In theory, a day dedicated to eating good food with family members sounds perfect. Ideal, even. Yet, as we know, between logistics and traveling and cooking and prepping and hosting, Thanksgiving can get stressful.
To help make this holiday a little more seamless, we rounded up some of our favorite helpful gizmos and gadgets. From kitchen gear to cleaning supplies to personal tech, these are early Black Friday deals you and your loved ones will be happy to have this turkey day, especially at these prices. The bulk of items also come with free overnight shipping for Prime members, so if you see something you like, be sure to grab it quick to have it in time for the holiday.
An electric oven roaster that doubles as a turkey defroster (22% off)
A multi-tasking product in the kitchen will always be top-tier but this one really does take the cake. No more freak-outs if you forget to take the turkey out days ahead of Thanksgiving. This kitchen gadget will defrost it for you AND roast your bird, making it a deal you'll get value out of long after Thanksgiving ends. According to our price trackers, this usually retails for $115.99, making it 22% off.
Promising review: "I had an oven fire, and while the repairs were being done, I needed some way to continue cooking. Thankfully, I found this roaster oven that works so well, I will continue using it now that my oven is back. It cooks evenly, quickly, and is large enough to fit a full roast, turkey, or multiple cuts of meat. It also has a defrost option that eliminated food sitting on the counter for hours. And it's extremely easy to clean. Totally recommend!" — Dawna V Srirard
A 400-piece biodegradable paper plate, cup and cutlery set (20% off)
This paper plate, cup, cutlery and napkin set is designed for ultra-convenience. It's super hefty (lots of potential for use beyond Thanksgiving depending on your crowd), microwave-friendly, cut-resistant and even freezer-safe. They're also biodegradable so when they get tossed, they won't harm the environment. The 400-piece kit is a perfect get if you're on duty to bring these supplies to this week's gathering or if you're hosting and don't want to be left scrambling if someone else forgets. Get it for 20% off.
Promising review: "I ordered this set for a pasta buffet and could not have been more satisfied! Plates held up well to hot pastas and sauces with no problem and the cutting of meat on them didn't pierce the material. Eating utensils are definitely reusable. Cups are sturdy...no leaking. I wouldn't have purchased anything that wasn't compostable." — Nick
An easy-to-spot yard sign so no one gets lost heading to dinner (20% off)
This Thanksgiving sign festive, easy to set up and reviewers say it "looks just like the picture" — all for only $4!
The gadget 'taking the stress out of cooking meat' for holiday meals (10% off)
Cooking a Thanksgiving turkey can be an intimidating task. However, we’re told that one simple tool can ensure you have a perfectly prepared, succulent bird every single time. Meet the ThermoPro digital probe thermometer — an easy-to-use culinary gadget on Amazon for under $20 right now! While it isn't our usual preferred 15% or more off — Amazon says it's 40% off, but per our trackers, the deal is more like 10%🙄) – it's still dang handy tool you'll appreciate having this season and already so affordably priced that the smaller discount only sweetens the pie.
It’s designed with a long heat-safe cord and meat probe that can withstand oven temperatures up to 716 degrees Fahrenheit. This means you leave the probe in your turkey while the thermometer remains outside to deliver accurate cooking temperatures internally.
Some reviewers explain that this function prevents you from having to open the oven door repeatedly to check the temperature with manual thermometers, thus your turkey cooks faster and remains juicier.
Food warming mat (23% off)
You work hard making a delicious, multi-course meal, you want to ensure it stays piping hot. Enter this rolling food warm-up mat that looks sharp on your table and allows your food to stay warm, even if you're spending hours at the table laughing and sharing stories. Grab it on sale for under $50.
A handy machine in case someone forgets their "Bring The Ice" assignment this year (24% off)
Promising review: "Great on demand ice maker. My frig/freezer is small and I didn’t want to take up room with an ice maker so I bought this. Perfect ! First set of cubes are always a tad small and watery but after that, it makes great ice cubes. If I know people are coming I just let it run for a cycle or 2 and I have enough ice. It’s easy to use. Only had for a short amount of time, but so far so good!" — Mzimm
Promising review: "This purchase didn't fail. Can't believe I didn't buy sooner. If you host parties this is a must have. works perfectly." — Lola
A coloring table cloth to entertain the kids AND protect your precious table (28% off)
If your house will be full of more kids than usual for longer than usual, then here's a hack you and them will be thankful for: A holiday-themed tablecloth that doubles as a coloring canvas. This was a hit on Amazon for Easter Sunday, so the brand released Christmas and Thanksgiving options. If you really want to make this fun, give the kids their own "section" and have prizes for who finishes first, colors between the lines, etc.
Adults can join in on the coloring fun as well, of course. Bonus: They're under $10.
Promising review: "I met with my family for Thanksgiving at an Airbnb. I knew the weather would be cold and would need something to keep busy with, and I saw this cute poster. It was such a great purchase because the entire family loved it! We colored on this poster every day over the holiday break, and it was so cute." — Megan Nolan
A utensil rest station for kitchen organization (15% off)
Prepping a Thanksgiving meal — or any meal with moving parts for that matter can get a little messy and disorganized but this silicone rest station can help you keep all your utensils in a central location. It's 15% off and available in various colors to suit any kitchen aesthetic. It'll also make for a thoughtful, budget-friendly holiday gift for the person who's hosting you for the holidays if you aren't the one cooking.
The Bissell Little Green Mini carpet and upholstery cleaner to fix unexpected messes quickly (21% off list price)
"Boy, am I ever glad I bought one of these a few years ago," wrote Janie Campbell, our former deals editor. "Every time I spill food on my rug — and this happens a lot — I just run for the Little Green, flip it on, spend a scant minute scrubbing and breath a sigh of relief. It gets stains out of carpet and rugs with a spray-and-scrub brush that also vacuums up the dirty water into the dirty water tank. It's saved me from soy sauce, ketchup, dollops of curry and more than one dropped sandwich."
This handy cleaner will come in clutch as you prep the house for guests but also for any unexpected spills that happen while they're over. The device is one of the most beloved cleaning tools we cover, and reviewers have given it 4.6 stars in gratitude. This time around, the mini version of this beloved appliance is on sale, but it still packs the same punch as the original. It also comes with a free bottle of stain-removing solution you can mix into the clean water tank. It's on sale from Nov. 20 through Dec. 10 at Amazon.
A set of four wine chillers (20% off list price)
This set of wine chillers is perfect for the wine lover on your holiday shopping list but also for YOU if you plan on kicking back with a glass of wine this week and into the season. It includes a pair of wine chillers, so your sauv blanc stays nice and chilly while you sip and cook or lounge — and you don't have to dilute it or gulp it down before it gets warm. Usually $100 on Amazon, they're now down to just $79.96 and they'll ship in one day if you've got Prime.
Amazon Basics digital kitchen scale (33% off list price)
A kitchen scale can be surprisingly convenient, even for casual home cooks. This digital scale is made with food-safe and BPA-free materials, with a stainless steel platform and a wide LCD screen that is easy to read. It can weigh ingredients up to 11 pounds and the screen can be programmed to display weight in pounds, ounces, grams, fluid ounces and milliliters. It's a AAA battery-operated wonder that has a small silhouette for convenient, easy storage. One reviewer noted that it works perfectly and helps them stay on track with their meal plan, while another pointed out that it is accurate and easy to use. According to our price trackers, this scale recently went for $12.59, making it 33% off until Dec. 1.
The Kindle AND Kindle Paperwhite (up to 27% off)
A bit of a wildcard, but one you'll thank us for — the Amazon Kindle lets you keep your (or your loved ones) favorite books on demand, without the bulky weight. If you're traveling for the holidays or want to keep little ones busy while the food cooks, but don't want to be glued to social media, this baby is as easy and alluring as a phone or tablet, but helps you get some literacy in on the go. One user called it their “ultimate e-reader for every book lover.” The famous e-reader still dominates the market due to its lengthy battery life, supreme lightweight, anti-glare and ample 16 GB storage.
Right now, you can grab the Kindle Paperwhite, the premium version of the regular OG Kindle with a fully waterproof body, a 7-inch screen (compared to the original’s 6-inch) and a whopping 12-week battery life, on sale at 24% off its typical price — one of the year’s lowest prices and a genuinely good discount, as this model rarely ever goes on sale.
Don’t want the Paperwhite? Well, the OG Kindle is also on sale for 27% off — the lowest price it’s been in history.
Bottom line: At the lowest prices in their history, Kindles are an awesome, practical idea for gifting this holiday season!
A screen magnifier for your cell phone to give you a tablet experience sans tablet prices (24% off)
Whether you're reading a new stuffing recipe, showing off family photos or just need a little help seeing your phone screen more clearly, this screen magnifier requires less work than any tablet could. Using HD lens technology, it demands no power or wires to make your phone's screen bigger and easier to perceive. Just prop your phone up behind it and you're good to go. It's available in 12-,14-, 16- and 18-inch sizes with the 14-inch being the best deal of the four.
Ninja Artisan outdoor pizza oven (33% off list price)
If you're getting tired of traditional Thanksgiving dinner or just want to 'wow' your guests, the Ninja outdoor pizza oven is a hosting must. It’s an electric, five-in-one machine that perfectly cooks pizza but also bakes, broils, warms and proofs breads, sides and even desserts.
The oven takes about 18 minutes to preheat and goes up to 700 degrees, with a 90-degree proofing option, ensuring the perfect crunch and crust. Reviewers really love the straightforward dials, saying the presets make all the difference. Whether you like chewy, puffy pizzas, deep dish or a thin, crispy crust — this oven has a setting for you. “Just plug in, press power to turn on, scroll through pizza settings to desired crust, press start ...” one user wrote. “If you make multiple pizzas, the oven stays on without any additional buttons to press. It is nice to see simple electronics again.”
In addition to pizza, the oven can fit a 12-inch baking pan with the brand saying you could cook six chicken breasts, a large bread loaf, a large tray of mac and cheese and so much more. The oven comes with a 12-inch pizza stone, a 12-inch by 12-inch baking pan and even a start guide with recipes. It's 33% off.
Ninja NeverStick Pro Belgian waffle maker (20% off list price)
Of course, if you're hosting overnight guests, you need to think about breakfast too. Enjoy 20% off this popular Belgian waffle maker from dependable and reader-beloved kitchen brand Ninja. It has an innovative vertical design that was made to distribute heat evenly so your waffles are cooked through consistently. The device has five shade settings and creates 1-inch waffles that won't stick to the spacious interior. You can even use high-sugar batters like brownie and cake mix in this kitchen must-have, and it comes with a pour cup for precise batter usage.
A lumbar-supporting pillow for easing lower back pain (33% off)
If you experience chronic back pain, sitting for a long dinner may be troublesome. Give your dining chair a little more lumbar support with this Samsonite ergonomic pillow. Reviewers call it a “game changer” for chronic lower back pain, while some say it’s an essential tool for reducing back strain while sitting in a vehicle or working from home. It’s adjustable and fits most chairs and car seats. Plus, it’s full of cushy memory foam with proper ventilation to keep you from running hot. Right now, the pillow is on sale for 30% off its usual price — dropping it to just $20 for a limited time.
Promising review: "I eat dinner with this at my back, and I'm more comfortable eating with it. My back doesn't bother me much any more thanks to this pillow." — Faliney
Magna-Tiles , the 'best toy purchase ever made' (30% off)
For any parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and others hanging with littles this holiday season, Magna-Tiles are one of the most beloved ever by kids and adults alike. For you: these babies are silent, no-mess, easy to clean, nice to look at and have flat sides and rounded edges that won't send you into a painful cussing fit if you accidentally step on one. For them: they are colorful, easy to use, endlessly engaging and can make so many things. Essentially, they're an ideal toy for bringing to someone else's house, to keep little hands occupied for hours. And, the adults in the room may actually enjoy playing with them too.
Reviewers wax poetic about these things, calling them the “best toy ever.” Some reviewers have gotten “10 years worth of daily use” out of the tiles, providing incredible value for the admittedly high price.
The sets include magnetic tiles in geometric shapes and bright, translucent colors that kids aged 3 and up can use to build different structures using their imagination. The toys aren’t just fun, they’re also helping kids develop fine motor skills, bilateral coordination, cognitive skills, executive functioning and creativity. Get a set for 30% off.
Dyson V8 cordless vacuum cleaner (48% off list price)
When you're cleaning for your guests and then cleaning up after them, you'll be happy to have this coveted cordless Dyson vacuum, especially when it's on sale. It's lightweight and easy to carry around the house and can be used on floors, furniture and ceilings. A single charge will give you 40 minutes of cleaning time, and it has famously strong suction that works on both carpet and hard floors, sucking up fur, dust, crumbs, dirt and everything else. The vacuum also has whole-machine filtration that sucks in allergens and finer dust as well, helping the air stay fresh in your home. Dyson’s easy-empty design also means you can release all the gross stuff you’ve sucked up with only the touch of a button into the trash can, keeping your hands clean, too. It's on sale for under $300.
Crock-Pot MultiMeal multicooker slow cooker (33% off list price)
This is one of Crock-Pot's more recent innovations, and it is a slow cooker game-changer, allowing you to cook multiple meals or dishes simultaneously — making it ideal for Thanksgiving. This dual slow cooker takes everything we love about the OG Crock-Pot and doubles it, using ingenious technology that allows you to use different temperatures and cook functions at the same time. It is easily programmable and gives you the ability to sear foods and cook them in the same pot, creating incredibly flavorful outcomes without a lot of mess.
It essentially replaces over 30 cooking gadgets and appliances — which means it’s never been more delightful to cook a full meal from scratch without the use of separate pots, pans or steamers. The multicooker can slow cook, sear, sauté, bake, steam and even cook rice — and thanks to the magic of Crock-Pot, everything is ready at the same time. Each nonstick pot holds 3.7 quarts, which makes enough food for about four people. Best of all, it’s a breeze to clean thanks to the ceramic-coated pots that can easily be wiped out. Get it for 33% off.
Cuisinart 8-in-1 air fryer and toaster oven with grill (27% off list price)
This gorgeous multifaceted toaster oven and air fryer from Cuisinart can air fry, grill, toast, bake, broil, convection bake, convection broil and warm, making it another Thanksgiving workhorse. Whether you're prepping for the big meal, heating leftovers or making breakfast the next morning, Ii's big enough to toast six slices of bread, three pounds of chicken wings, a 12-inch pizza or a 4-pound chicken at a time.
Shopping writer Erica Kam has an older version of this machine saying, "I can reheat leftovers, heat up frozen meals and even hard-boil eggs with just a few twists of the dials. It’s also so convenient for smaller portions and limited counter space. As someone living in a tiny studio apartment, I probably would’ve passed on a separate air fryer if I had just bought a toaster oven, so I love that this does it all." Get it for 27% off.
A countertop frozen fruit soft-serve maker (15% off)
Need a dessert quickly? Hosting guests with dietary restrictions? This countertop soft-serve maker transforms frozen fruit into creamy sorbet confections in just 10 minutes or less. All of the components are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup less of a hassle. Hit the coupon for $7.50 off.
Apple AirPods 4 for the lowest price they've ever been (42% off)
Another tech wildcard you'll be happy to have — Apple AirPods 4 for $69, the lowest price they've ever been. They're a great, universal gift for a loved one, sure. They're also an amazing self-gift if you get overstimulated in groups, want to listen to music or a YouTube cooking show as you're prepping or need to take calls from family asking for directions while your hands are busy slicing and dicing. Enjoy up to five hours of playtime on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case, giving you more time with your favorite music and podcasts. We have no idea how long this discount will last, so don’t slack on this rare deal — especially ahead of the holidays
A Shark VacMop for hassle-free cordless floor cleaning (40% off)
Another pre- and post-hosting cleaning upgrade, this Shark combines a vacuum and mop into one cordless device, helping you work smarter, not harder. According to one ecstatic reviewer on Amazon, it “makes cleaning so much faster.”
Instead of sucking crumbs inside a removable bag or filter you need to tap-tap-tap over a waste bin, the VacMop locks it above its disposable cleaning pad, and once it’s full and dirty, you just press a button to release it over the trash, no touching required. Several reviewers say it’s helped them keep their places clean without the hassle of bending over. Just take it from reviewer Melissa Foster: it’s “my favorite floor cleaning tool of all time.” Well, you’ll be happy to know that it’s 40% off right now in gray on Amazon.
FoodSaver’s PowerVac compact vacuum sealing machine (30% off)
While it’s not a new hack, vacuum sealing your food can help preserve all those tasty leftovers and keep them organized in your freezer. It can also help you with prepping, allowing you to get a start on cooking and keep it fresh. We’ve spotted FoodSaver’s PowerVac compact vacuum sealing machine for 30% off. Even better? According to our price trackers, this massive variety pack of freezer and microwave-safe FoodSaver bags (which come in rolls) is 21% off. That’s an awesome value for a machine that one reviewer says “is easier than a Ziploc freezer bag,” and another calls “a game-changer for food storage” and avoiding freezer burn!
A pack of glass containers to hold those impending Thanksgiving leftovers (up to 45% off)
Say goodbye to that drawer full of mismatched and slightly warped plastic food storage containers and hello to a new, organized Rubbermaid set. Completely airtight and leakproof, this set is made from transparent BPA-free triton plastic that almost feels like glass. They’re light to carry, making them great for sending home with loved ones and are stain- and odor-resistant, so you never need to worry about them getting a little funky or spending hours trying to scrub away residue. You can grab a set of two containers for 45% off, or even grab a seven-piece set at 25% off!
Promising review: I bought these after retiring my original Rubbermaid which they do still make but I wanted something different this time what I love is the easier way to take off and put on lids. Review updated: These were a savior last night after Thanksgiving dinner. I used four of them instead of just putting the casseroles back in the fridge like we always did in the past I emptied everything into these and you can just tell the way they snap shut so tightly the food's going to stay fresher longer." — Francophile
Turkish cotton bath towels your houseguests will love (25% off)
If you're getting ready to host, it may be worth peeking at your linens...are your towels ready for an upgrade? We got just the thing. These good-looking bath towels from Brooklinen are made from 100% Turkish cotton and are OEKO-TEX-certified for using human- and eco-safe dyes. They are available in a bunch of colorways and definitely worth grabbing immediately ahead of Black Friday.
And we'll let you in on a secret: They look GREAT at $75 a pair on Brooklinen's website, but the same towels are $30 each ($120 for a set of four) on Amazon right in select colors — saving you a few dollars.
We’ve spent weeks sourcing the best Black Friday deals that are actually worth your time and money.
Want to see more? Some of our favorite stories are below:
All The Black Friday Deals You Need To See Before They Sell Out
Amazon's Black Friday Deals Are Here And The Hype Is Real
I'm A Beauty Reporter And These Are The Black Friday Beauty Deals You Should Actually Shop
Shoppers Have Given These Products Glowing Reviews – And They're Already On Sale For Black Friday
The Real Deal: We use deal trackers and commerce experience to sift through “fake” hike-and-drop deals and other deceptive sales tactics. Products will usually be rated at least 4 stars with a minimum 15% discount. (And when there’s an exception, we’ll tell you why.)