Black Friday 2025 date, best times to buy, and smart tips

TL;DR:

Black Friday 2025 is Friday, November 28.
Cyber Monday 2025 is Monday, December 1.
Expect solid online deals, led by electronics and toys.
The event is global, not just in the United States.
Shop early, track prices, and know return rules to avoid traps.

Black Friday 2025 falls on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States. The date marks the unofficial start of peak holiday shopping.

Cyber Monday follows on Monday, December 1. That day is still the biggest single online shopping day each year.

Why Black Friday still matters

People still show up for deals. In 2024, 197 million shoppers took part over the five-day weekend from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, according to the National Retail Federation. Online spending hit records, and discounts peaked in categories like electronics, toys, and computers, Adobe reported

These trends guide 2025 plans. Expect strong online traffic, earlier promotions, and sharp price cuts on high-ticket tech.

A global event, not just a U.S. sale

Black Friday has spread far beyond the United States. Retailers in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia run their own campaigns. Some countries even use different names or hold events earlier in November.

For shoppers outside the U.S., the playbook is similar. Watch local chains and marketplaces, compare prices across borders, and note shipping times and import taxes.

Key 2025 dates to mark

Singles Day, November 11. Often a preview of gadget and fashion deals in many markets.
Thanksgiving, November 27. Many U.S. stores stay closed, but online deals run.
Black Friday, November 28. Biggest doorbusters and major online discounts.
Cyber Weekend, November 29–30. Extra markdowns on clearance and bundles.
Cyber Monday, December 1. Fresh online-only drops, often best for tech and software.

Tip for planners: build a short wish list for each date. Keep alternatives in case a top item sells out.

What to buy, and when to buy it

Electronics

Expect deep cuts on TVs, laptops, tablets, headphones, and gaming consoles from Black Friday through Cyber Monday. In 2024, electronics hit discount peaks near 30 percent off the listed price on Cyber Monday. A repeat pattern is likely in 2025.

When to buy: Track prices from early November. Pull the trigger on Black Friday if a model hits your target. Check again on Cyber Monday for accessories, software, and bundles.

Toys and games

Toys often drop late in the cycle to drive urgency. In 2024, online toy discounts peaked over 25 percent on Cyber Monday. Popular sets sell out.

When to buy: If stock looks tight, buy during Black Friday. If selection is wide, wait for Cyber Monday.

Apparel and footwear

Clothing sees steady markdowns all month. The biggest cuts land across the weekend into Monday.

When to buy: Use sitewide codes and stack with loyalty rewards. Check return windows for gifts.

Home and small appliances

Robotic vacuums, air fryers, and espresso machines feature in Black Friday doorbusters. Prices may hold or improve slightly on Monday.

When to buy: Compare model numbers. Brands often promote similar SKUs with tiny feature changes to block price matching.

Travel and experiences

Airlines, hotels, and travel platforms post limited-time codes. Dates vary by region. Read blackout rules closely.

When to buy: Set alerts, then act fast. Inventory is thin and deals end quickly.

Smart ways to get real deals

1) Track the baseline price

Create a short list with target prices. Use price-tracking tools and retailer wish lists. Cross-check across at least two stores to avoid fake “was” prices.

2) Read the return policy before checkout

Holiday return windows are longer, but rules differ. Some items are final sale or charge return shipping. Save receipts and packing slips.

3) Stack the savings

Pair promo codes with loyalty points and store credit card offers. Add cash-back portals where allowed. Do not let rewards push you to overspend.

4) Choose the right payment

Buy now, pay later grew again in 2024. It can help cash flow but can also add fees if you miss a payment. Use it only for budgeted buys.

5) Mind shipping cutoffs

Check order-by dates for standard and express shipping. International orders may face customs delays. Build extra time for gifts.

6) Secure your checkout

Beware copycat sites with too-good pricing. Look for clear contact info, secure payment pages, and trusted processors.

Common mistakes to avoid

Chasing the lowest price, then missing shipping deadlines. Balance savings with timing.
Focusing on headline doorbusters only. Mid-tier models often offer better value.
Ignoring warranty and service. A cheaper TV without support can cost more later.
Assuming Cyber Monday is only for tech. Many categories see fresh codes that day.
Skipping post-purchase price checks. Some stores adjust prices if an item drops within a set window.

Quick planner: your Black Friday 2025 checklist

Task	Why it helps	When to do it
List top 5 items with target prices	Avoid impulse buys	Nov 1–10
Set price alerts at 2–3 stores	Spot real drops fast	Nov 5–20
Preload carts and saved addresses	Faster checkout on hot items	Nov 20–27
Verify return and warranty terms	Prevent refund headaches	Before buying
Compare final price at checkout	Include tax, ship, fees	Every purchase
Recheck prices for adjustments	Claim match or credit	7–14 days after

Global tips for cross-border shoppers

Know the taxes. Check VAT, GST, or import duties before you buy.
Check plug types and bands. Electronics may ship with different power plugs or network bands.
Watch shipping times. Items from abroad may miss holiday deadlines.
Use trusted marketplaces. Local consumer laws vary. Strong platforms help with disputes.
Translate listings. Confirm model numbers to avoid older or region-locked versions.

What the data says about 2025

Analysts expect continued growth in online holiday sales in 2025, but the pace may be slower than 2024. Cyber Monday should remain the single largest online shopping day, and mobile’s share will keep rising. Plan for solid, not shocking, markdowns and more early promotions.

In the United States, overall holiday sales reached a new record in 2024. That sets a high bar for 2025. Retailers will aim to protect margins while still offering sharp prices on marquee items.

Store hours and Thanksgiving closures

Many major U.S. retailers now close on Thanksgiving Day, then open early online and in stores on Friday. This pattern began in 2020 and continues. Expect more online-only drops on Thursday, then a surge of in-store doorbusters Friday morning. Check your local store’s page for final hours

Strategy by shopper goal

Lowest possible price on a big TV

Start tracking early. Compare last year’s model to the new one. Buy on Black Friday if the drop hits your target, then recheck on Monday for bundle extras.

Fast, safe gift buys

Choose retailers with long return windows and easy in-store returns. Pay with a credit card for stronger protections. Save order confirmations.

Cross-border tech deal

Confirm warranty coverage in your country. Add a universal plug adapter. Check cellular band support for phones and routers.

Why it matters

Holiday shopping is a big budget line for many homes. Knowing the dates, price patterns, and policies can save real money and time. It also reduces stress in a busy season. The plan above helps you buy what you need, skip the rest, and avoid common traps.

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