Score even more savings on Black Friday!

November 28 marks the official start of the Christmas gift-buying season, and retailers are kicking it off with blockbuster in-store deals. And, just for you, our shopping pros share simple strategies that will stretch your holiday budget even further!

- GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

Scout sales early

It’s best not to wait until after Thanksgiving dinner to make a game plan. Grab your gift list and start browsing Black Friday ads now, urges Julie Ramhold, a consumer shopping expert at DealNews. “This gives you a general idea of what stores are charging for items you're interested in,” she says. Getting a head start saves you both time hopping between stores and money, since you can snap up the best offers before they’re gone. To preview sales, check BlackFriday.com, DealNews.com or your favorite stores’ websites and social media pages. Or let the discounts come to you, recommends Ramhold, by signing up for retailers’ email newsletters.

Snag the best bargains

Some gifts hit their lowest prices of the year the day after Thanksgiving. If these items are on your list, it’s the perfect time to pounce:

• Electronics: Tablets and laptops are among the biggest steals, says Ramhold. “But other electronic categories like speakers, headphones and computer peripherals will also see good savings.” Expect markdowns of 25% to as much as 50%. Last year, for example, Best Buy shaved nearly 48% off a Lenovo IdeaPad laptop, and Target cut Sony noise-cancelling wireless headphones by 43%.

• Apple products: “In 2024, there was only one day when Apple products were on sale across the board: Black Friday,” says professional bargain-hunter Kyle James, of Rather-Be-Shopping.com. Look for discounts on laptops and older-generation iPhones — though the newest model will be excluded. “Just be sure not to shop at the Apple Store,” he adds. “Retailers like Walmart and Best Buy usually have better deals.” Last year, for instance, Best Buy offered 25% off a MacBook Air.