If you are planning to go out shopping on Black Friday, here are your Elf shopping tips:

• Most important: if a crowd makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, get out. No great deal is worth an injury. (The emergency room co-pay will completely obliterate your savings.)
• Make sure you get a newspaper on Thursday. Go through the ads and decide where you will shop. You are likely to have more success if you know what you are seeking and you have a targeted attack.
• I just tear the ads out of the circulars (writing the store name on the ad.) That way, I know exactly what make and model is on sale and if there are only limited quantities available. If I can't find something, I can just show the ad to the store staff and they know where to send me.
• Hands-free: it's not just for cell phones anymore! I know they are unfashionable, but wearing a fanny pack or go belt can be great on Black Friday. Your cash and keys are close to your body and you don't have to manage a purse.
• Wear layers. Crowded stores get very hot. If you won't have to wait outside, consider leaving your coat in the car. It will make for easier movement and less chance of overheating.
• If you can't get home between stops, lock all of your packages in the trunk. No one is fooled by the blanket over the back seat approach. Also, keep your receipts separate from your merchandise. If your car is broken into, you'll be able to tell the police and the insurance company exactly what was stolen.
• Remember, nothing is a good deal if it isn't something you need. Inexpensive trash is still trash!