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What to buy on Black Friday (and what to skip)

By On Sale Spot Team · Published · Updated

The best things to buy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday are electronics, TVs, computers, toys and small kitchen appliances, which see some of the deepest cuts of the year. Winter clothes, furniture and brand-new phones are often better bought later. Always compare the deal with the item’s recent price history.

Which categories get the biggest discounts?

Adobe tracked US online prices during the 2025 holiday season. On Cyber Monday 2025, these were the peak discounts off the listed price:

CategoryPeak discount, Cyber Monday 2025
Electronics31%
Toys28%
Apparel25%
Computers23%
Televisions22%
Furniture and appliances19%
Sporting goods17%

What should I buy on Black Friday?

  • Headphones, earbuds and smart home devices: they show up in almost every big sale, often at their lowest price of the year.
  • TVs: a good time to buy, but check the exact model number (more on that below). Our guide on what size TV to buy helps you pick the size first.
  • Laptops and tablets: last year’s models get the steepest cuts.
  • Toys: a strong category before the holidays, and popular toys can sell out.
  • Small kitchen appliances and robot vacuums: air fryers, coffee makers and vacuums are classic doorbusters.

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What should I skip on Black Friday?

  • The newest phones: discounts usually come as trade-in or carrier credits, not a lower price.
  • Winter coats and boots: clearance after the holidays is often cheaper.
  • Anything you were not going to buy: a big percentage off is not a saving if you did not need it.

Are Black Friday TVs and electronics the same models as the rest of the year?

Not always. ENERGY STAR warns that some TVs sold for Black Friday are special models made for the sale, which can skip features found in the regular version. Compare the full model number and the specs, not just the screen size and brand.

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How do I know the price is really a deal?

Look at the price history over the last few months and compare the same model in another store. A real deal is at or near the lowest recent price. Read how to tell if a deal is real for the full checklist.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest thing to buy on Black Friday?

Electronics see the deepest cuts: Adobe measured peak discounts of 31% on electronics during Cyber Monday 2025, followed by toys at 28%.

Is it better to buy a TV on Black Friday or wait?

Black Friday is one of the best times for TVs. Check the model number, since some sale models have fewer features than the regular version.

What should I not buy on Black Friday?

The newest phones, winter clothing and anything you did not plan to buy. Clothing clearance after the holidays is often cheaper.

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