10 Things NOT to Buy During Black Friday 2025 (& When to Buy Them Instead)
Wondering what you should not buy during Black Friday 2025?
Black Friday deals are already here, but not everything’s actually worth buying during Black Friday 2025!
Can you believe the holiday shopping season is upon us again already? 🤯 Black Friday deals continue to show up earlier and earlier every year, and we’re already seeing plenty of Black Friday ad releases, so it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t buy.
Just like in previous years, retailers are offering more and more online deals rather than looking to draw large crowds of shoppers into their stores. That said, many retailers will be offering both so be sure to mark your calendars when these hot deals start as they could be on staggered dates.
And remember, many major retailers will remain completely closed on Thanksgiving Day which is a trend that continues to live on.
One word of caution: While Black Friday deals can be great buys if you know what to look for, you won’t always get the best price on everything during this savings event. There are definitely some items you may want to avoid buying during this time of year.
Here are 10 things NOT to buy during Black Friday 2025:
1. The Latest Apple iPhone… possibly.
The iPhone 17 was recently released in September, and while we know many people will want to get their hands on it right away, we also know from past experience that Black Friday may not be the best time to purchase it.
While some stores may offer gift cards when you purchase the latest Apple iPhone at full price, you’ll usually be better off waiting until around December to score some savings on the newest iPhone. You may also have better luck getting a deal on a previous-generation iPhone, and may even be able to get it “for free” if you trade in another recent model.
That said, if you’re looking to switch carriers, start a new plan, and/or have a semi-recent model of an iPhone, you might be able to score a great deal on the iPhone 17 in certain situations!
2. Linens and Bedding
Unless you’re having guests over for Christmas and have nothing for them to sleep on, you’re better off waiting until the January White Sales, when these items usually hit their lowest prices.
During a White Sale, retailers deeply discount sheets, comforter sets, towels, and more as a way to move inventory and entice shoppers. These events date back to January 1878, when department store pioneer John Wanamaker held the first White Sale to sell his extra bedding stock during a slow time of year. Back then, bed linens were only sold in a basic shade of white, thus the name of the sale!
Need bedding now? We tested a bunch of affordable bedding that feels like luxurious, expensive bedding.
Hip Tip: If your linens could just use a good cleaning, here’s how often you should clean all your bedding and how to properly clean white sheets without bleach.
3. Jewelry
Jewelry is a common Christmas gift to give to someone special. However, if you’re able to plan ahead, it’s actually better to shop for these items around Mother’s Day or late summer in July or August.
Bookmark our jewelry deals page to check out the latest and biggest savings on jewelry before you head into a store, including the best deal on our favorite name necklace! 😍
4. Fitness Equipment
Consumers get seriously motivated to get into shape after the holidays are over. That said, retailers know shoppers are looking for deals on fitness equipment in January, and they tend to offer the lowest prices during this time of year. You’ll often get the best deal on a gym membership after the holidays, too!
5. Gift Cards
There may be some gift card deals during Black Friday, but if you wait until December, many restaurants, retailers, and even drugstores will offer even more deals on gift cards to get shoppers into the holiday spirit.
6. Latest Brand Name TVs
You’ll be able to find more discounted high-end TVs and electronics if you can wait until the end of December. This is when retailers start clearing out older televisions to make room for next year’s models.
However, last year, we did see some smart TVs go on sale for over 50% off, so only time will tell! Also, January is a big month for TV sales as Super Bowl Sunday approaches. That’s if you can wait that long. 😉
Nonetheless, our Black Friday price comparison cheat sheet will help you know that you’re getting the very best deal on all your electronics this Black Friday if you do plan to grab something big!
7. Winter Clothing
If you can wait until January or February, that’s when retailers will be stocking up for spring. This means many of their popular winter items will start hitting the clearance racks. Right after the holidays is when you’ll be able to find the biggest savings on highly rated and well-known brands of outerwear!
In fact, you’ll often be able to save 75% or more on jackets, winter apparel, gloves, and winter boots if you wait until then to shop. If you’ve got growing kids, consider buying the next size up so they’ll have new winter gear for next year’s cold weather!
8. Toys
Believe it or not, Black Friday is not always the best time to score toy deals for the holidays. You may find some good deals on this year’s most popular toys (if you can find them before they sell out), but retailers will often mark those same toys down even lower about two weeks before Christmas.
In addition, Target hosts its Semi-Annual Toy Clearance event in January and July, which is a great time to stock the toy closet with toys and games that have been discounted up to 90% off!
Hip Tip: Wondering what the top toys will be in 2025? Browse the Target Toy List or the Walmart Toy List for the latest trends.
9. High-Powered Laptops
It might seem like there are a ton of deals on laptops during Black Friday, but most of the laptops advertised are basic, mainstream computers without many bells and whistles. You’ll be able to find better deals on laptops with superior graphics and faster processors during July and September.
10. Holiday Decorations
Unless there’s something you absolutely can’t live without, you’re better off waiting for the after-Christmas clearance events after Christmas. Stores usually mark holiday items up to 50% off the day after Christmas, and then markdowns continue until items reach as much as 90% off.
When you do shop the after-holiday clearance sales, start stocking up on holiday items you may need for next year while the prices are at rock bottom.
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