Quick answer: The best places to shop on Black Friday depend on what is on your list. Go to Amazon, Walmart and Target for home basics and small appliances, Best Buy for electronics, Home Depot and Lowe’s for tools and holiday decor, Costco for bulk buys and gift cards, and small brands for gifts that stand out. Our two favorite small brand deals this year: Playground leggings at 30% off with code BFCMPLAY, and 50% off the first Art Club Monthly box with code 50ACM26.
Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, followed by Small Business Saturday on November 28 and Cyber Monday on November 30. Many sales start days earlier and run all week. The trick to saving real money is knowing which stores are best for which purchases, making a list and sticking to a budget. Here is where we are shopping this year.
Updated November 2026
Disclosure: Amelia Jay is part of the same family of businesses as Art Club Monthly and earns a commission on Playground sales. We only recommend products we love. See our disclosure policy.
Key takeaways
- Make a list and set a budget before the sales start. Black Friday is built to make you buy things you did not plan on.
- Big box stores are best for TVs, small appliances, home basics and toys.
- Small brands often run their biggest sale of the year over Black Friday weekend.
- Our favorite leggings: Playground, 30% off everything with code BFCMPLAY Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
- Our favorite gift: an Art Club Monthly art box, 50% off the first box with code 50ACM26 and free US shipping.
Our favorite leggings: Playground
If there is one thing we wear more than anything else while cleaning, running errands and chasing kids, it is a great pair of leggings. Our favorite is Playground, a New York based activewear brand with leggings made by hand in the USA. They are buttery soft, have a high rise waistband that actually stays put and come in prints you will not see on everyone else at the gym.
Black Friday deal: 30% off everything with code BFCMPLAY, Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Playground also offers free shipping on orders over $75 and free returns in the US.
Our picks:
- Black Lux High Rise Legging: the everyday black legging in a soft matte fabric with just the right amount of compression.
- Jump Track Legging in Navy/Black: navy in front, black in back with white track stripes. Flattering and fun.
- Neutral Houndstooth High Rise Legging: a polished print that works for the gym and brunch.
Leggings also make an easy gift. They are one of the few clothing items people are happy to receive, and Playground’s free returns make exchanges simple.
Shop Playground leggings and use code BFCMPLAY
Our favorite gift: Art Club Monthly
Looking for a gift that is not more plastic stuff? Art Club Monthly is an art subscription box for kids and adults. Every month it ships premium art supplies, an illustrated art history pamphlet and a creative challenge inspired by a famous masterpiece. It is a screen free activity kids actually want to do, and a relaxing creative outlet for teens and adults.
Special offer for Amelia Jay readers: 50% off your first box with code 50ACM26, plus free US shipping and no contract.
- Kids Art Box (ages 5 to 12): $19.50 for the first box, then $39 a month. Washable acrylics, texture paste, canvas, brushes and a kid friendly art history pamphlet.
- Teens and Adults Box (ages 13 and up): $24.50 for the first box, then $49 a month. Professional oil paints, specialty mediums and bold creative challenges.
- Gift an art box: one time gifts for 1, 3, 6 or 12 months, shipped to them or sent as a gift card.
Quarterly and annual plans save even more. Cancel anytime on monthly plans.
Get 50% off your first Art Club Monthly box with code 50ACM26
Best places to shop on Black Friday, by category
Amazon: home basics, Amazon devices and almost everything else
Amazon runs Black Friday deals for more than a week, with discounts across home goods, kitchen tools, storage, toys and its own devices. It is great for restocking basics like storage bins, cleaning supplies and small kitchen gadgets. Use a price history tool before you buy so you know a deal is actually a deal.
Walmart: TVs, small appliances and toys
Walmart is known for low prices on TVs, air fryers, vacuums and toys over Black Friday, with many deals available online before they hit stores. Free pickup makes it easy to skip the lines.
Target: home decor, storage and bedding
Target is a favorite for home decor, organization bins, bedding and kitchen essentials. Members of its free Target Circle program get access to extra deals.
Best Buy: electronics and major appliances
For laptops, headphones, smart home gear and larger appliances like washers and refrigerators, Best Buy is one of the most reliable Black Friday stops, with clear return policies and delivery and installation options.
Home Depot and Lowe’s: tools, appliances and holiday decor
If you are planning a home project, Black Friday is a great time to buy power tools, appliances and outdoor gear. Both stores also discount holiday lights, trees and decorations. If you are planning a bigger upgrade, see our guide to budget home upgrades that add the most value.
Costco: bulk buys, gift cards and big ticket items
Costco members can find strong deals on electronics, kitchen appliances and discounted gift card bundles for restaurants and entertainment, which make easy stocking stuffers.
Kohl’s: bedding, kitchen and apparel
Kohl’s is a good stop for bedding, small kitchen appliances and clothing, especially if you stack sales with Kohl’s Cash rewards.
Small brands: gifts that stand out
Small brands often run their biggest sale of the year over Black Friday weekend, and Small Business Saturday is a great reason to shop them. You get unique gifts, better customer service and the good feeling of supporting a small business. That is why Playground and Art Club Monthly top our list.
How to save the most on Black Friday
- Set a budget first. Decide on a total and a per person gift amount before you shop. Our guide to making a household budget that works can help.
- Make a list. Write down who you are buying for and what you need for your home. Shop the list.
- Check price history. Some “deals” are the normal price with a sale sticker. Compare before you buy.
- Read return policies. Many stores extend holiday return windows, but not all. Keep receipts and order emails in one folder.
- Use discount codes. Small brands often have the best codes. Do not forget BFCMPLAY at Playground and 50ACM26 at Art Club Monthly.
- Skip store credit cards unless you will pay the balance in full. High interest wipes out the discount.
- Shop online early. Many Black Friday deals go live online days before the in store sales.
Working on a tight budget? Start with our guide to building an emergency fund on a tight budget so holiday spending does not set you back.
Frequently asked questions
When is Black Friday 2026?
Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026. Small Business Saturday is November 28 and Cyber Monday is November 30. Many stores start their sales earlier in the week.
What is the best store for Black Friday deals?
It depends on what you are buying. Walmart, Amazon and Target are best for home basics, toys and small appliances. Best Buy is best for electronics. Home Depot and Lowe’s are best for tools and holiday decor. Small brands often have the best deals on unique gifts.
What are the best leggings to buy on Black Friday?
Our favorite leggings are from Playground (wearplayground.com), a New York based brand with soft, high rise leggings made by hand in the USA. Use code BFCMPLAY for 30% off everything Black Friday through Cyber Monday.
What is a good Black Friday gift for kids that is not a toy?
An art subscription box like Art Club Monthly is a screen free gift that keeps giving every month. Use code 50ACM26 for 50% off the first box, with free US shipping.
Is it better to shop Black Friday online or in store?
Online is usually easier. Many deals go live online first, you can compare prices quickly and you avoid the crowds. In store shopping makes sense for doorbuster deals and items you want to see in person.
Happy shopping, and do not forget to treat yourself to a great pair of leggings for all that holiday running around.
