As a shopping editor with nearly seven years of deal-scouting experience under my belt, I've learned that Black Friday looks a little different when you're the one hunting for the best markdowns. I start prepping weeks beforehand, and during the actual shopping event, I’m huddled under a blanket and glued to my laptop, analyzing sales for hours on end.
This year, Black Friday falls on November 27. Although many retailers haven’t kicked off their official early sales yet (most of ’em happen mid-month), I’m already seeing a bunch of standout discounts on worthwhile products, many of which have been tested by our pros at the Good Housekeeping Institute.
Can’t-miss early deals:
- Best Apple deal: Apple AirPods Pro 3
$250$199 - Best tech sale: JBL Charge 6
$200$150 - Best TV deal: INSIGNIA 55-Inch Class F50 Series
$350$190 - Best toy sale: Crayola Marker Airbrush Spray Art Kit
$22$15 - Best clothing deal: Rothy’s The Square Mary Jane
$160$100 - Best beauty sale: Sunday Riley Auto Correct Eye Cream
$65$55 - Best kitchen deal: MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer
$100$80 - Best bedding sale: Bedsure 2-in-1 Comforter Set
$90$70
To help vet deals, I use price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel and Google Chrome's Shopping Insights to check a product's price history. That way, I can spot inflated “original” prices and focus on markdowns that offer real savings.
And a quick word to the wise: The best deals will happen during Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Also, I know firsthand that Black Friday’s the best time to buy big-ticket tech (TVs and Apple tech), trending toys (like LEGOs), home appliances (like the Breville smart oven), and mattresses (like the top-tested Bear Elite Hybrid that’s on sale).
Apple deals
After testing the Apple AirPods Pro 3, our analyst at the GH Institute was impressed by the “amazing” sound quality and comfortable fit.
I can personally attest that Apple’s AirTags are game-changers when it comes to panic-finding your purse or wallet. They’re simple to set up and connect with your iPhone, too.
Our team gave the AirPods Max 2 a glowing review, praising the “gorgeous” design and “superior” e noise cancellation. Not to mention, they’re comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
RELATED: Early Apple Black Friday Deals
Tech sales
JBL’s a top-tested Bluetooth speaker brand at the GH Institute. This model, in particular, offers 28 hours of playtime on a full charge per the brand, and offers crisp, stereo sound.
Our team of tech pros mentioned how these headphones offer “fantastic” sound quality for a price that’s less than $100 and appreciated the cushioned, oversized ear pads.
Not only do these affordable earbuds have an impressive IPX5 water resistance rating, but they also offer 10 hours of playtime per charge.
TV deals
The Frame TV has been popular for years, and for good reason. It showcases classic works of art while you’re not watching your favorite shows, turning your TV room into a personalized art gallery.
I can see why this 55-inch Smart TV by Insignia is trending: It’s almost 50% off—and according to the brand, it offers a vibrant, 4K Ultra HD picture.
TCL’s a top-tested brand at the GH Institute when it comes to television sets. Their smart, mini-LED TV has a bright 4K picture resolution and a super slim design.
Toy sales
If you’re shopping for a Bluey fan, they’re sure to love the show’s Rubbish Run game which lets players compete to pick up the most trash without spilling.
This top-tested Crayola toy puts a new spin on coloring, as it lets you use your marker like an airbrush with a simple press of a button. It even includes five reusable stencils!
This interactive plush Furby will bring you back to the ’90s—but unlike the classics, this one comes with fun glasses, accessories, and long hair you can style.
RELATED: 50 Most Popular Toys of 2026
Clothing deals
As someone who’s a fan of high-waisted, baggy jeans and Levi’s denim, I’m adding these to my cart while they’re on sale. They’re available in over 11 washes including light blue, indigo, and black.
If you’re stocking up on cardigans as we head into winter, be sure to pick up a few of these cropped sweaters while they’re discounted. These are offered in over 20 shades.
othy’s is a GH-reviewed shoe brand, and one editor who tried them loves the shoes’ easy-on and -off design and comfortable feel for commutes.
Beauty sales
This undereye cream by Sunday Riley— infused with Brazilian ginseng root extract and caffeine—can help brighten your under-eye areas while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
If you also love treating yourself to an end-of-day undereye mask, go ahead and give these patches a try. Per the brand, they’re formulated with caffeine and hyaluronic acid to help brighten and hydrate the skin.
Our team named this Almay pick the best hypoallergenic mascara for sensitive eyes, noting how it defines lashes without causing skin irritation.
Kitchen deals
Our Kitchen Lab named this pick the best wireless grill thermometer, noting how it’s Bluetooth compatible and dishwasher safe.
In my opinion, a good ol’ drip coffee maker is always worth counter space. This one from top-tested brand Braun is on sale for less than $80.
Breville’s a top-tested brand at the GH Kitchen Lab, and this three-in-one appliance lets you air fry, roast, and dehydrate as needed while you cook.
Bedding and mattress sales
As someone who has this exact cooling comforter at home, I can assure you that it’s truly cooling and perfect for anyone who sleeps hot (like me).
Our team at the GH Textiles Lab named these the best value cooling sheets, noting how they’re “instantly” cool to the touch thanks to the brand’s Coolmax technology.
This two-in-one Bedsure set is designed with snaps that attach the brand’s comforter to the GentleSoft Blanket, and our tester said that it’s “certainly worth it” for anyone who wakes up with misaligned sheets.
