Best Friday-After-Thanksgiving Sales in the Metro Detroit Area

1. Check the large malls - The Metro Detroit Area has tons of malls, many of which have great specials for Black Friday. Check out Great Lakes Crossing, which has a lot of everything. Not into the big malls? Westland Mall, Laurel Park, and Briarwood Mall are all big enough to have a great selection, but manageable in size. Most of our malls are open until 9pm.

2. Ikea is a great place to shop - Welcome to Canton, which just had an Ikea open up this year. Ikea always has great deals on everything from furniture to Christmas gifts. Everyone loves Ikea, it's a sure pleaser for those hard-to-shop-for people on your list. Ikea is open regularly 10am to 10pm.

3. Check the local stores - Grab a phone book. The Metro Detroit Area has so many shops that can meet your every need.

4. What about crafting supplies? - Going to make some of your own gifts this year? Get your shopping done on Black Friday. We have Hancock Fabrics, JoAnn Fabrics, and JoAnn Etc. for a larger selection and even more crafty things, Michaels has a little bit of everything and there are locations all over the map, and don't forget the little stores. Stitch-N-Time for example has a great selection of holiday cross-stitch and embroidery projects for every skill level and budget. JoAnn is open until 9pm, as is Michaels. Check the local stores to find out their hours, particularly on Black Friday.

5. Think homemade - Make it yourself and package it beautifully. Many stores locally have some unique ways to package gifts to meet all tastes, budgets, and sizes.

6. Think exotic - Looking for that special gift? Bombay Company in Canton has a fabulous selection of beautiful and exotic décor and gifts. I've already done some of my Christmas shopping there We also have Pier 1 and Cost Plus World Market in Westland. If you have someone on your list with exotic tastes, you're sure to find something they'll love. All of these stores are open until 9pm during regular business hours. They may be open later for sales.

7. Think Books - Waldenbooks, Borders, and Barnes & Noble all have stores in the area and are sure to have great deals on Black Friday. On days they're NOT running awesome sales, these stores are open until 9-11pm.

8. Think food - Ann Arbor is well known for their food stores. We have Whole Foods which is sure to make mouths happy. Pick up an organic or vegetarian pizza while you're there and you won't have to cook at home. Whole Foods is open 8am to 10pm daily.

9. Think spirits - Visit the beer depot in Ann Arbor and make your own beer! Not into home brews? Main Party Store has a great selection of beers and wines from all over the world. Whole Foods also has a great selection of spirits. Into wine? They've got it, and a great selection of cheeses and chocolates to go with it. You can visit Main Party Store at mainwine.com for store hours and information.

10. Think Frankenmuth - Bronners Christmas Wonderland is sure to have some great sales, and if you're a foodie, Frankenmuth also has Macinac Island fudge, fresh salt water taffy and caramel corns, cheeses, wines, and other fabulous gifts. While you're there, hop on down to Birch Run and visit their outlet mall for some fabulous sales on just about anything! It's a shot up I-75, but worth it. While you're there, stop in at Zehnder's or Bavarian Inn for some world famous chicken. Bronners is open until 9 pm. You can visit their website at Bronners.com

I can't even begin to describe all of the shopping that can be done in the Metro Detroit area. We have a fabulous selection of stores to fit every taste and budget. If you're looking for great shopping, I suggest Briarwood in Ann Arbor or Somerset. If you need more, there is always Great Lakes Crossing and they are bound to have some fabulous sales. They also have specialty stores for collectors and a great play area for kids.

We have so many local stores that have just what you're looking for, and oddly, we have a ton of dollar stores for those looking to cut some corners in just the right way (they have a great selection of bags, tissue paper, and bows that don't look like they came from a dollar store.

Most malls will probably be open early and late on Black Friday, so you'll have plenty of time to get whatever your heart (or the heart of that special someone) desires.