15 Things Parents Bought Every Black Friday for Christmas

Black Friday has long been a holiday shopping tradition where parents hunt for the best deals to make Christmas special for their children. From toys to gadgets, parents strategically plan purchases to maximize savings and holiday cheer.

  • Tricia Quitales
  • 7 min read
15 Things Parents Bought Every Black Friday for Christmas
Max Fischer on Pexels

Black Friday represents a key moment for parents preparing for Christmas, combining anticipation with strategic shopping. Popular items often sell out quickly, prompting early mornings and careful planning. Over the decades, certain products have become staples in family holiday shopping. Examining these purchases reveals the intersection of tradition, consumer culture, and festive generosity in American households.

1. 1. Action Figures and Dolls

BI ravencrow on pexels

BI ravencrow on pexels

Parents often queue early to buy action figures and dolls for their children. Popular characters from movies and TV shows sell out rapidly. Kids highly anticipate these toys throughout the year. Collectible editions sometimes increase in value over time. Parents balance budget concerns with the desire to delight their children. Retailers offer bundled deals and discounts to attract buyers. Long lines form outside stores as families wait patiently. Children wake early on Christmas morning to see their gifts. Action figures and dolls remain iconic Black Friday purchases. They symbolize both fun and tradition in holiday shopping.

2. 2. Video Game Consoles

Stas Knop on pexels

Stas Knop on pexels

Video game consoles are a major draw for parents on Black Friday. Popular systems often come with bundles that include games and accessories. Children eagerly request the latest releases months in advance. Retailers advertise deep discounts to drive sales. Parents plan store routes and early arrivals to secure units. Extended warranties and gift receipts provide peace of mind. The excitement of unboxing is unmatched on Christmas morning. Consoles often become the centerpiece of holiday entertainment. Parents consider compatibility with existing devices. Gaming remains a staple of family holiday culture.

3. 3. LEGO Sets

O2Q357Ys on wikimedia

O2Q357Ys on wikimedia

LEGO sets are consistently high on Black Friday shopping lists. Parents select themes based on their children’s interests, such as space, city, or superheroes. Larger sets can be expensive, making discounts particularly appealing. Building LEGO fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Limited edition sets sell out quickly, prompting early purchases. Parents enjoy seeing children’s faces light up with anticipation. Store promotions often include extra pieces or minifigures. Many families make LEGO-building a holiday tradition. The sets provide hours of interactive entertainment. LEGO purchases demonstrate how parents combine fun and educational value.

4. 4. Board Games

Karola G on pexels

Karola G on pexels

Board games remain classic Christmas gifts purchased on Black Friday. Families select titles that suit different age groups. Strategy, trivia, and cooperative games provide variety. Black Friday deals often include bundles or limited editions. Parents aim to foster bonding through interactive play. Game nights during the holiday season become cherished memories. Children learn teamwork, critical thinking, and patience. Parents appreciate affordable and lasting entertainment. Some games become collectible over time. Board games reflect timeless family-centered holiday traditions.

5. 5. Toy Cars and Trucks

I'm Zion on pexels

I’m Zion on pexels

Miniature cars and trucks are perennial favorites for children. Parents buy popular brands like Hot Wheels or Matchbox. Sets often come in tracks, garages, or themed playsets. Black Friday discounts make it easier to purchase multiple items. Collectible editions add excitement for both parents and kids. Children enjoy imaginative play and racing competitions. Parents supervise assembly or track setup for added fun. Toy vehicles are portable and easy to store. Annual purchases maintain excitement and variety. They remain a practical and beloved gift choice.

6. 6. Stuffed Animals

RDNE Stock project on pexels

RDNE Stock project on pexels

Stuffed animals are a cozy and sentimental gift for Christmas. Parents select soft, huggable companions for their children. Limited edition or themed stuffed animals often sell out fast. Black Friday promotions make them more affordable. Children develop emotional connections to these toys. Parents enjoy watching children cuddle and treasure them. Some collections become annual traditions. Seasonal designs, like holiday-themed plush, increase appeal. They serve as comfort items during the holiday season. Stuffed animals symbolize warmth and affection in family gifting.

7. 7. Craft Kits

Greta Hoffman on pexels

Greta Hoffman on pexels

Craft kits encourage creativity and hands-on activity. Parents buy kits for jewelry making, painting, or model building. Black Friday sales often include multiple kits at discounted prices. Children enjoy completing projects independently or with friends. Kits stimulate learning, dexterity, and imagination. Parents appreciate toys that combine fun and education. Holiday breaks provide ample time to use the kits. Kits can be reused or adapted for new projects. They offer a productive alternative to screen time. Craft kits reflect parents’ desire to combine entertainment and skill-building.

8. 8. Electronic Gadgets

jonas mohamadi on pexels

jonas mohamadi on pexels

Parents frequently purchase tablets, headphones, or smart devices on Black Friday. These gifts often complement educational or entertainment purposes. Retailers advertise bundles that include accessories or apps. Children eagerly anticipate using gadgets on Christmas morning. Parents monitor content and usage to ensure safety. Devices enhance learning, reading, and interactive play. Deals encourage parents to buy higher-end items. Gadgets remain relevant across multiple age groups. They represent a mix of technology and festive excitement. Electronics reflect modern holiday shopping priorities.

9. 9. Books

Pixabay on pexels

Pixabay on pexels

Books continue to be a thoughtful gift purchased during Black Friday. Parents select titles based on age, interests, or educational value. Popular series or boxed sets often sell quickly. Deals on multiple volumes encourage bulk purchases. Reading fosters literacy, imagination, and family discussion. Children enjoy receiving surprise storybooks under the tree. Libraries and schools sometimes inspire gift choices. Personalized editions increase excitement and sentimentality. Books remain affordable, meaningful, and versatile. They represent the enduring importance of reading during the holidays.

10. 10. Puzzles

Karola G on pexels

Karola G on pexels

Puzzles are a holiday favorite for families seeking interactive entertainment. Parents buy age-appropriate puzzles for children and teenagers. Themed designs or 3D puzzles increase engagement. Black Friday discounts allow parents to purchase larger or multiple sets. Puzzles encourage problem-solving, patience, and teamwork. Children enjoy the sense of accomplishment upon completion. Family puzzle nights become holiday traditions. Parents appreciate low-tech, educational options for entertainment. Seasonal or collectible puzzles create festive excitement. Puzzles continue to blend fun and skill-building effectively.

11. 11. Remote Control Vehicles

Vika Glitter on pexels

Vika Glitter on pexels

Remote control cars, helicopters, and drones attract both children and parents. Parents purchase these items for excitement and novelty. Black Friday offers bundles with batteries, controllers, or extra parts. Children enjoy outdoor and indoor play experiences. Parents supervise safety and operation. RC vehicles encourage coordination, concentration, and problem-solving. They create opportunities for shared play between parents and children. Limited editions or high-performance models sell out quickly. Annual gifting ensures variety and surprise. Remote-control vehicles symbolize active, adventurous holiday entertainment.

12. 12. Sports Equipment

the iop on pexels

the iop on pexels

Parents often buy basketballs, soccer balls, or other sporting gear on Black Friday. Equipment aligns with children’s interests and after-school activities. Deals on kits, accessories, or branded items are popular. Children enjoy learning skills or practicing outdoors. Parents promote physical activity and healthy competition. Equipment purchases provide long-term engagement beyond the holiday season. Siblings and friends often join in play. Retailers highlight bundled sets to encourage sales. Black Friday enables parents to buy high-quality sports gear. These gifts reflect both fun and practical value.

13. 13. Clothing and Costumes

Liliana Drew on pexels

Liliana Drew on pexels

Holiday-themed clothing and costumes are practical and fun gifts. Parents purchase pajamas, hats, or character outfits on Black Friday. Deals often include sets for siblings or multiple children. Children enjoy wearing festive outfits for photos or play. Parents appreciate functional gifts that are still exciting. Seasonal designs and patterns add anticipation. Clothing purchases ensure warmth and comfort during winter. Outfits often become tradition for holiday photos. Retailers provide limited-edition or themed items. Clothing reflects practical yet playful gifting strategies.

14. 14. Musical Instruments

Alena Darmel on pexels

Alena Darmel on pexels

Parents often buy keyboards, guitars, or beginner instruments for children. Black Friday promotions make larger instruments more affordable. Children explore creativity, rhythm, and musical talent. Parents provide guidance and encouragement for practice. Instruments can be shared among siblings or friends. Holiday breaks offer time for learning and performance. Teachers or mentors may recommend specific instruments. Musical gifts blend education and entertainment. Children enjoy performing for family gatherings. Musical instruments embody lasting skills and festive enjoyment.

15. 15. Holiday-Themed Electronics

Alex Andrews on pexels

Alex Andrews on pexels

Parents purchase themed tech items, like kids’ cameras or learning tablets. Black Friday sales encourage higher-end or bundled purchases. Children enjoy interactive features and entertainment value. Parents supervise screen time and app usage. Devices provide creative or educational engagement. They enhance holiday storytelling and digital play. Seasonal branding increases excitement for children. Families incorporate these electronics into traditions and daily routines. Gifts reflect modern trends in festive consumer behavior. Holiday electronics combine innovation and family-centered entertainment.

Written by: Tricia Quitales

Tricia is a recent college graduate whose true passion lies in writing—a hobby she’s cherished for years. Now a Content Writer at Illumeably, Tricia combines her love for storytelling with her fascination for personal growth. She’s all about continuous learning, taking risks, and using her words to connect with and inspire others.

Recommended for You

15 Stores That Defined Black Friday in Its Glory Years

15 Stores That Defined Black Friday in Its Glory Years

Black Friday became a cultural phenomenon largely because of stores that created the excitement, crowds, and deals people still remember. Certain retailers set the standard for holiday shopping, offering doorbusters and promotions that drew thousands of eager customers.

18 Black Friday Memories You’ll Only Get If You Grew Up in the ’80s

18 Black Friday Memories You’ll Only Get If You Grew Up in the ’80s

Black Friday in the 1980s was an entirely physical, analog, and community-centric shopping event defined by paper circulars, department stores, and the hunt for iconic toys and VCRs.