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The Most Popular Toys Through the Decades

Every holiday season, there’s one must-have toy. Customers have been known to wait in line for hours, pay massive amounts of money and even physically fight in toy-store aisles during Black Friday sales just to get their hands on the year’s hottest toy.

Read on to discover the most popular toys of the past three decades — and what the next toy craze will be.

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Cabbage Patch Kids (1983)

Created in 1978 by Xavier Roberts, these “adoptable” soft-sculpture dolls were all the rage in the 1980s. Due to a clever marketing campaign, the dolls were a virtual overnight success, raking in $600 million in sales by 1985. The dolls flew off the shelves during the holidays, forcing customers to wait in line for hours to purchase one. The success of the Cabbage Patch Kids grew and grew until they became the best-selling introduction of a doll in history.

Transformers (1984)

Originally produced in 1984 by Japanese toy company Takara and the American toy company Hasbro, these shape-shifting robots quickly became a sensation. The toys became so popular  that they spawned an animated series, an animated film in 1986 and the extremely popular live-action movie franchise in the 2000s.

Teddy Ruxpin (1985 and ’86)

This animatronic talking teddy bear was initially produced by the toy manufacturer Worlds of Wonder and introduced to the market in 1985. The storytelling teddy’s slogan boasted of being “the world’s first animated, talking toy.”

Koosh Ball (1987)

This delightful ball made of rubber strings was created by Scott Stillinger, who named his product after the sound it made when it hit the ground. The toy was marketed by Mattel and was a smashing success.

Nintendo Entertainment System (1988)

This 8-bit video-game console was an astounding success when it first hit the market in 1988, with 7 million systems sold the year it was released — especially during the holiday season. The market for NES cartridges that year was larger than the market for the entirety of all computer software.

Game Boy (1989)

The handheld Nintendo game console quickly sold an incredible 1.1 million units, outselling all of its video-game counterparts and becoming one of the best-selling electronic game devices of all time.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles action figures (based on the characters from the film of the same title) were wildly popular during the holiday season of 1990, selling more than 30 million units by Christmas.

Super Nintendo (1991)

Nintendo was on a roll in the late ’80s and early ’90s, and its new release, Super Nintendo, was no exception. It quickly became the best-selling video-game console of the 16-bit era.

Barney (1992)

Created by the toy-manufacturing company Dankin, the plush purple dinosaur based on the popular TV character came about because parents demanded it after seeing their kids cuddling video cassette boxes of the series.

Talkboy (1993)

This portable audio cassette player and recorder was conceived and used as a prop for the 1992 film “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” After the success of the film, young fans demanded a real-life version of the Talkboy. Released by Hasbro, the Talkboy became so popular during the holiday season that the company was forced to pull the product’s ads due to short supply.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1994)

These action figures were based on the characters of the extremely popular television series of the same title. The toys flew off the shelves during the 1994 holiday season.

Beanie Babies (1995)

These stuffed animals were created by Ty Warner, who would arbitrarily take certain Beanie Babies off the market, making them hard-to-find collectibles that customers would pay hundreds of dollars for. The demand for the toys became so intense that some customers had physical altercations in store aisles over the stuffed dolls.

Tickle Me Elmo (1996)

Based on the Elmo character from “Sesame Street,” this giggling doll was manufactured by Tyco and introduced to the market in 1996. Elmo was an unexpected success, and the entire stock of 1 million dolls sold out by the end of the year. Since the toy was in such short supply, scalpers capitalized on the demand and sold it for hundreds of dollars while physical altercations between customers repeatedly broke out over the doll.

Tamagotchi (1997)

At the height of this handheld virtual pet’s popularity, 15 Tamagotchis were sold every minute in the U.S. and Canada, and more than 40 million units were sold worldwide.

Furby (1998)

Originally priced at $35, these electronic, robotic toys were in such demand during the Christmas season that their resale value skyrocketed to as much as $300. An astounding 27 million Furbies were sold in 1998.

Pokémon (1999)

This popular franchise based on the Game Boy game was a smashing success during the holiday season of 1999. The craze involved various kinds of merchandise, particularly trading cards, and also sparked a popular animated TV series. Pokémon is still a powerhouse today. In 2017, the company reported that more than $900 billion of Pokémon-related products have been sold.

Razor Scooter (2000)

Originally manufactured by Sharper Image, this popular scooter ushered in the new millennium with a bona fide holiday frenzy. The Razor was so popular that it led to the creation of a new extreme sport: freestyle scootering.

Bratz (2001)

These teen fashion dolls with the distinct look of big heads and skinny bodies were so successful in 2001 that they surpassed Barbie as the No. 1-selling toy geared toward girls. Despite the success, many parents were concerned that the dolls were too provocatively dressed and that they promoted an unhealthy body image.

Beyblades (2002)

This line of spinning-top toys was developed and manufactured by Takara Tomy in 2002. It dominated the market and was one of the most popular toy lines in the world from 2000 to 2005.

Yu-Gi-Oh! (2003)

Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game has been wildly popular in Japan since 1998, and 3.5 billion cards trading cards were sold prior to the Yugi Starter Deck’s 2002 release in North America. The game caught on in the U.S., and it landed on many top toy lists for 2003. In 2009, Guinness World Records named it a top selling trading card game, with over 22 billion cards sold worldwide.

Robosapien (2004)

This biomorphic robotic toy was manufactured by WowWee Toys, and it sold a whopping 1.5 million units between April and December 2004.

Xbox 360 (2005)

This video-game console was rushed to shelves by Microsoft to beat out the soon-to-be-released Sony PlayStation 3. The strategy worked, because the Xbox 360 sold a total of 5.5 million units during its first six months on the market.

PlayStation 3 (2006)

This video-game console was incredibly popular in 2006, continuing the trend of wildly successful gaming releases. The system was so popular upon its release that people became violent in their attempts to acquire one.

Nintendo DS (2007)

This dual-screen, touch-screen gaming system from Nintendo swiftly became highly popular. In 2007, the DS broke records to become the fastest-selling handheld game console of all time with 653,000 units sold in one week. To date, worldwide sales on all consoles in the DS family total a whopping 154 million units.

Nintendo Wii (2008)

Nintendo was on a roll in the late 2000s, and the Nintendo Wii was proof of that. The gaming system sold 10 million units by the end of 2008, many of which were purchased during the holiday season.

Zhu Zhu Pets (2009)

Originally known as Go Go Hamsters in the U.K., these plush robotic toys were all the rage during the Christmas season of 2009. Originally sold for $9, the Christmas demand became so high that their value shot up to $60.

iPad (2010)

This tablet is beloved by adults, of course, but it also was a massively popular gift for children during the 2010 Christmas season — so popular that it sold more than 300,000 units on the first day of its release.

LeapPad Explorer (2011)

A tablet computer developed for kids, the LeapPad Explorer flew off the shelves during the 2011 holiday season. After its initial success, it was awarded Toy of the Year honors by the American International Toy Fair in New York City.

Wii U (2012)

This video-game console was another holiday-season home run for Nintendo. It sold like hotcakes, and customers reportedly waited in line for hours to get one.

Big Hugs Elmo (2013)

This plush talking Elmo followed the massive success of Tickle Me Elmo, and was nearly as successful during the 2013 holiday season.

Elsa Doll (2014)

The doll based on the character from the hit animated film “Frozen” was a wild success. It was crowned the new queen of dolls marketed to girls, and retailers were caught off guard by its demand during the holiday season, leaving many in short supply.

BB-8 (2015)

This remote-controlled droid, based on a character from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” was predicted to be the best-selling toy of the 2015 season. Upon its release, the initial supply sold out in one day.

Hatchimals (2016)
This interactive toy starts as an egg and needs your child’s love in order to hatch. After enough care and attention, the egg will be ready to hatch into a furry creature that can be raised from baby to toddler to kid. The toy can learn to repeat what you say, to walk, to dance and to play games.

NES Classic (2016)

Video-game nostalgia reigns supreme with this retro-style Nintendo system loaded with 30 classic games, including “Super Mario Bros.” and “Ninja Gaiden”. The console sold out in just moments.

The New Teddy Ruxpin (2017)

The beloved animatronic bear is making a comeback. It was the most popular toy of 1985 and 1986, but the new version traded in a cassette tape for a free app. Follow along on your smartphone or tablet as Teddy reads a book or sings a song. The fast-selling throwback also upgraded to LED-screen eyes that add expression.

Nintendo Switch (2017)

The Nintendo Switch is the latest gaming system. It can be used as a handheld or tabletop device or with a TV, and it allows flexibility between single- and multiplayer games. After the console’s release in March, stores couldn’t keep them in stock for more than a few hours after each new shipment, and they remain a hot item.

Fingerlings (2017)

These adorable baby monkeys are interactive and collectible pets. When played with, the monkeys come alive, responding to sound, motion and touch. Manufactured by a high-tech robotics and entertainment company, they’re part of the popular trend of robotic pets — and they’re flying off the shelves.

 

 

Sources:
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http://www.wikipedia.org
http://my.xfinity.com/slideshow/news-christmastoyfads2011/8/
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/slideshows/2012-12-06/some-fictional-brands-find-real-success.html#slide7
http://fortune.com/2014/11/25/frozen-dethrones-barbie/
http://my.xfinity.com/slideshow/news-christmastoyfads2011/17/
http://barney.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Barney_Merchandise
http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1212/5-most-financially-lucrative-toy-fads.aspx
http://www.mimitchi.com/tamaplus/connection_facts.shtml
http://www.cnet.com/news/nintendo-crushes-it-in-2008-console-sales/
http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/730803/Hatchimals-UK-how-to-buy-the-biggest-toy-of-Christmas-2016
http://www.hatchimals.com/
https://www.wired.com/2016/11/how-to-get-nes-classic/
http://www.pokemon.co.jp/corporate/en/data/
http://web.archive.org/web/20020402182316/http://www.upperdeckentertainment.com/news.asp

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Petition for a 2-Hour Break for Cyber Monday!

Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, 103 million Americans will shop online. And while most people don’t work on Black Friday, Cyber Monday falls on a workday. As a result, people who are hungry for those online deals often shop for them while at work in their cubicles.

We are requesting that employers give everyone two hours of shopping time on Cyber Monday so they don’t have to hide it anymore. To sign the petition, click here.

Petition for a 2-Hour Break for Cyber Monday!

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Cyber Monday Petition – Why This Matters:

People do their Christmas shopping at work whether or not they have permission to do so. 50% of people shop online from their office during the holiday season. Of these people, 13% spend less than a half-hour each day, 16% spend 30 minutes to one hour per day, 15% spend one to two hours per day, 16% spend more than two hours a day, 28% don’t know how long they spend and 12% have web policies that restrict this.

However, not all professions are created equal when it comes to shopping at work. The professions in which employees are most likely to shop at work are sales (63%), financial services (62%), info tech (57%), health care (52%), transportation (50%), manufacturing (46%), leisure and hospitality (42%), and retail (39%).

Younger workers are also more likely to use company time for personal Internet surfing: 76% of those ages 18-24, 67% of ages 25-34, 60% of ages 34-44, 53% of ages 45-54, 44% of ages 55-64 and 19% of ages 65+.

On top of that, employee behaviors are shifting. With companies increasingly monitoring web traffic, employees are moving more and more toward using their personal devices for the task. Only 27% used personal devices in 2014 for online shopping at work, but this jumped to 42% in 2016.

28% of managers have even fired an employee for using the Internet for non-work-related activity. Unfortunately, each company lost time and money by needing to hire a new employee.

What we are asking:

Rather than have employers struggle to get employees to stay focused amidst an Internet full of distractions, it would be in everyone’s best interest to permit a two-hour work break for employees to seize their favorite deals during Cyber Monday.

Why we are asking:

Your employees are dedicated. They are going above and beyond the call of duty, engaging with work tasks outside of the office. 87% of people read business emails outside working hours. 80% check their email before they get into the office. 50% check their email during vacation. On average, this accumulates to about an extra 30 days of work time per year.

As the digital age shifts the boundaries between work time and personal time, a two-hour reprieve for employees is a small step toward compensating them for the time they spend managing incoming messages.

It would also be a gesture in the spirit of the season, a move that Scrooge would make *after* he’s been visited by the three ghosts.

What you get:

And if the warm, fuzzy feeling of generosity is not enough, here are some tangible benefits for granting this two-hour shopping break on Cyber Monday:

Creating a culture of transparency, including open communication about Internet behavior, affects your bottom line. Companies with a culture of open communication had 270% higher 10-year total shareholder returns, and 99% of professionals preferred a workplace based on honesty.

Employees need more than just money to make them feel valued. 69% of employees would work harder if they felt better appreciated, and 65% of workers would prefer a better boss over a pay raise.

When rewarding employees, the small stuff adds up. 90% of workers say a fun work environment is very motivating, and 70% of workers say meaningful recognition has no dollar value. Studies even show that rewards like free pizza rank higher than a cash bonus; a cash bonus resulted in a 4.9% increase in productivity while free pizza increased productivity by 6.7%.

Permitting a two-hour break for Cyber Monday shopping will boost the productivity and focus of your staff. Workers who take breaks are known to be more productive, and this would be a move toward monotasking, which promotes focus and higher cognitive performance.

Employees care about work-life balance, and nearly 40% of them wish their employer cared more about it. In fact, work-life balance is one of the highest-ranking factors in job satisfaction worldwide.

Happy employees outperform competitors by 20%. It’s that simple.

What now?

If you want your company to benefit in these important ways, sign the Cyber Monday petition here.

 

Sources:
http://fortune.com/2015/12/01/online-shopping-work-fired/
http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2015/11/shopping_online_at_work_this_h.html
http://fortune.com/2015/12/01/online-shopping-work-fired/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/check-work-email-hours-survey_us_55ddd168e4b0a40aa3ace672
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/samanage-survey-shows-employees…
https://www.bluesteps.com/blog/honesty-most-profitable-policy-executive-career.aspx
https://www.tinypulse.com/blog/sk-employee-recognition-stats
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tykiisel/2013/01/30/82-percent-of-people-dont-trust-the-boss-to-tell-the-truth/#c6628a64d6b4
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6084-employee-happiness-without-raise.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/09/01/free-pizza-more-motivational-than-cash-if-you-want-staff-to-work/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/mind-the-manager/201306/new-employee-study-shows-recognition-matters-more-money
https://www.fastcompany.com/3027496/work-smart/8-reasons-why-you-should-definitely-take-that-lunch-break
http://blog.accessperks.com/employee-engagement-loyalty-statistics-the-ultimate-collection#satisfaction
http://www.snacknation.com/blog/employee-happiness/
https://www.ipswitch.com/about/news-and-events/ipswitch-news/ipswitch-network-management-division-survey-reveals-42-percent…

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Where to Buy the Hottest Black Friday Items of 2016

Where to Buy the Hottest Black Friday Items of 2016

Black Friday is just around the corner, and this year’s shopping extravaganza promises to be a great one. We are all eagerly awaiting the release of this year’s ads, but in the meantime, check out this list of go-to stores anticipated to carry the hottest items in apparel, electronics, and toys. For some awesome additional deals on Black Friday and year-round, be sure to shop through Ebates for Cash Back and exclusive coupons.

Apparel

According to Wallethub.com, JCPenney topped the charts in terms of Black Friday discounts in 2015, with an average discount rate of 68%. That’s nearly three-quarters off! Last year, JCPenney offered some mega sales on popular brands like Nike and St. John’s Bay, as well as fine jewelry.

Where to Buy the Hottest Black Friday Items of 2016

Not far behind in terms of sales was Stage, which had an average discount in 2015 of 63.9%. Stage carries a ton of big name brands, including Puma, Fila, Madden Girl, Betsey Johnson, Kensie, and Adidas.

Belk was also high on the list, with an average discount rate of 59.5%. Belk serves up hot fashion Southern-style and is sure to offer some amazing deals on some or all of the major lines it carries. These include Coach, Dooney and Bourke, and Frye, as well as Michael by Michael Kors, to name a few.

As always, Macy’s was also near the top when it came to Black Friday discounts. With its legendary doorbusters, the mainstay store rang in an average discount of 56%.

With iconic brands like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Chanel, among many others, this is a spot not to be missed if you’re looking to revamp your wardrobe with a Black Friday shopping spree.

Electronics

Best Buy has made a name for itself as one of the biggest electronics stores, and for good reason. They’ve got awesome deals year-round, and especially killer sales during the Black Friday to Cyber Monday week.

Where to Buy the Hottest Black Friday Items of 2016 1

Year after year, Walmart has solidified that reputation with wicked deals on some of the year’s best tech items like laptops and flat screen TVs. In 2015, some of the most sought-after Black Friday items included Samsung and Toshiba HD TVs, Amazon Fire tablets, Samsung Galaxy phones, and the iPad Air.

Walmart will also more than likely be a smart stop for anyone looking to buy game consoles or games, both of which are expected to have some sweet deals on the Black Friday market this year.

If you’re in the market for a particular game or console, you’ll also want to keep an eye on GameStop, which, in 2015, offered an average discount of 29.2%. Specializing in everything gaming, this store is sure to have the latest and best available.

According to Wallethub.com, in 2015, Panasonic had an average discount rate of 47%, higher than the overall discount average for Walmart, which was 33.5%. This electronics store will likely come in once again as a close second in terms of the popularity of its Black Friday sale. Check this store for items like TVs, cameras, and home and office electronics equipment.

Kohl’s, with an average discount of 66.7%  in 2015, is also an excellent stop for home entertainment items, including flat screen TVs. One of the best things about these two stores is that each is also a one-stop shop where you can snag some awesome deals on everything on your list, from home goods to apparel.

Toys

When it comes to kids’ toys, Toys ‘R’ Us continues to come out on top in terms of carrying the greatest variety of must-have items for playtime fun. In 2015, the store offered an average discount rate of 28.9%.

Where to Buy the Hottest Black Friday Items of 2016 2

Recently, Toys ‘R’ Us released its list of some of the hottest toys of 2016, all, or at least many, of which are sure to be available for a discount during the Black Friday holiday. With brands like Shopkins, NERF, Power Wheels, and Pokémon, they’re definitely a must-watch.

Target, which came in last year with an average discount of 37.3%, is also expected to have some sweet discounts on the year’s most-beloved playthings. Like Kohl’s, Target offers the bonus of also carrying multiple other items in home goods and apparel, so you can check a number of things off your shopping list in one go. The store is currently advertising brands including Our Generation, Star Wars, and Lego, among many more.

 

Related Links:
JCPenney Black Friday Guide
Macy’s Coupons
Walmart Black Friday Guide
Best Buy Black Friday Shopping Guide

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90’s Throwback: Black Friday 1996

Ah, the ‘90s. The era of bucket hats, butterfly clips, the first Macintosh computers, “Friends,” and phones made for the sole purpose of actually making calls. A lot has changed in the decades since, and Black Friday is no exception.

Though the biggest sale day of the year has always drawn hearty crowds of savings-hungry shoppers, the craze of the holiday has increased tenfold in the past two decades. What was once a day of wildly low prices on the year’s most-wanted items is now a cultural phenomenon spanning an entire week, with its cousin Cyber Monday immediately following.

black friday deals 2016

 

In 1996, we could watch the morning news broadcast live interviews with those few dedicated shoppers camped outside of electronics stores, determined to be the first to grab one of a limited stock of coveted Macintosh computers or Nintendo 64s. 

This year, we’ll scroll through Twitter to see online versions of local news broadcasts showing interviews with scores of similar dedicated Black Friday veterans, though they’re more likely to be awaiting a chance to snag a new 50-inch TV, or an Apple product exponentially more advanced than that of its ’96 predecessors.

To see just how much things have really changed, check out this list of comparisons between Black Friday ads and sales in 1996 to projected Black Friday ads in 2016.

Electronics

Not only did technology — and the world — not come to a screeching halt in the year 2000, but the world’s fascination with and reliance upon technological innovation has increased tenfold in the years since.  

Aside from the aforementioned Macintosh desktop, some of the other biggest electronics buys in ’96 were the 1.2 GB hard drive ($220 after rebate); the Motorola flip phone (free with contract); the Walkman (between $15 and $60); the 4MB memory upgrade ($30); 28.8 kbps modem ($280); 13-inch TV with built-in VCR ($300); CD Rom drive ($150); pagers ($70); and the Packard Bell desktop computer ($1,467 after rebate).

Black Friday 1996 vs. Black Friday 2016

This year’s list of most-wanted tech items looks pretty similar to that from 1996, though much more advanced. Although most Black Friday 2016 ads aren’t live yet, there are some predictions based on previous years and current sales. According to TheBlackFriday.com, one of the hottest items on sale at Best Buy right now is the LG 55-inch 4K Ultra Smart HD TV, which may also be a Black Friday favorite. In 1996, we could barely fathom a smart TV, let alone an ultra-smart one. Also, some Black Friday aficionados are suggesting drones will be a big hit this year, though these are a bit of a wild card.

 

black friday deals on TVs

 

Games

Games, too, are traditionally a huge draw for Black Friday shoppers. In 1996, besides the Nintendo 64, the Sega Saturn was a major deal, selling for $200. The Super Game Boy was advertised at $40, as were PlayStation games. And lest we forget, before there were smartphone apps like Pokémon Go, there was the Tamagotchi, which, in ’96, sold for just a few weeks’ allowance, or $15.

black friday deals on video games

This year, some Black Friday experts are suggesting the release of the Xbox One S and the rumored release of Sony’s PlayStation Neo, along with the discontinuation of Xbox 360s and Disney Infinity, will lead to major steals on gaming consoles. There are also a host of remastered video games about to be released, such as Bethesda, Call of Duty: Infinite, and Pokémon Sun and Moon, leading many to suggest that games will be a major Black Friday focal point.
black friday deals on xbox

Toys

Of course, no Black Friday would be complete without a mad dash to the toy aisle for the season’s most beloved toy. In 1996, the champions of children’s hearts everywhere were by far the Tickle Me Elmo doll and Beanie Babies. As for the latter, these were also a big hit with many teens and adults, rumored to gain significant value over time.

 

black friday toys

Today, some of the hottest toys of 2016, as named by Walmart, include the Nerf N-Strike Elite HyperFire Blaster, Razor Scooter, Paw Patrol Zooming Marshall, and the Sky Viper Streaming Drone. No word yet on which of these will be available for deep Black Friday discounts, but it’s likely the drone won’t be the only one flying off the shelves.

black friday deals on toys

Entertainment

When it comes to pop culture, though the faces have changed, our hunger for it has stayed the same. While most of us nowadays watch TV and movies from our computers or flat-screens, back in ‘96 the wide-screen TV marked the dawn of a new era. Some of the hottest Black Friday deals on movies included films like “Forrest Gump,” “True Lies,” and “Braveheart” available from $9.99 to $15.95—or about the price of one month’s subscription to Netflix. When it came to the still-popular VHS, some of the coolest buys were “Buffy,” “Young Frankenstein,” “The Good Son” and “Alien Nation,” all on sale for $5.99 a piece.

Black Friday deals on DVDs 1996This year, predictions for some hot entertainment buys include DVDs of popular movies like “Anchorman 2”  and “Magic Mike XXL” on Blu-Ray for $9.72. You’ll also be able to grab titles like “The Walking Dead” and “True Detective”—full box sets for about $10 each.

Black Friday Deals on DVDs

Clearly, Black Friday has changed quite a bit over the past 20 years, but our love of shopping will never end.

 

Related Links:
Walmart Coupons
Walmart Black Friday Guide
Walmart Shopping Tips
Groupon Coupon Codes

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Your Black Friday in 19 Gifs

Shopping in-store this Black Friday? You’re up to the challenge, right? Here’s how it’s gonna play out. (Take it from us, we’re psychic like that.)

You, being responsible and ever-prepared, do your homework. You browse Black Friday ads ahead of time and make, dare you say, the best game plan in Black Friday shopper history.

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You give yourself a little pep talk. It’s a big day and you’re gonna kill it. Right?

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Then you get yourself pumped. Whether with a run around the neighborhood, wrestle-sesh with your nieces and nephews,  or…whatever this chick is doing.

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You’re getting a little scared so you cordially invite your BFFs to come along to help you navigate your shopping list and grab those deals.

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And when you arrive, the parking lot looks like this.

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And if you can’t park like a boss the second a spot opens up, it’s circle-around city for you, my friend.

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Then the crowds LOOK LIKE THIS OMG.

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But you stay determined.
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You have a little snack to keep your energy up and your game face on.

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Just as you finish the smushed granola bar that you stashed in your purse, you spot the one item you came for.

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After casually elbowing a few people, you successfully claim your prize.

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You realize you’ve hit your fun ceiling and it’s time to go home.

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Time to scoop up all your friends from whatever pile they’re hiding under and hit the checkout.

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Be careful not to break your back as you gather up your things and head to the register.

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You feel so accomplished as you head to the car.

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But when you get home and see the pile of receipts, you have second thoughts.

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But not for too long, because you have to get prepared for Cyber Monday and all the online shopping you’re going to do.

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At least this time, you can do it in your pajamas.

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Plus, when you get Cash Back at Ebates for the shopping in-store on Black Friday, you’ll be like…

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Don’t Miss Out on Extra Savings:

Sign up for a free account with Ebates and start earning Cash Back on all your purchases. Find thousands of coupons, promo codes and discounts at over 1800 stores plus get Cash Back savings with online rebates.

Sign up here: www.Ebates.com

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

 

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The Best Days to Book Holiday Travel with Orbitz

orbitzholidaytravelheaderThe most magical time of year is here! Thousands of people travel during the bustling holiday season and maneuvering through the wide array of travel deals can be a challenge. Did you know the time and day you book your flights can impact costs? No worries! Thankfully, Orbitz makes it easy to get over the river and through the woods on a budget. Whether you’re going to grandma’s house or just want to vacay your way, head to Orbitz.com for last minute travel deals and flights that’ll get you where you want to go for less. The trusty travel gurus at Orbitz took a look at holiday fare trends and determined some of the best times to book flights for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Check out these six insider tips for finding the best travel deals at Orbitz.com this holiday season.

ORB_HolidayTravel1. The Sooner, The Better. Sorry, procrastinators. According to Orbitz.com’s Holiday Travel Guide, booking about 1-2 months prior to a major holiday can get you the best deals on cheap flights. For example, if you have Christmas plans, the best time to book flights is early to mid-October. Some savings trickle into early November, but you’ll get the most bang for your buck with holiday flight fares about 5% lower than average in early fall. After the first week in November, end-of-the-year travel deals are typically at average prices and inflate about 5% higher than average about a week prior to a holiday.

2. Orbitz.com’s Secret Week Specials. A report from Orbitz suggests that October 5-12 is the “secret week” to purchase cheap flights before prices increase for travel around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Prices for this week are 5% lower than average, making it the ideal week to save. Specifically, October 6th is the best day to book Thanksgiving fares, while October 9th is the best day to purchase Christmas fares and October 10th is the best time to book flights for New Year’s Eve.

ORB_Rewards3. Join Orbitz Rewards and Save. Orbitz Rewards lets you immediately earn rewards on travel and instantly redeem on hotels. Rack up your Orbucks ($1 Orbuck = $1 USD) for instant vacation gratification this holiday season. You can even get limited-time bonus deals where you rack up extra Rewards points. No matter when you book and how many Orbucks you earn, you can count on saving even more on every booking with Cash Back at Ebates.

4. Online Deal Codes are Your Ticket to Saving More. The holidays can be an expensive time, so saving money on flight deals is crucial. Pair Orbitz.com’s Best Price Guarantee with extra savings offers from Orbitz promo codes and you’ve got the cheapest flight deals online! Plus, Orbitz coupon codes and last minute travel deals mean you’ll fly away for less.

OR_CreditCard5. Get 6% Back on Every Flight with an Orbitz Rewards Visa Card. With no annual fees and a $50 statement credit when you spend $200, the Orbitz Rewards Visa is one of the most rewarding travel cards around. Upon approval, you’ll start earning 6% back in Orbucks on all flights, plus 2% back in Orbucks on all other purchases. You can redeem your rewards at any time, with no blackout dates, for the ultimate way to save on holiday travel.

6. Book Together and Save up to $775. While Orbitz.com offers the best flight deals online, you can also score amazing travel deals when you book flights, hotels and rental cars at the same time. Bundle up and save up to $775 on your holiday travel plans.

Now that you’re equipped with our favorite tips and tricks for saving at Orbitz, including Cyber Monday Orbitz travel deals, booking holiday travel on a budget will be a breeze. Be sure to book through Ebates for the lowest Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve travel deals this year. Wishing you happy and safe travels this holiday season!

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Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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Black Friday Toy Throwback

Black Friday Toy ThrowbackEvery Black Friday, there’s that one item, that one special thing that everyone wants but no one can get their hands on. It could be a toy or a game or a gadget, but whatever it is, the quest to find it can send shoppers to the edge of madness. It’s the thing that people wait in line for. It’s the thing parents get in fights over. It’s the thing that (in some cases) can inspire a really awful Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. But is the item ever really worth all of the insanity? We’ve decided to take a look back at some of the hottest and hardest-to-get Black Friday items of all time. How difficult were they to score? How many actually sold? And did they really live up to all the hype? Let’s find out as we jump back in time with our Black Friday Toy Throwback.

 

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

YEAR: 1993
ITEM: Mighty Morphin Power Rangers action figures
WHAT WAS IT? Team of teenagers with attitude in action figure form
NUMBER SOLD: 600,000
THE INSANITY: 600,000 may seem like a small number compared to the other items on this list, but that was literally every Power Ranger figure available in the U.S. that holiday. No one expected a low-budget kids superhero show that recycled old Japanese monster movie footage to become a ratings powerhouse, but that’s exactly what happened. Toy stores grossly underestimated the demand for Power Rangers, and by the holidays of 1993, parents were literally fighting each other in the aisles of Toys R Us to bring one of them home. A Power Rangers black market even popped up, fueled by shady toy store clerks willing to put a few pink and white Rangers aside for parents willing to pay hundreds of dollars for them.

LEGACY: The very next year, an additional 11 toy factories opened to meet the demand for Power Ranger toys, turning them into a billion-dollar industry … for a little while, at least. Dozens of new Power Rangers series have been released over the last two decades, but none of them have reached the initial popularity of the very first one. The toys, however, continue to sell, and the insanity of that first Christmas will live on forever thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger. The 1996 film “Jingle All the Way” starred Schwarzenegger as a beguiled father desperately searching for a toy on Christmas Eve, based heavily on the Power Rangers craze from three years earlier.

blogtoyelmoTickle Me Elmo

YEAR: 1996
ITEM: Tickle Me Elmo doll
WHAT WAS IT? Highly sensitive Sesame Street Muppet
NUMBER SOLD: 1 million
THE INSANITY: The granddaddy of all hard-to-get holiday gift items, the Tickle Me Elmo doll spurred a Black Friday the likes of which America had never seen before and may never see again. Released in July of 1996, the toys were relatively easy to find until October, when Rosie O’Donnell unexpectedly plugged them on her daytime talk show. All of a sudden, demand skyrocketed and the country’s entire stock of 400,000 was sold out by the Friday after Thanksgiving. The manufacturer shipped an additional 600,000 that December, but even that was not enough to satiate the public. Parents chased down delivery trucks, got sent to jail and even paid upwards of $7,000 in order to obtain one of the giggling red Muppets.

LEGACY: Tickle Me Elmo’s popularity was intense but short-lived. While new versions of the doll have been released every few years, none of them have been big sellers. The originals haven’t exactly skyrocketed in value either. These days, you can get them, mint in box, for under $20 on eBay.

Cabbage Patch Kids

YEAR: 1983
ITEM: Cabbage Patch Kids dolls
WHAT WAS IT? Adoptable race of children (dolls) grown in a magical cabbage patch
NUMBER SOLD: 3 million
THE INSANITY: There were some hot holiday items before 1983, but the Cabbage Patch Kids were the first to inspire the insanity we all associate with your typical Black Friday. Children of the early ‘80s went crazy for them, and their parents went crazy trying to get them under the Christmas tree. These weird melon-headed dolls became toy aisle celebrities, popping up on the cover of Newsweek and getting profiled on The Today Show. Stores had to have them shipped in armored cars to keep their stock boys safe, and the manufacturer even stopped running television commercials in hopes of calming the crowds down. (Good luck getting any company to be so kind-hearted these days!)

LEGACY: Although Cabbage Patch Kids mania never hit the same fever it did in 1983, the toy line is still going strong three decades later. You can buy brand new Cabbage Patch Kids today, and the original toys, still in their box, can go for about $150 on eBay. Of course, the Cabbage Patch Kids’ true legacy may be in the nostalgia-clouded minds of the kids who originally owned them. They’ve become staples of any self-respecting magazine story, television or documentary that looks back at the hottest fads of the ‘80s. They’ve also become one of the few toys immortalized in the form of a U.S. postage stamp.

Yellow furby from Furby Boom collection toy series.Furbys

YEAR: 1998
ITEM: Furbys
WHAT WAS IT? Weird electronic owl creature
NUMBER SOLD: 1.8 million
THE INSANITY: The Furby was first announced in February of 1998 at the Toy Industry Association’s annual Toy Fair, seven months before they were actually supposed to be released. The strange little owl-eyed creatures (that you could supposedly teach new words and behaviors) quickly captured the imagination of the public. Manufacturer Tiger Electronics ended up selling out of them before the factory even started producing them. By Black Friday of that year, they were almost impossible to get in stores, and for the first time, parents started turning to eBay and other online sellers to try and score one for their kids. One eBay seller made close to $3,000 on a bunch of Furbys he didn’t even have. The buyers got nothing for their money, making them victims of one of the very first eBay scams.

LEGACY: Very few people seem to have fond memories of their Furbys; in fact, most people were straight up freaked out by the nonsense, jabbering goblins they let into their house that holiday. Online toy forums are full of former Furby owners reminiscing about how scary the toys were. It seems the public liked Furbys in theory but not sitting on their bedside nightstand, staring at them in the dark.

blogtoyps4Playstation 3

YEAR: 2006
ITEM: Playstation 3
WHAT WAS IT? The third-generation Playstation
NUMBER SOLD: N/A
THE INSANITY: All of Sony’s Playstation video game consoles were big hits the years they were released, but the Playstation 3 hit the market at the exact time Black Friday was hitting its fever pitch in America. 2006 was the same year the first person was trampled in a Black Friday stampede. Buyers went nuts over the new console like never before, waiting in line all night and even reverting to subterfuge. Supposedly, one person served his fellow line waiters laxative-laced coffee so he could steal their place in the queue.

LEGACY: Like every video game console before it, the Playstation 3’s time in the sun has passed, making way for more of its more advanced siblings.

What’s your prediction for the hottest toy for 2015?

 

 

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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Infographic: Cyber Monday Hour by Hour

You know Cyber Monday is a huge shopping day, but do you know exactly what time you should log on to score what you’re looking for? Here’s a breakdown of the key Cyber Monday shopping trends that online shoppers have created from 2012 until the present year.

Cyber Monday Shopping Hour by Hour - Ebates

2012

  • Cyber Monday shopping peaked at 11 a.m. EST, with another strong spike at 9 p.m.
  • These peaks are most likely due to commuting patterns of people working traditional hours; they shop online while at work and again when they’re home.
  • Cyber Monday sales increased by 30.3% from 2011.
  • 18% of online shoppers used a mobile device to shop online, an increase of more than 70% from 2011.

2013

  • Like in 2012, average peak browsing time was 11 a.m. EST.
  • Afternoon browsing peaked around 1 p.m.
  • These numbers likely mean that shoppers were browsing during work hours and on their lunch breaks.
  • Use of mobile and tablet devices nearly doubled to 30% of all site traffic.

2014

  • The best deals were in the morning, with an average discount of 23%.
  • 67% of all online deals were posted before 5 p.m. EST.
  • Average peak browsing time was 9 p.m.
  • Mobile and tablet devices accounted for 41% of all site traffic. These numbers represent a move away from lunchtime laptop (or desktop) browsing and toward “at home” browsing on mobile devices in the evening.
  • Cyber Monday shopping was at its lowest at 5 p.m.

Before Cyber Monday

With more retailers offering deals on and even before Thanksgiving, we’ve seen a large uptick in pre-Cyber Monday and even pre-Black Friday shopping. So make sure you’re keeping an eye out for deals in the days leading up to Thanksgiving!

  • In 2014, mobile web shopping at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day accounted for 50% of retail traffic.
  • Also in 2014, the Monday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 24, saw a 100% year-over-year uptick in activity.

Did You Know?

  • Cyber Monday sales have increased every year since its inception in 2006.
  • Sales have grown by 14% or higher each year.
  • In 2014, Cyber Monday was recorded as the most popular shopping day of the season.
  • In 2014, retail traffic reached 13 million pageviews per minute, up 16% from 2013.

So What Should I Do?

  • Know that evening is the busiest online shopping time, so you’re competing with more shoppers and items are more likely to disappear faster.
  • If you’re shopping for a specific item, shop in the morning. You’re competing with fewer people and more items will still be in stock.
  • Shop after 10 p.m. EST on Cyber Monday if you’re just browsing or buying a variety of items. The rush will be over and retailers just may be willing to further discount items that haven’t sold.
  • Keep an eye out for deals starting the Monday before Thanksgiving — or even before. Online deals aren’t just relegated to Cyber Monday anymore!

Happy shopping!

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Sources:
https://www.akamai.com/us/en/about/news/press/2015-press/akamai-releases-2014-online-holiday-shopping-trends-and-traffic-report.jsp
http://www.fierceretail.com/story/holiday-web-traffic-peaked-cyber-monday-2014/2015-03-30
https://blogs.akamai.com/2012/11/huge-traffic-volumes-on-black-friday.html
https://blogs.akamai.com/2015/04/black-friday-and-cyber-monday-rum-insights—part-i.html
http://dealnews.com/features/About-Half-of-Shoppers-Will-Buy-Cyber-Monday-Deals-While-at-Work/1484785.html
http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/01/news/economy/cyber_monday_shopping/

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.

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The Best Cyber Monday Deals on Electronics

You won't understand, It's a technology thingOnce you’ve had your fill of turkey and dressing, it’s time to buckle in for all of the holiday deals and savings coming your way. Make this year the one that puts all others to shame with the monumental savings you’ll find at retailers all over. But if long lines and massive crowds aren’t your thing, you can shop from the comfort of your home with incredible online shopping discounts and earn Cash Back at Ebates for the upcoming Cyber Monday.

If electronics deals are at the top of your shopping list (and let’s face it, who doesn’t want the latest electronics around?!) then this guide is for you. Manned with this list of the best Cyber Monday deals around, you will reign supreme this holiday season.

laptopLaptop Deals

This year’s laptop deals are bound to be pretty spectacular. Whether you’re looking for the latest 2-in-1 laptop deals or just want to get a reliable and durable laptop, the holiday season will have plenty of Cyber Monday deals.

Your favorite big box stores, like Best Buy, Staples and OfficeMax, will feature additional savings online. But don’t shy away from the likes of Arrow Direct, where you’ll find the ultimate selection of refurbished laptops that are sure to meet the needs of anyone on your list. You can even customize your gift with a laptop from Dell or Alienware. To bring you the best laptop deals, many stores will offer bundle specials, allowing you to get even more bang for your buck.

TV Deals

Televisions are always a holiday gift hot item, but there’s no need to shop doorbuster sales when the ultimate TV deals can be found through online shopping. Get savings on everything you need for your home entertainment system this Cyber Monday.

Walmart will feature TV deals on hot names like Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Vizio, Sony and more. You’ll even find special savings on surround sound systems and wall mounting hardware so your gifting experience can go to the next level. Overstock won’t disappoint either with deals on 4K Ultra HD televisions, Curved TVs, OLED televisions and even outdoor projection equipment.

Playing video gameVideo Game Deals

Video games are always a favorite amongst kids, teens and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a deal on a new console or the latest video games, you’ll have plenty of special offers to choose from on Cyber Monday. You’ll find savings on the season’s hottest video games, like Rainbow 6 Siege, Just Cause 3 and more. Whether you’re looking for games for portable systems like Nintendo 3DS XL or Playstation Vita, or you want to add to their arsenal of games for Playstation 4, Xbox One or Nintendo Wii U, plenty of online retailers will have great Cyber Monday deals.

You’ll find incredible savings on video games when you shop at stores like GameStop, Best Buy and CD Universe. Walmart will be sure to extend their department store savings online, so keep a close eye on savings that keep you out of the cold and the chaos.

Smart Phone Deals

Step up your smart phone game with the latest from the big names in smart phone technology. Whether it’s Android, BlackBerry or Microsoft on the wish list, you’ll find incredible savings and earn Cash Back at Ebates. Best Buy will have fantastic pricing on the latest smart phones on the market.

You can even save directly through cellular providers. You can earn Cash Back at Ebates with the biggest names including Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and US Cellular. And don’t worry, Lifeproof and Skullcandy will be able to help you with all of the accessories you need to pair with your smart phone purchase.

WearablesWearable Electronic Deals

Wearable electronics are one of the most popular items on online shopping lists. The tech junkie on your list will get their electronic fix on the go and you’ll save with Cyber Monday electronics coupons for the latest wearable technology. Expect to find savings on smartwatches, fitness trackers, action camcorders and headphones this upcoming Cyber Monday.

The biggest brands in electronics will have plenty of sales available. Best Buy, Crutchfield and Brookstone feature the latest hot brands. Garmin, Fitbit and more will be marked down with fantastic pricing for Cyber Monday deals. Samsung and Microsoft Store will have their own devices with special savings as well.

Camera Deals

If you’re shopping for a photographer, you’re bound to find items like cameras, lenses, lighting kits and flash units on your list. Get Cyber Monday deals on the hottest camera brands like Canon and Olympus, as well as the gear to go with them.

Adorama features deals on everything from simple point and shoot cameras to the finest full frame DSLR cameras on the market. You can save hundreds on camera bodies at Focus Camera and Beach Camera where you’ll also find free shipping offers and rebate options. You can even save on popular Canon products, including bodies and lenses.

kidlaptopKids’ Deals

If kids are the top of your shopping list, there are bound to be plenty of hot electronic toys finding their way to your online shopping cart. Walmart will have plenty of Cyber Monday deals for the kiddos in your life. The Disney Store and Fisher Price will have special savings on toys for kids of all ages. Give great education gifts with Cyber Monday deals from Fat Brain Toys and Marbles: The Brain Store. Turn their special gifts into an educational experience that will brighten their day and lead to hours of entertainment.

Big Kids/Adult Deals

Adults love getting their hands on the latest gadgets and gizmos, just like the kids. Shop for the big kid at heart on your list and save with Cyber Monday electronics coupons. Whether you’re shopping for your spouse, your sibling or your parent, you’re bound to find exactly what you need at unbeatable prices.

Best Buy never disappoints with their great selection of Cyber Monday electronic deals. You’ll find savings on items like GPS navigation devices, Bluetooth speakers, KitchenAid mixers and more. Their deals go quickly though, so be sure to check their list of daily deals regularly throughout the day to get the best savings.

Give the gift of an amped up sound system with audio equipment from Crutchfield or find the latest tech innovations at Brookstone. Whatever the upgrade, big or small, great Cyber Monday deals are to be had.

If you have your heart set on a special item for someone, keep an eye out for the best Cyber Monday electronics coupons to pair with incredible daily deals. When you earn additional savings with Cash Back at Ebates, you’ll find the best Cyber Monday deals and save the most money.

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Infographic: Dad’s Black Friday Survival Guide

Dads. They’re the unsung heroes on Black Friday. They drive packs of kids to and from the mall that day. They wait in parking lots while their wives ransack favorite department stores. They do so much of the work that makes Black Friday possible and get none of the credit. Well, dads of the world, we can’t give you a trophy for your acts of Black Friday selflessness, but we can show you how to make your Black Friday a little bit more enjoyable and a whole lot less stressful.

Ebates Dad's Black Friday Survival Guide

 

Step 1: Be a Park Shark

There are a lot of things that are going to push you over the edge on Black Friday, but finding a parking spot has to be at the very top of the list. Spending hours circling a mall lot looking for a place to park can make you feel like you’re trapped in some kind of sedan-filled time loop. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep from going crazy. The first, and most important, tip is to let all the other riders out of the car first. It’s hard to stay calm with a bunch of back-seat drivers telling you what to do. Once they’re out and safely at the front of the store, don’t continuously circle the same spots — it’s Black Friday; no one is going anywhere for a while. Instead, try to find the spots other people are avoiding. The back of the lot may seem like a long walk, but you save a lot of time in the long run if you just take a spot and move on.

Step 2: Stay Away From Savings

If the rest of your family wants to kill themselves grappling with other shoppers to save a few bucks, that’s their business. You just want to get through the day avoiding serious bodily harm. The best way to do that is to stay away from any store that’s offering insane sales. JCPenney and Macy’s are the two prominent mall stores that typically have the biggest sales, which means they’ll attract the biggest crowds. Get as far away from them as you can if you want to stay out of danger. Better yet, why not seek out the stores that offer lower savings? Big Lots and Costco both offer statistically low savings on Black Friday. Head over there for a few hours and you should be able to avoid getting trampled.

Step 3: Become a Food Court King

The food court isn’t just a great place to kill some time dining on the finest pretzels and cheese the mall has to offer; it can also be a great place to really unwind. There are some fast food restaurants that will serve you alcohol with your mass-produced meals. Baja Fresh and Chipotle both offer beer and margaritas in the $4 to $7 range. Sbarro, meanwhile, will give you an entire bottle of wine for $23.99 (but maybe only go for that option if you’re sharing it with a few other dads). While we must stress that this tip is only for dads who are going to be spending at least three more hours at the mall, grabbing a few drinks could really help you get through Black Friday with a smile on your face.

Step 4: Catch a Movie

“Holiday Movie Season” is total “Dad Movie Season.” It’s when all the overly long, self-serious historical dramas that dads love come out. Thank goodness it lines up so perfectly with Black Friday. This year, there are a ton of awesome Dad movies out in theaters, including “Bridge of Spies,” a three-hour Cold War spy drama directed by Steven Spielberg; “The 33,” a testosterone-fueled true story epic about a bunch of miners trapped in a cave; and the Rocky sequel “Creed.” Best of all, there’s “Spectre,” and everyone knows that all dads are genetically predisposed to love James Bond movies; they just can’t help it. See one or two or all four of these movies on Black Friday and the day will be over before the final credits roll.

Extra Tips: If you really want to come out of Black Friday feeling like a million bucks (instead of just feeling like your family spent a million bucks), use the day to get some exercise in. The mall is actually a great place to get fit. The long corridors and hallways are perfect for power walking; you can use mall benches to assist in leg stretches, sit-ups or other small exercises; and if you look for it, you should even be able to find a staircase — climb it a few dozen times instead of taking the elevator or escalator. Bring an iPod along so you can drown out the crowds by listening to some of your favorite Dad rock (all of The Moody Blues’ albums are available on iTunes) or getting through a big chunk of the latest Tom Clancy audiobook.

Finally, the best Black Friday survival tip for dads? Skip it! Try and convince your family to just forget Black Friday altogether. After all, Cyber Monday is right around the corner — and your kids spend their entire life on the Internet anyway!

 

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Sources:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-retailers-for-black-friday/8385/
http://www.slate.com/articles/life/food/2012/04/fast_food_restaurants…

 

Prices and Cash Back Percentages are subject to change.