The Biggest Shopping Events of the Year
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are the two most hyped shopping events on the calendar. But hype and genuine savings aren't always the same thing. Understanding which categories offer real discounts on each day — and which are mostly marketing noise — can save you both money and frustration.
How Black Friday and Cyber Monday Differ
Historically, Black Friday was a brick-and-mortar event — the day after Thanksgiving when physical stores opened early with door-busting deals. Cyber Monday emerged as the online counterpart. Today, the distinction has blurred considerably, with most retailers running online deals across the entire "Black Friday week." That said, patterns still emerge:
| Factor | Black Friday | Cyber Monday |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional format | In-store, limited stock | Online only |
| Best categories historically | TVs, appliances, toys | Electronics, software, clothing |
| Deal duration | Often one-day or limited-stock | Typically 24–48 hours |
| Crowd factor | High (in-store) | None (online) |
| Shipping speed | May vary | Often prioritized by retailers |
What's Actually Worth Buying on Black Friday
Certain product categories consistently see genuine, substantial discounts on Black Friday:
- Large-screen TVs — Retailers use televisions as loss leaders. The discounts are real, though you'll often find the models on sale are entry-level or mid-tier.
- Small appliances — Kitchen gadgets, vacuums, and home appliances frequently hit their annual low on Black Friday.
- Toys and games — Major toy retailers and big-box stores discount heavily ahead of the holiday gift-buying season.
- Bedding and towels — Linens are a surprisingly consistent Black Friday bargain.
What's Actually Worth Buying on Cyber Monday
- Laptops and computers — Online-focused tech retailers push strong Cyber Monday deals on computing hardware.
- Software and digital subscriptions — Annual software licenses and subscription services often reach their lowest prices of the year.
- Clothing and shoes — Fashion retailers run some of their deepest discounts online during Cyber Monday.
- Smart home devices — Speakers, displays, and home automation gear are commonly discounted.
What's Rarely Worth Buying During Either Event
Not everything that's "on sale" during these periods is genuinely discounted:
- Jewelry — Markups in this category are high enough that "50% off" rarely represents real value
- Mystery bundles — Packages of unknown or low-quality items sold as "value bundles"
- Items with inflated pre-sale prices — Use price history tools (see our price comparison guide) to verify
- Things you wouldn't have bought otherwise — A deal on something you don't need is just spending, not saving
How to Prepare Before the Sales Start
- Make a list in advance — Decide what you actually need before the sales begin, so you're not influenced by what happens to be on sale
- Check prices in October — Record current prices so you have a real baseline for comparison
- Sign up for retailer emails — Many stores release early access deals to email subscribers
- Set price alerts — Let tracking tools notify you when your target items hit your desired price
The Most Important Rule
The best deal is on something you actually planned to buy. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are excellent opportunities to purchase items you've already researched and saved up for — not occasions to buy things simply because they appear discounted.