The Black Friday shopper's best strategy

Your Thanksgiving dinner is barely over – but you are already plotting out your Black Friday shopping spree. You aren't alone. The National Retail Federation says holiday deals will send 140 million shoppers online and to stores over Thanksgiving weekend. “Though many people have already started to check off items from their holiday shopping lists, we fully expect to see many more come out on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the weekend to take in the festive sights and sounds – and to take advantage of unbeatable deals,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay. 

Medha Thomas is a Black Friday super-shopper who starts planning for the big day as early as June. She says she shops in three tiers – leaving her house for the first time at 4:30am. And, if she doesn't score what she’s looking for? “I note the prices so I can look out for matching in the coming weeks and make a list of what I didn't get so I can keep checking on Overstock and Ebay for others who may have gotten them and looking to sell. Last year, I got a video camera for even less than I would've at Best Buy! 

Thomas offered the below tips for being in top shopping shape on Black Friday. 

1.  Prepare a cup of hot coffee just the way you like it, great to begin morning and keep you warm.

2.  Empty your car of anything unnecessary - this includes car seats.

3.  Speaking of, don't take young kids if you can't help it. Too many people and bright, shiny objects.

4.  Play holiday music in the car, remember the spirit of the season (hint: it's not about stuff).

5.  Wear your most comfortable and warm pair of boots, a warm scarf and gloves. Forego the big bulky jacket.

6.  Also, don't take big or heavy purse, a sling shoulder purse will work.

7.  Charge your cell phone and take an extra battery.

8.  Keep those coupons throughout the months prior that expire after Black Friday, stores will honor them! (i.e. Old Navy $10 off of $50, etc.).

9.  Be quick, but not rushed. A focused mind is like a laser and there is a time and place for window shopping. Black Friday isn't it.

10.  Take time to EAT during the day!

1.  Toys for every kid on my list.

2.  Electronics and gadgets to get me through the year.

3.  Luxury items like cashmere sweaters or jewelry can often be found inexpensively.

4.  Office supplies, printers, shredders or anything else stationery.

5.  Anything more than 60% off as charities are always in need - pajamas, undergarments, toys, diapers.

1.  Chap stick - the wind can get blistering!

2.  Credit card and ID (I only carry $20 cash for coffee/food), my relevant credit cards and one ID in a shoulder sling purse.

3.  Day of Itinerary - my "bible" of the day. What I'm looking for, need, want, etc.

4.  Warm boots - to nurture my feet all day!

5.  Candy Canes - for myself and to hand out to strangers. Warms the heart and cures breath!