Best Writer-loved Early Amazon Black Friday Deals

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, and seeing as finding unbeatable deals is quite literally part of my job description, you best believe I already have a list of purchases I’ll be making during the sale. Since Amazon has everything I might need for my travels and beyond, I took a look at its existing early deals and was thrilled to find that many of my favorite items are already deeply on sale right now.

If you’re in need of some shopping inspiration for the holiday season (whether you’re perusing for yourself or your loved ones), I’ve collected a list of the seven travel-friendly deals I never pass up during Black Friday. From sturdy Samsonite luggage to handy tech from Apple, there’s something here for everybody on your list, with prices starting at a budget-friendly $15.

Apple AirTags 4-pack

Apple AirTags are one of the handiest pieces of technology for tracking luggage, or even just keeping an eye on my wallet and keys everyday, so I never leave them unclaimed when a four-pack goes on sale during events like Black Friday. Currently priced at just $80, this set of tracking devices is adored by frequent travelers, flight attendants, and T+L editors since they’re so easy to use, compact, and boast impressively long battery lives. Each device features a built-in speaker that will ping to make locating a misplaced key ring easier, and with the “Find My” iPhone app, you can follow your checked bag from the moment it leaves your eyeline to when you’re reunited again at baggage claim. At less than $20 apiece, this is a deal I never leave behind.

Lillusory Women’s 2-piece Lounge Set

Cozy lounge sets are my kryptonite, and since I wear them while working from home, running errands, and even traveling, I have difficulty saying no whenever a new option goes on sale at Amazon. This relaxed set from Lillusory is now just $44 and features a pair of flowy pants with an oversized top that will keep me comfortable while nailing the tried-and-true monochromatic look. I love how the items in this set can be styled together or separately, and it even comes in 16 gorgeous colors that all happen to be on sale.

Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Luggage

As a travel writer, I’m of the opinion that you can never truly have too many suitcases. Because of this, I’ve been eyeing the discounted offerings from Samsonite now available at Amazon, and I’ve landed on this expandable checked bag that’s only $150 thanks to Black Friday sales coming early this year. This suitcase has earned more than 21,400 five-star ratings at Amazon — and it certainly doesn’t hurt that the brand is adored by my fellow T+L editors, as well. 

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

I’ve been hiking since childhood, so I know how important a reliable pair of boots is to making my time on the trails all the more enjoyable. Seeing as I was named after the Merrell brand, I can never seem to leave its top-rated Moab 3 Waterproof Boots out of my cart when they’re on sale, and right now they’re available for 46 percent off. The waterproof exterior is essential for hiking through snow, while grippy outsoles make it safe to trek across ice without fear of slipping. I’ve been repurchasing these boots for years now, and I don’t see that stopping this Black Friday.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds

While I don’t buy AirPods every year, I have taken advantage of the sale to replace my older model on several occasions — and this year is no exception. I always come back to the earbuds that provide active noise-canceling, and this wireless pair fits the bill with more than 8,200 five-star ratings to show for. They’re easily packable within my belt bag while traveling, and at $170, they’re a great gift for my loved ones this season. With a customizable fit and up to 30 hours of listening time with the accompanying charging case, they allow me to leave my extra cables at home.

She’s Birdie The Original Personal Safety Alarm

Black Friday is the best time to get a jump on holiday shopping for my friends and family, and this year I’ll be giving the gift of safety with this portable alarm that I’ve kept on my keychain for years. The compact alarm is about half the size of a credit card, and while it appears innocuous upon first glance, when you pull the pin it emits a blaring siren complete with a flashing strobe light that will draw attention if you find yourself in a dangerous situation. You don’t have to worry about the battery-powered alarm going off unexpectedly when it’s not in use, and it’s even on sale for only $23 right now, so I’m buying another to keep as a permanent fixture in my personal item — it’s airplane friendly, after all.

Orastone Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Every winter, I rely on a big box of single-use hand warmers to keep me toasty and comfortable while skiing, traveling, and generally enjoying my time outdoors. However, this year I’m switching things up and instead investing in this reusable electronic hand warmer that’s just as compact and easy to use, without all the waste. Now on sale for 20 percent off, the easily-packable device is a must-have for the colder months since it warms up in just two minutes and provides up to four hours of warmth on a full charge. And when it does run out of battery, the lightweight warmer is quickly repowered with the accompanying charging cable. I’m confident this $15 piece of technology will be one of my best travel purchases this winter.

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