What Our Editors Are Shopping This Black Friday 2024

I’ve been mourning the loss of my AirPods (on a Eurostar train from London to Amsterdam—heartbreaking) for long enough now; it’s time I bite the bullet and invest in something new. As much as I loved my AirPods, I’m looking for something a little less easy to lose this time around, which is why the clip-on style of these earbuds appeal. As someone who has been dedicated to the same pair of Quiet Comfort headphones since 2017, I know Bose offers quality that lasts, and the small design means these will be easier to slip into my bag as I travel. The immersive sound design ensures I’ll be able to hear all the noise of a new city, without having to sacrifice my travel playlists. —Abigail Malbon, global audience development manager

Let this be the year I finally get a head start on my Christmas shopping. I’d like to gift someone on my list a pair of noise-canceling headphones—they’re perfect for travel, commutes to the office, and to wear to the gym. However, a good quality pair isn’t exactly cheap. Now feels like the best time to snag a top-selling pair, like these Apple AirPods Max headphones. —Meaghan Kenny, commerce editor

I have every possible suitcase I could ever need now, but something that’s missing from my repertoire is a quality backpack. I have a few exciting travel plans in 2025 (a trip to Mexico and my beloved Glastonbury festival) that require something more hardy than a rolling suitcase, so Black Friday seems like the perfect time to invest. Osprey’s backpacks are always well designed and sleek, and I love that this has a wide zip opening, so I won’t need to struggle to reach things at the bottom of the pack. —A.M.

I always wear the same big, black Calvin Klein bag when headed to the office. I love its size—it fits my laptop as well as all my subway reads and handwritten notes. It’s about time for a new one, at least another option to use and switch off. A new work bag will help spruce up my outfits—and what better time than Black Friday to treat myself to this Slouchy Buckle tote from one of my favorite stores, Anthropologie? I’m excited to wear the olive color, I feel like it will complement most of my office outfits. —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer

Since my parents are headed on a cruise in a few months, I’m planning to gift them a few of my favorite travel bags and accessories. I’m thinking of the Calpak Luka duffel (my most-used travel bag ever!), packing cubes, and a backpack that has plenty of pockets. —M.K.

I’ve watched with mild interest as the Stanley Cup craze builds, but I’ve never thought the design to be particularly practical, especially for someone who wants a bottle that holds up during travel. The new Cross Bottle, however, is everything I’ve been looking for: a closed lid, so I can throw it in my carry-on, a handy straw so I can still sip, and a chic crossbody design, meaning I can be hands free during busy travel days. As someone who would never travel without a crossbody bag, this will keep me feeling hydrated and free. —A.M.

Barbour jackets seem to be having a resurgence, with a less corporate reputation tied to them. With the weather in New York City varying so much, I’ve been searching for a jacket that can be worn on days when a parka is too heavy. Styled casually or formally, this Barbour Bedale wax jacket is the perfect solution. —Erik Buckingham, commerce producer

I love polos and I love French clothing brand A.P.C. because it is demurely well-made. Good construction comes at a cost, so I’m hoping Black Friday brings some of its wares into the range of my budget. Navy is my color of choice for this type of garment because it is so versatile and chic. —Charlie Hobbs, associate editor

With the holiday season approaching, I’m using Black Friday as the perfect chance to stock up on cozy sweaters like this J.Crew Rollneck. Whether I wear it to work or while visiting family, I can dress this sweater down with a light jacket or wear it alone for formal festivities. —E.B.

In my 20s and 30s, when the office runway was the norm, I was notoriously a girly-girl who got dressed up every day for all occasions. Post-pandemic and working from home, I’ve been focused on being comfortable but stylish. After the steam room and showering following a run on the treadmill, I enjoy throwing on some comfy sweats for a walk through the park. These pants from Beyong Yoga are toasty and sleek and not embarrassing to wear out to coffee with a friend. I look forward to nabbing some for almost half the price. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director

Last year at my Thanksgiving turkey trot, I splashed mud all over my brand new cream-colored New Balance runners during my 5k. Bummer, but I made it work for the year until I’d worn the suckers out. Now, it’s time for a replacement, which I intend to acquire in stain-proof black. Lesson learned. —C.H.

I’ve always loved Steve Madden—especially when Black Friday comes around. As an excuse to treat myself almost every year, the site has amazing deals on comfortable booties that I can dress up and down throughout the city, nearly every day. I rarely wear sneakers (and am obsessed with a mini-heel to complete an outfit). The sale on these Steve Madden booties do the trick, getting the price down to just $70 (for shoes like these, a total check-out bag under $100 is a huge win). —J.C.

I just moved into a new apartment with very limited counter space and no microwave, so when I saw that this so-called Wonder Oven combines an air fryer and toaster oven with six different cooking and reheating functions, I was sold. Plus, it’s not at all ugly to look at. I’m eyeing the orange edition for a fun pop of color. —Hannah Towey, associate editor

Black Friday is a great time to get discounts on practical items I normally don’t like to spend a lot of money on. Already marked down by 40%, this cast-iron skillet from Great Jones will elevate the meals I cook at home–even my ribeye steaks from Trader Joe’s. —E.B.

Also on my wishlist: New sheets! I have a set from Brooklinen that I truly adore—they feel just as luxe and crisp as the ones from a five-star hotel. It’s time I finally get a spare set of these while they’re on sale so I don’t have to constantly wash the one I have and put it right back on my bed. This bundle from Brooklinen really offers everything I need: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, four pillowcases, and a duvet cover. —M.K.

Every New Year I tell myself that this is the year I become a morning person, but as a night owl, waking up early has never been easy for me. Another bad habit I’ve been trying to kick: going on my phone first thing when I wake up, which is much harder to do when your iPhone is your alarm clock. I’m hoping a smart alarm clock like Hatch Restore 2 will help me kill two birds with one stone. —H.T.​​

Sometimes, I need to remind myself that I’m an adult and can buy whatever I want. It always seemed like a huge indulgence to purchase the electric guitar that I longed for as a teenager with delusional fantasies of rock stardom. But this package, which includes an amp, picks, and various rock-star accoutrement for less than $350, calls to my wallet like a siren from the Black Friday seas. —A.S.

The new shower gel on tap at my gym breaks me out, so I’ve been hunting for a replacement that I can tote with me. I’m a sucker for a great smell, and the fact that this product is made from the Japanese Omakase berry hooked me right away. It’s a little spendy regularly, so I’m glad to try it at 40% off during the upcoming holiday sales. The strawberry-and-mimosa flower scented body wash purports to be rich in vitamin C and salicylic acid, which I think will be great for my dry winter shins. —A.S.