The Update

What to Buy and What to Skip This Black Friday

Before you brave the crowds this Black Friday, take a few minutes to read through our list of what to buy and what to skip so you come home only with true bargains.

Skip: Large Home Appliances

While you may find markdowns this Black Friday on large household appliances, like dishwashers and refrigerators,you’ll find even better during long holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, Labor Day and President’s Day.

Buy: Small Home Appliances

You can score fantastic Black Friday deals on small household appliances like coffee makers, toaster ovens and blenders, which may see discounts of up to 65%.

Skip: Jewelry

Prices on jewelry fall significantly in December and even further in January. If you’re not in any rush, you’re best off waiting until July, when jewelry prices are at their lowest point of the year.

Buy: Electronics

Crazy-low prices on electronics are a Black Friday basic. In recent years, supersized TVs have been marked down several hundred dollars by retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Discounted Apple products are another Black Friday favorite, with shoppers waiting for this day to buy their MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches and Apple TVs.

Skip: Toys

You’ll get better prices on toys and children’s games in the weeks leading up to Christmas, when the shopping season is already winding down and retailers are looking to clear out inventory.

Buy: Online Doorbusters

With many retailers now offering their Black Friday doorbusters online, there’s no longer a need to fight the crowds for these fantastic bargains. You can now shop at your leisure from the comfort of your home. The best items will still get grabbed quickly so be sure to move fast!

Skip: Fitness Equipment 

Push off buying exercise gear until after the holidays for a better deal. You’ll score even steeper discounts if you wait until February, when the post-holiday inspiration for getting into shape starts wearing off.

Buy: Travel Deals

If you plan on travelling for the holidays, or for a mid-winter getaway, look for markdowns on Black Friday and Cyber Monday on airfare, hotel reservations and car rentals.

Skip: Bedding

Is your bedroom in need of a facelift? You’ll have to wait for January and its legendary “white sales” for the year’s steepest discounts on bedding and linens.

Buy: Video Games

If you’ve got a gamer on your holiday gift list, shop for discounted video games on Black Friday. You’ll find deals on the newest games at big-box stores and online at Playstation.com, Nintendo.com and Xbox.com.

Skip: Winter Clothing

For the real steals on winter apparel, you’ll have to wait until the calendar hits January.

Earn 2x Reward Points on Amazon

Starting this Black Friday and running to December 23rd, RGCU Members will earn 2x Reward points on everything they purchase on Amazon.com with their RGCU Debit or Credit Card. These points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more!