Black Friday, Cyber Monday & Boxing Day Week Deals Guide

How to Plan Your Holiday Shopping Calendar for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day Deals

The holiday season is synonymous with some of the best shopping deals of the year, especially around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day. For savvy shoppers, knowing exactly when and how to shop during these key days can mean the difference between snagging incredible discounts and missing out. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan your holiday shopping calendar effectively to make the most of these major sales events.

Understanding the Key Dates: When Are Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day?

Before diving into your shopping strategy, it’s important to know the exact timing of these sales:

  • Black Friday: Traditionally the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, Black Friday falls on November 29, 2024 this year. It marks the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season with widespread sales and promotions.
  • Cyber Monday: Occurring the Monday immediately after Black Friday, Cyber Monday lands on December 2, 2024 this year. It focuses heavily on online deals, with retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart offering deep discounts.
  • Boxing Day: Celebrated on December 26 in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, Boxing Day is another prime shopping day filled with clearance sales and deals, especially on winter inventory and holiday gift wrap-ups.

Marking these dates on your calendar is the first step to successful holiday shopping.

Why Mapping Out a Shopping Calendar Matters

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day sales each have unique characteristics and timing. Trying to shop spontaneously or waiting too long can lead to missed opportunities or sold-out deals. By planning ahead, you can:

  • Prioritize your purchases: Identify which items you want most and which day offers the best chances to get them cheaper.
  • Avoid last-minute rushes: Shopping on the exact days can be frantic. Spreading your purchases across these key days helps reduce stress.
  • Take advantage of early promotions: Many retailers start teasing Black Friday deals weeks in advance with early ads and flash sales.
  • Combine in-store and online shopping: Cyber Monday is ideal for online-exclusive deals, while Black Friday often features doorbusters you may want to grab in-store.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Holiday Shopping Calendar

Here’s a practical approach to organizing your shopping around these mega sales:

1. Make a Wish List Early (October to Early November)

Start by listing the products you want, whether it’s the latest Nintendo Switch, a new laptop, Hulu subscriptions, or home improvement tools from Home Depot. Research typical prices before sales start so you can recognize a true deal.

2. Monitor Retailer Ads and Previews (Mid-November)

Keep an eye on Walmart Black Friday ads, Best Buy Black Friday previews, Kohl’s Black Friday sales, and other retailer announcements. Many stores release their Black Friday ads online well before the event. Bookmark trusted sites and sign up for newsletters to get early alerts.

3. Schedule Black Friday Shopping (Late November)

Plan which stores you want to visit in person and which deals are strictly online. For example, Walmart Black Friday deals often include both in-store doorbusters and online specials. Note the opening times if you’re shopping in physical locations to avoid missing limited-quantity items.

4. Set Cyber Monday Alerts (The Monday After Black Friday)

Cyber Monday is perfect for electronics like laptops, TVs, and smart home devices, with retailers such as Amazon and Target offering extensive deals. Use price-tracking tools or browser extensions to get notified when prices drop.

5. Plan for Boxing Day (Late December)

If you’re in Canada, the UK, or shopping from retailers offering Boxing Day sales, include December 26 in your calendar. This day often features clearance prices and leftover stock discounts, a great time to save on winter clothing or gifts you might have missed earlier.

Tips for Staying Organized and Maximizing Savings

  • Use a digital calendar: Set reminders for deal start times and ad releases, so you don’t miss early sales or flash deals.
  • Compare prices across platforms: For example, check Walmart Black Friday ads against Amazon Cyber Monday deals to find the absolute best price.
  • Prioritize high-ticket items early: Popular electronics like Nintendo Switch bundles or laptops tend to sell out quickly during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
  • Stay flexible: Sometimes retailers extend sales beyond the main dates—watch for week-long deals across Black Friday to Cyber Monday and even Boxing Day.
  • Keep an eye on return policies: Holiday deals might have special return deadlines, so plan accordingly if you’re purchasing gifts.

Final Thoughts

Planning your holiday shopping calendar with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Boxing Day in mind helps you navigate the flurry of deals with confidence. With clear dates, retailer ads, and a prioritized wish list, you’ll be ready to grab the best offers without the overwhelm. Whether you’re after Walmart Black Friday deals, Amazon Cyber Monday steals, or Boxing Day clearance discounts, a structured approach ensures you maximize your savings every season.

Start early, stay informed, and happy shopping!