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

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:People

People

I startedBlack Friday shoppingwith my mom when I was 10 years old, and it’s been one of my favorite holiday traditions ever since.

We’d spend hours atTarget,Walmart,Macy’s, andUlta, 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.

Apple AirPods Max Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Amazon

$549$399 at Amazon

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 dealsare some of the best to take advantage of now, so don’t miss grabbing a pair, along with other accessories likeAirTagsand theAirPods Pro 2.

Spanx Booty Boost Side Pocket Leggings

Spanx

$110$55 at Spanx

Everything at Spanxis 30 percent off right now, except formy favorite leggings, which happen to be 50 percent off. They have hidden pockets on the sides that are deep enough to fit my iPhone.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Double Stripe Throw Blanket

Nordstrom Rack

$158$49 at Nordstromrack.com

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

Zappos

$90$65 at Zappos

After years of covering deals on Uggs, I finally purchased a pair of theTazz slippersthis year. This pair from the sister brand looks very similar with their clog-like shape and platform sole. But heads up! Sizes are selling out in popular colors.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

$19$15 at Amazon

One Amazon reviewer calledit “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’spopular lip mask, which isa staple among celebrities and editors.

Madewell The ’90s Straight Jean

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. My eyes are on this vintage-looking denim style, but if you prefer a cropped cut, thismid-rise pairis one of thebest jeans for womenwe tested.

KitchenAid Ultra-Power Plus 4.5-Quart Stand Mixer

Target

$400$260 at Target

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

$98$79 at Lululemon

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 theWe Made Too Much sectionfor more Lululemon clothes, shoes, and accessories starting at $9.

Lego Orchid Building Set

$50$40 at Amazon

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 aStar Warskitand my nephew thisLego Duplo rocket shipso they could build them together.

Walmart

$598$478 at Walmart

Our Place Always Pan 2.0

Our Place

$150$95 at Amazon$150$95 at Our Place

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

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

$160$130 at Amazon

Stanley Quencher Stainless Steel Tumbler

$45$42 at Amazon

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

$600$300 at Target

Eliminate two chores on 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 Wool Runner Sneakers

$98$49 at Allbirds.com

I’ve tried various Allbirds shoesover the years, and they’re still a mainstay in my footwear rotation. TheTree Glideris my current go-to, but I’ve spotted celebrities wearing these classic Wool Runners.Jennifer Lopezalso stepped out in theTree Flyer 2 sneakersearlier this year.

Alex Nelsonis 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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source: people.com