Best Things to Buy on Black Friday (and What Not To)

Every year around this time, I find myself asking the same question: “What’s actually worth buying on Black Friday?” I still remember my early mom days, standing in long lines at 6 a.m. clutching a coffee, hoping to grab that one toy my kids had circled in the catalog, only to realize later it wasn’t even the best deal.

Thankfully, things have changed. These days, I do almost all my Black Friday shopping from home in my cozy slippers with a mug of peppermint cocoa in hand. Over the years, I’ve learned which deals are truly worth jumping on and which ones can wait.

This year, Black Friday 2025 falls on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. But with more retailers rolling out early savings events, the best sales often start weeks before that. If you’re trying to stretch your Christmas budget this year, I’m here to help you figure out exactly what to buy on Black Friday (and what to skip) so you can shop smarter, save more, and stress less this holiday season.

By the way, don’t miss this post with Best Places to Shop on Black Friday: Where to Find the Hottest Deals in 2025.

The Best Things to Buy on Black Friday

While every store claims to have “can’t-miss” deals, certain categories tend to offer the biggest savings each year. If you plan ahead, you can score major discounts on gifts, electronics, and even home essentials that will make your holidays brighter without stretching your budget.

Toys

Black Friday Toys are always among the hottest sellers. Prices on popular brands drop significantly, making it the perfect time to stock up for Christmas or birthday gifts later in the year. Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon often offer early access toy sales that run through November. Shopping early helps you shop before high-demand items like LEGO sets, Tonies, Hot Wheels tracks, and Barbie dream houses might sell out.

Barbie and Dolls

Speaking of dolls, Black Friday Barbie deals are always worth watching. If your kids love Barbie or collectible dolls, this is the best time to buy. Many stores run exclusive bundle offers with accessories or themed playsets that rarely go on sale any other time of year. After the brand’s resurgence in recent years, some of these items sell out quickly so it’s smart to add your favorites to your cart as soon as they drop.

Holiday Décor and Christmas Trees

It’s also a great time to shop for Black Friday Christmas tree deals and holiday decorations. Artificial trees, lights, and wreaths can be marked down as much as 50% before December even begins. While many people wait until after Christmas for clearance sales, buying now gives you more options and helps you set up your home early for the season.

Laptops and Tablets

If you’re shopping for electronics, laptop Black Friday deals and iPad specials on Black Friday can save you hundreds. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Target often feature limited-time doorbusters on tech products that make great gifts for students, professionals, or anyone working from home. Older-generation iPads and Chromebooks tend to see the biggest price drops, and some stores even include bonus gift cards when you purchase select models.

Streaming and Digital Deals

Some of the best Black Friday Streaming Deals are on digital subscriptions. Services like Hulu, Disney+, and Paramount+ typically offer deep discounts or extended free trials. And don’t forget about streaming Hallmark Christmas movies! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to enjoy family movie nights or binge-watch your favorite shows, this is the time to sign up or renew your subscription. These deals also make for great gifts, especially for families who want to save on entertainment.

Gaming Consoles

Gamers can look forward to incredible PS5 Black Friday deals this year. Bundles that include popular games or accessories often provide the most value, especially since consoles rarely go on sale outside of major events like Black Friday. Keep an eye on Amazon, GameStop, and major retailers for restocks, since quantities can disappear fast.

Apple Watches and Tech Accessories

For fitness lovers or busy moms who want to stay on top of their goals, Apple Watch Black Friday deals are another hot category. Look for markdowns on older models like the Series SE or previous generations, which still offer great functionality at a fraction of the price. This is the perfect time to buy a discounted smartwatch for yourself or as a thoughtful and practical holiday gift.

Books

Book lovers should definitely keep an eye out for Black Friday book sales. You can find discounted box sets, popular titles, and children’s books perfect for holiday gifting. Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble often feature buy-one-get-one or 50% off deals on bestsellers and classics alike. And, books make a simple, meaningful, and budget-friendly gift idea for everyone on your list.

Appliances and Home Essentials

Finally, don’t overlook Black Friday appliance deals if you’ve been planning a big purchase for your home. From refrigerators and microwaves to washers and dryers, major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Best Buy roll out some of their steepest discounts of the year for Black Friday. If you can time your upgrade for November, you can save hundreds, especially on large items, often with extended warranties or free delivery.

Best Black Friday Gifts to Watch For

If you’re shopping for gifts, this is one of the best times to grab unique Black Friday deals that go beyond the typical electronics and toys. Personalized photo gifts, cozy blankets, home gadgets, and kitchen tools often get marked down, making them perfect for thoughtful yet affordable presents.

Stocking stuffers like candles, mugs, journals, or small tech accessories can also be bundled with larger gifts to stretch your dollars further. Shopping early allows you to wrap up your list before the holiday rush and take advantage of the widest selection.

What Not to Buy on Black Friday

While Black Friday brings incredible deals in certain categories, not every discount is worth jumping on. For example, winter clothing is often cheaper in January when post-holiday clearance sales hit.

Bedding and linens also see better prices during January “white sales,” and jewelry tends to drop in price around Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Even fitness equipment is often cheaper in early January when retailers market to New Year’s resolution shoppers. If you can wait, you’ll likely score even better savings later on.

When Do Stores Start Their Black Friday Sales?

The days of waking up at 5 a.m. to stand in line outside a store are long gone. Now, most major retailers start their Black Friday events early, sometimes as soon as late October.

Stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon all launch early deal weeks that roll straight into Black Friday weekend. Signing up for store newsletters or loyalty programs can help you access these sales before the general public.

Early shopping also helps you avoid last-minute shipping delays or stock shortages.

Is Cyber Monday Cheaper Than Black Friday?

You might be wondering if it’s better to wait until Cyber Monday for certain items. The answer depends on what you’re buying. Black Friday typically offers deeper discounts on physical goods like toys, appliances, and TVs, while Cyber Monday is known for its digital and tech-focused deals.

Categories like Cyber Week TV deals and Cyber Week computer deals often shine online, with flash sales and digital bundles that may not appear in stores. If you missed something on Friday, it’s worth checking back on Monday for a second chance at savings.

Some Final Thoughts on Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday can feel a little overwhelming. There are so many ads, emails, and “can’t-miss” deals popping up everywhere. But remember, you don’t have to buy everything. The goal is to be intentional: to choose the deals that truly make your life easier or help you give more meaningfully without overspending.

To make the most of your holiday budget, start with a plan. Set spending limits before you start browsing and stick to your list. Use digital coupons, store reward programs, and cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, TopCashback, Swagbucks to stack additional savings on top of already discounted prices.

If you’re shopping online, try to check out early since many of the best offers sell out fast or are limited to a few hours. And don’t forget to bookmark our Best Black Friday deals page for live updates and roundups as we get closer to the big day.

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What do you think are the best things to buy on Black Friday? We’d love to hear your advice in the comments!