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You’ve heard the saying that bad things come in threes? Well, get ready for the triple whammy that will be the 2021 holiday season. You’d be hard pressed to find a time when the global supply chain was such a topic of widespread conversation. Whether …
“Any time we’ve seen a new variant, it’s already spread around the world. So the fact that Omicron is in multiple countries in Europe, in the US, is not necessarily an ominous sign. And I think that’s a key point to keep in mind,” Dr. …
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The supply chain may not be the Grinch that steals Christmas, after all. Despite concerns of shortages, the U.S. Commerce Department reported a surge in October retail sales — an indication consumers were finding things to buy (albeit, at likely higher prices). Major retailers, meanwhile, such as Walmart, Target and the parent company of TJ Maxx and Marshalls indicated last week that they were well-stocked for the holidays.
But your gift list isn’t in the clear just yet.
Employers are still struggling to find workers. Microchip production is still struggling to meet demand. And good luck buying a PlayStation 5 for retail.
Here’s an overview of 12 products and categories that have been impacted by the supply chain, and where things stand with them right now. And if you stay tuned ’til the end, you’ll find a comprehensive list of in-stock, early Black Friday deals from Walmart, Best Buy and more.
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On Monday, Walmart was offering the impossible-to-find PlayStation 5 to members of its Amazon Prime-rivaling Walmart+ for roughly list price — “while supplies last.” This is a thing. Many retailers are releasing limited quantities of the scarce PS5 and Xbox Series X consoles (thanks, chip shortage) during the holidays. Finding one at or near list price will be a matter of determination and luck — the more frequently you check stock with retailers online and in stores, the more likely you are to catch one of the holiday season’s sporadic restocks.
If you’re intent on scoring one of these before 2021’s done, then, sure, there’s always eBay — where the PS5 and Xbox consoles are going for about $1,000 each, a 100{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} markup from their respective $500 list prices.
A better option, as we previously recommended, is StockX, the third-party marketplace. As of publication, an authenticated Xbox X Series console could be had for $775, while a similarly authenticated PS5 with Blu-ray was selling for $766. The prices on StockX fluctuate a lot, from minute to minute sometimes, so as they say, your mileage may vary.
You can also hit the buttons below to check current stock availability for the PS5 at Amazon, Best Buy and Walmart.
PlayStation 5 Video Game Console (Walmart), $499
PlayStation 5 (Best Buy), $500
Microsoft Xbox Series X (StockX), $775
HP via Amazon
In the early months of the pandemic, chip production tanked and demand for chip-driven products increased. Presto change-o: chip shortage! And while you probably don’t shop for microchips, you probably shop for items that can’t be sold without them — like, laptops.
In a holiday season forecast published in October, Stephen Baker of the market research firm the GDP Group wrote that entry-level consumer electronics — like, laptops, or, more precisely, cheap-ish laptops — “may be harder to come by.” A report on holiday tech inventory this past week by the New York Times basically concurred, noting that consumers should expect fewer laptops (and fewer deals) on machines in the sub-$400 price range.
What’s a bargain-hunting laptop buyer to do? In advice that will be repeated throughout this guide: Look around, and click around. Here, for instance, is a real, live laptop deal from our CBS Essentials look at Amazon’s early Black Friday sale: a four-and-a-half-star-rated touchscreen HP Chromebook with 4GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage — and a price tag under $200.
11.6″ HP Chromebook with touchscreen, $144 (reduced from $260)
Apple via Walmart
As reported in September, the great chip shortage forced Apple to cut production on its new iPhone 13 series through the end of the year. Fortunately for Apple adherents, 90 million iPhones minus 10{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} (the anticipated production cut) is still a lot.
As of publication, the new iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini were available directly via Apple — albeit at the devices’ pricey list prices of $799 and up, and $699 and up, respectively.
Elsewhere, Walmart was out of stock after offering the iPhone 13 for a $0 down on a monthly installment plan, and with an AT&T or Verizon service plan. (Check the button below for restocks.) Things were looking better at Best Buy, where a 128 GB device could be had for $100 off list for a one-time payment of $700, and with either a new AT&T line or account.
iPhone 13 128 GB, $22.20/mo. for 36 months with AT&T
iPhone 13 128 GB, $700 with AT&T (regularly $800)
Williams Sonoma
Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as of Aug. 31, the inventory of frozen turkeys and turkey parts was 24{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} lower than the three-year average (from 2018-2020). The feds said high feed costs were partly responsible for decreased turkey production, which itself was partly responsible for fewer frozen turkeys.
Now, does this mean your local supermarket will be out of frozen turkeys from now until New Year’s? No. But it may mean you’ll pay more for your bird this year than last.
If you want to buy a turkey online, time is of the essence. At last look, for instance, there was a wait list for a $25, delivered-to-your-door 10-pound, whole, free-range turkey from Crowd Cow.
For more leads on holiday birds and meals, including a complete Southern Cajun fried turkey dinner from Williams Sonoma, check out our CBS Essentials online turkey guide. (The Williams Sonoma meal, so you know, is billed as a Thanksgiving dinner, but at this late November date, it’s really more of a December option for your table; the dinner serves eight, and comes complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes and more.)
Crowd Cow free-range whole turkey (10 pounds), $25 (regularly $50)
Complete Southern Cajun Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner, $360
L.O.L. via Amazon
In October, the CEO of the company behind the L.O.L. Surprise line said some of the toy world’s larger-sized items, including the L.O.L. Surprise O.M.G. House of Surprises, may struggle to reach stores and warehouses this holiday season.
“The L.O.L. house — that item is over $200, and it’s big,” Issac Larian told CNBC. “You can only put 150 to 200 in a container. You can’t airfreight it.”
But at last look, things were looking good if your gift list called for L.O.L. playsets: The L.O.L. Surprise O.M.G. House of Surprises was available (and on sale) via Amazon, as was the L.O.L. Surprise O.M.G. Movie Magic Studios.
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. House of Surprises, $160 (regularly $230)
L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G Movie Magic Studios, $95 (regularly $136)
The GLD Shop
Adobe’s Digital Economy Index found that jewelry produced more out-of-stock messages from ecommerce sites in October than any other category, after tech. Diamonds may be especially hard to come by. The market-research firm IndexBox recently noted that diamond prices are ticking up due to a supply shortage.
At last look, a diamond prong link choker from The GLD Shop, as featured in our CBS Essentials guide to men’s jewelry, was in stock and shipping immediately.
18″ diamond prong link choker (19mm) in white gold, $399
Andersen Ross Photography Inc./Getty Images
In August, the American Booksellers Association advised booksellers to stock up on titles they expected to be in demand during the holiday shopping season. Maybe everybody got the memo? After weeks of monitoring Amazon’s Top 10 best-sellers of 2021, we’ve yet to encounter an out-of-stock message. So, no, no need to panic-buy copies of “I Love You to the Moon and Back.” (And, besides, with books, even when hardcovers and paperbacks are sold out, e-book editions are often available.)
“I Love You the Moon and Back” (Board Book), $4
Michael Kors via Amazon
In this category, the concern has been with Nike, Michael Kors and other brands that produce many of their goods in Vietnam — a country that’s seen pandemic-related factory shutdowns.
But in an earnings call with reporters Nov. 3, the CEO of the parent company of Michael Kors said that, while the line’s inventory was lower than hoped for, it was big enough to meet consumer demand over the holiday season.
On Amazon, we found size options limited on at least a couple of Michael Kors dresses, but we also found a number of in-stock goodies, including the best-selling Michael Kors Jet Set Travel large messenger bag.
Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Large Messenger Bag, $114 (black)
Nike via Nordstrom
As with clothing and accessories, a main concern in this category has been that leading brands such as Nike, Columbia and Lululemon rely on their goods being produced in Vietnam — a country that, now even with its factories reopened, is struggling to hit its numbers due to a shortage of workers.
Last we checked, things were solid if you were in the market for a new, $130 pair of Nike’s best-selling Air Max 90 Premium men’s shoes. Stock was also good, as of publication, for the on-sale Nike men’s Dri-Fit zip jacket, one of the featured sportswear items from our comprehensive Black Friday preview guide.
Nike Men’s Dri-Fit Zip Jacket, $45 (regularly $75)
Costway via Walmart
Christmas trees have long been susceptible to the whims of the supply chain. This year, there’s a concern regarding the artificial-tree stock. A CNN report said prices on the typically imported product could be up by as much as 25 percent over 2020.
So, higher prices — maybe. But no trees? For what it’s worth, when we checked the Walmart site, we found several top-selling artificial trees in stock, including a pre-lit, 7.5-foot Colton fir from Holiday Time.
From more options, check out our CBS Essentials roundup of in-stock artificial Christmas trees.
Pre-lit Colton fir 7.5′ artificial Christmas tree, $199
Holiday Time via Walmart
A year after shoppers hoovered up Christmas lights (in order to decorate all the trees they bought), the twinkly strings were again expected to be in short supply. (Christmas lights are largely produced and imported from countries in Asia, so, yes, supply chain issues.)
On the upside, at last look, we didn’t have any trouble finding in-stock holiday lights on the Walmart site. A set of four spiral tree pathway lights from Holiday Time, for instance, was available, and going for $27. Check out our list of Christmas decoration deals for more ideas.
Holiday Time 4-pack 18″ spiral tree pathway lights, $27
Total Wine & More
For sure, there are spirts — and deals — to be had in this space: Total Wine & More, for instance, has a series of deals on wine bundles (of two or three bottles each).
On the whole, though, the supply chain has not been kind to an industry that relies heavily on imported beverages. “Clearly, right now there’s a shortage of containers,” the Distilled Spirits Council’s David Ozgo said per CBS Dallas/Fort Worth. “Space on container ships is very, very short.”
And oh: There’s a glass shortage, too.
But don’t sound the emergency alarm just yet: Did you go to your local supermarket or liquor store tonight? Was there beer there? A bottle or two of a nice California red, perhaps? Yes? So, you’re fine then — it’s fine. Unless, that is…
Are you planning to gift someone with, say, the exclusive (and imported) Chinese liquor Kweichow Moutai? Then, as you may see at Total Wine & More, supply could be harder to come by. One possible workaround, per another of our gift guides: a gift card — maybe even to a retailer like Total Wine & More.
Total Wine & More multi-bottle specials
As indicated above, there is a range of great gifts, tech and on-sale toys that are available for you to buy right now. Here are some of our favorite early Black Friday deals you can shop at some of the nation’s top retailers.
These featured online deals are currently live at the Walmart Deals for Days early Black Friday sale.
Sony via Walmart
The Sony PlayStation 5 features near instant load times for installed PS5 games, high frame rate gameplay (120 fps) for compatible games, a wireless haptic controller with built-in microphone and 4K graphics.
Walmart released a restock of the PS5 on Monday. But subscribers to its Amazon Prime rival, Walmart+, got first crack. If you scored one, great! If you didn’t, use the “check stock now” button below to check for future restocks. (The console is only available online.)
Xbox via Walmart
The Xbox Series X console is the fastest and most powerful Xbox ever, with 12 teraflops of processing power. The gaming device is backward compatible with thousands of games from all four generations of Xbox consoles.
The Xbox Series X is about as hard to find at retailers as the Sony PS5, so use the “check stock now” button liberally. (Xbox Series X availability is online only.)
Samsung via Walmart
One of the most popular deals at Walmart this Black Friday is still available: This slim, 11.6-inch Samsung Chromebook features 4 GB of memory, a full-size keyboard and trackpad and voice control with Google Assistant. You may find better Chromebooks for sale this holiday season, but you’ll be hard pressed to find ultra-affordable ones under $200.
Samsung Chromebook 4, $129 (regularly $230)
Shark via Walmart
We’ve seen a number of good deals on robot vacuums for Black Friday, but this Shark vacuum is the lowest-priced self-emptying robot vacuum we’ve found this season. It can be controlled via an app or voice control to clean carpets and hard floors. After each cleaning session, the device automatically empties itself into its bagless self-empty base, so you won’t have to empty it time and time again.
Shark EZ bagless self-empty robot vacuum, $288 (regularly $499)
Barbie via Walmart
Barbie and friends can go anywhere in her 3-in-1 DreamCamper. This pink camper can transform into three different vehicles, five living spaces, and includes 60 accessories including fishing gear, a picnic table with seating for four, bathroom necessities, a sleeping bag and blankets.
Barbie 3-in1 DreamCamper, $60 (regularly $100)
Warner’s women’s fleece-lined tights: $7
Warnaco via Walmart
The two-pack of cold weather tights are a special price during Walmart’s Deals for Days. Each set of tights features a tummy control top. Tights run up to a size 3XL, and are available as footed or footless.
Warner’s women’s fleece-lined tights, $7
Hot Wheels via Walmart
This remote-controlled, 23-inch long vehicle really puts the “monster” in monster truck. This massive toy features radio control, four-wheel drive and an internal USB rechargeable battery.
New Bright 4WD 1:6 RC Rock Crawler, $45
Luxe via Walmart
Here’s an unusually refreshing Black Friday deal: Walmart has a bidet on deep discount during Deals for Days. The Luxe W85 model features a dual-nozzle, non-electric bidet attachment. The bidet has pressure-control knobs for user preference as well as a hygienic nozzle-guard gate for easy maintenance.
Luxe dual nozzle bidet attachment, $25
Apple
The IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant Apple AirPods (3rd generation) come with a number of upgrades over the previous generation: spatial audio that places sound all around you, longer battery life (30 hours total, with included MagSafe charging case), force sensor controls on the stalk and support for Find My Network so they’ll never go missing. You can save a few dollars off the $179 Apple list price by shopping at Walmart.
Walmart
Fall is the perfect time for a warm cup of coffee — or cup of hot cocoa — so it’s no surprise that Keurig coffee makers are popular around Black Friday. The Keurig K-Duo offers the best of both coffee worlds: the convenience of a coffee pod-based Keurig, and the versatility of a traditional carafe brewer.
Keurig K-Duo coffee machine, $79 (reduced from $99)
Walmart
Sure, air fryers are all the rage. But did you know you can get a great deal on a traditional fryer as well? This Hamilton Beach model holds up to 8 cups of oil.
Hamilton Beach fryer, $35 (reduced from $53)
Ninja via Walmart
This 4-quart air fryer circulates hot air around your food, making it crispy on the outside and perfectly cooked on the inside. And it doesn’t just air fry things: The wide temperature range (105° to 400° F) allows you to reheat and dehydrate food as well.
Ninja 4-quart air fryer, $69 (reduced from $89)
Lego via Walmart
If you know a kid who’s into cars, trucks and other modes of transportation, this Lego Classic set will bring them hours of joy.
LEGO Classic Bricks on a Roll, $25 (reduced from $30)
Anker via Walmart
This robot vacuum has home mapping and an automatic suction-power adjustment. It is also compatible with Amazon Alexa or the Google Assistant for hands-free control.
Anker Eufy Robot Vacuum, $144 (reduced from $350)
LOL via Walmart
Still looking for Splash Queen, Pranksta and the other L.O.L. Bling Series dolls? This six-pack, full of accessory reveals and surprises, can help round out any L.O.L. Surprise collection.
L.O.L. Surprise! Bling Series 6-Pack, $44 (reduced from $70)
Nerf via Walmart
This motorized Nerf blaster fires up to eight balls per second. This model features the fastest automatic Nerf firing system to-date. And there’s no need to stock up on batteries; this blaster has a built-in rechargeable battery.
Perses MXIX-5000 Nerf Rival motorized blaster, $50 (reduced from $100)
These deals are going live on Walmart.com on Monday at 7 p.m. EST, but you can preview the items now by using the links below. (If stock is thin, it’s because paid Walmart+ members got access four hours before everyone else.)
Apple via Walmart
One of this season’s must-have gifts, Apple AirPods Pro use active noise cancellation technology to block out outside noise so you only hear your favorite music, podcasts and TV shows. Need to hear important announcements or keep an ear on traffic while you have your AirPods in? The Siri-enabled AirPods Pro feature a transparency mode so you can tune in to the world around you. The water- and sweat-resistant AirPod’s silicone tips come in three sizes for a customizable and comfortable fit.
Apple AirPods Pro, $159 (regularly $197)
Apple via Walmart
The sport-focused Apple watch allows you to track all of your fitness goals. Wear it during workouts to monitor your movement and heart rate or share your daily activity with friends. The Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS is water-resistant up to 50 meters. The device is wifi and Bluetooth compatible.
Apple Watch Series 3 with GPS. $109 (regularly $199)
Nintendo via Walmart
Walmart is offering Nintendo’s latest home gaming system bundled with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe during their Black Friday deals. The $299 gaming bundle includes neon blue and red Joy-Con controllers, a Switch console, Switch dock, AC adapter, HDMI cable, two Joy-Con strap accessories, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and a Nintendo Switch online three month individual membership.
Nintendo Switch with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, $299
Xbox via Walmart
Unlike the PS5 and the Xbox series X, the Xbox series S console will likely be available in store Nov. 26 (assuming it doesn’t sell out). The gaming device offers next generation speed and performance with Xbox velocity architecture, powered by a custom SSD and integrated software. It includes backward compatibility, so gamers can play play thousands of games from all four generations of Xbox consoles.
onn. via Walmart
This smart TV has the easy-to-use (and easy-to-customize) Roku operating system built in, which provides access to thousands of paid and free TV channels. You many not be familiar with its brand name (Onn), but this 70″ Roku TV is rated 4.3 stars at Walmart — and you’ll be hard pressed to find another 70″ television with Roku baked in for this price.
70-inch class 4K smart TV with Roku, $398
The Pioneer Woman via Walmart
The nonstick cookware set comes in three different colors. It includes two saucepans with lids, two frying pans, a Dutch oven with a lid, a skillet, a wooden spoon, a baker with a lid, a chef knife with a sheath, a paring knife with a sheath, a mixing bowl with a lid, four measuring bowls, four measuring spoons, a pie dish with a lid, and a slotted turner.
The Pioneer Woman 30-piece cook and prep set, $79
Be sure to check out these early Black Friday deals, available at Best Buy now:
And that’s not all. Here are some of our favorite Best Buy early Black Friday deals you can shop right now.
Best Buy
Keep your eye on this 11-inch AMD Lenovo Chromebook with 4GB of memory and 32GB of flash storage — it’s been marked down by as much as $100 for Black Friday. Even at $219, it’s a great low-cost solution for light computing tasks such as browsing the internet, typing up documents or chatting on Zoom.
Lenovo Chromebook 3 (32GB), $219
Apple via Best Buy
Apple AirPods are $50 off right now. These water-resistant wireless earbuds come with a wireless charging case. Easily share audio from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV to your AirPods. Plus, they’re compatible with Siri.
Apple AirPods, $150 (regularly $200)
Best Buy also has the newly released Apple AirPods 3 (with a MagSafe charging case), which is sure to be one of the hottest gifts this holiday season. It’s currently available for $179 at Best Buy — list price — though at last check Walmart had the Apple AirPods 3 for $175, a savings of $4.
Mr. Christmas via Best Buy
Is it holiday magic? No, it’s your Amazon Alexa-compatible Christmas tree. Ask Alexa to turn your pre-lit Mr. Christmas tree’s lights on and off at scheduled times throughout the day or perform one of 40 lighting functions. The artificial tree stands 6.5-feet tall.
Mr. Christmas Alexa-enabled 6.5-foot artificial Christmas tree, $300 (regularly $400)
Apple via Best Buy
Apple’s high-end over-the-ear headphones are on sale right now during early Black Friday deals at Best Buy. Apple AirPods Max use active noise-cancellation technology to block out unwanted noise and feature a transparency mode so you can hear what you need to. These headphones feature 20 hours of listening. They come in a variety of colors including blue, green, red and silver. They’re also compatible with Siri.
Apple AirPods Max, $479 (regularly $549)
Keurig via Best Buy
This limited-edition, 5-inch wide Keurig machine features a blue geometric design from Jonathan Adler. The single-serving coffee maker brews coffee, tea and hot cocoa in 6- to 12-ounce amounts. (Jonathan Adler mug not included.)
Keurig limited edition Jonathan Adler K-Mini coffee maker, $50 (originally $100)
Samsung via Best Buy
Transform your TV into a piece of art when you’re not streaming your favorite shows. The Frame smart TV has a built-in motion sensor that activates your device to display your favorite pieces of art with a 4K resolution picture, whenever you enter the room. No matter if you’re admiring a Rothko or streaming Netflix, this QLED TV produces 100{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} color volume in the DCI-P3 color space, which is the format for most cinema screens and HDR movies for television. Plus, it’s $500 off for Best Buy’s early Black Friday sale.
55″ Samsung The Frame smart TV, $1,000 (regularly $1,500)
LG via Best Buy
The smart TV is $300 off right now during Best Buy’s Black Friday deals. The 65-inch screen features over 8 million self-lit pixels. The TV comes with Google Assistant and Alexa built in. The LG device’s a9 Gen4 AI processor adjusts picture and sound automatically.
LG 65-inch class C1 series OLED smart TV, $1,800 (regularly $2,100)
Nokia via Best Buy
Save $220 when you buy the Nokia 8.3 5G during Best Buy’s Black Friday deals. This Android smartphone features a 6.81-inch screen, an ultra-detailed 64 MP camera, a specialized low-light ultra-wide camera, advanced depth and macro cameras and built-in Zeiss cinematic effects.
Nokia 8.3 5G, $480 (regularly $700)
Google via Best Buy
Expand your Google Home — and bring Google assistant — to the kitchen, den, bedroom and more with the Nest Mini smart speaker, now half off.
Nest Mini smart speaker, $25 (regularly $50)
Amazon via Best Buy
This Amazon Fire TV stick is 50{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} off right now at Best Buy. The device offers support for leading HDR formats, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos Audio and gives you access to the latest 4K content. Plus, you can control the device with the Alexa voice remote, which means no more toggling around to find what you’re looking for.
Amazon Fire TV stick 4K, $25 (regularly $50)
Samsung via Best Buy
This 2021 model features a crystal processor that lets you watch TV and movies in 4K ultra high definition. The smart TV can also access your favorite apps and streaming services right on its 70-inch screen, powered by Tizen OS. Buy one now for $150 off its regular listed price during Best Buy’s early Black Friday sale.
Samsung 70-inch smart TV, $600 (regularly $750)
Microsoft via Best Buy
This multi-tasking laptop is on sale at Best Buy. This Microsoft device features an Intel Core processor, all-day battery, instant-on abilities, improved graphics, two USB-C ports and up to 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s also the thinnest Surface device yet, at just 7.33 millimeters. Right now you can buy it for $400 off its regular price.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7, $800 (regularly $1,200)
Lenovo via Best Buy
It’s a great time to upgrade your laptop. This Windows 11 upgradable Lenovo model is $400 off. This device features a powerful quad-core with an eight-way processing performance and has a 16GB system memory.
Lenovo 14″ Yoga 9i 14 2-in-1, $1,350 (regularly $1,750)
JBL via Best Buy
These wireless headphones feature active noise cancelling to tune out the world as well as smart ambient technology to keep you aware of your surroundings evening when you’re tuning in to your favorite podcast. JBL’s wireless sport headphones are also waterproof and feature auto-pause so you won’t miss a second of audio should an ear bud fall out. Best Buy has the JBL headphones for 50{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} off.
JBL Reflect Mini NC sport headphones, $75 (regularly $150)
Samsung via Best Buy
Best Buy is offering this 4.5-cubic-foot, front-loading washer for $320 off its regular price this weekend. Samsung’s AI-powered smart dial learns and recommends your favorite wash cycles so you won’t have to go to the trouble of programming it in yourself. The device is SmartThings App-compatible, so you can receive end-of-cycle alerts, remotely start or stop your wash, and schedule cycles, all on your phone.
Samsung large capacity front load washer, $750 (regularly $1,150)
Ninja via Amazon
This four-quart air fryer can air fry up to two pounds of food and features a dehydration function. The Ninja device’s basket is made to be nonstick and dishwasher safe. Rated 4.8 stars by Best Buy reviewers.
Ninja Air Fryer, $100 (regularly $120)
Apple via Best Buy
Best Buy has early Black Friday deals on Apple products including this iMac with retina 4K display. The 21.5-inch iMac comes with an Intel Core i3 processor, as well as 8GB of memory and a 1TB hard drive. This Apple computer is $500 off during the Best Buy’s Black Friday sale.
Apple 21.5-inch iMac, $1,000 (regularly $1,500)
ProForm via Best Buy
Save $500 and kickstart your 2022 resolutions when you buy this treadmill during Best Buy’s early Black Friday deals. This ProForm machine comes with a 14-inch smart touchscreen, Bluetooth heart rate monitoring technology and an included 30 day iFIT membership, valued at $396.
ProForm Pro 5000 treadmill, $1,200 (regularly $1,700)
Amazon’s early Black Friday sale, featuring what the company is calling “epic deals,” is on now. You can save big on Alexa-powered devices, toys, apparel, kitchenware, beauty and much more. You’ll can even opt to shop small businesses on Amazon this holiday season — it’s where you’ll find all the small business merch in the 2021 Oprah’s Favorite Things list this year.
Here’s a sampling of what’s on sale.
Amazon
Gift cards are almost as good as cash, which is what makes this deal so exciting: Now through Dec. 18, first-time Amazon gift card buyers will get a $10 promotional credit when they buy $50 or more in Amazon gift cards.
Buy $50 of gift cards, get a $10 credit (first-time buyers only)
Aerogarden/Amazon
If you (or a loved one on your gift-shopping list) ever craved a restaurant-worthy meal on a budget, know this: Chefs generally recommend using fresh herbs over dried ones in home cooking. Give the gift of chef-level weeknight dinners with this compact, countertop garden that grows fresh herbs. Save 40{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} on this kit, which grows up to six plants, including two kinds of basil, parsley, thyme, and even the ever-finicky dill.
Even better: The kit grows in water, so there’s no messy soil to clean up.
AeroGarden Harvest indoor garden with LED grow light. $90 (reduced from $150)
Looking to save money on an Amazon Kindle or one of Amazon’s other popular gadgets? Here are all the best pre-Black Friday deals on Amazon-made devices right now.
Amazon
You can get a deal on Amazon’s newly released smart TVs with Fire TV baked in — the 50-inch and 55-inch models are both reduced during Amazon’s early Black Friday sale. “It’s not OLED contrast,” says Amazon reviewer Gail Hughes, “but it is a beautiful 4K HDR.”
50″ Amazon Fire TV 4K smart TV, $330 (reduced from $470)
55″ Amazon Fire TV 4K smart TV, $380 (reduced from $520)
For an upgrade over the basic Amazon Fire TV 4K model, check out the Amazon Fire TV Omni Series 4K. This TV has picture-in-picture chat capabilities plus a built-in mic, so it can be controlled hands-free without a remote.
50″Amazon Fire TV Omni Series 4K, $360 (reduced from $510)
55″ Amazon Fire TV Omni Series 4K, $410 (reduced from $560)
Amazon
Though this Paperwhite is the 2018 model, it features an easy-to-read 6-inch display and 32GB of storage. Plus, it’s waterproof, and is nearly half off its original price.
Kindle Paperwhite, 2018 model, $85 (reduced from $160)
Amazon’s newest Kindle Paperwhite features a larger 6.8-inch display and 8GB of storage. If you’re looking for the newest Kindle to give this holiday, this Kindle Paperwhite is it.
Kindle Paperwhite, 2021 model with 6.8″ display (8GB), $160
Amazon
Stream Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ content and more in vivid 4K Ultra HD with Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K, now $25 off — the best price we’ve seen for it. Comes with an Alexa voice remote.
Fire TV Stick 4K, $25 (reduced from $50)
Lego
Amazon is offering deals on some of the hottest toys of 2021. Choose from a selection of popular toys that includes the best-selling WowWee Fairy Finder, L.O.L. Surprise dolls, Paw Patrol toys and more.
WowWee/Amazon
One of the most buzzed about toys of 2021, the best-selling Got2Glow Fairy Finder is a jar designed to search for virtual fairies. Similar in concept to Pokémon and Tamagotchi, kids search for little winged BFFs wherever they roam. Once caught, they function as digital pets. Each jar offers 30 virtual fairies to find, 100 in all. Fairies can even be traded among friends.
Reduced to $35 by Amazon, the WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder was sold out on the site last we checked. But don’t count out the possibility of a restock.
WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder, $35 (reduced from $40)
Tommy Hilfiger via Amazon
If you’re looking for solid deals on fashion, Amazon’s early Black Friday sale is worth checking out.
Amazon
Water resistant to 100 meters, this eye-catching Invicta Men’s Pro Diver watch is one of Amazon’s most popular early Black Friday fashion deals right now. It’s more than half off for a limited time.
Invicta Men’s Pro Diver watch, $72 (reduced from $149)
Amazon
Amazon shoppers know a top Black Friday deal when they see it: This crystal-accented, gold-tone bangle, watch and bracelet set by Anne Klein was snapped up after being discounted a whopping 66{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} off its $150 list price. Use the below “check stock now” button to check for restocks.
Anne Klein Women’s Gold-Tone Bangle Watch and Bracelet set, $150
Le Creuset / Amazon
Plenty of kitchen deals are on offer during Amazon’s early Black Friday sale, including a $120 savings on the 3.5-quart Le Creuset Cast Iron Sauteuse Oven ($180) above. Here are some other kitchen deals on offer:
iRobot/Amazon
You won’t have trouble finding home-goods deals this season. Exhibit A: The iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum, now on sale for $100 off, at $200. But, as they say, that’s not all. Here are more home and kitchen deals, available at Amazon now.
It’s not just Amazon’s gadgets that are on sale. There are plenty of great electronics from Apple, Bose and more on sale at Amazon right now.
Apple via Amazon
Right now at Amazon you can score a $79 discount on Apple’s sweat- and water-resistant earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro.
Apple AirPods Pro, $170 (reduced from $250)
As of publication, Amazon was out of the brand new Apple AirPods 3 (with a MagSafe case). Use the “check stock now” button to check for restocks.
Amazon
This HP Chromebook features 4GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, an 11.6-inch touchscreen and a fantastic price.
11.6″ HP Chromebook with touchscreen, $145 (reduced from $260)
Amazon
This cute splashproof smartwatch with a built-in interactive robot companion tracks steps, takes photos with its two built-in cameras and even plays games.
Little Tykes Tobi 2 Robot smartwatch, $55 (reduced from $68)
Amazon
Looking for an affordable Android smartphone at an even-better-than-usual price? This 6.4-inch device from Motorola offers all the basics, including a 48-megapixel triple camera system and a 16-megapixel low-light selfie cam. Comes unlocked, so you can choose your carrier.
Motorola Moto G Stylus smartphone, $200 (reduced from $300)
Amazon
You can save big on the JBL Tune 120TWS true wireless earbuds — they’re 58{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} off at Amazon right now. Earbuds last 4 hours on a single charge, with up to 12 hours more worth of charge via the included charging case.
JBL Tune 120TWS wireless earbuds, $60 (reduced from $120)
There are plenty of great pre-Black Friday deals on beauty products available at Amazon right now.
Amazon
These slimming face masks, rated 4.2 stars by Amazon reviewers, feature hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, seaweed extract and collagen.
Lauer V-shaped face mask, $12 (reduced from $20)
Amazon
This 4.6-star-rated hair dryer and volumizer from Revlon is now $25 off at Amazon.
Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush, $35 (reduced from $60)
Want to shop small this holiday season? Amazon has a small business gift guide full of great, feel-good ideas. Plus, don’t forget to check out our top picks from Oprah’s Favorite Things 2021 — all of Oprah’s picks are from small businesses this year.
Looking to pick up some great Christmas decorations and beautiful new Christmas lights? The Target Holiday Shop is decking the halls with $5 decor deals, $20 wreath deals and more.
Here are some more featured deals at the Target early Black Friday sale this week:
Target
Looking for a good Black Friday deal on headphones? These high-performance, wireless earphones are sweat- and water-resistant; have adjustable, secure-fit hooks to maximize comfort; and are equipped with volume and track controls on both earbuds for extra convenience. The earbuds have a battery life of up to nine hours without a charging case and up to 24 hours with one. They can also be revived for an extra 1.5 hours of battery time with a Fast Fuel five-minute charge when low on power.
Powerbeats Pro wireless earphones, $150 (regularly $250)
Target
These noise-canceling headphones have 20 hours of battery life and a noise-rejecting dual microphone system, so you can turn even the most chaotic spaces into a work, relaxation or just plain quiet environment.
Bose QuietComfort 35 noise cancelling wireless headphones II, $179 (regularly $300)
Target
With the Google Nest Mini, switching on a light or turning up the music is as easy as saying, “Hey, Google.”
Google Nest Mini (2nd Generation), $25 (regularly $50)
Target
Save big on this single basket air fryer from air-fryer brand PowerXL. With its space-saving design and digital control panels, cooking healthier fried food with little to no oil will be more convenient than ever.
PowerXL 5-quart single basket air fryer, $60 (regularly $120)
Target
With its new sleek and discreet design for 2021, the Roku stick blends seamlessly with any TV set-up to transform it into a smart and convenient streaming experience. Thanks to long-range Wi-Fi connection and voice-control capabilities, catching up on all the best shows on Disney+, Prime Video, HBO Max, Apple TV+, Netflix and Hulu is a snap.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K, $30 (regularly $50)
Target
The Ninja Foodi power blender and processor system can take care of practically any blending needs, from an extra-thick smoothie bowl to pizza dough. Variable speed control and six preset blending programs provide as much, or as little, customization as needed to make the best possible smoothies, juices, cocktails and more.
Ninja Foodi power blender and processor system, $140 (regularly $180)
Target
Enhance your home theater with this frameless 720p smart TV that maximizes screen space and allows you to stream, control and even share content to your TV with Apple Airplay. This TV also works with Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.
TCL 32″ Class 3-Series HD Smart Roku TV, $160 (regularly $200)
Target
The Beats Solo 3 Wireless headphones offer an adjustable and comfortable design, up to 40 hours of battery life and Fast Fuel charging that revives headphones for three hours after just five minutes of charging.
Beats Solo 3 Wireless Headphones, $150 (regularly $200)
Target
Upgrade your remote work set up with this reliable, light and long-lasting Windows 10 laptop with fast charging technology to make it easy to work from anywhere. It comes with 8GB of memory and 256GB SSD storage. Plus, enjoy a free upgrade to Windows 11 when it becomes available.
HP 15.6″ Laptop with Windows Home in S mode (256GB), $540
Target
Save on counter space and coffee shop bills with this Keurig K-Slim single-serve K-cup pod coffee maker.
Keurig K-Slim single-serve K-cup pod coffee maker, $99 (regularly $120)
Nordstrom has markdowns on men’s, women’s and children’s fashion, home and more.
Nordstrom
Save on Nike apparel at Nordstrom now.
Nike Men’s Dri-Fit zip jacket, $45 (reduced from $75)
Nordstrom
Save 32{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} on this luxe 100{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} cashmere crewneck with ribbed trim at the neck, cuffs and hem.
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, $80 (reduced from $119)
Nordstrom
The beautiful 10-inch Always Pan Set from Our Place serves as a nonstick fry and saute pan, skillet, steamer, saucier, spatula and spoon rest. Reduced to $99 (from $145 list), this set was sold at as of publication. Use the “check stock now” button to check for restocks.
Our Place Always Pan Set, $145
Nordstrom
Comfy and cozy, these plush slippers are a favorite of CBS Essentials readers.
Nordstrom Snuggle Plush faux fur slipper, $15 (reduced from $29)
Kohl’s has plenty of deals on apparel, kitchen appliances, home goods and more. Through Friday, Black Friday deals were 15{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} off with the promo code “ENJOY15.”
Kohl’s
Another favorite of CBS Essentials readers, The Big One plush throw measures 60″ x 72″ and is available in a wide range of prints. On sale for $10, you can take the price down to $8 by using the promo code “ENJOY15” at checkout.
The Big One oversized plush throw, $8 (regularly $27)
Kohl’s
This complete cookware set includes a 1.5-quart covered saucepan, 2.5-quart covered saucepan, 3-quart covered saute pan, 6-quart covered stockpot, 8-inch skillet and 10-inch skiller. On sale for $65, you can take the price down to $55 by using the promo code “ENJOY15” at checkout.
Food Network 10-piece nonstick ceramic cookware set, $55 (reduced from $130)
Kohl’s
These jeans, a favorite among CBS Essentials shoppers, are now marked down to $20. You can take another 15{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} off, and drop the price to $17, by using the promo code “ENJOY15” at checkout.
Women’s Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda classic jeans, $17 (regularly $40)
This week at GameStop you’ll find deals on a number of top video game titles and gaming accessories, including:
GameStop
Razer Basilisk Ultimate Wireless gaming mouse with charging dock, $100 (reduced from $130)
Find furniture, small kitchen appliances, bedding and more reduced at Wayfair.
Wayfair
Worried about the possible artificial Christmas tree supply shortage this year? Wayfair has you covered with a 4-foot-tall tree by the Holiday Aisle for just $24. Larger trees are available too — you can get a 6-foot artificial spruce for $108 and a massive 9-foot artificial spruce for $207.
4′ green pine artificial Christmas tree, $23
6′ artificial spruce Christmas tree, $108 (reduced from $236)
Green artificial spruce Christmas tree with lights, $207 (reduced from $583)
Wayfair
Save on this classic as-seen-on-TV kitchen gadget at Wayfair.
The Magic Bullet countertop blender, $48 (reduced from $57)
Mercury Row via Wayfair
This reviewer-loved velvet sofa bed has a 1950s feel. It transforms into a twin-size bed and is available in three colors, including this eye-catching green.
Mercury Row Imani square arm sleeper, $450 (reduced from $669)
Mercury Row via Wayfair
Choose from cream or gray in this cotton wall hanging with a tasseled bottom. Try using it as earthquake-proof artwork above a bed.
Mercury Row cotton wall hanging, $51 (reduced from $70)
Find makeup, skincare, fragrances and more reduced at Ulta.
Croc via Ulta
This flat iron has a nine-foot-long cord. You’ll have room to move around while you use one of the four heat settings on your locks. And there’s no worry about wondering if you left the flat iron on again: This device has a 40 minute auto shut-off safety feature.
Croc rose gold nano titanium 1.25-inch flat iron, $90 (regularly $130)
Photo by Bob Riha/WireImage Airfare is increasing as the holidays draw nearer, with ticket prices up 55{e9f0aada585b9d73d0d08d3c277fd760092386ec23cac37d50f4b8cd792b062a} over Christmas compared to 2020. Airfare tracking app Hopper says travelers should book their Christmas travel no later than Thanksgiving. Experts say increased bookings and rising fuel costs …
Amid a provide chain crunch and shipping snarls that have stored shops scrambling to hold shelves stocked, customers panicking about not getting plenty of gifts will confront yet another shortage this period — deals. Throughout the board, retailers which include Best Get, Kohl’s and Macy’s have …
Prevent the incredibly hot places. If your journey is for vacation, rather than to visit household, and you can be flexible, take into consideration booking a vacation to a considerably less preferred desired destination. You’ll skip many of the regular vacation-season hassles and in all probability help you save money, as effectively. (Hotel premiums in New York Town, for instance, can skyrocket all through the holidays.)
Make progress reservations for airport parking. Even off-residence loads can fill up throughout the vacation period. You could look into remaining at an airport hotel the evening before an early flight these inns at times have fantastic lengthy-term-parking deals that can offset the price of a night’s stay.
Check out rental-motor vehicle availability. Due to a shortage of rental vehicles, charges have skyrocketed — often exceeding the value of a flight — so it may possibly be in your greatest fascination to guide flights to match car availability, if you have the versatility to do so.
Research your destination’s COVID-19-similar rules. For international travel, recognize what tests and vaccination needs are in location at your desired destination.
Even for domestic journeys, search into your destination’s COVID-19 guidelines some towns, including Washington, D.C., and New York Town, demand encounter masks in indoor community locations (between other requirements). You are going to want to know what to count on as shortly as you hit the ground. Person attractions and businesses may perhaps have their own policies, this sort of as requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Get there at the airport, and the correct terminal, early. Fliers anxious about journey in the holiday season must allow a lot of time right before their flight and do their homework, advises Doug Yakel, public information officer for San Francisco International Airport: “Know which terminal your flight is running from finding dropped off in the wrong site can make for a demanding begin to a trip. Arrive at the airport two hours prior to a domestic flight, three hrs prior to an worldwide flight.”
Get by way of TSA security screening as competently as possible. Try to streamline your boarding approach by signing up for and working with the Department of Homeland Security’s Dependable Traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck and World Entry. If you aren’t enrolled in one of these programs and require to acquire off your footwear and jacket, do so ahead of you are standing in front of the conveyor belt, so you don’t hold up other passengers.
Remember that, due to the pandemic, you’re allowed to convey liquid hand sanitizer in containers of up to 12 ounces in carry-on baggage formerly, liquids had to be in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces. You are also continue to authorized to use a driver’s license that expired on or after March 1, 2020, as suitable ID at checkpoints, for a person 12 months immediately after the expiration date.
Splurge on lounge access. Consider paying out further to escape the airport crowds and decompress in an airline lounge (or indication up for a credit card that gives you obtain to the lounges) prior to boarding. A day go is about $25 to $40 the LoungeBuddy app enables you to reserve in progress.
Do not hog overhead bin space. Use the place earlier mentioned your seat, if possible — not the initially area you see when you enter the aircraft. And never shove in your coat and other bulky products along with the allowed carry-on bag. Your one particular particular product, like a purse or notebook bag, ought to fit beneath the seat.
Be good. Don’t cause challenges about the rules, and, yet again, be affected person airways and the feds are cracking down on unruly passengers’ actions, which has accelerated in modern months. Not to point out that airports and airline workers have a great deal of other stressors, such as workers shortages. They absolutely really do not want to contend with rude shoppers (nor do other passengers).
