5 Things You Should Know on Black Friday: Nov. 23

A few facts, figures and tidbits before heading out with the other shoppers.

1. Weekend weather forecast:  2. History of Black Friday: The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. “Black” refers to stores moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when accounting records were kept by hand and red ink indicated a loss, black a profit. Ever since the start of the modern Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924, the Friday after Thanksgiving has been known as the unofficial start to a bustling holiday shopping season. 3. Black Friday myth: Despite common belief, Black Friday is not the biggest shopping day of the year. It's not even in the top five, according to a posting on todayifoundout.com. So which day gets the prize? Typically, the last Saturday before …

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Last-Minute Shopping Deals From Patch Readers

This week's winner won a $25 gift certificate to Salvatore's.

We asked for shopping tips and you delivered. Peter Petrella won this week's prize: a $25 gift certificate to Salvatore's. Here are some of the great tips we got this week: 1) Fitness Together offers nutrition classes when you sign up for a membership, according to this week's winner Peter Petrella. 2) Look in Ming's supermarket for beautiful pashmina and silk scarves in jewel colors for only $5. They are warm & wash beautifull, said Susan Klimczak. 3) There are great buys in Sparks, the legendary local department store in Malden Square, according to Tammy Jones. You can buy gloves for your kids for only $1.

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Win $25 Gift Certificate In Our Shopping Tip Contest

Just let us know about a good deal in town in the comment section below and maybe you'll be this week's winner.

Each week until the end of the year, Patch is running a shopping tip contest. All you need to do is offer a shopping tip in the comment section below and we’ll pick a winner at random each week. Shopping tips can include sales or deals on anything: from supermarket bargains to sales on holiday gift items. And although we hope to find out about sales at local small businesses, large chain store deals are fine too. Each week, we’ll announce a new winner, as well as list all of the great deals that were submitted to help you with your shopping. For this week’s contest, all entries must be received by noon on Thursday, Dec. 29 (Eastern Time). This week’s prize: A $25 gift certificate to Salvatore's Restaurant in Boston's Theater District, …

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Last Minute Shopping Deals From Patch Readers

This week's winner won a $25 gift certificate to South End Buttery.

We asked for shopping tips and you delivered. Elaine (TeeTee) won this week's prize: a $25 gift certificate to South End Buttery.  Be sure to enter again next Monday for a chance to win another $25 gift certificate. Here are some of the great tips we got this week:  1.) Rapid Liquors, Main St. in Stoneham. They carry the loveliest handmade gift baskets and are reasonably priced. They don't need to be wrapped, writes Jan Merlino. 2.) Boston Swing Central, 24 Roland St. in Charlestown. This place is selling gift certificates on its website, $15 for a swing dance lesson and 3 hours of dancing to a live band. Cheaper than a movie and popcorn, and 3 times as long if your dancing feet hold out, writes Julie. 3.) Lowes, on Broadway in Saugus, had…

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Win $25 Gift Certificate In Our Shopping Tip Contest

Just let us know about a good deal in town in the comment section below and maybe you'll be this week's winner.

Each week until the end of the year, Patch is running a shopping tip contest. All you need to do is offer a shopping tip in the comment section below and we’ll pick a winner at random each week. Shopping tips can include sales or deals on anything: from supermarket bargains to sales on holiday gift items. And although we hope to find out about sales at local small businesses, large chain store deals are fine too. Each week, we’ll announce a new winner, as well as list all of the great deals that were submitted to help you with your shopping. For this week’s contest, all entries must be received by noon on Thursday, Dec. 15 (Eastern Time). This week’s prize: A $25 gift certificate to the South End Buttery bakery and cafe in the South End of…

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Mark Micheli

12:27 pm on Thursday, December 22, 2011

That's it for this week's contest. No more entries will be taken. We'll announce a winner tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your shopping tips with others!   more ›

Before You Shop, Check Out These Deals

North River Outfitters on Charles Street is offering a 12 Days of Christmas sale; plus more shopping tips around Boston.

We asked for shopping tips and you delivered. Sherri Murray wins this week's prize (chosen at random): a $25 gift certificate to Exchange Street Bistro in Malden. Be sure to enter again next Monday for a chance to win another $25 gift certificate. Here are some of the great tips we got this week: SPECIFIC STORE DEALS: 1.) North River Outfitter on Charles Street on Beacon Hill is offering a special deal for the 12 days of Christmas. Example: Last Tuesday you got a free pair of freshwater pearl earrings with the purchase of a women's sweater. --Anna 2.) Brother's Roast Beef in Malden: 2 large cheese pizzas, 1 order of wings and a 2 liter soda for $19.99. -- Kim 3.) Beanstalk Toys in Melrose has great customer service, wrote Maura Donahue. …

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15 Shopping Deals And Bargains This Week

Alicia Hunt of Medford won a $25 gift certificate to Foundry on Elm in our shopping tip contest this week.

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