Can you believe it’s already November?
It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating Labor Day in the warmth of summer. Now, the true holiday season is upon us and countless gifts need to be bought before the wilds of winter lock us into our homes. Luckily, there’s no better time than now to start building a holiday shopping list and the biggest shopping day of the year is right around the corner: Black Friday.
In fact, some Black Friday deals have already begun. Industry leaders including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy have rolled out their ads, offering a slew of Black Friday deals weeks before the biggest shopping day of the year. Even Target will offer a two-day presale to get patrons revved up for bigger sales to come, both online and in-store. Shipping trucks move over 70% of the nation’s freight by weight but this number is only expected to increase when Black Friday hauls finally arrive. It’s better to start your list sooner than later.
Are you looking forward to shopping this year? Check out the following deals to help inspire your inner holiday helper.
For the tech junkie
Black Friday is a tech junkie’s paradise. Not only does this holiday result in some of the best prices on the market, but it also offers some of the best accessories to go with it.
It’s no wonder that heavy hitters like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple have already started rolling out the deals. In fact, Apple’s 10.2-inch iPad is the cheapest it has ever been, selling at only $249.
Of course, there are countless other deals hitting the market, too. Between smartwatches, cell phones, and technology accessories, there is no dearth of opportunities. CNET reports that the Amazon Fire 7 is only running for $60 and even comes with a two-year warranty at a value of $36. While it’s made out of a durable plastic, you never know when your curious tot will wonder what happens when the tablet is thrown down the stairs.
For the health nut
Self-improvement is a common theme around the holidays. It only makes sense that you’d want to better your life with the start of a new year breathing down your neck. If you have a loved one that’s interested in health and self-improvement, there are plenty of holiday deals to consider.
One of the most fun ways to learn about yourself is taking a DNA test. These tests can reveal what areas of the world make you, you. If you’re willing to pay a little more, you can also check for genetic abnormalities or diseases that run in your family. Taking a proactive approach to health is one of the best ways to stave off the threat of a potential problem down the line. Luckily, some of the top genetics testing companies in the United States are offering deals for the new year.
23andMe typically runs for about $200 for the DNA testing kit and the health analysis. But Walmart is touting this deal for only $99, about half of its original price. The company also offers customers the ability to perform a follow-up health screening to ensure you understand your results. Ancestry is also offering its DNA testing kit for only $49 if you just want to learn about your heritage.
Even though there are plenty of deals for health goods online, you should never doubt the importance of checking out local shops, too. After all, an acupuncture session treats over 200 ailments and typically takes less than one hour to complete. That way, you can be sure it won’t take too much time out of their day. Check out services in your area pertaining to beauty and health to support your local businesses.
For the kids
If you’re looking for toys and games, there’s no better resource than The Toy Insider, where James Zahn aka The Rock Father™ (publisher of this site) serves as Senior Editor. The Toy Insider Holiday Gift Guide is packed with more than 300 toys from more than 200 manufacturers and Black Friday is a prime opportunity to score some deals. Toy Insider Editor-in-Chief Ali Mierzejewski stopped by New Day Cleveland to show off some of the best deals for toy shoppers this holiday season, including items from Schleich, Yvolution, Ryan’s World, and more.
For the globetrotter
Did you know that the average price of a hotel room is over $120 per night? Traveling can be an expensive hobby if you don’t know how to budget. Here are some of the best products to consider for the adventurer in your family:
Luggage: No traveler can hope to succeed without the proper luggage. You can save almost 50% off select luggage sets from retailers like Samsonite through big-box retailers like Amazon, but plenty of smaller corporations are also hosting deals. For example, AwayTravel.com is a luggage company that hopes to change up how you travel and they’re shelling out the deals faster than hotcakes.
Travel tours: If you know a specific destination that you’re loved one has always wanted to visit, investing in a travel tour is a great idea. Some companies, like Exodus Travels and Intrepid Travel, are offering up to 20% off tours. You might need to do a little digging to find the perfect destination, but there’s no better time than right now to start the hunt.
For the DIY home improver
Winter has snuck up on the U.S. rather quickly and it isn’t surprising that people want to improve their household. Without proper insulation, up to 20% of each dollar spent on your heating bill is going out the window — literally. Heat easily escapes through gaps in your windows, doors, and the eaves in your attic. Giving them a gift card for a home improvement company or a hardware store can help them take control of their budget.
But there are other ways to appeal to the home improver. Deals on Ring’s Video Doorbell can help improve home security while the Google Nest is dropping in price for the holidays. Depending on the goals of your loved ones, there are plenty of deals to choose from at this time of year.
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday right around the corner, it’s time to write up your Christmas list and check it twice. When you’re shopping for the holidays, rely on these tips to give you the inspiration you need to make it a good one.
