Black Friday Isn’t Worth It—Here Are 8 Things to Do Instead

a woman and a kid sitting on floor packing things

Black Friday: the day when people literally fight over TVs and camp out at stores at 3 a.m. for a toaster. Sounds… stressful, right? Well, you can always skip it and do something better than shopping. You can reclaim the day and make it actually enjoyable. Here are 8 fun things to do instead:


Turn Leftovers into a Feast

drinks made and decorated with fruitsPhoto by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Thanksgiving leftovers deserve more than a microwave and a paper plate. Get creative and turn them into something epic: turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce, mashed potato waffles, or even a pie milkshake (yes, that’s a thing). Invite friends or family over for a chill leftover remix party. No lines, no sales, just delicious food and good vibes.

Get Outside and Enjoy the Fresh Air

two girls sitting in hammocks in a parkPhoto by Bewakoof.com Official on Unsplash

Many parks and nature reserves celebrate Black Friday with “Opt Outside” events to encourage fresh air over frenzied shopping. Go for a hike, explore a trail, or just wander around your local park with a thermos of hot cider. Bonus: it’s free, and nature doesn’t run out of stock.

Have a Movie Marathon

a woman with a mug sitting in front of a laptop watching a moviePhoto by Anastasiia Nelen on Unsplash

Declare your couch the coziest spot in town and line up your favorite movies. Whether you’re diving into holiday classics, thrillers, cozy horror, or bingeing that Netflix show you keep meaning to watch, a movie day is a perfect way to avoid the shopping madness. Add some popcorn, blankets, and zero regrets.

Volunteer and Spread the Love

a woman in white t-shirt and black pants holding a strawberry boxPhoto by Joel Muniz on Unsplash

Instead of spending money on things that you will likely throw away in a couple of months, spend time giving back. Volunteer at a local food bank, help out at an animal shelter, or organize donations for those in need. It’s a feel-good way to spend the day, and it reminds you what the holiday season is really about: kindness and community.

Plan a Fun DIY Day

woman in grey sweater and black denim dungarees sitting on brown sofa wrapping a gifl boxPhoto by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash

Get those creative juices flowing. Whether it’s making holiday decorations, creating DIY gifts, or trying your hand at a new craft, spending the day making something can be super satisfying. Plus, handmade gifts > store-bought ones any day of the week. Break out the glitter, grab some snacks, and let your inner artist go out to play.

Support Local Businesses

a sign that says thank you for shopping localPhoto by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Okay, so you don’t want to totally skip shopping. In that case, we encourage you to show some love to small businesses in your area or online. Head to local boutiques, markets, or craft fairs, and find unique, thoughtful gifts while keeping your dollars in your community.

Treat Yourself to a Self-Care Day

a woman with sunglasses sitting in a bathtubPhoto by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash

Black Friday stress? Not for you. Spend the day pampering yourself instead. Take a bubble bath, try out a face mask, do some yoga, or just do some journaling. The point is to do whatever makes you feel relaxed and recharged. Because honestly, self-care > shopping frenzy.

Reflect and Reconnect

a woman lying on the ground enjoying the sunPhoto by Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash

The holidays can get busy, and sometimes we lose sight of what really matters. Use Black Friday as a chance to slow down. Journal about what you’re grateful for, call a loved one you haven’t talked to in a while, or spend some quality time with your family. It’s a reminder that the best things in life aren’t things at all.

Skipping Black Friday doesn’t mean missing out—it means making the day yours. So close all those tabs and do something that actually makes you happy. You’ll thank yourself later.


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