10 Big-Ticket Items to Splurge on This Black Friday

Retailers are ringing in the start of the holiday gift-giving season by slashing prices on merchandise big and small, beginning on Black Friday. If you plan everything just right, you can save hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on a number of high-end products that you’ve had your eye on throughout the year. To help maximize your savings, Mental Floss and Roborock have teamed up to give you the rundown on 10 big-ticket items to splurge on this Black Friday.

1. 4K TVs

Whether you’re looking to pick one up as a gift for a loved one or just want one for yourself, Black Friday is one of the best times of the year to buy a new 4K TV. The reason for these low prices is simple: New TV models usually ship to stores in the spring and summer, so the discounted models you find on Black Friday are typically the ones that came out the previous year that retailers want to clear off the shelves. If you don’t care about being a year behind on your tech, there are some excellent deals to be had.

2. Video Games and Accessories

Since the latest generation of video game consoles is just getting off the ground—and are still sold out at most retailers—don’t expect any sales on those quite yet. But consoles from the previous generation, along with their games and accessories, will see a steep discount this year. If you want to stock up on your library of video games or need a new controller, you can find what you’re looking for at a fraction of the sticker price.

3. Robot vacuums

There’s nothing better for multitasking than a robot vacuum. You can schedule it to clean the floors while you’re busy with other chores or even when you’re out of the house. Even better, running your robot vacuum regularly will keep your home guest-ready all the time, so there’s less last-minute scrambling with unexpected arrivals. Some models—like the S7 from Roborock—are discounted by 30 percent during Black Friday, resulting in more than $175 in savings.

4. Cameras

Black Friday is also the perfect time to pick up a new camera for the shutterbug in your life. Some retailers even bundle cameras with accessories like lenses, straps, camera bags, tripods, and cleaning kits to entice shoppers even more. Look for deals on refurbished cameras, too; they often come with warranties and are guaranteed to work just as well as new models.

5. Smartphones and Tablets

A new smartphone can cost thousands of dollars, but during Black Friday and into Cyber Monday, mobile devices from top brands are discounted considerably. If your phone is starting to feel a little sluggish, you could save hundreds on a new or refurbished model—some of which come with bonuses like free earbuds and other accessories. Similarly, major retailers also slash prices on premium and budget tablets, allowing you to read books and watch movies and TV shows on the go.

6. Fashion

High-end fashion is a great gift until you look at the price tag. But during the buying season, many chic retailers and outlet stores are offering some of the biggest discounts of the year on stylish jackets, handbags, wallets, sunglasses, and more. And these aren’t tiny sales—it’s not unusual to get up to 40 percent off products from some of the biggest names in fashion both online and in the store.

7. Headphones

With more and more people working remotely, a good pair of wireless, noise-canceling headphones is necessary for some peace and quiet, especially if you live in a busy home. While some premium models can cost more than $300 on a normal day, retailers will oftentimes slash $100 or more off the price to grab your attention during the holiday season.

8. Laptops

Laptops aren’t discounted often, but like 4K TVs, retailers are looking to clear shelf space for the newer models coming next year. That means stores are taking hundreds of dollars off top-rated laptops from some of the most recognizable brands around. The same goes for desktop computers and accessories like keyboards, scanners, and printers.

9. Kitchen Appliances

From small appliances like blenders and toasters to pricier splurges like air fryers and stand mixers, you can find discounts on a range of kitchen essentials during Black Friday. If you’re in the market for a larger appliance like a refrigerator, be sure to do your research early as many of those “doorbuster deals” tend to sell out quickly.

10. Travel Reservations

For anyone just looking to get away for a bit, you’ll find huge discounts on tickets from major and budget airlines. The key is to stay flexible with departure dates and not be too picky with your destination. Hotels are also known to drop their rates during Black Friday, with some deals reaching up to 25 percent off as long as you book your trip during specific months. If you keep an open mind, chances are you’ll find an ideal getaway that won’t bust your budget.

If you’re looking to splurge on a robot vacuum this Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can take 30 percent off the Roborock S7 and 24 percent off the S7+, resulting in a sale price of $455 and $720, respectively. The powerful suction of the S7 can lift debris embedded deep within your home’s carpets, and its sonic mopping function scrubs floors 3000 times per minute, eliminating dried-on dirt and stubborn stains. With the S7+, you’ll get all the features of the S7 but with an added auto-empty function that allows for hands-free debris disposal. If the S7+ is sold out, you can buy an S7 along with a separate Auto-Empty Dock.