The holidays are upon us and so is the chance to stock up on holiday gifts for others or, just maybe, treat yourself to something nice on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. One thing is for sure: Our editors won’t be sleeping on this year’s deals. Read on for the goods they’re hoping to save on, including comfortable sneakers for long travel days, hydrating skincare essentials, and cozy slippers to lounge in this winter.
Tech must-haves
Black Friday is coming at a great time for me, as I recently lost my AirPods and noticed my Fitbit’s ability to hold a charge rapidly declining. I have my eye on a smartwatch-style tracker, the still relatively new Versa 4, as well as the 2nd Gen AirPods—the noise cancellation factor of the Pros is great for some, but since I run with my AirPods and frequently wear them on the subway, I’m content sticking to the less-advanced version for safety. Lastly, I’ll be eyeing Calpak’s website for sales—I love the look of the brand’s clear Dopp kits, and know it’ll make packing less of a chore, as I won’t have to poke around to remember what’s already in there as I go. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor
Workout apparel and cozy at-home essentials
Just as I was about to splurge on some new workout apparel, I realized I should wait patiently for Black Friday deals. I’m in need of a few supportive sports bras and warm half-zips that I can wear to workout classes or layered underneath a sweatshirt for outdoor walks this winter. I also have a few cozy favorites on my Black Friday list—Brooklinen silk pillowcases and a new pair of Parachute slippers. I desperately need a new pair of slippers (my current pair has seen better days) and I finally think it’s time I treat my hair and skin to the benefits of silky smooth pillowcases. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor
An office chair and packable sneakers
Hibernation season has me shopping for home products that will make me more comfortable, but also some workout gear that will motivate me to get out of my cocoon. I’ve been on the hunt for a new perch for my remote work set up, and am hoping to finally pull the trigger on an ergonomic Balmstar office chair. I’m also looking to upgrade to a packable pair of New Balance sneakers and I’m in need of a restock of my favorite Girlfriend Collective exercise leggings—which are made of recycled water bottles and have plenty of pockets. —Shannon McMahon, destinations editor
A wireless projector and waterproof boots
I’ve recently moved, so most of the shopping I’ve been doing for the last few months has been supplies to make my empty space feel like home. I’m opting for a wireless projector, so I can take a break from my laptop and enjoy the luxury of watching movies in bed without needing to redecorate or focus all my efforts on making sure a TV fits in the space. Another luxury I’ve been able to enjoy is living just a 10-minute walk away from work. The only downside I’m anticipating is when snow hits this winter. To prepare, I’ve been looking to expand my winter boot collection and the Ugg toggle boot has everything I’m looking for. The boots are warm, waterproof, and not incredibly long, so I can easily slide them off when I get into the building. —Paris Wilson, commerce producer
New formalwear
Having just returned from an awards ceremony in Mérida, where there were some excellently rumpled linen suits on display, I now find myself in the market for one of my own. I run hot, always. I could (and do!) wear linen year-round for this reason, and feel that my logical next step is to invest in a non-expensive number to test the waters—if it works, I will get it tailored. As J.Crew enters what may be a renaissance period, I am trusting them with my formalwear for now. —Charlie Hobbs, editorial assistant
An upgraded speaker and warm puffer jacket
For someone who hates winter, the little things add up to big wins for me. This leads me to my Black Friday list: a new speaker to dance my shivers away at the loudest volume, a Glossier makeup kit to add colorful shimmer to my eyes (how would anyone know that I am immensely suffering from the cold with this on), and a new Uniqlo winter coat because all of its puffers offer an experience similar to sleeping in a light, yet insulated cloud—not to mention this one is patterned, a timeless look. —Jessica Chapel, editorial assistant
Classic Ugg boots and a digital camera
I’m doing some serious scheming in advance of Black Friday, trying to make a game plan about how best to spend my money. Most years, indecision gets the best of me and I miss out on the deals, bitterly purchasing the same items at full-cost later. But this time around, I’m not making the same mistake. Now that the temps have dropped, I’m finding myself wishing I had a pair of cozy Uggs to wear during casual weekdays when I’m working from home or going to trivia with friends. They’re not in character for my style, but I’m weirdly fixated on them—maybe it’s some kind of 2000s nostalgia—so I’m seriously debating ordering them.
Lastly, I’m considering one legitimate investment item, a mirrorless camera from Canon. I’m an amateur photographer, and mostly like to work with 35mm film. However, I’m realizing springing for a digital camera would make a lot of sense for me so that I can snap hundreds of shots of my friends and family, and document good memories. I recently did an engagement shoot for two of my friends, and I’d like to do more of that kind of thing in the future, for which one of these would come in handy so that I don’t have to rent or borrow top gear. I’m looking at mirrorless cameras specifically, rather than DSLRs, because they are slimmer, more lightweight, and better for traveling or keeping on your person wherever you go. They also shoot high quality video, which is appealing to me. —Alex Erdekian, travel bookings editor
Winter haircare and skincare must-haves
As soon as the cold weather starts to kick in, I immediately notice a difference in my hair and skin. My hair feels less bouncy and my skin becomes so desperately dry. I’m eyeing a few haircare and skincare essentials from Sephora to help combat the dry winter weather that’s ahead of us. I’m hoping to save on a high-quality hair dryer that will do the job quickly without frying my hair and a scalp massager that will deep-clean my hair and leave it feeling shiny and fresh. For skincare products, I’ll be stocking up on some ultra-hydrating creams and under-eye treatments . —M.K.
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