black friday 2021

All the Best (Early) Black Friday Deals: From REI to Levi’s

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

You may have noticed some posts from our friends at the Strategist on the Cut. They’ll be dropping in every now and again, sharing their expertise on the basics you don’t have time to research and the weird and wonderful things you don’t yet know you need.

Black Friday used to refer only to the day after Thanksgiving, when a lot of things — both online and off — would suddenly go on sale. But dedicated shoppers know that it’s no longer just a day but a full season, in which lots of exceptionally good deals can be found at practically any point during the weeks leading up to the big day. We’re keeping track of all of them here, whether you’re buying a gift for a special person on your holiday list or just a little something for yourself. Currently, discounts can already be found on expert-recommend vacuums, chef-favorite pans, celebrity-approved pimple patches, and much (much) more. We’ll update this page over the next week as more deals continue to roll out — but be sure sign up to our email newsletter for extra sales coverage, too.

AllModern

Take 25 percent off select furniture and décor as part of AllModern’s Early Access Black Friday sale.

This neutral rug is made from durable, hand-loomed jute, which can easily withstand high-traffic areas. It’d look particularly handsome in a hall or entryway.

Made from hand-painted terracotta, this little plant pot can be placed both indoors and out.

AllModern Eldora Side Chair
$190
$190

One of the most stylish (and minimalist) office chairs we’ve seen to date.

Amazon

Amazon’s Early Black Friday deals are officially here, with dozens of new holiday discounts appearing daily.

This very giftable 23andMe testing kit comes with over 150 personalized genetic reports and screens for health conditions like type 2 diabetes, late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and lactose intolerance.

$150

Strategist newsletter editor Mia Leimkuhler says this 5.5-cup rice cooker from Zojirushi — which she uses five days a week — makes “flawless rice with just the push of a button.”

iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum
$170
$170

A robot vacuum — very much like this Roomba model — once saved Strategist writer Liza Corsillo’s relationship. It works on both carpets and hard floors, and can connect to your phone or voice assistant.

Levi’s

Levi’s Red Tab members can take 40 percent off their purchase (and get free shipping) as part of the brand’s Early Access Indigo Friday Sale. Membership is free and only requires an email address.

Some ’70s-inspired straight-leg jeans that are still in stock in sizes 23 to 32.

$71

We particularly like the relaxed, boxy fit and vintage look of this neutral trucker jacket.

Levi’s 501s are an eternal favorite of the stylish men we speak to, who say their fit and versatility make them the “gold standard” of jeans.

Macy’s

Take up to 75 percent off across all categories as part of the retailer’s Black Friday Early Access sale.

It’s not every day we see an under-$20 toaster oven.

Any boyfriend or brother would be happy to receive a corduroy shirt for cool-weather layering.

Are these slightly fugly? Yes. Will they be supremely comfortable? No question.

This seven-piece comforter set comes with everything you (or they) will need for a full bedding refresh this winter, including a comforter, two standard shams, a flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two standard pillowcases.

Mattresses!

So many mattresses are currently on sale — from Allswell to Leesa to Tuft & Needle — that we went and made a whole round-up of our Strategist-tested favorites here.

Nordstrom

Take up to 40 percent off select items for men, women, kids, and home. (And be sure to check out our full guide to the best early Nordstrom deals here.)

Some best-selling ankle-length leggings for both lifting and lounging.

Two truly nonstick (and top-rated) frying pans from All-Clad — for the price of just one.

Refresh their (or your own) underwear drawer with a three-pack of everybody’s favorite Calvin Klein boxer briefs.

Our Place

Select Our Place cookware is up to $125 off through November 29, both at Nordstrom and on the brand’s website.

The chef-favorite Always Pan set can serve as a nonstick fry and sauté pan, steamer, skillet, saucier, and spoon rest.

This walnut cutting board would make a thoughtful gift for the home cook who has it all.

Add some color to your dinner parties with these stackable drinking glasses. Along with the sage green shown, they’re on sale in sunset orange, clear, and light brown.

REI

Now through November 22, REI is offering up to 40 percent off select gear and cold-weather clothing.

A classic North Face jacket outfitted for near-freezing temps.

$74

This patterned fleece pullover has what most fleeces lack: a cozy oversized hood to keep you nice and toasty.

$19

Or if you’d rather wear a beanie, this knitted one can be worn slouched or cuffed, and is also on sale in green and black.

If you’ve got an avid hiker to shop for, you can’t go wrong with cushioned socks from Smartwool — a favorite among several trail runners and skiers we’ve spoken to.

Starface

Through November 24, you can take 20 percent off your purchase at Starface with EARLYBIRD20.

Our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton says these star-shaped pimple patches “help suck out any oils and pus” from active spots, making your zits look smaller and flatter by the time you remove them.

Target

Target is offering new early holiday deals across all categories each day.

Dyson V8 Animal Extra Vacuum
$415
$415

Give the gift of clean floors with this deeply discounted cordless Dyson — one of our go-to models for picking up pet hair.

$115

Podcaster Traci Thomas told us these noise-canceling headphones from Beats are “perfect for audiobooks or just reading in peace.”

L.O.L. Surprise! dolls are a favorite among girls aged 10 and under — and always quick to sell out.

Whether you’re serving just one cup of decaf or 12 after Thanksgiving dinner, consider this heavily discounted K-Duo coffee brewer from Keurig. It can brew an entire carafe with grounds or a single serving with K-Cups.

Walmart

New deals each day offering up to 50 percent off electronics, toys, home items, fashion, and more.

An exceptional deal on this shaver from Philips Norelco — the maker of some of our favorite electric razors — which features self-sharpening blades that work on wet or dry skin.

$99

The AirPods that started it all: They boast a five-hour battery life and seamlessly pair with all Apple devices.

If you’ve got a little one on your holiday list this year, a child psychologist told us that playing with Legos “allows [kids] to develop their own creative ideas and fosters spatial awareness.” (Depending on their playing style, it might also teach them to look before they step when barefoot.)

$159

A little more affordable than the Dyson above, reviewers say this cordless vacuum from Shark works “perfectly” on all floor types and is a must for picking up pet hair.

Wayfair

Up to 80 percent off décor, furniture, bedding, and appliances until November 30.

Here’s a convincing dupe for the coveted Wishbone Chair. (You can save even more when you buy a set of two.)

A still-in-stock pre-lit artificial Christmas tree for under $100.

This stylish floor lamp features a brown rattan shade and sturdy marble base.

Lastly, here’s an excellent deal on a pillow-top pet bed fit for the most pampered of pups.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

All the Best Early Black Friday Deals (So Far)