We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it’s over.
-
Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find.
-
Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more.
-
Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox.
-
Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change.
Finding the perfect gift for someone who lives and breathes fitness can be tricky. As a runner, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been gifted a handheld water bottle. It’s a nice thought, but there’s only so much space on my shelf. Likewise, I’m sure the lifters out there have more than enough lifting gloves by now.
The thing is, with a little research, you could find a present that genuinely enhances someone’s workouts and recovery. Here’s a thoughtful guide to help you choose something they’ll actually use.
For the home gym builder
Adjustable dumbbells are a game-changer for anyone with limited space. These designs let you switch between weights quickly, replacing an entire rack of traditional dumbbells. While they can be an investment, they’re one that serious fitness enthusiasts truly appreciate. There are plenty of highly rated options as part of Amazon’s Black Friday sale, like this set here for just $142.48 right now. Otherwise, a solid set of adjustable dumbbells could fall outside of most gift exchange budgets. After your gift, your loved one could upgrade to my favorite Nüobells for $795.
Yoga mats with extra cushioning or non-slip surfaces benefit anyone who works out at home or focuses on recovery regularly. A good mat, like my go-to from Amazon Basics, can last for years and make a noticeable difference in comfort during floor work.
A set of resistance bands offers incredible versatility without taking up much space. They’re perfect for travel, warm-ups, or adding difficulty to bodyweight exercises. Look for sets with different resistance levels and door anchors. You could spring for a full suspension trainer system, like the TRX GO on sale for $102.95 right now. Otherwise, a set of resistance bands shouldn’t cost more than $30.
Recovery essentials
The world of recovery gadgets is so much bigger than just massage guns. Foam rollers remain one of the most practical gifts for muscle recovery. Consider textured versions that provide deeper tissue work, or vibrating models that add an extra dimension to self-massage routines. I recommend this 5-in-1 foam roller set for $39.95.
All that said, a good massage gun has become nearly essential for anyone training regularly. They help with muscle soreness, improve circulation, and can be used both pre and post-workout. From my testing, I’ve found many mid-range options now offer professional-level features at reasonable prices. For Black Friday, Theragun massagers are on sale, including this Theragun Mini for $168, down from $219.99. This Theragun Pro is $349.99, down from $529.99. And the premium Theragun Pro Plus is $548.88, down from $649.99.
Wearable tech
Fitness trackers are a must-have for even the most casual gym-goer. Even if someone already has one, newer models often provide significantly better insights that can genuinely improve training effectiveness. Lifehacker’s senior health editor Beth Skwarecki has got you covered when it comes to all the best deals on fitness trackers and watches right now.
While you might not know someone’s preferences between an Apple Watch versus a Garmin versus a Pixel, I recommend introducing a Whoop band into your fitness enthusiast’s life. Whoop is the iconic screenless wristband that tracks your workouts and recovery without looking like a watch. The Whoop Peak with a 5.0 device is an option that makes the most sense for most people, and is currently on sale for $199 (down from $239).
Wireless earbuds designed for workouts make a huge difference. Look for sweat-resistant models with secure fit and good battery life. When it comes to eliminating the racket of the outside world, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra come out on top, and they’re on sale for $199 (a full $100 off their list price).
For running specifically, my absolute favorite headphones—the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2—are currently $124.95, a 31% discount off their list price of $179.95.
Practical additions
I joke about having enough water bottles, but if someone needs an upgrade, a high-quality water bottle still a great budget gift option. Insulated versions keep drinks cold through long training sessions, and many people like having multiple bottles for different purposes. This Owala is on sale for $27.97.
Gym bags with specialized compartments for shoes, wet clothes, and electronics make getting to and from workouts more organized. Look for durable materials and thoughtful design features like ventilated shoe compartments. This Adidas duffel is on sale for $29.14.
The bottom line: Consider what type of training they do most, what might be wearing out in their current setup, and what could take their workouts to the next level.
And as you’re shopping around, don’t forget to add a personal touch. Consider buying someone a sports massage, or maybe customize whatever gear you get. Their name, some motivational text, or their favorite fitness quote on quality athletic wear or accessories adds a personal element they won’t find in stores.
How long do Black Friday deals really last?
Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025.
Are Black Friday deals worth it?
In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything.
Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?
Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing.
Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base
—
$249.99
(List Price $599.00)