Every year I tell myself I’m not going to get swept into the Black Friday madness… and yet here I am, scrolling my phone between school pickups, turkey brining, and hiding Amazon boxes from my kids. Instead of doing a “Best Black Friday Deals of 2025” type of post — there are already a million of those – I am sharing my Mom-approved Black Friday shopping list.
What I’m Actually Buying for Black Friday
This is simply: What I’m actually buying. What I actually need. And what actually fits my real-life mom budget. No nonsense, no pressure, no “add everything to your cart at once.” Just the deals I’m eyeing that make life easier (for me/my home/my kids) or more fun for the family.
Gifts for the Home (aka “Make My Life Easier”)
✨ A Fry Pan and a Sauce Pot
I don’t need a whole new cookware set, but I do need a few pots and pans that aren’t scratched to death. The last place I want to set foot in is a store during Black Friday, but Home Goods always has my favorite plans: Caraway, GreenPan, and HexClad.
✨ Red Wine Glasses
My beloved red wine glass set is now down to two, so I am on the hunt for a set under $25 (and I think I have found the perfect red wine glasses).
✨ Skylight Calendar
The Skylight Calendar is 22% off and I’ve been watching like a hawk for a sale like this (b/c we desperately need an upgrade to our family’s organization).
What I’m Actually Buying for my Girls for Black Friday
Here is my Mom-approved Black Friday shopping list for my daughters:
✨ Pants Pants Pant
My daughters are growing a quarter of an inch a week – and every time I turn around, someone’s pants are too short. I love Gap leggings for Arbor, J.Crew leggings or Abercrombie Kids for Ailey and Aerie leggings (under $30) for Annabelle.
✨ A “proper winter coat” for Arbor
She convinced me to purchase an adorable Minnie Mouse puffer jacket last month that is more for April than January. It’s about to be too cold to play outside unless we get her a proper winter coat – and snow pants. My go-to winter shops with actually warm outerwear are Lands End (up to 80% off) or LL Bean (15% off).
For Me (A Treat That Sparks Joy)
✨ A cozy sweatsuit (I will probably share with Annabelle)
Something solid, soft, and big enough that I don’t have to think about it — basically my winter uniform when I’m not at work. My favorite brand for sweatsuit sets is AERIE and everything is 40% off.
✨ The unrealistic gift
Every year I pick ONE “gift to myself” that I don’t actually buy. Sometimes I send it to a family member looking for Christmas gift ideas – but other times it just lives on my Pinterest page.
- An Apple M4 Macbook (this photographer is struggling with no memory and a slow laptop)
- Black Riding Boots, Black Knee High Boots OR Black Chelsea Boots (basically black boots)
- Base Layers for Skiing
Family + Experience Gifts – The Epic Pass
If you have a family member or friend who lives for skiing and snowboarding, give part or all of an Epic Pass this season. Access to fresh powder is one of the most thoughtful (and practical) gifts! You can purchase the pass in their name by entering their details during checkout. The Epic Pass also comes with 50%-off Epic Friend Tickets, meaning they can bring friends for less—and that cost can even go toward their next season’s pass.
✨ Click here to learn about and shop for the EPIC PASS – the sale ends December 4th✨
Thrifting & Shopping Small: Thoughtful, Unique Gift Ideas
I am always looking into thrifting and supporting small, local shops for holiday gift ideas. Buying second-hand isn’t just budget-friendly — it’s sustainable, meaningful, and often way more special than something brand new. Here are some great shops right near my home, plus gift ideas for Moms you can look for when you thrift.
Local Thrift + Consignment Shops to Support:
- Cindy’s Unique Shop — Located in Wallingford, this consignment store carries a wide mix: clothing, shoes, ceramics, holiday decor, and more.
- Consignment Originals — Located in Cheshire, a great spot to find gently used clothes at all price points (some designer), home decor and accessories.
- RWB Thrift – my friend raves about all of the treasures she finds at this cash-only thrift store selling used items, houseware, clothing and kitchen items.
Thrifting Gift Ideas to Consider:
- Vintage holiday decor — ornaments, candle holders, small figurines — often look more unique and nostalgic than mass‑produced items.
- Ceramic dishes or mugs — thrift stores often have nice sets or one-off pieces that make great, charming gifts. Don’t overlook a pot for plants – I know I need a few right now!
- Books — gently used books are great for thoughtful gifting.
- Home accents / small furniture — think vintage picture frames with a favorite photo or handmade creation inside.
- Jewelry — thrifted jewelry or vintage pieces can be a very personal, sustainable gift. Try looking for a simple chain and a charm to make your own sentimental necklace.
Small Business Gift Ideas
Look for a holiday market near you! Connecticut has so many hidden gems worth exploring on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, through the holidays (or any day of the year). Wallingford’s Winter Market is a great place to start small – or you can look for a list of some small businesses in your area.
- Personalized ornaments (if you’re not making your own Christmas ornaments, look for a local business that makes them)
- Handmade candles, salt scrubs or soaps
- Local honey or specialty foods (we have our very own Pasta Maker in town!)
- Artisan jewelry
- Personalized prints or stationery
- Handkit sweaters, blankets, hats, etc.
What I’m Not Buying
Because sometimes the most realistic part of a “mom version” list is acknowledging the things we’re skipping:
- No giant tech splurges for the kids
- No new furniture (I can’t commit)
- No over-the-top toys that the kids play with for 12 minutes
- No viral TikTok gadgets that end up in a drawer
This is what makes Black Friday feel manageable — buying intentionally, not impulsively.
Final Thoughts
Black Friday doesn’t have to be chaotic. I like treating it as a little pre-holiday reset: restocking the things we need, grabbing a few gifts, and maybe sneaking in a treat for myself.
If you love practical content like this, I can also share:
- What I’m actually gifting teachers
- My holiday wishlist
- Or a cozy winter favorites roundup
Just let me know — I’m in full holiday mode now.
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