Save your pennys the right way, not the hard way

⚠️ Disclaimer (read this first) - Black Friday prices move quickly and stock can disappear in minutes. Everything here is accurate at the time of writing (Mon 10 Nov 2025), but always double-check the current price, delivery cost and returns policy before you buy. Use the price-checking tools mentioned and only shop via official brand or retailer websites.

When is it?

Black Friday is Friday 28 November, and Cyber Monday follows on Monday 1 December. You’ll see offers across the whole of November, and some deals are already live.

Your main reference point should be MoneySavingExpert’s live Black Friday hub. It pulls together current deals, predictions and real-time analysis to help you spot genuine bargains and avoid duff offers. Bookmark it and check before you commit to anything.

What to do

• Start with a 3-item wishlist and a clear budget. Impulse buying wipes out any savings. Decide the exact model/size/spec you’re after, set a target price, and be prepared to walk away if it doesn’t reach it.
• Price-check every purchase: Idealo (wide UK comparison + price alerts) PriceRunner (Klarna) and PriceSpy (alerts across multiple retailers) For Amazon and similar, check historic prices with CamelCamelCamel.
• Layer student discounts (where allowed). Once you’ve found the retailer price, see if UNiDAYS or Student Beans can shave more off. Sometimes codes stack or even beat Black Friday “specials”.
• Set deal alerts in the apps above now, before the rush.
• Think logistics: check delivery dates (are you still in halls or heading home?), how long you have to return items, and whether your accommodation can take big parcels. If not, consider using a nearby parcel locker.

What to avoid

• AI-generated fake shops and copycat sites. Red flags include strange URLs (like “J0hnLewis”), no privacy or contact pages, pressure countdowns and requests for crypto or bank transfers. If something looks odd, don’t proceed.
• “Was £999, now £399” nonsense. RRPs can be misleading. Use Keepa/CamelCamelCamel to see real price history and treat big “% off” banners with healthy scepticism.

Shopping wellbeing

• Set a clear spending limit (for example £100 total, £50 max on any one item) and keep track as you go.
• Use a “sleep on it” rule for any purchase over your personal limit.
• Protect your accounts: turn on 2-step verification for your email and payment accounts before you start shopping.
• If a deal or website feels wrong, trust your gut. Back out, report anything suspicious and move on.

Deals available now (as of 10 Nov)

Always re-check the current price and stock levels, and compare against the tools above:

• LookFantastic – Early Black Friday promos (around 25% off selected beauty and skincare).
• Currys – Early tech offers live; some are billed as “lowest ever” prices, but still run them through price trackers before buying expensive items.
• Argos – Early homeware savings (up to about 40% off selected lines).

Black Friday can be brilliant for planned buys and brutal for impulse ones. Use trackers, pay safely and look after your headspace. If it’s not something you genuinely need, it’s not really a deal.