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We’ve been through enough Black Fridays to know that deal season isn’t for the faint of heart.
Around here at Post Wanted, we treat it like a competitive sport — armed with spreadsheets, price trackers and enough coffee to power an all-night scrolling session. After years of testing products, stalking discounts and calling out fake markdowns, we’ve learned exactly what’s worth adding to your cart and what’s just there to drain your wallet. Consider us your seasoned shopping sidekick, here to help you navigate the chaos with a little sass, a lot of data and zero buyer’s remorse.
Every November, we watch shoppers pounce on “can’t-miss” sales, and honestly, we’re right there with them (fingers hovering over “checkout”). When it comes to big-ticket electronics, including TVs, laptops, gaming consoles and headphones, this is the time to buy. Our tracking tools and expert data agree: prices on tech hit their lowest of the year, and skipping these deals would practically be a financial crime. So yes, we fully endorse snagging that 4K TV or noise-canceling headphones you’ve been eyeing since summer.
But while we love a good markdown, we’ve also seen our fair share of traps disguised as deals. Furniture, mattresses and major appliances? Those are the shopping equivalent of gas station sushi — tempting in the moment, regrettable later. These categories usually see better prices in late winter or early spring. And don’t even get us started on the so-called “luxury” beauty steals. If you’re debating whether to splurge on the Dyson Airwrap, just remember that Shark makes a near-identical styler for roughly half the price. The math (and our hair) doesn’t lie; just read our review for proof.
We’ve also learned that the biggest threat to your wallet isn’t inflation; it’s FOMO. Social feeds flood with “limited-time” offers, and suddenly you’re justifying a 12-piece air fryer set you’ll use twice. The truth? Not every flashy deal deserves your money. Smart shopping is about knowing when to say no, and we’re here to give you permission to close that tab — guilt-free.
So as you gear up for the biggest shopping weekend of the year — Black Friday on Nov. 28, 2025, followed by Cyber Monday on Dec. 1, 2025 — we’ve got your back. We’ll guide you toward the true steals, warn you about the sneaky traps and make sure you come out of deal season feeling like a shopping genius, not a retail casualty. Below, we reveal what to *actually* buy and what to avoid.
What to buy
Hisense 55-inch QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV Series Dolby Vision HDR Google Smart TV
Amazon
Why to buy: Shocked, anyone? Black Friday is truly the best time to upgrade your TV. The Hisense 55-inch QLED 4K S7N CanvasTV Series Dolby Vision HDR Google Smart TV is one I’m always recommending because it’s a bit more affordable than the Samsung Frame Smart TV, and it has a chic look with incredible picture quality to match. After price checking, it’s typically the most affordable on Amazon, too.
Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Gift Set
Bath & Body Works
Why to buy: As the years progress, we’re covering the best Bath & Body Works sales more frequently because of how popular they’re getting (not to mention, how much value is packed in its gift sets and other items). Before this sells out for Black Friday, the Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Gift Set is the sweet item worth snatching up. Oh, and I can attest that the hand sanitizer is with me at all times.
Nex Playground — The Active Play System for Kids & Families
Amazon
Why to buy: After following the hottest toys of the year, the Nex Playground is one we’ve seen on the rise here at Post Wanted. Whether this particular product is 50% off or not on sale at all, it’s a gift that’s at risk of selling out, so you may want to add it to your online cart along with other items on your wishlist. In fact, toys and games “are set for a healthy season,” according to Ali Furman PwC’s U.S. consumer markets industry leader, with toy purchases up 7.3% year over year, and the U.S. toy market at large growing by more than 6% in the first half of 2025.
Sephora
Why to buy: Not only is the Sephora Favorites Holiday Perfume Sampler Set with Redeemable Voucher a gift I consistently recommend year after year as a beauty reporter, but it’s also an incredible value that rivals most other competitor markdowns. Gifting-ready, this full kit is your one-way ticket to trying the hottest (and expensive!) scents, with a prize at the end: a redeemable voucher to pick up a full-size bottle once you find your favorite. Additionally, cosmetics sales grew by about 9% this year, per Furman, and the shopping category sees a “160% Cyber-Week lift” as Black Friday is the best time for beauty purchases.
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones
Amazon
Why to buy: The Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones is the pair of headphones I consistently recommend around Black Friday because they’re usually they’re best price ever (spoiler alert: they are) and are beloved by our commerce streaming reporter, Angela Tricarico, who’s an avid tester of headphones.
Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
Amazon
Why to buy: If you’re in need of a budget-friendly coffee maker that still takes your favorite pods, you’d be remiss to skip the Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker this Black Friday. In all honesty, this low-time, great price matches that of Prime Day. But, if you missed Amazon’s mega event in July (and October!) this is your chance to pick up one for your kitchen at arm’s reach.
Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Amazon
Why to buy: Value is the shopper’s secret weapon in 2025, especially while hunting for the best items to buy during Black Friday. Combo-driven products, like this air fryer-toaster oven combo, is one of the most popular — and one of the best-priced deals we’ve been following.
Madewell Metal Keeper Belt
Madewell
Why to buy: There’s power in a good belt (trust me, I spoke to a stylist all about this), and it’s great to have a *really* good one in your wardrobe that will remain a trusty pick. The Madewell Metal Keeper Belt is a top option, is currently on sale and will be one of your most-worn pieces.
lululemon Align High-Rise Pant 25″
lululemon
Why to buy: We follow the lululemon “We Made Too Much” section like it’s our jobs (actually, it is our jobs as shopping editors!) and it’s a great, somewhat hidden place to browse during Black Friday. They’re buttery soft and flattering. If you don’t want to inch toward the $100 mark, this is your best time to add them to your bag.
Sand & Stable Calhoun Acacia 4-Person Patio Conversation Set
Wayfair
Why to buy: It’s not the best time to buy furniture, but patio furniture is an exception. I’ve reported on the best outdoor furniture pieces for years now, have consulted multiple interior designers and they’re all saying the same thing: invest in a top quality set, and you’ll never have to worry about buying one for a long, long time. They’re usually at their peak price in the off-season. Following Wayfair’s acclaimed Way Day event, there are plenty of hidden gems to peruse, like the Sand & Stable Calhoun Acacia 4-Person Patio Conversation Set that’s one of the retailer’s top picks.
Our Place Titanium Pro Always Pan Trio
Our Place
Why to buy: After reviewing the Always Pan that gained its rise in popularity a few years back, it may be time for a different kind of upgrade. Hailing from the same brand that built in that beloved quality and chic design, the Our Place Titanium Pro Always Pan Trio is one of the best Black Friday deals for its epic value and dip into the titanium cookware space that will come in clutch for high-heat dishes.
Dreo Space Heater
Amazon
Why to buy: As cold temps are on the rise, it’s official — now’s the best time to purchase a space heater. Because Amazon has so many to choose from, the deals are actually legit (trust us, we’ve been following this wave of products) and the Dreo Space Heater is one of the most respected. For less than $70 right now, it’s an epic value, remote and all.
TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
Amazon
Why to buy: The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum is the best vitamin C serum I reviewed after nearly 5 years of rotating the active ingredient into my routine, and it’s not only me; our Page Six reporters actively follow how the cult-favorite bottle is beloved from one celebrity to another! It’s elegant on the skin, infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration and, while typically on sale, is offered at one of its best prices of the year.
Alpha Grillers Digital Meat Thermometer
Amazon
Why to buy: I’m the type of gal who cooks every night but fears the smoke alarm, and meat thermometers have recently been a lifesaver for me in preparing steak dinners for my husband. While I swear by the MEATER Plus model, it may not meet everyone’s budgets, and the Alpha Grillers Digital Meat Thermometer is one our Post Wanted readers always purchase in demand before Black Friday; it’s a fair value and features an easy-to-read display that justifies its less-than-$20 price tag.
Wyze Smart Scale X Digital Bathroom Scale
Amazon
Why to buy: To be honest, smart scales are great to have in your home, but are one of those items you don’t want to spend full price on. The Wyze Smart Scale X Digital Bathroom Scale is a Post Wanted-reader favorite, and we spotted it on a quite rare early Black Friday deal after tracking its price for months.
What to avoid
Nectar Sleep Classic Memory Foam Mattress
Nectar Sleep
Why to buy: It’s not the best time to buy mattresses, but this one is an exception. After reviewing a handful of top-rated mattress brands, the Nectar Sleep Classic Memory Foam Mattress is one we continue to recommend as it’s regularly priced well and has a design focusing on pressure relief and motion isolation. However, before Black Friday is where this model shines, with a discount of $900 to have you feeling good without the Thanksgiving weekend shopping rush.
Wade Logan Allyson 6-Drawer Dresser
Wayfair
It’s not *really* the best time to buy dressers, so be wary. However, the Wade Logan Allyson 6-Drawer Dresser is great quality and on an epic Black Friday sale right now.
Sony PlayStation 4 Bundle (Renewed)
Amazon
From our research and price-checking, gaming consoles are hardly on sale. If you truly are on a mission to find one at a discount, consider looking at renewed models on Amazon, like the Sony PlayStation 4 Bundle.
