Once a year there is a holiday where we get to don our stretchy pants, because we ate ourselves silly the day before, and venture into the nearest shopping mall, super center or department store to scour the aisles for deals galore, also known as Black Friday. Coined in the 1960’s, the term “Black Friday” was considered to be a tad dark in its connotation and store owners were concerned the name would be bad for business. Needless to say, the name stuck and so did the large mobs of people eager to save their money by spending it.

Here we are in 2018, days before another Black Friday. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the endless possibilities and deals available to you and looking for a guiding light, but look no further. Here are some of the best stores and deals to take advantage of this Black Friday.

1. Walmart

The retail superpower that is Walmart doesn’t disappointment when it comes to saving a buck every other day of the year, let alone Black Friday. Don’t overlook this obvious choice as it could be the place where you are able to wrap up all of your holiday shopping. You can find everything from cat condos to flat-screen televisions to kayaks. Many of Walmart’s Black Friday deals are happening right now and will get better and more abundant as we draw nearer to Nov. 23.

2. Barnes and Noble

New year, new reading list. If you or someone close to you is a bookworm, these deals at Barnes and Noble are a must-read. 50 percent off young adult and children’s books as well as DVDs and Blu-Rays will begin online Thanksgiving Day and in-store Black Friday. Toys, games, technology and gift cards are other items being offered at discounted prices or within deals. Of course, no intense shopping trip is complete without coffee. Starbucks within Barnes and Noble locations will be offering BOGO Starbucks coffee until 10 a.m. on Black Friday.

3. Kohls

“Alexa, find me a good deal.” The Amazon Echo is just one of the doorbuster deals at Kohl’s for this Black Friday. With the deals at Kohl’s, you can finally buy the tech you’ve been hearing about all year. If you have kids, cousins or siblings, Kohl’s has deals on scooters, board games and play sets. Kohl’s is one of those stores that has something for everyone and loves to advertise those things even more during the holiday season. Be on the lookout for extra discounts and Kohl’s Cash when you shop there on Black Friday.

4. Shop Locally

Like me, I’m sure you’re tired of getting mom a candle every year. To find something unique, head down to Noto Arts District in downtown Topeka to check out some of the locally owned stores. You’re sure to be met with friendly faces ready to help you find the perfect gift. The day after Black Friday is Small Business Saturday, so take a breather after the hustle and bustle from the day before by taking a stroll down Kansas Avenue or Topeka Avenue to visit some of Topeka’s small business owners in their charming shops.

5. Amazon

Online shopping, the best way to do your Christmas shopping without ever leaving the couch or changing out of the clothes you slept in the night before. Amazon’s Deal of the Day is a great way to find big discounts on the items you didn’t know you needed. Need an idea for that person in your family that’s hard to shop for? A couple hours down the rabbit hole of Amazon’s suggested items and you might find the perfect gift. Of course, with Amazon Prime, you don’t even have to wait long for the item to arrive, so it works for last minute shopping too. While their deals reach peak on Cyber Monday, discounts are being offered now.

Hopefully this list gives you some ideas of where to start as you embark on your Black Friday shopping. That said, don’t underestimate the power of Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday as well. Stay safe out there and remember a couple of things, heartfelt gifts go a long way, your family loves you no matter what you get them and box out with the elbows if you find yourself in a crowded store this Black Friday.