29 Nov 2019

Black Friday Shopping and Gift Guides


Well, here we are, Black Friday 2019, the biggest shopping day of the year! Although it's been around in the US for quite some time now, I find that it's only gained speed in Canada over the past 6 years or so. How could it not with the era of online shopping? As a matter of fact, Black Friday has sort of morphed from a single day to a whole weekend or even an entire week in some cases. Cyber Monday seems to just be rolled into the mix at this point.
Being the shopping addict that I am, I've been shopping the sale since its beginnings in Canada, so as of 2013, give or take. I would head to the mall bright and early, wishlist in hand and double up with online shopping for the items I couldn't find in store. It was very much a fail-to-prepare, prepare-to-fail kind of situation. It was exhausting!

Things have evolved since then, but the confusion over where to shop first and who has the best deals is still a bit of a free for all. Rest assured, I've done all of the pre-thinking for you! I've scoured the internet to find the best deals and decided to group the best of the best in one place! I've also created categorized shoppable widgets showcasing some of my favourite picks to help inspire you. Now everything you need to prepare is at your fingertips!

Happy shopping!

ALDO // 50% off original price of sale items // 20% off regular price merchandise
AMAZON // Shop the Black Friday countdown. Fashion up to 70% off sitewide (click on the link for details)
AMERICAN EAGLE  // 40% off + free shipping
ANTHROPOLOGIE // 30% off everything
ASOS // 30% off everything // CODE: BIG30
BANANA REPUBLIC // 40% off your purchase
BATH & BODY WORKS // Mix & Match buy 3 get 3 free 
BEYOND THE RACK // Additional and instant 40% off
BODEN // 30% off plus free shipping & returns over $49 // CODE: H7N3
CHAPTERS INDIGO // 40% off in-store only
DAVID'S TEA // 30% to 50% off everything
DYNAMITE // 30% almost everything
FOSSIL // 30% off your purchase // CODE: INTHEBAG
GAP // 50% off everything // CODE: BLKFRIDAY
              Extra 10% off everything // CODE: BESTEVER
H&M // 30% off everything
J. CREW // 30% off selected styles // CODE: GOSHOP
J. CREW FACTORY // 60% off everything // Extra 60% off clearance // CODE: YAYDEALS
JOE FRESH // 25% off almost everything // CODE: VIPBLACKFRIDAY19
LA VIE EN ROSE // 2 for 1 on almost everything
LA SENZA // 50% off entire site // oPanties 10 for $35
LE CHÂTEAU // 50% off first sale item // 75% off second sale item of the same commodity
LULULEMON // Various discounted items
MADEWELL // 30% off your purchase // CODE: GIFTWELL
MANGO // 25% off everything // CODE: BLACK19
MARK'S // Up to 70% off + free shipping
NORDSTROM // Up to 50% off
NORDSTROM RACK // Extra 30% off red-tag clearance items
OLD NAVY // 50% off everything
PANDORA // 35% off in store only
REITMANS // 40% off everything
RICKI'S // 50% off storewide
RW&CO // 40% off regular-priced merchandise
SEPHORA // Up to 50% off selected items everyday
SIMONS // Up to 50% off
STEVE MADDEN // 20% off // CODE: CHEERS
TALBOTS // 50% off one item until noon // 40% off entire purchase
THE BAY // Up to 70% off
THE BODY SHOP // 40% off // 25% off gift sets
URBAN OUTFITTERS // BOGO 50% off sitewide plus free shipping
ZARA // 50% off selected items

Now that we've gotten the numbers and magic codes out of the way, let's dive into some gift guides to get your creative gift-giving juices flowing! I've done my best to divvy things up into easy to follow categories, so just scroll until you spot the one you're looking for! 
 

PARTY WEAR
First things first, we all know that it's crucial to get ourselves a little something-something while holiday shopping, right? Be honest, have you ever really left the mall or checked-out without a tidbit for yourself? That's what I thought. My mother was the queen of self-shopping, always buying gifts for herself and going as far as wrapping them and putting them under the tree to open along with everyone else on Christmas. She'd even put a label saying to her, from her! We always had a good laugh when she pulled that stunt and it makes for great stories. All that to say, don't forget about yourself when shopping for others. After all, nobody knows you as well as you do, so go ahead and treat yourself! Personally, I tend to lean towards getting a new holiday outfit. What can I say, the sparkle gets me every time! What better treat than a shiny new dress like this, or a cute midi skirt (I really love this one) or even a sweet lace blouse you can wear now and later?


SWEATER WEATHER
I gave sweaters a category of their own because, let's face it, there is a huge selection and variety this time of year. They vary from classic, to uber festive and even with embellishments. Whether you are looking for an everyday Fair Isle like this one, your next Christmas sweater (this one's great) or dressier knitwear (swoon), you've got options!

 
SOCKS, SLIPPERS & LOUNGEWEAR
Is there anything better than lazing around in comfortable pyjamas? I swear, I could live in my festive flannel PJs for the rest of my days! Comfort is key when looking for sleepwear, but I also like fun seasonal patterns. These plaid ones are perfect for Christmas morning! Socks are also huge in my winter wardrobe. I am notorious for having cold feet, so I need an arsenal of cozy socks for all levels of cold! I'm loving these festive socks and these fuzzy ones look so comfy! Need more than socks? Slippers is the way to go to keep your piggies warm all season long. I can't get over the cute styles this year like these ones!


COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES
Winter just wouldn't be winter if it wasn't cold out. In this next widget, I've rounded up all the best cold-weather accessories ranging from tuques, to scarves to mittens! Get ready to bundle! My top picks are this pompom beanie, this scarf and these mittens.


OUTERWEAR
No outdoors' look would be complete without a perfect winter coat and waterproof boots! Rounding up the greatest, most practical and most colourful toppers right here! I love a good wrap coat and the print of this duffle coat is to die for!


JEWELRY
Clothing not your things? Prefer shiny baubles? Serving up all the glitter and gold a girl could want to dress-up any holiday look. A little dazzle goes a long way! These earrings will got with everything, this brooch is so cute and this necklace is the perfect finishing touch to a basic holiday look!

BEAUTY
Shopping for the beauty buff in your life? Here are a few of my favourite beauty finds! I love these little face scrubbers, this brand is one of my favourites and this little gizmo is a fun addition to any beauty junkie's make-up bag!

HOSTING & HOME DECOR
Holidays rhyme with hosting! You are likely either hosting or looking for hostess gifts. Either way, I've got you covered! Look no further than the next widget for the perfect hostess gift like this and this. Not hosting, but looking to add some cheer to your home, I've rounded up plenty of festive decor for all your holiday needs! How cute is this ornament or these plaid pillows?


STOCKING STUFFERS
When it comes to stocking stuffers, to me that that means: accessories! Let's face it, they are the perfect size to stuff in a stocking and you can fit a good amount too (depending on the size of the stocking!) I also love a good snack or two, preferably chocolate or something equally as decadent. Little knick knacks are the best for filling up a stocking and some of the greatest gifts are sometimes the least expected and come in a stocking! I specifically remember a tiny little screw driver that came with interchangeable heads that I got from my aunt one year. I have to say it's one of the most used things in my life! I keep it in my desk drawer and it's all kinds of awesome! Small sized beauty products are great too, as well as small board games/card games (like this). The possibilities are really endless!


FOR THE MEN IN YOUR LIFE
I'll admit I'm not the best at finding unique gift ideas for men, but I do try! Clothes is always an option, but if the men in your life are anything like those in mine, they have specific tastes in clothing and would rather shop for themselves. I try to stick with useful things: something linked to one of their hobbies or tastes in music and movies. I know some pretty avid readers, so books are high up on my list. It's all about listening to them and picking up on clues they might drop. Here's a roundup of some of the best ideas I cam across.

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