20 hours ago 4

Cyber Monday 2024: Early deals and everything we know about the sale

Any savvy shopper worth their salt knows that Black Friday 2024 is only the tip of the deal iceberg. Big names — including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Wayfair and more — have been releasing new markdowns all November long, and we’ve been dutifully reporting on the ones worth your cash (and the ones worth skipping). Of course, the savings spectacular can’t go on forever — and it’s coming to a head this Cyber Monday.

With so many deals already live, we can say with certainty that the 2024 holiday shopping season is set to be bigger than ever before. No need to bookmark everything on your and your family’s wishlists — you can count on us to keep tabs on the biggest markdowns for you. We'll be right here as you start planning your holiday shopping strategy and begin picking out the perfect gifts and treat-yo-self essentials, helping you devise the ideal approach for maximizing your savings and even having a little fun, too, along the way.

So, without further ago, here’s everything you need to know about Cyber Monday, and how to make the most of the biggest shopping weekend of the year. We’re tracking sales at all major retailers and all your favorite brands to bring you the best deals live right now. Here are all our top picks.

The best early Cyber Monday deals

These are among Apple's most recent releases (launched in September 2024) and are also some of the most affordable AirPods you'll find. At under $120, these earbuds boast personalized audio settings, are sweat- and water-resistant and last up to 30 hours on a single charge. Did we mention they're just $1 shy of their all-time low price?

"I decided to upgrade from my AirPods 2 and I'm impressed!" one fan wrote. "Sound quality is great! Wow! They don't feel like they're going to fall out of my ears and [are] very comfortable."

$119 at Amazon

Dodell-Feder named this the "best Keurig coffee maker" out of all of the models she tested, calling it "a reliable Keurig that delivers everything you'd want from a single-cup coffee maker and more."

She adds, "It makes four cup sizes (8, 10 and 12 ounces, and a 2-ounce shot), the buttons are clear and intuitive and it offers an 'over ice' option that automatically adjusts brew temperature for less-watery iced coffee. Plus, it comes with a bonus for anyone who likes lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-style drinks: an excellent standalone milk frother."

It's only dipped lower than it's current price by a few dollars, and doesn't often go on sale, so you'll want to grab it while it's nearly 30% off. 

$100 at Amazon

Yahoo's senior tech writer, Rick Broida, dubbed this iPad the best overall tablet of 2024, so if you're looking for the cream of the crop, grab it while it's on sale. It boasts up to 10 hours of battery life on a single charge, a 10.9-inch screen and 64GB storage. Just back in August, the price rose to $327 — so we suggest you snap it up now.

"[It] seamlessly pairs with the rest of my Apple devices," one impressed shopper wrote. "Build quality is great, as all Apple devices are. ... Charges via USB-C and includes a nice braided charger. Screen is great, speakers are clear and battery is long-lasting."

$279 at Amazon

This bestselling knife block set from foodie-favorite Carote has everything you need to get to cookin'. It includes an 8-inch chef knife, an 8-inch bread knife, a 7-inch santoku knife, a 5-inch utility knife, a 3.5-inch paring knife, six steak knives, kitchen shears, a sharpening steel and a hardwood block. Phew!

$43 at Walmart

Yes, it's that time! If you'd rather not deal with shedding pine needles this year, many of this faux tree's thousands of fans say it looks just like the real deal.

With full branches to eliminate gaps, it's a real beauty, and at just 55 bucks? That's likely as low as it'll be between now and December. 

$55 at Amazon

This popular toasty flannel shirt has shacket written all over it — and a price tag that's been reduced by more than 80 percent. As we knew back in the '90s, a flannel shirt is all about warmth, comfort, and versatility. Pass it onto a younger generation this holiday season.

And while you're at it, pick one up for yourself — it comes in 15 colors. A fan called it "the incredibly silky, ideal material for layering continues to look fantastic even after multiple launderings."

$13 at Walmart

Ready to do some Apple picking? You don't even have to drive to the orchard — just head over to Amazon and grab this lightweight MacBook Air while it's on sale.

Don't be deterred by the fact that this isn't the newest model on the market; it still boasts up to 18 hours of use per charge, a vivid 13.6-inch display and weighs only 2.7 pounds for easy toting. If you've been meaning to upgrade from your snail-like computer, it would be wise to act quickly.

Check out our tech editor's roundup of the best laptops for additional options.

$786 at Amazon

These slip-on sneaks are an unexpected celeb favorite (Martha Stewart is a well-known fan) and don't often go on sale — so we suggest snapping them up now at nearly 25% off. The pillowy shoes have a lightweight cushioned midsole and a removable insole that's podiatrist-certified, so you know you'll get the support you need.

Not convinced? These are the best slip-on sneakers in 2024, experts say.

$49 at Amazon

I own this multi-use, nonstick beauty, and it just might become your most-utilized piece of cookware, thanks to its thoughtful design. It took the internet by storm a few years ago and quickly became a favorite of home cooks and celebrities alike. (Selena Gomez did a collaboration with the brand, and Oprah has called it "the kitchen magician.")

Its ceramic coating is slick and free of PFAS, while the handle smartly doubles as a spoon rest. Speaking of utensils, it comes with a wooden spatula and metal steamer basket that can be used as a colander, and it's oven-safe up to 450°F for added versatility. It's not often on sale, so grab it while it's $55 off (as low as it's ever been). 

Check out our editor's full Our Place Always Pan review for more. (FYI, it also comes in mini and large versions as well as cast iron and titanium models — all on sale.)

Save $55 | Lowest price ever

$95 at Our Place

A wide range of ages will love playing and snuggling up with their Squishmallow plushie, many of which are on sale. 

This adorable kitty, Tahoe, is one of Amazon's most gifted stuffed animals, but there are plenty of fun characters to choose from, each with different interests and personalities. Tahoe happens to be an impressive 67% off (prices vary). 

$13 at Amazon

The latest smartwatch from the Cupertino company features a larger display while somehow being thinner and lighter, advanced health and fitness features and a faster-charging battery. 

Said one five-star reviewer, "The battery life is phenomenal, I can literally go 2 days without charging. When I do have to charge it, it’s full in about 30 [minutes]."

$329 at Amazon

Want to get some holiday shopping done early? Yahoo Gifting Editor Amanda Garrity has plenty of ideas, including this fun option, which is down to its best price of all time.

"Invite Elsa, Tiana, Ariel, Mirabel and Moana to your holiday table," she says. "Build a small scene for each princess — including Ariel's undersea palace — then flip over the box to play the built-in board game with up to five other Disney fans."

Check out her roundup of the best advent calendars for more.

$32 at Amazon

If you're looking to cut the (cable) cord, Amazon's Fire TV Stick is the state-of-the-art 4K streaming sidekick you need. Enjoy content from all of your favorite services (like Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime) with just the touch of a button. And feel free to ask Alexa for movie and TV suggestions if you aren't quite sure what to watch — the smart assistant is built right into the remote! Plus, the stick plugs right into an HDMI port in the back of your TV, so it's nice and tidy.

A fan raved, "The picture quality is stunning. Watching my favorite shows and movies in 4K is like experiencing them for the first time all over again. The colors are vibrant, the details are crisp, and the sound is crystal clear. I've watched some of my favorite movies and TV shows in 4K, and I'm blown away by how immersive the experience is."

Save $28 | Lowest price ever

$22 at Amazon

When is Cyber Monday 2024 and when do Cyber Monday deals start?

Cyber Monday officially falls on Dec. 2 this year, but, as we've seen in previous years, retailers will likely start to shift to Cyber Monday deals the day after Black Friday — if not earlier.

Is Cyber Monday better than Black Friday?

It's no longer the case that these events vary drastically. It used to be that Black Friday focused mostly on brick-and-mortar retailers (read: elbowing your fellow shoppers for that last 50%-off TV), while Cyber Monday was a chance to shop exclusive online deals. But — much like the entire month has morphed into Black November — there's little distinction between the two days.

Sure, you may find a touch of parity here and there with retailers offering flash deals or a few items more on each day, for the most part, you'll likely see the same deals throughout the entire weekend.

Shopping Strategies for Cyber Monday 2024

Do your research: Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com, advises shoppers to make a list of items that they're interested in buying, then note their current prices. That way, you'll be able to spot a great Cyber Monday deal as soon as you see it. Adds Kristin McGrath, shopping expert with RetailMeNot: "The most important thing is to know exactly what you want. What specs you want in a TV or laptop and which headphones you want." According to Kristen Gall, retail and shopping expert for Rakuten, "Consumers shouldn't assume that just because a product is discounted that it's the best price out there. I recommend checking for the product on one to two other retailers to compare the regular price with a potential 'sale' price to ensure you're actually getting the best deal."

Stay on top of the ads: Pay attention as Cyber Monday ads come out, Ramhold advises. "It may be helpful to follow your favorite retailers on social media and sign up for their email newsletters as well, since they may announce the ad release that way as well as other important details, like when the sales will begin." Gall calls these ads "your Black Friday road map for deals."

Check out holiday price guarantees: Have a few favorite retailers? "Check to see if they're offering any kind of price match or guarantee for Cyber Monday," Ramhold says. The idea is that you'll know whether you can request that your preferred retailer match a competitor's price during a Cyber Monday event, or if you'll have to shop the competitor instead. "And if there's a price guarantee in place, it's good to know that if you buy something early on and it later drops in price, you'll be able to receive a price adjustment for the difference," Ramhold adds.

Try to get cash back: "In addition to doing a price comparison, you can ensure you are getting the absolute best price by stacking deals to maximize savings," Gall says. "Cash-back services like Rakuten allow you to earn cash back on top of sale prices. For extra savings, plan to apply promo codes or digital coupons, and use a rewards credit card to extra earn points or cash back."

Where are the best Cyber Monday deals?

Gall believes that retailers' overstock categories are the biggest predictor of Cyber Monday gold. That includes "home goods, gardening and furniture that they may have not gotten rid of during Labor Day weekend sales," she says. But, she also notes that shopping weekend will also focus on "bigger-ticket items, such as tech, including laptops, TVs and more."

Apple products: Look out for great deals on AirPods, especially AirPods Pro, which are "still immensely popular, and retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target and Best Buy will likely offer the lowest price of the year," says McGrath.

Kitchen appliances: KitchenAid mixers are the products to watch, McGrath says. Cyber Monday deals knock the price down enough that these expensive classics are more affordable for many shoppers. Last year, we saw KitchenAid stand mixers sell out quickly, so be ready to jump on a good deal if you see it.

Laptops: Ramhold calls these "one of the quintessential" Cyber Monday items.

Smartphones: Major retailers will offer the latest Android smartphones and iPhones bundled with gift cards worth hundreds, "which can be used on later purchases and boost the value of these deals," Ramhold predicts.

Toys: Historically, the best toy sales happen in December, Ramhold says, but Cyber Monday "toy deals should be pretty big." Expect up to 85% off at major stores, she says.

TVs: McGrath recommends studying major retailers' Cyber Monday ads so you can pounce on the TV you want before it's gone. "Stock sells out quickly on the best-priced sets, and there are always a few headline-making deals that get a ton of hype and sell out in minutes," she says. "Zero in on the 4K TV you want, have some backups and get ready to shop as soon as the Cyber Monday sale kicks off."

Where are the best Cyber Monday deals?

With some items, you'll seem a good deal of price matching across retailers during Cyber Monday. But, of course, certain retailers specialize in certain kinds of products.

"Check out Amazon, Walmart, Target and Best Buy for tech. Wayfair and Overstock always offer incredible home goods deals," McGrath advises. "Gap, Old Navy and Target lead the pack when it comes to clothing deals. Walmart is always strong on Cyber Monday in the toy department. Home Depot and Lowe's don't do as splashy sales as some of the big-box contenders, but they have great values on Cyber Monday for big-ticket home items, smart home devices, home security bundles, grills, tool sets, power tools and even ladders. They're also some of the best sources of appliance package deals. And do not forget about Kohl's, which often offers extra Kohl's Cash with purchase. Oftentimes, they'll have the same price as a competitor on things like small appliances and smartwatches, but also throw in some Kohl's Cash to make the deal sweeter."

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

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