Some people love Black Friday. These super-shoppers begin planning their holiday gift-gathering extravaganza weeks in advance, planning out what stores they’re going to go to and what they’re going to buy with a precision that puts the most experienced military logistics experts to shame.

Other people aren’t as fond of Black Friday. They use the traditional day-after-Thanksgiving shopping extravaganza as a reason to avoid the mall at all costs. One look at over-full parking lots and lines of people waiting to cram through the store doors in the wee hours of the morning is more than enough Black Friday fun for them.

Whichever camp you fall in, we hope you have a safe, fun Black Friday. And of course, we are the Technology Therapy Group, so we have some tips on how the smart use of tech can make your Black Friday better:

1. Shopping Apps:

   If you’re going to be hitting the stores, make use of shopping apps like Retail Me Not and Shop It To Me to let you know when & where the best deals are. You’ll save time and money.

2. Instagram:

   Share photos of your great deals – or the fun you’re having anywhere but the shops – on Instagram. It’s a great way to connect with your friends on this busy day. (And you never know: you might spy something in your friends’ Instagram that you absolutely positively have to do too!)

3. Fitness Apps:

   We all know that eating healthy during the holidays can be tough. Start the season out right by using a fitness app like FitBit to keep track of what you’re eating. This helps control the ‘stealth’ calories that can sneak up on you when you have a cookie here, a cookie there…

4. Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime:

   Avoiding the whole Black Friday experience? A great alternative is to curl up with your laptop or tablet and have your own personally-selected movie marathon. Go traditional with all your holiday favorites, or mix it up with your favorite comedies, sci-fi, or even horror films: whatever makes you happy!

Finally, as much as we love tech, we want to implore you to put the phone down while you’re driving. The roads are going to be full of distracted drivers, and it’s important that you keep your focus on staying safe. Every call, text or tweet can wait until you’ve reached your destination. We love all of our clients & friends and want to see you happily around after Black Friday!