Technically, we still have 60 days to enjoy summer.
Yet in the world of retail, Black Friday deals have already arrived. To mark the rough half-way point to the holidays, retailers such as Macy’s and Best Buy have rebranded Black Friday as “Christmas in July” discounts. Others such as Nordstrom are running their biggest sales of the year. Most of these sales are only available from now until 26 July.
If, like many Americans, the high cost of living has you wincing at the mere thought of buying holiday gifts, shopping these sales ahead of the busy season may alleviate some of your anxiety.
However, not all of these so-called “doorbuster” discounts are actually worth your money – some are eternally on sale and masquerading as flash deals . For the ones worth shopping, we found items our editors have previously used and recommended, and checked their pricing history to make sure they’re truly good deals.
Here are 12 very early holiday deals so you can stock up on great gifts while they’re steeply discounted – including a bestselling pair of wireless headphones and an upgraded travel pillow. Plus, winter boots and jackets that cost far less out of season, and an adorable teddy bear Christmas tree ornament that’s more than 50% off.
Merrell Thermo Chill Winter Boots
Merrell Thermo Chill Winter Boots (women’s) none-selected
The waterproof shoes recommended by Mirna Valerio, a former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, are now on sale for 40% off in white. “They’re warm, waterproof and rugged enough for hikes outside in the snow,” she told us in our guide to the best winter boots for women.
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Patagonia Downdrift Parka
Patagonia Downdrift Parka (women’s) none-selected
Already wishing away the humid weather? Fast forward to cooler temperatures and grab this winter jacket beloved by Julia O’Malley, an Anchorage local and journalist: “I’m partial to my Patagonia Downdrift Women’s Parka, which is extra warm thanks to its length and 600-fill-power recycled down. Crafted with sturdy four-ply nylon faille, it washes well too,” she writes.
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Foreo Bear 2
Foreo Bear 2 none-selected
Gift a spa-like experience without the price tag with one of Filter contributor Tobey Grumet Segal’s go-to skincare products as a woman over 50: “Since I’ve been consistently gliding it across my neck, I’ve noticed my skin is tighter and more contoured,” she writes.
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Amazon Kindle (2024 Edition)
Amazon Kindle (2024 Edition) none-selected
My Kindle is the main reason I read roughly 50 books each year. So, if you’re looking for a gift for the person who has lofty reading ambitions, grab one of our favorite e-readers while it’s on sale for $25 off sticker price.
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Trtl Travel Pillow
Trtl Travel Pillow none-selected
Give your recipient an actually restful sleep on a plane for once with Trtl’s Travel Pillow. It made the cut in our travel essentials guide, where a frequent world traveler shared the products to pack and what to leave behind.
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Pottery Barn Felt Teddy Bear Ornaments
Pottery Barn Felt Teddy Bear Ornaments none-selected
Take the opportunity to make your holiday Pinterest board come to life with these adorable teddy bear ornaments. They’re designed with 95% wool and made in a Fair Trade-certified factory, making them one of our top picks in last year’s guide to sustainable holiday decor.
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Our Place Large Wonder Oven Pro
Our Place Wonder Oven none-selected
“It’s not just pretty: it ranked highly in many of our tests, putting out crispy fries and nuggets [and evenly baked cookies],” wrote Drexel Food Lab researchers when we asked them to test and review the best air fryers. They named Our Place’s Wonder Oven Pro the best combo air fryer toaster oven and an ideal gift, “perfect for anyone who wants a countertop centerpiece that provides a pop of color”.
Nike Manoa Leather Boots
Nike Men’s Manoa Leather Boots (men’s) none-selected
Famous Footwear is offering a seasonal buy one, get one deal on much of its inventory. A meteorologist recommended these winter boots that you can prep for two recipients for the price of one: “[They] get me through every winter – that includes the ones with 90in of snow in a season – and the long stretches of frigid days. The stability and grip never let me down when I’m shoveling or taking our husky on a walk. They are waterproof, allowing them to survive wet, slushy snow and handle the melting season. I wear these with almost any outfit, including for work, without sounding like I’m clomping around in boots.”
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Shokz OpenFit 2+ Open Ear Buds
Shokz OpenFit 2+ Open Ear Buds none-selected
If you need a practical gift for the person who still prefers a phone call to a text, we recommend Shokz OpenFit 2+ Open Ear Buds. “An open-ear design banishes the dreaded cotton-balls-in-your-ears sensation, making these the perfect pick for frequent callers,” writes Simon Cohen, a Filter contributor, in our guide to the best wireless earbuds on the market.
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Minardi Piumi Ski Water-Resistant Jacket
Minardi Piumi Ski Water-Resistant Jacket none-selected
The winter jacket recommended by Tamar Van Delen, a ski instructor, is now on sale for more than $200 off its original price. “It has everything a good ski jacket should have: a snow stopper, a lift pass pocket and multiple inside pockets and it’s super warm without feeling bulky,” she told us in our guide to the best winter jackets for women. (Note: Van Delen was a brand ambassador for Oysho at the time of publication.)
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SilkSilky Square Scarf
SilkSilky Square Scarf none-selected
“Sometimes it just takes a scarf, a cool brooch or one wild print to make your usual clothes feel new again,” Des Awofeso, a style strategist and content creator, said when asked for wardrobe upgrade tips. She recommended this 100% silk scarf, a sensible gift for the sharpest dresser you know to wear any season.
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Baboon to the Moon Weekender Bag 34L
Baboon to the Moon
Weekender Bag 34L
none-selected
This bag’s “light weight, flight-friendly size and built-in shoe compartment make it a perfect travel buddy”, wrote Karen Yuan, Filter US commissioning editor, in our guide to the best Nordstrom anniversary sales. We’ve confirmed that a smaller Baboon to the Moon bag could fit three weeks’ worth of things, so imagine the extra days this bag lets you pack for. A great gift for anyone planning holiday travel (including yourself).
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Why you should trust our recommendations
We work for our readers, rather than the brands we write about. Every item we recommend is something a Filter editor or contributor has personally tested and can vouch for. On occasion, we may present a close substitute from the same brand and explain any differences from the original.
We scour competing retailers for the lowest prices on any item, and we use price-tracking tools such as Camelcamelcamel to check price history and ensure the discounts are truly good value, rather than a faux markdown. So, while we love sharing good deals, we also aren’t afraid to call out the unimpressive ones, such as this sale on one of our favorite cast-iron skillets, which looks appealing at nearly $30, but actually often sells at that price at various retailers. (For our review of that skillet and other non-toxic pans, read here.)
