Black Friday used to be about cold parking lots and crowded aisles. Now it’s about knowing what to buy, what to skip, and when December actually gives you a better price.
Seniors shopping for themselves — or for kids and grandkids — can stretch their budget farther by timing things right and using the tools retailers hope you forget about.
Below is the trimmed, senior-smart version of Black Friday 2025.
What’s Actually Worth Buying on Black Friday
Tech That Makes Life Easier
This is the one category where Black Friday still shines. Look for:
- Tablets — Samsung Galaxy models often dip under $80, Kindles go to $99, and the iPad Air is usually $100 off at Best Buy.
- Budget laptops & Chromebooks — Great for basic use. Seniors who mostly browse, email, video chat, or play Wordle will do fine with a $98–$150 machine.
- If buying for a teenage grandson: ask what games he plays. Fortnite and Minecraft mods will not run well on doorbuster laptops.
- Noise-canceling or hearing-aid compatible headphones — Big discounts on Bose and Sony. Helps with mild hearing loss and noisy homes.
- Smart watches with health features — Apple Watch SE deals under $200 are common. Great for fall detection, medication reminders, and emergency SOS.
- JubileeTV – JubileeTV turns the television into a caregiving hub. Families can control the TV of their aging loved ones, drop in to check on them, and make video calls—from their phone to the TV. They've got a sweet Black Friday package that saves you over $60.
Stay Tuned for our Black Friday Hacks Newsletter
EXLUSIVELY FOR PAID MEMBERS
Senior Health & Daily Living Essentials
Historically among the best Black Friday deals:
- OTC hearing aids — Jabra, Sony, Lexie often drop $200–$400.
- Blood-pressure monitors — Frequently under $40.
- Electric toothbrushes — 40–55% off.
- Medical alert systems — Reduced activation fees or free months.
These are high-cost items the rest of the year — this is the week to buy them.
Home Safety & Aging-in-Place Upgrades
You don’t need a full remodel — a few smart devices cut fall risks and improve independence.
- Ring/Blink video doorbells often 40–60% off
- Smart indoor cameras as low as $19
- Smart plugs & bulbs for $4–$7
- Robot vacuums at $149 and under
All reduce physical strain and make home routines easier.
Home & Kitchen Goods
If you don’t need All-Clad, Black Friday delivers genuinely good pricing:
- Air fryers
- Countertop ovens
- Mixers
- Light cookware
- Small appliances
Most of these return to full price in January.
Apple Products (Older Models)
Walmart and Best Buy beat the Apple Store:
- Modest price cuts
- Or better: bonus gift cards worth $50–$150
Perfect time to grab an iPad, older-gen iPhone, or MacBook Air.
Video Games for Kids & Grandkids
Black Friday is the day for PS5, Xbox, and Switch game deals — often 20–75% off.
If you’re unsure what to buy your teenage grandson, ask him directly or ask his parents. Gaming tastes are specific, and a $15 misfire will sit untouched.
What Seniors Should Not Buy on Black Friday
Quality TVs
The super-low Black Friday TV deals are usually special-run, lower-quality models (Best Buy employees have said they’re built only for BF).
If you want a TV that’s bright enough for aging eyes and has good audio, wait until:
- Super Bowl sales, or
- Late January–February after new models launch at CES.
Toys
If you’re shopping for grandkids, wait until December 7–15 — historically cheaper than Black Friday.
Costco often beats Amazon by 15–40%, especially on name-brand toys.
Fitness Equipment
Skip it entirely. January sales blow Black Friday out of the water.
Winter Apparel
November is the most expensive time of the season.
Late winter is the cheapest.
Tools & Hardware
Father’s Day season beats Black Friday by about 30%.
Large Appliances
You’ll see better pricing on last-year models in early spring. Black Friday rarely discounts the newest models.
One Additional Hack Worth Using
When shopping online, open Live Chat and politely ask:
“Do you have a free shipping code or a coupon I can use today?”
Most reps can quietly apply 10–20% off or waive shipping — especially for older shoppers who mention a fixed budget.
