Here are 7 things to avoid buying on Black Friday so that you can shop the best deals over the festive period.

Amazon introduced the UK to Black Friday deals back in 2010 and since then the UK market has been gathering momentum offering us deals on so many things that it’s hard to resist.

I have been aware of Black Friday since one of my best friends, who runs The Candy Company, back in 2007 told me that she was flying to New York for the weekend to shop Black Friday sales. Back then, it seemed like a mythical creature that not many people knew about.

However, in an age where we’re all encouraged to consider the impact our consumerism is having on the planet, lots of us are making a real push for sustainability in both fashion, retail and food industries and responsible shopping. I have compiled a list of 7  things you should AVOID buying on Black Friday, so that hopefully:

– You can make more responsible buying decisions

– You don’t get sucked in to the hype of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and panic buy things simply because they are on sale

– You know the best times to buy the things you want so that you get the best deal

7 Things to Avoid Buying on Black Friday:

1. Furniture

New style furniture is typically released in January and February as people redo their homes in the New Year with renewed enthusiasm (we all have bucketloads of enthusiasm in January, right?!). So unless you see a significant Black Friday discount on something you’ve had your eye on, it’s advisable to wait until then. Typically in the UK, Boxing Day sales were the time to buy furniture as furniture shops were the only stores open (remember that?!) However, you will still be buying old stock even if you buy on Boxing Day.

If you want to shop new trends and new pieces and hopefully keep that furniture for longer, then you’re advised to wait until January and February when new styles are released and you can be one of the first with it for a great price.

Suggested buys on Black Friday with great deals, home furnishings:

2. Fitness Equipment

Whilst of course there are more enticing things to spend your money on during Black Friday, I can totally see the appeal. Not wanting to subscribe to the cliche that is ‘getting fit in January’, you may be encouraged to get a head start or even buy something as a gift for Christmas, but again, January is the time to buy fitness equipment for obvious reasons. Sales of workout gear, fitness equipment and fitness DVDs increases exponentially, you’ll only need to look out for advertising and online content immediately after Christmas to get the idea. A cliche but oh well!

The best deals are to be had in January for fitness equipment, unless of course you’re buying it as a Christmas gift for the health conscious person in your life!

3. Christmas Decorations

This goes without saying. I know plenty of people who buy Christmas decorations after Christmas because they go on massive sale. It’s the best time to buy decorations of course. So it’s best to wait until then. However, if you need Christmas decorations then you can find some good deals on Black Friday, the deals just won’t be as good as after Christmas.

4. Children’s Toys

Yes you will get good deals, but the best time to wait for children’s toys is the first couple of weeks in December. Also remember that toy retailers deliberately do not release enough stock of popular toys in the run up to Christmas so that they create a shortage and delay some of their sales for January. So if you’re after a cult-toy this Christmas and don’t want to miss out, then definitely go for it on Black Friday.

If you’d rather not have a disappointed child instead of saving money, then throw caution to the wind and just buy it now. But if you’re after the best deal, do wait if you can. Also, children will get so many things, that you could include a note from Santa to say that the toy is on its way and that they will get it in January. Nothing like delayed gratification and an extra toy in January.

5. Random Winter Clothes

Yes, there are great deals to be had on clothes and if you are going to shop the Black Friday sales I’d suggest that you buy the things you need – new coat, a lovely pair of shoes, Christmas party outfits and and the things you’ve wanted for a while that are on sale on Black Friday. There are some great deals to be had.

If you’re browsing and looking for something that takes your eye, then be careful because you could just be buying a load of stuff you don’t need and won’t get much wear out of. If you’re shopping like this, you’re advised to wait until January when the real sales start on clothes before the new season.

The Spring/Summer  drop will begin in February so they will be getting rid of everything Autumn/Winter in January. So wait if you can.

Otherwise, Black Friday is the best time to get great deals on party dresses and investment pieces for your wardrobe.

6. Jewellery

The jury is out on this one. The reason why experts advise avoiding jewellery on Black Friday is that typically deals on jewellery have usually be reserved for Valentine’s Day and Mothers Day. However, more and more jewellery brands are giving us Black Friday discounts, so I don’t think you necessarily need to avoid spending on jewellery on Black Friday if there isn’t a more appropriate gift for someone, or yourself of course!

7. Beauty

The best deals to be had on beauty is on gift boxes and advent calendars. Hands down. Usually though, Black Friday deals exclude gift sets, which is such a shame! This is because they’re usually such good value for money anyway that retailers can’t really afford to give you any more off the price.

That being said if you can find Black Friday deals that allow you a discount off of your shopping basket and includes your spend on beauty then you’re good to spend. Another great deal is if you can find a ‘gift card with purchase’ deal which means you can buy gifts on Black Friday and treat yourself in the January Sales. Stick to gift sets and you’re golden.

Some of my beauty favourites that are on sale:

Space NK

ASOS Beauty

Next Beauty

Nordstrom Beauty