An Early Look At Black Friday

The holiday season is here. With Mariah Carey defrosting and Starbucks lines wrapping around the store, it is finally time to re-enter the most wonderful time of the year…but that doesn’t mean to go full Christmas yet. It’s Thanksgiving time, people. 

I don’t know about you, but one of my favorite parts of the holidays, and of Thanksgiving especially, is being able to spend time with my loved ones–especially when that time involves shopping. Whether it be shopping for early Christmas presents, or for yourself, I think we can all agree that Black Friday is the time to go all out. 

With the bounty of stores participating in Black Friday in the Isla Vista and Santa Barbara area, it is easy to find great deals — if you know where to look. Lucky for you, I compiled a list of some of the best deals offered this year. Why? Because you deserve the Black Friday of your dreams.

Target 

I feel like the only appropriate way to start this list is with Target. The holiday vibes Target delivers every year are simply unmatched, and buying cute throw blankets, mini Christmas trees, and every peppermint-flavored sweet offered is a no-brainer. However, many of us are balling on a budget this year, so keeping up to date with the best deals is important. Here are some standouts. 

I know a lot of you are desperately searching for Isla Vista housing next year, but once you get the place of your dreams, you will need some quality staples. I would argue an air fryer and a good set of non-stick pans are kitchen must-haves, so Target definitely has your back there. 

While being productive this Black Friday and buying kitchen and apartment necessities is great, I know we’re all thinking the same thing: What about the adorable holiday decor? Target delivers, once again (to no one’s surprise). 

From ornaments to Christmas trees, stockings, and tinsel, Target did not come to play with their holiday decor. I don’t know about you, but I will be purchasing every one of those “Featherly Friends” figurines—for gifting to others of course!

Victoria’s Secret

There’s no way I could make a Black Friday list without the queen of Black Friday herself, Ms. Victoria. Victoria’s Secret likes to wait until Black Friday to release their deals specific to this year, but most years those deals stay relatively the same. 

Here is the breakdown: Pajamas, perfume, clothing, and lingerie (including matching sets!) are sure to be marked down, and in years past, those deals have included half-priced PJ sets, robes, and even some full-size perfumes. 

I do not know what exact items will be on sale at this time, but generally speaking, their satin pajama sets, full-size perfumes, and many of their sleepwear and lingerie matching sets (like this cute one!), will likely be on sale. 

With so many options available, you can even start browsing your local Victoria’s Secret or their website to get a better idea of what you’re looking for long before Black Friday.

Amazon

I debated if Amazon should even be on this list because it seems like everyone knows their Black Friday deals are incredible; If anything, I’m just here to reiterate that. 

Something you might not know about Amazon’s Black Friday promotions, however, is that they start very early. 

Starting November 17th, Amazon will offer deals spanning from beauty products, such as those from Lancôme and IT Cosmetics, to skincare essentials from CeraVe and La Roche-Posay, and even to technology, toys, and apparel.

Amazon also offers comprehensive lists of customers’ most-loved gifts and top gift picks for this holiday season, so finding someone for everyone on your list will be no trouble at all. 

Ulta 

With the holiday season upon us, many different parties are just around the corner, and being prepared for every function is imperative. Ulta has always been a one-stop shop for holiday beauty essentials, but this year they have outdone themselves. 

From hair tools to makeup palettes, skincare, and perfume, Ulta consistently offers some of the best deals on the widest range of products and brands. Ulta is also one of the few stores that starts their Black Friday campaign early, so feel free to start shopping. 

I’ve been using Real Techniques Makeup Brushes for years because of their softness and unrivaled ability to blend, but they can get pricey. If you haven’t tried them, I would one hundred percent recommend jumping on this deal before it’s too late!

I feel like these Neutrogena Makeup Wipes have been around forever, but I was always reluctant to buy them because of their price point and negative environmental impact. The good news is my worries are now a thing of the past. 

Neutrogena recently rolled out a new, compostable wipe to replace their previous formula, and Ulta has done the generous deed of making these wipes more affordable. They’re truly a win-win.

I’d like to note that while the specific deals I’ve listed stood out to me as being great, each of these companies is offering many more exceptional sales this November that you will not want to miss, so be sure to check out their websites or brick and mortar stores. Happy shopping!

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