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Editor’s note: Black Friday has ended, so we’re no longer updating this post. See our roundup of Cyber Monday deals that would make good gifts for our most up-to-date deals.
If you don’t take advantage of Black Friday weekend to get your holiday gift shopping squared away, you’re massively missing out. Some people jump in with a full spreadsheet and a game plan, but for the folks who are a little less locked and loaded, allow me to make some suggestions. My personal gifting philosophy is to stick with the fun, the frivolous, and the delightful, so you won’t find any prosaic duvets or humdrum vacuums here — for that, you can check out our dedicated Black Friday bedding and vacuum guides. What you will find are itty-bitty sweaters for the dedicated dog parent; bows and bags for the budding coquette; and camera-equipped feeders for the morning birdwatcher.
To make it easier to shop, everything below is organized by price, so you can click ahead to the section that best fits your budget. For even more Black Friday deals, check out our guide to the best deals from over 60 retailers, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get sales alerts sent straight to your inbox.
Update on December 1, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
Deals I Personally Think Are the Best
It’s hard to go wrong with our extremely cozy Best in Class bathrobe, which is currently 25 percent off. Meanwhile, Hay’s cordless portable lamp is currently 30 percent off at Design Within Reach, and it would make for a practical and design-forward gift for just about anybody. And for that special someone (or just yourself), Ring Concierge’s pretty diamond initial bracelets are nearly $100 off.
Under $25
Select items are 50 percent off at Sephora during Black Friday, so now’s the time to grab all your (extra sparkly) beauty stocking stuffers.
Nudestix’s cream blush sticks are “incredibly pigmented” but easy to blend and sheer out, according to multiple makeup artists.
Strategist writer Brenley Goertzen uses this Draft Top opener to turn cans of Canada Dry into open-top cups — and it’s currently 50 percent off at Huckberry.
Described as “very energetic solitaire,” Dutch Blitz is a fun, fast-paced game that will either bring the whole family together or tear them apart.
There’s also Exploding Kittens, which comes recommended by therapists as one of the best board games for the holidays.
A three-pack of Touchland’s sanitizing mists to ward off those winter sniffles.
If you’re planning to bundle together a bunch of small gifts, Baggu’s big silver sack can fit plenty of goodies inside.
This under-the-sea take on a classic lava lamp would be cool in a kid’s bedroom.
Glossier’s beloved Balm Dotcom now comes in a stocking-stuffer-ready duo with two limited-edition holiday flavors: Biscotti and Espresso.
Our best-selling silk pillowcase, for a sister or mother-in-law who loves little luxuries.
Damson Madder’s red knitted hair bow would be the cherry on top of a festive holiday party look.
Clinique’s Black Honey lipstick “stains the lip a shade or two darker than nothing, it’s not waxy, and when it fades you’re never left in that weird, half-on phase that can lead to the impression that you’re a little bit drunk,” writes fashion editor Amy Larocca, who calls it the “black turtleneck” of lipsticks.
This bumper sticker was the breakout star of our Chappell Roan gift guide.
DedCool’s subtly musky Milk is perfect for people who hate smelling like perfume.
One of my friends is a passionate cruciverbalist, and I think she’d love this whimsical newspaper vase for her new apartment.
For a youth in your life, can’t go wrong with a Squishmallow.
At the Ssense sale, I spotted this little pretzel-esque ornament for someone who loves their Jiu Jie knot cushion.
Speaking of ornaments, Catbird has some truly great ones. While all of the brand’s jewelry is 20 percent off as well, I’m particularly charmed by this beaded prawn.
Under $50
What can I say — I can never resist mini-versions of things. Here’s a fun Ghia set to gift someone who’s planning on Dry January.
A handsome bathtub caddy from Umbra for someone who could spend hours soaking in the tub.
Future Society’s fragrance-enhancing primer helps extend the longevity and intensity of perfumes. It would be a thoughtful gift for a fraghead who’s already amassed an extensive collection.
Candles are the consummate holiday host gift, and Nest makes some truly lovely ones in unexpected scent combinations.
JBL’s portable Bluetooth speaker has a built-in clip that can be attached to nearly anything, including a bike basket or shower head.
These comfy cotton J.Crew pajamas were meant to be lounged in on Christmas morning.
While it’s not the biggest discount at 15 percent, L.L. Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote is such a perennial Strategist favorite (and makes such an excellent gift) that we couldn’t leave it off this list.
Opinel’s small knife set comes with a pantry knife, a serrated knife, a vegetable knife, and a peeler, available in a variety of pleasing color combinations.
The reign of the coquette continues! I’ve resisted the lure of Baggu’s shoulder bag thus far, but this baby-blue one embroidered with swans, snakes, and spiders might finally convince me.
This $39 men’s Everlane hoodie is quite substantial and doesn’t look like it cost $39.
A trio of eye-catching nail polishes that can act as a glittery topper or stand strong on their own.
With its moldable built-in cups that block every sliver of light, Manta’s sleep mask would be highly appreciated by the frequent traveler.
Bathing Culture’s earthy, uplifting body wash, housed in a refillable glass bottle, was basically designed to appeal to the hippie environmentalist.
Frequent cooks know that you can never have too many cutting boards, and Material Kitchen’s reBoard is our top pick for its durable and easy-to-clean surface.
Monastery’s Universal Balm would be a lifesaver for someone who’s contending with flaky lips, cracked knuckles, and ashy elbows.
These insulated cold-weather slippers were gifted to Strategist writer Arielle Avila by her sister during their first New York winter. She’s found them very convenient for grabbing the mail or popping over to the corner bodega, especially on frigid days.
An invigorating soap brick studded with poppy seeds and scented in a seasonally appropriate peppermint.
Frequent ravers will appreciate these good-looking earplugs that lower the volume without muffling the subtleties of that masterful transition.
A less-expensive version of Magna-Tiles, which nearly every parent we’ve ever spoken to has recommended because they can be endlessly remixed and reused for imaginative play.
As anyone with a friend who’s a devoted dog parent knows, their wishlists are often full of things for Fido and nothing for themselves. This colorful argyle sweater, a collab between Little Beast and Lisa Says Gah, is guaranteed to get a prominent feature on their Instagram.
All of Pieceworks’ puzzles are 30 percent off — I’m especially fond of these enchanted mushrooms, created in tandem with the magazine Mushroom People, for the mycological enthusiast in your life.
I can very easily picture this Areaware concrete office set on the desk of a “clean girl.” With code MERRY30, you can get the already on-sale set for nearly half off.
Under $100
Vitruvi’s status-y stone diffusers are Gwyneth Paltrow-approved.
A spacious crossbody bag that can be monogrammed for an extra-personal touch.
These goofy gorilla slippers from Puebco will definitely keep your giftee’s feet warm and toasty.
I can’t wear these paperclip earrings anywhere without someone stopping me to ask where they’re from. All the styles from genderless jewelry brand Their are just as effortlessly cool.
Amazon’s fourth-generation Echo smart speaker is just $55 for Black Friday. It’s an excellent gift for a tech- or music-obsessed loved one.
My boyfriend uses this ThermoWorks food thermometer pretty much every time he’s in the kitchen, and liked it so much that he gifted one to his parents as well.
A scarf-style Shiatsu massager would be a welcome gift for anyone who spends all day hunched over a computer (hint, hint).
A great gift for the new grad, Calpak’s packing cube sets are festooned in plenty of fun patterns, from leopard to polka dots. Strategist writer Rachael Griffiths also likes that they come with a waterproof envelope, which she uses to hold toiletries and skin care.
For the kid who could use a little less screen time might we recommend a Toniebox (here’s our review), which will amuse them for hours on end.
Normally I’d be against gifting coasters, but I’ll make an exception for these adorable contrast-trimmed flower-shaped ones from Misette.
Bookworms reading late into the night would make good use of Hay’s cordless portable lamp. Former Strategist writer Chloe Anello loved its “vague mushroom shape and petite size, perfect for a side table or nightstand.”
Anyone who watches Vogue’s Beauty Secrets religiously would be delighted to receive Augustinus Bader’s famously pricey Rich Cream. It’s beloved by a bevy of celebrities, such Adam Scott, Rita Ora, and Phillip Lim.
Here’s a multipack of Siesta Co.’s greatest hits, from tuna belly with yuzu kosho to sardines with Guindilla pepper. Dole them out as stocking stuffers or gift them all to a tinned-fish buff.
When you’re really at a loss for gift ideas, a delivery of fresh flowers will at least provide a pretty pick-me-up.
For the aspiring Twitch streamer, this webcam has intelligent auto-focus and exposure adjustment, so they don’t have to worry about fiddling with settings mid-game.
We deemed Brooklinen’s sleek, minimalist bathrobe the very best on the market thanks to its “just-right thickness that’s coddling and not at all stifling,” explains Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla.
Under $200
On the other hand, avowed maximalists may be a fan of Dusen Dusen’s vibrant bathrobes patterned in candy-colored stripes.
They might also be tickled by this trippy broccoli fleece from Korean-American brand Sundae School, a wardrobe staple of hypebeasts everywhere.
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The Apple Watch SE can track workouts, monitor heart rate, and track sleep and ovulation cycles — all for under $150.
While the full-blown red light masks can seem a bit intimidating, the SolaWave is an approachable and easy to use wand that can reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and blemishes.
Stationery obsessives would be thrilled to receive Papier’s advent calendar, which includes everything from washi tape to highlighters and sticky notes.
Cashmere is always a welcome (and warm) gift. Bloomingdale’s luxurious travel wrap comes in plenty of festive colors, including scarlet red, forest green, and cloud blue.
There’s no shortage of Wicked collabs out there, but Eugenia Kim’s collection of pink and green accessories look like they came straight out of the movie. This Glinda-inspired pearl-encrusted headband is perfect for an Ariana Grande superfan.
Meat lovers would definitely appreciate a delivery of Snake River Farms’ top-quality, ranch-to-table meats. Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang ordered the Kurobuta half bone-in ham for Thanksgiving and says it’s “maybe the best ham I’ve ever eaten.”
For anyone who’s tired of lugging around hardcovers, the latest Kindle version now includes wireless charging and maintains a charge for up to three months.
Avid bakers can use these mini Staub cocottes to make everything from cobblers to gratins to pot pies. Bonus: They come in three display-worthy pastel shades.
Loftie’s gentle alarm clock, which offers tons of tracks for meditation, white noise, nature sounds, and more, might be just the ticket to convert a grumpy night owl into a chipper morning person.
Coyuchi’s throws are well-made and soft—this cotton one is particularly nice because it’s machine-washable.
Speaking of, if your giftee is the type to spend their mornings on the porch with a cup of coffee and pair of binoculars, this smart bird feeder will show them up-close footage of any feathered visitors (and can identify their species, too).
Over $200
Cuyana’s nice-looking leather tote will stand up to years of schlepping. It was the bag that Strategist contributor Mya Gelber finally settled on after searching for the perfect work tote.
I’ve been on the hunt for a toasty throw blanket, and Magniberg’s heavyweight wool ones, currently 30 percent off at Ssense, quickly caught my eye. I’m torn between the rosy pink and this soothing lavender.
For the girlfriend who loves shiny things, a diamond initial bracelet from Ring Concierge will be a gorgeous addition to her wrist stack.
For the girlfriend who’s more concerned with diurnal cycles than diamonds.
Pricey as it is, Technivorm’s Moccamaster would more than justify its cost per use for someone who brews multiple cups of coffee per day.
In 2019, I bought a pair of Reformation boots during Black Friday, and five years later, they’re still part of my regular rotation.
AirPods might currently be at the lowest price we’ve ever seen them, but all the teens agree: Everyone’s wearing over-the-ear headphones now.
The Strategist is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about here. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
