Mashable

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Play Booster Box is on sale for $124.99 at Amazon, down from its $139.99 typical price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) $124.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal at Amazon

Another Marvel MTG expansion may be getting all the attention with Darkhold Destiny preorders going live, but there’s still plenty of mileage left in Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man crossover if you’re looking for an alternative superhero fix in the trading card game — now with a new $15 price drop hitting Amazon. 

As of Oct. 29, the Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Play Booster Box is available for just $124.99 on Amazon, down from its usual $139.99. That comes to an 11% discount, or approximately $4.17 per pack. 

For comparison, that’s $1.05 lower than what you can buy individual MTG Spider-Man Play Boosters for on TCGplayer (currently $5.22 at the lowest). With Amazon also handling the sale and shipping directly for this one, without a third-party seller, you can get quick delivery for as soon as Oct. 30 at the time of writing — if you’re a Prime member.

SEE ALSO: Magic: The Gathering's The Hobbit Play Booster Box is down to a new all-time low price — save nearly $70

Walmart is selling the same box for $111.99 via third-party seller Flipside Gaming. TCGplayer has listings as low as $116 after shipping, though that’s still $1.33 below the box’s estimated market price of $117.33. 

As for what's packed inside the Spider-Man Play Booster Box, you're getting 420 Magic cards altogether, split between 30 boosters containing 14 cards each. Every pack includes at least one Rare or higher-rarity card alongside a guaranteed Traditional Foil, while approximately one in five packs also features a foil Land.

Marvel fans can also look out for special Web-slinger frames and Borderless Panel cards that showcase Spider-Man's comic-book roots through alternative artwork. There's enough here to host a drafting session with friends, rather than simply opening everything for your collection.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $59.99 at Amazon. That's way under market price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

For a brief period, Amazon's wild $59.99 deal on the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box ceased to exist. At the start of the week, we were seeing prices hovering around $175. The "request invite" had gone, but we were looking at paying well over market price. This was a tough time for everyone involved, but we're glad to see Amazon's generous offer has made a triumphant return.

For a limited time, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is on sale for just $59.99 on Amazon. Shipping and sales are handled directly by Amazon, but Amazon is still routing orders through its "request invite" system. These are selling fast, so collectors are clearly getting through.

Amazon’s price is way under TCGplayer’s $1117 market price. That's rare to see nowadays, so you know shoppers will jump on this.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box contains nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for under $60 at Amazon.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box is on sale for $134.89 at Amazon, down from its $209.70 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box $134.89 at Amazon
$209.70 Save $74.81 Preorder at Amazon

Amazon isn't letting up on its discounts for Magic: The Gathering's upcoming Star Trek expansion. After bringing the 30-pack Play Booster Box below $140 earlier this month, the retailer has unexpectedly knocked its preorder price down once again. 

As of Oct. 29, the Magic: The Gathering Star Trek Play Booster Box is available to preorder for only $134.89 at Amazon. With 36% off, that means you’re pocketing $74.81 in savings compared to its usual $209.70 price. For its 30 packs, the new record-low price (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel) means you’re only paying around $4.50 per booster from the upcoming sci-fi crossover. 

With Amazon handling both the sale and shipping directly, the preorder price guarantee applies, meaning you'll automatically get its lowest eligible price between the time you order and the Nov. 13 release day. However, keep in mind that actual delivery is estimated for Nov. 16, and sales are final with no returns accepted. 

SEE ALSO: Magic: The Gathering's Marvel Darkhold Destiny Arcanum Bundle is way below market price on Amazon

If this deal goes out of stock, Walmart has also lowered its price to $134.89, courtesy of third-party seller Cataclysm Games, with free shipping estimated for Nov. 21.

As is usually the case, dedicated trading card marketplace TCGplayer has prices as low as $128.73. That’s $6.19 cheaper than Amazon’s deal and only 38 cents above the Star Trek Play Booster Box’s estimated $128.35 market price.

The Star Trek Play Booster Box contains 30 packs of 14 Magic cards, featuring familiar captains, spacecraft, and other characters from across the franchise's 60-year history. Each booster guarantees a Traditional Foil and between one and four rare or higher-rarity cards, with alternate-art and special-border versions also up for grabs.

If you're a student looking to purchase the most affordable laptop from Apple, the MacBook Neo, unfortunately things just got a little…less affordable.

The price of the base MacBook Neo model in the Apple Education Store just went up by $50, as first noticed by Macworld. The price of a base model MacBook Neo with education pricing is now $649.

While a $50 increase may or may not sound that significant depending on your financial situation, it's actually the second time Apple slashed the discounted price of the MacBook Neo for students.

The MacBook Neo launched in March with a $599 price tag, making it the most affordable MacBook on the market. However, it was the education pricing that really made the MacBook Neo appealing. As Mashable reported at the time, Apple's student discount slashed the price by $100, bringing the brand-new MacBook Neo down to $499.

The MacBook Neo was a hit for Apple, and the incredible $499 education pricing, which technically anyone could take advantage of, may have played a role.

In May, just months after the MacBook Neo's release, however, Apple closed the loophole that provided the education discount to non-students. Then in June, Apple raised the prices for a slew of its products, bringing the retail price of the MacBook Neo to $699. While the education discount remained $100, the student price was now the same as the old retail price of $599.

With this latest $50 increase, the same base MacBook Neo model is now going for $150 more with education pricing than it did when it first came out almost eight months ago.

With that said, Mashable still thinks the MacBook Neo is worth it, even with the price increases.

On Jan. 25, 2024, Dune: Part Two changed the world of moviegoing snacks forever.

That's the day that AMC Theatres released the first look at its sandworm-themed popcorn bucket, which immediately went viral for its intriguing appearance. The bucket spawned countless memes, a Saturday Night Live love song, and an arms race to create even more elaborate, upsetting popcorn buckets. (Looking at you, Deadpool and Wolverine.)

SEE ALSO: 'Dune: Part Three' final trailer: Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh return to Arrakis

But there can only be one king of absurd popcorn buckets, and today, Shai-Hulud reminded all its paltry imitators why it is the god-emperor of theatrical collectibles.

AMC Theatres unveiled its Dune: Part Three collectibles on social media, showcasing not one, but two popcorn buckets. Both are natural evolutions of the OG bucket, continuing the sandworm iconography, rubbery bristles and all.

The first bucket sees the sandworm jutting farther out of the sand than its predecessor, complete with a small thumper planted in the sand. Oh, and did we mention the thumper actually thumps? That's right: Purchase this popcorn bucket, and you, too, could feel your bucket vibrating with rhythmic pulses throughout your Dune: Part Three experience.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The other sandworm bucket asks, "you know what's better than one sandworm? Two sandworms!" And you know what? It's right!

This bucket has two sandworms jumping out of the sand, making it the perfect popcorn bucket for a date night. You've never experienced romance until you and your partner have brushed hands through Shai-Hulud's maw. Alternatively, you could just double fist it by yourself. We won't judge.

AMC's collection doesn't stop there: They've also introduced a soda cup shaped like a Guild Navigator sarcophagus, perfect for traveling through the galaxy, plotting a coup against Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), or just sipping a sweet treat. (Spice Melange not included.)

Not to be out-Duned, other theater chains have released collectibles of their own. Regal's popcorn bucket riffs on the Guild Navigator sarcophagus as well, with a door in the back for easy popcorn access.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Cinemark opted for a sandworm-focused design for its copper bucket. The bucket's base carries a design drawn from a wall carving seen in Dune: Part One, in the palace at Arrakeen. Its topper sees a smaller sandworm bursting from the desert and curving up in the air, making it a perfect alternative for anyone who wants a sandworm-themed bucket without having to jam their hands down its throat.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

But let's be real. Shoving your hands into Shai-Hulud's inviting bristles is part of the fun — and, like it or not, an enduring part of Dune's legacy.

Dune: Part Three hits theaters Dec. 18.

Inde Navarrette is hosting SNL for the first time this weekend, joining Grace Reiter for a round of promos in the video above — and you probably won't be surprised to learn that Obsession crops up.

The promos above feature some jokes about Halloween and some (fairly impressive) singing, before Navarrette morphs into her infamous character when Reiter tries to tell her that Obsession isn't a rom-com.

"No," says Navarrette through clenched teeth. "No, no, no, don't do that." Eep.

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Apple’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro is here. Bridget Carey goes hands on to poke at how a touchscreen changes the experience, and gets up close with the vibrant OLED screen.

Read more about Apple's new touchscreen MacBook Pro: Apple video shows new MacBook Pro with 'PROLED' display in action
MacBook Pro OLED brings Dynamic Island to Macs for the first time

Timecode chapters
0:00 First impressions of the touchscreen MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR
0:42 Dynamic Island and OLED display features
2:21 Comparing the M5 and M6 chip models
5:30 Intuitive OS tweaks for touch navigation

Video credits
Host: Bridget Carey
Scripted by: Bridget Carey
Producer: Bridget Carey and Jesse Orrall
Camera: Jesse Orrall
Video editor: Owen Poole
Thumbnail designer: Zooey Liao

I bought a new MacBook this year, and I did something unusual for me: I downgraded.

I've been using MacBook Pro laptops for a decade, but when the time came to replace my 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M1 Max chip, I opted for the 15-inch MacBook Air with the M4 chip.

Realistically, I don't require the kind of power that the Pro offers, at least not in a laptop. But the main reason for going with the Air was the fact that it was just so much lighter than the bulky old Pro. It might not matter at home, but lugging the thing around conference floors, I felt the extra pounds.

I'm not alone. Apple's chips have become so powerful over the past couple of years that several of my friends who work in the IT industry have recently opted for the Air. It's hard to justify the Pro when the Air does most tasks effortlessly while being so much more portable.

The reductions in weight and size are mainly made possible thanks to the new OLED display. Credit: Apple

Now, with the new MacBook Pro with the PROLED touchscreen display and the M5 Pro/Max chip inside, Apple has made a big leap in terms of power and versatility. And yes, I love the glowing Apple logo on the back.

But for me, the key feature is the weight. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro weighs exactly 4 pounds; 0.7 pounds less than the previous 16-inch MacBook Pro. It's also significantly thinner (0.63 vs 0.66 inches), as well as slightly narrower and shorter than before.

Compared: 15-inch MacBook Air, 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro chip, 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro chip. Credit: Apple

This reduction in size did not, apparently, come with any drawbacks. The new 16-inch MacBook Pro has the same 24-hour battery life as before, memory goes up to 64GB, storage goes up to 4TB, and the display has actually grown a little, from 16.2 to 16.3 inches. And I'm not even mentioning the obvious: more power, a more versatile display, and even a brand-new speaker system.

The 14-inch model offers similar, albeit slightly smaller benefits in terms of reduced weight and size.

SEE ALSO: Apple 'Pro and Tell' event: Everything announced, from MacBook Pro OLED to iPad Mini and musical AI assistant

Yes, the 15-inch MacBook Air is still lighter than the 16-inch Pro at 3.3 pounds, but the gap has closed considerably. Given all the added benefits, if I were buying a new MacBook today, I'd opt for the new 16-inch Pro.

I'd cover my eyes when it came to paying, though, as this particular model starts at $3,399 and goes up to over $14k.

You Can See Everything, Nathan Fielder's documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, is going so viral that it was only a matter of time before one of the late shows parodied it.

In the clip above Jamie Lee Curtis plays Holmes and Jimmy Fallon plays Fielder, sitting opposite each other to recreate that famously intense moment from the teaser.

"Be honest, do you really want to be on the show tonight?" asks Fallon/Fielder.

"Of course I do," responds Lee Curtis/Holmes. "I love talking to you."

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TL;DR: Unblock ePorner for free with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

More than a third of U.S. states have introduced restrictions for online adult content. After the introduction of these age verification laws, some porn sites blocked users from those locations. The same situation is now taking place in other parts of the world.

So where does that leave frustrated users? Desperately seeking a solution, that's where. Fortunately, you can still access all your favorite porn sites in just a few simple steps. There's a quick and easy hack that can secure access to restricted content from any location or network. You don't need to be a skilled hacker. Anyone can follow this simple solution.

If you want to unblock porn sites like ePorner for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock ePorner for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in another location. This simple process tricks porn sites into providing you with access even if there is a block in place over your network.

Unblock ePorner from anywhere in the world by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to ePorner

4. Connect to ePorner from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most leading services do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like ePorner without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it means you can temporarily unblock porn sites like ePorner and then recover your investment.

What is the best VPN for ePorner?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like ePorner, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries and all 50 U.S. states

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock ePorner for free with ExpressVPN.

Can we not pause to enjoy Halloween? Must we relentlessly march onwards without a moment to reflect? The corporate calendar is absolutely relentless, and that means plans for the holidays are already in motion.

Fresh from Starbucks announcing its holiday menu, Dunkin' has done the same.

Dunkin’ unveiled its full 2026 holiday lineup arriving nationwide on Wednesday, Nov. 4, featuring the debut of Dunkin’s very own Donutcracker mascot appearing across cups, doughnut boxes, and Munchkins packaging. The launch also resurrects two of the chain's most requested seasonal flavor swirls: Cookie Butter and Toasted White Chocolate.

Credit: Dunkin'

We know that everyone is looking for limited-edition merch and freebies whenever this sort of drop gets announced. Good news! Donating $1 or more at the register or drive-thru to the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation between Nov. 4-30 earns you a limited-edition Donutcracker sticker sheet for free.

Credit: Dunkin'

But there's more, because Dunkin' Rewards members can enjoy exclusive offers throughout the season:

1. Nov. 4-5: Earn 3x points on all beverages for the launch window.

2. Nov. 17: Earn 4x points on all Avengers beverages.

3. Nov. 19: Earn 3x points on all beverages when ordering ahead in the app.

4. Nov. 23: Earn 4x points on any espresso drink on National Espresso Day

5. Through Nov. 30: Earn 100 bonus points on all beverages when ordering ahead on Mondays

Dunkin' is promising that "more festive moments, seasonal surprises, and holiday reveals will arrive throughout the season." So perhaps this isn't the end of the festive cheer. We'll keep you posted on everything else that drops as we get closer to Christmas.

Trump has been waffling at his rallies again, and Jimmy Kimmel wants you to know just how ridiculous things can get.

"For a man that is very proud he picked out all the marble in the White House, he certainly seems to be losing his," the host says in the monologue above, before playing a 40-second montage of some of Trump's more ridiculous and nonsensical moments.

"He's almost incoherent enough to be the next White House press secretary," says Kimmel.

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

SAVE $75: As of Oct. 29, the like-new Kindle Scribe is on sale for $284.99 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Scribe (Like-New) $284.99 at Amazon
$359.99 Save $75   Get Deal at Amazon

A Kindle that doubles as a digital notebook doesn't come cheap, but buying refurbished could make it a little more affordable.

Amazon has knocked $75 off the Kindle Scribe, with the “like-new” refurbished model now priced at $284.99. And if you're wary about the refurbished tag, there's no need to be. Amazon says these devices are tested and certified to look and work like new, and include the same limited warranty as a new device.

The Scribe is designed for bookworms who like to do more than just read. Its 10.2-inch display and upgraded Premium Pen let you annotate books, jot down ideas, or use the built-in notebook for everything from work notes to journaling. Active Canvas also lets you write directly onto book pages, so you can note down your thoughts alongside what you're reading.

When you're finished writing, you can convert handwritten notes into text and email them to yourself or others. There are AI tools to help tidy up your notes, too, including options to change their length or tone.

This Kindle deal is available at Amazon now, but only for a limited time.

TL;DR: Live stream Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers for free on 7Plus. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Thursday Night Football kicks off with an NFC North vs. South showdown tonight, as the Carolina Panthers visit the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers have a better season record than the Panthers — the Packers are 4-3 while the Panthers are 3-3 — but there's a major disparity in their current ranking. Green Bay are languishing at the bottom of NFC North, but Carolina are riding high at the top of NFC South.

The Packers are looking for a win after the Detroit Lions ended their three-game winning streak last Sunday. The Panthers want to bounce back following a heavy loss to the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If you want to watch Panthers vs. Packers in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Panthers vs. Packers?

Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers starts at 8.15 p.m. ET on Oct. 29. This fixture takes place at Lambeau Field.

How to watch Panthers vs. Packers for free

Panthers vs. Packers in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can live stream Panthers vs. Packers for free from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Australia

4. Visit 7Plus

5. Watch Panthers vs. Packers for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Panthers vs. Packers without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus NFL action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries, including Australia

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices, including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Carolina Panthers vs. Green Bay Packers for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Whoop's Black Friday sale officially kicks off Nov. 19, knocking up to $60 off new annual memberships (One, Peak, and Life) and taking 20% off accessories. Existing members also get discounted renewals and a free MG-compatible charger.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop Black Friday Sale   Shop Now at Whoop

If you’ve been eyeing a Whoop band to track your sleep debt, strain, and recovery, you already know the biggest barrier to entry isn't wearing the screen-free tracker on your wrist — it's the subscription cost. Because Whoop packages its hardware directly into annual memberships, discounts on the service are few and far between.

That changes ahead of the holidays. Whoop is rolling out its biggest promotional sale of the year, knocking up to $60 off annual memberships and taking 20% off accessories and apparel. The main Black Friday event kicks off on Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. ET, giving both new and existing members a chance to lock in lower prices.

If you miss the initial wave, a secondary holiday sale runs Dec. 12 through Jan. 7, offering 10% off new Peak and Life memberships along with 20% off Advanced Labs and GRAIL multi-cancer screening tests for existing users. Every tier in the lineup is HSA- and FSA-eligible, boasts 14-plus days of battery life, features haptic wake alarms, integrates with Natural Cycles, and continuously tracks sleep, strain, and recovery.

SEE ALSO: Eight Sleep’s new Pod 6 fixes its biggest flaw — the Hub now fits under your bed

Here is how each tier breaks down, what hardware you get, and what you’ll actually pay:

Whoop One

Whoop One is the entry-level tier built for anyone who wants essential workout, sleep, and recovery metrics without an overwhelming wall of clinical diagnostics. It comes with the new Whoop 5.0 sensor, a basic wired charger, and a CoreKnit Jet Black band (with five additional color options available).

You get core features like heart rate zones, VO2 Max, recovery scoring, and women’s hormonal insights, but it skips the real-time Stress Monitor, the Health Monitor dashboard, and Healthspan biological age tracking.

• New member Black Friday price — $189 for your first year ($10 off the regular $199 rate)

Whoop Peak

Whoop Peak is designed for fitness enthusiasts who want a deeper look at biological aging, daily stress, and their workouts. It bundles the Whoop 5.0 sensor with an upgraded on-the-go wireless PowerPack and a SuperKnit Obsidian band (with 14 color options).

In addition to everything in One, Peak adds the real-time Stress Monitor, the Health Monitor dashboard with vital-sign alerts, and Healthspan tracking that calculates your Whoop age and pace of aging.

• New member Black Friday price — $199 for your first year ($40 off the regular $239 rate)

• New member December sale price (Dec. 12 to Jan. 7) — $215 for your first year (10% off)

Whoop Life

Whoop Life shifts from daily fitness tracking into clinical cardiovascular screening. Instead of the 5.0, it features a distinct physical sensor called the Whoop MG, paired with the wireless PowerPack and your choice of 10 band colorways. Along with everything in Peak, the MG hardware unlocks medical-grade, on-demand ECG Heart Screener readings, AFib detection alerts, and daily blood pressure insights.

• New member Black Friday price — $299 for your first year ($60 off the regular $359 rate)

• New member December sale price (Dec. 12 to Jan. 7) — $323 for your first year (10% off)

Deals for existing members and accessories

Current members aren’t left out of the Black Friday sale. Starting Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. ET, existing members can also renew or upgrade to Whoop Peak for $199 or Whoop Life for $299, both of which come with a free MG-compatible charger.

If you just need extra gear, Whoop is taking 20% off apparel and accessories sitewide (excluding standalone battery packs and the Meridian line), while select bundled accessory packs get a steeper 25% price cut. Existing members can also grab a health perk later in the season, with 20% off Advanced Labs and GRAIL testing from Dec. 12 through Jan. 7.

Discounts on Whoop subscriptions are practically nonexistent outside Black Friday — grab your membership when these rare discounts go live.

TL;DR: Secure Microsoft Office staples and new favorites permanently with this affordable lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows — on sale now for just $49.97 (reg. $249.99) through Nov. 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$249.99 Save $200.02   Get Deal

Not every spreadsheet is for work, and not every document is for the office. Whether you’re planning your monthly budget or updating a work presentation, Microsoft Office is packed with apps that can tackle it all. This lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows lets you lock them all in for a one-time low price — just $49.97 before Nov. 1.

Microsoft Office has been around for decades for a reason — it’s filled with tools that can help you from your home office to your college dorm to your workplace. This Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows license gives you an affordable way to use the tools for life with a non-binding key that links to your device rather than your Microsoft account.

Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus includes six apps, each designed for different types of tasks. You’ll have permanent access to classics like Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel, plus new favorites OneNote and Access.

Don’t be deterred by the year of this 2024 edition — it includes upgraded features like advanced data analysis and database management. You’ll also have a dark mode option, enhanced security and compliance capabilities, and built-in protections and features that support security and regulatory requirements.

With this Windows license, you pay once and don’t have to worry about recurring fees. You’ll receive an instant delivery and download so you can get up and running right away.

Get this lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows for just $49.97 through Nov. 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE $450.01: As of Oct. 29, the EF EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is on sale for $1,848.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: EF EcoFlow EF Ecoflow Delta 3 Max $1,848.99 at Amazon
$2,299 Save $450.01   Get Deal at Amazon

You don't have to wait until Black Friday to save on a portable power station.

The EcoFlow Delta 3 Max is back on sale at Amazon, with $450 off a bundle that includes two 220W solar panels. As of Oct. 29, the unit is available for $1,848.99, with various discounted bundles to choose from depending on the setup you want.

Whether you're preparing for storms and potential power outages at home, heading on vacation, or keeping your devices charged while camping, the Delta 3 Max is a reliable power source. And its battery technology lets it charge from 0 to 80% in just 43 minutes, so you won't have to wait long before it's ready to go.

Inside, it runs on a LiFePO4 battery that is designed for long-term use, with EcoFlow estimating a lifespan of up to 10 years. You can also manage the power station through the EcoFlow app, where you can monitor energy consumption, adjust charging settings, and schedule power usage.

Get this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

SAVE OVER $50: As of Oct. 29, the Sony WH-CH730N are on sale for $128 at Amazon. That's a 29% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH730N $128 at Amazon
$179 Save $51   Get Deal at Amazon

Black Friday sales officially get underway at the end of November, but unofficially, deals start to ramp up at the end of October. In the coming weeks, we can expect to see discounts across everything from home appliances, tech, household essentials, and Christmas gifts. If a new pair of headphones is on your to-buy list for this year's sales, you might not have to wait until the madness kicks off.

Right now at Amazon, there's a deal on the new Sony WH-CH730N headphones, taking the price down from $179 to $128. These were only released in September, so this is a significant price drop, and it's the biggest drop in price so far. They come in five different colors, each one at the same new low price.

Sound quality is great, with impressive noise cancellation that uses Dual Noise Sensor technology to reduce background noise, helping you focus on your music, calls, or work. When you need to hear what's happening around you, Ambient Sound Mode offers 20 adjustable levels, plus Voice Passthrough for more natural conversations.

Battery life lasts up to 50 hours with noise canceling on or 75 hours with it off, and a three-minute quick charge gives you up to an hour of playback. And if you are going to use them for hours at a time, you'll find that they are incredibly comfortable. This is thanks to their soft ear cushions, which are designed to keep you comfortable for long listening sessions.

This deal is available at Amazon right now.

TL;DR: Google's new When to Buy Guide analyzed holiday shopping data across thousands of retailers to pinpoint the best days to shop. The verdict: Lock in your OLED TVs, sneakers, and skincare hauls over Black Friday weekend, but wait until late December for hardshell luggage and Dutch ovens.

Holiday shopping usually feels like a high-stakes guessing game where you’re gambling on whether to buy an item now or hold out for a steeper markdown down the road. Wait too long, and your colorway sells out, shipping cutoffs slam shut, or you’re left scrambling through picked-over store aisles on Christmas Eve.

To take the guesswork out of the seasonal madness, Google dropped its 2026 When to Buy Guide, analyzing massive amounts of U.S. promotional patterns, search trends, and aggregated discount data across merchants. Instead of relying on gut feelings, Google mapped out exactly when promotional volume and price cuts reach their absolute peak across every major consumer category.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's Holiday Gift Guide is live: See our top 10 picks ahead of Black Friday 2026

Here are 10 things Google's retail data reveals about how you should actually be timing your holiday haul:

Don't fall for "up to 70% off" banner hype

Before diving into specific items, it helps to know how Google tracks these sales. Stores love slapping massive discount banners on their homepages, even if the price cut applies to only a handful of items nobody wants. To bypass the hype, Google used an impression-weighted setup that looked at two things: how many items were actually marked down and the average size of the price cut. This filters out outlier noise and tracks when an entire category is truly discounted.

Wrap up your big-screen ambitions before Cyber Week ends

If a new television, soundbar, or smart home security camera is on your list, dragging your feet into December is an easy way to overpay. The data confirms that the stretch between Black Friday and Cyber Week is the absolute sweet spot for main electronics. This is when you'll find both the widest selection of gear on sale and the largest price drops. Once December settles in, promotional momentum dries up, leaving you with weaker discounts and annoying backorders.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday deals on unlocked phones from Google, Samsung, and TCL are already live Drones and motorized toys march to their own chaotic beat

Standard consumer tech demands an early purchase, but tech toys behave completely differently. If you’re hunting down remote-controlled cars, motorized gadgets, or drones, playing the waiting game actually works. Pricing patterns show these kinds of toys don't hit their deepest markdowns until the final week before Christmas, making them a solid last-minute win.

Gaming consoles hit an awkward mid-December slump

Shoppers looking for a PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo setup or party board games and puzzles need to watch the calendar. Black Friday weekend is still your best bet for console bundles and wide game sales. But if you miss that opening window, step away from the checkout cart in the middle of the month. Deal quality takes a noticeable dive in mid-December, then a second wave of discounts bounces back right before Christmas wraps up.

SEE ALSO: 20+ early Black Friday gaming laptop deals: Score record lows on Alienware, ASUS, MSI, and more Buy packing cubes now, but leave the rolling suitcase for later

Shopping for a frequent traveler takes a split approach. Smaller travel gear, like packing cubes, tech pouches, and dopp kits, peaks during Black Friday weekend and then slowly drops off. Large luggage is the exact opposite. Big suitcases and hard-shell sets don't hit their lowest clearance prices until late December. Grab the smaller organizers early, but hold off on the heavy bags.

Treat your dog early, but hold out for the reptile tank

Gifting four-legged family members comes with its own retail schedule. Treats, apparel, and cozy beds for dogs and cats hit their widest selection and steepest discounts over Black Friday weekend, followed by a mid-December lull. However, if you are shopping for specialty pets like reptiles, aquarium fish, birds, or small critters, late December triggers an aggressive secondary wave of deep-discount clearance.

Buy appliances early; skip mid-December for holiday decor

Big-ticket household upgrades like dishwashers, refrigerators, and living room couches demand early planning. Retailers roll out their best inventory and steepest cuts during Black Friday weekend. Given the delivery hassles and inventory caps that come with oversized items, putting it off past November is asking for a late delivery.

Meanwhile, holiday decor works best if you buy early to enjoy it, or wait until late December for deep clearance on lights and storage bins. Just skip mid-December, where both selection and discounts hit a dead zone.

SEE ALSO: Early Black Friday home improvement deals save big on power tools, smart lights, home security, and more. Gourmet cookware rewards the shoppers who wait

Unlike living room furniture, kitchen essentials and fancy dinnerware reward late-season patience. Retail data shows that deep percentage markdowns on cookware sets, kitchen gadgets, and dining tools don’t fully surface until late December. If an enameled cast-iron Dutch oven or a new knife set is on your radar, waiting until the final weeks of the season will net you the lowest prices.

The late-December skincare clearance is a myth

If signature scents, makeup, or fancy skincare are on your gift list, lock them down early. Fragrance promotions peak between the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday, falling off a cliff after that without getting any cheaper. Skincare follows that exact same pattern: Black Friday delivers the widest brand selection, and steep late-December skincare clearance has basically vanished in recent years.

That early-bird rule also applies to footwear and heavy workout gear, such as treadmills, weights, and golf clubs, before inventory thins out. If you're just hunting for sweaters and everyday gym clothes, though, don't sweat it — those stay steadily discounted all the way to Christmas.

SEE ALSO: Amazon is dropping early Black Friday beauty tech deals way ahead of schedule The predictable spiral of waiting until Christmas Eve

Google's search query logs reveal a predictable panic routine that plays out every single December:

• Dec. 22 — Searches for "next day shipping" jump as regular delivery windows vanish. This is also the single biggest day of the year for "DIY gift" searches, as shoppers try to figure out if overnight freight is worth it or if they should just make something by hand.

• Dec. 23 — With delivery options gone, everyone pivots to local storefronts, driving searches for "gifts near me" and "in-store pickup" to their yearly peak.

• Dec. 24 — Curbside panic sets in, pushing "same day pickup" searches to their highest point of the season.

• Dec. 25 — With stores finally closed on Christmas Day, shoppers hit the inbox with last-second searches for e-gift cards, digital vouchers, and streaming subscriptions.

The funniest find in the entire report? Searches for "last minute gift for mom" consistently start climbing on Dec. 23. Searches for "last minute gift for dad," on the other hand, don't show any real movement until Christmas Eve.

The numbers don't lie: when it comes to holiday procrastination, dads get the absolute worst of it.

We choose stories alongside the kids, often listen together, and talk about what’s happening.

They’ve proven to be a great tool to soften transitions, help the kids have some quiet time to rest while we prepare meals or clean up, take along during long car rides, and engage their brains without being overly stimulating. 

There is no shortage of options on the market right now specifically aimed at our kids’ age group, so we decided to put some to the test. We spent three months trying out a collection of popular players, both at home and in the car, to come up with this list.

After lots of hands-on testing, the Yoto player came out on top as our favorite screen-free audio player, with the Toniebox as a close second. Read on to learn why and see what else made the list.

Editor's note: We have not yet tested the Eddi, Lunii, or Nex Playground.