12 things I always wait to buy until Black Friday

There are some things I refuse to pay full price for—mainly because I know how deep the Black Friday discounts go. While not everything is worth waiting for, some items drop so low that it’s hard to justify buying them earlier in the year.

After years of watching patterns and tracking prices, I’ve figured out exactly which categories tend to get the best markdowns. If you’re trying to shop smarter, here’s what you want to hold off on until the end of November.

TVs

Black Friday is when TV deals hit their lowest. Big retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy run doorbusters that cut hundreds off larger models, especially older year-end inventory.

You’ll also find bundle deals—like gift cards or free streaming devices—that make the final price even better. Unless your current TV breaks, hold out. Even premium brands like LG and Samsung get steep discounts.

Kitchen appliances

This is one of the best times to grab a KitchenAid, Instant Pot, or Ninja anything. Retailers want to clear shelves before new models drop in January.

You’ll see both big ticket items like stand mixers and smaller tools like air fryers marked down hard. Department stores and Amazon tend to compete with each other, so it’s a good time to compare and stack discounts.

Laptops

If you’re in the market for a new laptop, don’t rush into a back-to-school sale. Black Friday consistently brings deeper discounts across brands like HP, Lenovo, and Dell.

Retailers use the day to clear out slightly older models, which still work great for everyday use. You’ll also see student and bundle deals pop up, which can include things like Microsoft Office or antivirus software.

Robot vacuums

Robot vacuums almost always drop in price around Black Friday. Brands like Roomba, Eufy, and Shark compete for attention, and it’s the best time to buy without paying full price.

Even midrange models with mapping and app features get marked down. I’ve seen some models drop $100 or more compared to what they cost during the rest of the year.

Smart home devices

Black Friday is when you’ll find the deepest discounts on smart plugs, doorbells, cameras, and thermostats. Amazon especially goes hard on Echo devices and anything that integrates with Alexa.

Big-box stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot also run sales on Nest and Ring products. If you’ve been waiting to start or expand your smart home setup, this is the time to do it.

Tools

Retailers love to run Black Friday bundles for tools, especially DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi. You’ll often get a drill, battery, charger, and case for way less than if you bought them separately.

Hardware stores want to move volume this time of year. It’s a good opportunity to replace old gear or grab a starter kit if you’re building up your collection.

Bedding

High-quality sheets, pillows, and comforters usually get overlooked in Black Friday ads, but the discounts are there. You’ll see better prices than any other time of year, especially at stores like Macy’s and Kohl’s.

Online bedding brands also drop prices big during Black Friday weekend. If your linens are past their prime, this is the weekend to upgrade without overpaying.

Clothing basics

While fashion trends vary, staples like jeans, sweats, and undergarments are deeply discounted on Black Friday. Stores clear seasonal inventory to make room for winter items.

Retailers like Old Navy, Gap, and JCPenney run 50% off sales across most of the store. It’s a smart time to stock up on basics for your whole household.

Toys

The closer you get to Christmas, the more prices sneak back up. Black Friday is when most stores run their best toy sales, especially for name brands like LEGO, Barbie, and Hot Wheels.

Big chains like Target and Walmart push early bird specials with limited quantities. If you wait too long, you might still find the toy—but not the deal.

Skincare sets

Beauty and skincare gift sets start showing up in October, but they’re almost always cheaper on Black Friday. You’ll find more value packs, especially from stores like Ulta, Sephora, and even Target.

It’s also when brands run bonus deals—like free gifts with purchase or double rewards. If you use higher-end skincare or want to stock up on gifts, this is the move.

Small electronics

Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and phone accessories drop in price every year during Black Friday sales. You’ll see strong markdowns on brands like JBL, Sony, and Anker.

Even if you’re not buying for yourself, these make great gifts. It’s also the time to replace older chargers, power banks, or earbuds without paying full price.

Fitness gear

Workout equipment gets heavily discounted around Black Friday before the New Year’s fitness rush kicks in. You’ll find deals on everything from dumbbells to resistance bands to fitness watches.

Retailers like Academy, Dick’s, and Amazon usually have sales that beat what you’ll find in January. If you’ve been eyeing a piece of gear, it’s worth holding out for this window.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.