Before you brave the crowds this Black Friday, take a few minutes to read through our list of what to buy and what to skip, so you come home with true bargains.
Skip: Large home appliances
While you may find markdowns this Black Friday on large household appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators, you’ll find even better deals during long holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, Labor Day, and President’s Day.
Buy: Small home appliances
You can score fantastic Black Friday deals on small household appliances like coffee makers, toaster ovens, and blenders, which may see discounts of up to 65%.
Skip: Jewelry
Prices on jewelry fall significantly in December, and even further in January. If you’re not in any rush, you’re best off waiting until July, when jewelry prices are at their lowest prices of the year.
Buy: Electronics
Crazy-low prices on electronics are a Black Friday staple. In recent years, supersized TVs have been marked down several hundred dollars by retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Discounted Apple products are another Black Friday favorite, with shoppers waiting for this day to buy their MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs.
Skip: Toys
You’ll get better prices on toys and children’s games in the weeks leading up to Christmas when the shopping season is already winding down. This is when retailers are looking to clear out inventory.
Buy: Online doorbusters
With many retailers now offering their Black Friday doorbusters online, there’s no longer a need to fight the crowds for these fantastic bargains. You can now shop at your leisure from the comfort of your home. The best items will still get grabbed quickly so be sure to move fast.
Skip: Fitness equipment
Push off buying exercise gear until after the holidays for a better deal. You’ll score even steeper discounts if you wait until February, when the post-holiday inspiration for getting into shape starts wearing off.
Buy: Travel deals
If you plan on travelling for the holidays or for a mid-winter getaway, look for markdowns on Black Friday and Cyber Monday on airfare, hotel reservations, and car rentals.
Skip: Bedding
Is your bedroom in need of a facelift? You’ll have to wait for January and its legendary “white sales” for the year’s steepest discounts on bedding and linens.
Buy: Video games
If you’ve got a gamer on your holiday gift list, shop for discounted video games on Black Friday. You’ll find deals on the newest games at big-box stores and online.
Skip: Winter clothing
For the real steals on winter apparel, you’ll have to wait until the calendar hits January.