Lemondrop

The Mom, Santa's Best Elf
Briana, 31
Tipton, Ind.
Years of Black Friday experience (as a mom): 5
Best shopping deal: nice bath towels we use every day for just $2.99

Holiday gifts for the family are tough on budgets. For those who want to make sure they can still check off the Christmas list without breaking the bank, Black Friday is an opportunity in gift-giving paradise. But Briana doesn't just search for deals for the holiday season, she lives the pay less lifestyle year-round. (And blogs about it, too. Find her tales at BargainBriana.com) Her motto: Be prepared. A little scout-ish, yes, but she's right. "The very first time I went out for Black Friday I had absolutely no plan, so I just kind of wandered around in circles at the stores not knowing what I wanted to buy," she says. "You MUST have a plan to maximize your savings and time for Black Friday."

Which stores will you visit?
Briana: Old Navy, Kohl's and Target

Will you be shopping for yourself or buying holiday gifts?
Both, but I'll mainly be buying gifts for my children.

What is the one thing you HAVE to get this year?
We will be heading to Old Navy for the $15 jeans. We don't need any big-ticket items this year so I will be shopping for clothes, which usually means a better selection and not as much madness.

Do you have a strategy for spotting the best deals?
I like to do a Google search of coupons related to that store as well for more savings, if possible. Though sometimes the coupons will exclude Black Friday. You just have to read the fine print.

Do you look on the Internet for tips and deal leaks in advance?
Yes! I stalk BlackFriday.info and Slickdeals.net to see the ads in advance. I also make sure I have a Thanksgiving Day paper because there may be other deals at lesser-known stores.

What's your craziest Black Friday experience?
I caught two ladies fighting over a digital camera at Kohl's a few years back. It was the saddest story.