It may only be October, but Amazon is not messing around this year when it comes to Black Fridayas it’s already begun its sale. Yes, that’s right a whole month early, so you have plenty of time to tick off your present list.
Originating from America, Black Friday has always taken place every year on the day after Thanksgiving. But since growing in popularity it has expanded beyond the weekend and the following morning, also known as Cyber Monday, and also includes the week before, while some retailers even launched deals earlier than that last year.
This year the official date is 27 November, and as usual we expect to see big-name brands such as Apple, John Lewis & Partners, Currys and Argos participating, and slashing prices across tech, kids toys, electricals, home devices, fashion and beauty.
The best deals are to be found online, with a renewed focus this year, due to the coronavirus preventing many from shopping like they normally would. Plus it means no waiting around in the cold to queue up for your favourite store.
Nobody does a Black Friday sale quite like Amazon, which in 2019, ran for a lengthy 15 days and featured major discounts on everything from electronics to must-have toys.
Considering the lengthy sale period, rather than you spending hours trawling through products, we’ll be listing the best discounts on offer from now and up tot he main event, so you can easily and quickly find the best deals.
Our IndyBest team hand-picks every deal we feature. We may earn some commission from the links in this article, but our selections have been made independently and without bias. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
The best early Amazon Black Friday deals
Nintendo Switch – Neon Red/Neon Blue with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Was £318.99, now £309
While it’s a small saving, it’s rare, as discounts on the Nintendo Switch come few and far between, and with this console also comes the Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game, that can be played by two gamers in handheld mode, four players on TV and 12-players online.
The Independent’s technology editor and avid gamer, Andrew Griffin, explains what makes the Switch such a great choice, whether you’re looking to update your gaming kit or shop for a loved one’s Christmas present.
“To get this out the way: the Switch is an entirely different proposition, but one that’s not worth ruling out,” he says.
“The games are incredible, the console is packed with fun, and Nintendo have pulled out a stroke of genius all around. It has its downsides – the graphics and performance are nowhere near as futuristic and powerful as the other bigger consoles – but that’s what you get for it all fitting in a box you can throw in your bag and play on the move.”
Buy now
Certified Refurbished Echo Show (2nd Gen): Was £197.99, now £139.99
Amazon’s own-brand devices often see some of the biggest discounts during Black Friday, starting with 29 per cent off this Echo Show that’s had a few tweaks to improve its performance.
It’s speakers have a new 10 inch HD screen that can be used as an alarm clock with the date and weather displayed, while you can also stream Spotify, Audible and Amazon music, watch films and TV shows from Prime Video, make video calls to family and friends with Alexa and even keep in the kitchen as a cooking companion, thanks to the timer.
As an all-in-one smart home device, it’s an easy way to make tasks at home easier and more efficient.
Buy now
De’Longhi Lattissima Touch, Single Serve Capsule Coffee Machine: Was £279.99, now £154.99
With an impressive 45 per cent off, this is a bargain worth snapping up and will ensure a barista-style cup of coffee every morning.
Its compact design means it won’t take up much space on your countertop and with the touch of one button, you can make an espresso, latte, cappuccino or latte macchiato, with creamy, frothy milk that allows adjustable measurements depending on the size of your mug.
Taking only 25 seconds to heat up, froth milk and pour, you won’t have to wait for the kettle to boil anymore. It also shuts off automatically after nine minutes, so you don’t need to manually do it without the fear of spillages or overflowing milk.
All you need to do is order a set of Nespresso coffee pods, slot into the machine, and let it do all the hard work for you.
Buy now
Samsung Galaxy Note10 Mobile Phone: Was £869, now £565
Upgrade your smartphone while this 35 per cent off saving is still available. Like all the phones in Samsung’s note series, it has a big screen and stylus pen that neatly tucks away to allow you to take notes on the display.
We think it would be ideal for playing games, watching videos and scrolling your social media on the go without needing to squint at a tiny screen. The camera offers high-quality picture and video taking too, with a built-in editing suite that could add a professional edge.
The smart battery also promises you’ll never be left without juice as it redirects power from apps you’re not using to keep you topped up, and it allows the palm-size device to connect to a monitor, so you can use it as a PC if you add a keyboard and mouse.
Buy now
Shark Klik n’ Flip S6001UK Corded Pocket Mop: Was £119.99, now £79.99
Known for its vacuum cleaners, Shark also offers a range of mops and is a brand that is featured in our guide to the 10 best steam cleaners to keep carpets, floors and surfaces sparkling, where we have reviewed the very similar S6003UK model.
The S6001UK features double microfiber pads to sweep up dirt and dry your floors speedily so you don’t have to spend 20 minutes avoiding the kitchen once you’ve used it to clean up after dinner.
With a direct jet of steam, it promises clean floors that won’t look streaky and is said to be ideal for allergy sufferers as it mops up common household bacteria.
As we’ll only be spending more time indoors, keep your space clean and tidy, while sweeping up a bargain.
Buy now
SoundPEATS Wireless Earphones: Was £42.99, now £29.99
Not all wireless headphones come with a high price tag, and this affordable pair has 30 per cent off.
The silicone ear tips promise maximum comfort so you can wear them for hours while working from home without any discomfort, and its long-lasting battery life will give you three and half hours of listening time on a single full charge.
It also has an accompanying charging case so you can top up on juice on go, which will also allow you to charge your phone too.
Buy now
Philips Lumea Advanced IPL Hair Removal Device: Was £300, now £200
This tool impressed our reviewers in our guide to the best IPL and hair removal devices earlier this year, so while it has a huge £100 off, add it to your basket asap.
According to our reviewer it has two treatment modes “slide and flash” and “step and flash” which allow you remove hair on larger areas such as legs or targeted zones, such as your bikini line, with an additional trimmer attachment if you want to tackle upper lip and chin hairs too.
As explained in our guide, IPL works by destroying the root of the hair over time, and is much, much cheaper than costly laser appointments so while its winter, now is the perfect time to treat yourself, as your skin needs to be tan-free in order to as effective as possible.
Buy now
instax mini 9 Clear Camera with 10 shots, pink: Was £74.99, now £56.99
This polaroid camera is a modern take on a nostalgic throwback when smartphones didn’t exist. You only get one shot with not editing available, allowing your to capture friends, family and your surroundings in the moment to make unique memories that print out instantly.
Each photo from this design is the size of a credit card, so you can pin your favourites up on the fridge or keep them in your purse. There’s three colour filters to choose from, a selfie lens and a close-up lens to experiments and comes with 10 shots.
Buy now
Lumie Sunrise Alarm: Was £39.99, now £23.19
Should you be having trouble sleeping or are constantly struggling to get up in the morning, treat yourself to this alarm clock, that does more than just tell the time.
It’s sunrise feature slowly brightens your room 30 minutes before your alarm time to gradually wake you up and the sunset button will create a 30 minute dimming sunset to help you relax and drift off in the evening.
While the sunrise and sunset use a warm white light that won’t be blinding, there’s also six more colours available; green, red, blue, pink, orange and light blue to allow you to adjust the mood of your room.
Buy now
Melissa & Doug Tote & Tour Pet Travel Play Set: Was £22.99, now £14.99
This 15-piece play set can provide hours of fun for little ones and with 35 per cent off, now is the time to get your Christmas shopping out of the way early this year.
It comes with a dog and a cat with leads, name tags, food and water bowls, toys, a pet carrier and a pet bed, so if you’re headed off on a long car journey, it can come too and keep children occupied. Suitable for children aged three and older.
Buy now
BaByliss 3Q Professional Hair Dryer: Was £120, now £48.59
For a sleek blow dry that’s salon-quality, add this to your haircare arsenal while its on offer. Claiming to tame frizz while adding shine, it’s perfect for blustery winter weather that does our tresses no favours.
It has 40 per cent higher air pressure than its older models to speed up drying thicker hair, three heat settings and two for speed, as well as an impressive 10-year motor guarantee.
Buy now
Panasonic ES-LL21 Hybrid Wet & Dry Electric 3-Blade Shaver with Trim Attachment: Was £99.99, now £40.99
For an easy clean shave, whether you prefer a wet or dry shave, this electric shaver has 59 per cent off.
Claiming to give a sharp and smooth finish, the blades will adjust automatically to the different densities in the hair. It has a floating head, designed to reach hairs in trickier areas, such as the jawline and upper lip. It also comes with a pop-up trimmer attachment sp you can easily keep sideburns in check.
Buy now
Oral-B SmartSeries Black 6500 CrossAction Electric Toothbrush: Was £229.99, now £59.99
Ensure your teeth are squeaky clean with this electric toothbrush from the experts at Oral-B that has a discount of more than £150 .
It comes with four brush heads and a travel case for easy transportation and has five modes from daily clean, pro clean, sensitive, gum control and whitening, so it will reach every nook and cranny. At this price, it’s a no brainer, brilliant budget buy.
Buy now
Tefal GV9580 Pro Express Ultimate High Pressure Steam Generator Iron: Was £449.99, now £232.49
While admittedly not the most exciting purchase, an iron is a household essential, even if currently you’re currently only using it to iron shirts worn with pyjama bottoms. This lightweight design provides a continuous jet of steam for efficient ironing and has four electronic settings for different fabrics. Admittedly it comes with a hefty pricetag, but it has nearly 50 per cent off and is a great deal.
Buy now
Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm: Was £43, now £30.10
This luxurious cleansing balm is one of Elemis’s most popular products, and an absolute steal with 30 per cent off.
When massaged into dry skin, it melts into an oil to break down make-up, dirt, sweat and SPF and when in contact with water, emulsifies into a gentle milk. All you ned to do is sweep off with a lukewarm flannel to reveal a clean, glowing complexion.
It’s formula is rich in English rose oleo extract, with soothing properties that makes it ideal for sensitive skin type, while adding a subtle, but not overpowering scent.
Buy now
Flymo Contour 500E Electric Grass Trimmer and Edger: Was £59.99, now £38
Before it gets too wet to do so, make sure the edges of your lawn are in tip top shape with this trimmer and edger from Flymo, which we featured in our guide to the best grasstrimmers.
Our review said: “This 25cm cutter with a 10m cable produced some good results on a smaller area. The addition of a large, edging wheel meant that inline edges came without any jagged spots and it was simple to define shrub borders.”
It has an adjustable handle and by twisting the head you can convert it between its two functions, with a plant guard that will protect trees and plants so you only trim exactly what you need to.
Buy now
De’Longhi Scultura Traditional Barista Pump Espresso Machine: Was £199.99, now £139.99
For a bigger piece of equipment to serve all your caffeine needs, this elegant tool comes with 15 bar presure which will enable you to make everything from rich espressos to frothy cappuccinos that will rival your favourite coffee shop.
It even comes with a cup warmer, so on dark wintery mornings, finding the energy to start work from your makeshift office won’t be so bad.
Buy now
Sylvanian Families 5494 Adventure Tree House Playset: Was £53.99, now £37.47
Sylvanian Families are a traditional kids toy that has stood the test of time, and are often pretty expensive so if your child loves them, get organsied for Chritmas gifts now.
Recommended for children aged three and older, it’ll be fun for little ones to build and play with on Christmas morning (and beyond), with features including a swing that can go up and down and log rides that can be pushed down the slide.
Buy now
Fisher-Price CHM91 Roaring Rainforest Jumperoo, New-Born Baby Activity Centre with Music and Lights: Was £104.99, now £69.99
This would make a lovely gift for parents of a newborn, that plays music, lights and sounds to allow a fidgety baby keen to explore their surroundings a safe way to bounce and jump, without being held.
The seat spins 360 degrees so they’ll never be left out of view and the frame is made from steel so you won’t need it to be attached to a doorway for them to enjoy it.
It adjusts to three different heights so it will accustom to a growing baby too, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
Buy now
Real Techniques Powder Brush: Was £9.99, now £6.14
Buff and blend powder make-up into skin with this affordable brush that cleans up easily, doesn’t moult and will get plenty of use.
Dip the cruelty-free bristles into setting powders, bronzers, blush or highlighter or even mineral powder foundations for a flawless, even finish.
Buy now
When is Black Friday?
This year, Black Friday will fall on Friday 27 November, and the event will run over the weekend until 30 November, which is Cyber Monday.
How to get the best Black Friday deals at Amazon?
Here at IndyBest, we’ll be rounding up the best deals ahead of the sale, to save you a mammoth task of scrolling through every page on-site. Just make soiree to check back here regularly for updates and details on all the bargains.
To avoid getting overwhelmed, we’d suggest making a shopping list before Black Friday kicks off, to ensure you shop for what you need and avoid making last-minute impulse buys you may later regret.
If you’re not already an Amazon Prime member, we’d recommend subscribing too, which costs £7.99 a month or £79 a year, as the perks include same-day delivery and access to Amazon Video, Amazon Music and 800,000 free ebooks.
When signing up, you can enjoy a 30-day free trial to get to grips with it, and is ideal if you’re ordering items you don’t want to wait weeks to be delivered.
How long will the discounts last?
Last year was Amazon’s biggest Black Friday sale in its history, spanning 15 days, as it ran its pre-sale in the run up to the weekend.
This year we predict a similar situation, meaning deals could kick off from as early as Friday 13 November, a whole two weeks before the main event.
Typically it runs until Cyber Monday so customers will have plenty of time to bag the best deals possible.
Read more on Black Friday 2020
How to get the best Black Friday deals this year – When the sale starts, how to get the best savings, and how to prepare
Best Black Friday fashion deals – Treat yourself to new wardrobe and tick off your Christmas shopping list
Best Black Friday beauty deals – There’s lots to be saved across make-up, skincare, haircare and fragrance
Best Black Friday kids’ toys deals – Get your Christmas shopping out of the way, with deals from Disney, Lego, Playmobil and more
Best Black Friday mattress deals – An essential for a good night’s sleep, mattresses often feature heavily in the sale, from brands such as Emma, Eve Sleep and Simba
Best Black Friday furniture deals – Bag a bargain on bulkier items such as sofas, wardrobe and armchairs
Best Black Friday home appliance deals – Snap up deals across coffee machines, vacuum cleaners, washing machines and more
Best Black Friday TV deals – Update your at-home cinema experience without paying full price
Best Black Friday laptop deals – There’s hundreds of pounds to be saved on laptops from big-name brands such as Apple, Microsoft and HP
Best Black Friday gaming deals – Whether you’re looking to upgrade your kit or pick up a new game of Fifa at a bargain price, here’s how to bag the biggest bargains
Best Currys PC World Black Friday deals – For everything from TVs to laptops, and kettles to coffee machines
Best John Lewis & Partners Black Friday deals – With great deals on fashion, beauty, tech, kids and homewares it will be a go-to for many
Best Argos Black Friday deals – Covering everything from kids to homewares and fitness to DIY
Best Apple Black Friday deals – The tech giant is notorious for not participating in Black Friday, so how can you find deals on Apple products? Find out in our guide
The stores taking part in Black Friday – Our predictions based on last year, which we’ll be updating as the deals begin
Read more
Best Apple Black Friday deals 2020: Offers to expect
Best John Lewis Black Friday deals 2020: what to expect in the sale
Best Black Friday fashion deals 2020: What to expect in the sale
Best Black Friday mattress deals 2020: Offers to expect in the sale
Best Black Friday home appliances deals: Offers to expect in the sale
Best Black Friday furniture deals 2020: Offers to expect in the sale
Best Black Friday beauty deals 2020: Offers to expect in the sale
Best Argos Black Friday deals 2020: What to expect in the sale
Black Friday 2020: The best Currys deals we predict will be on offer
Black Friday UK deals: Date and best offers to expect
