Things That Are Worth Buying on Black Friday

Chaotic, cranky customers, long lines, too-early mornings, and cold temperatures have defined Black Fridays in the past since the official start of the holiday shopping season could save real money for those willing to brave the madness. But the stuff you bought had to be worth the adventure — a calculation that might look different in a 2020 defined by the coronavirus. 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 expected to still offer slashed prices; and you should also know the 14 Things That Aren't Worth Buying on Black Friday.

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

Related: Here Are the Biggest Black Friday Deals We’re Anticipating This Year

Based on sales trends and past Black Fridays, Apple products are a category to watch for hottest tech gifts this holiday season. Expect to see deals on iPads, older model iPhones, Apple watches, Macbooks, and Apple TVs — some bundled with gift cards.

Related: Best Black Friday Deals at Costco

Sale Price: Starting at $119 from Walmart
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Regular Price: Starting at $179 ($60 savings)
Availability: Starting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. online only

The Series 3 is the oldest readily available Apple Watch, but make no mistake: It's still plenty capable. It can do almost everything the newer models can do, albeit a bit more slowly, and it also costs half as much.

Yes, it's pretty much a given that TVs will go on deep discount on Black Friday. DealNews advises keeping an eye out for LGs and Sonys this year in various sizes.

Related: The Year's Hottest Holiday Gifts: Buy Them Before They Sell Out

Sale Price: $250 from Best Buy
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Regular Price: $500 ($250 savings) 
Availability: Starting Nov. 22

Walmart is offering a slightly better price on a 65-inch smart TV this holiday season, but Best Buy isn't far behind here, especially for such a large 4K display. 

Related: Black Friday Deals at Best Buy You Don't Want to Miss

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 get deep discounts.

Related: 25 Top-Rated Products on Amazon for Working From Home and Remote Learning

Sale Price: $129 from Best Buy
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Regular Price: $299 ($170 savings) 
Availability: Starting Nov. 22

Ideal for a kid who wants an intuitive touchscreen for distance learning, games, or entertainment, this basic but highly rated HP laptop will definitely be among the best deals you'll see on Chromebooks this season.

Related: What Teachers Recommend for Virtual Learning 

Not to be outdone by Apple, Amazon will offer plenty of its own products for sale — in fact, a glimpse of its holiday offerings came in October, where its Prime Day event moved after coronavirus canceled it earlier in the year. Among its many deals, the retail giant slashed prices on its Fire TV Recast by $100, and sold the third-generation Echo Dot for $19, down by more than half. 

Related: Hottest Holiday Gifts From Amazon

Sale Price: $29
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Regular Price: $50 ($21 savings)
Availability: Starting Nov. 20

The latest version of Amazon’s smart speaker has evolved from a squat puck-like form to a sphere, but the voice-activated functionality remains the same. Ask Alexa to play your favorite music, check the weather, or activate other smart devices in your home. A lighted version with digital clock is also available, as is a kids’ version with a cute tiger motif.

Big-ticket appliances are usually a Black Friday sure thing, and this year should be no different. Best Buy and retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe's remain the retailers to watch. 

Sale Price: $1,798 from Home Depot
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Regular Price: $2,449 ($651 savings)

If you've been thinking about getting a new fridge, this 26.2-cubic-foot French door model in stainless steel might fill the bill.

Big-ticket items aren't the only way to save on Black Friday 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," Skirboll says. Amazon's Prime Day had deals that included an 8-quart Instant Pot with air fryer cut by $60, down to $120, so expect Black Friday discounts to fall in line.

Related: The Best 10 Coffeemakers to Buy at Walmart and Target

Sale Price: $15 from JC Penney after $10 mail-in rebate and coupon
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Regular Price: $60 ($45 savings)
Availability: Nov. 25-28

Graduate from PB&J to cafe-style paninis with this sleek stainless-steel sandwich press. It has nonstick plates and a dishwasher-safe drip tray for easy cleanup.

From gadgets to speakers to security products, expect to find Black Friday sales on plenty of smart home technology. Individual deals that DealNews expects to see, reminiscent of last year, include more Echos at a $40 discount (or bundled with Ring home security systems for big bargains), Apple HomePods for $200, and Amazon Smart Plugs down to $5. Amazon lowered prices on bunches of smart tech during its Prime Day event, including on security systems, and the Echo Flex plug-ins were just $10.

Related: 25 Smart Home Products That Are Worth the Money

Sale Price: $140 from Best Buy
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Regular Price: $200 ($60 savings)
Availability: Starting Nov. 22

The newest version of the popular Ring doorbell adds dual-band Wi-Fi and adjustable motion sensitivity that means you can focus on the notifications you really want. It works with Alexa and is still easy as ever to monitor and control from your smartphone. 

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

Sale Price: $10 from Macy's
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Regular Price: $34 to $44 ($24 to $34 savings)

If your kids are back in school (or just headed that way), chances are good they need new clothes after the long pandemic lockdown. This is a price that makes stocking up less daunting.

Related: The Best of Macy's Black Friday Deals

It's not just the kids who get to update their wardrobe on Black Friday. "Black Friday is sure to bring savings on all forms of clothing — from shoes and accessories to pants and tops," Skirboll notes. "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. Now is a good time to gear up for the cooler months ahead." DealNews predicts that men's suits will likely be on sale for $100 at Men's Wearhouse and for 70% off at Macy's and women should look to pick up sweaters on the cheap ($10 or less, if recent years are any guide) at stores such as Walmart, Kohl's, and Macy's.

Related: Pajamas, Sweats, and Leisure Wear Perfect for Working at Home

Sale Price: $15
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Regular Price: $47 ($32 savings)

Chances are she hasn't gone clothing shopping in a while. Here are some reliable basics to grab.

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

You can never have too many pairs of jeans, and Black Friday often helps men and women stock up. Denim got as low as $9 or $10 a pair last year at Walmart and JCPenney, DealNews notes, and even Nordstrom Rack had $12 jeans. (Amazon didn't quite get there with Levi's 501 Original Fit Jeans during its Prime Day event — but they were $38, down from $59.)

Related: Gifts for Teenage Girls (That They'll Actually Like)

Sale Price: $12
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Regular Price: $18 ($6 savings)
Availability: Nov. 25-27

These sturdy Wrangler jeans may not be the cheapest you'll find on Black Friday, but they may last the longest. 

Athletic shoe and boot prices are often slashed for women and men at Black Friday. If it's any sign of what to expect, Amazon's Prime Day cut the Adidas Performance Men's Samba Classic to $50, a savings of $20.

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

Sale Price: $80 from Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops 
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Regular Price: $130 ($50 savings) 
Availability: Nov. 5-22 in store and online

Looking for something to keep your feet dry in wet conditions? These camo-pattern rubber boots are 100% waterproof with a neoprene inner layer and a "nano-scale hydrophobic coating that repels water and mud on contact." Other features include reinforced toes and heels and molded rubber outsoles.

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

Black Friday is famous for travel deals, but — in 2020? Some people are still doing it, though the coronavirus pandemic has thrown a major wrench into the industry. Many people are reluctant to fly (and especially wary of cruises) and borders to most other countries remain closed or complicated for Americans because of our wildly varying measures against transmitting infection. 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. But 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: 30 Cheap Destinations for Off-Season Travel

Sale Price: Up to 50% off from Amazon
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Availability: Nov. 20-30 in store and online "Various dates and times" Nov. 20-27

If your luggage has seen better days, Amazon's Black Friday sale is the perfect opportunity to score a deal on a new hard- or soft-sided suitcase, duffel, or carry-on bag. Select Samsonite products will be discounted up to 50%, and similar savings can be found on some American Tourister luggage, too.

Related: The Best Cheap Luggage

Of course, if you're going to book a flight, you might also need a hotel. DealNews advises shoppers to check out sites such as Travelocity, Expedia, and other large travel sites starting the week before Black Friday, when many will pre-publish the coupons they'll offer on the day itself. Hotel rates have historically dropped by up to 80%, with rates falling to $99 or less.

Related: What Are the Best Budget Hotel Chains?

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While the Sandals resort chain hasn't released their Black Friday deals yet, Dealnews suggest keeping your eyes peeled. Last year the chain marked down all-inclusive beach stays by 65%, so be prepared to grab them the week of Thanksgiving. Worried about a shutdown? The chain will pay for your travel insurance. 

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. Already this year, Amazon's Prime Day dropped the price on the Razer Kraken Gaming Headset to $50 from $80.

Related: Gifts for Teenage Boys They'll Actually Like

Sale Price: $10 after coupon from J.C. Penney
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Regular Price: $40 ($30 savings)
Availability: Nov. 25-28

This is just about the cheapest we've seen gaming headsets go, and with dual mics and stereo sound, this pair will be more than fine for any casual player. Other features include passive noise-canceling and red LED lights.

If you're still hesitant about VR, these sales are a good time to jump in. Discounts on PlayStation VR bundles have been slow to surface, but the new Oculus Quest is likely to have bargains.

Related: Incredibly Fun Toys for Adults

Sale Price: $299 from Walmart
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Regular Price: N/A
Availability: Starting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. online only

We're guessing that plenty of people will jump on the virtual-reality bandwagon now that you can get a VR set for the same price as the Nintendo Switch. All you need to get set up is a Facebook account and your smartphone.

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.

Sale Price: $30 from Walmart
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Regular Price: $50 ($20 savings)
Availability: Starting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. online only

We may not have gotten the real thing this year, but we can still enjoy the video-game Olympics with Mario and Sonic. A ton of other titles for the Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One will also be on sale starting at $15.

Related: Fun Online Games the Whole Family Can Play

Lego toys aren't usually deeply discounted, but DealNews does expect some discounts this year. The official Lego shop, for instance, will slash product prices, and retailers such as Amazon and Target will likely move to match them. As for other toys, Skirboll recommends waiting. "The best deals on toys are found about two weeks before Christmas," she notes.

Related: Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids

$100 from Target
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Parents know that sales on perpetually popular Legos can be very hit and miss, even during the run-up to Christmas. Besides, this adorable kit will be at high risk of selling out, and you’re definitely going to want to build it before December so that it can be part of your decor. 

Related: Retro Gifts for Kids With Too Much Screen Time

Just like in past years, streaming devices will be a predictable Black Friday deal. DealNews says even the cheaper devices will see bargains. Keep your eyes peeled for deals on Echo Auto, Google Chromecast, and Fire streaming devices could drop to half price.

Related: The Hottest Tech Gifts This Season

Sale Price: $18 from Amazon
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Regular Price: $30 ($12 savings)
Availability: Starting Nov. 20

Cut the cord on the cheap with this deal on Amazon's streaming media stick that allows you to watch favorites easily. With Alexa voice control functionality, you can also use it to check the weather, dim lights, stream music, and more. One feature the Lite version lacks: It cannot control your TV and receiver.

Looking to get in shape after the new year? Fitbits, Fossil devices, and especially older model Apple Watches are good bets for bargains, with Fossils possibly dropping below $50. For Fitbits, keep an eye on Kohl's; it had a slew of deals last year, in some cases dropping prices by way of including big chunks of Kohl's Cash. 

Related: Get Going With These Great Gifts for Runners

Sale Price: $129 from Walmart
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Regular Price: $179 ($50 savings)
Availability: Starting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. online only

Fitbit's user-friendly Versa 2 is a smartwatch that will make you think twice before spending big on Apple. It has an always-on display, a battery that lasts six days or more, 24-hour heart-rate tracking, built-in Alexa, Fitbit Pay, onboard music storage, and much more. Looking for something sleeker? The Fitbit Inspire 2 will be $30 off.

Those looking to introduce a higher-quality sound into their lives will be in luck this Black Friday. Portable Bluetooth speakers will probably drop to stocking-stuffer prices. (Maybe this acorn-shaped speaker, available now for $16 from Amazon, is a hint of what's to come.) DealNews expects Bose products to be on sale at a few retailers, likely at half-off.

Related: Cool and Creative Gifts for Music Lovers

Sale Price: $150 from Costco
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Regular Price: $200 ($50 savings)
Availability: Nov. 20-30 in store and online

For true movie buffs, those built-in speakers on the TV just aren't enough. Snag this Vizio system for rich, booming sound on whatever you're watching. It's even compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant.  

Related: Awesome Gifts for Couch Potatoes and Movie 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 AirPods Pro are on our list of gifts likely to sell out —  though people who just need a basic set of earbuds for a stocking stuffer or a secret Santa gift, will probably find deals. This year's Prime Day slashed high-end JBL Tune True Wireless Headphones to $40 from $90, and Sony noise-canceling sport headphones by a similar $50, so expect more of the same.

Related: 13 Perfectly Good Wireless Earbuds Way Cheaper Than AirPods

Sale Price: $169 from Walmart
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Regular Price: $249 ($80 savings)
Availability: Starting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. online only

Noise cancellation and a customizable fit are just the tip of the iceberg with AirPods Pro, and this is the lowest price we've seen since their release last year. They're also sweat- and water-resistant, and their wireless charging case offers more than 24 hours of battery life.

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.

Related: The Best Gifts for Photographers from Newbies to Pros

Sale Price: $100 from Best Buy
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Regular Price: $150 ($50 savings) 
Availability: Starting Nov. 22

Shutterbugs can instantly print peel-and-stick photos with this all-in-one camera and printer. Selfie lovers can rest easy, as a selfie mirror and built-in ring light can help them get great shots without wasting film.  

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 is coveted by home chefs everywhere, saw substantial markdowns at Kohl's last year, along with Rubbermaid.

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

Sale Price: $25 from Walmart
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Regular Price: N/A
Availability: Online and in store starting Saturday, Nov. 14

Keep the pantry organized and food from spoiling with these sturdy clear canisters. They have an airtight seal and allow you to easily figure out what you have at a glance. The set also comes with labels and a scoop.

In anticipation of welcoming crowds back in to our homes in 2021, 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. Kohl's Black Fridays have discounted cookware sets from Food Network, Cuisinart, Rachael Ray, Calphalon, T-Fal, Faberware, and more. 

Related: Delicious Gifts Under $25 for Food Lovers

Sale Price: $69 from Walmart
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Regular Price: N/A
Availability: Starting Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. online only

Stock someone's kitchen with The Pioneer Woman's signature cheerful, classic style. This handy 25-piece set includes two nonstick saucepans, two frying pans, a Dutch oven, a cast iron skillet, and plenty of tools and storage containers.

Beauty products are often pricey, but expect to save in November when cosmetic stores clear space for holiday sets and seasonal product launches. A retail expert Cheapism spoke with noted that shoppers should look for particularly great savings on high-end products.

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

Sale Price: $20 
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Regular Price: $35 ($15 savings)

These joyful colors (five of them!) will brighten up her day. The price will be easy on the wallet.

Experts also told us to expect "deep discounts" on price tags attached to wellness products for dental hygiene, shaving, and more around Black Friday. A Kohl's sale dropped a Waterpik Ultra flosser from $80 to $55 (plus an extra 15% off with a coupon) and had plenty of other deals in this same category.

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

Sale Price: $20 from Kohl's plus 15% off with coupon 
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Regular Price: $50 ($30 savings) 
Availability: In store and online Nov. 22-27

Help someone refine their oral health routine with this rechargeable toothbrush at a stocking-stuffer price. It has a two-minute timer and keeps a charge for up to two weeks at a time.

Another predictably satisfying category for savings on Black Friday is vacuums from brands such as Bissell, Hoover, Shark, iRobot, and Dyson. Amazon's already dropped prices on a Bissell robot vacuum cleaner by $100 this year.

Sale Price: $400
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Regular Price: $550 ($150 savings)
Availability: Nov. 26 online only

This powerful cordless vacuum offers up to 40 minutes of power, easily transforms into a handheld, includes three suction modes and comes with several convenient tools, including a mini-motorized brush perfect for cleaning upholstery. This online deal is being offered only on Thanksgiving.

Home improvement stores get in on Black Friday by selling a variety of tools at discounted prices — and it's a good sign that Amazon Prime Day already saw a Makita 16-inch chain saw go down to $225 from $424 and a Bosch jigsaw kit drop to $199 from $249. Hedge your bets here, though, because tools can be even more deeply discounted come December.

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

Sale Price: $229 from Lowe's
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Regular Price: $299 ($70 savings)

Instead of adding to your power tool collection in dribs and drabs, get a kit that includes an impact driver, reciprocating saw, drill driver, circular saw, oscillating tool, and a task light as well as chargers, blades, and more.

Though 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. 

Sale Price: $43 from Kohl's with 15% off coupon 
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Regular Price: Up to $150 (up to $107 savings) 
Availability: In store and online Nov. 22-27

Bring that feeling of a high-end hotel bed home with this fluffy feather and down comforter. It's hypoallergenic, with box construction that keeps the insulation from shifting down into one corner or another.

Instant pots, air fryers, and now the new combo pressure cooker/air fryers are common doorbusters for retailers ranging from Target to Kohl's to Macy's and beyond. While Instant Pot brand multi-cookers can be found for $70 or less, consider other brands, too, such as Cuisinart and Vortex, which are also marked down 50% or more. 

Sale Price: $170 plus 15% off with coupon 
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Regular Price: $300 ($130 savings, plus $30 Kohl's Cash) 
Availability: In store and online Nov. 22-27

Pressure cookers and air fryers have been the hottest small appliances of the past few years, so this is a mashup that just makes sense. The 8-quart Foodi is big enough to feed a crowd and does more than pressure cook and crisp. It also sears and sautés, bakes, broils, steams, slow cooks, dehydrates, and makes yogurt.

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