If it feels like Black Friday started before Halloween, you're not imagining it. Black Friday is Friday, November 27, 2026, and Cyber Monday is Monday, November 30, but several big retailers have already kicked off their sales. Here's a simple calendar so you can plan your holiday shopping without the scramble (dates current as of November 10, 2026, and subject to change, so confirm on each store's site).
Black Friday and Cyber Monday 2026: the sale calendar
- Amazon: Early Black Friday deals are live now. Its Black Friday Week sale runs November 19 through Cyber Monday. Shop Amazon deals
- Walmart: Early deals run November 12 to 15, main Black Friday deals November 23 to 29, and Cyber Monday deals November 30 to December 2. Shop Walmart deals
- Target: Early Black Friday deals started November 5, with new deals added each week. Shop Target deals
- LEGO: Insiders Weekend is November 21 and 22 (free LEGO Insiders account required, and you must be signed in). The Black Friday sale runs November 27 to 30 on LEGO.com and in LEGO stores.
- Crocs: Early Black Friday deals are already live. Shop Crocs
- Lululemon and Bath & Body Works: 2026 dates haven't been announced yet. Last year, Lululemon's deals ran from mid-November through Cyber Monday, and Bath & Body Works offered a buy 3, get 4 free deal, plus its Candle Day sale.
Where the toy and kid deals usually are
Big-box stores tend to have the deepest toy and kid-gear discounts. Walmart, Target and Amazon are the three to watch, and the lowest price on the same toy can swap between them in a single day. Walmart's main toy deals land during its November 23 to 29 event, so check early in that week.
For LEGO fans, the real perk at LEGO.com is often the extras: free gift-with-purchase sets and bonus Insiders points rather than just a lower sticker price. Discounts tend to land on retiring sets instead of brand-new releases. If you're eyeing a specific LEGO set, compare the final price at Target, Amazon and Walmart too.
A few LEGO free gifts are running before the big sale and end soon, including Penguins in Love (40886) free with $100+ purchases through November 15.
What about the Nintendo Switch 2?
Don't count on a big price cut on the console itself. The better savings tend to be on bundles and games, so decide whether a bundle fits your gift plan before you wait for a markdown.
How to tell if a Black Friday deal is actually good
- Compare the same item at two or three stores. Prices move daily.
- Check the model number on big-ticket gear. Some Black Friday versions of car seats, strollers and electronics are slightly different from the regular models.
- Look at the return window. Many stores extend holiday returns into January, but sale and final-sale items can be exceptions.
- Buy popular sizes and colors early. A slightly smaller discount now beats no stock on Friday.
- Start with a list and a budget. Our one-page holiday gift plan makes it easy to know what you actually need before the sales tempt you.
A mom's game plan
- This week: Sign up for a free LEGO Insiders account, finalize your gift list, and scoop up early deals on must-have items at Target and Amazon.
- November 19 to 23: Watch Amazon's Black Friday Week and LEGO Insiders Weekend (November 21 to 22).
- November 23 to 30: Walmart's main event, then Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Compare prices before you check out.
Deals change fast and some links may earn us a commission, so always confirm the price on the retailer's site before you buy. Happy shopping, and may your cart never sell out.
Inspired by reporting from Cool Mom Picks.
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