Thanksgiving dinner is almost on the table, all the political conversations are put away (right?) and your helmets are ready, too.
Why the helmets? Because shopping on Black Friday weekend is a competitive sport!
Take Two and Michelle Dalton Tyree from Fashion Trends Daily has your game plan for where to shop in Southern California
Black Friday
Major clothing retailers will have some of the earliest and steepest discounts for gift giving.
Old Navy is doing 50 percent of almost everything starting today, while J. Crew is offering 40 percent items.
And watch for major department stores like Neiman Marcus to offer great deals as well.
Meanwhile, electronics can be good but you have to really do your homework and read the fine print.
"I wouldn’t be lining up two days before and sleeping on the street for those deals," says Tyree.
If you're looking for children's gifts, Toys R Us is starting early by offering deals at 9 p.m. Wednesday night, and you can take advantage of some of them now if you're a Rewards member.
Small Business Saturday
This day was created by American Express to encourage shopping at local brick-and-mortar stores since Black Friday really highlights big retailers.
"It's become a holiday rallying cry for small businesses to court consumers and urge them to shop local," says Tyree.
We Heart Eagle Rock Shop Small will unite stores in Eagle Rock to create a festive, walking atmosphere for shoppers.
Some of the highlights include special deals at the gift shop Leanna Lin's Wonderland, reduced rates on holiday family portrait sessions by Cherry Soda Studios, adoptable puppies on display in front of Dave's Chillin & Grillin and more.
In West Hollywood, Book Soup celebrates with special guests Lena Dunham, Jade Change and Aris Janigian signing books.
Also, walk around Old Pasadena, the Arts District and West Third Street, too, where more small businesses will get into the act to offer sales, treats and more for people who come through the door.
Cyber Monday
This is perfect for people who want to avoid the crowds. About a third of Americans plan to buy something for the holidays on this day, too.
Tyree suggests going to the CyberMonday.com early on Black Friday because it will have a “deal of the hour” on affiliated sites every hour starting at midnight. Some include:
- Apple, from 12 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Neiman Marcus, from 2 a.m. to 3 a.m.
- Home Depot, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Where to shop all the way up to the holidays
For people who want to avoid shopping this weekend altogether, many local retailers will still host special deals and events throughout the season.
Citadel Outlets is doing Pet Night with Santa on Tuesdays November 29th and December 6th and 13th. Shoppers will be able to bring their friendly pets to have their picture taken on Santa's lap.
And you can enjoy live music accompanied by a nightly snowfall at The Grove at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. every day.