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Our Visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise noted. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items.

The first time I visited the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center was on our 4th grade field trip. It seemed like an amazing place at the time, with such a variety of close up animal encounters and a location with an picturesque backdrop. I had wanted to go back ever since, but have never made the time to go until this past weekend, and it did not disappoint!

With the abundant amount of things to do and see in Alaska, I’m sure you’re trying to figure out if you should add AWCC to your vacation checklist. I would say “Yes!”, but you can read further and see if you agree!

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
The cozy moose barn at AWCC.

What is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

You can basically think of AWCC as a tour of Alaska’s wildlife, all in one spot. It’s like you hit the wildlife jackpot, and somehow this whole variety of animals congregated in one area, just for you to see. Now, obviously that is not the case, but it sure feels like it.

I feel like the best way to explain it is to just quote directly from their website and sum it up. “The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care.” It has a large loop that you can drive, bike, or walk through, and along this loop you will see a variety of animals that I really don’t think you will find anywhere else. You can choose to have a tour, or do the loop yourself, which is what we did.

What will I see at AWCC?

There is really a vast variety of animals that you will encounter at AWCC. We came across a bull moose first, and shortly after saw muskox, brown bear, black bear, and more! There are many animals, big and small, located at the center. These include elk, wolves, fox, owls, and more.

Brown bears AWCC Alaska
Bears viewed from above on the viewing bridge.

Where is the center located?

AWCC is in a very convenient location. It is about an hour from Anchorage, so it can be an easy day trip if that is where you are heading from. If you’re staying at The Hotel Alyeska, or anywhere in Girdwood, you’re even closer at about a twenty-minute drive. It is a definite must see if you plan on driving down to the Kenai Peninsula, as you will be passing AWCC on your way there.

Who would enjoy visiting AWCC?

Anyone and everyone! Young, old, and everyone in between, the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a must for all wildlife lovers. If you are visiting with someone who is elderly, has a disability, or even if its just raining, you can drive the loop, and do your wildlife viewing from the comfort of your vehicle.

AWCC Bear Viewing Bridge
Great views from the bear viewing bridge.

When should I visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

Anytime! Just be prepared for whatever weather you may come across during your visit by wearing weather appropriate gear, and check the AWCC website or call for hours before going. 

What should I wear?

Great question! This will depend a lot on what season you visit Alaska in. As I’m sure you’ve heard and read in many other places, Alaska is a place of rapidly changing weather. I’d say check the forecast, but always be prepared for inclement weather with sweatshirts, hats, lightweight gloves, and waterproof layers. Bringing along some HotHands, especially when visiting any time other than summer, will keep you warm and comfortable. If you’re going to walk to loop, you may also want to consider bringing rain boots as the trail may be muddy when you go.

AWCC Wildlife Observation Deck
This wildlife observation deck is a great reprieve from the rain.

Why should I visit AWCC?

Why shouldn’t you! This may be a common question though, as you will likely see animals while you’re out and about in Alaska, and may think you don’t need to make the trip to AWCC to see wildlife. You won’t see wildlife like you will at the conservation center, though! The variety of Alaskan wildlife that you will experience here is much more than you’ll see on your average tour of the state. I’m a born and raised Alaskan, and I can tell you that I haven’t seen all of these Alaskan animals in the wild in all my years here, so your chances to see this scope of wildlife outside of AWCC are rare. 

In addition to all you will see, you’ll have epic photo opportunities of these animals. There is also an array of free  educational programs to further your knowledge about the wildlife, and paid tours where you can even feed an animal! 

AWCC mom and baby muskox
A mother and calf muskox; something rare to see!

How do I support the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center?

By visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center you are supporting the care of these animals and the programs that AWCC participates in, such as the Wood Bison Reintroduction Project. You can support AWCC by visit their gift shop as well, and you can even “adopt” an animal from them, which would make a great gift idea!

Wood Bison Reintroduction Information
Conservation and wood bison reintroduction information.

You can read this post, watch videos, and look at pictures all you want, but until you’ve been there and seen it, nothing will really compare to the experience you’ll get by visiting AWCC yourself. Almost two decades after my first visit, it is still an amazing place to explore and learn.

Have you been to AWCC before, or did this post encourage you to go? Please leave a comment of your experience below! If you have questions about visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, or any Alaska activities, please leave a question in the comments!

A Case for the Clothesline: Why You Should Ditch Your Dryer for this Money Saving Alternative

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All of the information provided is my personal opinion. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items.

Nobody likes to air their dirty laundry, but have you ever tried airing your clean laundry? Nope, I’m not talking gossip column blurbs, I’m talking about using a clothesline. To be honest, I don’t even use a clothesline, so I can’t say I’m the authority on the subject, but my parents use one and that’s what brought about me writing this post and considering using a clothesline as well. And if you’re thinking you don’t have room for a clothesline, keep reading for alternative ideas that will still save you money and be more eco-friendly! 

Laundry, clothesline, laundry day
Laundry day at the cabin. Photo credit: My momma.

Money Saving Benefits 

I can’t say you’ll be saving hundreds of dollars a year on your electric or gas bill by hang-drying your clothes on the line, but according to “How to Calculate the Cost of Running Your Dryer” by Erin Huffstetler you can save enough to make it worth doing. This will likely save you even more if you typically dry your clothes at a laundromat and switch to using a clothesline. Using a clothesline will also save you the cost many, many dryer sheets as well, which can add up to a fairly good savings. 

As for how much it costs to have a clothesline, it can really be as inexpensive as you’d like it to be. Maybe you put a clothesline between trees in your yard using line you already have, maybe you buy some line to hang up between poles, or you could buy a whole set up to put in your yard. Grab a bag of clothespins and you’re good to go! Whatever you choose, you can invest as much or as little as you want into it.

Eco-Friendly Benefits 

An additional benefit of using a clothesline is that it is an eco-friendly alternative to tossing your clothes in the dryer. Am I the most “green” and eco-friendly person out there? Sorry to disappoint, but I am definitely not. Air drying laundry, though, is a simple way to change up your housekeeping routine and be more environmentally friendly, along with being more friendly to your wallet!  

Alternatives to the Clothesline 

At this point you may be thinking “well I have no yard and no room for a clothesline, so I’m out!”. Don’t give up just yet; there are many other options! If your problem is lack of a yard or outdoor space for your clothes to dry, give an indoor clothesline or a folding drying rack a try. If your short on indoor space as well, both of those options take up minimal room. These are also great options when it’s raining out or winter weather doesn’t permit using an outdoor clothesline.

If those don’t interest you, but you still want to save money and be more green while doing your laundry, ditch your dryer sheets for dryer balls. They reduce dryer time and can be used over and over again, unlike single-use dryer sheets. Plus, they even come in some adorable patterns to put some fun into the mundane chore of laundry! 

This “old fashioned” housekeeping skill has a plethora of benefits including saving you money and being an eco friendly alternative to using your dryer, so why not give it a try?! Your clothes will smell fresh, you’ll have some more money in your pocket, and you’ll be helping your environment; what’s not to love! If this post has give you the push to switch up your laundry drying method, leave me a comment and let me know what method you’re trying and how it’s working so far!

Clothesline, laundry, eco friendly
Another sunny laundry day. Photo credit: my momma.


Moose Hunting Checklist

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Whether you’ve been moose hunting many times or you’re looking at this to get an idea of what to bring on your first moose hunt, it’s always good to be prepared and have a thorough moose hunting checklist and gear guide to prepare for your hunt.

This list will give you an idea of what to bring on any moose hunt, but some items (tents, rafts, etc.) you need will vary depending on what type of hunt you’re going on. If you’re doing a fly-in or float hunt, walk in hunt, hunting from a cabin, or another way, or you may have some specific gear you need for a particular place or way you hunt. Maybe you’re packing in all your gear so your goal is to be as lightweight as possible? Maybe you’re taking a camper so you don’t need a tent? Are you doing a float hunt and will need to have a camp that you can put up and take down quickly? For any way or any place you hunt, we hope this moose hunting checklist helps you have a successful, safe, and fun moose hunt!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

Fall moose hunting in Alaska. Moose hunting checklist.
A beautiful fall day for a hunt.

Camp

Shelter

  • Tent
  • Rainfly
  • Tarps
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Sleeping Pad
  • Cot
  • Stove

Gear Tips: Check out our Ultimate Camping Checklist for an in-depth camping guide!

Camp Necessities

Personal Items/Miscellaneous

The Thermacell is a game changer, especially when field dressing game.

Creature Comforts

  • Camp Chairs
  • Phone (for contacting people on the way in and out of camp, and incase you have service in your hunting area or use it for photos and video)
  • Phone Charger to Charge off of Solar Charger
  • Phone Skope/Phone Adapter Mount
  • Cards
  • Book
  • Camera
  • Camera Charger to Charge off of Solar Charger

Food

Gear Tips: If you want to try a variety of food and snacks, check out the Backcountry Fuel Box. It’s a handy subscription box that give you a taste of many different snacks, meals, bars, and more, and helps you discover new brands of products to try. Check out this link for 10% OFF your first purchase!

A Jetboil in use in fall. Add it to your hunting checklist.
The Jetboil in action getting that water boiling!

Safety and First Aid

Clothing

  • Boots (make sure they are waterproof)
  • Camp Shoes (aka Crocs)
  • Gaiters
  • Socks
  • Base Layers Tops and Bottoms (aka long underwear)
  • Rain Gear (pants, jacket, hat if you don’t have a hood)
  • Hunting Pants (preferably with knee pads, they will come in handy when you’re skinning your moose)
  • Heavyweight Sweatshirt
  • Hunting Jacket
  • Beanie or Warm Hat
  • Gloves (thick ones for the cold, thinner ones for dexterity when needed)
  • Neck Gaiter
  • Warm Pajamas (or use base layers)
  • High Visibility Hat, Bandana, Etc. (aka “Hunter Orange”; check regs on this as it’s not always legally required, but highly recommend)

Gear Tips: Layering is the name of the game. You could be sweating one minute and see snow the next. Always be prepared with layers. Try make sure your gear is as waterproof as possible, or at least water resistant. Quiet gear is good gear; you don’t want noisy pants swooshing around and scaring a moose off.

Using Vortex Optics to scout for moose
Although expensive gear is nice and worth it in the long run, you can get by with an old hoodie and sweatpants for some parts of a hunt!

Transportation

This is one of those things that will vary a lot depending or your type of hunt, so some of these may apply to you and others you can scratch off your list.

  • Your Feet (in well fitting shoes and socks; they will be one of your biggest methods of transportation!)
  • Four wheeler/UTV
  • Pack Raft
  • Fuel
  • Spare Tire
  • Ratchet Straps

Gear Tips: Before you head off on your adventure, be sure to have all vehicles, atvs, side by sides, etc. serviced before you go. It’s always better to know of a problem when you’re in town, rather than when your out in the boonies! And if you can, bringing a spare tire is always a plus.

Moose meat and rack in the truck bed
Hitting the road! Make sure to have good ventilation around your meat while traveling, unlike we have in this photo. Having a pallet to allow airflow and keep meat cooler is helpful.

The Hunt

Must Haves

  • Hunting License
  • Tag
  • Copy of the Current Reg Book
  • Gun
  • Scope
  • Ammo
  • Lot of Practice
Koplin gun boots are great on four wheelers and side by sides. Check out our side by side set up here!

Scouting

  • Binoculars
  • Spotting Scope
  • Tripod
  • onXmaps (use this before the trip too for scouting out your hunting area)
Good glass pays off when checking out surrounding mountains.

Calling Them In

  • Lots of Practice (check how-to videos YouTube)
  • Moose Call
  • Moose Lure (Check the regs in your area before you use this. As of the 2022-23 Alaska regulations moose urine is currently banned, but mare in heat is allowed. Check current regs for updates. )
  • Moose Scapula to Scrape Brush
Moose lure Bait Em 907 moose hunting checklist
Moose lure from Bait Em 907 putting out the vibe.

Butchering and Meat Care

  • Rubber Gloves
  • Tarps
  • Knives
  • Extra Blades for Knives
  • Bone Saw
  • Citric Acid (to spray on meat for preservation and to keep bugs away; I would not suggest using black pepper as that is what we used the first time and got charged a cleaning fee to take it off at the processor)
  • Spray Bottle for Citric Acid (make sure you also have water around to mix the critic acid with)
  • Game Bags
  • Backpack/Packboard
  • Extra Buckles for Backpack
  • Rope (to hang up the meat)
Citric acid, game bags, and good ventilation will go a long way in keeping your meat nice.

Helpful Extras

Gear Tips: We just started washing out our game bags last year to reuse them and it seems to work great. You can soak them and hose them down to get the real nasty parts off and then pop them in the washing machine. This will save you money so you can go buy things like more ammo, more ammo, and more ammo. 🙂

I hope this moose hunting checklist helped you get started packing for your hunting adventure. Please remember this is not a completely comprehensive list, but I did try make it as complete as possible. If there are any other items you recommend packing or hunting tips you’d like to share please leave a comment and I can add your suggestions to the list! Don’t forget to check out my hunting tips, tricks, and lessons as well! Happy hunting, friends! Wishing you a safe hunt and a full freezer.

Check out our moose hunting set up here!

25+ Self Care Ideas Under $25

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Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 

Before you shop, check out this link for Rakuten to get money back on your purchases and earn a bonus for joining. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the Amazon Prime free trial offer for 30 days of FREE Prime!

Honestly, I thought self care was a selfish thing where you go to the spa every other day and spend hundreds on fancy treatments. Turns out, that’s not really correct. Self care, as everyone refers to it now, is really just taking care of yourself, relaxing, and unwinding, which is not selfish at all. And, from what I’ve figured, it doesn’t need to cost hundreds, and a lot of it you can do from your home! 

Towels

The difference between a mediocre towel and a plush, cozy towel can change your whole bathroom experience. Trust me, just do it.

Books

Cozy up with a great book and spend some time relaxing and reading.

Foot Mask

I didn’t even know this was a thing until I received one in a subscription box. They’re a really simple way to pamper yourself on the cheap.

Magazine Subscription

Another good way to relax is by reading some magazines. With topics ranging on anything from gardening to gossip and cooking to clothes, you’re sure to find one you’ll enjoy.

Hair Wrap

It’s hard to do much with wet hair, and I rarely blow dry mine after it’s washed, so if you want to read after showering without dripping water give this hair towel wrap a try! I use mine almost every day.

Hair Mask

While we’re on the subject of hair, in shower hair masks, after shower hair conditioners, and more give your locks a great boost.

Nap

As my husband says “Just rest!’’. If you’re crabby, overwhelmed, or just plain tired, sometimes a good nap is the self care you need the most.

Perfume 

People say if you look good you feel good. I really think that’s true and it can also be said that if you smell good you feel good, too, so spritz or roll on some perfume and put a little pep in your step!

Candles

While we’re on the subject of smelling good, let’s talk candles. Whether it’s wax melts in a warmer or lighting up a good old fashioned wick, the aroma of a candle is a cozy addition to your day that will help you relax and unwind.

Cozy time necessities.

Drinks

No, I’m not talking about wine and margaritas. I’m talking about heading to your local coffee shop for a latte, hot chocolate, or an Italian soda (raspberry-coconut is my favorite!). Sometimes treating yourself to a fancy drink the the self care you need to boost your mood and get you through a tough week.

Nail Polish

Honestly, I don’t really enjoying getting mani pedis as much as most people do. It stresses me out since they’re so expensive, and I can never seem to relax during them, so home manicures are more my thing. You can save a ton by doing your nails yourself, and it’s really pretty easy.

Workout

Taking care of your insides is just as important as the self care you can see on the outside. Grab some weights and/or resistance loops and start exercising! There are tons of online subscriptions, free workout plans on Pinterest, and great videos on YouTube for you to try. As always, speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen.

My “home gym”, AKA the corner of the living room!

Foot Soak

This is really such a cheap and easy self care idea. Honestly, I put warm water and some of Dr. Teal’s soak into a big tub I use for under sink bathroom storage (I know it sounds weird, but I clean it out!) and soak my feet in that before my self pedicure.

Lip Scrub

Lip. Scrub. It’s awesome. I use this lip scrub to exfoliate my lips (yes, your lips need exfoliating, too!), and it’s amazing. Especially during those dry winter months, this is a must-add to your self care routine.

Tea

Having some tea can really take you from freak out mode to chill out mode ASAP. Some of my favorites are green tea, Lemon Zinger, and camomile. Add a little local honey, or order honey if you can’t find it locally, relax, and enjoy. And if you have some loose leaf tea you can add some fun by enjoying it with my little buddy, the Manatea, that you can see below!

The most adorable tea pal.

Slippers

Your feet work hard for you all day long, so why not give them a cozy place to rest with some good slippers.

Bubble Bath

Soak up your me time with a good bubble bath.

Lip Balm

Pucker up and put some lip balm on those babies! Dry, cracked lips are not the most attractive, but besides that they’re painful! I keep mine moisturized and keep the cracks at bay with these lip balms from the Savannah Bee Company.

My new stash of lip balm after finishing the mint and Tupelo honey. Starting with key lime this time!

Hobby

Take a break and work on a project or hobby. Something as simple as painting a wall, crocheting a hat, or working in the garden is a great way to unwind.

Plants

My mom has tons of plants. Like tons of them. And when I was younger I used to think it was crazy. Why would someone want or need so many plants? Well, I’m eating my words now because just this morning I watered my growing collection of plants, which is now almost ten, and that doesn’t include the starters I have that need to be potted. Now I understand the plant obsession. Obviously, they look nice in your home and make it feel welcoming, but it’s very relaxing to take care of them, repot them, and try to produce more of them. Really, in caring for the plants you’re caring for yourself by taking a break from the craziness of life and just enjoying a fun and healthy hobby.

A happy, baby succulent.

Robe

Cozy up in a plush robe and get your comfy on! You can even put it in the dryer a few minutes before so it’s toasty warm when you put it on.

Face Mask

There are about a million different kinds of face masks to try from diy, to sheet masks, and everything in between. A few brands I love are Ahava, Keihls (usually over $25, but worth it!), and Generation Clay.

Moisturizer

Dry skin is the worst. It’s tight, flaky, and lacks a healthy glow. Take care of yourself and your skin with a good facial moisturizer like Kiehl’s.

Lotion

Just like your face, it’s important to moisturize your body. There are many good moisturizers out there. I like this Cetaphil one.

A few of my favorite things.

Flavored Dental Floss

Strawberry, coconut, or orange floss!? Flossing might not be the most fun self care, but it sure is better with this fancy floss!

Fabric Softener

Freshly washed bedding and towels are always nice. Add a little treat for your senses with this lovely lavender fabric softener, and your laundry will give off a lovely and relaxing smell.

Walk

I guess this could be categorized under exercise, but a simple walk doesn’t have to be intense or coordinated like a workout. Take your dog, cat, pot belly pig for walk, or just yourself for a stroll around the block. (Check out this article for some ways to keep your pup cool while inside and out walking!) Fresh air is good for everyone.

Walking with our baby on the beach.

Day Off

When I was in school my mom would occasionally let me take “mental health” days off, and I’m starting to think I should continue that as an adult. Sometimes, it’s just good to take a day for yourself and give your brain a break. I’m not saying you should skip work all the time, but it’s not a bad idea to request a couple days off just for yourself.

I hope this list gave you some ideas that you’ll use to care for yourself. Remember, as the saying goes, “you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others”, so it’s good to make yourself a priority, too!

How to Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer

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Please note this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. I am not a veterinarian or trained dog expert or professional. These are all my personal opinions. Please read and follow all warnings, directions, and ingredients on the following products, and be sure to choose the correct size of item or treat for the size of dog you have. As always, please consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your pet. 

Got a hot dog? We do too, and after trying some great pup products we’ve figured out the perfect list of items to help keep your best bud cool this summer. So, without further ado, here’s the list!

Furhaven Dog Bed

It’s never fun to try sleep when you’re too hot, so you can imagine it must be pretty miserable for your dog to try to sleep when it’s too hot as well. This Furhaven bed has cooling gel foam and comes in a variety of colors and sizes to keep your pup cool and cozy in style. Our dog loves this bed since it has a sofa-style bolsters for him to rest his head on.

Self Cooling Mat

While were on the subject keeping cool while having a snooze, I can’t forget to mention one of the best things I’ve bought for our boy, his self cooling mat. You might be thinking “self cooling, really?”, but it does work! Trust me, I’ve tried it myself. This Arf Pets cooling mat recharges itself to keep your pup cool and comfy. It is easy to fold up and store, requires no batteries, refrigeration, or water, and is easy to wipe down for cleaning. It’s really a win for everyone!

Cooling Bandana

Before finding this handy bandana I use to take regular bandanas, soak them in water, and freeze them to help keep our dog cool. Later, I found the All for Paws Bandana. This is such a handy and inexpensive way to help your dog cool this summer, while still enjoying being outside.

Trapper with his cooling bandana at the beach.
Trapper enjoying a nice beach day.

Ice Cream

If you’re thinking there’s no way you’re going to take your gallon of mint chocolate chip out of the freezer and give it to your dog, guess what?! You don’t have to! There are ice creams that are made exclusively for your furry BFF. The kinds we love for our baby are Frosty Paws and Puppy Scoops.

Splish, Splash

There’s not a more fun and refreshing activity for people and pets during the “dog days” of summer than playing in the water. Our pup loves swimming (don’t forget a life jacket for yourself and your dog!), drinking out of the sprinkler, and playing in his little pool (You can check out these pools for your pup, too!). We just have a kiddie pool that we use as a doggie pool and it’s the perfect size! (You can check out these pools for your pup, too!) This is also a great time to grab some of this shampoo and give your pup a bath, and try out some American made, floating WestPaw  toys!

Pet Cot and Canopy

Throwing some shade is a good thing in the case of keeping your pup cool. This pup cot and canopy is a great way to keep your dog cool while outside at your home or camping, and they can have a good snooze in style and comfort.

Enjoying the comforts of home while camping.

H2O

Hydrate! Make sure you keep your dog hydrated by having cool water around for them, but also be cautious and aware of how much they are drinking and playing as this could be a dangerous combo. Please read this article for more information before enjoying your fun in the sun.

I hope these ideas help keep the hot dogs for the grill and keep your pup chill this summer!

Chocolate lab in pool
Living it up in his kiddie pool.

Can’t Miss Black Friday Deals of 2022

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Updated November 16, 2022

So many sales, so little time to sort through them! So, I’ve compiled a list of what I believe are the best Black Friday deals for the most useful items and gifts to hopefully save you some time and help you enjoy this wonderful season even more! Happy shopping to you!

Please note that this post contains affiliate links which I may earn commission from. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Commissions from these qualifying purchases help support Everyday Alaska at no extra cost to you. Please follow the instructions on all of the recommended items. All of the information provided is my personal opinion, unless otherwise cited or noted.

How can you save even more money while Black Friday shopping?

Rakuten and Top Cash Back

Before you shop for anything, make Rakuten and TopCashBack accounts. Rakuten gives you rebates back on your purchases, and I have earned over $150 back on purchases to far! It’s so easy to use and you can really get some amazing deals. Use this link to get $30 back on your first purchase of $30 or more! I also just recently started using TopCashBack and have already earned almost $20 cash back as well. Get $10 cash back with this TopCashBack referral link here!

The Top Black Friday Deals

Small Appliances

Instant Pot

If you’re thinking about purchasing an Instant Pot for yourself or as a gift, now is the time! They’re on a great sale during Black Friday shopping. You can get a full review of the Instant Pot here.

Keurig

Grab the gift of quick brewing java! The Keurig is used everyday in our house. Check out this coffee to accompany it, too.

Air Fryer

I don’t have an air fryer yet, so I can’t recommend a specific brand, but I’m hoping to possibly purchase one during all the deals this Black Friday. Just like the Instant Pot, there are so many recipes to try with the air fryer as well.

Home

TVs

TVs are always hugely discounted during Black Friday. That’s how we got ours a few years ago at Walmart.

Tips: We placed an order online for pick up so they didn’t run out of the TVs before we got there! Just a word of warning though, it does seem like the rumor of Black Friday sale TVs being lower quality is true. Although our TV works fine, it does have some quirks that I don’t believe a regular price TV would have.

Furniture

With big holidays come big furniture savings. Check online and in store to find these great deals.

Mattresses

This is one of the things I’ll be shopping for this Black Friday. Just as with furniture, check online and in store to scope out the best deals.

Appliances

Tis the season to get new appliances. Often times retailers will have deals on bundles, so the more appliances you get, the more money you save.

Security Cameras

You may think this would be an odd gift, but what’s more important than the safety, security, and health of your friends and family? Keep them and their belongings safe with security cameras. With a little research, you can find out what set up would work best for them.

Tools

Great for gifts for your own home improvement projects or diy lovers, tools are always can’t miss Black Friday items. You can get great deals on name brand tools and accessories that will make anyone on your Christmas list cheer! In fact, I just purchased this Dewalt light for 25% off for my husband’s birthday! Most of the Black Friday shopping my husband does is for tools at The Home Depot. They have some deeply discounted tools, tool sets, and BOGO deals.

Tip: Be aware of the brushed vs brushless tools. You’ll want to get the brushless ones, so double check the details on the box.

Christmas Decorations

Tis the season to be jolly! And to decorate! Save some money on those decorations for yourself and spread some cheer to others by purchasing decorations for your home and as gifts for friends and family.

Beauty and Fitness

Fitness Equipment

Keep an eye out for discounts on workout equipment and machines before everyone grabs them up to help stick to their New Year’s resolution.

Dumbbells

Grab up those weights during the heavy discounts of Black Friday.

Skincare and Makeup

If you’re on the email list of any of your favorite makeup and skincare brands, I’m sure you’re getting a plethora of emails regarding their sales this season. Now is the time to stock up for the year, as many of these may be the lowest discounts of the year, and they make fantastic gifts as well.

Jewelry

Jewelry by Johan creates beautiful bracelets, rings, necklaces, cuff links, tie clips, and more with unique materials such as wood, meteorite, dinosaur bone, antler shed and more that will be cherished gifts for anyone on your list. They have a 25% off sale for Black Friday, so check them out here. You can also ready my complete review of my experience with Jewelry by Johan here.

Tips: Thinking about an engagement this Christmas or New Years? Now is the time to purchase a beautiful ring at a great price!

Additional Deals

Books

Books! So, so many book! Books to learn from, cook from, books to take you on adventures, books to relax with. There is a book for any guy or gal on your list, just pick an interest, pick a book, and you’ve got yourself a great gift idea for a great deal!

Toys

Kids gifts are seriously expensive, so buying them on sale is a must. Amazon has sales of up to 30% off and more on toys such as Play-Doh, Lego, Nerf, and more.

Subscription Boxes

There is such an amazing variety of subscription boxes that you can really find one for anyone on your gift list, and right now there are some super good deals on them, too! Check out a complete list of the best subscription boxes here.

Dog Gifts

Don’t forget Fido! A cozy new bed, treats, a toy and some cuddles are the perfect gifts for your pup. Check out the best dog gift basket ideas here to create the pawfect Christmas gift for your pup.

Alright ladies and gents, now that we’ve looked at some of the amazing Black Friday deals that are out there, lets get shopping!

If you’re looking for more gift ideas, check out these posts: gift ideas for him, gift list for her, outdoorsmen, camping enthusiasts, dogs, American made gifts, gift ideas for your dog, and more!