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Black Friday 2024 deals: Shop the best sales from Amazon, Apple, Walmart, Target, Wayfair and more
Black Friday has become "Black November," and many major retailers have already launched their sales. Here's everything you need to know about early Black Friday deals, and which sales are worth shopping now.
Black Friday has blown up and the shopping event of the year has taken over the entire month. That means "Black November" is underway with huge discounts from all our favorite retailers. We’re already taking advantage of major markdowns dropping daily from big names like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Wayfair and more. They’ve all slashed prices to the lowest we've seen all year on some of our favorite products.
Since so many deals are already live, it looks like the 2024 holiday shopping season is set to be bigger than ever before, and the sheer number of savings to choose from can be overwhelming when trying to find the best Black Friday deals to take care of everything (and everyone) on your shopping list. Have no fear, though: We're right here to help you plan your holiday shopping strategy and pick out the perfect gifts and treat-yo-self essentials, assisting you in devising the ideal approach for maximizing your savings and even having a little fun, too.
Trending Black Friday deals
Apple 2022 MacBook Air for $749 (was $999): Save over $200
Bissell CrossWave OmniForce WetDry Vacuum for $230 (was $380): Lowest price ever
Always Pan 2.0 for $95 (was $150): Lowest price ever
Samsung Neo 85" 4K QNX1D Smart TV for $1,750 (was $4,000): Save $2,250
KitchenAid Deluxe 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer for $259 (was $359): Lowest price of the year
So, without further ado, here's everything you need to know about Black Friday, and how to stretch your dollars for the whole holiday shopping season. We're tracking sales at major retailers as they launch and scanning their pages to bring you the the best deals available right this very moment. Keep on scrolling for all of our top picks.
Best Black Friday sales at top retailers
Amazon: We're seeing savings of up to 75% — sometimes more — on everything from bedding and kitchenware to tech, clothing and beauty.
Best Buy: Save big on appliances TVs, laptops, headphones and tablets with new doorbusters dropping every Friday — plus, check out the retailer's Black Friday sneak peek for a taste of the upcoming deals.
Macy's: The "Parade of Deals" marches on today, with 40%-60% off fashionable faves, big-brand home goods and more limited-time specials.
Nordstrom: You can grab up to 70% off and snag thousands of big sellers at a discount courtesy of the store's Limited-Time Sale, and new markdowns worthy of some Black Friday-level love.
QVC: Scoop up major markdowns at the retailer's Black Friday Deal Drop, with discounts on top brands including Dyson, KitchenAid, Ninja and more.
REI: This deals section has a plethora of great offerings: Score up to 50% off clothing, footwear, REI Co-Op brand deals and hiking items.
Sephora: The retailer always offers great deals, including super savings on its house brand and beloved labels like Kiehl's since 1851, Fenty Beauty, Laura Mercier and more.
Target: During Target Deal Days, you can score savings on sleepwear (30% off), Threshold and Casaluna bath items (40% off), kitchen items (up to 40% off) and more.
Walmart: The mega-retailer's Flash Deals feature fab discounts that rival (and often beat) Amazon on vacuums, kitchen appliances, bedding and clothing, to name a few.
Wayfair: Save up to 70% on home deals ranging from furniture to bedding to major appliances during the Wayfair Early Black Friday sale.
Zappos: Enjoy stellar savings on a wide variety of footwear brands at the early Black Friday sale, including Hoka, Reebok and more, as well as great deals on clothing and accessories from Columbia, Michael by Michael Kors and other big names.
Best Black Friday tech and electronics deals
Yahoo's senior tech writer, Rick Broida, dubbed this iPad the best overall tablet of 2024, so if you're looking for the cream of the crop, grab it while it's on sale. It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, a 10.9-inch screen and 64GB storage. Just back in August, the price rose to $327 — so we suggest you snap it up now.
"[It] seamlessly pairs with the rest of my Apple devices," one impressed shopper wrote. "Build quality is great, as all Apple devices are. ... Charges via USB-C and includes a nice braided charger. Screen is great, speakers are clear and battery is long-lasting."
If you're looking to cut the (cable) cord, Amazon's Fire TV Stick is the state-of-the-art 4K streaming sidekick you need. Enjoy content from all of your favorite services (like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime) with just the touch of a button. And feel free to ask Alexa for movie and TV suggestions if you aren't quite sure what to watch — the smart assistant is built right into the remote! Plus, the stick plugs right into an HDMI port in the back of your TV, so it's nice and tidy.
A fan raved, "The picture quality is stunning. Watching my favorite shows and movies in 4K is like experiencing them for the first time all over again. The colors are vibrant, the details are crisp, and the sound is crystal clear. I've watched some of my favorite movies and TV shows in 4K, and I'm blown away by how immersive the experience is."
Ready to do some Apple picking? You don't even have to drive to the orchard — just head over to Amazon and grab this lightweight MacBook Air while it's on sale.
Don't be deterred by the fact that this isn't the newest model on the market; it still boasts up to 18 hours of use per charge, a vivid 13.6-inch display and weighs only 2.7 pounds for easy toting. If you've been meaning to upgrade from your snail-like computer, it would be wise to act quickly.
Check out our tech editor's roundup of the best laptops for additional options.
If you've been waiting for a deal on the PS5, your time has arrived. Get the 5 Slim for $76 less than MSRP and enjoy all the next-gen gaming goodness in a more compact package. This deal won't last long, and it's not likely to get any cheaper, so if you've been holding out, now's your chance to level up your gaming setup for less.
The latest smartwatch from the Cupertino company features a larger display while somehow being thinner and lighter, advanced health and fitness features and a faster-charging battery.
Said one five-star reviewer, "The battery life is phenomenal, I can literally go 2 days without charging. When I do have to charge it, it’s full in about 30 [minutes]."
You can snag this behemoth way ahead of holiday movie and NFL playoff season for an incredible $2,250 off now, as part of Samsung's early Holiday Deals.
It'll definitely make your current TV look positively ancient with its smart TV features — built-in streaming apps and voice control — plus realistic depth enhancement, 4K resolution, an anti-glare screen, bright details (even in dark scenes) and smooth motion, thanks to Motion Xcelerator Turbo+. Mini LEDs mean you'll even be able to see the little things, like freckles and lashes.
Paid for by Walmart
We can't get over the sale price ($378!) on this shiny 65-inch set from Vizio. The vibrant 4K picture quality is top-notch, and it also includes Dolby Vision HDR, which boasts incredible brightness. In addition to its crisp, clear display, this set comes with the brand's SmartCast, which streams thousands of movies and shows.
These stylish Beats Solo headphones are now 50% off, so you can snag all the signature Beats features for just $100. Expect rich, balanced audio with clear highs and punchy bass that’ll make your playlists pop. They pair seamlessly with Apple devices, offer up to 40 hours of battery life, and are as portable as they are comfortable, making them perfect for life on the go.
As big-screen upgrades go, this Amazon Fire TV hits the sweet spot between premium features and wallet-friendly price. For only $590, you’re getting a massive 65-inch 4K display with Dolby Vision and HDR 10, meaning those binge sessions or movie nights will look crystal clear and vibrant. Throw Alexa into the mix, and it's essentially a smart-home hub masquerading as a TV. Plus, with Amazon regularly sending updates, this deal will actually get better and better over time.
Want big, but not too big? This 55-inch screen is the Goldilocks of The Frame lineup. It delivers an impressive 4K experience suited for larger living rooms or entertainment spaces — and at 40% off, it's among the best deals for anyone who doesn't want to go huge with the 85-inch model.
There's a reason folks are gaga for the latest model of these top-rated earbuds — many reasons, in fact. For starters, they offer rich, crisp sound and superior noise cancellation, allowing you to enjoy music, podcasts, audiobooks and more without outside commotion getting in the way. This model lets you control the volume simply by swiping the stem, and you'll receive four pairs of silicone tips in different sizes for customized comfort.
Our tech editor named these "best wireless earbuds overall," saying, "What you get here is even better ANC, a bump in battery life, extra-small ear tips for users with smaller ears and an adaptive-audio mode that adjusts noise-cancellation and transparency modes based on the sounds around you. Meanwhile, Apple's charging case now has a speaker (for use with Find My) and a USB-C port in place of Lightning (the better to match with the USB-C iPhone 15)."
Best Black Friday kitchen deals
Cut back on appliances — and your energy bill! — with this do-it-all helper, which serves up crispy air-fried pizzas, wings and more in a matter of minutes. Capable of cook temps up to 450°F and featuring an auto shut-off function, it includes a variety of accessories — an oven rack, baking pan/drip tray, and air fryer basket — for added value and convenience (read: easier cleaning). Plus, it's cheaper right now at Target than it is at Amazon.
This classic round Dutch oven is what you might think of when you hear the name Le Creuset. It's a staple of the collection, a lifetime piece made of enameled cast iron, polished and finished by hand; the colorful exterior is designed to resist chipping. It retains heat brilliantly. At 6.75 quarts, it's perfect for soups and one-pot meals, like chili. This one also has a wider, shallower profile with more surface area that makes it ideal for browning and searing meats.
Been lusting after one of these babies? We know the feeling. Well, it's your/our lucky day, since this Walmart deal brings the price down to even a tad less than Amazon's (its best price all year), and it's up for grabs in nine gorgeous colors.
At 4.5 quarts, this bestseller can hold enough dough to make up to eight dozen cookies at a time (though it won't take up much room in your kitchen). It comes with a beater, dough hook and whisk attachments for making practically any baked good under the sun, and will give your arms a break by doing all of the mixing. Plus, you can let it run while you prep other ingredients.
I own this multi-use, nonstick beauty, and it just might become your most-utilized piece of cookware, thanks to its thoughtful design. It took the internet by storm a few years ago and quickly became a favorite of home cooks and celebrities alike. (Selena Gomez did a collaboration with the brand, and Oprah has called it "the kitchen magician.")
Its ceramic coating is slick and free of PFAS, while the handle smartly doubles as a spoon rest. Speaking of utensils, it comes with a wooden spatula and metal steamer basket that can be used as a colander, and it's oven-safe up to 450°F for added versatility. It's not often on sale, so grab it while it's $55 off (as low as it's ever been).
Check out our editor's full Our Place Always Pan review for more. (FYI, it also comes in mini and large versions as well as cast iron and titanium models — all on sale.)
Have you ever seen a kitchen appliance as lovely as this stunner from Drew Barrymore's home goods line? You won't mind keeping this on your counter while your cozy stews and braises bubble away.
It's capacious enough to feed about seven people, and the light-up display is a fun touch. Plus, this sale price is about as low as it gets.
Gordon Ramsay approves of this brand, and you know how particular the celebrity chef is. The pans' hybrid construction combines the best qualities of stainless steel, cast iron and nonstick for a one-of-a-kind product that, according to Ramsay, "is highly versatile and cooks exceptionally well."
They're made of aluminum sandwiched between stainless steel for expert heat conduction and distribution, and their nonstick interiors make them a breeze to clean. Plus, the signature hexagonal etching helps encourage browning. With this starter set, you'll get the 12-inch, 10-inch and 8-inch Hybrid pans, plus lids for each.
Check out our roundup of the best pots, pans and cookware sets of 2024 for more.
You'll be able to whip up a cuppa with ease using this single-serve brewer from the java experts at Keurig. With push-button convenience, you'll be kicking back with your favorite coffee (or other K-Cup beverage) in minutes, no prep necessary. A generously-sized 36 oz. water reservoir means you won't have to refill every time you brew, and you can make cups back-to-back without any time wasted waiting to reheat.
Yahoo Home and Garden Writer Kristin Granero awarded this snazzy appliance the title of "best air fryer toaster" in her roundup of the best air fryers.
She called it "an expert at multitasking, hitting the sweet spot in our testing for size, price and function," adding, "It has a 12-liter capacity that supports four slices of toast, 1 pound of french fries or a 9-inch pizza, and a 4.5-pound chicken with only the bottom tray in place. It also performs six duties: air frying, baking, toasting, broiling, reheating and roasting, with the option to infuse steam, for different texture preferences and appetites."
Henckels has been crafting knives for over a century, so the brand knows a thing or two about what makes a quality set. This bestselling set comes with just about every type of blade a home cook could need: a 3-inch paring knife, a 5-inch serrated utility knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, an 8-inch chef's knife and an 8-inch bread knife. Also included: six 4.5-inch steak knives, a professional honing steel, kitchen shears and a hardwood knife block. Whew!
This collection is majorly marked down from its list price of $345, though we've never actually seen it shoot that high. Still this deal beats the typical $150 we've seen it going for of late.
Check out our roundup of the best knives and knife sets for more.
Got "bake more often" on your 2025 bingo card? This set has just about every vessel you'll need to make cakes, muffins, brownies and more, and the nonstick material helps ensure everything releases in one piece.
All-Clad is a favorite brand of Ina Garten, just sayin'...
You'll feel like you have your own personal smoothie shop with this best-in-class blender. Boasting a 2-horsepower motor, it'll effortlessly blitz up ice and frozen fruit, though you could also use it for whizzing up sauces or even grinding up meat.
From soup to nuts (as in, homemade nut butters), this workhorse will level up your meal prep like no other — and this is the best price we're seeing.
Okay, this isn't a kitchen deal per se, but just think of all of the affordable kitchen gear you'll have access to, thanks to your new Sam's Club membership.
This deal knocks the annual price down by 60%, but hurry — the offer ends December 2!
Best early Black Friday home deals
The fact that this versatile appliance (which functions as both a vacuum and mop) is down to its all-time best price is enough for it to warrant a space in our carts. But throw in a Martha Stewart endorsement, and we're tempted to buy two!
The queen of all things home recently sang its praises in an unsponsored Instagram post, calling it the "best new home appliance." She adds, "The design is simple, the parts easy to clean and anyone can use it ... Rather than sweeping (which raises dust), rather than vacuuming and then mopping, this machine does it all!"
Here's a wake-up call: This sale will save you 30% on a top-rated mattress that strikes just the right balance between comfy and supportive.
Looking for something a little different? No problem — Casper is offering up to 30% off all mattresses right now.
This set has wowed everyone from Yahoo staffers and thousands of online shoppers to — wait for it — Oprah herself. Yahoo writer Rebecca Carhart awarded these sheets the title of "Best Bamboo Cooling Sheets" in her category rundown and another Yahoo writer, Ellie Conley, is also a fan. In her review, she writes, "Slipping into bed with Cozy Earth's sheets feels almost like jumping into a pool on a hot summer day."
And what does Oprah have to say about the sheets she made famous? When they appeared on her Favorite Things 2018 list, she said, "Your bed shouldn't be where you sweat the small (or big) stuff," and called the set "the softest ever," saying it "may help regulate body temperature, meaning both chilly sleepers and hot-flashers can get a good night's rest."
This small-but-mighty sucker, a viral fave for a while now, targets unsightly spots, minimizes odors and more on both carpets and upholstery in a perfectly portable way. At under 10 pounds, it's on the lighter side for a deep cleaner, and it's versatile enough to use on furniture — even car interiors. Plus, the 15-foot cord is long enough to keep you from having to find a new outlet every five minutes.
This set comes with the Little Green, a 3-inch tough stain tool, a HydroRinse self-cleaning hose tool, a spraying crevice tool, a trial size 8-ounce Spot and Stain with Febreze formula and a one-year limited warranty. You can snag it for nearly 35% off, which is just about as low as it usually goes on sale for.
Check out our full Bissell Little Green review for more.
This brand doesn't go on sale very often, so if you (or someone on your list) has been wishing for a fire pit, you'll want to strike while the iron is hot!
What we love about this top-seller is the fact that it's highly portable, making it ideal for camping, and the fact that it minimizes smoke for a more enjoyable experience.
A top-selling Roomba that's nearly 40% off — its all-time lowest price? We'll take two! This gizmo will zap up all of that dust and debris on your floor while you relax on the sofa — nothing wrong with that. It runs for up to 120 minutes before heading back to its charging dock, and you can even schedule cleanings via the app.
Check out our roundup of the best robot vacuums for more.
Yard in need of some heavy-duty pruning? This small but mighty chainsaw is powerful enough to take down tree branches, yet weighs under 2.5 pounds. Plus, this No. 1 bestseller is cordless for even more convenience, and the on-page coupon brings it down to within a few dollars of its best price yet.
One Yahoo editor gave it a try, saying, "While testing the Saker, I first noticed that it was very easy to hold in one hand. I also appreciated the safety features, including a safety lock that must be pressed before the saw activates. This gave me some comfort that it wouldn't just 'go off' if I squeezed it too tight while walking between locations. It's also easier to use than something like pruning shears, which can be heavy and unwieldy and take much longer to get the same job done."
Check out our full Saker Mini Chainsaw review for more.
Best Black Friday style deals
With a relaxed, vintage-inspired fit, these denim duds are a true American classic — and great-looking to boot (cut). Save over 50% for Black Friday and thank us later.
"The perfect jeans," raved one reviewer. "Fabric has just enough stretch to be comfortable in any activity, without becoming 'saggy' throughout the day. Highly recommend!"
Sometimes all you need to be happy is a good ol' puffer coat. If you want to wrap yourself up in a sleeping bag without feeling like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, this puffer is key. The snatched waist and pretty pink shade are flattering in all climates.
Is it even a Coach Outlet sale without the famous Zip Wristlet? This leather cutie is just the right size for your cards and cash, plus it'll fit your phone, keys and a spare lipstick. Not bad for $26 (the lowest price we've seen in a long time!). It's also available in multiple colors and prints like black, taupe and leopard.
When Oprah says she likes something, we know it's gonna be good — so it's no surprise that this No. 1 bestselling jacket (aka "The Amazon Coat") has acquired a massive fan base.
It graced the media queen's Favorite Things list in 2019 and features a fleece-lined hood, cozy down filling and about a zillion pockets for storing small essentials. It's also much more chic than many puffer coats, and at 45% off, it's down to its best price in years.
Meet one of the brand's most popular styles. With over 5,000 five-star ratings from Amazon shoppers, they made our list of the best Hoka shoes for walking. Yahoo Commerce Editor Saundra Latham packed them for a cruise where she walked over 15,000 steps a day. "They're ultra-cushioned, with a flexible upper that's almost sock-like, so it molds to my foot," she said.
These sporty, foamy kicks weigh less than 9 ounces, so take them on your next trip. Certain colors and sizes are 20% off right now, the lowest they've been in 30 days.
Smaller shoulder bags are very in style this year, but sometimes, it's nice to have a crossbody strap to go hands-free. This bag comes with one so you can wear it both ways. Get it in black, brown, burgundy, green or white while it's nearly 70% off ahead of Black Friday.
"Just large enough to comfortably fit my phone, wallet, sunglasses, and e-reader. It's so chic, but still simple enough for everyday use," shared one fashionista. "I haven't used the longer strap yet, because the shoulder strap is the perfect length!"
These waterproof kicks are classics for a reason: They keep feet dry, offer excellent traction even in the slipperiest of conditions and feature a trendy vintage look to boot. At over 60% off (!!), you really can't go wrong.
"With this much style and comfort, why wait for a rainy day?" pondered a satisfied shopper. "I wear them all the time. They go great with jeans and keep you comfortable all day long! I love the look of the untied laces, and the zipper closure on the side makes them really easy to slip into."
Coated in Swarovski crystals, these bestselling hoop earrings sparkle and shimmer from every angle. We love a good yellow gold pavé moment, but the hoops also come in white gold and rose gold if that's more your thing. Wear them on any ole Tuesday to dress up a simple outfit or reserve them for a formal occasion where you want to really wow.
Important reminder: It's never too early to be thinking about holiday gifts — grab these stunners while they're on sale for an unreal $18.
Best Black Friday beauty deals
This is the cream you want if you're, like, "I think tightening creams are BS but I also want to believe they are true because I currently hate my neck." The Gold Bond firming cream is no frills but gets the job done (the job being tighter jowls and a less reptilian neck). The formula is lightweight and on the thin side, but the product absorbs well and is gentle enough not to irritate sensitive skin.
Note: You'll need to use it consistently for about a month to see results, and it won't, of course, magically make you appear 25, but being able to snag this ample size for less makes this product worth a go.
You've probably heard about Olaplex — the magical, mystical hair treatment line that launched in 2014 to great fanfare. Since then, it's been highly praised (or, at least reportedly used) by a wide range of celebrities with gorgeous, thick, covetable hair: from Billie Eilish to Drew Barrymore; Dakota Johnson to Jennifer Lopez. In fact, in the past decade, Olaplex has become so popular it's racked up more than 2 billion (yes, billion with a "b") TikTok views, a devoted celebrity fan base, the trust of professional stylists and even a bit of controversy. And this month, it's heavily discounted.
Hair Perfector No. 3 is the hero Olaplex product. It started as a salon-only treatment, but during the pandemic was made available to its devoted fans (including Margot Robbie) for at-home use. Kim Kardashian loved the hair-softening, hair-strengthening effects of this formula so much, she once used "Olaplexing" as verb.
Made of skin-revitalizing ingredients like copper peptides and plant stem cells, this extra-firming eye cream is clinically proven to improve elasticity and firmness, and it lightens darker under-eye skin tones to boot.
More than 1,600 five-star reviewers also praise its lifting and tightening merits, calling it: "A miracle for your eyes — no time travel required!"
If you want to streamline your morning routine, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better product than this 3-in-1 primer, skin brightener and self-tanner from trusted brand Ole Henriksen. It's packed with vitamin C to rejuvenate dull or sallow-looking skin, while a DHA and sugar-derived self-tanner leaves behind a subtle bronze glow. It's a just-right product for winter skin — and right now, you can get it for 50% off.
The beloved snail mucin from CosRx is excellent for evening skin tone and making your face look softer and brighter overall. It's also won multiple awards and has over 55,000 five-star Amazon reviews.
After our beauty editor used it for the first time (here is her full review), her face was noticeably dewier and other users have boasted about its ability to hydrate, repair and improve dullness in the skin — all of which helps wrinkles look less deep and crepey.
Extremely rare sale alert! Jennifer Aniston's high-end hair-care line is rarely marked down, and this 30% discount makes for an excellent opportunity to try her mane-transforming products.
The all-natural, cruelty- and paraben-free formula is made from — of all things — chia seeds, and it's clinically proven to reduce hair breakage by 68% after just one use.
Best Black Friday holiday and gifting deals
This pre-lit staple features hinged branches with covered green PVC tips for a fresh and authentic look without the mess. It comes in eight different sizes ranging up to 10 feet, so you can easily find the size you need.
"I usually purchase live trees, but with the rising costs I decided to purchase an artificial tree this year," explained a Wayfair shopper. "I am pleased with this tree. Once fluffed, it was beautiful and I didn’t miss the real tree except that fresh scent."
A wide range of ages will love playing and snuggling up with their Squishmallow plushie, many of which are on sale.
This adorable kitty, Tahoe, is one of Amazon's most gifted stuffed animals, but there are plenty of fun characters to choose from, each with different interests and personalities. Tahoe happens to be an impressive 67% off (prices vary).
Want to get some holiday shopping done early? Yahoo Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity has plenty of ideas, including this fun option, which is down to its best price of all time.
"Invite Elsa, Tiana, Ariel, Mirabel and Moana to your holiday table," she says. "Build a small scene for each princess — including Ariel's undersea palace — then flip over the box to play the built-in board game with up to five other Disney fans."
Check out her roundup of the best advent calendars for more.
When is Black Friday 2024 and when do Black Friday deals start?
The extra-long-weekend holiday officially kicks off on Friday, Nov. 29, and includes sales through Cyber Monday on Dec. 2. But we're already spotting some major markdowns weeks ahead of the big holiday — keep on scrolling for some of our favorite deals!
Why is it called Black Friday?
The day following Thanksgiving has long been known as "Black Friday" — but why? Some believe the term began as a reference to the fact that many retail businesses operate at a financial loss (AKA "in the red") for much of the year until the day after Thanksgiving, when the huge increase in sales causes them to finally turn a profit, putting them "in the black". However, there is a more precise origin for the usage of Black Friday, and it dates back to the 1960s.
Police in Philadelphia began using the term "Black Friday" to describe the pandemonium caused when an influx of the area's suburban residents flooded the city to begin their holiday shopping, which in some years coincided with the weekend's annual Army-Navy football game, adding extra chaos into the mix. After becoming popularized in Philly, the term spread until, by the 1980s, retailers began to use the phrase as a reference to their preferred "in the red" to "in the black" definition, which put the emphasis on profits.
Shopping Strategies for Black Friday 2024
Do your research: Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, advises shoppers to make a list of items that they're interested in buying, then note their current prices. That way, you'll be able to spot a great Black Friday deal as soon as you see it. Adds Kristin McGrath, shopping expert with RetailMeNot: "The most important thing is to know exactly what you want. What specs you want in a TV or laptop and which headphones you want." According to Kristen Gall, retail and shopping expert for Rakuten, "Consumers shouldn't assume that just because a product is discounted that it's the best price out there. I recommend checking for the product on one to two other retailers to compare the regular price with a potential 'sale' price to ensure you're actually getting the best deal."
Stay on top of the ads: Pay attention as Black Friday ads come out, Ramhold advises. "It may be helpful to follow your favorite retailers on social media and sign up for their email newsletters as well, since they may announce the ad release that way as well as other important details, like when the sales will begin." Gall calls these ads "your Black Friday road map for deals."
Check out holiday price guarantees: Have a few favorite retailers? "Check to see if they're offering any kind of price match or guarantee for Black Friday," Ramhold says. The idea is that you'll know whether you can request that your preferred retailer match a competitor's price during a Black Friday event, or if you'll have to shop the competitor instead. "And if there's a price guarantee in place, it's good to know that if you buy something early on and it later drops in price, you'll be able to receive a price adjustment for the difference," Ramhold adds.
Try to get cash back: "In addition to doing a price comparison, you can ensure you are getting the absolute best price by stacking deals to maximize savings," Gall says. "Cash-back services like Rakuten allow you to earn cash back on top of sale prices. For extra savings, plan to apply promo codes or digital coupons, and use a rewards credit card to extra earn points or cash back."
The best Black Friday 2024 deals to look out for
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty: Gall believes that retailers' overstock categories are the biggest predictor of Black Friday gold. That includes "home goods, gardening and furniture that they may have not gotten rid of during Labor Day weekend sales," she says. But, she also notes that Black Friday will also focus on "bigger-ticket items, such as tech, including laptops, TVs and more."
Apple products: Look out for great deals on AirPods, especially AirPods Pro, which are "still immensely popular, and retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target and Best Buy will likely offer the lowest price of the year," says McGrath.
Kitchen appliances: KitchenAid mixers are the products to watch, McGrath says. Black Friday deals knock the price down enough that these expensive classics are more affordable for many shoppers. Last year, we saw KitchenAid stand mixers sell out quickly, so be ready to jump on a good deal if you see it.
Laptops: Ramhold calls these "one of the quintessential Black Friday items."
Smartphones: Major retailers will offer the latest Android smartphones and iPhones bundled with gift cards worth hundreds, "which can be used on later purchases and boost the value of these deals," Ramhold predicts.
Toys: Historically, the best toy sales happen in December, Ramhold says, but "Black Friday toy deals should be pretty big." Expect up to 85% off at major stores, she says.
TVs: McGrath recommends studying major retailers' Black Friday ads so you can pounce on the TV you want before it's gone. "Stock sells out quickly on the best-priced sets, and there are always a few headline-making deals that get a ton of hype and sell out in minutes," she says. "Zero in on the 4K TV you want, have some backups and get ready to shop as soon as the Black Friday sale kicks off."
Where can we find the best Black Friday deals?
As always, retailers will be competing with each other for your business this Black Friday. While there's always a fair amount of overlap, certain retailers specialize in certain kinds of products.
"Check out Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy for tech. Wayfair and Overstock always offer incredible home goods deals," McGrath advises. "Gap, Old Navy and Target lead the pack when it comes to clothing deals. Walmart is always strong on Black Friday in the toy department. Home Depot and Lowe's don't do as splashy sales as some of the big-box contenders, but they have great values on Black Friday for big-ticket home items, smart home devices, home security bundles, grills, tool sets, power tools and even ladders. They're also some of the best sources of appliance package deals. And do not forget about Kohl's, which often offers extra Kohl's Cash with purchase. Oftentimes, they'll have the same price as a competitor on things like small appliances and smartwatches, but also throw in some Kohl's Cash to make the deal sweeter."
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo’s Black Friday coverage here. Shop the best expert-picked Black Friday deals on Yahoo Life. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. And find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.