Copyright New York Post
Black Friday isn’t the wait-outside-in-the-cold doorbuster it used to be. It’s right here, right now. Every November, as the first frost hits the air and the faint jingle of Mariah Carey starts echoing through department stores, I can practically feel the retail frenzy bubbling beneath the surface. But this year? It feels like all the holly-jolly shopping has already begun. For more than 5 years, I’ve been on the front lines of Black Friday and Cyber Monday: tracking shopping carts like a detective, decoding consumer behavior like a cryptographer and predicting the gifts that will vanish from shelves before most people even finish their Thanksgiving leftovers. For 2025, let’s just say I’ve never seen the stakes — or the wish lists — this high. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of monitoring retail trends and digital checkout chaos, it’s that the “must-have” gift of the season never stays in stock for long. Whether it’s a tech gadget with a cult following (hello, Shark’s new at-home facial device) or a cozy comfort item that TikTok made famous (the UGG fuzzy slippers are still in the chat), these are the treasures that shoppers will be refreshing their screens to snag. And this year’s lineup? A perfect storm of innovation, scarcity and pure holiday magic. The supply chain may be stronger than it was a few years ago, but the psychology of scarcity is alive and well. Retailers are teasing early drops, influencers are fueling hype cycles faster than Santa’s sleigh and consumers are savvier (but also more impulsive) than ever. “More than half of consumers expect inventory shortages this year and are starting their holiday shopping sooner, with many stating that they planned to start buying by September,” Ally Anderson, senior director of insights and strategy at creator-led shopping platform LTK, exclusively shared with Post Wanted. “The LTK 2025 Holiday Shopper Study reported that 43% of consumers this year plan to start holiday shopping by September, which was a 13% increase from last year, and a 29% decrease of consumers stating they planned to start shopping after October.” I’ve been tracking this year’s hottest products for months, digging into pre-order data, trending searches and insider tips from industry contacts who know exactly which items are already teetering on the edge of sellout status. Now, I’m giving you the red sirens alert of what to buy, before they’re projected to sell out. So before you assume there’s plenty of time to shop, consider this your friendly (and slightly urgent) nudge from someone who’s seen this story unfold too many times. The biggest shopping weekend of the year is still weeks away — but the smartest shoppers know that waiting could mean missing out altogether. Amazon Fire 55-inch 4-Series 4K Ultra HD Smart TV with Alexa (Newest Model) Why to buy: Black Friday and the time period is one of the best times to purchase a brand-new TV (especially as a gift), but you’ll find some of the best gift ideas beforehand. With Amazon debuting some new devices with Alexa+ — like this Amazon Fire 55-inch 4-Series 4K Ultra HD Smart TV with Alexa – it’s a top choice to score this year. Shark FacialPro Glow At-Home Hydro-Powered Facial System Why to buy: As someone who has been following shopping trends for more than 5 years, beauty is one of those retail categories that’s always innovating; there always seems to be a hot new gadget or gizmo that beauty gurus want to test next. Mark my words: the Shark FacialPro Glow At-Home Hydro-Powered Facial System is the gift to grab this year. And, my opinion? This at-home skincare device will rival the acclaimed Dyson Airwrap (and perhaps the Shark FlexStyle) in demand, especially for the long-term benefit of saving precious $$$ at your facialist. Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle Why to buy: The secret’s out — I’m lowkey a gamer. I’m a huge fan of everything Princess Peach and Animal Crossing, and the new Nintendo Switch is *the* gift on plenty of wishlists this year, both children and adults. As a year-long owner of Nintendo’s OLED model, I have to say, the new one is pretty high-definition. Yes, I tried it at my local Best Buy, and yes — it’ll be the gift of the year. If you’re looking to save a bit more, the Nintendo Switch 2 without Mario Kart is available at Walmart for $50 less. Old Navy Loose Sherpa Quarter-Zip Pullover Why to buy: If you follow fashion creators on TikTok and Instagram, you’ve definitely seen this pullover. Old Navy is making a comeback (you heard it here first), with this one in particular a top-posted item on the LTK platform, Anderson tipped off. Also, it’s an excellent value ($25?!), so your wallet will be happy while holiday shopping. Oura Ring 4 Smart Ring Why to buy: No, the Oura Ring didn’t just have its moment a year or two ago; it’s still trending, and its insights are both life-changing to some and positive to most in fostering a healthier lifestyle. According to Ali Furman, PwC U.S. consumer markets industry leader, “health tech is heating up this holiday,” with ” “smart rings, watches and glasses among the season’s hottest gifts.” Since stock varies by size and color, shoppers should measure their ring or band size now and buy when they see it — or set restock alerts before popular variants disappear. The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Acacia Wood Scalloped Cutting Boards Why to buy: Sure, it’s a piece of wood. But it’s a three-piece set of *chic* wood for your kitchen, and that counts for something. This trio is trending on LTK, and it makes the ideal kitchen gift for the foodie in your life who loves (1) home decor and (2) meal prepping each week. Project Cloud Memory Foam Ankle Boots Why to buy: Did someone say UGG lookalikes? This fairly priced pair of your favorite designer boots are now within reach. Uniquely, clothing and shoes are topping wishlists this year, as outlined in our Black Friday forecast, and this Amazon find is one that’s oh-so-comfy and your hack to saving a bit of money this holiday season. GreenPan x Bobby Flay 13-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set Why to buy: I cook pretty much every night, and GreenPan is my favorite cookware brand that has been holding up and never lets me down. In fact, this Bobby Flay collab is one I anticipate flying off the (digital) shelves, especially with nonstick cookware on the up and up this season. “Top gift picks include smart small appliances (air-fryer/toaster hybrids, precision cookers, wireless thermometers), premium cookware (cast iron, ceramic non-stick, limited-edition colors) and eco-friendly items like PFAS-free cookware and reusable storage,” Furman tipped off. La Mer Mini Holiday Essentials Set Why to buy: La Mer is a luxury skincare brand that, candidly, isn’t your best purchase if you’re not getting it before or on Black Friday. The minis set is one that I’d recommend to anyone new to the brand because it’s less than $100 and allows you to try a variety of its best-sellers. Whether self-gifting or grabbing for your beauty-loving bestie, this zip-up case and value is one that has a high risk of selling out. Summer Fridays The Lip Butter Balm Minis Why to buy: According to LTK, the Summer Fridays The Lip Butter Balm Minis is a collection of fun-sized lippies that will be out of stock before Santa can say ho-ho-ho. They’re not just adorable and viral; they actually hydrate the lips and leave a glamorous, glossy sheen. adidas Unisex Samba Shoes Why to buy: If you don’t know what to grab the man or woman in your life, the adidas Unisex Samba Shoes is the pair that’s taking social media by storm. I remember my high school days of wearing the Superstars (am I dating myself?), but these are the it-pair that’s less than $100 and goes with pretty much any casual outfit. Benefit Cosmetics Glam Cube Advent Calendar Why to buy: I’ve been reporting on Advent calendars for quite some time, and the Benefit Cosmetics Glam Cube Advent Calendar is one of the most exciting ones to shuffle into the holiday rotation. It’s one of my favorite beauty brands and this smorgasbord of skincare, mascaras, bronzers and beauty staples is the ideal gift for literally anyone. LEGO Wicked Glinda & Elphaba’s Dormitory Building Set Why to buy: With the new Wicked movie debuting in November, this LEGO set is how we’re all changed “for good.” It’s the ideal gift for children, teens and even adults. Plus, top toys and consoles are selling out quickly, based on our Black Friday forecast — especially LEGO. Aerie Oh Snap! Sweatshirt Why to buy: The Aerie Oh Snap! Sweatshirt is available in a boatload of colors and is a go-to “safe” cozy gift for anyone on your list. There’s a huge sellout risk for this comfy-casual pullover, especially if you’re looking to spend about $50 or so this holiday season. Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post
