1. Make Lists
Know exactly what you want, write it down, and try not to deviate.

2. Do Your Homework
Whether you do it online or in-store, scope out everything you want and get all the facts your need ahead of time so that you know exactly what model/size you want and where you can find the best sales. Ideally, you want to make a beeline straight to your target.

3. Dress Light
It’s going to be crowded and hot as Hades everywhere you go, so layering is not ideal. Also, if you have to try things on you don’t want to have to peel yourself like an onion in every changing room/ store corner/ aisle you strip down in. Dressing comfy also a plus.

4. Leave Small Children and the Elderly Behind
On Boxing Day, chivalry is dead. They are just going to hold you back so best to just leave them at home.

5. Have a Partner in Crime
Perhaps literally. Either way, you want somebody who has your back in an smartphone related knife fight. Not more than one person though for the same reason as the above child/ elderly slowdown.

6. Pack a Light Snack
Bring things that will boost your energy and also help you avoid the gladiator pit known as the “food court.” We suggest fruit, protein bars, and airplane-sized bottles of alcohol… and if not alcohol, water will do.

7. Bring Sturdy Baggage
Whether it be some strong grocery store shopper bags or those giant blue IKEA ones, having durable transportation for your multitude of purchases prevents something unfortunate and embarrassing from happening.

8. Stay Positive… But Don’t Appear Weak
Just because you don’t find that exact item that you were jonesing for doesn’t mean the biggest retail day of the year is over. Keep your chin and stay strong, there will still be deals to be had in the mall.

9. Plan Your Ride
Whether you’ve got to plan your bus-ride to the only Best Buy in Middle-of-Nowhere, Ontario or you’re mapping the path of least resistance from downtown to Yorkdale, know where you’re going and exactly how you’re going to get there.

10. Capitalism Rules
If you don’t get what you want Boxing Day or the mall is just too cray-cray for you, luckily we now have Boxing Week so don’t sweat it.