#ad – this article is in partnership with TopCashback
Black Friday lands on 27 November this year, with Cyber Monday following on 30 November. Cue a week of countdown timers, flashing banners and emails shouting at you in capital letters.
In our house we’ve got one simple rule: if we didn’t need it on Thursday, we don’t need it on Friday. Here’s how to stick to that and still bag the genuinely good deals.
Rule 1: Make your list before the deals drop
The whole point of Black Friday marketing is to make you want things you hadn’t thought about. Beat it by deciding in advance:
- What Christmas presents you still need
- Any household bits that genuinely need replacing (the telly that’s on its last legs, the kids’ winter coats)
- A firm budget for the lot
If it’s not on the list, it doesn’t go in the basket.
Rule 2: Know the normal price
A “deal” only counts if it’s cheaper than usual. Start watching prices on the things on your list now. Price-tracking tools and a quick look at a few retailers will tell you whether that “huge saving” is real or just theatre.
Rule 3: Stack your savings with cashback
This is where you can get a little extra. Shopping through TopCashback means you can earn cashback on top of the retailer’s own sale price. You simply:
- Log in to TopCashback (new? Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4yfVj8k).
- Find the retailer.
- Click through and shop as normal.
New members get a £10 bonus on a £10+ spend. Do keep an eye on the cashback terms for each retailer, as they can change during busy sale periods.
Rule 4: Don’t fall for the countdown clock
“Only 2 left!” “Deal ends in 14 minutes!” Take a breath. If it’s on your list and the price is right, go for it. If you’re only buying because of the timer, close the tab and make a brew.
Rule 5: Check the returns policy
Especially for Christmas presents. Many retailers extend their returns window over the festive period, but not all of them. A bargain you can’t return isn’t much of a bargain if it’s the wrong size.
Rule 6: Cyber Monday isn’t a second go at everything
It’s tempting to treat Cyber Monday as round two. Unless something on your list didn’t drop on Friday, you’re done. Well done.
A quick word on the kids
Black Friday is a great chance to have a chat with older kids about money. Show them a “was” and “now” price and ask whether it’s actually a good deal. You’d be surprised how quickly they pick it up, and it’s a skill for life.
The dad verdict
Black Friday can genuinely help with the Christmas budget, as long as you stay in charge. Have a list, know your prices, add cashback on top, and walk away from anything that isn’t needed.
Get set up before the big day: join TopCashback here. And tell us in the DadsNet community, what’s the one thing on your Black Friday list this year?
AD
