Black Friday and Cyber Monday are often criticized for fueling the crazed consumeristic tendencies of Americans. These criticisms are valid, but shopping can be stressful—especially on a tight budget. Black Friday especially seems to add to this stress: every year we hear stories about people camping out in front of popular stores, wrestling over the latest piece of discounted technology, and going too far for a purchase. And rampant consumerism has environmental implications too—from the plastic waste that comes from packaging online orders to the unsustainable fast fashion industry.
Still, it's hard to pass up on Cyber Monday. It's arguably a broke, busy college student’s best friend—it won't break the bank, and it doesn't come with long lines and hours of lost time. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or someone special, check out these online deals to get the most bang for your buck—without having to leave your bed.
Apparel
Rent the Runway: First month of a Rent the Runway Unlimited membership 50% off on Cyber Monday with code "BESTDAYEVER"
Splendid: 40% off sitewide Nov. 28–Dec. 4
Old Navy: 50% off everything on Cyber Monday
7 For All Mankind: 40% off sitewide Nov. 28–Dec. 4
Vince Camuto: 40% off on Cyber Monday
Lulus: 40% off all sale items through Dec. 3
Aldo: On Cyber Monday, 25% off when you buy two pairs.
Beauty
GlamGlow: 30% off sitewide from Dec. 1–Dec. 3, a free sheet mask with your order, and a free gift with orders of $49 or more
Benefit Cosmetics: 25% off sitewide and free shipping through Dec. 3
Patchology: 40% off everything on Cyber Monday
BareMinerals: 30% off sitewide Dec. 1–Dec. 2 with code “CYBERSALE”
Beautyblender: $52 mystery blind bag worth $140 from Nov. 29–Dec. 2
Tech
Sonos: 20% off home theater technology and speakers on Cyber Monday
Best Buy: Expect lots of deals on different tech items for the Best Buy Black Friday sale. Some highlights include $150 savings on Beats by Dr. Dre–Beats Studio³ Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones, $200 savings on the Dyson Cyclone V10 models, and $500 savings on the Canon EOS Rebel T7i Two Lens Kit. Continues through Cyber Monday.
Dell: During Black Friday through Cyber Monday, save up to 30% on laptops, 25% on desktops, 30% on monitors, 50% on smart TVs, 40% on printers, and more
Other
Amazon: If you’re in search of a deal this holiday season, you can’t go wrong with Amazon. Just about everything will be on sale for Black Friday and Cyber Monday—tech, home appliances, apparel, and more (if I tried to list everything this article would be very long)
SodaStream: The Sodastream Fizzi Sparkling Water Maker Bundle, which makes a great gift, typically goes for $150, but will be on sale for $100 this Cyber Monday.
Home Depot: Enjoy up to 40% off with Appliance Special Buys when you shop at Home Depot through Dec. 5. You instantly save $50 with a purchase of two appliances with savings up to $600 with a purchase off six or more appliances. Home Depot is also offering up to 35% off select tools, storage and accessories, and up to two free power tools or batteries with select tool kit purchases.
As Cyber Monday passes and the holidays get closer and closer, many other special holiday sales also tend to emerge, so keep an eye out. Happy holidays, and happy shopping!
