Best early Black Friday 2023 deals, plus when the main sales event starts

Deal hunters, now is the time to prep your wish lists, as the Black Friday sales are mere days away, kicking off next Friday 24 November. Thousands upon thousands of deals will be dropping across the Black Friday weekend, continuing into Cyber Monday, making the four day sales your best chance to save hundreds of pounds on tech, beauty, fashion, TVs, mattresses, kitchen appliances and more.

From Lego, Charlotte Tilbury, Pandora, Zara and Asos to Nintendo, Ninja and Cult Beauty, almost all our favourite brands take part – and retailers go just as big. Better still, some have already kicked off their sales early (see Amazon, Simba, Shark, Boots, Argos, John Lewis & Partners, Currys and more).

Read more: Follow live – Black Friday best deals 2023

The annual event has its roots in mid-20th-century America, when retailers marked the start of the Christmas shopping season with discounts the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday has since evolved into a major international shopping event that runs from the final Friday in November right through to the following Monday (dubbed Cyber Monday).

The Black Friday 2023 sale will officially take place between 24-27 November. As always, IndyBest’s team of discerning deal hunters will be on hand 24 hours a day throughout the event to bring you the discounts actually worth shopping. Ahead of this year’s Black Friday, you’ll find everything you need to know about the sale here, from important dates and shopping tips to the best early deals to snap up now.

Apple’s AirPods pro 2 have plummeted to their lowest price ever in Amazon’s Black Friday sale, so invest now while they’re less than £200. “The new AirPods pro are a significant improvement over the already-splendid first-generation model,” we noted in our review. Boasting active noise-cancellation, spatial audio and intuitive smart sensors, the flagship earbuds have a battery life of up to six hours listening time and four and half hours of talk time, outside their charging case.

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Amazon’s Black Friday sale is well underway, with heaps of big-name brands already discounted. If you’re in the market for a top rated activity tracker, we’ve spotted a stellar saving on the Fitbit charge 5, which is currently reduced by 42 per cent. It’s also an IndyBest favourite, as it was crowded the best overall in our round-up of the best Fitbits.

When describing the model, our tester said: “Combining a widened tracker screen (or arguably, a streamlined watch face) with a rich feature set that includes smartphone notifications and health scans, the charge 5 is a best-of-both-worlds Fitbit that will hit the sweet spot for many users.”

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Returning for another year, Le Creuset’s “colourful” Black Friday sale has landed, with discounts of up to 50 per cent off the covetable cookware. This classic round casserole is currently reduced by 40 per cent, securing home chefs a delicious saving of £140. Large enough to roast an entire leg of lamb, according to the brand, it sounds ideal for family households. Plus, the the enamelled cast iron design can be popped in the oven, and used on the hob or under the grill.

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Whip up hot drinks for the whole family with a Tassimo Bosch coffee machine, which is currently reduced by 42 per cent, thanks to this Amazon discount. In our review of the pocket-friendly machine, our tester noted that it has “lots of features found on bigger ticket coffee machines”. For instance, you can “tweak the temperature, volume and intensity of your coffee easily”, while the machine will remember up to four different coffee blends, so you can have your perfect brew saved for next time. And for less than £60, there’s no denying it’s a steal.

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Much to our surprise, the price of Microsoft’s leading gaming device has been slashed to its lowest-ever price ahead of Black Friday. Large and cuboid, but completely silent, it matches the performance of a high-end gaming PC, loading games in a snap and booting up menus in a fraction of a second. With this early Black Friday deal, you can save a huge 25 per cent on the next-generation console.

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Named best overall in our air fryer guide, this Salter model received five stars and a glowing review from our tester. Now, £40 cheaper in the Currys sale. “This Salter style covers all bases with its relatively large baskets, countless cooking options and incredibly easy-to-use design,” our tester shared, adding: “This model can make everything from steaks and shrimp to cakes, and can even bake bread, making it a one-stop shop for almost any foodie, no matter what you’re after.”

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The PlayStation 5 gets a surprise discount for Black Friday, plummeting to just £389.99 between now and 30 November across most retailers. The Independent’s tech team were impressed with the performance of the PlayStation 5 in the review of the best gaming consoles. “One of the first things you will notice about the PS5 is how games feel in your hands, thanks to the dualsense controller’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers,” praised the review.

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The latest, fifth-generation Echo Dot has the same design as its predecessor, but with improved audio quality and deeper bass from its single 1.73in speaker. The Dot measures 100mm x 100mm x 89mm and weighs 349g. With the many features of the Alexa voice assistant, the Echo Dot can be used as a handy timer in the kitchen, an alarm clock in the bedroom, a radio in the office, or a way to control smart home devices, such as smart plugs and smart lights. For Black Friday, you can save a huge 60 per cent.

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You need to know about this Dyson airwrap Black Friday deal. The cult tool has been heralded countless times, with our review noting it can “simultaneously dry and style hair”, and praising its ability to “create the perfect curl”. Reduced by a whopping 40 per cent, you can pick up the refurbished Dyson airwrap for just £239.99 (which is the lowest price we’ve seen on the hair tool – last year, eBay reduced it to £279.99) by entering the code “DYSONBF40” at checkout.

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Looking for an energy-efficient way to tackle your laundry this winter? There’s 30 per cent off this drying pod at Lakeland right now. The model landed a spot in our review of the best heated clothes airers and was awarded five stars (out of five). Our tester noted that it’s “compact, taking up less space than a coat rack, and it’s powerful.” They also praised the cover “for privacy” and the “fast-drying times”. A winter must-have, this deal is a very worthy investment.

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Ooni’s koda 12 is worth it’s weight in dough as it featured in our review of the best pizza ovens. Our tester noted that no more than “90 seconds of cooking gave us a 12in pizza with the perfect blend of oozing cheese and crispy toppings, as well as lovely charring around the well-puffed crust”. They praised the simple set-up and portable design, too. Snap yours up now while it’s 20 per cent off.

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Reduced by a huge 73 per cent, Amazon’s deal on its Fire TV is one of a few “invite-only” offers that Prime members can request. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to save £400 on this 55in television set, which features a vivid 4K HD screen, Fire TV Alexa voice remote control and all your entertainment in one place, from Netflix to Spotify.

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If you’re looking for a deal on the new Sky Stream box, Sky’s Black Friday deal will save you £7 every month when you take out an 18-month contract, meaning you’ll pay just £19 a month instead of £26. It comes with Sky Entertainment – so you get Sky Atlantic, Sky Documentaries, Sky Max and the rest. Plus, you get a Netflix Basic plan as part of the deal, meaning you can cancel your current Netflix subscription. Best part? No dish. It’s like an Apple TV or Fire TV Stick, but made by Sky. Everything is done over wifi. Our tech writer loved the Sky Stream box when they reviewed it earlier this year, calling it the most ’hassle-free way of getting Sky TV”.

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The brand’s hoodies rated highly in our round-up of the best blanket hoodies, where we found the oversized hoodie to be “very oversized, cocooning our 6ft tester down to the knees.” Complete with a hood, sleeves and practical front pouch, the hoodie is finished in a plush soft-to-touch flannel fleece with sherpa fleece lining the inside.

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We got our hands on the velvertiser last year and our reviewer is obsessed. “We loved the resulting hot chocolate from the velvetiser. It was rich and frothy and felt really luxurious.” They said. “The best bit could have been that it was an even combination throughout, without those little sticky powder bits at the bottom which you usually get. You definitely take things up a notch from your standard mix of milk and powder.” This Amazon Black Friday deal sees the machine’s price reduced by just under £20.

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This cordless stick vacuum cleaner features Shark’s revolutionary anti-hair-wrap technology – as well as an anti-allergen complete seal, which is touted as being able to trap up to 99.9 per cent of allergens. With up to 40 minutes of run-time, this device is also suitable for all floor types – with four attachments ranging from a crevice tool to an upholstery tool. Plus, it’s complete with a car detail kit and a spare filter. Two similar Shark models made it into our round-up of the best cordless vacuums, so you know you’re in safe hands with this brand.

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Looking for a new mattress? You’re in luck, as Simba has launched its Black Friday sale early this year, with plenty of stellar offers. Case in point: the sleep brand’s hybrid original double mattress now costs less than £600. The medium-firm mattress has five pocket spring and foam layers, and it’s designed to help regulate your temperature as you sleep. Plus, there’s a removable, washable top cover, too. We’ve reviewed this exact mattress, and our tester noted it “offers cloud-like support and comfort.”

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Make story time more fun with this Tonies starter set, which includes a Toniebox and a creative-Tonie figure. Even better, it’s reduced by £16, which is music to our ears. Designed to be used with wifi, the Tonie figures have capacity to store 90 minutes of music and audio books in total. The Toniebox was named best for screen-free fun in our guide to Christmas gifts and toys, with our tester noting: “We particularly liked the range of lullaby Tonies, and the fact there’s plenty of Tonies to suit older kids.”

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Apple discounts are rare, so a saving of £40 on this iPad is a real gem. The ninth-generation iPad has a large 10.2in retina display, powerful A13 bionic chip, an ultra-wide front camera and can work with Apple pencil and the smart keyboard. It also has up to 10 hours battery life, stereo speakers and up to 256GB storage. Read our review of the tablet to find out more.

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Missoma’s mini chubby earrings secured the top spot in our round-up of the best gold hoops. And it’s not hard to see why, with the trend-led and well-crafted design being endlessly wearable. The finish is long-lasting thanks to the 18-carat gold plating while the chunky, rounded design comes in both medium and mini sizes – we prefer the smaller size, which only serves to enhance the “chubby” feel. An everyday classic, they’re well worth the investment (trust us).

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You can save 30 per cent on this famous hair product right now at Amazon. The shampoo is one of Olaplex’s bestselling products, designed to be used before the cult brand’s bond repair conditioner (was £28, now £22.40, Amazon.co.uk). In a review of Olaplex no4 shampoo, our writer said: “After two months of use, we have noticed that our locks are much more manageable and breakages have been reduced.”

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A cost-effective alternative to turning the central heating on, electric blankets are on many people’s wish lists right now. This Silentnight model is reduced by 30 per cent in Amazon’s sale. Fitted with three heat settings, the blanket is made with a cosy fleece material for extra comfort appeal. Plus, it features easy fit straps so you can fit it to your bed.

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Reduced by 20 per cent in John Lewis’s Black Friday sale, Ugg’s suede slippers will elevate your lounging for this winter and beyond. Available in charcoal or black, the style is finished in the brand’s signature suede with a shearling lining and trim. Boasting an easy slip-on silhouette, the platform sole adds a stylish touch (we won’t judge if you wear them to the corner shop).

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Instagram-viral cookware brand Our Place has kicked off its Black Friday sale early, with plenty of stellar savings. Its cult always pan 2.0 has been reduced by £45, meaning it’s at one of its lowest prices ever. In our review of the design, our tester said: “The always pan 2.0 is beautiful, and it’s made from post-consumer recycled aluminium, which is nothing but a great thing. There’s also a certain satisfaction from cooking on such an uncannily smooth surface, and it could be the more sensible choice if you’re cooking for one or two people.”

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Mango’s Black Friday sale has kicked off with up to 50 per cent off. In the market for a new winter coat? Look no further than this double sided coat, reduced by £40. The faux suede outer is complete with a faux shearling inner lining for extra warmth (reminiscent of that Sandro coat from last winter), while the short design and V-neck longline collar are sure to be flattering. If you’re willing to spend a little more, Gigi Hadid’s go-to leather jacket is also on sale (was £349, now £299.99, Mango.com) – and it’s one of our favourite coats for 2023.

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One of the latest additions to Lego’s botanical range, this floral bundle include 16 height-adjustable stems, along with a dynamic array of flowers reflecting the vibrancy of wildflowers such as Welsh poppies, cornflowers and lavender, to name a few included in the bunch. Perfect for arranging in myriad ways, display in a vase as you would a fresh bouquet of flowers.

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Dyson is renowned for its incredible hair tools, and the corrale straightener is no exception. Now, you can nab a sleek £100 off the price, whether you fancy snapping up the blue/copper, black nickel/fuchsia or another of its five colourway options. The cordless tool uses heat-control technology to minimise strand damage caused by styling, and it comes complete with a travel pouch and dock. We’ve reviewed the hair straightener, and our tester said: “A truly innovative tool, it makes styling your hair – whether that’s straight or curly – a breeze, as you don’t need to navigate around a wire.”

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A must for make-up fans, there’s currently 20 per cent off this iconic lipstick duo. With each product usually costing £27 when bought separately, the deal means you’ll save over a fiver per lipstick. The set includes the original matte revolution pillow talk lipstick, as well as the slightly darker pillow talk medium lipstick. These nude-coloured lipsticks are presented in signature chic Charlotte Tilbury gold packaging and come complete with a hydrating and long-lasting finish.

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It seems the force is already with Lego fans, thanks to a stellar saving on this 1,067-piece Star Wars set. Complete with features such as rotating stud shooters, a ceremonial stage and a pilot-briefing room, the Lego build comes with several minifigures, from Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia to Chewbacca. Right now, the set is reduced by £60.

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Bomber jackets aren’t going anywhere this season, and Zara’s affordable styles are some of the best on the high street. Case in point: this grey jacket, which is now reduced by nearly 30 per cent. The jacket features a round collar, long sleeves and an elasticated trim, with front pockets and a zip completing the design. We love the gathered hem, which gives the piece some structure, while the inner lining will provide extra warmth.

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Looking for a new laptop? Well, you can save a rare £120 on Apple’s 2023 MacBook Air right now, thanks to the John Lewis Black Friday sale. In our review of the new launch, our tester said: “Apple’s MacBook Air 15in pulls off a clever trick: it adds significant extra screen size without losing the Air’s signature super-thin and super-light qualities.” Praising the portability and display for playback, they added that “the M2 processor is more than fast enough for most needs, handling all tasks effortlessly and silently.”

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Earning a spot in our round-up of the best hot brushes, Remington’s volumising hair styler is currently discounted by 40 per cent, thanks to Amazon. “It has a ceramic-coated barrel, which leaves hair silky soft... and a cool tip (which comes in handy when twisting it through strands, as it helps you avoid any nasty burns), along with a cool shot button that sets your style in place,” our tester said. They added it’s “ideal if you want straight, smooth hair”. Dubbed as the best budget buy in our round-up, it’s now even cheaper.

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Black Friday is an annual shopping event that originated in the US to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season. While it was once just a one-day sale, it’s now evolved into a four-day bonanza, with deals across tech, beauty, home appliances, fashion and toys.

The first use of Black Friday dates back to 1950s Philadelphia, where the local police department coined the term to describe the huge traffic jams, overcrowded pavements and mobbed stores in the city on the day after Thanksgiving.

If you miss out on bagging a Black Friday deal, the sale continues over the weekend before concluding on Cyber Monday – which is your final chance to score a saving. The main difference between the two sales is that Cyber Monday – as the name suggests – only takes place online, while Black Friday sees deals both online and in-store.

Typically, the best deals on tech and home appliances can be found on Black Friday, while Cyber Monday sees bigger savings across beauty, fashion and toys – so, this is worth bearing in mind when ticking off your pre-Christmas shopping list.

Black Friday isn’t about buying a lot of things, it’s about saving on items you really want. To avoid overspending, make and stick to a shopping list, so you only buy things you actually need.

It’s also helpful to save products on wish lists and create accounts with retailers and brands, to make check-out easier and quicker on the day.

Shopping during the sales can be exciting, however, figures released by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) indicate that, in 2021, consumers were scammed out of £15.3m during the sale bonanza and Christmas shopping period (November 2021 to January 2022) – with an average loss of £1,000 per person.

As a result, the NCSC has issued advice to online shoppers – including setting up a two-step verification on accounts and using random-word passwords to prevent cyber scammers from gaining access to shopping, bank or email accounts.

It’s just as important to research online retailers and read reviews for sites you haven’t used before. Within the IndyBest Black Friday guides, we will only be showcasing the best deals from reputable brands and retailers.

Finally, the NCSC recommends using payment platforms, such as PayPal, Google, or Apple Pay, for extra protection when paying for your orders. As a final bit of advice, whenever you pay, look for the closed padlock icon in the web address bar, which means your connection is secure.

If last year’s sale is anything to go by, there’s a lot to get excited about ahead of the 2023 event.

Last year, you could get an iPhone 13 (O2.co.uk) for £30 up front with six months of free airtime (usually costing £51.98), and save £20 on the 2022 Apple iPad (£449, Amazon.co.uk).

There were also big savings on Lego up for grabs, including 31 per cent off the Harry Potter privet drive set (£54.54, Amazon.co.uk) and 35 per cent off the Technic McLaren Formula 1 race car (£134.99, Very.co.uk).

If you were looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances, there was more than £100 off KitchenAid’s artisan espresso machine (£449, Kitchenaid.com) and £100 off Tefal’s actifry genius air fryer (£129, Currys.co.uk).

When it came to beauty and fashion, there was £60 off The North Face’s triple parka (£360, Houseoffraser.co.uk) and 45 per cent off Olaplex’s cult no3 hair perfector (£17.23, Amazon.co.uk).

For the latest home appliance discounts and more offers, try the links below:

Find out everything you need to know about Black Friday 2023, with our expert guides