Black Friday and local Lawrence holiday sales

My conclusion is that a lot of "deals" on Black Friday are really not good deals, and I prefer to avoid the whole mess. That said, if you really want to do Black Friday, at least read this article from Lifehacker first.
How to Quickly Tell if a Deal is Really a Deal on Black Friday.

If you want to do some fun holiday shopping, I would recommend trying these local Lawrence holiday sales: 


Fair Trade Holiday Market is 11/25 – 11/27 from 8am – 7pm, 11/28 – 12/1 from 11am – 6pm, 12/2 from 11 am-7pm, 12/3 from 8am – 7pm at Ecumenical Christian Ministries. 
The market will feature the same great selection of handcrafted art, crafts, home décor, jewelry, clothing, personal accessories, toys and games that has made it so popular in years past, but this year Lawrence Fair Trade is hosting several fun events and educational activities in conjunction with the market.


Wonder Fair Holiday Market is Fri. Nov. 25 from 6p to 10p at Wonder Fair. 
Beginning Final Friday, November 25th, Wonder Fair transforms into a magical marketplace for your holiday gift-buying needs. All year we specialize in cleverly-designed functional art and original prints, and carry a carefully curated selection of affordable handmade goods. This special month, however, the Wonder Fair will host an expanded group of artists, and a greater variety of their thoughtfully handmade prints, jewelry, home goods, stationery, and unique art objects.


Adornment is Sat Nov. 26 from 7p to 10p at Van Go, Inc.
Let’s set the scene: wildly decorated warehouse and gallery….tons of unique art pieces made by JAMS artists…..200(at least) guests……food and drink…….what is it? Adornment! Van Go’s ‘Adornment’ art show has become their biggest sale all year. With the ever rotating inventory, every year is a must see! Always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, ‘Adornment’ celebrates Van Go’s young artists and invites the community to join! Free event, open to the public! Prices start at $3.

Bizarre Bazaar is on Sat. Nov. 26 from 9 to 5 at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Bizarre Bazaar is held annually on Thanksgiving weekend. It is located at the Lawrence Art Center at 940 New Hampshire. Come and enjoy all the Bizarre artwork!


Lawrence Art Guild's Holiday Art Fair is on Sat. Dec. 3 at the Lawrence Arts Center.
Join the Lawrence Art Guild  for the 17th annual Holiday Art Fair on December 3, 2011.  This annual art fair is held at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire and features over 50 artists.  Held on the same day as the downtown holiday parade this is a wonderful opportunity to purchase your Holiday gifts!


Lola Giant is Fri/Sat Dec. 10/11 10 to 4 and 12 to 4 at Van Go, Inc. 
Ladies of Lawrence Artwork (LOLA) hosts shows, featuring the handiwork of Lawrence, Kansas women. The participants provide an intimate boutique style shopping experience for the community to browse & interact with the creators themselves. 


Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/