Black Friday is one of the most exciting and strategic times of the year for deal hunters, and if you’re trying to stretch your holiday budget without skimping on quality gifts, this post is for you! Whether you’re shopping for toys, tech, books, or unique finds, knowing the best places to shop on Black Friday can help you save big while checking off every name on your list.
In this post, I’m breaking down:
- When Black Friday ads typically drop
- The best stores to shop for gifts and essentials
- Must-have items to grab early
- And even a bit of history behind the term “Black Friday”
Let’s dive in!
When Do Black Friday Ads Come Out?
Most major retailers begin teasing their Black Friday promotions in late October or early November. However, the full Black Friday ads typically go live about 2 to 3 weeks before Thanksgiving.
Here’s a general timeline:
- Mid to late October: Early leaks (Amazon, Walmart, and Target often go early)
- Around November 1–10: Official ads released
- As early as November 4–10: Some Pre-Black Friday sales start this soon!
Pro Tips:
- Bookmark deal tracking sites like: BlackFriday.com, TheBlackFriday.com, and DealNews.com
- Consider signing up for store newsletters to get early access, special codes, and members-only pricing.
When Is Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday always falls on the day after Thanksgiving. In 2025, that’s Friday, November 28, 2025.
Many stores, however, start rolling out deals earlier in the week (or even the week prior). In recent years, major retailers like Walmart and Amazon have launched Black Friday events 10–14 days before Thanksgiving and kept them going through Cyber Monday.
Why Is It Called Black Friday?
Ever wonder how Black Friday got its name? The story actually goes back several decades and has a bit of a twist.
Originally, the term “Black Friday” was used by Philadelphia police officers in the 1950s and ’60s. They dreaded the day after Thanksgiving because it meant massive crowds, terrible traffic, and long hours managing the chaos of people flooding into the city to shop and to attend the annual Army-Navy football game. It wasn’t exactly the festive vibe we think of today!
But, eventually, retailers started putting their own spin on the term. In accounting, being “in the red” means losing money, and being “in the black” means turning a profit. So retailers began using “Black Friday” to mark the point when their accounts would finally move out of the red and into the black, thanks to all the holiday spending. It caught on, and the name stuck.
The Best Places to Shop on Black Friday (and What to Buy at Each)
Not all retailers offer the same kinds of savings. Knowing which stores specialize in specific Black Friday categories can help you make a plan and avoid overspending.
1. Walmart
Walmart remains one of the biggest players in Black Friday sales for a reason. They’ve also streamlined their in-app shopping experience, and offer options for curbside pickup or fast shipping. Expect major discounts on:
- Black Friday Toys: Massive markdowns on name-brand toys like LEGO, Hot Wheels, Tonies, and more.
- Black Friday Barbie Deals: Walmart often has exclusive Barbie Dreamhouses and themed bundles at all-time low prices.
- PS5 Black Friday deals: Limited restocks with bundles, including games and controllers.
- iPad Specials on Black Friday: Look for savings of $50–$150 off popular iPad models.
- Black Friday Christmas Tree Deals: Pre-lit and flocked trees, inflatables, and other decorations at up to 60% off.
Pro Tip: Walmart+ members often get early access to doorbusters, so it’s worth signing up for the free trial during November.
2. Target
Target is a favorite for its fun offerings for the whole family and its generous return policy. Their Black Friday event is always worth checking out not just for the deals, but also for the smooth shopping experience. With curbside pickup, easy returns, and festive displays, shopping at Target can make your holiday season smoother and more fun! Look out for:
- Black Friday Toys: From educational kits to Paw Patrol, you’ll find markdowns up to 50%.
- Black Friday Book Sales: Target runs buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals on kids’ books, cookbooks, and bestsellers.
- Electronics: Look for Black Friday deals on laptops, headphones, and smart TVs.
- More Black Friday Holiday Deals: Exclusive holiday PJs, home goods, and beauty gift sets.
Don’t forget Target Circle members often get 1–2 days of early access to deals, as well as stackable store coupons.
3. Amazon
If you’re not a fan of crowded stores or waiting in line, Amazon is your Black Friday best friend. Every year, Amazon kicks off their Black Friday sales early with “Deals Week” or even “Deals Month,” releasing a steady stream of discounts leading up to Thanksgiving and beyond.
One of the biggest perks of shopping on Amazon is how many unique Black Friday deals you’ll find.
- Unique Black Friday deals drop hourly, and lightning deals go fast, so act quickly.
- Laptop Black Friday Deals include Chromebooks, gaming laptops, and student laptops.
- Black Friday Streaming deals: Deep discounts on Fire TV Sticks, Prime Video rentals, and streaming subscriptions.
- iPad specials on Black Friday: Look for price cuts and rare Apple product bundles.
- Flash sales on everything from robot vacuums to stocking stuffers.
Pro Tip: Add items to your Amazon wishlist now to track price drops and get alerts.
4. Best Buy
Best Buy is ideal for all your tech and appliance shopping, whether you’re replacing a laptop, picking up a new gaming console, or shopping for a practical home appliance.
- Laptop Black Friday Deals: Save hundreds on Dell, HP, Lenovo, and MacBook models.
- PS5 Black Friday deals: Game bundles and accessories typically sell out quickly.
- Doorbuster pricing on large TVs, home security systems, and kitchen appliances.
Best Buy members often get early access to top tech deals, so consider creating a free account ahead of time.
5. Kohl’s
Kohl’s is one of the best places to stack savings on Black Friday, especially when you factor in Kohl’s Cash, percent-off coupons, and mail-in rebates. It’s the kind of store where you walk out with a cart full of gifts and a receipt that feels like a win. Expect deals like:
- Black Friday Barbie deals where dolls often come bundled with Kohl’s Cash.
- Small kitchen appliances for under $10 (after rebate and cash back).
- Unique Black Friday deals on cozy pajamas, jewelry sets, and slippers.
- Additional savings with percent-off coupons and loyalty rewards.
Expect to earn $15 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent during Black Friday weekend.
6. Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble
If you’re shopping for readers or teachers, or just trying to build your child’s home library, don’t skip these two gems. Books-A-Million and Barnes & Noble offer thoughtful, educational gifts that often go on sale during Black Friday, especially when other stores are focused on tech and toys.
- Black Friday Book Sales: Buy 2, Get 1 Free deals on new releases, classics, and kids’ titles.
- Gift-worthy finds: Journals, planners, devotionals, and holiday-themed cookbooks.
- Exclusive signed editions or collectible boxed sets: available at select locations.
Final Tips to Make the Most of Black Friday
To wrap it all up, let’s talk strategy. Black Friday doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, you can stay focused, score the deals you actually want, and walk away feeling good about what you bought.
Start by making a list of who you’re shopping for and what you’re hoping to find. This helps you avoid impulse buys and stay within your budget. From there, prioritize your top three stores and check their ad previews as soon as they go live so you know when the best deals drop and how long they’ll last.
Download the apps for the stores you’re most interested in. Many retailers offer app-only deals or allow you to check in-stock items at your local locations. These apps also send push notifications when hot items go on sale.
Lastly, consider using cashback tools like Rakuten, Ibotta, TopCashback, Swagbucks, or even store loyalty programs to add an extra layer of savings. Every dollar counts, especially when you’re shopping for a family or trying to maximize a tight holiday budget.
Related Links:
- FREE Christmas Gift Lists & Budget Tracker Printables!
- 40+ Ways to Celebrate Christmas on a Budget
- Crowd-Pleasing Meals for 25+
- How We Lowered Our Christmas Budget, Reduced our Clutter, and Created More Family Time!
- 50+ Budget-Friendly and Easy DIY Christmas Gifts
What are your favorite places to shop on Black Friday? We’d love to hear about any deals you score in the comments!
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