I’ve been spending all week gearing up for the biggest shopping day of the year. Although I must admit I’ve been hitting up the outlet malls because their sales have started early. I simply couldn’t resist buying a much needed winter coat from Banana Republic for 40% off. Luckily Mr. Kiss was happy to oblige. I love the thrill of finding a good bargain. I spend much of my shopping time surfing the web’s endless array of coupon forums. However there is a certain rush about waking up at the wee hours of the morning and joining hundreds of people in a mad shopping dash. I love Black Friday shopping, even though admittedly it isn’t a sport for everyone. For the brave few here are my tips for surviving black Friday.

1. Make a plan. Do not leave your house without an idea of what you want and where to get it. No plan= Fail. Be smart grab a newspaper on turkey day and browse over the deals. Bonus points if you save a tree and look online. Check out these sites for great deals: bfads, blackfriday and theblackfriday.
2. Enlist family members for your shopping battle. Bargain shopping is war. Only the most clever shoppers will score that 60″ plasma TV for $400. Grab any family members or friends that don’t mind standing or waiting in long lines. Assign a job to each person.
3. Get out early. Most stores list their black Friday shopping hours on the circular. A word of caution: if a store opens at 6am get there at 5am (that’s the latest). Some stores such as Best Buy draw crowds in with $300 laptops, expect to see lines forming at 12am. Electronics stores are also notorious for handing out wristbands to early shoppers to ensure they score those $300 laptops.
4. Be smart once you are inside. Black Friday shoppers move fast and the lines grow quickly. Have one family member get into the checkout line. Everyone else should spread out around the store. In my experience the best items aren’t in their usual store locations. Make sure to scan the isles for pallets or excess merchandise. Don’t dawdle get what you want and head to the check out line.

You don’t have to wait until Friday to begin your holiday shopping. Many retailers are offering steep discounts to entice consumers into spending. Take a look at some of the offers going on right now.

• 20% off everything online for 2 days. Offer good until 11.27 at 11:59 pm. Enter promo code 6684.

• Buy One Jean Get One Item Free at Lucky Brand Jeans. Offer good 12:01 am to Noon PT on 11.28.

• November 28th only get Free US Standard Shipping with $25 purchase at Benefit Cosmetics. Enter promo code BLAKSHIP

• Free Shipping + Free Our Two Scents Set (a $24 value) with $50 Bliss purchase! Offer valid through 12.01.08.
• 25% off your entire order plus free shipping at American Eagle on 11.27. Enter promo code 47596384.
• 30% to 70% Off See by Chloe, Helmut Lang, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel and more at Tobi!