How to use Black Friday sales to get a head start on holiday shopping

How to Use Black Friday Sales to Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping in 2025

Black Friday. It's more than just a day of discounts—it's your secret weapon for a stress-free holiday season. By using the 2025 sales strategically, you can get a head start on your gift shopping, save money, and snag popular items before they sell out. This guide will show you how to conquer the biggest shopping event of the year.

When Do Black Friday 2025 Sales Actually Start?

The official date is crucial, but the deals start much sooner. Mark your calendar: Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28, 2025.

However, "Black Friday" has evolved into a month-long sales event. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart often begin rolling out their first wave of deals in late October or the first week of November. The best time to start actively looking for deals is in early November.

Your 4-Step Game Plan for Black Friday Holiday Shopping

Follow these steps to shop smarter, not harder.

Step 1: Make Your Holiday List and Set a Budget
Before you look at a single deal, create a specific list of gifts and recipients. This keeps you focused and prevents impulse buys. More importantly, set a firm budget for your total holiday spending to avoid the temptation to overspend during the sales frenzy.

Step 2: Research Prices and Create Wish Lists
A savvy shopper knows that not all discounts are genuine deals. Start tracking the prices of items on your list before the sales begin. Use wish list features on sites like Amazon to get notified when prices drop, ensuring you’re paying the best price.

Step 3: Know Where to Find the Best Deals
The key players often have the biggest doorbusters. Be sure to check out the Amazon Black Friday deals and keep an eye on the Black Friday sales Walmart puts out. For early access and exclusive coupons, sign up for email newsletters from your favorite retailers. You can also check forums like Reddit for tips on the best Black Friday sales shared by other shoppers.

Step 4: Compare Deals and Read the Fine Print
Don't jump on the first deal you see. Use a price comparison tool or browser extension to quickly check if you're getting the lowest price. Always check the return policy, especially for holiday gifts, to make sure you have enough time for exchanges after the holidays.

Top Gift Categories to Watch in the 2025 Sales

Focus your search on these categories, which typically see the biggest discounts.

• Electronics: TVs, Laptops, and Headphones
  Electronics are always the headline-grabbers. If you're looking for black friday sales on tvs, laptops, or premium headphones, this is the best time of year to buy.
  [*]Toys and Gaming
  Expect major discounts on popular toys, board games, and video game consoles. This is the perfect time to grab gifts for the kids on your list.
  [*]Home Goods and Small Appliances
  Items like air fryers, coffee makers, and smart home devices make excellent gifts and are often deeply discounted during Black Friday sales.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What date is Black Friday sales 2025?
Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28, 2025.

When to start looking for Black Friday deals?
You should start looking for early deals in the first two weeks of November, though some sales may appear as early as late October.

How early do Black Friday deals begin?
Many major retailers like Amazon and Walmart start their first wave of Black Friday deals 3-4 weeks before the actual day.

Are Black Friday deals better than Cyber Monday?
It depends on the product. Black Friday often has better deals on big-ticket items from major retailers (like TVs), while Cyber Monday can be better for tech, smaller gadgets, and online-only brands.