I think we are doing the wallet and gift card gifts again for DD and SIL. I saw a cute wallet for DD, and it’s easy enough to find one for SIL. Then I’ll get a bunch of cards to places I know they frequent. They will also get some small holiday decorations for their home.
DS will get a box with some Christmas goodies, but the main gift will be cash.
Both will get tins of holiday cookies too.
Thanks - The fancy espresso machine has a built in grinder.
I’m hoping the early Black Friday sales are for the final ones and I’m not going to wish I’d waited until “actual” Black Friday. Although I could just buy and return the first. Since no one has given me gift ideas I’ve bought myself a new Ipad (Walmart, although the sale price was the same at other places) and a travel backpack from EddieBauer to replace my much loved but now ripped and dirty one.
I always buy Bombas socks to put in the Christmas stockings, so I took advantage of the percentage off ( got myself a pair of slippers,too).
I only shop on Amazon if I need something right away and can’t get it locally, so I ignore their “deals”. Since I only do stockings and cash for my kids, it doesn’t impact me much.
I will be buying some gourmet oil and vinegars at a local shop as well as books from my local independent bookstore. I love small business Saturday!
Our downtown has a Holiday Stroll, so it’s like getting an extra Small Business Saturday the first Saturday in December.
I really need nothing. I have been eating out of my refrigerator and freezer for weeks (just buy milk, frozen soup dumplings, fruit, and granola as needed) but when I need something, I try to buy local. After a futile trip to the local card and trinkets store in search of Chanukah cards and 2026 calendars, I had to use the evil Amazon empire and Etsy, but that’s ok. I have two gigantic garbage bags of stuff to donate to my favorite local charity and will schlep them in my granny cart on the bus or subway later this week. It feels so good to clear out all this stuff (how many black pants, red/green/black-and-white sweaters do I need? Way, way less than I have) to a charity that will sell my stuff and give in-person English and citizen-test lessons to my neighbors. Happy holidays!
Long list but actually some good sales depending what you’re looking for (I think this link will work without a gift link?)
Baggu has 25% off today early Black Friday. D wanted this leather crossbody so I was happy to get $30 more off it!
Code, EARLY25
I’m getting served ads for BritBox BF special for 2 months, $2.99/month. I have never used this streaming service but know others have and love it
Tastes of Chicago started their Black Friday 25% off discount - TCXBFCM25 - that’s their best discount, ends up $35 off a six pack.
This didn’t turn out to be what I thought but now asking for ideas - my son is in Chicago (Northwestern grad student) and is a foodie, although vegetarian / eats seafood. Any ideas for gifts - food tour, experience, etc.?
Sorry, moved away ten years ago which is why I have to get the pizzas shipped!
Indienne downtown has a fabulous vegetarian tasting menu! It’s an experience for sure! https://www.indiennechicago.com
I see $0.99/month events several times per year, so $2.99/month for BritBox doesn’t sound impressive to me. I am looking forward to other streaming discounts.
I have been getting the Hulu BF deal every year for the past several years. Last year’s deal was $0.99/month. Hulu has a BF page saying a deal is coming at Hulu Black Friday Deal 2025 | Hulu Guides , but doesn’t list what the price is.
HBO Max’s website displays a $2.99/month deal. The offer ends on Dec 1st. I may or may not get this, after reviewing what shows/movies are available.
Well, I’m posting what is current and active and providing a direct link so people can take advantage of it. If you see streaming deals it would be extremely helpful if when they are active and linkable, please post them as well!
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Hulu just posted their Black Friday deal on the main website. Unfortunately it’s the same as the GMA preview – $4.99/month for Hulu + Disney. It seems that Hulu wants to focus on their new combined Hulu + Disney app, so for the first time in many years, they do not offer a BF deal for Hulu in isolation. Hulu also had a $2 price hike ~1 month ago, so their previous BF price of $0.99/month Hulu alone or $2.99 Hulu+Disney becomes $4.99 for Hulu+Disney.
However, if you were a previous Hulu member, you can likely find a $2.99/month offer code in an October email (before price hike) whose expiration date is listed as 12/10/2026. I’ll probably renew with that, rather than the BF deal.
A summary of available streaming deals is below. Netflix never offers a BF deal, but Paramount and Peacock have had quality deals in the past, so they may post offers over the next few days. I have already claimed the Audible and Spotify deals. I plan to also get the HBO Max deal, in addition to Hulu. However, I expect that I’ll cancel HBO Max early as I will only need ~2 months to catch up the few shows I’d like watch, unless I choose to re-watch an older series, such as Game of Thrones.
Where do/did you get the Spotify offer?
Has anyone seen an Apple GC Black Friday deal (that’s not with Best Buy - I don’t want to have to spend more there than the GC)?
I’ve purchased a fair number of things from the early Black Friday sales.
Sweaters from Abercrombie and Macy’s
An inexpensive robe from Macy’s
Pajamas from Petite Plume
Makeup from Nordstrom
Hair products and nail polish from Ulta
Nail polish from Londontown
Socks (for me) and jackets from REI
An espresso machine from Miele - but that was for me, to use NOW 
What is GC??