Black Friday 2023
This week we ticked over into November and my Instagram feed is quickly filling up with Black Friday deals; many of the offers being accessible already.
I don’t know about you, but our pumpkins are still outside and my son’s room is still covered in Halloween decorations (I’m not quite ‘there’ to have them all over the house yet!)! Black Friday seems to be launching earlier and earlier every year. I’ll be honest, I have mixed feelings about Black Friday sales. However, I think they can offer some brilliant savings on items that you really want or need.
When looking to buy the big ticket items for your baby, it can be so easy to get caught up in the excitement of these savings, only to end up with something that seemed like a great deal but in fact doesn’t fulfil all your needs. I’ve definitely seen this happen! Prams that don’t fit in cars without being full dismantled, big ‘off road’ three wheeler pushchairs that don’t realistically fit someone’s day to day life. It’s easily done but can be expensive to rectify.
An opportunity to save money is always welcome; especially when buying everything that you need for your new baby! However, as with everything, some deals are better than others.
Here are my top tips for getting the most value out of the savings on offer:
Consider the long term value and saving…
Pushchairs and prams are big ticket items and ones that you’ll really want to get right. Saving money on a model that isn’t quite what you originally wanted might result in you spending more money further down the line.
Have you seen the product physically and tried it out?
I would always recommend going to see prams, pushchairs and car seats in a store before making a purchase. You’ll be able to get a feel for how they work, get a demonstration on how to use them and most importantly check that they fit in your car (especially the car seat). Deals online can of course be tempting, but taking the time to see the items properly first is a really good idea.
Consider different colours or designs…
A great way to save money on prams and pushchairs may be to choose the model that you have decided upon in a colour that is being discontinued. Or perhaps you know what style of cot you would like but have seen something similar on sale. If you are happy to make changes in areas like this, you will be able to save without compromising on the product itself.
Are you ready to have these products at home?
Understandably some parents-to-be don’t want to have the larger baby products at home until closer to their due date. If you buy something during the Black Friday sales and have a way to go in your pregnancy, consider whether you will have to take delivery of it straightaway. If so, will you be comfortable having the items at home? Or is there somewhere else that you could have them delivered and stored until you’re ready? Grandparents-to-be to the rescue?!
Do you really need it?
It may sound obvious, but take the time to ask yourself if you really need the item you're considering. If it was full price would you be getting it? It is so easy to get swept up in the rush of something like the Black Friday sales, but taking the time to step away and think about how much you will use the item, and if the saving is really worth it, is valuable in itself. Maybe think about making a list of things you need before looking at the deals on offer and then try to stick to it?!
Don’t forget about the independents!
Big names such as Amazon often have hugely tempting discounts on offer, but if possible, try and scope out independent stores too. Many of them are offering deals and, in my opinion, supporting businesses like this is a win win all round. Not only for supporting smaller businesses, but also for the customer service and personal touch they can provide too.
We’re only three days into November and I have already seen some great deals out there! Keep an eye on my Instagram account @thelittlenestingcompany for updates on offers as I find them.
And as ever, if I can help you find the perfect products for your family just shout by clicking here!