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Tips to save, holiday insights and Black Friday deals you won't want to miss

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We have been helping you prepare for this holiday season for months now, encouraging you to start Black Friday shopping back in October, when it first began, to avoid inventory issues and shipping delays.

According to the National Retail Federation, consumers are planning to spend nearly $1,000 this year on holiday gifts, decor and more. So, how can you save? Here are some tools and deals to help!

FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE:

Facebook Marketplace emailed me some tips, like selling unused or unwanted items at home to get more cash. You could also buy secondhand items, support local and coordinate contact-less pickup.

SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE:

Scottsdale Fashion Square is where you can "Shop Your Way." They describe it as "Gift Assurance". There are plenty of deals to save you money, extended hours to limit contact and select retailers are offering contact-less curbside pickup.

BLACK FRIDAY FREEBIES:

RetailMeNot compiled a list of freebies for Black Friday 2020. Click here to see them all.

ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER:

The Arizona Science Center emailed me the following information about Wonder Deals. The press release reads as you see it below:

  • November 27 - December 31 - Buy One Give One Membership - Purchase a membership, then give one as a gift – on us! Offer valid for new memberships only. Already a member? Renew your membership this month, save 25%.
  • December 2 - December 7 - Free Ticket - With every self-guided experience ticket purchased for this week, receive a FREE ticket to see a show in either the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater or Dorrance Planetarium.
  • December 9 - December 14 - Free Self-Guided Admission - Receive a free self-guided admission ($19.95 value) with the purchase of a Victoria the T. rex exhibition ticket for $11.95 during this week.
  • December 16 - December 21 - $5 Tickets - With every self-guided experience ticket, add on a $5 ticket to see a show in either the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater or Dorrance Planetarium ($9.00 value).
  • December 22 - December 31 - Educator Upgrade - K-12 Arizona educators can upgrade your Educator Membership to include your whole family with a basic membership for only $60.

MAIN EVENT:

A direct contact from Main Event emailed this information about the All-Activity Holiday Fun Pass. The press release states, "All-Activity Holiday Fun Pass for only $34.99, redeemable from December 18th through January 17th. The pass, available for purchase beginning on Black Friday, enables guests unlimited access to activities, including gravity ropes, laser tag and bowling, and more Sundays-Fridays during the promotional period... The Holiday Fun Pass, regularly $540, is available for purchase at all Main Event centers nationwide."

SHIPPING DEADLINES:

Offers.com organized shipping deadlines and important dates you need to know this 2020 holiday season.

STORES THAT WILL WRAP YOUR GIFTS:

RetailMeNot put together a list of over 30 stores that will either wrap your presents for free or for a small fee. Now, that's a gift to save time and money!

HUNGRY HOWIE'S PIZZA:

This deal is after Black Friday and being promoted to kick off Cyber Monday. I'm sharing it now so you can plan ahead and save some DOUGH! Hungry Howie's is offering a "Cyber Week Deal". A direct source emailed the press release, that reads, "Customers can get 51% off any pizza at regular menu price when they order online using the code “51OFF”. Valid on carry out and delivery orders at participating locations. This offer is available from November 30 to December 6."

VIZIO TV DEALS AND MORE:

We were sent an email about deals on Vizio, and below is the information as it appears in the press release:

Amazon Deals

Best Buy Deals

Costco Deals

Sam’s Club Deals

Target Deals

  • The 2021 VIZIO 70” V-Series SmartCast TV will be on sale for $549.99 online and in-store (MSRP $659.99) from November 27th until November 29th

Walmart Deals

BROWSER EXTENSIONS AND RESEARCH:

Remember, installing browser extensions can automatically apply coupon codes and discounts at checkout, saving you time and money without the extra effort. In general though, it's important to do your research before you make any purchases.

BLACK FRIDAY, SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, CYBER MONDAY AND MORE:

After Black Friday, there's Small Business Saturday, encouraging you to "Shop Small" and support local businesses. Then, you have Cyber Monday, and what used to be known as "Travel Tuesday". We know the travel industry has been impacted during the pandemic, so keep that in mind when looking for travel deals.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, and know that I'm grateful for you!