If your computer screen is filled with "Black Friday this" and "Cyber Monday that" but you don't have half a clue what's going on then fear not dear internet friend, you're not alone.
Here, we set out to not only explain what Black Friday (28 November) and Cyber Monday (1 December) is, but we'll also share some of the best places to get a few crackalackin' shopping deals.
So what actually is Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
It all began with Black Friday, which in the USA is the first Friday after Thanksgiving. According to Tech Radar "it represents a perfect storm for retailers as many people in the US have the day off, and as a result it's been the busiest shopping day of the year for nearly a decade."
We also have it under good authority that in the States, things get pretty fraught during this time. There are reported bust-ups between bargain hunters year on year. It's that big a deal...
Of course, with the competitive nature of retail, Black Friday means epic price reductions - and lots of them.
In an attempt to make a second wave from Black Friday, Cyber Monday was born - but catering to online retailers only.
Now there's just a long weekend of discounts and super cheap stuff from big name brands.
Of course, while us Brits may not be major Thanksgiving celebrators, we do love an opportunity to shop. What was once a simple shopping tradition in the US, has now spread its tentacles across the Atlantic. And we're jumping on the bandwagon too.
Where are the best deals?
Our crystal ball is currently in storage, so we haven't been able to predict exactly which brands are going to be discounting what this year. But we do know that last year's contenders will most probably be upping their game.
You can expect to see some epic discounts from the likes of...
So now that you've stocked up on crucial bargain hunting knowledge, bookmark your fave retailers and hit their stores on 28 November. If you're super organised, you'll make sure you get all of your Christmas presents bought on the day.
Online Shopping: Pros And Cons
Pro: Comparison Shopping Is Easier Online(01 of11)
Open Image ModalIt's so much easier to comparison shop online, not just comparing different brands of items, but comparing different online sites for prices. You might not have the pleasure of holding the items in your hands, but you have the ease. (credit:alamy)
Con: You Can't Use Cash Or Check Online(02 of11)
Open Image ModalOnline, you really can only use a credit card, so if you were planning on paying with cash or check, you're out of luck. (credit:alamy)
Pro: Finding Something Is Easier Online(03 of11)
Open Image ModalSometimes trying to fin an ingredient in the super supermarket can be frustrating, and when you can't find a salesperson to help you it's even more so. Online all you do is type in the ingredient into the search box. (credit:Getty Images)
Con: You Can't Hand-Pick Your Items(04 of11)
Open Image ModalUnfortunately you don't get to pick your own food when shopping online. The person who compiles your order does all that for you. So you're bound to get a bad apple or two, a fattier cut of meat or a a container of milk set to expire soon. (credit:alamy)
Pro: Add An Item In Case You Left Something Off The List(05 of11)
Open Image ModalIf you've ever left the supermarket and realized on the way home you forgot milk, this will appeal to you. Up until the day of delivery, you can add items to your grocery order online. So if you forgot to add milk, eggs or whatever, you still have a chance to add it to your order. (credit:Jupiterimages)
Con: Couponing Lag(06 of11)
Open Image ModalCouponing can be done online and you can even use lots of online coupon sites or online deals, but you initially are charged for the full price of your order -- coupon savings are only subtracted much later after the delivery person has put them through processing. (credit:Getty Images)
Pro: Shop In Comfort(07 of11)
Open Image ModalWhat could be more easy than shopping in the comfort of your own home? You don't have to lift a finger except to type and use your mouse. All the work is done for you including the bagging and delivery of your food. (credit:Jupiterimages)
Con: Shopping Online Is Anti-Social(08 of11)
Open Image ModalOnline shopping is not for those who like interpersonal communication -- talking to salespeople, bumping into neighbors and friends, and generally enjoying shopping with other people. (credit:alamy)
Pro: You Can Shop Online 24/7(09 of11)
Open Image ModalCon: Waiting For Delivery(10 of11)
Open Image ModalObviously when you buy online you can't get your order immediately -- usually it takes up to 1 day to get your order and of course you have to pay for delivery costs. Luckily many online grocers have deals for first-time customers, but after that the delivery cost can range in price depending on time of delivery. (credit:Getty Images)
Pro: Shopping Online Has No Long Lines(11 of11)
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