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Black Friday's Best Bets

Chaotic sales floors, cranky customers, long lines, too-early mornings, and cold temperatures defined Black Fridays for years. The bargains had to be good for shoppers to be willing to brave the madness. These days, most deals are available online and stores are spreading Black Friday sales throughout the entire month. But which products are actually at their cheapest this time of year? Here are the categories where stores are slashing prices.


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


Related: Black Friday Deals 2022: Complete Coverage

Walmart
Target

Amazon Products

Amazon will put plenty of its own fashion and lifestyle brands on sale, as well as Amazon devices including smart speakers and displays, streaming media players, e-readers, and 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 2022:

Related: Target Black Friday Deals You Don't Want to Miss

Walmart

Apple Products

Based on sales trends, past Black Fridays, and the ads that have appeared so far, Apple products are always 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 2022:

Related: The Best Kohl's Black Friday Deals To Shop This Year

Walmart
Walmart

Air Fryers and Other Small Kitchen Appliances

Multicookers, air fryers, and other small kitchen appliances are common doorbusters for retailers ranging from Target to Kohl's to Macy's and beyond.


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Best Buy
Walmart
Macy's
JCPenney

Men's and Women's Fashion

It's not just the kids who get to update their wardrobes during Black Friday sales. While you may see lower prices at the end of the season, now is the time to buy at a discount before your favorite color and size sell out. 


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Macy's

Footwear

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


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Walmart

Lego

For toys in general, the best deals traditionally have been found closer to Christmas. But now that Black Friday goes all month long, there are already Lego discounts out there.

Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Walmart

Video Games

In addition to stores like GameStop, 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 2022:

Amazon

Smart Home Tech

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


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Celebrity Summit by Jenni Konrad (CC BY-NC)

Travel

Black Friday is famous for travel deals, but this year you're likely to see the best deals on cruises and hotels instead of airfare. For example, Celebrity Cruises is offering 75% off the second guest, up to $800 off each room, and up to $800 of onboard credit. Be sure to check out large travel booking sites such as Travelocity and Hotels.com on Black Friday. Hotel rates have historically dropped by up to 80%, with rates falling to $99 or less.

Walmart

Gaming Accessories

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 2022:

Kohl's

Cameras

If you're shopping for gifts for the paparazzo in your life, Black Fridays have been known to deliver good news on camera prices. 


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

belk

Headphones and Earbuds

Whether you've been coveting a new, higher-quality product in this category or some great stocking stuffers, keep your eyes peeled for deals.


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Amazon

Streaming Media Players

Just like in past years, streaming media players will be a predictable Black Friday deal. Keep your eyes peeled for deals on Google, Amazon, and Roku devices — they've been known to drop to half price.


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Walmart

Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers

Looking to get in shape in the new year? Fitbits and older model Apple Watches are good bets for bargains.


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Walmart

Cookware

Black Friday is a good 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 2022:

Walmart

Speakers

Those looking to introduce a higher-quality sound into their lives are in luck this Black Friday. A number of speaker and soundbar deals are already live.


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Daria Minaeva/shutterstock

Beauty Products

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 2022:

Walmart

Food Storage Sets

Expect kitchen-related savings to go beyond appliances and cookware to products such as food storage container sets. 

Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Walmart

Health Products

Expect discounts on price tags attached to wellness products for massages, tooth care, and more around Black Friday. 


Confirmed for Black Friday 2022:

Home Depot

Tools

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 2022 from Home Depot:

  • Husky Mechanics Tool Set | $99
  • Makita 2-Piece Combo Kit (Driver-Drill/Impact Driver) | $169
  • Ryobi One+ Cordless Battery Leaf Blower/Sweeper | $88
Costco

Bedding

Although there's a case to be made for waiting until after Black Friday for better deals on comforters, pillows, and more, inventory may be low by the time the bedding you want goes on clearance.


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