Every year around this time, I find myself asking the same questions. “What’s really worth buying on Black Friday?” I still remember when I was a mother. Waiting in long lines at 6 a.m. clutching coffee, trying to snag one or two hot deals amidst a crowd of people who were also hoping to snag a bargain.
Thankfully, things have changed. These days, I do most of my Black Friday shopping at home, sitting in my cozy pajamas with a mug of hot tea in hand. Over the years, I’ve learned which trades are really worth jumping on and which ones can wait.
This year, Black Friday 2025 will fall on Friday, November 28th, the day after Thanksgiving. But as more retailers roll out early bird discount events, the best sales often start weeks in advance. If you’re looking to stretch your Christmas budget this year, we’ll help you figure out exactly what to buy (and what to skip) on Black Friday so you can shop smarter, save more, and stress less this holiday season.
By the way, the best places to shop on Black Friday: Don’t miss this post to find out the hottest deals of 2025.
What to buy on Black Friday
While every store claims to have “can’t-miss” sales, certain categories tend to offer the biggest discounts each year. By planning ahead, you can get great discounts on gifts, electronics, and even household items to make the most of your holiday without blowing your budget.
toys
Black Friday toys are always one of the most popular items. The end of the year is the perfect time to stock up on Christmas and birthday gifts, as prices on popular brands drop significantly. retailer preferences target, walmartand Amazon Early access toy sales often run through November. If you shop early, you’ll be able to stock up on high-demand items like LEGO sets, Tony, Hot Wheels trucks, and Barbie Dream Houses before they sell out.
barbie and doll
Speaking of dolls, the Black Friday Barbie sale is always worth checking out. If your child loves Barbie dolls or collector dolls, now is the perfect time to buy one. Many stores are running exclusive bundle offers with accessories and themed playsets that are rarely on sale at other times. Since the brand has been revived in recent years, some items sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to add your favorites to your cart as soon as they drop.
holiday decorations and christmas tree
It’s also a great time to shop for Black Friday Christmas tree sales and holiday decorations. Artificial trees, lights, wreaths, and more can be marked down by up to 50% before December begins. Many people wait until after Christmas for clearance sales, but buying now gives you more options and allows you to get your home ready for the season sooner.
laptop and tablet
If you’re shopping for electronics, you can save hundreds of dollars with Black Friday deals on laptops and Black Friday deals on iPads. retailer preferences best buy, Amazonand target We often feature limited-time doorbusters of high-tech products that make great gifts for students, professionals, or anyone working from home. Older generation iPads and Chromebooks tend to drop the most, and some stores include bonus gift cards with the purchase of select models.
Streaming and digital trading
Some of the best Black Friday streaming deals are on digital subscriptions. services like HuluDisney+, and Paramount+ typically offer deep discounts and extended free trials. Don’t forget to stream Hallmark’s Christmas movies! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy family movie night or binge-watch your favorite shows, now’s the time to sign up or renew your subscription. These sales also make great gifts, especially for families looking to save on entertainment.
game machine
Gamers can look forward to incredible PS5 Black Friday sales this year. Bundles that include popular games and accessories are often the best value, especially since consoles rarely go on sale outside of major events like Black Friday. Please pay attention Amazon, game stopPlease check with your major retailer for restock as quantities may run out quickly.
Apple Watch and tech accessories
For fitness enthusiasts and busy moms looking to stay on track with their goals, Apple Watch Black Friday deals are another category to watch. Look for discounts on older models like the Series SE and previous generations that offer great features at a fraction of the price. Now is the perfect time to buy a discounted smartwatch for yourself or as a thoughtful and practical holiday gift.
book
Book lovers should keep an eye out for Black Friday book sales. Find discounted box sets, popular titles, and children’s books that make great holiday gifts. Amazon, target, walmartand Barnes & Noble We often feature buy-one-get-one sales and 50% off sales on best-selling and staple items. Books also make simple, meaningful, and budget-friendly gift ideas for everyone on your list.
Home appliances and household items
Finally, if you’re planning on making a big purchase for your home, don’t miss the Black Friday home appliance sales. From refrigerators and microwaves to washers and dryers, the leading retailer stocks products such as: home depot, lowe’sand best buy On Black Friday, we’re offering some of the biggest discounts of the year. If you can time your upgrade in November, especially large items, which often come with extended warranties and free shipping, you can save hundreds of dollars.
The best Black Friday gifts to watch
If you’re shopping for gifts, this is one of the best times to snag unique Black Friday deals that go beyond the typical electronics and toys. Personalized photo gifts, cozy blankets, home gadgets, kitchen tools, and more are often marked down, making them perfect for thoughtful and affordable presents.
You can also combine Christmas fillers like candles, mugs, journals, and small tech accessories with larger gifts to stretch your dollar even further. Shopping early allows you to put together a list and take advantage of a wide selection before the holiday rush.
What not to buy on Black Friday
Black Friday brings great deals in certain categories, but not every discount is worth jumping on. For example, winter clothing is often cheaper in January when post-holiday clearance sales begin.
Bedding and linens also tend to increase in price during January’s “white sale,” while jewelry tends to decrease in price around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.
Even fitness equipment is often cheaper in early January, when retailers make sales to shoppers considering New Year’s resolutions. If you can wait, you could end up with even better savings later on.
When will stores start their Black Friday sales?
Gone are the days of waking up at 5am and lining up outside a store. Most major retailers now start their Black Friday events early, sometimes as early as late October.
stores like target, walmartand Amazon Both start the sale week early and go straight into Black Friday weekend. Sign up for the store’s newsletter or loyalty program to get access to these deals before they’re available to the public.
Shopping early can also help you avoid last-minute shipping delays and out-of-stock items.
Is Cyber Monday cheaper than Black Friday?
You may be wondering if it’s better to wait until Cyber Monday for certain items. The answer depends on what you buy. While Black Friday typically offers deep discounts on physical items like toys, electronics, and TVs, Cyber Monday is known for its digital and technology-focused sales.
Categories like Cyber Week TV Sale and Cyber Week Computer Sale are often featured online, including flash sales and digital bundles that aren’t featured in stores. If you missed something on Friday, it’s worth checking back on Monday for another chance to save.
Final thoughts on Black Friday shopping
Black Friday can seem a little overwhelming. There are so many ads, emails, and “can’t miss” sales popping up everywhere. But remember, you don’t have to buy all. The goal is to be intentional. That means choosing deals that truly make your life easier, and deals that help you make more meaningful contributions without spending too much money.
To get the most out of your vacation budget, start by planning. Set a spending limit and stick to your list before you start browsing. Use digital coupons, in-store loyalty programs, Rakuten, ibotta, and cashback apps.top cashbackWith Swagbucks, you can save even more on top of already discounted prices.
If you’re shopping online, be sure to check out early, as many of the best deals sell out quickly or are limited to a few hours. Also, don’t forget to bookmark our Best Black Friday Deals page for updates and round-ups as the big day approaches.
More links you may like:
- Free Christmas Budget Increase Cheat Sheet: Easily earn $100-$300 before Christmas!!
- 50+ Easy Ways to Practice Hospitality on a Budget
- Free printable Christmas gift list and budget tracker!
- 40+ ways to celebrate Christmas on a budget
- Meals that will please guests over 25 years old
- How can you reduce your Christmas budget, reduce clutter, and spend more time with your family?
- 50+ Budget-Friendly Easy DIY Christmas Gifts
What do you think is the best thing to buy on Black Friday? We’d love to hear your advice in the comments.
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Source: Money Saving Mom® – moneysavingmom.com
