What Not to Buy on Black Friday

It might seem hard to believe, but there are some items you ought to skip on Black Friday. The experts at Dealnews.com, an online deal aggregator, offer the following Black Friday Do-Not-Buy list based on their pricing records from seasons past.

Toys

According to Deal News, toy prices are lower the first two weeks of December than during Black Friday weekend. Last year, prices dropped 27% during that period on popular items like Lego’s Ninjago Epic Dragon Set and the Lalaloopsy Silly Hair doll. That said, if there’s a “must-have” on your child’s wish list, better to snag it as soon as you find it since hot toys tend to fly off shelves faster than most products around the holidays.

Also see: Tips From America’s Smartest Shopper

Digital Cameras

You’ll pay a premium to gift a digital camera in time for the holidays. If you can resist the Black Friday sales, you’ll be rewarded with clearance prices in January on current-generation cameras. This is thanks to new 2014 models hitting the shelves following the annual Consumer Electronics Show and retailers needing to unload 2013 inventory.

Brand Name HD Televisions                                            

Sticking with electronics, Black Friday isn’t the time to buy a brand-name TV, either. Stores will offer rock-bottom prices that day, but Deal News says only to expect those discounts on third-tier models. Shop in late December and January for some of the lowest prices all year.

Also see: When You Don’t Need to Tip

Gift Sets and Subscriptions

Finally, wine subscriptions, gift baskets and specialty foods make easy presents, but you’ll find prices that are easier on your wallet if you wait closer to the holidays. Last year, Deal News flagged twice as many “Editor’s Choice” discounts in this category around Christmas compared to Thanksgiving.

What else should you skip on Black Friday? Connect with me on Twitter @Farnoosh and use the hashtag #FinFit.