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20+ Black Friday gift card deals for just about anyone on your list

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:58
The best Black Friday gift card deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL DoorDash $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEAL Vudu $50 gift card $40 (save $10) Get Deal BEST RESTAURANT GIFT CARD Chipotle $100 gift card $85 (save $15) Get Deal BEST GIFT CARD DEAL FOR KIDS Save 15% on Roblox gift cards with Target Circle Save 15% on Roblox gift cards with Target Circle Get Deal

Gift cards aren't exactly the most personal way of showing someone how much you care, but they're definitely more practical. At least you know they'll be used. We can't say the same about that personalized sweater you knit years prior.

Black Friday is usually a great time to find gift cards for just about anything for a steal. In years past, we've seen deals on rideshare services, streaming subscriptions, grocery delivery, travel, and more. We've already found some pretty solid deals this year, which we've rounded up below, but we'll have our eyes peeled for any more that pop up as Cyber Week continues.

Here are the best Black Friday gift card deals so far.

Best gift card deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: DoorDash DoorDash $100 gift card $85.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $15.00 Get Deal Why we like it

With a $100 DoorDash gift card, you can give someone in your life plenty of meals from local restaurants delivered to their doorstep. Better yet, you'll only have to pay $85 for it at Best Buy (and they'll never have to know!). The deal is valid on both physical and digital gift cards, depending on your preference. The physical gift card will be shipped to you within a few days, while the digital deal will be emailed to you immediately after purchase with details on redemption. Beyond just food delivery, you'll be giving the gift of extra time for people to enjoy the people and things they love.

Runner up gift card deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vudu Vudu $50 gift card $40.00 at Best Buy
$50.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Before new theatrical hits head to streaming services, they make their digital debut on demand on services like Vudu. Cinephiles in your life will love having a $50 gift card to spend on movies directly from the theater. Meanwhile, you'll love only having to spend $40. It's a win-win. Unlike the DoorDash gift card, this one is only available in the digital format. You'll get instant delivery via email after purchase with instructions on redemption.

More gift card deals

Threads might adopt Bluesky’s starter packs

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:34

If I had a dollar every time Meta copied its rival and yelled "innovation," I could probably buy another new chain for Mark Zuckerberg. This time, Threads is leaning into Bluesky's Starter Packs.

There was Instagram Stories, a rip off of Snapchat. There was Reels, a rip off of TikTok. There was Threads, a rip off of Twitter. Then there were smaller updates, like adding notes, templates, and music to posts, which also copied features already available on other apps. Social media is stuck in an innovation loop that, unfortunately, works. The latest in the copycat strategy? Threads wants to get in on Bluesky's growth.

SEE ALSO: X users are fleeing to Bluesky: Here’s a quick-start guide on how to sign up

Bluesky has had a monumental few weeks, and is looking like it might be the Twitter alternative we've been searching for since Elon Musk took over the company and turned it into the mush that is X. Journalist David Packman posted in Bluesky that "Mark Zuckerberg is genuinely spooked by the rapid growth of Bluesky."

And it appears that, in an attempt to slow the momentum behind Bluesky's growth, Threads is developing a feature similar to Bluesky's "Starter Packs," TechCrunch reported. Starter Packs are a list of users you might want to follow to get your feed started, grouped together by interests. Like, for instance, a digital culture starter pack or a starter pack full of Twitch code strimmers.

Threads is built into Instagram's platform, so most of your follows or followers start out mirroring your Instagram reach. So Threads doesn't necessarily need starter packs to get you started — but if a feature works for someone else, you bet Meta is going to try it out on their user base, too.

2024 Black Friday ads: Best deals from Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Walmart, Home Depot, and more

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 11:18

Black Friday is fast approaching, promising big discounts on TVs, laptops, headphones, speakers, and so much more. It's the best time of the year to shop, with deals on offer from all the top retailers.

And it gets seriously competitive between the leading names in the retail game. Every retailer is looking to get ahead of the competition by launching early-access deals, with savings-packed ads that include some really impressive offers. But where are shoppers supposed to start?

SEE ALSO: Gaming deals are going strong ahead of Black Friday 2024

To help you make the most out of this Black Friday, we've checked out all the best deals from the Black Friday ads of Best Buy, Walmart, Kohl's, and Target. You could take some time to check out each individual page, but for those looking for a handy snapshot of the very best deals, this is the place to be.

These are the best Black Friday deals and doorbusters from Black Friday ads that you can already buy online.

Best deals from AmazonBest Amazon deals on AppleBest Amazon deals on EchoBest Amazon deals on fitness trackersBest Amazon deals on headphonesBest Amazon deals on KindlesBest Amazon deals on kitchenBest Amazon deals on robot vacuumsBest Amazon deals on TVsBest deals from Best BuyBest Best Buy deals on AppleBest Best Buy deals on camerasBest Best Buy deals on fitness trackersBest Best Buy deals on gamingBest Best Buy deals on headphonesBest Best Buy deals on kitchenBest Best Buy deals on laptopsBest Best Buy deals on smart homeBest Best Buy deals on speakersBest Best Buy deals on TVsBest Best Buy deals on vacuums Featured Video For You 5 best Black Friday products to shop Best deals from Home DepotBest Home Depot deals on cordless toolsBest Home Depot deals on air purifierBest Home Depot deals on smart homeBest Home Depot deals on home securityBest Home Depot deals on ice makersBest Home Depot deals on mini fridgesBest Home Depot deals on vacuumsBest deals from Kohl'sBest Kohl's deals on Amazon productsBest Kohl's deals on home audioBest Kohl's deals on headphonesBest Kohl's deals on smartwatchesBest Kohl's deals on tabletsBest deals from TargetBest Target deals on AppleBest Target deals on gaming techBest Target deals on TVsBest Target deals on laptopsBest Target deals on headphonesBest Target deals on smart home techBest Target deals on speakersBest Target deals on smartwatchesBest Target deals on vacuumsBest deals from WalmartBest Walmart deals on AppleBest Walmart deals on dronesBest Walmart deals on gamingBest Walmart deals on headphonesBest Walmart deals on laptopsBest Walmart deals on TVsBest Walmart deals on vacuums

World’s strictest social media law targets users under 16 in Australia

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 11:15

In a long-anticipated Senate vote, Australian is banning children under 16 years old from using social media. It is the world's strictest law protecting young people from the effects of social media.

"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra earlier this month. "I've spoken to thousands of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online."

SEE ALSO: Australia to ban social media for kids under 16

Social media companies already don't allow children under the age of 13 to use their platforms, but that rule is often easily skirted by savvy young people who want to use the platform anyway. This ban, which passed the Senate by 34 votes to 19 votes on Thursday, will take effect in a year. It puts the onus on social media companies — instead of parents or kids themselves — to ban the use. Tech companies could be fined up to 50 million AUD, or $32.5 million, if they don't comply, according to the BBC.

The ruling is supported by many, many surveys and studies that detail the dangers social media can have on young people that ties social media use to mental health struggles. It's not clear which specific social media platforms will be effected, but Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said earlier this month that it will likely include at least Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, and YouTube. While this law is specific to Australia, it could have international implications as other countries continue to fight over how to handle young people online.

Several Samsung Galaxy phones are at record-low prices for Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 10:57
The best Black Friday Samsung Galaxy phone deals at a glance: BEST OVERALL Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked) $941.43 (save $358.56) Get Deal BEST FOLDABLE PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB, Unlocked) $1,317.32 (save $582.67) Get Deal BEST BUDGET PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy A35 (128GB, Unlocked) with Galaxy Buds FE $357.97 (save $142.01) Get Deal BEST MID-RANGE PHONE DEAL Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256GB, Unlocked) $699.99 (save $300 + get 1 free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate) Get Deal

Black Friday is always a treat for anyone shopping for new tech — and 2024 is no different. If a new phone is on your wishlist, 'tis the season to grab one. Samsung Galaxy phones, in particular, are popping off with Black Friday deals a day before the official shopping holiday begins. All of the best Galaxy phones, including the S24 Ultra and Z Fold 6 are seeing record-low prices. Yes, even better than Prime Day.

We've rounded up our top picks below for the best Samsung Galaxy phone deals and will update the list as any new ones roll in.

Best Samsung Galaxy phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB, Unlocked) $941.43 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $358.56 Get Deal Why we like it

Released in early 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra was dubbed "the best Android phone" by Mashable Tech Editor Kim Gedeon. It's a close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max (maybe even better in certain categories) and packs a rear telephoto lens with outrageous zoom capabilities, a bunch of neat AI features, and a durable titanium design. And, of course, it comes with the S Pen stylus we know and love that doubles as a remote. Beating out its Prime Day price, the 256GB, unlocked version is down to just $941.43 at Amazon for Black Friday. That's a savings of 28% on the titanium gray model. If you prefer another shade, it'll cost you a few bucks more — most other colors are down to $949.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Best Samsung Galaxy foldable phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 (256GB, Unlocked) $1,317.32 at Amazon
$1,899.99 Save $582.67 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 6 made a big splash at the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event over the summer. It's seen a few discounts since its debut, but none this big: for Black Friday, you can slash 27% off and get the 256GB model for only $1,317.32 (in select colors, pink and navy) instead of $1,899.99 at Amazon. The Z Fold 6 stuck to its original winning formula when it comes to the fundamentals — cameras, battery capacity, and memory. But a few tweaks and add-ons make this phone even better than the Z Fold 5 (which we already loved), including a thinner, wider, and brighter display with enhanced resolution, a boost in Snapdragon power, and a boat load of AI-powered tools from the Galaxy AI suite. Need more storage? The 512GB version is also on sale for $1,514.99 (down from $2,019.99).

More Samsung Galaxy phone deals at AmazonMore Samsung Galaxy phone deals at Best Buy

Zoom lied about encryption in 2020. Now it wants to pay $18 million to make that go away.

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 09:28

Back in 2020, Zoom was one of the hottest software companies in the world. Its video conferencing software surged in popularity due to millions of people being confined to home offices because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unfortunately, the company cut some corners when it came to privacy of its users. Despite Zoom's claims that its video meetings are end-to-end encrypted, it came to light that this was not true, resulting in a class action lawsuit that Zoom settled for $85 million. In 2021, Zoom also settled with the Federal Trade Commission over misleading its users about the privacy and security of its core product.

But the matter did not go away entirely. There's also the separate matter of a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) probe into Zoom's privacy policies, which the agency launched in 2020.

Now, Bloomberg reports that Zoom is offering to settle the matter with the SEC by paying an $18 million fine. The offer is still pending approval by the SEC.

SEE ALSO: Zoom has launched an AI-powered Microsoft Word competitor

These days, Zoom does offer end-to-end encryption for its video meetings, and its privacy and security practices have improved. But back in 2020, the company's track record was poor, with Zoom bombings — instances of people hijacking other people's Zoom calls and harassing them — becoming somewhat of a trend.

By the way, you may have missed it, but Zoom is no longer called "Zoom Video Communications," which was its official name until Monday. Now, the company is officially called Zoom Communications to reflect the fact that it now offers a suite of communications tools beyond its videoconferencing platform.

Get $90 in free credit with the best Black Friday deal on Ray-Ban Meta glasses

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 08:36

FREE $90 CREDIT: Save 20% with the best Black Friday deal on Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Plus, get $90 in free Amazon credit with this Black Friday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Get Deal

Drowning in deals? We know the feeling. The great thing about Black Friday is that there are literally thousands of deals on pretty much every category of product. But that abundance of deals is also a problem, because it can be particularly difficult to find value out there.

But every now and then, value stands out from the crowd and firmly punches you in the face. And it looks good doing it, because this deal is sporting a stylish pair of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. We don't love being punched in the face, but if it's going to happen, at least it comes with one of the best Black Friday deals of 2024.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Ray-Ban Meta glasses are on sale for 20% off in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That would be good enough to shout about on its own, but it gets better. For Black Friday, Ray-Ban Meta glasses come with $90 in free Amazon credit. So what should you spend that free cash on? It's not like you don't have options right now.

Amazon is offering an abundance of discounts over the Black Friday shopping period. Have a look at our breakdown of Amazon's best Black Friday deals so far to see if any more catch your eye.

Save $200 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE this Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 07:28

SAVE $340: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is on sale at Amazon for $299.99. That's a 33% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $299.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

These days every household needs a tablet. It's one of the 21st Century's essentials. And with Amazon's Black Friday event in full swing, running from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2, you can pick up a new tablet at a bargain price.

In fact, we've spotted a deal on a tablet that's well worth your money any day of the week, and even more so at a discounted price. Meet the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE.

As of Nov. 28, you'll get a saving $200 on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which is down to just $299.99 — a saving of 33% off the usual list price. Trust us tablet fans, this is a deal not to be missed.

There's plenty to recommend about this tablet, with its superb looking 10.9-inch LCD display, durable build, and 18-hour battery life.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Not only that, you'll also get an S Pen included — which makes this great for digital doodlers — plus Google's Circle to Search feature. Just use the S Pen to circle anything currently on your screen and let Google do the rest.

It's also very handy for note taking and streaming, and the tablet itself is so robust (it has a IP68 rating for water and dust resistance) that you can take it anywhere.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a fantastic mid-range tablet — and the Black Friday discount means that it's more desirable that ever.

Don't miss the deal in Amazon's Black Friday event.

Bose QuietComfort headphones drop to their lowest-ever price in Black Friday sales

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 07:04

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 28, Bose's QuietComfort headphones are on sale for $199. This is 43% off their list price of $349.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth 5.1 Headphones $199.00 at Amazon
$349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Considering how many discounts there are, Black Friday is an excellent time to invest in new headphones. Especially if you've been set on getting a noise-canceling pair, you can save big on select models during the sale event from big brands. The Bose QuietComfort headphones are currently enjoying a phenomenal all-time low price for Black Friday that's definitely worth having a look at.

Bose's QuietComfort headphones are currently on sale for $199, a full $150 off their list price of $349. That saves you a whopping 43%, and it even marks the lowest-ever price for these headphones, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. All of the colors are on sale as well, so you can have your pick of the black, blue dusk, chilled lilac, cypress green, moonstone blue, sandstone, or white headphones.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's official Black Friday sale is live — find all the best deals here

Alongside a comfortable fit these headphones boast quality noise-canceling features as well, so you can be completely tuned in to what you're listening to or more aware of your surroundings. They also have an incredibly long 24-hour battery life that'll keep you busy with your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks for much longer.

Black Friday's one of the best times of year to invest in new headphones, so don't miss out on this deal for the Bose QuietComfort headphones at Amazon.

There are plenty more deals where this one came from, too. Amazon's offering an abundance of discounts in the lead-up to the big day tomorrow. Have a look at our breakdown of Amazon's best Black Friday deals so far to see if any more catch your eye.

Does Moana 2 have an end-credits scene?

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 06:41

End-credit scenes are synonymous with Disney movies nowadays, from Pixar to Marvel, Turning Red to Inside Out.

In Disney's latest we make our way back to the island of Motunui for Moana 2, with Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson returning for the much awaited sequel. The film follows the titular wayfinder on another oceanic adventure, this time with a brand new crew, a bigger boat, Pua and Heihei in tow, and all new songs by Barlow and Bear.

But, does Moana 2 go beyond the main storyline with an end-credits scene?

Featured Video For You The music of ‘Moana 2’: Auliʻi Cravalho goes ‘Beyond’

Yes! It does, and without spoiling anything, you're absolutely going to want to stay for it. It's deeply important to the storyline and involves a golden cameo we won't spoil. There's no scene after the credits (this scene comes mid-credits), but you could be an absolute legend and stick around to celebrate all those talented people who worked on the film.

Moana 2 is out now in cinemas in the U.S. and on Nov. 29 in the UK.

Save over $500 on the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED for Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 06:36

SAVE OVER $500: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED is on sale at Amazon for $638. That's a 47% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED $638.00 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $561.99 Get Deal

We know what it's like, gamers. You spend all year waiting to see what Amazon's Black Friday event looks like. Because gaming hardware rarely comes cheap, so it's always a great opportunity to trawl the deals and see what gaming goods you can nab at a bargain price. With Amazon's Black Friday now fully underway, running from Nov 21 to Dec. 2, we've done some trawling on your behalf and found a deal on a gaming essential — a fantastic gaming monitor.

As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED is down to $638. That's a generous 47% off the usual list price of $1,199.99. That's a seriously good deal by anyone's standards.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

What makes this such a bargain isn't just the price but the sheer quality of the monitor. Samsung, one of the top brands when it comes to TVs and monitors, has packed this with impressive spec. The gaming experience will be as good as it gets at 34 inches.

It's an OLED display — the best screen technology available — with a 175Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time. That means fast, lag-free, impressively fluid gameplay with no screen tearing or juddering imagery. Which is further helped by AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

As for the actual visuals, this monitor has densely packed pixels and support for DisplayHDR True Black 400, adaptive brightness control, and ultra WQHD. As a bonus, there's even more for gamers, including a built-in gaming hub, which gives you full control over gaming settings and advanced streaming technology for cloud gaming.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday

At almost half the usual price, you can't not be impressed by the gaming power you'll get from the Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED.

Don't miss this deal as part of Amazon's Black Friday celebrations.

Ben Stiller roasts Jimmy Fallon for ghosting him

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 06:14

Ben Stiller has a bone to pick with Jimmy Fallon.

Appearing on The Tonight Show in the clip above, the Severance director talks about his recent trip to the theatre with Fallon to watch Cole Escola's Oh Mary, where the pair apparently had a lovely time together.

"I felt like we had a connection, and then a few days later, you know, you kind of ghosted me," Stiller says. "A little bit. I just didn't really hear from you, and it just felt a little icky, you know? I felt like you got what you wanted a little bit, you had your arm candy at the show [...] it just felt a little bit like wham, bam, thank you Ben Stiller."

Fallon denies the ghosting accusations and talks Severance, but even that topic isn't safe.

"He goes to work and when he comes back, he forgets everything that happened," says Stiller, summarising the show's main hook. "Kind of like when you and I went to the play the other night."

Save over $280 on the Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor for Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 06:08

SAVE $150: As of Nov. 28, the Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $265.71. That's a 52% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey G5 $265.71 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $284.28 Get Deal

For gamers, Amazon's Black Friday event is like Christmas come early. There are stacks of deals available on pretty much everything, of course, but considering how expensive gaming hardware usually is, it's an opportunity for gamers to stock up on all the gear you want but can't usually afford. The good news is that Amazon's Black Friday is now in full flow, running from Nov 21 to Dec. 2.

One of the best deals we've spotted as of Nov. 28 is the Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor, which has 52% off the list price. It's currently down to just $265.71. It's a seriously good deal of a seriously good gaming monitor.

The Samsung Odyssey range is a popular choice for PC gamers. This particular model has an ultra-wide 34-inch curved display that supports a a 165hz refresh rate and 1ms response time. And you know your gaming experience is in good hands: Samsung is one of the very best manufacturers of TVs and monitors.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

All of that sec ensures your gameplay will be smooth, fluid, and lag-free.

It also has AMD FreeSync Premium with adaptive sync technology to reduce screen tearing, stuttering, and input latency.

SEE ALSO: The best early gaming laptop deals you can snag ahead of Black Friday

All in all, it's a brilliant little monitor for the price and will suit any home set-up as it won't take up too much space — even with its impressive ultra-wide build.

Indeed, if you're looking to upgrade your visuals, you'll be hard pressed to find a better gaming monitor deal on Amazon this week than the Samsung Odyssey G5. It's kind of bargain that Black Friday was made for.

Kindle Scribe gets a $70 price drop in Amazons Black Friday sale

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 06:05

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 28, the Kindle Scribe is on sale for $269.99 in Amazon's Black Friday sale. This is 21% off its list price of $339.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe (16 GB) $269.99 at Amazon
$339.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

The Black Friday sale event offers a wide variety of deals on tech. Amazon devices, in particular, usually see some very nice discounts, especially on the Kindle e-readers. The Kindle Scribe — which doubles as a notebook alongside being a reading device — has had a very nice little price drop during the sale event that's worth jumping on.

The previous model of the Kindle Scribe has had a $70 discount in Amazon's Black Friday sales, down from its list price of $339.99 to $269.99. This saves you 21% overall on the device. This deal is not on the model that'll be releasing soon on Dec. 4, but it's still worth the investment if you've had your eye on it.

SEE ALSO: We track Apple deals year-round — Black Friday 2024 has the lowest prices we’ve seen

This Kindle Scribe is fitted with 16GB of storage to hold all of your favorite stories, but it really shines as a digital notebook. With the help of the included pen, you can jot down notes in books or create your own notebook pages. Not to mention, it features a large 10.2-inch 300 ppi glare-free display to do all of this writing and reading on.

This Black Friday deal won't stick around for long, so if you've had your eye on the Kindle Scribe now's a great time to get it.

Outside of Amazon, there are plenty more tech deals to explore at other top retailers. This includes Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. With the big day fast approaching, there's no better time than now to jump on any deals that catch your eye.

Target Thanksgiving hours: When its open and when youll need to shop online

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 05:51

Black Friday is pretty much here, ready to kick off on Nov. 29 — but like many other retailers, Target already kicked off its official sale.

Target has a bunch of of deals to shop, but are the stores actually open? Here's everything you need to know about when you'll need to stick to online shopping — which, let's be real, is the best thing you can do during heated Thanksgiving dinners.

Are Target stores open on Thanksgiving?

On Thanksgiving (Nov. 28), Target's 2,000 stores across the U.S. will be closed. But they'll be open again on Nov. 29 at 6 a.m. local time; check your local store hours for closing times. Luckily for shoppers, Target's still trading online all day today.

When is Target's Black Friday sale happening online?

Target already kicked off its official sale on Sunday, and it's going strong over Thanksgiving and Black Friday, through Cyber Monday.

You can visit Target's website now to check out the latest deals, and Mashable's shopping team has whittled down the best deals at Target.

SEE ALSO: The best deals from Target's early Black Friday sale

For everything Black Friday, Mashable's shopping team has tried, tested, and hunted down the absolute best deals.

25+ sweet Lego deals live ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 05:38
The best Lego Black Friday deals you can get early: Top Walmart Lego deal Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle $45 (save $34.99) Get Deal Best Amazon Lego deal Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant $47.95 (save $12.04) Get Deal Top Best Buy Lego deal Lego Star Wars Mos Espa Podrace Diorama $55.99 (save $24) Get Deal

Lego is forever. Modern Lego sets include classic worlds like Lego City, franchise collaborations with beloved characters like Super Mario, and exciting new adventures in Lego Dreamzzz, where shark ships ply the skies. 

Lego might be forever, but Black Friday comes only once per year — at least, sort of. This year, retailers were pushing Lego Black Friday deals so early that the first few waves have already dropped and sold out before Thanksgiving Eve even hit. But that's far from the last of the Legos you'll see on sale this year — Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Scheels, and more have already swapped in new deals that'll save you up to 40% on iconic collections from Star Wars or Harry Potter, the beloved floral collection, and more.

Whether you’re a collector treating yourself to a new set or you’re looking for a gift for a kid, right now is one of the best times to buy Lego all year round. Here are the best Lego early Black Friday deals live as of Nov. 27.

Best Black Friday Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Star Wars Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle (75362) $45.00 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $34.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Office Lego Set may have sold out at Walmart within a day or so of dropping, but we still have another favorite Lego deal to highlight. Star Wars fans will get a huge kick out of the Lego Star Wars Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle. With a rotating cockpit, signature red wings, and four figurines including bounty hunter and Sith, this is an action-packed set. Walmart's nearly 28% discount drops this set to $45, beating Best Buy's price by $13.99 on the same model number.

More Lego Walmart Black Friday dealsAmazon Lego Black Friday dealsBest Buy Black Friday dealsOther great Lego Black Friday deals from Scheels, Target, and more

Playing the "storage shuffle" with your new console? Pick up a portable SSD on sale this Black Friday.

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 05:37
Early Black Friday SSD deals Best Xbox SSD deal Seagate 2TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S $199.99 (save $160) Get Deal Best PlayStation SSD deal WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P Internal SSD for PlayStation 5 $179.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Nobody likes playing the "storage shuffle." You know, the dreadful game we have to play when we run out of space on our consoles for new games, so we have to carefully select which ones to delete to make room? Talk about killing your darlings. Luckily, there's a fix for that problem, and it's an SSD — either internal or external.

SEE ALSO: The 50+ best gifts for gamers that they won't already have

These SSD storage expanders are maintaining a big presence in the days leading up to Black Friday 2024, with many of them sitting at deep discounts at the time of this writing. SSDs aren't cheap, and you'll probably need to buy one eventually anyway, so getting one at a price cut is usually your best bet.

Below, take a look at the best SSD deals we could find ahead of Black Friday.

Best Xbox SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Seagate Seagate 2TB Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S $199.99 at Best Buy
$359.99 Save $160.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Xbox owners, installing one of Seagate's SSD expansion cards is one simplest things you can do to enhance your gaming experience, and ahead of Black Friday, you can get a two-terabyte version for just $199.99. Now, that's still not cheap, but it's a whole $160 off the original price, so to us, it's a steal.

Best PlayStation SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Western Digital WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P Internal SSD for PlayStation 5 $179.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Installing an internal SSD in your PlayStation 5 is a bit more of a complicated process compared to other consoles, but it's absolutely worth the effort. Western Digital makes some of the best PS5 SSDs on the market, and their flagship model is $50 off leading up to Black Friday. You'll probably need one eventually, so pick one up while it's discounted.

More early Black Friday SSD deals

Black Friday stocking stuffer deals you wont want to miss — shop palm-sized gadgets, portable speakers, and more

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 05:35
Best Black Friday stocking stuffer deals at a glance A portable mini speaker JBL Go 3 $29.95 (save $10 at Amazon) Get Deal An ultra-slim fitness tracker Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 (save $30 at Best Buy) Get Deal Pocket-sized home security Blink Outdoor 4 security camera $39.99 (save $60 at Best Buy) Get Deal

It’s officially crunch time — we’re in the thick of the holiday shopping season, and Black Friday is just around the corner. If you haven’t had a chance to get out and do some shopping, don’t worry! Plenty of great deals are still out there, and they’re not just on big-ticket items.

Retailers have been treating all of November as "Black Friday," with waves of deals and discounts rolling out throughout the month. From Best Buy to Target to Wayfair, we’ve seen impressive price drops on tech, home goods, apparel, and more.

Sure, you need to get presents for everyone on your holiday list, but don't forget about the stockings! We've done some digging and found the best Black Friday deals that would make great stocking stuffers.

A portable mini speaker Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Portable speakers are a good gift idea for just about anyone — even better if they fit in a small bag or pocket. The JBL Go 3 is selling for $29.95 at Amazon, Macy’s, and JBL.

This tiny Bluetooth speaker delivers JBL’s signature sound in a compact, water-resistant design. It can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device and has up to five hours of playtime on a single charge. You can also get it in a variety of colors and patterns, including a special eco-friendly edition that’s made with recycled materials.

Want two? Get a pair of JBL Go 3 portable speakers for $59.90 at Amazon (that’s a savings of $20).

An ultra-slim fitness tracker Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Best Buy
$99.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read our full review of the Fitbit Inspire 3.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is a good starter health tracker and a solid stocking stuffer for the health-conscious giftees on your list. Plus, it’s only $69.95 (save $30) at Best Buy, Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

The Inspire 3 monitors heart rate, sleep, activity, and more, all in a slim, lightweight design. It has a 10-day battery life and is safe to wear in the pool or shower. This model also comes with six months of Fitbit Premium, so your recipient can take advantage of added features like guided workouts and mindfulness sessions.

Pocket-sized home security Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 security camera $39.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you still don’t know what to get your parents, grandparents, or other less tech-savvy loved ones, a simple smart home gadget like an outdoor security camera could be a great pick. (I bought one for my parents a while back, and they love it!)

The Blink Outdoor 4 camera is on sale for $39.99 at Best Buy (get a free $10 gift card with purchase), Amazon, and Target.

This battery-powered security camera is simple to set up, has a two-year battery life, and offers 1080p video, two-way audio, and person detection. It also works with Alexa, so your giftee can view the camera feed through an Echo Show or other compatible device.

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The best Black Friday deals to shop for less than $25

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 05:35
The best Black Friday deals under $25 at a glance: BEST TECH DEAL Echo Dot with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $22.99 (save $39.99) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Crock-Pot Oval Manual Slow Cooker (7-quart) $24.99 (save $25) Get Deal BEST TOY DEAL Lego Icons Plum Blossom Flower Set $23.99 (save $6) Get Deal

Black Friday properly falls on Nov. 29 this year, but as in years past, sales have been flooding our feeds for weeks. Now that we're closer to the official shopping holiday, we can say with certainty that it's shaping up to be a good year for deals.

Obviously, there are tons of discounts on big-ticket items like TVs and laptops, but not everyone's looking to splurge this season. For anyone on a budget, there are also plenty of products falling under $25 for Black Friday — and lucky for you, we've been tracking all of the best ones at all of the mega-retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.

Here are our top picks for the best deals under $25. Keep an eye out for more to come as Cyber Week continues.

Best tech deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot with Amazon Basics Smart Color Bulb $22.99 at Amazon
$62.98 Save $39.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The fifth-generation Echo Dot seamlessly adds smart benefits to your daily routine. A smaller version of the baseline Echo, the Dot is a good fit for a nightstand, bookshelf, countertop, or desk. It can be used to receive reminders, set timers, schedule tasks, communicate with friends and family, save recipes, listen to music, play soothing white noise to escape from the holiday chaos, and more. Paired with the free Amazon Basics smart color bulb, you can ask Alexa to light your room with festive colors. Usually $49.99 for the Echo Dot alone, you can get the device and free bulb for just $22.99. That matches its record-low price.

More tech deals under $25Best kitchen deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Crock-Pot Crock-Pot Oval Manual Slow Cooker (7-quart) $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Cooking for big groups this holiday season? Snag this half-priced slow cooker deal from none other than Crock-Pot and whip up soups, stews, meats, and more. The manual design couldn't be easier to use — just turn the dial to low, high, or warm and let it do its thing. With a seven-quart pot, you can fit up to a seven-pound roast and serve nine or more people. Usually $49.99, it's on sale for Black Friday for just under the $25 mark.

More kitchen deals under $25Best toy deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Plum Blossom Flower Set $23.99 at Target
$29.99 Save $6.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This 327-piece Lego set doubles as decor once you're finished building it. Part of the Botanical Collection from Lego Icons, it gives you a gorgeous Plum Blossom that won't die. Designed for adults, the detailed flower replica comes in a pastel blue flowerpot and needs zero pruning or watering. Usually $29.99, it's on sale at Target for $23.99 ahead of Black Friday.

More toy deals under $25Other Black Friday deals under $25

Black Friday is almost here, shop the best deals under $50

Mashable - Thu, 11/28/2024 - 05:34
Best Early Black Friday Deals Under $50 Best tech deal under $50 Amazon Echo $49.99 at Amazon (Save $50) Get Deal The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 $29.99 at Best Buy (Save $40) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler $30.14 at Amazon (Save $14.85) Get Deal

Some of the best savings you'll find during Black Friday are on the small stuff. Yes, you can find hundreds of dollars of savings on big ticket items like TVs and laptops, but when you actually look at those percentages, things are only maxing out around 25 or 30%.

While deal hunting this holiday season, some of the best sales are on products falling under $50. Whether you're looking for kitchen or smart home tech, or a new video game to play during your holiday PTO, here are the best deals under $50 to shop.

Best tech deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's line-up of Echo devices is extensive so why not just make things simple and go with the original? This smart home hub is a speaker first, delivering premium sound while responding to voice controls. But you can maintain your home, too, with the Echo's built-in Alexa that helps set routines whether you need a daily alarm or want the lights to come on once the sun sets.

Right now, you can find the OG Amazon Echo for $49.99. That knocks a generous $50 off for 50% savings.

More tech deals under $50Best gaming deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy The Last of Us Part I $29.99 at Best Buy
$69.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The second season of The Last of Us is coming in 2025, and if you still haven't played the video game, now is your time to catch up. Ahead of Black Friday, find The Last of Us Part I for PlayStation 5 marked down 57%. It's down to $29.99, saving you $40. Plus, you can save 15% on Astro Gaming headsets with the purchase of a video game at Best Buy.

And while you're at it, you may as well pick up The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PlayStation 5, which is also on sale ahead of Black Friday.

More gaming deals under $50Best home and kitchen deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: BrüMate BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler $30.14 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $14.85 Get Deal Why we like it

I'm not here to pry your Stanley Cup out of your hand, but I am here to tell you that you have other options. An underrated entry in the 40 oz. tumbler market is the BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler. It keeps beverages ice cold and every part is dishwasher-safe, but the real showstopper is the locking lid. The top of the lid slides to lock and unlock so when you're on the go, the tumbler becomes totally spill proof if you want to toss it in the bag.

During Amazon's early Black Friday sale, find the BrüMate Era 40 oz. Tumbler for $30.14, taking $15.85 off the price.

More home and kitchen deals under $50

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