At Canvas we have traditionally steered away from the Black Friday madness and this year will be no different. For us, the holiday really is about being thankful for what you DO have and this year we have so much to be thankful for. The devastating fires to the north and south in our state have taken so much from those in California. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.

If you are feeling moved to give to those suffering great loss, look to your own communities and consider giving back with time or sponsoring a family in need. The Durham United Fire Relief Fund is one local fundraising effort for the town next to Paradise and is focusing on finding families shelter.

This year Megan’s family decided that rather then give each other Christmas gifts, they will help create happy holiday for a family displaced by the fires.

If you are in need of purchasing a few things and supporting the economy, we recommend shopping small or from the comfort of your home (yoga pants encouraged). Many stores are starting early with promotions now, so you may be done shopping before the holiday even begins. Below are a few things we will be adding to our carts.

Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving, may you cherish all those gathered around your table.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Kimberly’s Picks

Reading over my list, you’ll see that I’m a sheer pragmatist in purchases this year (like most years). What I love about Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals is that if you are smart you already know what you need and only buy what is on your list. Be careful not to get sucked into the hype of a deal—if it wasn’t on sale would you buy it? If not, keep on moving.

In The Kitchen

As you may have learned in reading this blog I really enjoy cooking and hosting gatherings. Living in San Francisco, apartments are small and that means kitchen space needs to be very efficient. Last January we did a major purge in my apartment—clearing out ownerless Tupperware and appliances to make more space. This Black Friday I’ll be on the lookout for a Kitchen Aid Mixer, Blender and/or new toaster oven. So exciting, I know, but basics that you regularly use are a great thing to purchase on promo.

Outdoor Gear

Balancing store time with outdoor time is very important to me. It’s my way of recovering from artificial lighting and overstimulating stores and loosing myself in nature. Waterproof hiking shoes have been on my list forever (10yrs!) but I am picky and want a shoes that are comfortable and blister free.

Megan’s Picks

I have to be honest, I can get a bit sucked into researching what I want to purchase from Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. And by sucked in, I mean spending hours in front of my computer shopping for the best deals. To be fair, 75% of my shopping if gifts for family and friends. I do always try to find one or two special things for myself as well.

Kid’s Gifts

My nieces have officially entered the “tween” phase, which means that I have to up my gift giving a bit. They have strong opinions on what they like to wear, and don’t seem to be interested in the fact that Aunt Meggie styles people for a living. I don’t want to invest too much in clothing they will quickly outgrow or not want to wear in a few months, so I always take advantage of the sales to buy them a few special pieces.

Pro Tip: Always check the return policy on sale items. Often Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals are marked as final sale.

Beauty and Skincare

Over the past year or two I have become a huge beauty and skincare fanatic. (Kimberly and I have blogged a lot this year about our love for natural and organic skincare products.) I always take advantage of the sales to stock up on my favorite products that otherwise wouldn’t go on sale. And this year in particular, I have my eye on the popular Beauty Advent Calendars. I also have my eye out for any Tata Harper skincare sales - my favorite for natural skincare!