Prepared for Christmas: Black Friday Deals
Like many people (or maybe we’re in the minority now), I feel that Christmas has gotten too commercialized. The holiday that’s supposed to be about giving to others and a feeling of love has become a holiday centered on wants and selfishness.
Too often people purchase gifts that no one really NEEDS, which brings no real PEACE or HAPPINESS, and that often they can’t afford.
Preparedness is all about providing for our needs so that in times of crisis we can have peace. This Christmas we would like to challenge you to embrace the true spirit of Christmas and give the gift of preparedness to those around you. Instead of focusing on what they want for Christmas give a gift that will truly bring them peace of mind. As nice as it is to know that someone was really excited when they opened your gift and that it’s being used everyday, aim for a gift that they will hopefully never have to use.
This being said we are here to help you think of simple preparedness gifts that you can make or purchase. Starting now we will be helping you tailor your gift giving toward preparing your friends and family for the disasters that seem to be happening with increasing frequency. Most of the posts between now and Christmas will be DIY ideas and instructions, but today with the looming Black Friday we thought we’d start off with a list of Black Friday preparedness sales and deals for the shopper in all of us. And for those who prefer to avoid the disaster zone of malls and stores on the craziest day of the year, many of these steals are available from the location you are currently occupying – in front of your computer.
Black Friday Preparedness Deals
What to look for
The key to shopping Black Friday for preparedness items is knowing what you will need to be prepared. I always go to the camping gear, outdoor gear, tools and hardware first. This is where you’ll find the tools and equipment needed in an emergency. Remember that it doesn’t necessarily need to be “preparedness” or “emergency” gear. Something as simple as an outdoor fire pit can provide a heat source, comfort, and cooking source in an emergency situation.
Think outside of just survival and remember that part of survival is being comfortable. As you shop for “Santa” don’t forget that simple toys like a Barbie or matchbox car can provide valuable entertainment in an emergency kit. Don’t forget that non electronic games are great for preparing to create a shelter in place entertainment “cache” or making an emergency entertainment kit. Tools are not just great for dad’s but are a valuable preparation for clean up after a disaster. Since winter is upon us remember that mittens, hats, jacket/coats are a necessary addition to every emergency kit and can usually be found at super low prices.
If you’re trying to build an emergency kit for yourself, or someone else, now is also a great time to buy undergarments and socks. As far as electronics goes USB drives are great for creating a portable backup of files, vital documents, sentiment items and pictures, and a photo home inventory that can be easily stashed in an emergency kit or evacuation box.
Going through all these sales made me realize that food and food prep is a big sale item. With food prices on the rise giving the proper equipment to a beginning home preserver or a stock pile of freeze dried meals can be a great source of security and peace for many families. Oh, I almost forgot that gardening is an essential preparedness skill and there should be plenty of garden tools, and seed saving deals available.
Check out our mega list of emergency supplies for reference during your Black Friday reconnaissance.
Gift Ideas
If you still want a personal feeling gift consider creating gifts with items purchased during these sales:
- Earthquake kit – shoes and flashlight in reusable shopping bag to be kept under a bed in case of an emergency for a safer escape
- Emergency entertainment kits for kids (Grandparents!?!)
- Stocking stuffers for emergency kits – the smaller items like compasses, flashlights, whistles, etc.
- Emergency kits – go all out for a loved one and create your own customized kit
- First aid kits
- Car emergency kits
Where to Look
Please note that sales are not available at all locations and prices may vary. We are not affiliates of any of these companies and offer no endorsements (all opinions expressed are those of the writer). We have simply compiled a list to the best of our ability to aid you in your Christmas Preparedness focused gift giving and shopping. Sales times may vary depending on locations.
GoFoods Global offers a wide variety of the healthiest food reserves with a 25 year shelf life that anyone can prepare in minutes. Here’s your chance to TRY before you BUY!
Order a FREE PRODUCT & SHARING PACK! This generous offer from GO Foods includes two entrées, a soup, two beverages, and an energy shooter! – all for the cost of shipping, $9.95
www.survivedisaster.com – Code BLACKFRIDAY for an additional 5% of through Nov 26. Their prices are pretty good anyhow. I will say though their kits look a bit wimpy for my taste, but its still better than nothing, and a great place to start for a beginner. They are also advertising a free swiss army knife with each purchase (while supplies last).
www.foodstoragemadeeasy.net – A nice long list of goodies to pick from:
- OUR FOOD STORAGE MADE EASY EBOOK: On sale only twice a year for $12
- SHELF RELIANCE: Up to 50% off all Thrive Foods, and great deals on SHELVES
- LINDON FARMS: 180 Serving Lindon Farms meal bucket for just $155 (reg $185)
- PREPARE MY LIFE PLANNER: $20 off our everyday low price and free shipping
- HUMLESS SOLAR GENERATOR: $550 off retail pricing for Sentinel plus panel kit
- INSTA FIRE: 5 Gallon InstaFire Buckets for $10 LESS than the 4 Gallon Buckets
- ROYAL BERKEY: A rare discount on the Royal Berkey water purifier
- WONDERMILL: Special bonuses on both the manual and electric wheat grinders
- SUN OVEN: Christmas accessory package on sale with purchase of a Sun Oven
www.armysurplusstore.com/camping.aspx – I recommend looking through their camping gear, this is where they place all the gear that I would normally stock in my emergency kit or simply in my home. And it looks like they’ve got cuts on everything this week. Of course if you’re shopping for someone who’s already a preparedness nut (like Shelle and I) there’s plenty of interesting supplies on this site.
http://www.armysurpluswarehouse.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Black+Friday+deals&x=0&y=0 – Not a large amount of supplies but there are a few gems like the waste kit, and medic supply kit. Search around and see what fits best for what you need.
www.campingsurvival.com – Once a again a great site for supplies and these guys are loaded with options. They have too many deals to list so just browse their online products for great gear.
www.outdoorpros.com/blackfriday-cybermonday-sale.aspx – Not only are they having a black Friday / Cyber Monday sale, but they also have free shipping and exclusive brand discounts! That’s on top of a price match and no sales tax (except California).
www.theclymb.com – Up to 70% of their gear, but it does look like higher end gear, which is pricer but sometimes (key word) better quality.
www.cabelas.com – My dad has been coming here for years, both for Black Friday and for all his outdoor needs. Browse their “Christmas Gift Shop” to see what’s available. Once again camping is the best place to find emergency supplies. They also have free shipping on orders of $99 or more through Nov 27. The bargain barn (look under camping, & auto) currently has some super cool items on sale like freeze dried meals, a generator, camp stove, and for the home steader in all of us the amazing camp kitchen.
www.sportsmansguide.com – Look under camping and their bargain categories. Their lamps and lanterns have quite a few deals going on.
www.first-aid-product.com – Check under sales and specials at the top left corner of their home page for tons of deals and a link to their “Bargain Hole” for items under 99cents. This is a great place to go for stocking stuffers or items for smaller gift boxes.
www.emergencyessentials.com – They are up for the challenge of Black Friday savings and have a host of deals available. Sign up now to begin getting coupons for extra discounts.
Office Max – 1 cent batteries! (after mail in rebate)
Sears – Is having a huge tool sale.
Home Depot and Lowes – Not only are they great for deals on tools and equipment but they are a great place to find lamps, lanterns and flashlights.
www.thereadystore.com –Saratoga farms sale up to 25% off and mountain house meals up to 15% off, they have numerous other items up for their black Friday deals.
Walmart – Sentry safe waterproof fire chest $19.97 or the larger version for $99. Tools kits in a handy duffle for $15. Games for $4-10, and children’s books for $5. An outdoor wood burning fire pit $22. And since I’m a gun advocate their guns, ammo, and gun safes is also included in their sales. They also have freezer for the food storage enthusiast. $5 3 piece mini flashlights and multi-tool pocket tool. If you’re looking for a good suitcase to house an emergency kit they have a 2 set for $39. Lastly a 6 drawer tool chest with a free 85 piece mechanic tool set with purchase.
Target – Another great source for games and non-electronic entertainment at a great price range. A $49 deluxe air mattress can bring ease to the tent bound disaster victim. Outdoor fire pit for $39.
Kmart – 99 piece mechanics tool set in hard case $45, airbed $30, canopy $60, work boots and buy one get one free on some footwear. Two way radios for $35, 40% off all luggage, $99 neverflat air mattress, all craftsman tools are on sale. Instabeds are 50% off
Radioshack – Eton FR360 Solarlink radio $29.99
www.shelfreliance.com – Visit Thursday evening or early Friday morning for an updated pricing on sale items.
www.Amazon.com – Red cross radio $28.50, Stansport deluxe emergency preparedness kit $167.31, 4 person survival kit $199 (plus S&H)
www.nitro-pak.com – My personal favorite for emergency water started their sales on the 19th and will also be doing a special 12 days of Christmas with daily specials. They have a rumored $15 off a $100 order coupon code: THANKS12 but its unsure for what the date is on this 1-day discount.
www.foodinsurance.com – They have been having Friday deals throughout November, but Black Friday is supposed to be the BIG one.
www.myfoodstorage.com – Huge combo deals happening right now!
After looking through so many ads and listings of sale after sale, I have to admit that I actually want to go Black Friday shopping to snag some of these deals. So maybe this year will be my first time to experience the craziness of the infamous Black Friday.
Other Ideas and Resources
http://m.yahoo.com/w/legobpengine/news/black-friday-shop-home-safety-comfort-mind-142200080.html?orig_host_hdr=news.yahoo.com&.intl=US&.lang=en-US – FLASH weather ready gift list by prices
http://homelandsurvival.us/2011/11/preparedness/top-30-black-friday-deals-for-preppers/ – Since I can’t take credit for someone else’s research I’ll post their list and a link to their original impressive list.
Walmart:
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Fixed Blade Survival Knife–$38
Lowes:
Centurion gun Safe $297 ($100 off)
8 Piece LED Variety Liht Set $7.97 (Reg. $20.98)
Folding Knife and Multi tool $9.98 each (Reg. $19.98)
Bass ProShops:
Secure Vault $39.97 (Reg $64.99)
Remington great Youth .22 rifle $99
Garmin Venture HC GPS bundle $99.97 (compare to $299.99)
LED Flashlight 6 pack $7.97
Food Dehydrator $29.97
Menards:
Safari Executive Fire Gun Safe $399 (Save $400)
Fish and Game Processing Set $9.98
American angler Fillet Knife Set $14.98 (Save $25)
9 LED Aluminum Flashlight 6 pack set $4.97
2lb Summer Sausage $3.99
Also on sale:
Healthy Choice soup: .98¢ a can
Mini LED lantern $11.99
Flashlights and Batteries
MR. Heater propane Buddy Heater $64.98
Stainless steel water bottles 2 pack $3.49
Cabela’s:
Ruger 10/22 $169.99 (Save $60)
Champion Weekend 3500 watt Generator $299.99 (save $130)
Heavy Duty Dehydrator $89.99 (Save $80)
Mossberg “Just In Case” Shotgun $279.99 (save $100)
Hot Deals on other guns
Leatherman Skeletool $39.99 (Save $30)
SOG SOfari tool set $59.99 (Save 50%)
Gander Mountain:
235 Lumen Flashlight Bundle $59.99 (Save $60)
Alpine 0 degree Mummy Bag $49.99 (save 50%)
Mossberg Tactical 22 $199.99 (Save $100) Thursday Only
Gerber Crucial Tool with EVO Mid Knife Combo Pack $34.99 (Save 50%)
M91/30 Mosin Nagant 7.62x54R $99.99 (Save $80) Saturday Only
Handguns and Rifles on sale also
Tractor Supply Co:
2000 watt Sportsman Generator $149.99 Friday Only
http://topfoodstoragereviews.com/black-friday-food-storage-deals-2012 – Most of these deals have been noted in the above lists, but once again I need to acknowledge their research.
