Will electronics and small appliances be difficult to find this holiday season?
Given the current state of the worldwide supply chain, it shouldn’t be a surprise that deals on appliances and tech gear will be some of the hardest to come across. The surge in demand for new technology, coupled with the shortages faced by manufacturers and shipping companies, is sure to be felt even more strongly during the holidays than before. Although older models of some products will most likely see some hefty discounts, most (if not all) big-ticket electronics, like the iPhone 13, may not even see so much as a small markdown. Not to sound like a broken record, but our recommendation remains the same: Buy early. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Some of the most in-demand tech gear, countertop appliances, and smart devices this holiday season include:
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro, Originally $500, Now $320
Small appliances like air fryers will once again be popular buys during the holidays, both for gift giving and for easy food prep. Whether you’re hosting your family this year or you want to show the foodie in your life just how much you appreciate them, the versatile Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro will have your back with its 13 cooking functions and super convection technology.
Eufy Robovac 11S, Originally $230, Now $160
Whether vacuuming is your least favorite chore or you could just use a little extra help, now is a good time to pick up a robot vacuum. As has been the case in past years, robot vacuums will remain a popular buy during Black Friday and Cyber Week, but if you plan on giving one as a gift, you may want to buy earlier to avoid any residual effects of the electronics shortages plaguing, well, everyone. When you clip the on-page coupon, you can snag an extra markdown on the already impressively-discounted Eufy Robovac 11S. If you have bare floors and want a quiet, slim robot vacuum to get to those hard-to-reach places, this is a nice time to save.
Google Pixel 5A
Selling at mark-ups as high as $700+, the Google Pixel 5A is perhaps the most in-demand and unavailable Android phone on the market right now. Not only is it available in just one color and size, but it’s also exclusively on sale in just the U.S. and Japan. It’s also good to note that while the 5A was only released this past August, the Google Pixel 6 just came out on October 26 (though we wouldn’t plan on seeing any markdowns in time for the holidays).
Will any workout gear be available in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday?
In case you haven’t noticed, workout gear has become basically the unicorns of the retail world—we’ve heard of their existence, but few have managed to be in the same vicinity as these mythical products. As tiring as the phrase “new normal” may be, you can expect not to see the lack of availability (and discounts) slow down any time soon. If you have any equipment or accessories in mind, you’ll need to stay sharp, because if you blink, you’ll miss them being restocked.
Some of the most popular workout gear products of the 2021 holiday season include:
Peloton Tread
Peloton launched its treadmill in the U.S. in August 2021, making it likely to have a spot at the top of people’s gift lists. However, Peloton canceled their Black Friday/Cyber Week sale last year because of supply and demand issues stemming from the pandemic. Whether or not they’re going to skip the sale again this year remains unseen, as workout gear saw a huge increase in sales, and therefore huge inflation of prices and decrease in availability, and it is only slightly starting to recover. Given that many are more comfortable building their home gyms rather than renewing memberships elsewhere, you can be sure machines from the popular exercise equipment brand will sell out quickly, if not end up heavily backordered.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells, Originally $549, Now $399
Like pretty much all other fitness accessories, dumbbells have been nearly impossible to come by during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why this is such a stellar opportunity to save on this adjustable set. If you like to pump iron at home, you’re sure to get the most out of your workout thanks to their smaller weight increments.
What about tools and outdoor gear?
Now that fall is in full swing and winter is right around the corner, demand for fire pits, heaters, and tools to use for outdoor DIY projects has only increased. As is the case with workout gear, these are also especially difficult to come by these days. Sales are few and far between, though you’ll find many “sales” in the form of selling items at their pre-pandemic base price. Shoppers can check out Lowe’s Season of Savings sale, which officially starts on October 28, but because of the issues faced by the retailer and its suppliers, don’t expect the discounts to be as impressive as those of years past.
DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill and Driver Kit, Originally $169, Now $99
You know the drill: It’s better to spend a little extra on tools that will last than to cheap out on ones that will break within a few years (if you’re lucky they even last that long). The DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill and Driver Kit will streamline and expedite even the simplest of tasks, making this a great opportunity to save.
Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater with Digital Display and Remote Control
If the holidays leave you feeling fa-la-la-la-freezing, now is a great time to pick up a space heater like the Lasko Ceramic Tower Heater. As one of BuyDig’s best sellers, this hot buy comes in a lightweight, compact size and features a digital thermostat, an 8-hour timer, and a multi-function remote.
Solo Stove Bonfire, Originally $350, Now $240
Whether you’re an avid camper or prefer your great backyard to the great outdoors, the Solo Stove is just what you need for those chilly nights. Its double-walled design intensifies a fire’s heat, so you can efficiently burn wood with almost no detectable smoke. Use code BURR to pick up this fire pit for $240.
Is it true books will even be hard to find during the holidays?
We know, we’re just as surprised as you are, but after being cooped up inside for so long, many people turned into voracious readers during the pandemic. That, combined with labor shortages and paper supply chain congestion, makes getting your hands on this year’s hottest releases that much more arduous. If there’s a favorite author you love or have a new release you’ve been eyeing, now is the time to buy it. Many authors have even urged their social media followers to order now if there are books they want, because they’re flying off the shelves faster than ever due to stock shortages. Furthermore, if there are any highly-anticipated books coming out in the next few months that have sparked your interest, your best chance of getting your hands on a copy is pre-ordering it.
To satiate the most voracious reader in your life, you can get them the most popular books of 2021, including:
Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, Originally $29, Now $19
From Liane Moriarty, the author of the hit novels that inspired the series, Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, the much-anticipated Apples Never Fall focuses on the multi-faceted relationship of a family of tennis players and teachers as they struggle to uncover the mystery behind the disappearance of their matriarch.
Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones
The wildly imaginative kid in your life will love Pip Jones’ Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Prize-nominated book, but be sure to act fast, as they tend to sell out as soon as they go back in stock. You and your child can buckle up and enjoy the wild ride of the exuberant child inventor that is Izzy Gizmo.
Matrix: A Novel by Lauren Groff, Originally $28, Now $18
You won’t be able to put down this New York Times bestseller and 2021 National Book Award for Fiction nominee. In Matrix, author Lauren Groff sets the scene of this electrifying work of historical fiction that will inspire your inner feminist warrior while tearing your heart to shreds.
The Night When No One Had by Sex by Kalena Miller
Never has a night without sex been so good. Kalena Miller’s The Night When No One Had by Sextells the story of a group of teens teetering on the brink of adulthood as they prepare for prom night and come to terms with leaving high school behind.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston, Originally $17, Now $10
If you’re a lover of rom-coms, this New York Times bestseller is the book to cozy up with beside a roaring fire. In One Last Stop, author Casey McQuiston (known for the Red, White, and Royal Blue series of books) paints a dazzling picture of what it for two young, disillusioned women to find love in New York City.
Kindle Paperwhite (Previous Generation, 8GB, Ad-Supported), Originally $130, Now $90
What clothing, shoes, and accessories should people buy now before they sell out on Black Friday?
Because there is such an extensive backlog across clothing retailers right now, you can know two things to be true: Talk about a paradox, right? Knowing when to pull the trigger on clothing is a dance more complicated than a Britney Spears music video routine, which is why it’s best to play it by ear. Retailers like J.Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch, Everlane, and UNIQLO will definitely have some solid markdowns closer to Black Friday, but if there’s something you need to have, you’re better off paying a little extra for that peace of mind. Similarly, trendy closet staples are more likely to sell out sooner on Black Friday, if not before, so factor that in when you’re weighing your options of whether or not to pull the trigger.
Some popular clothing, shoes, and accessories you can think about buying before Black Friday are:
Abercrombie & Fitch Cloud Jogger, Originally $55, Now $35
The clothing brand everybody wore back when you were in high school has once again returned, and while its low-rise jeans can stay in the past, the rest of their designs, like this cozy pair of A&F Cloud Joggers, are taking TikTok and LikeToKnowIt by storm. However, because many clothing brands are offering fewer sales and less substantial discounts to increase their profit margins, your best bet is to sign up for their email alerts to be the first to know if their coveted collections go on sale.
Everlane The Straight-Leg Crop
One thing is for certain: These are not your mom’s jeans. Known for its modern take on classic essentials, Everlane is one of the clothing retailers at the top of every fashionista’s shopping list this year thanks to its exceptional quality and ethical standards. Available in a wide range of sizes and washes, their Straight-Leg Crop provides the perfect combination of comfort and chic, with a high waist, straight leg, and cropped fit.
Nike Air Force 1 ‘07
You can especially expect to see discounts on athleisure brands, which should come as no surprise given the resurgence in at-home workouts since the beginning of the pandemic. Nike doesn’t offer a lot of discounts, so if you need a pair of running or workout shoes or a sick pair of kicks for day-to-day wear, like these classic Air Force 1s.
UGG Women’s Fluff Yeah Slide Slippers, Originally $100, Now $60
Sadly, that Von Dutch trucker hat collecting dust in the back of your closet isn’t back in style (yet), but UGGs are experiencing a brand renaissance with the popularity of their footwear, especially their UGG Women’s Fluff Yeah Slide Slippers. These fluffy, open-toed slippers are available for a reduced price of $60 in Scallop, but you can also snag them in a wide array of colors and patterns in sizes 5-12. Consider this recommendation to start your holiday shopping early an opportunity to get into the spirit of giving even earlier this year! Now that you’re armed with a list of the hottest gifts of 2021 and the knowledge of what to buy and when, you’re sure to be as unstoppable as Rudolph as you make your way through the haze of Black Friday ads, deals, and outages. Next, 100 best Christmas gifts under $100.
