I was specifically concerned with Amazon, but further research has revealed that while their sales will last all week, some of the deals are "in limited supply."

Personally I think all you get at Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales now are bulk clearance items that at one time would have gone straight to Big Lots. The good sales still seem to start in early December. These are just my impressions.

I have never done the Black Friday thing, but I looked up the same potential Christmas gifts on Amazon that I looked at last week, and they were all discounted, some substantially.

but today I looked up the same potential Christmas gifts on Amazon

I am so glad I no longer buy anything for Christmas. I'll be making charitable donations as usual.

Maybe that sounds sanctimonious. I don't really care.

It does sound a bit sanctimonious. While I do make charitable contributions each year (this year to the ALS Association), I also enjoy giving gifts (and if I can get something on sale, that's pretty sweet, though I won't knock myself out over it). But that's just my preference, others are certainly welcome to do what feels right for them without my judgment.

I'm not sure if there are broad rules for Cyber Monday, but the big thing with Black Friday is that the ridiculous deals are for that day. I think there are specials that are just for today but that depends on the place.

I think you'll find good prices on what you want for awhile to come. That's my experience. A lot of Black Friday and Cyber Monday stuff is, as Ardiril says, just clearance stuff. I have been known to GO to the stores super early for Black Friday, when there are plenty of items on deeply discounted sale for just a few hours, but it isn't necessary in order to buy nice gifts at decent prices.

I enjoy giving gifts. I give them at other times of year. Only in part to be contrary. ;)

All I know is that I have learned never, ever try to get a really good Amazon deal. Nothing more irritating than going on very little sleep just to see what you wanted sell out before your "add to cart" even goes through.