Black Friday is almost here! There are so many ads and deals coming out that it’s pretty overwhelming. I have never been one of those up at the crack of dawn Black Friday shoppers. However, this year the Home Warrior and I are in the market for some pretty specific items, and the best deals often are either only available early or sell out. From what I’ve read, the best advice is to plan your list, scour the ads, and go for it. So that’s what I’m doing. A super helpful site has been BFAds.net, which has a listing of hundreds of Black Friday ads.

Here are some of the things I’m looking for, with the best price I’ve found so far.

Apple iPad Air. We’ve been using our first generation iPad for years now, but it’s time to retire the old girl. There aren’t that many deals on the iPad Air that I’ve found. Target is discounting them slightly, and if you buy one you get a $100 Target gift card. Sounds like a winner to me. (Here is the ad showing that deal.)

Note: Best Buy is currently giving a minimum $100 gift card for iPad trade ins, so we are planning to trade the old one in there (thru 11-23). Target’s trade in is $65.

Pocket projector. My husband really wants one of these for Christmas, but I also think it would be very helpful for business travelers. The AAXA P4 is very highly rated, and the best price I found is on Wal-Mart: $260.67.

Ceramic/stainless travel coffee mug. Another thing I am hoping to buy for the Home Warrior. What he wants is something that is ceramic on the inside (for taste) and metal on the outside (to keep the heat), plus a leak-proof lid (we have a toddler). The only one I’ve found that has good reviews is this one by Starbucks. According to the reviews it’s available at Starbucks for half the price, so I’ll definitely be on the lookout there.

Washer and dryer. (Obviously this one is not travel related. I’ve just been spending so much time researching I wanted to share!) We are replacing our washer and dryer, and Consumer Reports recommends this LG model as a Best Buy. It’s the same price ($599, down from $899, each for the washer and dryer) at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Best Buy. At Lowe’s you get 5% back if you use their credit card, but we will probably buy from Best Buy to get the 5% rewards certificates there.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones. These are smaller than traditional noise canceling headphones but work just as well. Awesome! Unfortunately I’m not finding any advance notice of specials on these. Will likely hold off.

Readers, what are you shopping for on Black Friday? Have you found any better prices on these items? Anyone have a suggestion for a better ceramic/stainless travel mug?

The V-Moda Crossfade Noise Isolating Headphones are stylish, compact, and super-durable. What else does a traveler need? These headphones have been constructed with military-level quality so you don’t have to worry that your rough handling will damage them. Grammy-award winning musicians assisted in the design, so you know the sound is good. Plus they are ergonomically designed to be super comfy. Win! They are currently for sale on Amazon, regularly $230, now $199.

Also, in case you’re planning your Christmas shopping, Amazon has put together a list of recommended electronics for travelers (among other groups). I took a look at it, and I think they did a decent job of compiling items that I would like to have. There were headphones, lightweight computers, mp3 players, cameras, GPS units, and of course, the new Kindles. Make sure you check out their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, which they are updating frequently. Last week they had a Kindle Fire on sale for something ridiculous like $139, but I missed it. Hope you have better luck!

Shop Amazon – Black Friday Deals Week

Shop Amazon – Cyber Monday Deals Week

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