The Biggest Deals We’re Anticipating This Year

Looking to exploit some Black Friday discounts as you grab gifts for everyone on your list? We've looked back at past shopping seasons to produce a primer that can help you avoid the insanity and shop smart, even as deals roll out earlier than ever. Read on to discover what kind of deals we've seen in years past, but keep your expectations in check — prices are expected to be higher this holiday season thanks to persistent supply-chain issues.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

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

Black Friday is synonymous with the chance to score a good TV on the cheap, but beware: You may not see quite the bargain-basement Black Friday deals you’re used to. High demand and supply-chain issues have kept prices higher than normal, and analysts say you could pay somewhere around $100 more than normal. For instance, Walmart is already advertising a 55-inch TCL 4K TV for $228 during its first batch of Black Friday deals. But last year, it sold a 65-inch Onn. 4K TV for the same price.

Related: Walmart Rolls Out More Black Friday Deals

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Element 65” 4K Frameless Roku TV for $300 from Target | Shop Now

• Onn. 70” 4K Roku TV for $398 from Walmart | Shop Now

• Samsung 75” 4k QLED TV for $1,600 from Costco | Shop Now
  
  
  

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A few major consoles rolled out last year during the holiday season: the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X and Series S. That means they should be easier to get this year, right? Unfortunately, probably not. Availability is expected to be spotty at best until the middle of 2022. If you want to get your hands on one, keep your eyes peeled and prepare to pay full price (or even more on eBay).

There’s also a new OLED version of the popular Nintendo Switch, and that could mean better deals for buyers willing to pick up the older model. Last year, Walmart sold the Switch at its normal price, around $299, but threw in Mario Kart 8, a $60 value — expect big-box retailers to do better this year.

Accessories like gaming headsets, monitors, and chairs will still be hot buys. Amid the pandemic, people have been spending more time than ever in front of their screens, and they want to be comfortable. Discounts of up to 50% are common in this category.

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

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Microsoft Xbox Series S console for $299 from Walmart | Shop Now

• Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and 3-month Nintendo Switch Online membership for $300 from Target | Shop Now

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

• Video games from $14 from Walmart | Shop Now

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

On Black Friday, you can usually grab a great tablet for less than it usually costs to buy a sweater. The Amazon Fire and off-brand tablets are usually the models that can be had for $50 or less, but keep in mind those supply-chain issues — it’s possible discounts will be more modest this year. Among higher-end tablets, Apple iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs often see discounts of $100 or more depending on the model — as always, newer releases will see smaller price breaks. Last year's best deals included Amazon's Fire HD 10 for $70, which was more than half off, and a Samsung Galaxy with a 10.1-inch screen for $200, down from $330, at Best Buy.

Related: The Best Early Black Friday Deals From JCPenney

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Tablet for $45 from Kohl’s | Shop Now

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Lite for $120 from Target | Shop Now
  

If you're not a tablet person, no worries: Black Friday is also a great time to snag a laptop, whether you want a high-end model or an ultra-basic Chromebook. In the latter category, we’ve already seen Best Buy offer one model for $99, and Walmart has teased one for $87. Don’t expect prices to go any lower, and consider buying early. 

Apple fans shouldn't hold their breath for rock-bottom discounts on notoriously pricey MacBooks. In years past, Best Buy has offered $200 off the MacBook Air — about a 20% discount — and up to $250 off the MacBook Pro. Costco has offered similar discounts. 

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Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Asus 14” Windows Laptop for $160 from Target | Shop Now

• HP 14” X360 Chromebook for $300 from Sam’s Club | Shop Now

• MSI 15.6” Gaming Laptop for $499 from Walmart | Shop Now
  

This hot category pits Amazon against Google in a battle for shoppers' dollars. As always, expect the deepest discounts on older models. For example, older Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini models have been discounted to less than $20 in years past, and the older Echo Show 5 will likely dip to less than $50 again. You may also find these bundled with other smart-home products. The story is much the same for the larger Amazon Echo, with the most compelling price breaks coming on older models, and Google's newer Nest Audio.  

Related: Target Black Friday Deals You Can Start Shopping Early

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Amazon Echo Dot (3rd Gen.) for $20 from Target | Shop Now

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

• Google Nest Hub (2nd Gen.) for $50 from Walmart | Shop Now
  

Your brand-new voice assistant needs some shiny smart-home products to control. This competitive category will include fat discounts on hot gifts like the Ring Video Doorbell 3, Philips Hue lightbulbs, Nest or Ecobee thermostats, and robotic vacuums. One of last year's best deals in this category was two Arlo cameras and a video doorbell for $249 from Walmart. 

Robotic vacuums that can be controlled with your phone will also stay popular. Some may even go for less than $100, although they are likely to be very basic models. We expect more competition this year from lesser-known brands like Eufy and Ecovacs, too. Also look for smart-home bundles that add value, with extras like the Amazon Echo Dot, Google Nest Mini, or smart plugs thrown in with other products.

Related: Smart Home Products That Are Worth the Money

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Blink Indoor Mini Camera for $20 from Target | Shop Now

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

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

• iRobot Roomba i1+ Self-Emptying Vacuum for $349 from Walmart | Shop Now
  

Now is a prime time to upgrade your cheap camera. DSLR bundles are a Black Friday staple at most major retailers. Prices traditionally go as low as about $400 for a camera, two lenses, a carrying case, and other miscellaneous bonuses.

Don't expect much of a price break on the new GoPro Hero10, although the older Hero8 and Hero9 may be nicely discounted. Fujifilm's Instax Mini camera will still be a deal darling — it went for $49 bundled with film and accessories at Walmart last year — as will portable photo printers like the Canon Ivy, HP Sprocket, and Kodak Mini.

Related: The Best Gifts for Photographers From Newbies to Pros

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

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

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

Hot deals on small appliances are a staple of Black Friday ads. Basic small appliances from lesser-known brands can even be snapped up for less than $10, although paying bottom dollar may require mail-in rebates. Kohl’s and Macy’s are particularly good places to look for these ultra-cheap deals on brands such as Toastmaster, Hamilton Beach, and Bella.

Expect discounts of half off or more on pricier small appliances, including popular multicookers, air fryers, and coffee makers. Marquee items will include KitchenAid stand mixers, ever-popular  Instant Pots, and the Ninja Foodi line. Walmart often sells basic Instant Pots for as little as $50 or less. Best Buy discounted a KitchenAid Pro 5 Plus Series stand mixer to $200 last year, and Target sold a Keurig K-Mini for $50.

Related: Kohl's Best Black Friday Deals Are Starting Early

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Small appliances from Bella, Hamilton Beach, and more for $10 and under from Macy's | Shop Now

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

• Ninja Foodi Multicooker for $120 from Costco | Shop Now

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

Black Friday is a great time to snap up good headphones at a deep discount. Expect wireless pairs to be a deal staple at up to half off, particularly if they're slightly older models. Name brands to watch for include JBuds, Beats, and Sony; off brands fine for occasional use by non-audiophiles will be even cheaper. Basic earbuds may go for less than $30, while fancier noise-canceling headphones may be as cheap as $100. Older-model Apple AirPods even went for $99 last year at Walmart.

Wireless speakers have also become a Black Friday staple. Expect the most significant discounts on lesser-known brands. For instance, Best Buy has sold its Insignia wireless speakers for $10, down from $40. Smaller price breaks of up to 50% are more likely on big names like Sonos, Ultimate Ears, and Bose.

Related: Cool and Creative Gifts for Music Lovers

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• EcoXGear EcoEdge Plus Waterproof Speaker for $40 from Costco | Shop Now 

• Apple AirPods Pro for $159 from Walmart | Shop Now

• Bose Quiet Comfort 35 II Noise-Canceling Headphones for $180 from Target | Shop Now
  

As with most popular tech items, the deepest discounts here will be on models that have been out for a while — you're much more likely to find a sweeter discount on an Apple Watch Series 3 instead of the new Series 7, for instance. Don’t overlook the Samsung Galaxy Watch, which often sees significant price breaks. Last year, the Active2 got a $70 price cut at Best Buy.

Look for price breaks of at least $50 on older Fitbits, like the Inspire 2, but less significant discounts on the newer Charge 5 or Sense. And if you're willing to buy a no-name tracker, they can be had for under $50 at many discount retailers.

Related: Black Friday Started Early This Year at Best Buy

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Fitbit Inspire 2 for $60 from Target | Shop Now

• Apple Watch Series 3 for $109 from Walmart | Shop Now

• Fitbit Versa 2 for $120 from Kohl’s | Shop Now

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 starting at $200 from Costco | Shop Now
  

Gift-minded customers may not be thinking about washers, dryers, refrigerators, and other large appliances when they set out to find Black Friday deals, but there can be some pretty sweet deals in this category. In particular, look closely at entry-level appliances that are dangled as doorbusters to lure customers in for other potential purchases. For instance, Best Buy has heavily discounted many Samsung models and offered gift cards of $100 and up for purchases of two or more major appliances.

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

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

Don't despair if you don't check every kid off your list on Black Friday; toy deals traditionally stay hot through December. Discounts on toys like Nerf, Barbie, Star Wars, Lego, and lower-end toy drones are likely to top out around 40% to 50%. Walmart is likely to offer Lego sets for as cheap as $20 and ride-ons for as little as $40, while JCPenney often discounts Discovery Kids toys by 60%. 

Related: Great Gifts to Buy Your Grandkids

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Up to 50% off select L.O.L. Surprise Toys from Target | Shop Now

• Hot Wheels Mega Garage for $29 from Walmart | Shop Now

• Discovery Kids Inflatable Tent for $13 from Macy’s | Shop Now

• ​​Jetson Safara Kids’ Electric UTV Ride-On for $200 from Sam’s Club | Shop Now

Black Friday is a great time to score luggage at up to 75% off. Four-piece sets may even be available for under $50 at some retailers — just note that cheap luggage is best reserved for occasional use. Cheapism recommends frequent travelers stick to soft-sided bags, which tend to be more durable than budget-friendly hard-shell luggage. Look to department stores like Kohl's, JCPenney, and Macy's for the best deals in this category. For instance, Macy's offered 60% to 80% off Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey last year.

Related: The Best Early Black Friday Deals From Macy's

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Tag Ridgefield 5-Piece Luggage Set for $80 from Macy's | Shop Now

• Samsonite Ziplite 5.0 Carry-Ons for $85 from Kohl’s | Shop Now

• Elite Luggage Omni Hardside 3-Piece Luggage Set from Home Depot | Shop Now

Cookware sets will be deeply discounted on Black Friday, with discounts as high as 75% off. Lower-end sets can go for under $50 for 20 or more pieces. As with small appliances, buyers may find that mail-in rebates are a necessary evil in this category. Discounts will be more modest on mid-range brands like Calphalon and higher-end cookware like All-Clad or Le Creuset. Still, look for knockoffs of the latter's famous Dutch ovens for under $50.

Related: Kitchen Essentials That Are Built to Last

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

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

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

• Granitestone 22-Piece Cookware Set for $130 from Sam’s Club | Shop Now
  

Tired of that dingy, lumpy comforter or those scratchy sheets? Black Friday brings big bargains on bedding, including up to 75% off high-thread-count sheets, comforter sets, pillows, and more. As cold weather sets in, expect to find a lot of heated blankets, plush throws, and flannel sheets among stores' doorbusters. In particular, look for Kohl's to sell its Big One plush throws for under $10, down from $40 — a perennial Black Friday deal.

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

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

• Threshold Heated Microplush Throws for $20 from Target | Shop Now

• Color Sense 1,200 Thread Count Sheets starting at $35 from Sam’s Club | Shop Now

• 70% off True North Mink to Sherpa Comforter Sets from Kohl’s | Shop Now
  

Black Friday kicks off a season of gift-card grabbing for those hard-to-buy-for folks. Warehouse clubs can be an especially good bet for buying packs of gift cards at a discount; one of last year's best Costco deals was $100 in Build-a-Bear gift cards for $80.

In general, don't rush out to buy gift cards on Black Friday. You'll find more last-minute gift-card promotions at retailers and restaurants, such as a $10 bonus with a $50 gift-card purchase, as December rolls on. And tons of unwanted gift cards will flood resale sites for a nice discount after the holidays.

Related: Amazing Gift Card Deals From Costco and Sam’s Club

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• $500 Disney e-gift cards for $450 from Sam’s Club | Shop Now

• Buy 2, Get One 20% off pre-paid phone cards from Target | Shop Now

• Free $15 Target Gift Cards with purchase of $100 or more in Apple Gift Cards from Target | Shop Now
  

Cyber Monday is traditionally a better bet for the best deals on clothing. Still, Black Friday shouldn't be ignored, particularly if you need to try on something in store. Most big-box and department stores will discount sweaters, outerwear, and pajamas to half off or more. As for footwear, boots and slippers will also show up at deep discounts in most Black Friday sales — Costco even sold Dearfoams for under $10 last year.

Related: Clothing Brands That Are Still Made in America

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Select kids' character sleepwear sets for under $5 from Walmart | Shop Now

• Men’s Club Room flannel shirts for $10 from Macy’s | Shop Now

• Women’s All in Motion Cozy Cowl Neck Pullovers for $15 from Target | Shop Now

• So Boots and Shoes for Women starting at $17 from Kohl’s | Shop Now
  

Look for up to 70% off jewelry at big-box and department stores, with some of the deepest discounts on items that have mass appeal, such as diamond stud earrings and pendants, gemstone rings and necklaces, and cultured pearls. Watches will also be nicely discounted. But keep in mind that even though the discounts look tempting, jewelers may offer better deals in the summer, when gift-giving hits a lull.

Related: The Best Gifts for Women Who Have Everything

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Belle de Mer cultured freshwater pearl earrings for $5 from Macy’s | Shop Now

• 1/10 total carat weight diamond earrings for $20 from JCPenney | Shop Now

• 14-karat polished gold bangle for $200 from Costco | Shop Now

• 60% off Swiss Army watches from Macy’s | Shop Now
  

Look for the deepest discounts here, around 50% off, on personal care and grooming gadgets such as electric toothbrushes from Philips Sonicare and Oral-B, and shavers from Remington, Norelco, and Braun. Rechargeable facial brushes and percussive massagers are also particularly hot items this year.

Among beauty items, gift sets and samplers are the best values and the most common doorbusters among big retailers. Read the fine print: Some department stores may require a purchase from a certain beauty brand before you can get your hands on a popular gift set.

Related: Gifts for Her Under $50 

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• Iconic Percussion Muscle Massager for $30 from JCPenney | Shop Now

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

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

Deck your own halls with some holiday-decor deals this Black Friday. Some artificial trees could see discounts of up to 50% off, while lights, ornaments and other seasonal decor could net the same discounts — just keep in mind that this particular category has been hard hit by supply-chain issues, which may mean sales aren’t quite as good this year. Department stores are also a good source for deals; holiday dinnerware was 60% off at Macy's last year. If you can hold off, remember that the best deals on decor will always come after the holidays, when extra stock goes on clearance.

Already confirmed for Black Friday 2021:

• 11' Inflatable Santa for $68 from Home Depot | Shop Now

• 7.5' Norwich Pre-Lit Artificial Tree for $68 from Walmart | Shop Now

• 60% off holiday dinnerware from Macy's | Shop Now
  

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