The holidays are upon us and so is the chance to stock up on thoughtful gifts for others or, just maybe, treat yourself to something nice on Black Friday. One thing is for sure: Our Traveler editors won’t be sleeping on this year’s deals. Dozens of early Black Friday deals have already landed, including sales from travel-friendly brands we love like Away, Calpak, Nordstrom, New Balance, Girlfriend Collective, and more. We asked our editors what goods are on their wishlists this year, and luckily, some of them are already on sale. Read on for what our editors are shopping this Black Friday, from in-flight tech essentials and kitchen appliances to new bed sheets as comfortable as the ones in your favorite hotel.
Noise-canceling headphones
Bose QuietComfort 45 noise canceling headphones
Bang Olufsen Do-It-All headphones
I’ve lost too many tiny earbuds to count now, and I think it’s time to accept that delicate in-ear headphones simply aren’t for me. Instead, I’ll be using the Black Friday discounts to invest in a great pair of over-ear headphones that will be almost impossible to lose track of (hopefully). I’ve always been a fan of Bang & Olufsen, so the comfortable Beoplay HX style is top of my list. Noise cancelation is non-negotiable for busy flights and trains, and I hear great things about the Bose QuietComfort style. Either way, it’ll be a peaceful, quiet Cyber Weekend and beyond for me. —Abigail Malbon, acting global director for audience development, analytics, and social
Bang Olufsen Next-Gen wireless earbuds
Recently, one of my beloved earbuds fell out of my ear and rolled straight into a drain, meaning I’ve been resigned to a vastly inferior pair ever since. Sale season is the time to repurchase, but I’m determined to avoid further heartbreak, so it’s the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX wireless earbuds on my wishlist this year. These waterproof, noise-canceling headphones come in a few pretty colors and—importantly—sport a stick-shaped silhouette that helps keep them firmly in place. Lesson learned! —Charley Ward, commerce writer, UK
Sleek cookware
I’ve been eyeing the Our Place pots and pans for months. They do the job of several pieces in one, are nonstick and easy to clean, and yes—look much more aesthetically pleasing on a stovetop than traditional cookware. I told myself that if any of the bundles go on sale, I might finally go ahead and splurge. —Meaghan Kenny, associate commerce editor
Staub 4 Quart Cast-Iron Cocette
When I think of cold-weather comfort, I think of endless rounds of chili, stews, and soups. Having a Staub cocotte would really help that cause, as it is truly designed for long and slow simmering and cooking. Plus, it comes in beautiful colors, which means this would look just as great on my stove as it would on the table. —Arati Menon, global digital director
Kitchen appliances
Breville Juice Fountain Compact Juicer
Nespresso Vertuo Next coffee maker and milk frother
I have always been a big fan of juices and even worked at a juice bar as a teenager. I’ve begun adding them more regularly to my shopping list and have been thinking about cutting out the middleman and juicing at home. I’ve had my eye on a few juicers, but living in Manhattan means I’m only afforded so much counter space. I’ve landed on one from Breville that’s compact, fast, and easy to clean. While on this DIY kick, a coffee maker is next on my list. I do enjoy a nice cup of regular coffee, but I also want the option to make everything from espresso shots to frothy lattes, so I’ve got my eye on the Nespresso coffee maker. —Paris Wilson, commerce producer
A winter coat
Girlfriend Collective Midi Recycled Puffer
I recently got my hands on a new winter jacket from Girlfriend Collective and I haven’t stopped raving about it since to anyone who will listen—friends, coworkers, even my mom! After seeing it on me, my mom admitted she wanted one of these new warm puffers for herself. Luckily, this cozy jacket is heavily discounted as part of the brand’s early Black Friday sale. I’m snagging one for my mom as a Christmas gift and I can’t wait for her to love it as much as I do. It stands up to temps as low as 18 degrees and is wind-resistant, water-repellent, and features compressive cuffs that prevent cold air from sneaking up the sleeves. P.S., it’s available in a long and cropped version, too. —M.K.
An air purifier
Shark Air Purifier
It’s definitely a sign that you’ve reached adulthood once you get excited about seeing appliances on sale, but I am unashamedly psyched about scoring this compact air purifier from Shark. Its air filter lasts up to a year before it needs replacement, and it broadcasts the quality of your air in real time. This feels like a must-have when you live in a city. —Alexandra Sanidad, research director
Linen sheets
Cultiver linen sheets
I’m always singing the praises of linen bedding, which is so much more breathable and cozier (hello, winter!) than other fabrics. After years of trying out various brands, I have come to love Cultiver, which is crafted from pure flax linen and is pre-washed for that soft, lived-in feel right from the start. Plus, the colorways are lovely—especially the earth tones—and you can mix and match. It is however, one of the pricier brands, so any deals are always handy! —A.M.
Cashmere sweaters
J.Crew cashmere turtleneck sweater
I have a big six-week trip coming up this winter (for both family and work) and I want to pack smartly by bringing versatile pieces that can work in different environments, weather-wise and scene-wise. I was looking through my drawer of sweaters and realized: I don’t have a simple black or white cashmere sweater. Not in a crewneck, not in a turtleneck; not in charcoal or cream. Outrageous! A weird commitment to the colors cognac and navy in my twenties (my unfortunate Ravenclaw Head Boy era) has finally shot me in the foot. So now I’m on the lookout—and because Loro Piana doesn’t do Black Friday sales, I’m refreshing the J.Crew and Banana Republic sites this week every time I answer an email. —Matt Ortile, associate editor
I’m trying to be really intentional with my purchases at the moment—let’s be honest, there’s a lot I want, but not a ton I need—so my Black Friday purchasing will be focused on gifts this year. I’m all about giving things that are practical and will actually be used, but still feel decadent and special. That usually ends up being slightly fancy foodstuffs, like Italian maraschino cherries in hand-painted jars, splurgy olive oils, maybe some tinned Maine lobster, or gift cards to cheese shops. Usually there’s a sense of some place, based on where I want to transport the recipient to. Black Friday is my moment to get even more bang for my buck. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor
