Navigating major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will equip you with easy to apply tips for smart shopping. I’ve provided you some curated lists of crafting products to help you find the best Amazon finds.
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Shopping Tips for Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday
These tips apply to all major sales events, regardless of the year.
1. Do Your Homework and Plan Ahead
* Create a “Needs” List: Before the sales begin, make a list of everything you actually need. This prevents impulse buys and helps you stay focused on your goals.
* Research Prices: Don’t assume a sale price is the best price. Use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or browser extensions like Honey to see the price history of an item. This helps you identify genuine discounts.
* Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. This is a crucial step to avoid overspending and buyer’s remorse.
2. Leverage Technology and Retailer Features
* Use Wish Lists and Shopping Carts: Add items you’re interested in to your wish list or “save for later” section. This makes it easy to monitor their prices and quickly purchase them when they go on sale.
* Set Up Deal Alerts: Many retailers, including Amazon, allow you to set up personalized deal alerts for products you’ve viewed or added to your list. This sends you a notification when the price drops, saving you from constantly checking the site.
* Sign Up for Newsletters and Loyalty Programs: Get a head start on the deals by signing up for email newsletters from your favorite brands. Many stores offer exclusive coupons and early access to sales for their subscribers.
3. Be a Smart and Savvy Shopper
* Read the Fine Print: Pay attention to return policies, warranties, and any exclusions on sale items. Some “doorbuster” deals may have different terms than regular purchases.
* Compare Across Retailers: Don’t limit your search to one store. Check different websites and even brick-and-mortar stores, as they may offer better prices or additional perks like free shipping or in-store pickup.
* Consider Bundles and Packages: Look for bundled deals that offer multiple items at a discounted price. Just be sure to calculate the individual cost of each item to ensure it’s a genuine saving.
4. Prime Day Specifics
* Prime Membership is Key: Amazon Prime Day is a members-only event. If you’re not a member, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here to access the deals . Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
* Look for Prime-Exclusive Deals: Keep an eye out for “invite-only deals” on high-demand products and Prime-exclusive coupons, which can be stacked on top of sale prices.
5. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Specifics
* Know the Difference: Black Friday traditionally focuses on in-store, limited-quantity “doorbusters,” while Cyber Monday is primarily an online event with a broader range of deals. However, this distinction has blurred over the years, with most retailers offering their deals both online and in-store.
* Shop Early: Many deals begin in the days or even weeks leading up to the official sale dates. If you see a good deal on a product you want, it’s often best to buy it before it sells out, as it may not get significantly cheaper on the main day.
My Curated Collections: Crafting Products Buying Guide
Crafting is a passion that often requires a variety of supplies. Use these curated collections I put together to find the best deals on your favorite hobby.
For Candle Making
* Wax and Wick Bundles: Look for large bundles of soy or beeswax and wick assortments. These bulk buys are perfect for stocking up for multiple projects.
* Fragrance Oil Sets: Find sets that include a variety of scents. This is a great way to experiment with new fragrances without committing to large bottles.
* Candle-Making Starter Kits: If you’re new to the craft, a comprehensive kit that includes wax, wicks, fragrance, and pouring pots is an excellent deal to look out for.
Crocket and Knitting
* Yarn Bundles: Look for large yarn bundles or multi-packs of popular brands. This is a great way to stock up on a staple item for a major project.
* Interchangeable Needle Sets: These sets are a fantastic investment, offering multiple needle sizes and cable lengths in one package. They often go on sale during major events.
* Blocking Mats and Tools: Essential for finishing knitted or crocheted projects, these items are perfect for a gift or a personal upgrade.
Jewelry Making
* Beading and Jewelry-Making Kits: Find deals on bead assortments, wire, and specialized tools to expand your jewelry-making collection.
* Jewelry Findings Assortments: These are a must-have for any jewelry maker. Look for multi-packs of clasps, earring hooks, jump rings, and headpins in different finishes like sterling silver or gold-filled.
* Pliers and Tool Kits: A good quality set of pliers is essential. Look for deals on kits that include flat-nose, round-nose, and wire cutters.
For Paper Crafts
* Die-Cutting Machines: Brands like Cricut and Silhouette are known for their Black Friday deals. This is the best time to invest in a machine or upgrade an older model.
* Cardstock & Specialty Paper Packs: Stock up on a variety of colors and textures. Look for packs with a high sheet count for maximum value.
* Stamping and Inking Supplies: From stamp sets to ink pads and embossing powders, these smaller items are great to add to your cart when they’re on sale.
* Adhesive and Storage Solutions: Good quality adhesive and organized storage for your supplies are a game-changer. Look for deals on glue guns, tapes, and clear plastic containers.
Resin Art Ideas
* Resin and Hardener Kits: Look for kits that include both the resin and hardener, and consider buying larger volumes for a better price per ounce.
* Silicone Molds: Molds are a great item to find on sale. Look for sets that include a variety of shapes and sizes for different projects.
* Pigment and Glitter Packs: Stock up on a variety of colors and effects with pigment powders, alcohol inks, or glitter packs.
Sewing Supplies
* Sewing Machines: From beginner models to advanced machines with embroidery capabilities, these are often heavily discounted.
* Fabric Bundles and Scraps: Many retailers offer fabric bundles or “scrap bags” at a deep discount, which are perfect for smaller projects or quilting.
* Cutting Mats and Rotary Cutters: Look for deals on self-healing cutting mats and a variety of rotary cutter blades.
Wood Working
* Wood-Burning and Pyrography Kits: These kits are a great way to get started with a new craft. Look for deals on kits that include a variety of tips and a temperature-controlled pen.
* Wood Stain and Varnish Bundles: Stock up on different shades of wood stain or buy a bundle of varnish to protect your projects.
* Hand Tool Sets: Look for sales on starter sets of chisels, wood files, or carving knives.
