As a tech journalist, I’ve built a wall of steel against impulse purchases, or so I thought. But, like many others, I fell victim to the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Last year, I bought a 3D printer, and this year, I caved in to temptation again.
The 3D printer was a game-changer, and I’ve become an expert in 3D printing, writing tutorials for Creative Bloq and teaching myself to 3D model. However, this year’s purchases were a different story. I bought a Cricut machine, with no experience using one, and had to resist the temptation to buy a Smart Ring and multiple pairs of AR smart glasses for gaming.
If it weren’t for the need to pay my mortgage and save for my wedding, I would have gone all out. Instead, I took a sensible approach, opting for the Honor MagicPad 2 for photo editing, a pair of Loop earplugs, and some Pokémon Lego sets to enjoy building with my fiancé.
The Deals I Bought over Cyber Monday
I couldn’t help but share my purchases with you. Here’s a look at what I actually bought this year:
[Image: The Cyber Monday deals I actually bought this year]
How I Resisted the Temptation
As a tech journalist, I’m supposed to be immune to Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. But, I’m human, and the temptation was too great. Here are a few tips on how I resisted the urge to buy more:
- Prioritize: I had to remind myself that I need to pay my mortgage and save for my wedding. These expenses take priority.
- Set a budget: I allocated a specific amount for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, and I stuck to it.
- Take a step back: I gave myself 24 hours to think about each purchase before making a decision. This helped me avoid impulsive buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the Cricut machine, and why did you buy it?
A: The Cricut is a cutting machine that can be used for various projects, such as scrapbooking, crafting, and DIY. I bought it because I’m interested in exploring new hobbies and creative pursuits.
Q: Have you used the Cricut machine yet?
A: Not yet, but I’m looking forward to trying it out soon.
Q: What’s your favorite purchase from Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
A: I’m excited to try out the new Cricut machine, but I think my favorite purchase is the Honor MagicPad 2 for photo editing. It’s a great tool for my work as a tech journalist.

