list for Aiden for the longest! I have been waiting for him to be old enough to actually use it.

Farsali Rose Gold Elixir Every year I purchase this oil on Black Friday when its on sale one bottle last me about 6 months.