5 strategies to find the best Black Friday deals

Black Friday is both a smart and overwhelming time to shop. On the one hand, there are plenty of deals to snag. On the other, there are so many deals to compare.

Follow these tips to ensure your Black Friday deal hunting is successful.

1. Shop for the right things

Some items won’t go on sale during Black Friday, and you’ll waste your time searching for bargains. For example, forget about finding discounts on the newest gaming systems (the PS5 and Xbox Series X and Series S consoles). They’re simply too new and too popular. Finding these in stock can be considered a deal.

Nintendo Switch and the VR Oculus Quest 2 are also long shots this year. The pandemic has buoyed the Switch’s popularity. And the Oculus Quest 2 is still practically brand new. 

Combine all this with the fact that the PS4 and Xbox One are absent from retailers’ ads this year, and it’s a tough year to save on gaming consoles.

Luckily, there are plenty of categories that are worth your effort. GameStop, Target and Walmart are advertising strong deals on video games, which might make you feel better about having to wait on a new console. 

Smart home gadgets are also a safe Black Friday bet. You’ll find the newest (4th Gen.) Echo devices at the lowest prices seen since their release at both Amazon and Target.

When it comes to smart security, the Ring Video Doorbell 3 is discounted by $60 across the board at retailers including Lowe’s, Target, Kohl’s and Amazon. Amazon will also be knocking $80 off the pricier Ring Video Doorbell Pro, which PCMag gave 4 out of 5 stars for its upgraded specs and slender design.

2. Comparison shop

Before buying an item, check the prices of other major competitors. Just don’t spend too much time crunching the numbers. Retailers price-match each other aggressively during Black Friday, so you’ll likely find only small differences between prices at major stores. Price isn’t the only thing to compare, however.

Kohl’s, for example, is known for offering Kohl’s Cash when you purchase certain items. That could make its deals stronger than a competitor’s when it comes to certain items. For example, it’s offering $60 back in Kohl’s Cash when you buy a Nest Learning Thermostat for Black Friday while also matching the price tag of other retailers.

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Best Cyber Monday deals

🪄 I did the digging so you don’t have to!

  • 50% off clean floors? Yes, please! This voice- or app-controlled Shark robotic vacuum is a deal ($299.99, 50% off). It makes an easy gift for anyone who loves spotless spaces and doesn’t want to do the work (or doesn’t have the time).
  • Salon style at home: Darling, you look marvelous! This Revlon one-step volumizer ($31.75, 55% off) dries and styles hair at the same time, giving it volume quickly and easily. It’s also perfect for traveling!
  • Wrap her feet in cozy luxury: These fuzzy slippers ($15.99, 56% off) with memory foam will have her feeling like she’s walking on clouds, keeping her feet toasty and supported.
  • Santa, I’d use this: This lightweight heated jacket delivers up to 10 hours of adjustable warmth, and it even warms your hands, too. Grab it for men or women ($104.99, 38% off). It’s perfect for chilly commutes, walks, outdoor work or freezing offices.
  • HEYDUDE! Yup, the comfy shoes he’ll wear all the time are deeply discounted for a limited time ($38.99, 41% off).
  • Rev up his style: This quality, stylish leather jacket ($134.38, 77% off) is the ultimate year-round staple, ideal for layering from fall to spring. It’s so nice!
  • Brighten their space: This Amazon Echo Spot smart speaker and color-changing smart bulb bundle ($44.99, 51% off) lets you play music, get the news and ask Alexa set the mood for you, with 16 colors and schedules. Perfect for any age, really!
  • Up to 60% off Amazon devices: Whether it’s a kid’s tablet, Fire TV Stick or outdoor security cam, this is the secret Cyber Monday link to use!

👉 Shop all Cyber Monday deals: Gifts under $10 | Electronics | Toys and games | Cooking and baking | All deals

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