Are Black Friday and Cyber Monday still worth the hype?

Every year, just as the Thanksgiving dishes are barely drying, we enter the season of “the deal.” Black Friday and Cyber Monday emails roll in like clockwork, promising urgency, scarcity, and the thrill of saving. 

The tradition has evolved — from lines snaking outside stores at midnight to the quiet glow of laptop screens at 2 a.m. — but the question remains the same: Is it really worth it?

Gone are the days when midnight lines and door-busters were the only way to get a “once-a-year” savings. Now, with earlier promotions, year-round markdowns, and inflated “deal” pricing, the smart shopper asks: Is the hype real?

Swept into the noise

The phrases “limited time,” “doorbuster,” and “only 24 hours left” are designed to tug at something deep in us: the desire to seize opportunity, to not miss out. Psychologists tell us that deal language activates the same part of the brain that responds to reward and survival. In a sense, Black Friday isn’t just a day anymore — it’s a behavioral experiment that thrives on our impatience, frugality, and the fear of missing out.

But if we pause, even for a moment, we might notice the irony: a season meant for gratitude and generosity often becomes one of grasping and comparison. This is where discernment enters in. The act of shopping isn’t wrong — but how we shop reveals what we value. Does this purchase serve my life and others, or am I serving the momentary rush of the “deal”?

What the data (and common sense) tell us

In recent years, shoppers are more cautious. According to a 2025 survey, roughly three out of four Americans plan to spend the same or less than last year, citing higher costs of living as the main reason. Most begin browsing weeks in advance, spreading their purchases through November and December rather than rushing into one weekend. Analysts say sales will still rise slightly, but the frenzy is softening.

In short, Black Friday isn’t disappearing, it’s maturing. The “once-a-year” blowout has become part of a longer, quieter rhythm of shopping, one that rewards preparation over impulse.

What’s actually worth it

If you do plan to shop, not all deals are created equal. Here are some categories where you’re more likely to find genuine value if you shop with intention.

• Technology and electronics: older models often see real discounts, while the newest releases rarely do.
• Home goods and appliances: vacuums, cookware, and small kitchen gadgets tend to offer meaningful savings.
• Winter clothing: coats and boots can be worth buying now if you plan ahead.
• Subscriptions and services: software, streaming, and fitness memberships often bundle generous annual discounts.

Meanwhile, be cautious with trendy “drops,” mystery boxes, and “limited time” or “flash” fashion lines; these often inflate prices before cutting them. The thrill may be short-lived, but the regret lasts longer.

How to shop with intention

A few gentle habits can turn a stressful weekend into a mindful one:

1. Make a list before you look. Identify true needs for yourself and others before ads appear.
2. Use price-history tools. Apps like Honey or Rakuten show whether an item’s “sale” price is truly lower and can provide discount codes. 
3. Read return policies carefully. Some deals are final-sale. Other stores have flexible return policies or offer price adjustments if the item price drops lower within 30 – 90 days. A little research may ease buyer remorse if you take the risk of buying during the hype and notice a better sale just days later.
4. Choose businesses that align with your values. Local, ethical, and sustainable brands often offer deeper satisfaction — even if the discount is smaller.
5. Treat your spending as stewardship. Ask: does this reflect care, simplicity, and generosity?

Reclaiming purpose beyond the cart

Perhaps the best deal of the season is peace of mind. The world will not stop turning if you miss a sale. What matters more is how freely you move through the season, and how your purchases, or your choice not to purchase, reflect your gratitude.

In Advent and beyond, we’re invited to prepare room not just in our homes but also in our hearts. The calm you bring into the checkout line, the intention behind each gift, and the freedom to say “no, not this time,” may be the truest bargains of all. So, is Black Friday still worth it? Maybe — but only if you buy the intention, not the hype. Let your question before you click be: Does this enrich my life or simply someone’s bottom line?