Black Friday has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t bargains to be found. You still have 24 more shopping days until Christmas to find a little something for everyone. Here are some tips for making it through the holidays, and beyond, while still saving money.

Add items to your online shopping cart and step away. Some retailers will recognize that you’ve left items in your cart and send a coupon code as an incentive to close the deal. I most recently experienced this with Pottery Barn.

Be wary of rebate offers. Rebates often require the purchase receipt and a UPC code to be mailed in, which would ruin the product’s packaging. If the item is a gift, that could be a problem if it needed to be returned. Look into what’s required before springing for a rebate deal and always ask for a duplicate receipt if you do make the purchase.

Shop around for gift cards. Even though many stores, like Kroger and Walmart, offer gift cards to various restaurants, stores and online services they’re not always the best deal. Occasionally Target and CVS offer rewards or discounts on gift card purchases.
Some stores and restaurants offer incentives, like additional free gift cards, if you purchase them at the brick-and-mortar location. For example, Outback Steakhouse is offering a free $20 bonus card for each $100 purchased in gift cards.
It’s also possible to find discounts on gift cards online. Best Buy.com has offered discounted iTunes gift cards in the past.

Keep all of your receipts in one place. There’s nothing worse than having to return an item and not get the full purchase price back because the receipt went missing. Find a system that works for you.

You’re not safe if you only buy gift cards. It’s wise to hold onto those receipts as well in case there’s an issue redeeming the cards.

If you do happen to lose a receipt, check the store’s return policy. Some retailers, like Lowe’s, can look up the purchase with the credit card merchandise was bought with.

Research offers from your bank and credit card. Many banks and credit companies offer incentives during the holidays for extra cash back or discounts. You’re not always automatically enrolled, but can be as simple as calling or clicking to sign up. I recently received an offer for discounted hotels and airfare from Bank of America.

Look out for frauds. My rule: If a deal seems too good to be true it probably is. This is especially true with online shopping, but can be a problem in retail as well. Research companies before you make a purchase and if possible speak to a real person before you hand over any information.

There’s no shame in coupons. Just because you’re buying a gift doesn’t mean you can’t save as much as possible. Use coupons, daily deals, store rewards and any other discounts you come across. The recipient will enjoy his or her spoils no matter the cost.

Beware of flash sales. Yes, some of these are great deals — but not all of them. If a sale is timed or warns of “limited quantities” our first instinct is to snatch it up. Research all of the items on your shopping list in advance so you know what a good price is and you could avoid paying too much during a “sale.” There’s also a lot of fine print that can be attached to these deals, so research the return policy, shipping costs and any additional fees before you commit.

Consider freebies with purchase, but don’t let those seal the deal. Some freebies are worth it, while others are a decoy. A free $20 gift card with the purchase of a product could be used for more shopping or as an additional gift. Free products with purchase, like free games with the purchase of a game system, are often items with little value. You may not be getting a deal in that case.

Take store rewards into account. If there’s not a better offer available, buying gift cards at Kroger for four times the gas points (available at most stores through Dec. 9) is a good deal. If you’re an avid Walgreens or CVS shopper, buying gift cards at those retailers that are accompanied with big ExtraBucks or Balance Rewards can pay off in the long run.

Use common sense and be a smart shopper. Don’t stress over pennies and don’t shop around so much you run out of time. The holidays are about being around friends and family more than anything, even though finding the perfect gift can feel pretty fantastic, too.

What’s your best tip for making it through the holiday shopping season?

Have you hit your shopping limit since Black Friday? I sure hope not, because there are still plenty of bargains to be found — and today’s paper has the proof.

There’s a new P&G Brandsaver available today full of coupons for P&G products.

Kohl’s is offering Cyber Monday deals all week, but the ad is full of bonus buys in store and online available today and tomorrow only. Additionally, for every $50 spend shoppers can earn $15 in Kohl’s Cash.

Toys R Us is having a big BOGO sale this week with products like Crayola, Disney, Lego, Star Wars, Hot Wheels, Nerf, Barbie and Fisher-Price buy one, get on 50% off.
There are also special online Cyber Monday deals today and tomorrow only.

Michaels has Christmas decor up to 60% off this week, plus new coupons:
* 50% off any regular priced item
* 25% off regular and sale priced wall and tabletop frames, framed art and shadow boxes
* 25% off regular priced Martha Stewart Crafts paper crafting and celebrations

Macy’s is having a three-day sale today through Tuesday with extended shopping hours til 9 p.m. nightly.
Additionally, there are special Cyber Monday sales in stores and online today and tomorrow. Shoppers will get free shipping with a $75 purchase, plus an extra 15% or 10% off.

Ulta has its first ad available in our area, and with it is coming a coupon good for $3.50 off a purchase of $10 or more. This coupon is good in stores or online through Dec. 1. You can also sign up for weekly emails, which include coupons, on the store’s website. They’ll even scan the coupons straight from your smart phone at the register.

Sears has a new coupon available this week offering 15% off clothing and accessories or 10% off intimates, sleepwear, fragrances, cosmetics, footwear, fine jewelry, watches, home fashions, household goods and luggage. If you use your Sears Card you’ll get an additional 5% off.

CVS has big ExtraBucks up for grabs this week, $10 in many cases. There’s also a $15 rebate for Olay products available. For more information and to print your rebate form, click here.
If you’re giving out gift cards for gifts, be sure to check those out. You’ll get $5 in ExtraBucks with the purchase of two Aeropostale, Cracker Barrel, MovieTickets.com or Spa & Wellness gift cards, and get a free $10 American Express gift card with the purchase of three American Express prepaid gift cards.

Target has some great buys on Christmas decor and trees this week. Also remember that the retailer will price match select purchases throughout the store now through Dec. 24.

During Belk’s Cyber Sale you can use the coupon from the ad to save an extra 20% off sale and clearance purchases storewide, and 15% off home and shoes. This coupon and the sale prices are good through Tuesday.
You can also get free shipping on all Belk.com orders today through Tuesday, or shop extended store hours of 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today.

Joann Fabric has much of its holiday decor 40 to 50% off this week, plus new coupons:
* 60% off any regular priced item (today only)
* 40% off any regular priced item (today through Saturday)
* 60% off plus $20 off custom framing
* 50% off any regular priced item (Monday through Saturday)

Kroger is offering four-times the fuel points for purchasing select gift cards now through Dec. 9, so stock up on your holiday gifts before then!
There are also plenty of new 10/$10 deals, like Michelina’s entrees, Hamburger Helper, Kroger bread, Hunt’s tomatoes, and Clif bars.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

Don’t wear yourself out today — come Sunday there are plenty of new deals available, and they continue into Cyber Monday.

P&G will have new coupons available.

Kohl’s , Macy’s, Belk and Sears will all have new coupon promotions and Cyber Monday deals.

Toys R Us will have big BOGO deals available.

Michaels and Joann Fabric will both have huge discounts on Christmas decor and crafts, plus new coupons.

An Ulta ad and coupon will make its first appearance in some of your paper boxes.

CVS will have lots of opportunities to earn large amounts of ExtraBucks, plus super deals on gift cards.

Target will discount its holiday decor once again. Also remember that the retailer will price match select purchases throughout the store now through Dec. 24.

Kroger is offering four-times the fuel points for purchasing select gift cards now through Dec. 9, so stock up on your holiday gifts before then!

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com

As usual, I’ll be all snug in my bed this evening and into the early hours of the morning when many of you will be bargain hunting. I get my fill througout the rest of the year.

But, I’d still love to know about your escapades.

How do you prep for Black Friday? Where do you plan on shopping? What’s your best Black Friday find? Have you run into any crazy behavior?

If you need some tips, check out some of these suggestions from the Better Business Bureau.

Despite taking some time off, I’ll be approving your comments from afar today through Monday.

Good luck, shoppers!

Here’s a press release I received from the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control about some specials being offered by Virginia ABC stores on Black Friday. If you’re planning to throw a holiday party or have a beverage connoisseur in the family, it’s a great time to stock up!

Richmond, Va. – Virginia ABC will join other retailers by offering extended hours and discounted prices on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving and the traditional kickoff to the holiday shopping season.

Most of Virginia ABC’s 338 retail stores will open at 9 a.m. Five stores in Williamsburg, Richmond and Northern Virginia will open at 7 a.m.

All stores will offer a 25 to 50 percent reduction (or more) on selected items as well as 10 percent off any purchase totaling $50 or more (pretax).  Early morning specials will remain in effect Nov. 23 at all stores until 3 p.m.

“This is a unique opportunity for our retail customers to purchase quality items at reduced prices,” ABC Chairman J. Neal Insley said. “For individuals interested in trading up to more premium brands for themselves or as gifts, the discount will help offset the higher cost.”

No product will be excluded from the 10 percent discount.  Shoppers spending the minimum $50 will receive the discount on everything from miniatures to top-shelf specialty items.  During the holiday, ABC stocks gift packages from a variety of vendors that will be included as well.  As is true with most retailers, store gift cards, a popular stocking stuffer, will not be discounted.

“ABC encourages Virginians to drink responsibly.  As the holiday season approaches, we should be especially mindful of this,” Insley said.   

Stores that will open at 7 a.m. include Willow Lawn, Richmond; Monticello Avenue, Williamsburg; Sully Plaza, Chantilly; and two Fairfax stores in Fairfax Court and Fair Lakes Shopping Centers.

Check out your paper today for a couple early Thanksgiving treats.

On page 4 you’ll find a Macy’s Wow! Pass offering an extra 20% off select sale and clearance apparel and jewelry. You can also get an extra 15% off all sale and clearance watches and select home items.
This coupon is good today and tomorrow only.

Then, on page 10 you’ll find a coupon from Belk offering 20% off select sale purchases store wide, and 15% off home and shoes when you use your Belk card. With any other form of payment and the coupon you’ll save 15% off select sale purchases storewide and 10% off home and shoes.
This coupon is good today and tomorrow only.

My mom loves to go shopping on the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving. The mall is empty and you can find some great deals.

When do you plan to shop over the next few days?

Increased traffic congestion is guaranteed Thursday and Friday, but some malls are making changes in an effort to ease some of the pain.

Check out Amanda Codispoti’s post on the Storefront blog about the changes at Towers. Shoppers can no longer drive through the parking lot parallel to Colonial Avenue.

Additionally, Valley View Mall has made these changes, according to an email sent out by Bob Clement, Neighborhood Services Coordinator in Roanoke City: 

   ·    No left turn from westbound Valley View West onto Ring Road.
   ·    No left turn from northbound Ring Road onto Valley View West.
   ·    No left turn from southbound Ring Road at the Valley View Boulevard
      access road.
If you go out shopping this Thursday or Friday, please drive safe and be patient.

Yes, the biggest shopping day of the year is later this week, but don’t look past your paper today. There are plenty of bargains and coupons available.

Smartsource has a thick coupon booklet available this week with plenty of restaurant, cooking and makeup coupons.

Kroger has brought back its promotion offering four-times the fuel points when you buy select gift cards. This offer lasts through Dec. 9. If you’re buying any gift cards for Christmas gifts, I suggest you do it now. The extra discount on gas will be valuable as you’re driving to all of those holiday parties and events.
You can also get a free gallon of milk again this week by buying four participating General Mills products.
P&G also has a special promotion this week: When you buy four participating items, you’ll automatically save $4 (you can mix and match).

Toys R Us has tons of products throughout the store on sale for the next four days, plus loads of coupons:
* 20% off any regular priced item
* Select board games only $3.99
* Buy one, get one free all Power Rangers, Ben 10 or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 4″ and 6″ figures
* Buy one, get one free all Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony and Littlest Pet Shop dolls and play sets
* 30% off all radio control land vehicles
* $70 off Power Wheels Boss or Barbie Mustang

Target has some nice coupon offerings available through Wednesday, as well:
* 25% off a Barbie toy
* 25% off Nickelodeon entertainment items
* 20% off Belkin accessory items for iPod Touch, iPod Nano, iPhone or iPad
* 25% off a Nerf toy
*$150 off a Dyson DC41 vacuum
* $5 off Hamilton Beach kitchen appliances
* 25% off a Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn toy
* 25% off a Disney Princess toy
* 25% off party board games
* 25% off a Hot Wheels toy
* $5 off women’s fashion boots or handbags $19.99 or higher
* 25% off Playskool Sesame Street toys
* $20 off VIZIO soundbar

Michaels has its entire stock of Christmas trees on sale this week, plus much of its holiday merchandise up to 50% off.
Of course, there are new coupons:
* 25% off you entire purchase, including sale items (today from 4 to 9 p.m.)
* 40% off any regular priced item (through Wednesday)
* Extra 15% off custom framing (through Wednesday)

Stein Mart has a new ad with coupons that are good today through Wednesday:
* 30% off any sale item (there are two of these coupons)
* 30% off you entire purchase of red dot clearance items

Kohl’s has two days of doorbusters today and Monday (these prices last all day), and during that time period you’ll find products throughout the store discounted. Some of the best deals include outerwear for the family 40 to 50% off, all cookware 15 to 50% off, and final clearance up to 80% off.
Also, today through Saturday you can save $5 on a $30 iTunes multipack.

Dick’s Sporting Goods is offering free shipping all this week, and you can start shopping for deals online at 12:01 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. There are limited quantities of these online deals, so I suggest you start early (or late, if you’re shopping around midnight).

Walgreens will be open Thanksgiving Day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and many of its store coupons are good today through Saturday (not for only four days, like many retailers).
There are many BOGO deals throughout the store, so keep an eye out. Some items that are buy one, get one free include Dixie tablewear, Hefty bags, children’s toys, various snack foods and select fragrances.
Also, many holiday items are buy one, get one 50% off.

Kmart has laid out its schedule of doorbuster deals later this week in today’s ad.
From 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving morning, 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Thanksgiving night and 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Black Friday you can get special deals, so plan accordingly.
Shop Your Way Rewards Members can also still get a free $25 gift card with the coupon in the ad and by transferring a prescription to the pharmacy. There’s also a coupon for free Smart Sense canola, vegetable or corn oil this week.

Sears has a coupon tucked in the middle of its ad this week offering an extra 15% off clothing and accessories, or an extra 10% off intimates, sleepwear, fragrances, cosmetics, fine jewelry, watches, home fashions, household goods and luggage. With your Sears Card you’ll save an additional 5%.  Or members can choose 15 or 20% back in points for select purchases.

Remember, all of these ads may not appear in your paper. However, many retailers post their ads online, so always check there if you’re interested in finding out more details. You can also get printable coupons at these websites: SmartSource , Redplum , Coupon Network and Coupons.com.

Brad Wilson, 32, founded BradsDeals (www.bradsdeals.com), a website specializing in price comparisons, coupons and deals, in 2001 as a self-proclaimed “broke college student” at UNC Chapel Hill. Since then BradsDeals, now based in Chicago, has exploded and expanded into a second site and smartphone app devoted to the biggest shopping day of the year: Black Friday.

Shoppers can visit Black Friday by BradsDeals (www.blackfriday2012.com) to view leaked ads, store hours and some of the best deals of the big day as chosen by the site. And it’s never too early to start your research; in fact, Wilson says that’s key to having a successful shopping trip. 

“It’s really the one day a year where we get this kind of transparency where we can see what the stores are doing this far in advance. Start researching and make a plan,” he said.

So before you lie down for a long nap after dinner Thursday, plan your route and gather your ads. But Wilson also warns shoppers not to forget about the stores who aren’t advertising.

How to snag the big buys

“It’s really a retail-wide event. The big box stores get the most attention for putting out large ad circulars, but you can basically shop anywhere and they’ll be having some sort of promotion,” he explained.

Some of the most popular items that will be sought this year will include TVs, Kitchen Aid mixers, Dyson vacuums and apparel. BradsDeals tracks the number of clicks on products, and last Black Friday, televisions received four out of every five clicks on the site.

But just because TVs and electronics get the most attention doesn’t mean they’re the best deals available. Wilson suggests being open to any deals you see. Plus, prices will usually go back up for a couple weeks in mid-December.

Avoid the rush

Shoppers can expect the usual madness in stores this coming year, but most retailers are taking steps to reduce the rush.

Stores are staggering sale hours more this year, offering certain promotions for only a couple hours throughout the day, and some will be handing out tickets to shoppers who arrive first.

“In years past you got one bite at the apple,” Wilson said. “Now you get two or three at least if you incorporate sale times.”

The limited quantities of some of the best deals are the main cause of stress and conflict for shoppers, and this year Walmart has a solution.

“For the first time Walmart has guaranteed availability for their biggest deals,” Wilson explained. “The limited quantity thing has been a staple of the Black Friday phenomenon, but Walmart has said that anyone who’s there between 10 and 11 p.m. on Thursday will get a voucher for their best products.”

He believes that will be a game changer for the big day.

Watch out for warranties

The top concern for shoppers this year shouldn’t be return policies, as most stores extend those during the holiday season, but store warranties.

“We make a lot of big ticket purchases on [Black] Friday, and you obviously shouldn’t buy the store warranty because it’s really overpriced. Most products we buy come with a one-year warranty,” Wilson explained.

Instead of the store warranty, he suggested shoppers check with their credit card company to see if they offer extended warranty protection. Many American Express cards and VISA Signature cards offer this service.

With extended warranty protection, credit card companies can reimburse you the purchase price of products bought with select cards if the items break. Wilson explained that in many cases you end up with more money than the product costs to replace due to depreciation. If you have a card that offers this service, use it for your Black Friday purchases.

Cyber Monday vs. Black Friday

Even though Black Friday dwarfs the number of purchases made on Cyber Monday, Wilson says it’s one of his favorite ways to shop.

“The discount of online coupon codes jumps by about 5 percent that day. Pricing is a little better, discounts are aggressive and there’s a big sales tax benefit for many,” he said. “If I had to pick one day to shop, I’d pick Cyber Monday.”

While it’s true that some of the big door buster sales on Black Friday aren’t replicated online, many of the other bargains throughout the day could be.

 “If I was standing in line on Black Friday, I’d be on my phone cruising the Internet to find the same items I’m shopping for to see if I can find them for a similar price,” he said. 

What are you shopping for on Black Friday, and which stores do you plan to visit?