Your Complete Guide to the Best Early Deals Available Now

The holiday shopping extravaganza is just around the corner, and with it, the most anticipated sales periods of the year are upon us. Indeed, Black Friday 2024 appears to be in full swing already! Major retailers, from the e-commerce titan Amazon to Walmart, Target, Wayfair, and beyond, are rolling out deals earlier than ever, coining the catchy phrase “Black November” to capture this shopping mania that stretches into a month-long affair. As we brace for what promises to be the most colossal holiday shopping season yet, it can feel a bit daunting to sift through this mountain of deals to find the crème de la crème of Black Friday offers.

As you strategize your holiday spending, fear not! We’re here to steer you toward maximizing your savings potential. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your money this Black Friday, officially scheduled to kick off on Friday, November 29, with continued savings leading into Cyber Monday on December 2.

• Conduct a Thorough Price Research: Would-be shoppers are encouraged by Julie Ramhold, a consumer analyst at DealNews.com, to create a list of items they wish to acquire, paired with their current prices. This makes spotting genuine Black Friday bargains a breeze. Kristin McGrath, a shopping guru from RetailMeNot, points out, “Knowing exactly what you want is paramount—right down to the specifications for your next TV or laptop, and even the precise model of headphones.” Kristen Gall, another retail expert from Rakuten, adds a vital tip: “Just because something is labeled ‘discounted’ doesn’t mean it’s the best deal available. It’s wise to check what the item is going for at one or two additional retailers to ensure you snag the true savings.”

• Stay Aware of Ad Releases: The release of Black Friday ads signals treasure troves of deals, and Ramhold urges shoppers to stay vigilant. Following your go-to retailers on social media or subscribing to their newsletters could yield vital information about ad drops and others sales particulars. According to Gall, “These ads serve as your Black Friday map, guiding you straight to the deals.”

• Explore Price Guarantees: Are there retailers you always prefer? It’s beneficial to check if those stores have a price matching policy or a price guarantee for Black Friday. Ramhold states, “This insight lets you know whether you can expect your favorite retailer to match a competitor’s price during the Black Friday frenzy, or if you’ll need to cross over to the competition instead.” Additionally, if a retailer has a price guarantee, you could be entitled to a price adjustment if your purchased item drops in price shortly after buying.

• Capitalize on Cash Back: “In conjunction with comparing prices, it’s possible to ensure that you’re reaping the absolute best deals by stacking savings,” explains Gall. “Cash-back services like Rakuten allow you to not only earn cash back on your purchases in addition to sale prices. Moreover, to amplify your savings further, remember to utilize promotional codes, digital coupons, and even a rewards credit card to rack up additional points or cash back on your purchases!”

The Hottest Black Friday 2024 Deals to Watch For

Let’s delve into what’s expected this year: Gall theorizes that the abundance of overstock categories signals prime Black Friday opportunities. These include “home goods, gardening items, and furniture that remain unsold from Labor Day weekend sales,” she notes. However, she also highlights that Black Friday will shed light on pricier items, particularly technology like laptops and televisions.

• Apple Products: Keep your eyes peeled for significant markdowns on AirPods, particularly AirPods Pro, which continue to reign supreme in popularity. Retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Best Buy are expected to offer unrivaled deals, likely at the lowest prices of the year.

• Kitchen Appliances: McGrath suggests paying attention to KitchenAid mixers. These high-end, classic appliances are steeply discounted during Black Friday, making them much more accessible for shoppers. Last year, these mixers flew off the shelves, so be ready to pounce if you catch a compelling offer!

• Laptops: Ramhold identifies laptops as “one of the quintessential Black Friday must-haves.”

• Smartphones: Major retailers are poised to unveil the latest Android and iPhone models bundled with gift cards worth hundreds, adding significant value to these deals, as Ramhold forecasts.

• Toys: While toy sales typically peak in December, Ramhold believes “Black Friday toy deals should be substantial,” predicting discounts of up to 85% off at prominent stores.

• Televisions: Be sure to scrutinize the Black Friday ads from major retailers closely to ensure you don’t miss out on that perfect screen. “Stock tends to sell out swiftly for the top-priced models, and there are always high-profile offers that create a flurry of excitement and disappear within minutes,” McGrath cautions. “Select your desired 4K TV, have backup options, and be primed to shop as soon as the Black Friday bonanza begins!”

What to Anticipate from Your Favorite Retailers This Black Friday

In the competitive world of retail, expect the usual frenzy as stores vie for your attention this Black Friday. While there’s generally overlapping offerings, specific retailers are renowned for their unique product strengths.

“Consider Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy for tech offerings. For stellar home goods deals, Wayfair and Overstock never disappoint,” McGrath elaborates. “When it comes to clothing discounts, Gap, Old Navy, and Target usually lead the charge. Walmart consistently crushes it in the toy category, while Home Depot and Lowe’s may not have splashy sales but still provide excellent values for higher-end home items, smart devices, security setups, grills, toolkits, and more. Plus, don’t overlook Kohl’s, which often sweetens deals with extra Kohl’s Cash with purchases, aligning their prices with competitors while adding additional perks, such as Kohl’s Cash for small appliances and smartwatches.”

Top Early Black Friday Deals

Can’t wait for the sales to unleash? Get a head start on your Black Friday shopping spree with some incredible early bird deals listed below.