Seasonal

Mark the date in your diary, Friday 24 November 2017 and don’t miss out on bagging yourself some brilliant Black Friday bargains on all sorts of products, and just in time for Christmas. But while it is easy to just snatch and grab, especially when fighting the hordes of people who will also be shopping for bargains, it might be wise to take a step back and plan for your Black Friday shopping spree, so you can breeze through Black Friday with ease.

Whilst bargains and discounts might not have been released yet, many retailers have already confirmed that they will be participating in Black Friday sales, including Argos, Boots, GAME, Maplin, Debenhams and New Look.

Whether you’re after this year’s hottest toys, latest tech, this season’s must-have fashions or homeware, the most important thing is to be prepared.

DO YOUR RESEARCH & BE REWARDED

It pays to be prepared on Black Friday and if you want to get the best deals then you have to be organised. Retailers last year started their Black Friday deals much earlier, and this year you will be lured by substantial discounts in a bid to persuade you to start your Christmas shopping early, so if you start to plan your spend a week in advance of the big day you are less likely to miss out.

• Many retailers have Black Friday deals already online with more discounts coming in-store on the day itself. If you’re after big-ticket gadgets such as televisions, laptops, cameras, smartphones, smartwatches, games consoles and tablets, be assured it will probably be discounted.
• Sign up to store newsletters and follow your selected retailers them on Facebook and Twitter to make sure you get information on great deals as soon as they are announced.
• If you feel like you’re going to overspend set a budget and do your planning and price comparisons on-line first. If you do your research and pinpoint what products and models you want well in advance, it will save you time on the day when you’ll have to act fast in-store.
• Boost your savings by planning in advance how you are going to pay for your goods. Choose which cards you may use, whether it’s a cashback credit card or you’re collecting Avios, make sure you maximise on your spending by using the right card, and don’t forget to take your store loyalty cards along with you too.

You may be overwhelmed by the discounts and items on offer, so don’t lose sight of the items you actually want. Our hot tips for this year’s Black Friday are toys and tech, and these are the hot ticket items to look out for.

TREAT THEM TO TOYS FOR LESS

Black Friday is probably the best time to get your toy shopping for Christmas out of the way, and save money too. For the kiddies ‘My Little Pony’ merchandise is huge this year as the new movie is released in time for Christmas, but there are many other toys inspired by movies and TV shows that are tipped to be as popular with kids of all ages this year.

PAW Patrol Sea Patroller Vehicle available at Argos, Wilko and Tesco
Nerf N-Strike Elite Retaliator available at Argos, Asda and Tesco
Hatchimals Surprise Giraven available at Argos

My Little Pony Cutie Mark Pack available at Argos
My Little Pony Magic of Everypony 10 Pony figure set available at Tesco
My Little Pony Fashion Runway Playset available at Wilko

Lego is also a firm favourite with new Lego building kits and themed LEGO kits entering the market regularly. Why not help develop your children’s creativity with the gift of Lego and see their imaginations grow as they build new and existing things from these well-loved little bricks?

LEGO Ninjago Movie Flying Jelly Sub available at Argos
LEGO Ninjago Movie Garma Mecha Man available at Tesco and Asda
LEGO Star Wars Resistance X-Wing Fighter available at Asda, Argos and Tesco

BARGAIN BASEMENT TECH

Some of the latest tech and devices can be found in the Black Friday sales at bargain basement prices, including the highly anticipated iPhone X, as well as the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note8.

When it comes to finding your smartphone on Black Friday, it is a good idea to go in with an idea of not only the phone that you want, but the data package you require as well. If you are someone who spends a lot of time on social media and messaging apps, you will want a contract that comes with a lot of data, so keep your eyes peeled for good data deals too.

iPhone X available at Three, Carphone Warehouse, O2, Vodafone and EE
iPhone 8 available at O2, Carphone Warehouse, Vodafone, EE, Sky and Three
Samsung Galaxy Note8 available at Three, Carphone Warehouse, Sky, EE, Vodafone and O2
Samsung Galaxy S8 available at Three, EE, Carphone Warehouse, Sky, Vodafone and O2

If you’re into gaming, the Nintendo Switch is a hot item this year, and you may find some great deals on this console once Black Friday comes around. The Xbox One X which launches in November is another game console that Xbox fans will have their eye on in the hopes of bagging a bargain.

Nintendo Switch Console available at Argos and GAME
Xbox One X available at GAME

Finding the perfect gift for your perfect guy isn’t always easy, especially when Christmas gift buying has exhausted all your ideas. While you could opt for a tie, socks or body wash like everyone else, there are dozens of other gifts the man in your life will appreciate much more. From spa products (yes, men love them too) to portable accessories that will make his life much easier, these ideas will help you find the best Valentine’s Day gifts for him.

THE SMARTEST GIFT FOR YOUR GUY

For the ultimate gift for the most discerning of men, choose the ultimate gadget. Buy him the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot and you will be in his good books forever more, plus it gives him someone else to speak to when you’re not around!

Amazon Echo and Echo Dot connects to the Alexa Voice Service to play music, answer questions, and it will keep him up to date with news, weather, sports scores and much more. All he has to do is ask. SO next time he wants to order a take-away, control the heating or do the shopping, he can get Alexa to do it for him instead of you.

Amazon Echo Dot £49.99 from Maplin & Argos
Amazon Echo £149.99 from Maplin & Argos

FULFILL HIS SENSES

Play to his senses and treat him to some luxurious pampering products. Why not encourage him to take time out for himself and give him the products he needs to have his very own at home spa day?

The Nip + Man men’s range at Superdrug and at Boots is just what he needs to caress his skin so you’ll want to caress his muscles. The Ab Fix and Bicep Fix are both lightweight, fast acting gels which will help to improve skin tone and texture and improve elasticity of the skin. There’s also a range of products to keep his face silky smooth for your touch.

Nip + Man Ab Fix £9.97, Nip + Man Bicep Fix £12.95
Nip + Man AfterShave Power Lotion, Nip + Man Daily Power Moisturiser & Nip + Man Scrubbing Facial Wash, all £3.97 from Superdrug & Boots

The ULTIMATE FRAGRANCE

A new fragrance for men that smoulders with masculinity is JIMMY CHOO MAN and JIMMY CHOO MAN INTENSE. This luxurious scent captures the spirit of the Jimmy Choo man and has an accent of Black Pepper and a trio of new notes to bolster its Amber base. Honeydew Melon adds a watery freshness whilst Davana oil gives a sensual quality and Tonka Bean brings an almond-meets-tobacco edge that’s warm and intensely masculine. Buy it at Superdrug, Boots and The Perfume Shop.

Jimmy Choo Man Eau de Toilette 50ml & Body 100ml Gift Set £30.00 Superdrug
Jimmy Choo Man Intense from £45 at The Perfume Shop and Boots
Jimmy Choo Man from £29 at The Perfume Shop and Boots

BECAUSE LITTLE THINGS MATTER

Nothing says I love more than a cutesy lovable gift and Poundworld has them in droves. From scented car fresheners to teddy bears, magnets, mugs, toys and more, fill a stocking (preferably one of yours) with a range of slushy gifts that will mark the occasion.

Gorgeous gifts and gastronomic delights is the stuff Valentine’s Day is made of, so why not treat the lady in your life to memorable gifts that speak a thousand words? Aside from decadent chocolates and beautiful blooms, show her your love with some beautiful luxurious lingerie, sparkly gems for sparkly eyes, fragrant bouquets in a bottle, gifts of relaxation or a fashionable object of desire. Here’s how to be guided by your heart without breaking the bank.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Think laterally when it comes to hearts and flowers and you can’t go wrong. The high street is awash with heart shaped jewellery, fashion accessories, keepsakes, and novelty gifts and of course lingerie, and all at loveable prices. From coffee mugs to silver tealights, beautiful body products and affordable arm candy, as well as chocolates that look too good to eat, these are some extra ways you can show her how much you care in addition to buying 12 long stems of roses.

We love Peacocks offering for Valentine’s Day where you will find gifts for your lady that are truly novel, and with many under £10.

Pink Pugs & Hugs Valentines Coffee Take Out Cup £4.00
Diamante Pink Heart Key Ring £3.50
Grey Embossed Robe £22 and Slippers £7.00

SAY IT WITH HEARTS

Pull out the stops and give her a version of it that she can enjoy. We love these modern classics from Warren James Jewellers, Hotel Chocolat and Argos.

Sarah Sterling Silver Diamond Two Colour Heart Necklace £35.00
The Petra Heart Bangle Made With Swarovski® Crystals £28.00
Petra Heart Earrings Made With Swarovski® Crystals £10.00

Hotel Chocolat Valentines Sleekster £22.50

Argos Heart of House Juliette Mirror Heart Tea Light Tray £24.99
Argos 9ct White Gold Diamond Set Heart Pendant £69.99

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS WITH A TWIST

From fragrant gifts of relaxation from M&S to on-trend floral embroidered arm candy, these are the gifts to go for that will last longer than the day itself.

M&S Florentyna Soap Roses £5.00
M&S La Maison de Senteurs Scented Hanging Heart Trio £9.50 and Body Lotion £7.50

Bronnley Pink Peony & Rhubarb Collection £16.50 from Boots

Miss Selfridge White Floral Embroidered Bag £49.00
M&S The Embroidered Twistlock £27.50
Accessorize Poppy Embroidered Saddle Bag £29.00

LAST BUT NOT LEAST IS LINGERIE

Luxurious, sexy, sweet, endearing and stylish lingerie is always a valentine’s hit. Whether she prefers simple sporty cottons or sumptuous silk, satin and lace, you are certain to find something both of you will adore, and at prices you can afford. You won’t need to look too far either because almost every fashion retailer, supermarket and department store has a lingerie offer this time of year.

Primark lingerie from £5.00

George at Asda nightwear and lingerie from £5.00