Black Friday 2017: What to buy, what to avoid

On Black Friday, you'll want to know which items to stand in line for, and which items to buy after the holiday season has passed. You can end up saving a lot of money (and time) by shopping smart as you weave your way through the crowds or shop online.

What to buy on Black Friday:

Home appliances  They may not be the sexiest of gifts, but small and large home appliances often are priced to sell on Black Friday. From electric mixers and coffeemakers to refrigerators and dishwashers, Bankrate.com says it's worth checking out the deals on these items on Black Friday.

Televisions (basic models): While some analysts say January, leading up to the Super Bowl, is the best time to find a television at a good price, there are still plenty of TV deals on Black Friday. Keep in mind that lower-end models tend to be priced the most competitively, making Black Friday the perfect time to pick up a television for a second bedroom or the kids' room. If you are looking for a high-end television, it's better to wait until after Black Friday.

Mainstream laptops and tablets: Shoppers will find many basic laptop models at bargain-basement prices on Black Friday. Power users looking for good deals on high-end laptops should wait until after Black Friday.

The same logic applies to tablets. There will be plenty of Black Friday doorbusters featuring basic tablet models; just don't expect steep discounts on iPads.

Gaming system bundles: Nerdwallet says gaming system bundles should receive good discounts on Black Friday. In years past, gaming system bundles have been priced up to $50 off the regular price on Black Friday.
 
What not to buy on Black Friday:

Furniture: The furniture sales cycle resets in the summer, so if you wait until Black Friday, you won't be getting the best deals, according to The Street. And while buying outdoor furniture in winter might seem like a wise plan, retail experts say most of that merchandise has been removed from the floor to make room for holiday items by Black Friday, so you won't find great deals on the remaining products. 

Toys: Unless your child is hoping for one of this year's hottest toys, it's actually better to wait until Cyber Monday or early December to shop for toys, according to Bankrate.com. The toy that is priced up to half-off on Black Friday may end up being priced up to 75 percent off if you wait.

Winter clothes: Avoid spending your shopping money on winter clothing during Black Friday, because it generally sells at a much deeper discount soon after the holiday season ends. 

Workout equipment: You might think that the best time to purchase workout equipment is during Black Friday, but the biggest deals on fitness equipment actually take place right after the turn of the new year.

Tools: You can still get your husband that tool set he's been wanting for Christmas, just wait to purchase it until December, when tools and equipment sell for the largest discounts.

Gift cards: There are rarely good deals on gift card purchases on Black Friday. The Street says this is because gift cards are the gift choice of procrastinators, so wait until just before Christmas to score better deals.
 
Holiday decor: Although you might want to buy a few special ornaments or decorations for your house on Black Friday, plan ahead by purchasing next year's décor right after Christmas, when seasonal items are sold at clearance prices.

Cox Media Group