Shouldn't: TVs
If a deal is too good to be true, then it probably is! You’ll see advertisements for massive televisions at unbelievable prices. It’s best to resist the temptation for these TVs; they tend to be made specifically for Black Friday, and are poor in quality. Get something that lasts.
Expect your typical Black Friday doorbuster to fall short of your expectations with fewer features, such as a less-than-adequate amount of HDMI slots. Even the most enticing deals on a name-brand television like Sony are going to be a disappointment because you likely won't find them in store. Most likely, they only have a few in stock and it was advertised just to get you in the store.
Should: Streaming Devices
Streaming is currently the most popular way to watch TV and movies. That being said, everyone needs some kind of streaming device if you want to view the best content. However, even if you have a smart TV, you may not have availability of every streaming service on it, so a streaming device may still be necessary.
In 2022, Amazon is offering the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite for a mere $17.99. The Roku Ultra 4K Streaming Media Player will be just $19.88 at Walmart. Other streaming devices to look out for deals are Chromecast, currently $18.99, and the NVIDIA Shield Android TV Media Player on sale for $129.99.
Shouldn't: Laptops
Black Friday isn’t the most wonderful time of the year for electronics. Doorbuster laptops, like special televisions, are rush jobs made to be sold at rock-bottom prices. You won't be getting anything comparable to a MacBook or a Dell. There’s a reason why high-end ultrabooks aren’t 50% off.
And once again, even if you see a quality laptop being advertised, there are likely very few in stock, and you won't even be able to get them. At the very least, you are looking at an older generation laptop that might become obsolete sooner than you would like. Don't rush to buy a laptop at any time of year. There is too much money on the line to waste on a piece of garbage.
Should: Clothing
Clothing might not be the first thing that comes to mind regarding Black Friday sales since you probably buy clothes throughout the year. However, if you love shopping sprees, this is the time to do it. Clothing for children and adults can be found for as much as 50% off or higher.
This year, Adidas is having a sale of up to 50% off - sitewide. Macy's will be offering discounts for men's and women's select styles up to 40% off. Ugg boots for women will be marked down at 25% off. Additionally, you'll find Tommy Hilfiger jackets just in time for the winter under $90. These are deals you won't want to miss and you can expect more deals at retailers like JC Penney and Kohl's.
Shouldn't: Winter Coats
Everyone should have a quality winter coat that will last for several years. Use common sense when it comes to buying winter apparel: Would the best sales happen at the end of November, when there are months of cold yet to come? Or would coats be flying off the racks in February, when retailers are trying to usher in their spring line?
Those were both rhetorical questions. The answer to them is no. Bargain hunters are better off waiting until early in the new year or even spring to save on winter coats. Check a retail outlet near you for sales during the year. You are going to see the biggest savings on coats at the times you don't expect anyone to be buying them.
Should: Movies
You can save on Blu-rays, 4K Blu-rays, DVDs, and even on-demand streaming during Black Friday. You’ll often find movies for incredibly cheap at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy and Target – just to name a few. If you have been waiting to buy some of your favorite movies or televisions shows, you can likely find something you like or purchase something as a gift.
Retailers usually offer comparable prices regarding the cost of physical media – at least the big retail chains and online stores – but it’s always good to shop around from website to website to ensure you get the best deal. Keep in mind, though, that there may be order minimums required to get the best deal.
Shouldn't: Jewelry
You’re planning to surprise your sweetheart with something shiny? Like chocolate, the best jewelry sales fall around Valentine’s Day. There may be one or two good deals, but don’t expect mass markdowns. Unless you are talking about jewelry that is going out of style. Then you might get lucky.
And for those kinds of items, you really want to check out those outlets. You can usually find reduced-priced items there. Some stores also have clearance items throughout the year but the problem with these items is that they are things people don't really want. The price is the only thing that makes them appealing.
Should: Small Kitchen Appliances
Small kitchen appliances like microwaves, air fryers, waffle irons, coffee makers and stand mixers, also usually on sale at this time of year. Black Friday sales can save you a ton on these items and even if you don’t need a new KitchenAid Mixer, they still make excellent gifts for your loved ones.
That being said, in 2021, Target had a couple of great deals, including the KitchenAid 5-Quart Professional Stand Mixer for just $220 and the Ninja Kitchen System with Auto IQ Boost and 7-Speed Blender for $100. Other retailers like Macy’s and Kohl’s are good places to check for deals like these. For instance, this year, you can get the Ninja Mega Ninja System for a special price of $99.95 at Macy's. Meanwhile, Target is offer deals on small appliances like the KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Chopper for $39.99 and the Keurig K-Duo Single-Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker for $139.99 - a savings of $50!
Shouldn't: Chocolate
Many stores offer their luxury chocolate gifts at mouth-watering prices just after Valentine's Day. If you were looking for cheap boxes of Godiva chocolates, you’re shopping around the wrong holiday. Sure, everyone wants chocolate for holidays but the good news about candy is that it lasts quite a while.
You don't need to buy chocolate just before the holidays unless you need to explicitly be holiday themed. That being said, if the chocolate is just for you, then you can probably wait. Chocolate isn't going anywhere. It's available all-year round. Save it as a treat now and then. You don't need to stuff your face on a stockpile of chocolate you got on Black Friday.
Should: Headphones
Everyone loves listening to music, so pretty much everyone could use a nice pair of headphones or earbuds for the holidays. Wireless earbuds are currently the most popular type of headphones, right now, because they are more discreet, and you don’t have you worry about fumbling around with wires.
Last year, the Apple AirPods Pro earbuds were just $159 at Walmart. For 2022, you may find even better deals on other models such as the Apple AirPods True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Generation) for $89.99. The Apple AirPods Pro With MagSafe Charging Case is now $169.99 at Target. Meanwhile, the Beats Studio3 Over-Ear Noise Canceling Bluetooth Wireless Headphones are just $149.99, down from $349.99. You might also want to check out the new Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Cancelling Headphones at Target which have been reduced to $249.99.
Shouldn't: Smartphones
A new phone might be on your loved one's Christmas list, but you probably won't find any amazing deals this time around on Black Friday. In the past, retailers like Target and Best Buy were known for selling smartphones for $0 with a two-year contract. Now that service providers have nearly phased out the traditional two-year contract, those “free” phones are gone. You may get a store gift card with your purchase of a new phone plan, but that’s the only benefit you can expect.
You're better off paying attention to the release date of the phone you want. Non-Apple phones typically grow more affordable in the months following a release. New iPhones are typically cheapest immediately after they have been released. If you're fine with a slightly older model smartphone, buy immediately after a new model has been released.
Should: Apple Products
Apple products are always among the must-have items of the holiday season. From Apple Watches to MacBook Pros, chances are one of your loved ones has at least something from Apple on their wish list. The good news is that you can always find excellent deals on Apple products for Black Friday.
In 2022, you can find a set of Apple AirPods Pro for as low as $89.99 from Target. Target is also having select iPad models up to $100 off and on top of that you can add a Crayon digital pencil for $59.49 with your purchase. At Best Buy, the Apple Watch Series 6 will be marked down 40%. Meanwhile, Best Buy will be marking down the Series 7 models by 30%. Look out for more deals like these from a retailer near you or online.
Shouldn't: Furniture
Have you ever seen lines wrapping around your local furniture store on Black Friday? No? That’s because the deals just aren’t there. You’ll find lower prices in the summer, with the deals culminating on Labor Day weekend. Sure, you might see some Black Friday furniture ads but the savings will be minimal.
Besides, you are better off not buying furniture if you don't need it because you'll blow your budget on gifts that you still need to buy. Furniture accessories like pillows and ottomans are probably the only thing you should consider at this time of year - but not a couch or a bed.
Should: Large Appliances
If you need large appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and other home essentials, then Black Friday is always the best time to do it. During the Black Friday sales event, you can save potentially hundreds of dollars on your new appliances and that’s certainly nothing to scoff at.
In 2022, the cost of a 28 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Smart Refrigerator in Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel, Standard Depth at Home Depot goes down to $2,878, which is a savings of $321. Then there's the Samsung 28 cu. ft. 4-Door French Door Refrigerator with FlexZone Drawer at Best Buy for $700 off this year.
Meanwhile, the 24 in. Stainless Steel Front Control Dishwasher with QuadWash drops down to $548, for a savings of over $300 at Home Depot. Another great deal is the 6.3 cu. ft. Smart True Convection InstaView Electric Range Single Oven with Air Fry in Printproof Stainless Steel for $998.
Shouldn't: Toys
Many families put up Christmas décor after Thanksgiving dinner before heading to the stores to buy Christmas presents. Even though the kids can’t wait to see presents under the tree, it’s best to keep them waiting. December brings better toy sales. But sure, we understand you don't want to disappoint the kiddos...
And that's why it's best to plan ahead. Purchase the toys they want well before the holidays if possible. They are kids, so unless you give them a hefty allowance and let them drive the car, it's not like they are going to go out and get what they want themselves. They can wait.
Should: Video Games and Gaming Accessories
Whether purchasing digital copies or physical copies of all those new video games you want, Black Friday is definitely the time to do it. Most new games usually cost around $60 but if you wait for Black Friday, you can save almost half that on newer titles. Target, Best Buy and Amazon are ideal for physical media or you can check out digital platforms like steam to save on PC games.
Historically, gaming consoles and accessories have been on sale for Black Friday. However, lately, the availability of consoles has been somewhat limited, so don’t expect that to be the case unless stores start getting more consoles in. Nevertheless, you can still find deals on gaming headsets, VR Headsets, gaming chairs and controllers, among other things.
Shouldn't: Christmas Decorations
You may not intentionally be Black Friday shopping for Christmas lights or ornaments, yet they always end up lingering in your cart next to the Playstation you actually wanted to buy. Wait until December 26th for deck-the-halls deals! Christmastime is the worst time to buy any Christmas decor because the price has been hiked up for demand.
Christmas decorations are also just a distraction you don't need during your Black Friday shopping. If you had any hope of getting that TV on sale, it's not going to be after you've wasted time looking at Christmas lights. Besides, you should have been prepared for the holidays by now - the holidays are in less than a month at that point.
Should: Vacuums
Keeping your house clean starts with a decent vacuum. You can purchase a cheap one throughout the year, but trust me when I say, it will break sooner rather than later. Black Friday is the best time to buy a vacuum, because you can get a quality one at a more appealing price.
Probably one of the best vacuum brands on the market is the Dyson and they usually go on sale for Black Friday. In 2022, you can get the Samsung Jet Bot Robot Vacuum with Intelligent Power Control for $350 off on the Samsung website. You can also get the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum at Amazon for just $179.99 But if you want a good old-fashioned vacuum, there are options like the Shark Rocket Pet Corded Stick Vacuum or Navigator Lift Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum for just $99 at Belk or the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum for $169.99 at Target.
Shouldn't: Newly Released Tablets
Don’t expect the iPad Pro or Surface Book to see big markdowns on Black Friday. Since the latest pieces of technology are typically released towards the end of the year, a big Black Friday deal would be rushed. If you can settle for last year’s model, you’ll find better prices!
Remember that part of the reason that Black Friday exists is, so that retailers can clear out their old inventory. A lot of people make their big purchases at this time, so they end up selling a lot. You are doing the stores a favor. So if you need the latest model, just wait until the end of next year.
Should: Amazon Products
If you love shopping online, you are probably attuned to the fact that Amazon offers many great products – moreover, many products at a great price. Amazon’s tablets, smart TVs, and smart speakers are among their most popular products and you can usually find these on sale as Amazon makes way for the next generation of devices. So, if you do need a tablet, go with a Kindle Fire rather than the iPad if you want to save.
In addition to bargains on Amazon’s website, you can also usually find deals at Kohl’s when it comes to Amazon products. In 2022, Fire Tablets from Amazon are going on sale up to 50% off. Target will be offering similar savings on Fire Tablets in addition to deals on the Amazon Echo - also 50% off.