Black Friday turned out to be really black!
By coffeebreak
@coffeebreak (17798)
United States
November 28, 2010 9:53pm CST
So for the first time ever, I go shopping on Black Friday. I got to Target at 7am...nearly empty but I find the perfect things for my 2 grand daughters ...$140 and hour later I have about 95% of my christmas shopping done!
Now, two days later....tomorrow I have to return it all (but 2 items) because either )according to their parents) they either already have it, don't need it, don't want them to have it or didn't fit!
Gift Cards are really sounding like the way to go!
2 people like this
9 responses
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I think they are very impersonal, but what else do I do!!!!!
1 person likes this
@Elixiress (3878)
•
29 Nov 10
I tend to ask people what they want before I go shopping to avoid having to make two trips (one for purchases and one for refunds). If people do not know what they want and I don't really know what to get them then I tend to go for money in a card instead of a normal gift.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I was told by one...pjs and slippers. Only, no toys. I"m sorry but I am not going to be one of those old grungy kind of grandmothers that only give socks and underwear and pjs for christmas! I want the kids to say "this is what my grand ma gave me!" Not be embarressed when they are asked "what did you grandma give you?" Don't see why that is all I get to give them.
@Elixiress (3878)
•
30 Nov 10
Personally, I always ask for PJs and slippers for xmas along with thermal socks and leg warmers. It has been the same since I was about 12. I am one of those people that really feel the cold and like to be cozy, so I don't think they are bad present.
Usually, my Mam will buy me a new pair of Pjs for xmas eve, so that I am "clean" for Santa, so I have to shower and get into my new Pjs before I go to bed. Now that I am 20 it is a tradition of sorts to get new Pjs on xmas eve. Last year my Mam didn't buy me any (I have now moved out, but went to visit and stay the night on xmas eve) and I was quite disappointed.
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
29 Nov 10
Wow, that is a pretty bad black friday! You got out cheaper than I did. I got to walmart at 3:30am. I got some of the stuff I wanted but some was already gone since they let people start shopping at midnight. Then I got in line for the nintendo ds I wanted to get for my son. I was out and on my way home a little after 5. Maybe next time you go shopping check before you go what your grandkids will want so you don't waste your time.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
29 Nov 10
Not allowed to do that! Parents tell me what they want the kids to have and that is all I am allowed to buy!
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
29 Nov 10
The oldest one has tastes I can't afford! The others...like anything, but parents say what they can have!
@vicereine (451)
• United States
29 Nov 10
Wow, now see that is the exact reason I will never go shopping on Black Friday. Usually for the holidays I just do as you said gift cards, especially for the kids of friends and family because you never know what they do and don't want them to have. I sure hope the return on the items goes good for you and it's not too much trouble.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
29 Nov 10
It was my first Black Friday and Target was empty! No big deal. I'll probably stand in line longer to return than I did to buy! Oh well!
@lynnymac (105)
• United States
29 Nov 10
i'm sorry you did all that shopping for nothing, but i must say, you are my hero...$140 and you (thought ) you had most everyone on your list ? good job ! too bad it isn't what they want, can fit into, or are allowed to have. i think you will spend a lot more if you go with gift cards. my husband's disability check will be here on the 20th so i am really waiting til the last minute. but in the mean time i am asking family members what they think other family members would want. i'm only planning on going out once and get it all done. i'm also thinking of going to walmart in the middle of the night because i hope there will be fewer people at that time. i asked my husband for $200 thinking he would say that's too much and would be glad to give me $150. but to my surprise he agreed to the $200. i have 6 people on my list. my grown daughter will be having an operation soon and is not working, so i'll need to talk dad into giving her a little cash to buy gifts with. i'll wait til he's in a good mood to spring that on him.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
29 Nov 10
Sounds like our husbands are related....I have to ask for money to...but husband was in hospital so I just did it. Gotta have the gifts!
@danishcanadian (28953)
• Canada
29 Nov 10
I agree with you. When it comes to family and friends I don't see very often, I stick to candy and chocolate for the kids, andliquor for the grownups. LOL This year my husband and I are ordering food from Russia, for Christmas. A lot of people don't realize this, but Russia makes wonderful chocolate, and candy.
@coffeebreak (17798)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I was told no candy and no toys....for kids! What the heck am I to do with that!
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I'm so sorry! In my family we use lists. It takes all the guess work out of it. Girt cards or minutes for I Tunes sounds even better. Good Luck.
@hardworkinggurl (37063)
• United States
30 Nov 10
I heard a bit differently that sales were not as high as expected as most people truly are not financially able as perhaps last year or the year before that.
If the gift cards is not so appealing, I would suggest perhaps ask what they need and or want that perhaps would be another alternative and or route to go.
