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

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

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

But instead of combing the Black Friday ad pages and rounding up the deals, I just put them in my virtual shopping cart — here’s what I recommend you add to yours today.

Editor-approved Black Friday deals

• Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, $399 (orig. $549); amazon.com
• Spanx Booty Boost Leggings with Side Pockets, $55 (orig. $110); spanx.com
• Gift Under $50: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Double Stripe Blanket, $49 (orig. $158); nordstromrack.com
• Sale risk: Koolaburra by Ugg Burree Platform Slipper, $65 (orig. $90); zappos.com
• Stocking accessory: Laneige Lip Glowy Balm, $15 (orig. $19); amazon.com
• Madewell The ’90s Straight Jean, $64 with code (orig. $128); madewell.com
• KitchenAid Ultra-Power Plus 4.5-Quarter Stand Mixer, $260 (orig. $400); target.com
• Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, HRK 79 (orig. HRK 98); shop.lululemon.com

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

$549 $399 on Amazon

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

Spanx Booty Boost Leggings with Side Pockets

Spanx

$110 $55 in Spanx

Everything at Spanx is 30 percent off right now, except for my favorite tights, which just so happen to be 50 percent off. They have hidden side pockets that are deep enough to fit my iPhone.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Double Stripe Bedspread

Nordstrom rack

$158 $49 at Nordstromrack.com

Need a gift under $50? This blanket will be a hit with whoever you’re shopping for — I can personally vouch for that, and I recommend picking one up for yourself while it’s on sale. I am also thinking of buying this set of fuzzy socks; they are made of the same warm and comfortable material of the brand.

Koolaburra by Ugg Burree platform slipper

Zappos

$90 $65 at Zappos

After years of covering deals on Uggs, I finally bought a pair of Tazz slippers this year. This pair from the sister brand looks very similar with its clog-like shape and platform sole. But head up! Sizes are sold out in popular colors.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

Amazon

$19 $15 on Amazon

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.” I’m a fan of its glossy finish that doesn’t feel sticky after application. For even more hydration, try the brand’s popular lip mask, which is a staple among celebrities and editors alike.

Madewell 90s straight leg jeans

Madewell

$128 $64 at Madewell

I rarely see Madewell jeans on sale, but right now the brand is offering up to 50 percent off any purchase. I’ve got my eye on this vintage-look denim style, but if you prefer a cropped fit, this mid-rise pair is one of the best jeans for women we’ve tested.

KitchenAid Ultra-Power Plus 4.5 Liter Stand Mixer

Goal

$400 $260 at goal

Now is a good time to invest in more expensive kitchen appliances, like this freestanding mixer. “A wonderful product for anyone who loves to bake,” wrote one Target customer. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple cake mix or you’re a pro… it’s a great helper in the kitchen.”

Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L

lululemon

$98 $79 at Lululemon

This extra-sleek version of the popular Lululemon belt bag looks like leather, but is made from an alternative material that uses cactus. Pro tip: Check out the We’ve Done Too Much section for more Lululemon clothing, shoes and accessories starting at $9.

Lego set for building orchids

Amazon

$50 $40 on Amazon

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

Vizio 75-inch 4K HDR Smart TV

Walmart

$598 $478 at Walmart

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

Our place always Pan 2.0

Our place

$150 $95 on Amazon $150 $95 here

A few years ago, I gave my mom this versatile pan. She loved it so much that she bought the brand’s other pots and pans in the same pretty purple color, along with this cast iron grill press that she uses to make barbecue sandwiches.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon

$160 $130 on Amazon

A Kindle is a great gift for anyone who loves to read, especially when 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 bowl

Amazon

$45 $42 on Amazon

I own a 40 ounce glass, which keeps my water cold throughout the day. The best of them all? It fits in the cup holder of my car.

iRobot Roomba Combo j5 robot vacuum cleaner and mop

Goal

$600 $300 at goal

Take two chores off your list with this robot vacuum and mop combo — Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to buy a Roomba. Thanks to smart sensors, it can move around your home, avoiding furniture, stairs and other obstacles.

Allbirds woolen running shoes

Amazon

$98 $49 at Allbirds.com

I’ve tried a variety of Allbirds shoes over the years, and they’re still a mainstay in my footwear rotation. Right now I’m loving the Tree Glider, but I’ve spotted celebrities wearing these classic wool sneakers. Jennifer Lopez also stepped out in the Tree Flyer 2 sneakers earlier this year.

Alex Nelson is PEOPLE’s senior shopping editor with more than six years of experience covering the best Black Friday deals and nearly two decades of shopping experience. She wrote about some of her favorite products such as Spanx tights, Allbirds trainers and Barefoot Dreams blankets.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education