You'll enjoy the best savings if you have a Black Friday plan

There is one day that all bargain hunters mark on their calendar: Black Friday. Known as one of the biggest sales events of the year, it offers exciting discounts on everything from TVs to sunscreen. It is the perfect time to get started on your holiday shopping, but it's also an excellent opportunity to stock up on essentials or splurge on items you've had your eye on for a while.

However, despite all the savings to be had on Black Friday, this sales event can be overwhelming. If you want to maximize your savings and ensure that you can take advantage of deals on your must-have items, we've collected our favorite tips for ensuring you get the most out of Black Friday. We've also gathered some early Black Friday deals to give you a head start on your shopping.

Black Friday shopping tips

Stick to a budget

Black Friday means discounts on thousands of products across hundreds of retailers. However, you'll only enjoy real savings if you spend within your means. Before you begin shopping, establish a firm budget and stick to it, no matter how tempting some deals may be.

Take advantage of online deals

Black Friday may have originated in brick-and-mortar stores, but these days, the frantic crowds can quickly overwhelm even the most savvy shoppers. The good news is that you can enjoy most of the same deals online as you'd see in person, so there's no need to brave in-store shopping. Instead, you can stay in your PJs and enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers while you score big savings from your phone, computer or tablet.

Shop early

If there are items that you really must have, start your Black Friday shopping as soon as possible. Put the products you hope to see discounts on in your online cart, so once the deals go live, you only have to check out to score the big savings.

Compare prices

For popular items, such as TVs and kitchen appliances, don't be swayed by the first discount you see. While many retailers will mark down products similarly, you may find one that offers bigger savings. If you see a sale that looks promising, check a few other retailers to see how the prices match up to ensure you get the best deal.

Best early Black Friday deals

Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker 36% OFF

This large-capacity slow cooker is ideal for families or preparing meals for parties, providing enough servings for seven or more people. Its digital control panel makes operation a breeze, and the auto-adjustment temperature control prevents food from getting overcooked. The travelproof locking lid and carrying handles also make it easy to bring to potlucks and other gatherings.

LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Wild Animals: Majestic Rhino with Birds 30% OFF

This fun LEGO building set lets children aged nine and up construct a rhino with colorful birds on its shoulders, a large hippo, or a cute walrus. All three figures are posable, so the legs, ears and mouth of the rhino and hippo and the head, neck and fins of the walrus are movable.

roborock Q10 S5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop 53% OFF

This combo robot vacuum and mop offers 10,000 Pa of suction power, so it can pull embedded dirt, hair and debris from both carpeting and hard floors. Its self-emptying base can hold up to 70 days' worth of debris, so you don't need to empty it often. The mopping system utilizes sonic vibration technology to scrub up to 3,000 times per minute, effortlessly removing even stubborn residue.

Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Headphones 35% OFF

These lightweight, ergonomically designed headphones have an adjustable headband and earcups with plush cushions, so they're comfortable enough to wear all day. They feature custom acoustic architecture and updated drivers to provide the crisp, rich sound you expect from Beats. They provide up to 50 hours of playback on a single charge, too.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System 43% OFF

This multipurpose styling tool makes it easy to dry, smooth and add volume to your hair. Its technology reduces heat damage by maintaining a low temperature and regulating it over 1,000 times per second. Best of all, it weighs just 1.5 pounds, making it comfortable to hold even when styling long or thick hair.

Amazon Fire 7 Kids Tablet 55% OFF

This tablet is specifically designed with kids in mind, making it an excellent gift for children aged 3 to 7. It comes with a kid-proof case that has a built-in stand, allowing it to take all the abuse little ones can dish out. It also comes with a 6-month subscription to Amazon Kids+, which provides thousands of ad-free books, games, videos and more.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Editor's tips on navigating the biggest sale event of the year