It’s that time of year again. Black Friday shopping has begun, already. This year many retailers have opened their doors early and given shoppers a head start. At this time last year I would typically be struggling to stay awake, still shuffling through my lists, and hitting people’s ankles repetitively with my cart as I browsed each aisle like a walking zombie. Not this year. For the first time I headed straight to Target to begin my shopping and made it out in under the normal 5-7 hours. Yes I calculated this given my experience two years ago! It was a breeze this time around and much less stressful. Target had their ad out ahead of time which made it easy for early birds like myself to get organized.

Am I the only one that cannot go into Target without making a sharp right to the stand alone Starbucks first? Coffee & shopping go together. They just FIT! It’s tradition and I don’t think I could ever tackle Black Friday without my frappuccino in hand. Truth is, I couldn’t stay awake either. Everyone knows what a turkey coma will do to you and it isn’t always pretty. With this pre-shopping ritual you can’t get mad if a deal-crazed mom runs over your foot or hits you in the head with an overflowing handbag stuffed with coupon flyers. Coffee is zen. Hello happy place!

  
This year Target opened it’s doors at 8 pm Thanksgiving night and started the season by offering a long list of deals that will run through Black Friday. These include electronics, toys, clothing, housewares, bedding, and much more. I was there earlier enough to make the line before the mobs arrived! Take a look at a few of the popular deals I noticed other shoppers going for. I even picked up a couple of these myself.

1. e.l.f Essential Makeup Kit ($20) $18
2. Nikon L320 16.1 MP Digital Camera ($229) $99
3. Furby Boom ($64.99) $40  
4. Beats by Dr. Dre Solo Headphones ($179.99) $115 
5. Keurig Elite Single Cup Brewing System ($109.99) $99
6. Monster’s University 3 Disc Combo Pack ($29.99) $10
7. Burt Bees Holidays Tips & Toes Kit $12.99 
8. Crayola Color Cube $12

Now here is a peek at what I got. Two hours later and I was able to make it home with video games, movies, toys, and art supplies. The Blu-Ray movies alone were only $9. There was even a 32” television being sold for $98. I don’t think you can beat that! Pre-Black Friday shopping was definitely worth it this year. I actually feel relieved that I was able to eliminate a portion of my list before Friday even arrived. 

Target has found a way to add convenience and cut out frustration while you shop the Black Friday deals this year. With the Target Floor Map you can enter in your city, state, or zip code to locate your nearest store and a layout of each department’s doorbuster deals. Now you can be prepared and plan your shopping trip ahead of time. Not only does this save you time it will also help you avoid the crowds and wandering shoppers who have no idea where to find what they are hunting for. With the Target Floor Map you are two steps ahead and even closer to that great deal you don’t want to miss out on. Check out your local Target floor map!

Also, don’t miss the chance to maximize your savings with additional Target coupons and savings from Cartwheel. You can access the application via your smartphone and combine these offers with your REDcard discount too. With all of these tools in hand (and a Starbucks coffee) you are ready to tackle the mobs and begin conquering those Christmas lists. Happy Black Friday shopping!

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Target. All opinions and thoughts are my own!