Black Friday Sales 2012 in NYC: Best Deals from Toys "R" Us, Target, Best Buy, Plus Small Business Saturday

I confess, I adore a great deal—even if it means losing sleep, standing on long lines and dashing through crowded throngs of fellow bargain hunters while wielding a shopping cart like a weapon. For those who love low prices (and who, honestly, doesn't these days?), Black Friday is almost as exciting as Thanksgiving itself. Don't wait until midnight the day of to start getting ready. Planning ahead means even more great deals in your basket by the time the sun sets. We've got the scoop on where, when and how to make the most of Black Friday in New York City, as well as details on another shopping event that's really dear to our buying local hearts: Small Business Saturday.

Black Friday Shopping Tips

You don't need to wait on line with the hordes in the wee hours to score great deals. Some retailers start their sales on Thanksgiving evening or run them all weekend long, so you can find bargains early on Saturday or Sunday instead of having to camp out in the middle of the night.

Focus your efforts on major retailers and electronics stores. Although we always want to encourage our readers to shop locally, the fact is that small boutiques are less likely to have blowout sales.

Try to shop alone. You'll have an easier time navigating the crowds and lines. So leave everyone at home—kids, spouse, out-of-town visitors, all of 'em.

While we're including hours when we can, individual stores' schedules may vary, so it's a good idea to check with the retailers you want to hit before heading out. This year Macy's and Best Buy will both open at midnight on Friday, while Target and Toys "R" Us will welcome shoppers on Thanksgiving evening at 9pm and 8pm respectively in case you just can't wait.

There's even a website dedicated to the biggest shopping day of the year, theblackfriday.com, where you can updates on store hours and preview the available deals.

Black Friday Deals Worth Checking Out

Amazon's Black Friday Deals Week is already on. Among the big ticket items available are HDTVs, laptops, watches and cameras. However, these change frequently (there's even a Missed Deals section to taunt you), so Amazon recommends signing up for its daily deal email to stay on top of everything.

Toys "R" Us is opening most of its locations (including Times Square) at 8pm on Thanksgiving evening. The first 200 customers to line up at each store that evening will receive complimentary Great Big Goody Bags and then snag great deals like a Fisher-Price Grand Dollhouse ($39.99 from $79.99), $150 off a Barbie or Grey Escalade Ride On, and Buy One Get 40% off all Nintendo Wii software. See the complete list of merchandise available online at toysrus.com.

Macy’s opens at midnight. Expect discounts and rebates galore in all departments, including clothing, jewelry, beauty products, bed, bath and kitchen. You can get a preview of all of the deals on the website.

Target is opening earlier than ever before on Black Friday at 9pm. Shop in person or look for special prices (a Nook Simple Touch for $49; a Cannon T3 for $499.99) online. Again, you can take a peek at the bargains on the website, and also sign up for Cyber Monday email deals. In the meantime, like Target's Facebook page so you can enter to win one of the 25 $25 gift cards that are being given away each day.

Best Buy is sticking with an old-fashioned midnight opening and electronic deals that will include laptops for $349.95 and tablets for $179.99. The chain's Black Friday ad is also online.

Walmart rolls out deals on toys, home goods and apparel at 8pm on Thanksgiving; discounts on electronics will begin at 10pm the same evening. Highlights include a one-time offer of an HP Laptop for $349, an LG Blu-ray player for $349 and an Xbox 360 Bundle for $149. You can preview the ad on the website.

Old Navy is hosting three days of what it's calling Cheermageddon. Doors open at midnight, but the savings run all weekend long. Get fleece half-zips for $5, Sherpa hoodies for $15 and Adoraboots for $12. Select stores will even have Wii games onsite to keep kids busy (but again, better to leave them at home). A complete list of items is available on the website.

The Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst will open at midnight on Black Friday. Neuhaus Belgian Chocolate will be giving away 45-gram chocolate bars with a minimum purchase of $20, and the first 300 customers at Papaya will receive scratcher cards, plus a chance to win a $100 gift card. Complete details are on the website.

The Scholastic Store may not be a chain, but it's offering 40% off your entire purchase before noon on Friday, plus Buy One Get One 50% on books all weekend long.

The Scoop on Small Business Saturday

While Black Friday is a decades-old tradition, Small Business Saturday sponsored by American Express, is only in its third year. On Saturday, November 24, consumers are encouraged to shop at local, independently-owned stores to help spur the economy. Since our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide is filled with our favorite locally owned toy stores, places to make presents and other small neighborhood spots, we're particularly fond of the Small Business Saturday initiative. Consumers are encouraged to like the event's Facebook page where you can search for participating local businesses by entering your zip code. Unlike Black Friday, these small shops aren't necessarily offering any deep discounts. However, not only is this a wonderful way to support the businesses in your community, American Express card holders can earn a $25 statement credit by registering the card online, following a few simple instructions and then spending $25 or more at one of the stores listed.

For more great holiday info, check out our Holiday Fun Guide and our NYC Shopping Local Gift Guide.