7 Black Friday Finds That Made Me Do a Happy Dance

If I’m being honest, I didn’t expect to walk away from Black Friday with a grin so wide I practically looked unhinged. But there’s something about finding that perfect mix of quality, value, and sheer delight that makes you feel like you just hacked adulthood. You know that happy dance you do when a dream item goes from “someday” to “delivered by Tuesday”? That was me—seven times over.

This year’s Black Friday wasn’t about panic-buying or hoarding random stuff just because it was marked down. It was about smart choices—upgrades that feel intentional, long-term, and genuinely useful. And these seven finds? Let’s just say they didn’t just live up to the hype—they stirred up a little joy in unexpected ways.

And in case you're wondering—yes, these were real deals. I cross-checked, researched, tracked the prices (thank you, price history tools), and waited for the perfect moment to strike. The result? A mix of functional luxury and downright practical wins that may just inspire you to re-think how you approach seasonal shopping.

1. KitchenAid® Artisan 5-Qt. Stand Mixer – $314.99

Originally $449.99 – A powerhouse with style that doesn’t sit quietly

I used to think stand mixers were mostly for people who bake sourdough in linen aprons. Turns out, I was wrong. A stand mixer like the KitchenAid Artisan can quietly revolutionize your time in the kitchen—even if your version of “cooking” is boxed cake mix and pancake Saturdays.

The 5-quart bowl is the sweet spot—big enough for double batches, compact enough to not dominate the counter. And that tilt-head design? It’s small but mighty. No more wrestling the beaters or flour explosions. Whether it’s whipping meringue, kneading dough, or even shredding cooked chicken (yep, that works), this mixer handles it with smooth, unbothered confidence.

Beyond baking, the optional attachments—like the pasta roller, food grinder, or spiralizer—turn this into a modular tool that grows with you. You’re not just buying a mixer. You’re investing in a prep assistant that may actually make you want to cook from scratch a little more often. And if you’ve ever dreamed of matching your appliances to your kitchen’s color scheme, the Artisan line offers over 20 finishes. It’s not necessary. It’s delightful.

2. Vitamix 5200 Blender – $299.95

Originally $549.99 – The quiet flex of the healthy kitchen

I used to scoff at the idea of spending more than $50 on a blender. Then I got a Vitamix. It’s the kind of appliance that quietly justifies its cost every time you turn it on. The 5200, in particular, is what I’d call the “working-class hero” of high-end blenders—less flashy, more focused.

What sets it apart isn’t just the power (though it will absolutely pulverize frozen bananas like they owe it money). It’s the consistency. Green smoothies? Velvety. Hot soup straight from the blender? Yup. Nut butter? Done in minutes. It’s not just about making a smoothie; it’s about building a habit, fast and fuss-free.

There are newer Vitamix models out there, sure. But the 5200 is classic for a reason—simpler interface, more control, and the kind of build quality that reminds you appliances can, in fact, last more than two years.

Tip: Skip the pre-made smoothie packs. This blender lets you use up produce before it goes bad, turning “fridge cleanout” into “surprisingly good lunch.”

3. Samsung 65" Class The Frame Pro TV – $1,600.00

Originally $2,199.99 – A TV that doesn’t look like one

The Frame TV isn’t just a screen—it’s a subtle design statement. If you’ve ever cringed at how a giant black rectangle dominates your living room, this is for you. When not in use, it becomes a digital art display that blends in, not sticks out.

What makes The Frame Pro different is that it’s more than just a prettier shell. It features anti-reflection matte display (seriously—it cuts down glare even in sun-drenched rooms), customizable bezels, and improved refresh rates for better picture quality. It’s still smart in all the ways that matter—streaming, connectivity, voice control—but it respects your space while doing it.

I replaced an older 55-inch with The Frame, and it changed the feel of the entire room. Suddenly, the wall felt curated, not cluttered. And thanks to the Art Store subscription, you can rotate through famous artworks or your own photos. It’s a screen with soul.

4. Puffy Lux Mattress – $749.00

Originally $2,149.00 – The deep-sleep upgrade you didn’t know you needed

Let’s talk about sleep. Not in the “you should get eight hours” way, but in the “oh wow, this mattress might actually change my mornings” kind of way. The Puffy Lux surprised me. Not just for the price drop (which was dramatic), but because it hit that rare sweet spot between soft and supportive.

It’s memory foam-based but with contouring layers that adapt to your body, which could be great for those who deal with back pain or pressure points. And unlike older memory foam styles, it doesn’t trap heat like a toaster. The cooling layers actually work—you don’t wake up sweating at 2 a.m.

Shipping was fast, setup was simple (unbox, unroll, and give it a day to breathe), and the risk felt low thanks to the trial period. You may not realize how much your sleep is lacking until you wake up feeling actually rested for the first time in months.

Puffy’s mattresses are made in the USA and CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning fewer chemicals and emissions.

5. Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-Inch (M4 chip) – $749.00

Originally $999.00 – Quiet power in a sleek package

If you’re not deep in the Apple ecosystem, the hype around MacBooks can feel a little extra. But after using the M4 chip version of the MacBook Air, I get it. It’s not just fast—it’s smooth. The kind of smooth that makes you rethink how many tabs you keep open or how long you tolerate your current laptop.

The Air remains one of the best all-around laptops for most people: light enough to carry everywhere, strong enough for creative work, and optimized to sip battery rather than gulp it. For students, writers, freelancers, or anyone juggling browser windows and video calls, it’s a smart investment.

What surprised me most wasn’t the performance—it was the battery life. I went a full workday on a single charge, multiple times. For a machine this slim? That’s impressive.

6. Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler – $519.99

Originally $649.99 – A salon in your hands (without the heat damage)

Yes, it’s a splurge. But it’s a splurge with serious functionality. The Dyson Airwrap has been on so many wishlists for a reason—it offers multiple styling options (curls, waves, smooth blowouts) with far less heat damage than traditional tools.

What makes it different is the Coanda effect—it uses air, not extreme heat, to wrap and style your hair. That means less frying and more styling. The new version now comes with improved barrels and attachments that make switching styles faster and easier.

Even with fine, frizz-prone hair, I was able to style it in under 20 minutes with zero burns or frustration. It’s not a miracle tool, but it could genuinely cut down your routine while making your hair feel healthier over time.

Practice makes perfect. The first few tries may feel awkward, but give it a week and it could become your go-to.

7. Le Creuset 5.5 Qt. Dutch Oven (Cerise) – $360.65

Originally $434.95 – The heirloom pot you’ll actually use

The Le Creuset Dutch Oven is the kind of item that quietly anchors a kitchen. It’s not cheap, even on sale, but it’s one of those rare purchases that feels more justified the longer you own it. From soups and stews to baking bread or roasting chicken, it does it all—and cleans up like a dream.

The 5.5-quart size is ideal for everyday cooking, and Cerise (that deep, rich red) feels festive without being kitschy. But beyond looks, it’s the even heat distribution and enamel coating that really shines. It cooks evenly, holds warmth, and is surprisingly forgiving for newer cooks.

This is the pot you might hand down to someone one day. Or just use for decades, building up memories and Sunday dinners along the way.

Le Creuset offers a limited lifetime warranty, and their customer service is famously responsive.

Beyond the Search

• Price Drops Aren’t Random – Retailers often plan their biggest markdowns on discontinued or upgraded models (like the Vitamix 5200 or older MacBooks) to clear space for newer inventory.
• Warranty Wins – High-ticket items like Le Creuset and Dyson often come with solid warranties. Don’t skip registering your product—it could pay off down the line.
• Hidden Features – Many people don’t know The Frame TV can store personal photo libraries offline—turning your living room into a curated gallery.
• Sleep Science Boost – Studies suggest memory foam with cooling layers, like the Puffy Lux, could help improve deep sleep cycles by regulating body temp more efficiently.
• Appliance Attachments = Long-Term Value – A stand mixer or blender with optional attachments offers expansion potential, letting your kitchen grow with your skills.

Joyful Upgrades Start with Smart Choices

You don’t need to fill a cart with clutter to feel like you scored big on Black Friday. The deals that made me do a happy dance weren’t about quantity—they were about quality. Each item on this list brought something meaningful into my daily life. A better night’s sleep. A faster morning. A more beautiful space. Or even just a little extra delight while making banana bread.

The magic wasn’t just in the savings (though, let’s be honest, that helped). It was in finding tools and touches that made everyday routines smoother, simpler, and a little more joyful. And that, to me, is the kind of win that lasts well past the sale.

So if you're planning for next year, skip the frenzy. Get strategic. Prioritize value over volume. And remember: the best deal isn’t always the biggest discount. It’s the one that actually improves your life.

Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication but are subject to change. Please check the retailer's website for the most up-to-date information.