It’s Black Friday/Cyber Monday soon. I think now it’s called Cyber Week since the sale season has started earlier and lasts well into December. Do I endorse going mad and spending a ton? Obviously not. But if you’ve been following me for a while, you know I value some good quality basics and I sometimes have expensive taste. That’s why I keep a close watch on discounts on my favourite websites to stock up on the travel items I swear by or to buy my Christmas gifts in advance.
Black Friday deals on sleep accessories
Although this is a travel blog, I probably talk more about cozy home goods than I do about what sleeping bag liner is best for dirty hostels. As much as I love being on the road, I also love my home and value making it a great space to come back to.
The award-winning Coop Pillow
Maybe one of my favourite purchases of 2020, this pillow is the best. I’m not just saying that. I’ve gone on to buy three more since I was gifted my first one and have them in all my homes. I’ve also recommended them or gifted them to friends. Something about the shredded foam strikes the perfect balance of plush but firm, cool but cozy. Each pillow also comes with extra stuffing so you can customize just how stuffed you like yours. Take advantage of their sale to get a set, or to get their super cute travel pillow!
A decent mattress or mattress topper
If you’ve been holding off on upgrading your entry-level IKEA mattress, consider this your invitation to act. Mattresses are big ticket items so taking advantage of the biggest sale season of the year is just plain smart. New mattress not in the budget or just want a small upgrade? Consider a mattress topper! Back in my early 20s, these were life-savers when I couldn’t afford a new mattress but desperately needed some added comfort.
Cozy sheets and pyjamas
I’m combining sheets and PJs into one because at Quince, dressing yourself and your mattress for bed is equally affordable and luxurious. Some of my favourite things about this brand is their use of natural fibres like silk, wool, alpaca, linen, and cotton. Their loungewear is simple but checks all my boxes. You can get a full cashmere lounge suit for under $150! I plan on swapping out my robe for one one of their waffle ones. And once I need new linen sheets, I’m going straight to Quince.
Cyber week discounts on suitcases and travel gear
Upgrade your suitcase or travel bags at up to 30% off
Just like mattresses, if you’ve been waiting for a moment to get a serious suitcase, Black Friday is the best time. I’m a fan of Away suitcases for their range of models, life-time guarantee, and accessories like packing cubes and dopp kits. I also love their collaborations where they have fun colours and new prints. Another up-and-coming competition to Away is Monos. They have some great alternatives and some innovative products too like their UV wand cleaner and their modular weekender. Both brands are having *major* sales this weekend, so make sure you don’t miss out!
Small leather goods to elevate your essentials or give as a gift
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or for a gift, small leather goods are luxurious, practical, and such crowd pleasers. Take a look at my picks below.
Everyman makes a line of bags, handy tools, and pens (I love their pens!) and everything is well-designed and made for practical travellers.
Shop Everyman
Cuyana is a brand known for their elegant, simple, sleek clothing and accessories. Their leather pouches, wallets, and passport holders are some of their bestselling goods.
Away makes a ton of small goods as well as top-notch suitcases. Their recent collaborations with designers like Sandy Liang is so cute!
Shop Away
Nomad is one of my favourite brands for tech gear. They blend function and design so well in the form of tech cases, docks, charging cables, and wallets. I’ve had their stuff for years and it still looks amazing! They are having a 30% off sale sitewide.
Eco-friendly airport clothes you can feel good about
Girlfriend Collective – 30% off
I’m so happy that more and more brands are using recycled materials to make their clothes. Girlfriend Collective is one of the best since they also offset the carbon footprint of shipping and always include diverse models. Their whole site is 30% off, so now is the time to replace those old leggings that are sagging at the crotch and get a full sweatsuit you’ll wear on your next flight.
My other favourite brands for killer cozy looks that are good on the planet?
– Frank and Oak (30% off!)
– Allbirds
– Everlane (30-60% off)
– Organic Basics (Also on sale!)
– Kotn
Beauty picks: clean beauty and beauty gadgets
The brands I’m shopping this Black Friday feel a bit at opposite ends, but they also have similar values. Ilia is my favourite brand for clean makeup and my favourite brand for techy beauty items is Foreo. Both are having amazing sales that can help with the higher price point of their items.
My favourite items are the balmy lip tint and concealer!
I have so many Foreo products that I love, starting with the toothbrush and cleansing brush. Later I tried their UFO and Bear Mini and loved those too! See my Foreo product reviews here and shop Foreo here.
Read more beauty tips
BFCM deals on kitchen favourites and hostess gifts
Two of my favourite brands I discovered last year were Our Place and Kin Euphorics.
Our Place is the brand behind the Always Pan but I love their dishware equally. If you’re looking to spruce up your set in time for holiday hosting, their kits are heavily discounted.
Kin Euphorics is also great for hosting. It’s a non-alcoholic cocktail option that taste so good. Their kin spritz is a personal favourite and a dead ringer for an Apérol Spritz.
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and that you spend wisely this shopping season!
