Hi Reader,

Let's talk about Black Friday—the REAL genealogy shopping season.

Before the inbox chaos hits next week, let me share what's actually on my shopping list and how I think about Black Friday genealogy deals.

📹 Coming This Sunday: My Complete Black Friday Video

This Sunday, November 23, I'm releasing: "Black Friday for Genealogists: The Tools I Can't Live Without + How to Shop Smart"

I'll walk through the specific tools worth investing in, how to evaluate deals, and what I'm personally buying this year.

Watch for it this Sunday on the Are You My Cousin? YouTube Channel​

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🛒 MY LIST!

What's Actually on My Black Friday List

DNA Kits (stocking up!)

Black Friday is when I stock up on DNA kits. I recommend testing at both AncestryDNA AND MyHeritageDNA—you don't want to miss an important match simply because a cousin tested at one company and you only tested at the other.

Plus, MyHeritage now offers whole genome sequencing, which opens up even more genetic insights.

Black Friday is genuinely the best time of year to stock up—whether you're testing yourself at multiple companies or buying them as gifts for family members.

Archival Boxes

I'm looking for quality archival storage boxes—some for old family photos, and some for items like my great-grandmother's dress and bonnet. She made them herself, and her stitching is absolutely perfect. I hadn’t realized how small a woman she actually was. Her dress is a unique way to see an ancestor's actual stature. I want to make sure this dress is protected properly.

Portable Phone Charger

Not genealogy-specific, but essential for research trips. Running out of battery mid-research session at an archive or cemetery is not an option. This is definitely going on my Black Friday list.

Check Out My Amazon Storefront

I've curated collections of the genealogy tools I actually use—from tech organizers to photo scanning essentials. Browse my Amazon storefront here and see what catches your eye. I'll be watching for Black Friday deals on these items and sharing the best ones I spot.

💡 QUICK WIN OF THE WEEK

How to Think About Black Friday Deals

Stock up when the deals are real. DNA kits and annual subscriptions see their deepest discounts of the year during Black Friday. If you've been thinking about these investments, this is when to buy.

Know what you need before the sales hit. Don't buy something just because it's on sale. Review your research priorities now and buy strategically, not impulsively.

My Black Friday approach this year: I've curated my Amazon storefront with the tools I actually use. Rather than chasing deals all weekend, I'm keeping it simple—browse my storefront, shop at your own pace, and enjoy Thanksgiving with your family. Next Wednesday (Nov 26), I'll send one more email with my pre-Thanksgiving thoughts, and then I'm stepping back from the Black Friday chaos. (Okay, I might do a little shopping myself!)

Watch for my complete Black Friday video this Sunday, and I'll be back in your inbox next Wednesday with pre-Thanksgiving guidance.

Happy researching,
Lisa

P.S. The Elves' Workshop Summit is live today! I'm presenting on family history journaling during this free 3-day event (Nov 18-20), along with 26+ workshops on holiday creativity and stress-free celebration. Register free here if you want to join us. Want lifetime access? Use code HOLIDAY30 for 30% off the VIP All-Access Pass.

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Lisa Lisson Genealogy Researcher, Author & Speaker