Black Friday is finally here! It’s the one time of year when retailers slash prices, making it the perfect opportunity to tick off items from your shopping list.
However, with so many sales happening across popular stores like Walmart, Target, Wayfair, Best Buy, Nordstrom Rack, and Ulta, it’s easy to get distracted by deals that aren’t actually worth your money.
If you want to make sure you’re spending wisely this Black Friday, here’s a guide to 20 deals you should skip — and the smarter alternatives you should pick up instead.
Black Friday Deals You Should Skip
1. Flimsy Bakeware
Many Black Friday deals feature discounted bakeware, but cheap sets often don’t last long. Rather than going for inexpensive, low-quality options, consider investing in something that will stand the test of time.
What to Buy Instead:
Staub Ceramic 2-Piece Rectangular Baking Dish Set – $48 (Was $129)
Staub’s ceramic bakeware offers a durable, stylish alternative. This two-piece set is perfect for holiday casseroles and oven-baked treats, making it a great long-term investment.
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2. Expensive Smart TVs
The allure of a brand-new, high-end smart TV can be tempting, especially with big discounts during Black Friday. However, many deals on these electronics don’t provide the best value when compared to other streaming alternatives.
What to Buy Instead:
Roku Streaming Stick 4K – $30 (Was $50)
If you’re in the market for a streaming upgrade, skip the pricey smart TV and opt for the Roku Streaming Stick. It turns any TV into a smart TV with access to thousands of channels and streaming apps, plus it’s perfect for 4K content.
3. Real Christmas Trees
While there’s nothing like the scent of a fresh Christmas tree, buying a real one can be costly, messy, and time-consuming, especially if you’re short on time during the holidays.
What to Buy Instead:
Dunhill Fir Tree with Clear Lights – $205 (Was $487)
Skip the hassle of shopping for a real tree and buy this realistic, pre-lit artificial tree from Wayfair. It features over 2,500 tips for a full, natural look and comes ready to light up your home.
4. Overpriced Traditional Coffee Makers
Coffee enthusiasts often flock to Black Friday sales for deals on traditional coffee makers. While a classic pot of coffee has its place, you can often find better alternatives that are quicker and more convenient.
What to Buy Instead:
Keurig K-Express Essentials Coffee Maker – $49 (Was $59)
If you’re in need of a quick morning brew, the Keurig K-Express offers the convenience of single-serve coffee. It brews quickly and is easy to clean — perfect for busy mornings.
5. Bulky Cleaning Tools
Clunky, heavy cleaning tools may be on sale, but why spend your money on a product that’s hard to store and use? The key to a more efficient cleaning routine is in the tools you choose.
What to Buy Instead:
Bissell Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet Cleaner – $90 (Was $140)
Instead of a bulky vacuum, try this compact, portable carpet cleaner. It’s perfect for deep cleaning messes, especially on upholstery, carpets, and even your car seats.
6. Expensive Footwear
While Black Friday often brings deals on shoes, you don’t need to buy the most expensive brands to get good quality. Look for versatile, stylish options that offer both comfort and value.
What to Buy Instead:
Sam Edelman Pryce Bootie – $45 (Was $150)
Instead of spending big on trendy sneakers, go for these chic Sam Edelman leather booties. The short heel and stylish design make them perfect for both casual and dressy occasions.
7. Overhyped Beauty Products
Beauty sales often feature luxury products that may not live up to their price tags. Stick with reliable, high-quality products that won’t break the bank.
What to Buy Instead:
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Firming Eye Cream – $13 (Was $22)
L’Oréal’s Revitalift eye cream helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness, offering high-end results for a fraction of the price.
8. Expensive Smart Speakers
While voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home may seem appealing, many of the high-end models can be overpriced during Black Friday sales.
What to Buy Instead:
Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) – $29.99 (Was $49.99)
For a budget-friendly option, the Echo Dot offers all the benefits of a smart speaker, including voice controls for music, smart home devices, and more.
9. Traditional Vacuums
Black Friday deals often feature older, bulky vacuum cleaners. While they may seem like a good deal, they’re often heavier, less efficient, and harder to store.
What to Buy Instead:
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – $400 (Was $650)
Ditch the heavy vacuum and opt for the Dyson V12, which is light, powerful, and features a built-in light to detect dust and debris — a must-have for effortless cleaning.
10. Cheap Winter Boots
It’s tempting to buy inexpensive winter boots, but they often don’t provide the comfort or durability needed for cold weather. Instead, look for boots that offer both style and warmth.
What to Buy Instead:
Muk Luks Janie Cozy Sweater Boot – $15 (Was $65)
These cozy sweater boots are ideal for keeping your feet warm all winter. They feature a knit upper and faux suede bottom, giving you both comfort and style at an affordable price.
Conclusion
As tempting as Black Friday deals can be, it’s important to remember that not every sale is worth your money. Avoid buying items that may not last or serve your needs in the long run, and instead, look for products that combine quality, durability, and value.
Whether you’re upgrading your kitchen gadgets, refreshing your home decor, or investing in useful tech, there are plenty of smarter alternatives available.
People May Ask
1. When do Black Friday deals start?
Black Friday typically begins on the day after Thanksgiving, but many stores start their sales early, including online deals that begin a few days beforehand.
2. How can I find the best deals?
Compare prices across different retailers, check out customer reviews, and make sure the items you’re interested in are actually discounted before buying.
3. Is it better to shop in-store or online?
Online shopping is often more convenient, and many retailers offer exclusive online deals. However, in-store shopping allows you to immediately get your items and avoid shipping delays.
4. Are Black Friday deals really worth it?
Not all deals are as good as they seem. Be sure to do your research before buying and only purchase items you truly need or have been planning to buy.
5. Will prices drop after Black Friday?
Some deals may continue into the weekend or Cyber Monday, but prices often don’t drop much further. If you see a good deal now, it’s often worth grabbing it before it’s gone.
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