The Best and Worst Things to Buy on Black Friday
Black Friday may be viewed as a chaotic day of frenzied shopping and long lines, all to receive a discount on some of the most popular items of the year. But there’s no mistaking it, this start of the holiday shopping season can save those willing to brave the madness some real cash. However, the deals must be worth the effort it takes to Black Friday shop, and that calculation may look a little different this year than it has in past years. Read on to learn more about the best and worst things to buy on Black Friday.
The Best Things to Buy on Black Friday
Small Electronics
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, tablet, headphones, gaming console, or other small electronics, Black Friday may be the perfect time to upgrade. In fact, many electronics are discounted by up to 40% on Black Friday. But a word of caution: these items tend to sell out quickly, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time to know exactly what you’re looking for and where you plan to get it before the sales go live on Black Friday.
Small Appliances
If you’ve gone back and forth on purchasing that new stand mixer or air fryer, now’s the time! Small kitchen appliances like these and coffee makers, slow cookers, blenders, toasters, and more almost always go on sale during Black Friday. According to RetailMeNot, deals on pressure cookers and air fryers are so common on Black Friday that you can expect 50% across the board. Blenders also see some hefty discounts, but the percentage depends on the make and model. If these items are on your list, make sure you know exactly what make and model you want before you head to the store.
Smart Home Devices
For those who don’t already have an Amazon Echo or Google Nest, add it to your shopping list this Black Friday. These items are always included in holiday season discounts, and both Amazon and Google have multiyear traditions of discounting these devices by 40% or more. It’s also common to see bundle or BOGO (buy one get one) deals including smart bulbs, smart plugs, smart thermostats, and more.
The Worst Things to Buy on Black Friday
Clothing and Jewelry
There will be plenty of clothing discounts for Black Friday, but typically these deals are only offered on specific items rather than across the board on all clothing. If updating your winter wardrobe is a priority for you, wait until January when retailers will be prepping their racks for spring clothing. Similarly, avoid purchasing jewelry until after the New Year if possible. Typically, jewelry retailers have better Valentine’s Day discounts than Black Friday deals.
Furniture
There will likely be some furniture deals from major retailers, but unless you are desperate to replace your bed, couch, or table, it may be best to hold off on these larger purchases. One of the best times to purchase indoor furniture is President’s Day. Similarly, it’s best to hold off on purchasing outdoor furniture until Labor Day when it will be steeply discounted.
Big-Ticket Electronics
While it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hype of Black Friday, it may not be the best time to make those big-ticket electronic purchases. There will likely be many retailers offering discounts on big-ticket electronics, but these deals are often closing out older models for the year. If you’re in the market for the newest projector or home theater system, it’s best to wait for the release of the new models early next year.
