When Black Friday mania starts, it's easy to forget what you even wanted in the first place. It's an overwhelming shopping experience that's for sure, and everywhere you turn there's a discount here and a BOGOF there, and a free gift with purchase all the way over there.
In case you're feeling perplexed as to what to buy this year, you might be interested in seeing what's in the checkout for the HELLO! team members.
I sent an email around to the entire team to find out what they're buying in the Black Friday sales - some were fascinating buys - and gave me inspiration as to what to buy as well. You might not want to be inspired, you might just want to be nosey, and that's totally understandable.
Leanne Bayley, Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
What I'm buying on Black Friday: The Kindle Paperwhite
I've resisted the Kindle up until now, but I think it's finally time to admit defeat. The books I packed for my recent holiday took up way too much valuable space and I had to deal with flyaway pages by the pool - such a nightmare! I also commute to HELLO! HQ, so I think a Kindle will be perfect for delayed train trips.
The latest Kindle is ultra thin, and waterproof - which means I can read by the pool or in the bath and not deal with pages getting wet. Now, do I choose the chic new green colour or the raspberry pink?
Katherine Robinson, Senior Lifestyle Editor
What I’m buying on Black Friday: AllSaints Mode Merino Zip Up Ramskull Hoodie
I always get as much of my Christmas shopping done on Black Friday - it just makes sense with all of the deals that are up for grabs, why wouldn’t you? My other half really loves AllSaints and when he’s not in his work clothes, he lives in their hoodies. So I’ll be adding this to basket for sure, in more than one colourway.
I love the quality of AllSaints clothes and their hoodies are super soft and look really nice on. They’re not just for lounging around at home, they’re a good smart-casual outfit solution for going out. They’re quite slim fit which I like - and I love to steal them to wear myself. The 30% discount that AllSaints have for Black Friday is a great price drop.
Anna Johnstone, Head of Social
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: Nespresso Pink Coffee Machine
I currently have a pod coffee machine that I bought in a sale years ago and it's honestly absolutely dreadful. The coffee doesn't come out hot (my mum refuses to drink it), it's a nightmare to clean, and it's really ugly on my limited surface space. I am loyal to my Grind coffee pods so can't have a model that takes the newer Nespresso pods, and also, I want it to look chic next to the pink tins and pink kitchen tiles. This one gets a big thumbs up from me!
Hollie Brotherton, Lifestyle & Commerce Senior Writer
What I’m buying on Black Friday: Reformation Anaiis Silk Dress
I have a winter wedding coming up and I've had my eye on Reformation's Anaiis dress for months. Now it's dropped in the sale with 25% off, I have to have it. I love the chic backless cut, which is balanced with a high neck and floor-sweeping length. It's made from a gorgeous 100% silk fabric, and like the model, I'll accessorise with some statement earrings.
Millie Jackson, Content Managing Editor
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: Glass Meal Prep Containers
Heading into the new year, I'm planning to up my meal prepping game, and these containers are perfect for making lunches and dinners in advance, for those busy days where I don't have lots of time to prepare food but still want a nutritious, filling meal.
You may have read about plastic containers which can leach chemicals into food and drink, so this is an ideal solution to keep your food safe and fresh. Besides, as the glass is dishwasher safe and reusable, it's eco-friendly too.
Carla Challis, Shopping Partnerships Editor
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: Apatchy Suede Shoulder Bag
I held out on a new handbag for the office until now, when the sales are on. I've had my eye on a suede bag all autumn, and this Apatchy bag is about perfect for me - big enough for my daily commute (sans laptop) but cool enough to use post-work too. It's black, which I find more wearable than brown, and has an on-trend moon shape that looks great on the shoulder or across the body.
Tracy Fleming, Content Managing Editor
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: Art Easel Stand for Painting
Many years ago I studied Illustration, but did nothing with it for years, but losing my boyfriend during covid and with time and grief to cope with I decided to pick up the paint brush again.
I am purchasing it as recently I have got more commissions. I like to paint portraits of people and more recently, dogs.
I wanted it due to the height-adjustable feature, letting me stand or sit comfortably. Working upright gives you a better view of your piece and lets you step back to assess it more easily. It's also useful to have the tray for storing paints etc.
Check out my instagram page @arty_impressions. I would love it if you'd like to follow me.
Emmy Griffiths, TV and Film Editor
What I'm buying on Black Friday: Our Place cookware
I spent most of my 20s - and early 30s if I'm being entirely honest - using the same set of pots and pans that I hauled over to London from my university days. Not only pretty unhygienic I'd imagine, I am also a subpar chef, and my pans' burned bases weren't really adding a tasty flavouring to my dinners that I would have liked.
I decided that this Black Friday I would invest in a nice set of pots and pans at long last - and couldn't have been more thrilled to discover the trendy cookware brand Our Place has some brilliant Black Friday deals going on.
With an impressive £240 off their usual price point, I scooped up the 4-piece Always Pan and Perfect Pot set - and I am in love! Now, all I need to do is avoid buying Our Place's many enticing accessories to go with them... wish me luck!
Danielle Stacey, Online Royal Correspondent
What I'm buying on Black Friday: A Banana GT Balance Bike
Top of my wish list this year is a balance bike for my toddler, who is ready to graduate from his scuttlebug. The banana bike comes in an array of colours and it’s adjustable so it grows with your child. And the reviews say it’s lightweight, which is a bonus for any parent who ends up carrying their toddler and their bike home from the park.
Andrea Alvarado, Senior Digital Marketing Executive
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: Pearl Initial Lust Necklace from Cara O Sello
I've been eyeing a personalized piece of jewelry for a while now, and this elegant Pearl Initial Lust necklace is the one. It's the perfect blend of timeless and trendy, with a delicate freshwater pearl paired with a customizable gold initial charm. Subtle enough to layer with other necklaces, yet striking enough to wear solo, it's exactly the kind of versatile accessory I want in my collection. The adjustable chain means it works with every neckline, making it ideal for day-to-night wear. A thoughtful gift—or a treat for yourself.
Tamsyn Spires, Chief Revenue Officer
What I'm buying on Black Friday: A new laptop
I'm in the market for a new laptop this year and I'm looking at John Lewis for the best deal.
Tamsyn Spires
Rachel Avery, Homes Editor
What I'm buying on Black Friday: Numberblocks Race to Pattern Palace game
I'm using Black Friday to kick start my Christmas shopping. This Numberblocks Race to Pattern Palace game is on my nephew's wish list so I’m very pleased to bag a bargain. It encourages maths and I’m on board with anything that’s educational and fun! With 79% five star reviews, it looks like a lot of parents are big fans as well as the kids.
Andrea Caamano, Website Editor
What I'm buying on Black Friday: Banwood Scooter
My youngest son always wants to be like his older brother, who has a bigger scooter and I have resisted until now. I want to really surprise him because he is just obsessed with being like his older brother and haviong a big boy scooter.
After doing some research, this has been described as the "coolest scooter around" and the little three-wheel is built to keep kids riding safely. Its features anti-slip tape on the lovely oak scooter deck, with adjustable handle bars and an Easy Ride Steering System. He's going to love it!
Arianna Chatzidakis, Creative Content Director
What I'm buying on Black Friday: The Oura Ring Gen3
I’m trying to make a conscious effort to better look after my health and wellbeing, and I’ve been eyeing up this Oura Ring for a long time. I love that it can track your sleep, heart rate, oxygen levels, step count, stress levels and more, all whilst looking like a sleek piece of jewellery.
Laura Sutcliffe, Fashion & Beauty News Editor
What I'm buying on Black Friday: RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Serum
I'm pretty sure I've tried every single eyelash serum on the market and they genuinely, honestly and truly do not compare to Revitalash. I think this is because it was actually developed by a medical professional, so there's some serious science to the ingredients.
You apply it to your last line each evening and within a few weeks, your lashes just grow and grow. Every time I try another brand, I never get the same results. Which is why I'm delighted it's part of Black Friday - there's a whopping twenty percent off the original price point of £139. I know I'll be stocking up. I wonder if Meghan Markle will be too? She's a huge fan. Oh, and Kim Kardashian.
Karen Silas, Senior Lifestyle Editor
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Urban Decay's viral setting spray is my go to, so whenever there's a good deal on it I immediately add to basket. It miraculously keeps my makeup in place all day and night and even more impressively, doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. It's the ultimate secret weapon for party season.
Edward Lauder, Senior Online Writer
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: The Kobo Libra Colour
With everything that's going on with the Kindle Colorsoft (it's been a pretty disastrous launch for Amazon's very first colour Kindle), I was on the lookout for something similar that would allow me to read my comic books in colour on the go for weeks on end. That's when I came across Kobo's colour e-ink reader, the Kobo Libra Colour.
The product was launched in April earlier this year, and it doesn't have the issues that the Kindle Colorsoft's been plagued with. The screen is a gorgeous colour e-ink display, and it's super sharp and crisp. The colours are a little bit washed out compared to what you might be used to from an LCD screen, but they look not too dissimilar from what you'd get in a newspaper. It makes reading your comic books, magazines and PDFs in colour even more vivid compared to what you'd be used to from a normal black-and-white Kindle (other e-ink e-readers are available).
The Kobo Libra Colour is also waterproof and features buttons on the side that make it incredibly easy to flick through the pages of your books. This might be Kobo's e-ink e-reader killer feature.
Susannah Lewis, Consultant Production Manager
What I'm Buying on Black Friday: HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e
I am buying a desktop printer... not so straightforward because I need it to be MAC compatible with the latest OS and with an A3 function... it seems the best deal is an HP Multifunction HP OfficeJet Pro 9730e.
Susannah Lewis
How to figure out what you want for Black Friday
- Make a list: And stick to it!
- Prioritise the essentials: Think about what you use every day and see if you can make that cheaper.
- Set your budget and stick to it: I'm not a pro at this one, but I have faith in you.
- Research in advance: The clock's ticking on this advice
- Think of Christmas gifts: Can you get the presents you plan to buy even cheaper?
- Stay focused: It's easy to get carried away.