I’ve Been Shopping Black Friday Deals for Nearly 2 Decades — Here’s What I Recommend Buying Today

Including picks from Barefoot Dreams, Our Place, Roomba, and more

Nov 29, 2024 - 07:45
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I’ve Been Shopping Black Friday Deals for Nearly 2 Decades — Here’s What I Recommend Buying Today

Including picks from Barefoot Dreams, Our Place, Roomba, and more

People

People

I started Black Friday shopping with my mom when I was 10 years old, and it’s been one of my favorite holiday traditions ever since. 

We’d spend hours at Target, Walmart, Macy’s, and Ulta, waiting in long lines that wrapped up and down store aisles to secure some of the best Black Friday deals. Now, nearly two decades later, it’s my job to track down and share those savings with you.  

But instead of combing through pages of Black Friday ads and circling deals, I just put them right in my virtual shopping cart — here’s what I recommend adding to yours today. 

Editor-Approved Black Friday Deals

Related: Nordstrom’s Black Friday Sale Is Even Better Than I Expected — and I Shop There Every Month

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Amazon

Amazon

$549

$399

These noise-canceling headphones block out busy street noise, making for a better audiobook-listening experience on my dog walks. In my experience, Apple Black Friday deals are some of the best to take advantage of now, so don’t miss grabbing a pair, along with other accessories like AirTags and the AirPods Pro 2

Spanx Booty Boost Side Pocket Leggings

Spanx

Spanx

$118

$83

Everything at Spanx is 30 percent off right now, including my favorite leggings, which I wear for various activities. They have hidden pockets on the sides that are deep enough to fit my iPhone.    

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Double Stripe Throw Blanket

Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack

$158

$49

Need a gift under $50? This throw blanket will be a hit with whoever you’re buying for — I can personally guarantee that and recommend grabbing one for yourself while it’s so steeply discounted. I’m also considering buying this set of fuzzy socks; they’re made from the brand’s same warm and cozy material. 

Koolaburra by Ugg Burree Platform Slipper

Zappos

Zappos

$90

$65

After years of covering deals on Uggs, I finally purchased a pair of the Tazz slippers this year. This pair from the sister brand looks very similar with their clog-like shape and platform sole.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

Amazon

Amazon

$19

$15

One Amazon reviewer called it “a little tube of magic,” explaining that “the shea butter formula works wonders, leaving [their] lips soft, smooth, and plump all day long.” I’m a fan of its glossy finish that doesn’t feel tacky after applying. For even more hydration, try the brand’s popular lip mask, which is a staple among celebrities and editors.

Madewell The ’90s Straight Jean

Madewell

Madewell

$128

$90

I rarely see Madewell jeans on sale, but right now, the brand is offering up to 40 percent off any purchase. My eyes are on this vintage-looking denim style, but if you prefer a cropped cut, this mid-rise pair is one of the best jeans for women we tested. 

KitchenAid Ultra-Power Plus 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer 

Target

Target

$400

$260

Now’s a good time to invest in more expensive countertop appliances for your kitchen, like this stand mixer. “Wonderful product for anyone that loves to bake,” one Target shopper wrote. “Doesn't matter if it's an easy box cake mix or if you are a pro… it's a great helper in the kitchen.”   

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

lululemon

lululemon

$98

$79

This extra-sleek version of the popular Lululemon belt bag has a leather-like appearance, but it’s made from an alternative material that uses cactus. Pro tip: Check out the We Made Too Much section for more Lululemon clothes, shoes, and accessories starting at $9.

Lego Orchid Building Set

Amazon

Amazon

$50

$40

Legos were a popular gift among my family last Christmas — for the kids and adults. I received this 608-piece orchid, which only took me a few hours to put together one night and looks surprisingly realistic. I also bought my brother a Star Wars kit and my nephew this Lego Duplo rocket ship so they could build them together.  

Vizio 75-Inch Class 4K HDR Smart TV

Walmart

Walmart

$598

$478

Some of the most impressive discounts I see each year are in the tech and electronics categories. Don’t miss this Walmart Black Friday special on a 75-inch TV from Vizio, and grab a soundbar to transform your movie-watching experience.

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

Our Place

Our Place

$150

$95

I gifted my mom this versatile pan a few years ago. She loved it so much that she bought the rest of the brand’s pots and pans in the same pretty purple, along with this cast iron grill press she uses for making grilled sandwiches.   

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 

Amazon

Amazon

$160

$130

A Kindle is a great gift for anyone who loves reading, especially paired with a Kindle Unlimited subscription, which includes access to millions of e-books and thousands of audiobooks. Tip: Download the Libby app to borrow e-books and audiobooks from your local library. Check out this more compact model that’s now under $100.  

Stanley Quencher Stainless Steel Tumbler

Amazon

Amazon

$45

I own the 40-ounce tumbler, which keeps my water chilled throughout the day. Best of all? It fits in my car’s cupholder. 

iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Target

Target

$600

$300

Eliminate two chores on your list with this robot vacuum and mop combo. Thanks to smart sensors, it can move around your home, avoiding furniture, stairs, and other obstacles. 

Allbirds Wool Runner Sneakers

Amazon

Amazon

$98

$68

I’ve tried various Allbirds shoes over the years, and they’re still a mainstay in my footwear rotation. The Tree Glider is my current go-to, but I’ve spotted celebrities wearing these classic Wool Runners. Jennifer Lopez also stepped out in the Tree Flyer 2 sneakers earlier this year.

Alex Nelson is a PEOPLE senior shopping editor with more than six years of experience covering the best Black Friday deals and nearly two decades of experience shopping them. She has written about some of her personal favorite products like Spanx leggings, Allbirds sneakers, and Barefoot Dreams blankets. 

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