Firstly, when did ‘Black Friday’ become ‘Black Two Weeks’? The offers have been a bit crazy this year with some starting as early as the 13th November. We are having a bit of Black Friday fatigue here at RMLtd but love it or loathe it there are some great deals to be had. And deals are just what you need at this rather pricey time of the year.

However, for me it’s not all about the offers and there are so many other ways you can save the pennies during the festive season. Meaning there is more in the pot for one more chocolate orange for me right? Sorry, I mean one more toy for the kiddies.

So without further ado here are our top money saving tips. And if you do fancy a bit of Black Friday browsing I’ve popped some of the best deals we have come across below. There are also a whole load more over on Rock My Style, just in case you need a new festive purchase of two for yourselves.

1. Budget

First and foremost make a budget. Without this it is easy to get carried away. Every extra £5 on a present soon mounts up so know what you are spending and stick to it. It’s also good to try and write a budget for food and drink.

2. Deals

Deals Deals and more Deals. I couldn’t write a money saving tips post without mentioning the offers that are bombarding our inbox. Not just on Black Friday. Many stores have 3 for 2 or multi gifting available.

3. Start Early

Buy early. I often buy bits for the girls stockings in the sales after Christmas or in the summer. You also get the best prices on toys around August if you are organised. Word of warning. Be sure that your kids aren’t going to change their mind. Mine have and now I am spending my days convincing them they really do want the singing dolphin that they have been requesting for the last 4 months but have suddenly decided isn’t as good as the Cry Babies!

4. Get Crafty

Make your own cards, gifts and wrapping paper for a lovely homemade touch at a fraction of the price. I always sit the girls down with some card, paint and glitter and let them go made designing cards for family. We also buy a big sheet of Kraft paper and draw, stamp or colour it to make our own unique wrapping designs. If I am being super good I also make salt dough shapes for tags which cost next to nothing but are a fun way to pass an hour with the kids. You can find lots of ideas on my old post here and also Lisa shared her fab homemade crackers earlier this week.

5. Loyalty Points

Use any loyalty points you have accumulated wisely. Yes you might want that new lipstick for yourself but Boots points can stack up, especially with all the baby purchases, so get gifting. You can also use supermarket points for the big festive feast.

6. Share Postage

I have often found the cutest gifts only for the postage to cost 3 times as much as said item. Lauren says don’t blame her for being Northern but she will often ask if anyone else wants anything from that store so you can combine postage. It’s a great way to get together with friends and share some of your wonderful finds. It might seem cheeky but get yourself an Amazon Prime account trial for a month. Free next day delivery means you can stock up on last minute gifts.

7. Cash Back

Use cutback sites such as Quidco to make your purchases to save money whilst you send. Kidstart is also a great way of putting some pennies aside for your children.

8. Sort Out Toys

Have a pre-christmas clearout and get ebaying those unwanted toys and grown out clothes. It’s a good way to get some extra cash ahead of the shopping spree.

9. Experiences

Give experiences not gifts. If you are struggling to think or things to buy or need to save some extra money then why not give little gift tokens to people. It could be cooking them dinner, a date night or even something simple like a woodland walk with hot chocolates.

10. Secret Santa

If you have a group of friends or family do a secret santa and just buy one gift. In a similar way my siblings and our other halves each have one person to buy for but at a higher value than we would normally spend. So for example we spend £50 rather than £20 on 7 people! With Edds family we agreed to just buy for the children so it’s worth chatting to people if you are struggling with a long list.

Does anyone else have any money saving tips and please do share any other shopping codes below with us all.

{Black Friday Deals}

John Lewis – John Lewis are doing a price match as well as their usual Black Friday flash deals across a range of products.

Amazon – Deals have been running since last week. It culminates this weekend so it’s worth a browse for some bigger ticket items.

Mothercare – There is up to 60% off toys, 25% off all clothing and a host of other offers. Not for gifting but great for stocking up on essentials as there are half price offers on all Phillips Avent bottles and sterilisers.

La Redoute – There is 40% off site wide, including brands so you can pick up some cute new outfits for the kids or even some room updates with their gorgeous interiors.

GAP – There is 40% off online with code BFGAP or 50% off in store. Great for stocking up on PJs, hats and a few Christmas presents for nieces and nephews.

Joules – Up to 50% off a wide range of outfits and I personally really rate the sweatshirts and leggings for the girls. Oh and a cute bobble hat.

Boden – There is 30% off site wide if you are after some sweet xmas day outfits or gifts for newborns.

Smyths – If your littles have requested a plethora of toys then Smyths has offers on throughout the store including 3 for 2 on board games. There is also £6 off when you spend £50 in store with code BF6 or £12 off when you spend £100 with code BF12. These work for click and collect orders.

Petit Bateau – 30% off with code FRIDAY.

Feel Unique – For beauty buys there is up to 60% off at Feel Unique.

ASOS – Up to 60% off across the site.

The White Company – For the sweetest gifts (and a few lovely candles for you!) there is 20% off with code AS276.

Mamas & Papas – There is up to 50% off across the site with great deals on baby essentials and cute clothing. Some pushchairs and travel systems are at a brilliant price.

H&M – 20% off everything and free delivery for club members.

Independents

Black Friday isn’t just for the big stores. Support little independents like those featured in my toy post last week by shopping small. Keep an eye on Instagram for codes and offers or sign up to emails to find out first.

Meminio – Don’t just look for money off. Meminio are offering free personalisation on Memory Cases for the Black Friday weekend.

Molly & Moo – 15% off for Friday only.

Acorn & Pip – 30% off clothing and accessories with code FRIYAY30.

Hip Little People – 25% off all clothing with BLACKFRIDAY.

This Modern Life & This Paper Life – 15% off store wide for amazing buys and discounts applied automatically at checkout.

Archies Boutique – Up to 35% off across the store. Reductions applied when you click through.

The Modern Nursery – 15% off site wide with code BLACKFRIDAY