I base my plan of attack on the ads. If there is something I really want, I will hit that store or line first. I usually go with DH, my aunt and my cousin so it helps that all of us split up and get items for each other.
Where are you planning to go this year? I am eagerly awaiting the ads!

based on the earliest store openings and what I most want. If you can get it online, go for that.
Best Buy is a good one for doing that...and free shipping usually! I check the ads on the BF sites as soon as they are posted and make a tentative plan, then pour over the ads from the paper just to confirm everything.
Now it seems more cut-throat
and far removed from what it used to be. Kohls at 3AM??
Seriously? 

Definitely plan the attack. After getting the things we really want/need we can then wander around and watch the other crazies.![]()

) so to me the savings are worth it. Its an experience for surejust saw Kohls opens at 3am this year!
Guess thats my first stop
not my cup of tea as they say. Heard too many horror stories and IMHO sales are not hat great for me to get up at 4 AM on my day off to spend hours getting shoved around by bargain hunters.