Where are the best Black Friday toy deals?
Navigating the sea of Black Friday bargains can be quite the challenge, and when it comes to toys, the sheer abundance of options can be overwhelming. At Mumsnet, we're committed to alleviating as much shopping-related stress as we can, especially in light of ongoing cost of living concerns. We'll be continuously refreshing this and our other Black Friday deals pages to ensure you have access to the finest deals on the items we recommend. Here are the leading retailers you should keep a close watch on for top-notch Black Friday toy deals and early sales events:
Amazon: the Amazon Prime Big Deal Day sales event promises big discounts on plenty of this year's most-wanted toys and games this year.
Argos: Argos already have a 1/3 off selected toys online and if previous years are anything to go by, there will be plenty more where that came from in the weeks leading up to and during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Very: Very slashed a lot of prices on popular toys last year, including the Barbie Dreamhouse Playset, which went down to £170 (current RRP: £250)
The Entertainer: Plenty of savings to be had at top toy retailer The Entertainer including this year's trendiest toys from Barbie and Gabby's Dollhouse
When is Black Friday 2024?
This year Black Friday falls on Friday 29th November 2024.
Can’t wait to get your fix of the best deals around? Mumsnetters are already sharing their favourite Christmas bargains over on our forums - check out their finds on the latest thread here.
What is Black Friday?
Black Friday stands as one of the year's most significant shopping events, marked by a multitude of retailers reducing prices both in physical stores and on the internet. Similar to how Boxing Day sales trail Christmas Day, Black Friday traditionally falls after the American holiday of Thanksgiving. Nevertheless, numerous deals now kick off in early November, expanding the timeframe during which Black Friday sales are in full swing.
In recent times, Black Friday has experienced a surge in popularity in the UK, drawing in a growing number of shoppers on the hunt for discounted Christmas presents and remarkable deals. There are deals on everything from toys to tech, beauty to baby buys.
What is the history of Black Friday?
Over the past decade, Black Friday has become a substantial shopping event in the UK, although it wasn't always a prominent affair in this part of the world, having its roots in the United States. The origins of Black Friday sales are believed to date back to Philadelphia in 1952 when retailers aimed to shift from operating "in the red" (indicating debt) to "in the black" (denoting profitability).
Its journey across the Atlantic occurred relatively recently. In 2010, the UK had its inaugural experience with Black Friday, thanks to Amazon, and it has since evolved to become one of the most sought-after sales events of the year, firmly establishing itself as a formidable competitor to the traditional Boxing Day and January sales.
What is Cyber Monday?
Cyber Monday, also hailing from the United States, represents yet another shopping holiday, and, true to its name, it primarily centers on online discounts rather than those available in brick-and-mortar stores. Nevertheless, given that a significant portion of Black Friday deals can also be discovered online, the distinction between the two days is not particularly pronounced. However, it's worth noting that certain brands might unveil fresh and distinct offers specifically for Cyber Monday.
When is Cyber Monday 2024?
Cyber Monday always falls on the Monday after Black Friday - so this year it will be on Monday 2nd December.
How to find the best Black Friday toy deals
“I try and wait for black Friday or the half-term toy sales. I’ve started to write a list so try and look for the cheapest price. I don’t like to get stuff too early.” - stridesy
Are you in pursuit of that long-desired Barbie toy your child has been yearning for or aiming to make headway on your Christmas gift list while keeping a tight grip on your budget? Rest assured, we've got your back in the quest for the finest Black Friday toy deals. Be sure to bookmark this page and return, as we will continuously scour for discounts from various retailers as soon as the Black Friday sales kick off at the beginning of November. We'll also keep you updated on the best deals leading up to and on the big day itself.
When will Black Friday toy deals start in 2024?
While Black Friday itself falls on November 29th, every year retailers launch their toy deals earlier and earlier in the month to help shoppers find and bag those bargains they're searching for more easily.
We'll be updating this page with the best Barbie deals daily over the Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend, and in the lead-up to the main weekend, so keep checking back for our pick of quality bargains for your little ones.
Tips for shopping for toys on Black Friday
"I tend to glance at topic-specific 'Black Friday deals in X' websites - don't get drawn into the EVERYTHING IS ON SALE AAAAAAAAAAAH mentality as you'll just waste all your money on frippery." - SpoonBlender
"I’d rather shop online I think, rather than getting up at the crack of dawn and facing hordes of people fighting over stuff in shops." - PoptartPoptart
Sale shopping can often turn into a competitive sport, and the last thing you want to encounter is that disheartening 'sold out' label on the toy your DC had their heart set on. To gain an advantage, a bit of strategic preparation can go a long way.
Start by creating a list of the toys you're after, especially if you're using Black Friday as an opportunity to get a head start on your Christmas shopping. Prioritize this list to ensure you're well-prepared. For instance, if there's a main gift that your child really wants, make it your top priority rather than random stocking fillers. This way, once you've secured the major items and checked them off your list, you won't risk missing out on the deals you truly covet, and you'll even have some time left for those occasional impulse buys.
Furthermore, following your favorite retailers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and subscribing to their newsletters can pay off, giving you access to valuable deals. However, it's advisable to explore different stores to ensure you don't overlook the most substantial savings elsewhere.
Where can I find the best Black Friday 2024 deals?
Finding the biggest savings is no easy feat when you're bombarded with so-called 'discounts' from every retailer, but fear not as we'll be working hard to bring you the real deals to look out for. We'll be scouring online shops to bring you the very best guides to Black Friday this year, including the top offers on popular buys. These are the products we'll be looking out for – bookmark them now so you don't miss the Black Friday deals.
Best tablet deals Black Friday: from Fire tablets for kids to the best iPad savings, Christmas shopping just got a whole lot easier
Best Black Friday mattress deals: rest assured you're getting a great saving with our pick of mattress discounts
Best Amazon Black Friday deals: if you're after slashed prices on a range of products, Amazon's the place to be. We'll be sorting through the site to bring you the biggest savings
Best Black Friday LEGO deals: a popular Christmas present choice for children, bookmark this page if you don't want to miss out on LEGO offers
Best Black Friday pram deals: in the market for a new pushchair? The November sales are a great time to grab a baby essential at a fantastic price
Black Friday vacuum cleaner deals: clean up the sales this year with the top discounts on a range of vacuum cleaners
Best Black Friday washing machine deals: from Bosch to Miele, Samsung to Hotpoint, we'll be searching for the best prices on appliances
Best Black Friday beauty deals: whether you're looking for a luxury bargain or a cheap dupe we'll be scouting the best offers on makeup, skincare, perfume, and beauty tools
Best Boden Black Friday deals: grab yourself a Christmas party outfit and a great bargain at the same time
Best Lovehoney Black Friday deals: we'll be searching for toys for adults too from the brand Mumsnet users love
Best Black Friday dehumidifier deals: keep your home fresh for less this winter
All deals correct at the time of publishing.
About the author
Poppy O'Neill is a Content Editor at Mumsnet and a mother of two. She's been researching and reviewing baby and child products for 2 years, with a particular focus on baby essentials, toys and books for toddlers and outdoor play equipment. From potties to paddling pools and bunk beds to bedtime stories, she loves to deep-dive into research and find the best products out there.
Poppy is also an award-winning, best-selling children's and parenting author of books such as Don't Worry, Be Happy, The Extraordinary Book That Makes You Feel Happy and Mother Power. She specialises in children's mental health and her books are used by therapists, teachers and SENCOs across the UK. She won a The Week Junior Book Award in 2023, her books have been translated into several languages and she's been featured in The Guardian, The Sunday Times and The Sun.
After earning a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Leeds and a PGCert in Fashion and Lifestyle Journalism from University of the Arts London, she worked in fashion for most of her 20s. When her children were young, she undertook an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester and re-trained as an author and freelance writer.
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