Things That Are Worth Buying on Black Friday

It makes sense that chaotic sales floors, cranky customers, long lines, too-early mornings, and cold temperatures have defined Black Fridays for years — this start of the holiday shopping season can save those willing to brave the madness some real money. But the bargains have to be worth the adventure, and that calculation might look different with the coronavirus still lingering. Plenty of sales will take place online, with more stores staying closed on Thanksgiving and spreading out in-person Black Friday sale days (and limiting the number of shoppers allowed inside) to avoid a crush of customers. Here are product categories still expected to offer slashed prices.

Prices and availability are subject to change. Sale prices may not yet be active.

Related: Costco's Best Black Friday Deals: Sneak Peek

Based on sales trends, past Black Fridays, and the ads that have appeared so far, Apple products are a category to watch. Expect to see deals on iPads, older model iPhones, Apple Watches, and MacBooks, some packaged with gift cards.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Apple AirPods Pro | $159 from Walmart

• Apple AirPods Pro With MagSafe Charging Case | $190 from Target

• Apple Watch Series 3 | $109 from Walmart

• Apple Watch SE | $220 from Target
  

• $15 Target gift card with purchase of $100 or more in Apple gift cards | Target

Related: Target's Best Black Friday Deals

Yes, it's pretty much a given that TVs will go on deep discount for Black Friday. Keep an eye out for major brands like LG and Sony in various sizes.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Element 65" 4K Frameless Roku TV | $300 from Target

• Onn. 70" 4K Roku TV | $398 from Walmart

• Samsung 75" 4K QLED TV | $1,600 from Costco

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Related: Walmart's Best Black Friday Deals This Year

We've already mentioned that MacBooks will likely be on sale on Black Friday, but shoppers and tech enthusiasts can also expect Chromebooks and Windows laptops to be deeply discounted.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Asus 14" Windows Laptop | $160 from Target

• HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop | $295 from Target
  

• HP 14" X360 Chromebook | $300 from Sam’s Club

• MSI 15.6" Gaming Laptop | $499 from Walmart

Related: The Best Black Friday Deals From Best Buy

Amazon will put plenty of its own fashion and lifestyle brands on sale, as well as Amazon devices including Echo smart speakers and displays, Fire TVs, the Kindle Oasis e-reader, and Fire HD tablets. Although it generally offers the lowest prices on the latest models, other stores also offer deep discounts, especially on older-generation Amazon devices.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Fire HD 8 tablet | $45 from Kohl’s

• Fire 7 Kids Edition tablet | $60 plus $15 Kohl's Cash
  

• Echo Dot (3rd Gen.) | $20 from Target

• Echo Show 8 | $60 plus $15 Kohl's Cash
  

• Fire TV Stick Lite | $18 from Home Depot

Related: Hottest Holiday Gifts From Amazon

Big-ticket appliances are usually a Black Friday sure thing, and this year should be no different at stores like Best Buy as well as home improvement retailers Home Depot and Lowe's.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Samsung 28 cu. ft. 3-Door French-Door Refrigerator with Family Hub | $1,700 from Costco
• Samsung 4-Door Flex French-Door Refrigerator | $2,498 from Home Depot
  
• LG Electronics Graphite Steel WashTower Laundry Center | $1,598 from Home Depot

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Big-ticket items aren't the only way to save during Black Friday sales if you're considering a kitchen upgrade. Look for small kitchen appliances, too. "Items like coffee makers, electric skillets, slow cookers, toasters, deep fryers, blenders, and rice makers will have slashed prices as retailers make more mass orders than they usually stock for the holidays," said Sara Skirboll, shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Bella, Hamilton Beach, and more | $10 and under from Macy's

• Ninja Kitchen System with Auto IQ Boost and 7-Speed Blender | $100 from Target
  

• Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker | $50 from Target

• KitchenAid 5-Quart Professional Stand Mixer | $220 from Target
  

• KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer Fresh Prep Bundle | $350 plus $105 Kohl's Cash
  

• Ninja Specialty Coffee Maker | $120 plus $30 Kohl's Cash
  

• Blendtec Classic Blender | $199 from Home Depot

Related: Hot Home Depot Black Friday Deals You Can Shop Now

From gadgets to speakers to security products, expect to find Black Friday sales on plenty of smart home technology. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Blink Indoor Mini Camera | $20 from Target 

• Ring Alarm 10-Piece Security System | $130 from Costco

• Arlo Essential Video Doorbell | $139 from Sam’s Club

• iRobot Roomba i1+ Wi-Fi-Connected Self-Emptying Vacuum | $349 from Walmart

• Google Nest Mini (2nd Gen.) | $25 from Kohl’s

• Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen.) | $50 from Walmart
• Google Nest Learning Thermostat | $179 plus $45 Kohl's Cash
  
• Simply Smart Home 8" PhotoShare Digital Picture Frame | $100 plus $30 Kohl's Cash

Related: 25 Smart Home Products That Are Worth the Money

Children's duds have seen deals of up to 80% off at retailers such as Carter's, while jackets and pajamas have also seen price drops, with many styles going for less than $20. Look to Shoes.com, DSW, and Sorel to offer discounts on footwear for kids.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Select kids' character sleepwear sets under $5 | Walmart

• 50% off Christmas pajamas for the whole family (plus an extra 15% off with coupon) | Kohl's

• Up to 60% off sitewide | The Children's Place
  

Related: Fun and Funny Christmas Jammies for the Whole Family (Including Pets!)

It's not just the kids who get to update their wardrobes during Black Friday sales. "While it's not usually the best time to buy in-season clothing, Black Friday is the exception, as many retailers will be discounting winter coats and cooler weather apparel," Skirboll said.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Men's Club Room flannel shirts | $10 from Macy’s

• Women's All in Motion Cozy Cowl Neck Pullovers | $15 from Target

• Men's Columbia Powder Lite Jacket | $90 plus $15 Kohl's Cash
  

• Men's Sonoma Goods for Life Sweater Fleece | $17 with 15% off coupon from Kohl's
  

• Women's Sonoma Goods for Life Robes | 50% off from Kohl's
  

• Women's Croft & Barrow Microfleece Sweatshirt | $8 with 15% off coupon from Kohl's
  

• Tek Gear performance clothing | 50% off from Kohl's

Related: The Best Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops Black Friday Deals

Athletic shoe and boot prices are often slashed for women, men, and kids during Black Friday sales.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• So boots and shoes for women | Starting at $17 from Kohl’s
• Up to 50% off sitewide | Adidas

Related: Where to Buy Shoes and Boots That Are Made in America

Black Friday is famous for travel deals, but the picture in 2021 is muddled considering the chaos of travel restrictions between countries and the conditions tourists might face once they're there. In the past, one-way flights could drop as low as $19 on budget airlines, and around $50 to $75 on airlines such as Southwest and Alaska. Airlines' desperation to get people aboard will likely bump against the cuts they've had to make since their industry was decimated, so stay flexible and cautious when you check individual carriers and aggregators such as Expedia and Kayak.

Related: Things That Aren't Worth Buying on Black Friday

Of course, if you're going to book a flight, you might also need a hotel. Check out sites such as Travelocity, Hotels.com, and other large booking and travel sites. Hotel rates have historically dropped by up to 80%, with rates falling to $99 or less.

Related: Black Friday at Sam's Club: 15 Deals You Won't Want to Miss

This is another category that's been a safe bet for Black Friday discounts. Keep an eye out for doorbuster prices on gaming headsets, controllers, and gaming chairs.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Microsoft Xbox Series S console | $299 from Walmart

• Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and 3-month online membership | $300 from Target
  

• Nintendo Switch Ring Fit Adventure | $55 from Target
  

• Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit | $60 from Target
  

• Turtle Beach Recon 500 Wired Gaming Headset | $48 from Target
  

• MSI Optix 27” Gaming Monitor | $170 from Costco

• Respawn Gaming Chair | $130 from Sam’s Club
  

• Sharper Image Foldable Gaming Chair | $50 plus $15 Kohl's Cash

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If you're still hesitant about VR, these sales are a good time to jump in — especially with Facebook announcing plans for an entire “metaverse.” The new Oculus Quest 2 is likely to be hawked at bargain prices.

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If you've already got all the gaming tech you can handle, use your dollars to load up on the games themselves. Look to the larger retailers such as Target and Walmart to join the dueling between Xbox and PlayStation titles for low-price sales.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Video games for $14 and up | Walmart

Legos aren't usually deeply discounted, but they were in 2020. Retailers such as Amazon and Target moved to match the official Lego shop, which slashed prices and is holding a Black Friday sale again this year. For toys in general, the best deals traditionally are found closer to Christmas, but waiting is even more of a gamble this year, amid warnings of supply-chain issues.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Buy one, get one 50% off select toys | Kohl's

Related: Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids

Just like in past years, streaming devices will be a predictable Black Friday deal. Even the cheaper devices saw bargains in 2020. Keep your eyes peeled for deals on Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and other streaming devices — they've been known to drop to half price.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite | $18 from Home Depot
  
• Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Media Player and Streaming Stick+ | $100 from Costco

Related: The Hottest Tech Gifts This Season

Looking to get in shape in the new year? Fitbits, Fossil devices, and especially older model Apple Watches are good bets for bargains, with Fossils possibly dropping below $50. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Fitbit Inspire 2 | $60 from Target

• Apple Watch Series 3 | $109 from Walmart

• Apple Watch SE | $220 from Target

• Fitbit Versa 2 | $120 from Kohl’s

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 | Starting at $200 from Costco

Related: Get Going With These Great Gifts for Runners

Those looking to introduce a higher-quality sound into their lives will be in luck this Black Friday. Portable Bluetooth speakers will drop to stocking-stuffer prices. (This acorn-shaped speaker, available for under $20, could be a hint of what's to come from Amazon.)

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• EcoXGear EcoEdge Plus Waterproof Speaker | $40 from Costco

• Vizio V-Series 2.0 Compact Sound Bar | $50 from Target
  

• Altec Lansing Hydra Mini Wireless Speaker | $18 from Target

Related: Cool and Creative Gifts for Music Lovers

If you've been coveting a new, higher-quality product in this category, keep your ears out for deals like we saw last year. It may be an omen that Apple released its third-generation AirPods not long ago, although people who just need a basic set of earbuds for a stocking stuffer or a secret Santa gift will probably find better deals. This year for Prime Day, Amazon slashed the price of its Echo Buds to $80 from $120, so expect more of the same.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Apple AirPods Pro | $159 from Walmart 

• Apple AirPods Pro With MagSafe Charging Case | $190 from Target

• Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II Noise-Canceling Headphones | $180 from Target
• Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones | $100 from Target
  
• JBL Tune 225 True Wireless Earbuds | $50 from Target

If you're shopping for gifts for the paparazzo in your life, Black Fridays have been known to deliver good news on camera prices. Canon DSLR bundles — such as the EOS Rebel T7 with extra lenses, shoulder bag, SD card, and maybe even an online photography course — fell to around $500, and refurbished cameras might sell for less than $400.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Gift Set | $60 from Target

• GoPro Hero8 Black Action Camera Bundle | $250 from Target

Related: The Best Gifts for Photographers From Newbies to Pros

Experts expect kitchen-related savings to go beyond the things you plug in to products such as food storage container sets. For example, durable Pyrex glassware, which is still made in America and coveted by home chefs everywhere, has seen substantial markdowns at Kohl's, along with Rubbermaid.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Rubbermaid Flex & Seal 36-Piece Food Storage Set | $19 with 15% off coupon from Kohl's

Related: The Best Food Storage Containers You Can Buy, According to Amazon Reviews

In anticipation of welcoming crowds back into our homes permanently, Black Friday might be the right time to upgrade outdated pots and pans — with plenty of brands and a range of materials and sets to choose from. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Farberware Cookstart 15-Piece Cookware Set | $51 from Kohl’s 

• Select by Calphalon 8-Piece Cookware Set | $90 from Target

• Granitestone 22-Piece Cookware Set | $130 from Sam’s Club
• Food Network Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven | $34 with 15% off coupon from Kohl's
• Ninja Foodi NeverStick Cookware Set | $250 plus an extra 15% off with coupon and $60 Kohl's Cash
  

Related: Delicious Gifts Under $25 for Food Lovers

Beauty products are often pricey, but expect to save as retailers clear space for more holiday sets and seasonal product launches. Look for particularly great savings on high-end cosmetics.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Urban Decay Naked3 Eyeshadow Palette | $27 from Macy’s

Related: Gifts for Sisters That Express a Lifetime of Love (and Then Some)

Retail experts also told us to expect "deep discounts" on price tags attached to wellness products for dental hygiene, shaving, and more around Black Friday. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Iconic Percussion Muscle Massager | $30 from JCPenney

• Waterpik Evolution and Nano Water Flosser Combo Pack | $65 from Costco

• Sharper Image Powerboost Percussion Massager | $100 plus $30 Kohl's Cash

• Theragun Elite Percussive Massager | $300 from Target

Related: 50 Unique Holiday Gift Ideas for Him Under $50

Another predictably satisfying category for savings during Black Friday sales is vacuums from brands such as Bissell, Hoover, Shark, iRobot, and Dyson. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Dyson V8 Motorhead Origin Cordless Vacuum | $250 from Target
  
• Shark EZ Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base | $350 from Target
  
• Hoover Professional Series Power Scrub Elite Pet Carpet Cleaner | $149 from Home Depot
• iRobot Roomba i1+ Self-Emptying Vacuum | $349 from Walmart
• Shark Rotator Lift-Away Vacuum | $170 plus an extra 15% off with coupon and $30 in Kohl's Cash
  

Home improvement stores sell a variety of tools at discounted prices this time of year. Hedge your bets here, though, because tools can be even more deeply discounted come December.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021 from Home Depot:

• Ryobi One+ 18V 6-Tool Combo Kit | $199
  
• DeWalt Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo | $149
  
• Husky Mechanics Tool Set | $149
  
• Milwaukee Drill and Driver Kit | $149
  
• Ridgid 10" Pro Jobsite Table Saw With Stand | $399
  

Related: Show Some Brotherly Love with These Great Gifts for Brothers

Although there's a case to be made to wait until after Black Friday for better deals on comforters and pillows, with more people snuggling up at home during the pandemic and Black Friday extending to almost a month at some stores, waiting for what you want to hit the clearance rack may mean that stores have cleared out of some merchandise.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Ralph Lauren Logo Pillows | $7 from Macy’s

• Threshold Heated Microplush Throws | $20 from Target

• Color Sense 1,200-Thread-Count Sheets | Starting at $35 from Sam’s Club

• True North Mink to Sherpa Comforter Sets | 70% off from Kohl’s
• Sonoma Goods for Life Easy Care Sheet Sets | $34 with 15% off coupon from Kohl's
  
• The Big One Super Soft Plush Throw | $8 with 15% off coupon from Kohl's
  
• Home Decorators Collection Down Comforter | $196 from Home Depot
  

Multicookers, air fryers, and combo pressure cooker/air fryers are common doorbusters for retailers ranging from Target to Kohl's to Macy's and beyond. While Instant Pots can be found for $70 or less, consider other brands, too, such as Cuisinart and Vortex, which can be marked down 50% or more. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Power XL 6-in-1 Air Fryer Oven | $69 from Walmart

• Ninja Foodi 5-Quart Programmable Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer | $110 from Target

• Instant Pot Duo Plus | $60 plus $15 Kohl's Cash

• Galanz Air Fry Digital Toaster Oven | $80 from Home Depot

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