Mashable

Syndicate content
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
URL: https://mashable.com
Updated: 54 min 50 sec ago

Home Depot has two viral Black Friday hits: Meet holiday R2-D2 and the Grand Duchess Christmas Tree

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 18:31

Even if it's not the most popular opinion, once Halloween is over, the Christmas season begins. The internet has already taken to showing off their holiday decor, and two Christmas items at The Home Depot have already gone viral, and it's not even Thanksgiving yet. Ahead of Black Friday 2025, the internet is buzzing about the Home Depot's Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir Christmas tree and a festive R2-D2.

Sadly, both are already sold out, as the Home Depot Black Friday sale has been going strong all week.

All hope is not lost, however. On The Home Depot's website, you can sign up for restock notifications so you can get alerts about the most sought-after Christmas decor. Here's everything to know about The Home Depot's Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir and Christmas R2-D2.

What is the viral Home Depot Christmas tree? Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot The Home Depot Grand Duchess 7.5-foot Twinkling Balsam Fir $347 at The Home Depot
  Learn More

Among artificial Christmas Trees, the gold standard are Balsam Hill trees, which are exceptional models with full statures that will make you believe they're the real thing. But here's the thing — they cost over $1,000. The Home Depot is coming for Balsam Hill's crown with its far more affordable Grand Duchess tree.

The internet is going crazy for The Home Depot Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir 7.5-foot tree. It comes with built-in lights for a round-the-clock light show that changes color at your command. It's no wonder the Grand Duchess went viral; its full boughs emulate the grandeur of Balsam Hill's trees but at a fraction of the cost. When it's available, this tree is priced at just $347.

TikTokers are excitedly convincing each other to swing for the Grand Duchess this holiday season, but I've seen some people saying even this tree is too expensive.

I know $347 may seem like a lot to spend on a Christmas Tree, but it's actually a steal if you care about quality. In another life, I tested artificial Christmas trees, and I learned that you get what you pay for. The more you spend, the more realistic the trees look — that's how Balsam Hill has stayed so successful despite their expensive trees.

So, for a tree that measures up to the best-of-the-best, the 7.5-foot-tall Grand Duchess tree is actually a holiday bargain. Unfortunately, many people have already realized that, which is why the tree is now sold out. However, you can sign up for restocks on the tree, which will hopefully be back in stock before Christmas.

What's the best alternative to the viral Grand Duchess Christmas tree? The Home Depot has a similar 7.5-foot tree in the same Home Decorator's Collection, which is still in stock in-store and online — the

Opens in a new window Credit: Home Depot The Home Depot Elegant Twinkling Grand Fir 7.5-foot Christmas Tree $399 at Home Depot
Selling fast! Get Deal The Home Depot Animated Christmas R2-D2 Opens in a new window Credit: The Home Depot The Home Depot Animated Christmas R2-D2 $299 at The Home Depot
  Learn More

The other viral Christmas decor from The Home Depot is for the nerds (complimentary, of course.) Star Wars fans can live out their dreams of meeting R2-D2 with this fully animated Christmas-themed model. It's an indoor decoration with five different sound effects, an LED head, and head movements to bring it to life.

This Christmas, R2-D2 is part of The Home Depot's Star Wars Christmas collection, but it's maybe the most sought-after piece in the line-up. In a viral video from Pixelated Erica, she had to travel all over to find the Christmas R2-D2 in stock, and unfortunately, it's still sold out in most places. All that to say, you can sign up for a restock notification so you can one day get your hands on the Christmas R2-D2.

And, if you have your heart set on a Star Wars Christmas decoration, the giant animatronic Christmas Chewbacca is still in stock.

Black Friday holiday decor deals from the Home Depot Opens in a new window Credit: Home Depot 7.5-foot Animated Chewbacca Christmas decoration $349 at Home Depot
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Depot The Home Depot Grand Duchess 9-foot Twinkling Balsam Fir $549
Almost sold out! Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Depot 6-foot Animatronic Christmas Stormtrooper $299 at Home Depot
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Depot 4-foot Inflatable Grinch in Ugly Christmas Sweater $44.98 at Home Depot
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Home Depot 7.5-foot Jackson Noble Fir LED Pre-Lit Artificial Christmas Tree $299 at Home Depot
  Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

150+ Amazon Black Friday deals: Score the best live deals on AirPods, Kindles, Legos, and TVs

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 18:07
A glance at the best Black Friday deals at Amazon Best Apple deal Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $479 (save $120) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Dioarma 75380 $50.99 at Amazon (save $19.90) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite (16GB) $124.99 (save $35) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $349 (save $450) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Black or Smoke White) $298 (save $131) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Pop $21.99 (save $18) Get Deal Best TV deal Insignia 75-inch QF QLED 4K Fire TV $399.99 at Amazon (save $250) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Saros 10R $999.99 at Amazon (save $600) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Ninja Slushi $421.68 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

Black Friday falls on Nov. 28 this year, but that doesn't mean you need to wait until after pumpkin pie to shop. Amazon's official Black Friday sale has been underway since Nov. 20, and we're seeing a bunch of epic deals. Some of our favorite products from Bose, Apple, Anker, and Lego are on sale, in addition to Amazon devices like Kindles and the Echo lineup, plus discounts on some of our favorite gifts for 2025.

A majority of Amazon Black Friday deals are record-low prices that match or beat the deals we saw during October Prime Day. See the evidence for yourself by plugging the URL into camelcamelcamel, the Mashable shopping team's secret weapon to finding the lowest prices at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: 20+ of the best Black Friday streaming deals live: HBO Max, Apple TV+, Spotify, and more

With speedy Prime shipping, shopping Amazon's sale early could get some of your items to your doorstep before Thanksgiving even starts.

We'll be updating this page with new Amazon Black Friday deals as they drop, so keep checking back through the end of Cyber Weekend. Of course, it's worth checking out the best deals from competing retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart to make sure you're getting the best deal (we curate our lists to only include deals that are the actual best ones across retailers). If you don't feel like scrolling through all of that, you can keep up with the utmost best deals across the internet with our live deals tracker or get them texted straight to your phone.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $479 at Amazon
$599 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a desktop upgrade, this is hands-down the best value you can get right now. The new Mac mini packs the M4 chip into a tiny 5-inch box, and Apple finally upped the starting RAM to 16GB (instead of the stingy 8GB of the past). That means it can actually handle heavy multitasking right out of the box.

Honorable mention: Apple deals are going hard this Black Friday. The AirPods 4 with ANC just hit a record-low price of $99.99, but they're flying off the shelves. We've seen them sell out once at Amazon already, so if they're sold out for you, you can also grab them for $99.99 at Target. These give the entry-level AirPods (currently on sale for $69.99) the nice addition of ANC, which performed so well that it earned these buds a coveted Mashable Choice Award.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC.

More Black Friday Apple deals at Amazon

AirTags

Apple Pencil

MacBooks

iPads

AirPods

Best Lego deal Lego Star Wars: 'The Phantom Menace' Mos Espa Podrace Diorama 75380 $50.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $29.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

As the year comes to a close, another heartbreaking handful of Legos are set to retire. The Mos Espa Podrace diorama from The Phantom Menace is one of them, so now is your last chance not only to find it in stock at all, but for nearly $20 off its usual price. This set is a best-seller for a reason: You get the full canyon in Tatooine scene, models of both Anakin's Podracer and Subulba's Podracer, and a special 25th anniversary plaque with a quote from Qui-Gon Jinn. It's nostalgia in brick form that any Star Wars fan should have in their collection.

More Black Friday Lego dealsBest Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $124 at Amazon
$159 Save $35   Get Deal Why we like it

Down at a record-low price, the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is Mashable's favorite Kindle. It can get up to 12 weeks of battery life before you'll need to recharge, and the 16GB storage gives plenty of room for downloaded books. Gift it to the reader in your life or snag one for yourself to stay entertained during holiday travel. It's also fully waterproof, so you can take it along to the pool or on your tropical winter vacation.

More Kindle dealsBest Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Pop $21.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $18.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Echo Pop.

It’s a known fact of the universe that Amazon devices get serious discounts on Black Friday (and Prime Day, for that matter). If you haven't picked up a smart speaker yet, or just need one for a random room like the laundry room or guest bath, we recommend the Echo Pop. It’s currently $21.99, which is 45% off its regular price. Unlike the spherical Echo Dot, the Pop has a flat front that makes it fit way better on shallow shelves or crowded nightstands. It’s the perfect low-stakes way to add Alexa to another corner of your house without spending "real" money.

More Black Friday Amazon device deals Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $349 at Amazon
$799 Save $450   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2.

The new Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is one of my favorite portable power stations to hit the market this year. Anker's new Gen 2 models focus on portability, and the C1000 Gen 2 is shockingly easy to carry around at 25 pounds. It's a great model for taking to the campground or keeping in the garage in case of power outages. Thanks to Amazon's Black Friday sale, this model is down to a new record low.

More Black Friday portable power station dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Black or Smoke White) $299
$429 Save $130   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones (2nd Gen).

If you're looking for the most comfortable noise-cancelling headphones on the market, you want the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. As long as you're cool with black or white, they're on sale for $298. Since we spend plenty of the day listening to music, podcasts, or streaming YouTube, there's good reason to invest in a super comfortable pair. Of course, they'll make for a special gift this holiday season, or consider it a gift of self-care to get yourself through holiday travel.

More Black Friday headphones dealsBlack Friday earbuds dealsBest smartwatch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch SE 3 earns the top spot on Mashable's list of the best smartwatches. The SE 3 is the first SE model to come with an always-on display. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth wrote, "In addition to its gorgeous OLED display, it has the same S10 chip inside the Ultra 3, the same water resistance as the Series 11, and all the necessary features you're looking for in a smartwatch." All of that now comes in at under $200 thanks to this Black Friday sale at Amazon.

More Black Friday smartwatch dealsBlack Friday TV deals at Amazon Insignia 75-inch QF QLED 4K Fire TV $399.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $250   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Why we like it

When you think of TVs on sale at Amazon, you probably think of Amazon's own Fire TVs. You're half right: The best Fire TV deal at Amazon is a Fire TV, but it's actually an Insignia (a Best Buy brand). At just $399.99 after a 38% discount, this 75-inch Insignia QLED is the cheapest 75-inch QLED TV we've seen across all Black Friday TV deals so far — that's almost $200 cheaper than the non-QLED 75-inch version of Amazon's Omni TV. And why would you settle when you could bring home the boosted quantum dot brightness for watching in the daytime?

More Black Friday TV deals43-inch TVs50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch TVs and up85-inch TVs and upBlack Friday robot vacuum deals at Amazon Roborock Saros 10R $999.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $600   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

This Black Friday season marks the very first time the Roborock Saros 10R has dropped below $1,000, so senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart can't help but recommend it to people — considering the Saros 10R was her favorite robot vacuum that she's ever tested for most of 2025, and is still the best robot vacuum mop combo when it comes to corner and edge mopping. (In Reddit threads about which robot vacuum everyone is looking to buy this Black Friday, the Saros 10R is mentioned multiple times.)

At 22,000 Pa of suction power, the Saros 10R is also one of the most powerful robot vacs you'll find on sale this season. Plus, the livestream pet camera will quickly become a daily staple in the routines of busy pet parents.

More Black Friday robot vacuum deals

Robot vacuum and mop combos

Robot vacuums that don't mop

Black Friday kitchen deals Ninja Slushi professional frozen drink maker (88-ounce) $421.68 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Ninja Slushi is a blast in any season — frozen margs in any flavor you want when it's hot, apple cider slush or gingerbread frappé when it's chilly. (Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart loves her Slushi, and so do all of her friends.) A year after the first Slushi came out, Ninja released two larger capacity versions in a few fun colors. The 88-ounce model on sale for $269.99 at Amazon can make a slightly bigger batch than the original 72-ounce model, which is on sale for $249.99 at Walmart. $20 more for extra beverages and a chic green build? Sold. (If you want the purple one, it's $269.99 at Target.)

More Black Friday kitchen dealsBest Black Friday outdoor deal LifeStraw $9.49 at Amazon
$19.95 Save $10.46   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If there's one thing Mashable readers love buying on Black Friday, it’s the LifeStraw. It’s a staple of every major sales event, and for good reason. Right now, it’s back down to its Prime Day price of $9.99, which is typically the lowest it goes all year (it's usually around $20). Even if you aren't an avid hiker, this is a must-have for your home emergency kit or bug-out bag. It filters out 99.999999 percent of waterborne bacteria and parasites, so you can drink directly from a stream (or a sketchy tap) safely. At $10, it’s the ultimate practical stocking stuffer.

More early Black Friday outdoor deals Drones and action camerasOther outdoor gearBeauty tech dealsBluetooth tracker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

50+ Walmart Black Friday deals: Walmart has gone live with Lego, Hisense TVs, AirPods at record-low prices

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 17:56

Walmart's official Black Friday sale is on, and it runs through Nov. 30. We've combed through the latest drop of doorbusters, compared the options to competitors, and have handpicked a list of the worthwhile Walmart Black Friday deals to snag — before they sell out.

Walmart's Black Friday deals at a glance: GET ALL THE PERKS 1-Year Walmart+ Membership $49 (Save $49) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Apple AirPods 4 $69 (save $60.99) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 75-inch H5 QLED 4K Roku TV $378 (save $121) Get Deal Best Stick Vacuum Deal Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner $399.99 (save $330) Get Deal Best PlayStation deal PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Console (1TB) $449 (save $40) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL Magic Bullet Essential Blender with To-Go Lid $15 (save $24.99) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop $459.99 (save $290) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $549 (save $100) Get Deal Best Carpet Cleaner Bissell Little Green Carpet Cleaner $78.97 (save $44.62) Get Deal

Walmart is no longer in early Black Friday mode. The retailer's official Black Friday sale kicked off on Tuesday, Nov. 25 — which feels early until you remember that Target's official sale started on Nov. 23, and Best Buy's even earlier on Nov. 20. Walmart definitely brings the doorbusters to make up for that time, though: We're already seeing some jaw-dropping record-low prices, like the Apple AirPods 4 on sale for $69, the M1 MacBook Air for $549, the Lego Star Wars Executor Super Star Destroyer for $40, and Magic Bullets for just $15 a pop.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal drops

We're keeping daily tabs on Walmart's Black Friday sale through its online-only Cyber Monday sale on Dec. 1:

Best Walmart Black Friday TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch H5 QLED 4K Roku TV $378 at Walmart
$499 Save $121   Get Deal Why we like it

Walmart officially has the cheapest 75-inch QLED TV of Black Friday so far. The 75-inch Hisense H5 QLED TV bumps the previous winner (the $399.99 75-inch Insignia QF QLED at Amazon) to second place by $20 and some change. If you're a Roku TV person over a Fire TV person anyway, this Hisense is such a no-brainer upgrade. Compared to a regular LED TV, the QLED difference in brightness and color saturation will be palpable the first time you try to watch anything in a sunlit room.

More Black Friday TV deals at Walmart43 inches and under50 to 55 inches65 inches75 inches85 inches and upBlack Friday gaming console deals at WalmartBest laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $549 at Walmart
$649 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The M1 MacBook Air is the cheapest Apple laptop we recommend. It's quiet, sleek, super portable, and way faster than similarly priced Chromebooks. Walmart almost always has it on sale for $599 (regularly $649), so we were looking for an even deeper Black Friday discount. Our wish was granted: It's now just $549, or 15% off.

More Black Friday laptop deals at WalmartBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $69 at Walmart
$129 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

This AirPods deal is keeping us on our toes. We were already satisfied when Walmart dropped the AirPods 4 to a record low of $79.99 on Nov. 20, but as of Nov. 25, another $10.99 has been shaved off. How often do you get to say that the latest (non-Pro) AirPods are almost 50% off? Almost never, so bag these before they disappear.

More earbuds and headphones deals Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop $459.99 at Walmart
$749.99 Save $290   Get Deal Why we like it

Roborock is quickly replacing iRobot as the most reliable robot vacuum brand. The brand made some of our favorite robot vacuums of the year, and this Qrevo Series self-emptier boasts 10,000 Pa of suction and the ability to mop your floors.

More Black Friday vacuum deals at WalmartBest deal on toys and games Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 $35.99 at Walmart
$44.99 Save $9   Get Deal Why we like it

This is the time of year to snag Advent calendars while they're 1) on sale and 2) still in stock. This set comes with tons of mini figures and toys Star Wars fans will love. Can you say BB-8 as a snowman, or Jawa wearing an ugly Christmas sweater? You won't find this Black Friday Advent calendar deal at Amazon.

More Walmart Black Friday deals on toys and gamesBest Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $249 at Walmart
$399 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple recently replaced the Series 10 smartwatch with the Series 11, but the only real difference between the two models? The newest version has a longer battery life. Besides that, they're virtually identical, except now the Series 10 is a lot more affordable. You won't find this watch on sale at Amazon, but at Walmart, the remaining sizes and colors are on sale for $249 — that's a savings of $150 on one of the best smartwatches in the world.

More Walmart deals on Apple productsBest Black Friday kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Magic Bullet Magic Bullet Essential Blender with To-Go Lid $15 at Walmart
$39.99 Save $24.99   Get Deal Why we like it

Do we need to explain this one? It's a blender that costs $15, and from a brand we've had great experiences with before. This personal smoothie blender comes with a to-go cup and lid, so you can whip up a smoothie before work or class and take it with you.

More Black Friday kitchen deals SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Mashable-backed Ninja Creami, Crispi, and Slushi are on sale for Black Friday (some come with free gifts)

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 17:53
The best Black Friday Ninja deals at a glance Best Ninja air fryer deal Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer $159.95 plus get a free spatula and Crispi container (save $20.40 plus $48 worth of free items) Get Deal Best Ninja Creami deal Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl 13-in-1 Ice Cream and Soft Serve Maker $229.99 (save $120 with code DAY4) Get Deal Best Ninja Slushi deal Ninja Slushi $269.99 (save $80 plus $48 worth of free items) Get Deal Best Ninja blender deal Ninja Mega Kitchen System Blender and Food Processor (BL770) $99.99 (save $120) Get Deal

Just about every major retailer has gotten in on the Ninja appliance deal action this Black Friday — and not gonna lie, the deals were pretty mid. But SharkNinja's official website has swooped in with an absolutely phenomenal Black Friday sale. Not only are big-name Ninja gadgets like the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl, Ninja Slushi, Ninja Crispi, and Ninja Luxe Café on sale at record-low prices, but SharkNinja is throwing in a free gift with most of them.

It's not just some shoddy free $15 accessory, either. From insulated margarita glasses and travel mugs to a whole Ninja blender for free, these free gifts are all between $48 and $148 in value. (Shark vacuums and Shark hair tools come with awesome free stuff too, BTW.)

SEE ALSO: What time Black Friday sales start for Amazon, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and more

Though there's no question that the actual SharkNinja website is the best place to buy Ninja products on sale for Black Friday, there are still an overwhelming amount of deals to keep track of. We've pulled out the very best Ninja Black Friday deals as of Nov. 26 for super easy comparison. We’ve tested most of these products, so we know when a price drop is genuinely worth your money.

Best Ninja air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer $159.95 at SharkNinja
$179.99 Save $20.04 Comes with a free spatula and Crispi container ($48 value) Get Deal Why we like it

It's been tricky to find a deal on the unique portable Ninja Crispi air fryer. The best we were getting was a measly $20 off (just an 11% discount) at Amazon — that is, until SharkNinja sweetened the deal by matching that sale price, and throwing in a free spatula and extra glass Crispi container for free. That's a $48 value for free, plus the $20 from the actual discount.

The Ninja Crispi is a Mashable fave and unlike any air fryer you've seen before. Rather than making you dump your fried food out from a basket or off of a tray, the Crispi air fries food directly in a grab-and-go glass container (just add a lid). The six-cup container is designed for personal meals (and can cook them in about seven minutes), while the four-quart container is large enough to cook a four-pound chicken and veggies in one go.

Fun bonus: The SharkNinja website has more color options than Amazon. Our favorite is Mango Clouds.

Best Ninja Creami deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl ice cream amker $279.99 at SharkNinja
$349.99 Save $70 save $120 with code DAY4 Get Deal Why we like it

The daily promo code from SharkNinja's direct website just beat Amazon's sale price by a full $50. On Nov. 26, use code DAY4 to grab the Scoop and Swirl for $229.99 compared to $279.99 at Amazon.

Mashable shopping reporter Sam Mangino has tested just about every popular Ninja kitchen appliance that pops into your head. So take it from the expert when she declares the Ninja Swirl to be better and more fun than the original Creami. Even Oprah put it on the 2025 list of her favorite things.

The Swirl makes ultra-creamy yogurt like soft serve and doesn't require re-spins like the Creami, which primarily makes more hand-scooped-like ice cream. But any seasoned sweet toother could be in the mood for either depending on the day, making this Scoop and Swirl combo deal pretty unbeatable.

SEE ALSO: Testing the Ninja Slushi by making a frozen version of every drink I can think of More worthwhile Black Friday deals on Ninja appliancesAt SharkNinjaAt AmazonAt Target
Categories: IT General, Technology

Another huge Black Friday streaming deal is live: Get Paramount+ for $2.99 per month

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 17:37

SAVE UP TO $10/MONTH: Through Dec. 2, new and returning subscribers can score two months of Paramount+ Premium or Paramount+ Essential for just $2.99 per month. That's up to 77% in savings with this Black Friday deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $2.99 per month for two months (save $10/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Essential $2.99 per month for two months (save $5/month) Get Deal

The Paramount+ Black Friday 2025 deal is officially live and it's essentially just a copy-paste from last year. We weren't blown away by it then and we're equally enthused now. But alas, a deal is a deal, folks.

Through Dec. 2, new and returning subscribers can score two months of Paramount+ Premium or Paramount+ Essential for $2.99 per month. If you opt for the Essential plan, you'll save $5 per month or about 63% total. If you choose the Premium plan (which we highly recommend), you'll save $10 per month or about 77% total. Once the two-month promotional period ends, you'll automatically be charged the full price of whichever tier you select unless you cancel.

One thing to note is that Paramount+ is set to raise its prices on both plans as of Jan. 15, 2026. So, this could be your best opportunity to watch new Paramount Pictures theatrical releases (The Naked Gun, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning), Paramount+ Originals (Landman, Mayor of Kingstown), or Showtime hits (Yellowjackets, The Curse, The Chi), for cheap. Come January, it'll cost you $8.99 or $13.99 per month. We also highly suggest locking in an annual plan before the price hike hits if you want to save some extra dough.

Paramount+ is also home to local NFL AFC games on Sundays, UEFA Champions League matches, UFC (coming soon), CBS originals like Survivor and Ghosts, and old Nickelodeon and MTV shows. Personally, I'd sign up for the Premium plan over the Essential plan, as it also unlocks the full Showtime library and ad-free viewing.

Be sure to check out all the best Black Friday streaming deals for 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor has finally dipped under $700 for Black Friday — save $500 at Amazon

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 17:30

SAVE $500: The Samsung 40-inch Odyssey G7 is on sale for $699.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $500 off and the lowest-ever price for this popular model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 40-inch Odyssey G7 $699.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $500   Get Deal

Black Friday deals are coming in hot and heavy. It can be difficult to keep your head above water, but we're doing our best to sort through the masses of offers to only bring you the very best discounts. Something that has been adundant in this year's Black Friday has been deals on gaming monitors. We've found record-low prices on top models from brands like Samsung and LG, and we suspect that there's more to come.

There's a lot to consider, but our favorite deal might be the Samsung 40-inch Odyssey G7 for $699.99 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $500 off and the lowest-ever price for this popular model. It had already dropped to a new low price at the start of Amazon's sale, but that price just got cut again. Will it drop even lower? We would be surprised to see something this impressive fall any further, but you never know.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The Samsung 40-inch Odyssey G7 supports VESA DisplayHDR 600 for stronger contrasts, deeper blacks, and brighter highlights, making sure you can actually see what you're doing in those dark moment. It has a 180Hz refresh rate and a near-instant 1ms GtG response time, so it can handle even the most demanding on gaming sessions.

Pick up this Samsung Odyssey G7 gaming monitor for its best-ever price in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Yeah, iPads are on sale, but there are bigger savings on Android tablets this Black Friday

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 17:27
Best Black Friday tablet deals Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, 128GB, WiFi) $449 (save $150) Get Deal Best Android tablet deal Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 (256GB, WiFi) $389.99 (save $160) Get Deal Best Amazon Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire Max 11 $189.99 (save $90) Get Deal

Black Friday is, without a doubt, the best time to buy tech. Prices drop on laptops, TVs, and tablets, which is perfect timing with the holidays fast approaching. If you're getting ready to buy the latter, a tablet, now is a great time. We just spent the past few months re-evaluating our guide to the best tablets, meaning these portable devices are front of mind. And most importantly, they're now on sale just in time for Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Get live updates on the latest sales, doorbusters, and deal drops

There are a lot of tablets on sale, and even better, there are more than just iPads discounted. You can find devices from Samsung, Lenovo, and Amazon all on sale for hundreds off. Plus, we're pleased to see our very favorite Android tablet is on sale, too. These are the best tablet deals for Black Friday.

Best Black Friday iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, 128GB, WiFi) $449 at Amazon
$599 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Most iPads are discounted ahead of Black Friday, but the best deal is on the iPad Air with M3 chip. We determined it's the best iPad for most people, with a superior processor to the basic iPad, allowing you to do any work task you'd do on a computer. But at $449, it's a fraction of the price of a laptop. It's currently $150 off of its $599 price tag, making it 25% off, one of the biggest discounts you'll find on any iPad for Black Friday.

More Black Friday iPad dealsBest early Black Friday Android deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 (256GB, WiFi) $389.99 at Lenovo
$549.99 Save $160   Get Deal Why we like it

Perhaps my favorite discovery of 2025 is the Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3, which convinced me that iPads aren't the only tablets worth buying. This small tablet is made for gaming, but it does an extremely good job at streaming in high definition and is the perfect size for travel. For Black Friday, it's down to $389.99, saving you $160 for a total of 29% off.

More Black Friday Android dealsBest Black Friday Fire tablet deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 $189.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

Having tested my way through the latest tablets, I won't lie, Amazon Fire tablets are not my favorite. I think they fall behind the crowd in terms of processing power, plus Amazon's app store pales in comparison to Apple's or Google's. That being said, if you want a cheap tablet, look at the Amazon Fire tablet. There are bigger discounts to be had on Amazon's tablets, but I think the best tablet to shop from Amazon is the Fire Max 11, which offers the best speed and processing.

More Black Friday Fire tablet deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Pafos vs. Monaco online for free

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 16:57

TL;DR: Live stream Pafos vs. Monaco in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League action continues this week with Pafos vs. Monaco. Both sides sit on five points after four games. The Cypriot side have surprised a lot of fans this season. Could they secure another victory at home?

If you want to watch Pafos vs. Monaco in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Pafos vs. Monaco?

Pafos vs. Monaco in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. GMT on Nov. 26. This fixture takes place at the Alphamega Stadium.

How to watch Pafos vs. Monaco for free

Pafos vs. Monaco is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Pafos vs. Monaco for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Ireland

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch Pafos vs. Monaco for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Pafos vs. Monaco (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Pafos vs. Monaco in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmarts Black Friday sale drops the M1 MacBook Air to just $549 — its lowest price ever

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 16:52

SAVE $100: The 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M1, 8GB RAM 256GB SSD) is on sale for just $549 during Walmart's 2025 Black Friday sale. It usually retails for $649, and this is its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M1, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $549 at Walmart
$649 Save $100   Get Deal

All of Apple's MacBooks are on sale for dirt-cheap this Black Friday, and I'm partial to recommending that most people grab the latest M4 model: It's beautiful, blazing-fast, and only $749 in the 13-inch size (normally $999). But if your budget can't stretch that far, or you don't need that big of an upgrade, the M1 model is the cheapest option available in new condition. It's marked down to just $549 during Walmart's Black Friday sale, which runs through Nov. 30.

Walmart is Apple's exclusive retail partner for the M1 MacBook Air, and while it is technically listed with an MSRP of $649, I almost always see it on sale for $599 there. This special holiday deal of $100 off marks its biggest discount ever, and I wouldn't be shocked if it sold out at some point this Cyber Week. (The gold variant was already out of stock at the time of writing.)

SEE ALSO: The 30+ best Black Friday Apple deals: Record-low prices on MacBooks and $69 AirPods

The M1 MacBook Air is a late 2020 release that marked Apple's first foray into custom silicon instead of Intel chips, and it's still relatively peppy for its price point. It's up to 25% faster than newer Chromebooks we've tried in the $599 to $699 price range, and its fanless design keeps it on the quiet side. It comes equipped with 8GB of memory, which makes it best for basic everyday tasks like web browsing, watching movies, and sending emails.

Looks-wise, the M1 MacBook Air has a classic MacBook aluminum unibody design, but with more of a wedge shape than its successors. It lacks their irksome webcam notch, too. It comes with a 1600p display, a backlit magic keyboard, a 720p FaceTime camera, and two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports. It weighs 2.8 pounds, making it just a tenth of a pound heavier than the 13-inch M4 model.

If you want a tad more power, a bigger, brighter display, and a nicer 1080p webcam, I also really like Best Buy's Black Friday deals on two Geek Squad Certified Refurbished M2 MacBook Airs. They both come in under $600, making them competitive alternatives to Walmart's $549 M1 model for budget shoppers who don't mind buying pre-owned.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) - Geek Squad Certified Refurbished $499.99 at Best Buy
$749 Save $249.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) - Geek Squad Certified Refurbished $569.99 at Best Buy
$1,299 Save $729.01   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

21 Black Friday deals on Amazon that no one else is beating (or even matching): TVs, Legos, and more

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 16:42

It is my firmest belief that the best Black Friday deals don't exist in a vacuum. Major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart love to price-match each other during their concurrent holiday sales. So when one of them actually manages to one-up its peers with an exclusive discount, it's worth shouting about.

After spending literal days poring over retailers' Black Friday listings, I've stumbled upon nearly two dozen deals on 4K TVs, headphones, KitchenAid mixers, video games, and other items that are at their cheapest on Amazon. In some cases, it's beating other retailers' offers by as little as one to four cents. (That counts, but it's more of a formality than anything.) In other instances, items are $10 to $60 cheaper when purchased from Amazon — those are instant add-to-cartables.

SEE ALSO: Black Friday 2025: Live updates on the latest deals from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more

In doing my research, I had four rules for eligibility (I'm picky):

  1. Amazon has to be beating the other retailers' sale prices on the item. If they're price-matching each other, Amazon has to throw in something that makes its deal better (like a free credit).

  2. The other retailer has to have the item in stock in the same color or configuration as Amazon.

  3. The item has to be tagged as a Black Friday deal by Amazon or its competitor.

  4. The item can't be sold by a sketchy third-party seller at Amazon or its competitor. It's got to be coming from the retailers themselves or a verified brand's store page.

I'll keep adding to my list as I encounter more better-than-elsewhere deals on Amazon, so keep checking Black throughout Cyber Week.

4K TVs Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 55-inch F50 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $189 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $160.99 99 cents cheaper than Best Buy. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 55-inch QM6K Series Mini-LED QLED 4K TV $397.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $402 $2 cheaper than Best Buy and Costco, and one cent cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 55-inch U7 Series Mini LED 4K TV $497.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $802 $2 cheaper than Best Buy and one cent cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM7K Series Mini LED QLED 4K TV $797.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $702 $2 cheaper than Best Buy and one cent cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch S7 Series CanvasTV 4K QLED TV $897.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $402 $2 cheaper than Best Buy. Get Deal Apple devices Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $274
$349 Save $75 $5 cheaper than Best Buy and Walmart. Get Deal Headphones and earbuds Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Accentum True Wireless Earbuds $89.95 at Amazon
$219.95 Save $130 $10.04 cheaper than Best Buy and $10 cheaper than Walmart with on-page coupon. Get Deal Opens in a new window Sennheiser Accentum Wireless Headphones $99.95 at Amazon
$189.95 Save $90.00 Four cents cheaper than Best Buy. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds + $149.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $20 Four cents cheaper than Best Buy. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Headphones $248 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $151.99 Matches Best Buy and Walmart, but includes free $30 Amazon credit with code SONYX30. Get Deal Bluetooth speakers Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Field 5 $194.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $155.04 $5.04 cheaper than Best Buy and Sony. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony ULT Tower 9 $798 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $101.99 $1.99 cheaper than Best Buy. Get Deal Smart glasses Opens in a new window Credit: Ray-Ban / Meta Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses (Gen 1), Wayfarer, Shiny Black $238.99 at Amazon
$299 Save $60.01 21 cents cheaper than Best buy, Ray-Ban, and Meta. Get Deal KitchenAid mixers Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer $279.95 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $120.04 Four cents cheaper than Best Buy, Walmart, and KitchenAid, and includes free $14 Amazon credit. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: KitchenAid KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer $349.95 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150.04 Four cents cheaper than Best Buy, Walmart, Macy's, and Target, and includes free $19.96 Amazon credit. Get Deal Beauty tech Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexFusion Air & Ceramic Styling System $289 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $60.99 99 cents cheaper than Best Buy and $60.99 cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal Lego sets Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Disney Princess Maleficent’s Dragon Form $54.21 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $15.78 $5.28 cheaper than Best Buy. Get Deal Video games Opens in a new window Credit: 2K Games "NBA 2K26" (PS5) $22.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $47 $7 cheaper than Best Buy and Target, and $7.01 cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bandai Namco Entertainment "Elden Ring Nightreign" (PS5) $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 $5 cheaper than Best Buy and $4.94 cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Arts "EA Sports College Football 26" (PS5) $27.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $42 $2 cheaper than Best Buy and Target, and $2.01 cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Electronic Arts "Battlefield 6" (PS5) $52.99 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $17.00 $7 cheaper than Best Buy and Target, and $6.89 cheaper than Walmart. Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl just hit a new all-time low, but its only available for one day (updated)

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 16:35

SAVE $120: As of Nov. 26, the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl is down to its lowest price ever at Ninja. Initially on sale for $279.99, with Ninja's daily deal, score an extra $50 off, bringing the ice cream maker down to $229.99. That saves you $120 off its list price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl $229.99 at Ninja
$349.99 Save $120 Use code 'DAY4' at checkout for $50 off. Get Deal

One thing about Black Friday, it's going to bring deals to even the newest tech. Earlier this year, Ninja debuted its Creami Scoop and Swirl, previously known as just the Ninja Swirl. Some tech is exciting, some is innovative, and the Creami Scoop and Swirl is all of that, but most importantly, it's just straight up fun. It brings the whimsy of the ice cream shop to your home, and it just got an even bigger discount.

Leading up to Black Friday, it dropped to $297.49, and then beat its low price again, falling to $279.99. But the best deal yet just dropped on the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl. Ninja dropped a daily deal that gives you $50 off the machine, bringing it down to $229.99. That knocks off 34% for $120 in savings.

To score the lowest price ever, make sure to use code 'DAY4' at checkout. Since this is a daily deal, it won't last long, so grab it ASAP.

The Creami Scoop and Swirl has garnered plenty of accolades since its 2025 release. In our review, we gave the Scoop and Swirl a Mashable Choice award for its fresh take on the ice cream maker that lets you concoct soft serve in 24 hours or less. Plus, even Oprah has taken notice, putting it on the 2025 list of her favorite things.

Get the Ninja Creami Scoop and Swirl for just $229.99, its lowest price ever, and save $120 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Holidays With Heart | CNET Group Perspectives

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 16:25
.editor-content .raw-embed{max-width:100% !important} header.max-w-8xl.text-center.px-4.mt-8.text-primary-400.font-sans.mx-auto { display: none; } main.px-4.mx-auto.w-full.\32 xl\:px-0.full-width { padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; } main.px-4.mx-auto.w-full.\32 xl\:px-0.full-width.pogoPgWrap { padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; /* margin-top: -2rem;*/ } main.px-4.mx-auto.w-full.\32 xl\:px-0.full-width { /* margin-top: -2rem;*/ } section#article { margin-top: -2rem; } section.mx-auto.max-w-3xl { display: none; } /*hide banner mashable game*/ .gap-4.justify-center.items-center.my-12.mx-auto.w-full.max-w-3xl.md\:my-16 { display: none; } .editor-content p { } @media (min-width: 768px) { #pgCS-cnet-group_cnet-group-q2-25-map_6996543323_138517403945 { max-width: 1125px; aspect-ratio: 16 / 9 !important; Max-height: 633px; } } @media (max-width: 767px) { #pgCS-cnet-group_cnet-group-q2-25-map_6996543323_138517403945 { Max-height: 596px; } } .max-w-5xl { max-width: 100% !important; /*margin-top: -8px;*/ } .link-txt-hwh-white, .txt-hwh-white { color: #ffffff !important; } .link-txt-hwh-white:hover { color: #ffffff !important; text-decoration: underline; } .link-txt-hwh-black, .txt-hwh-black { color: #000000 !important; } .link-txt-hwh-black:hover { color: #000000 !important; text-decoration: underline; } .hwh-rounded-border{ border-radius: 10px; max-width: 1440px; padding-left:50px; } @media only screen and (max-width: 1440px) { .hwh-rounded-border{ border-radius: 0px; padding-left:40px; } } /*hide section under the hub*/ .grid.relative.grid-cols-1.gap-0.justify-between.items-stretch.px-4.mx-auto.w-full.\32 xl\:gap-4.max-w-8xl.\32 xl\:grid-cols-\[1fr_300px\] { display: none; } Home > Series Holiday with Heart

True stories of the gifts that connect us, inspire us, and stay with us.

Opinions expressed by CNET Group Perspectives contributors are their own, and are separate from Mashable, CNET, and Lifehacker's editorial teams. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn a commission.

Opening up about playful gifts and the moments that make family life shine.

How digitizing home movies helped me create new family moments from old memories Commentary: I uploaded my family’s past and downloaded a little holiday magic. By Hiko Mitsuzuka How a turntable changed my family’s relationship to music and quality time Commentary: Listening to music in the living room helped us learn more about each other—and started a new holiday tradition. By Jonathan Fitzgerald

Discover how smart presents and personal experiences spark joy this season.

How a red light mask is helping me heal more than just my skin Commentary: In the wake of my mother's death, I've leaned further into our shared love of beauty rituals. By Deenie Hartzog-Mislock Why the Meater Pro thermometer is a hit at our family feasts Commentary: My brother-in-law loves cooking, and I love eating -- it's a win/win gift. By John Hoyos

Highlighting innovative gifts and practical ideas that change how we celebrate.

I bought a Nintendo Switch 2 to relive special holiday memories Commentary: Now that I'm 8,500 miles away from family, online gaming has helped us feel closer. By Kimanzi Constable The best $99 I ever spent was on an impulse-buy photo printer Commentary: A 20,000-mile trip to see my mom taught me the value of tangible memories in a digital world. By Gérman Ceballos How a creative gift from my parents transformed my career Commentary: The Cricut Explore smart cutter led to unexpected new opportunities. By Sam McPeak I gifted my mom an apron of her art using Adobe’s AI tools, and here’s how I did it Commentary: The tools make it easier to print old photos or images on demand. By Fei Wu

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apples iPhone Pocket sock is fully sold out

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 15:36

Admit it, you laughed at the sock. Well, we certainly did. But Apple seems to be having the last laugh once again.

The iPhone Pocket was one of those Apple gadgets that invites jokes: A sock-like bag for the iPhone with an Issey Miyake brand tag on it, and a hefty price tag. Who's gonna buy this thing?

Apparently, a lot of people. Even though the iPhone Pocket started at $149.95 ($229.95 if you wanted a longer strap), it's currently completely, fully, totally sold out.

It didn't take long for the Pocket to sell out at Apple's online store in the U.S. But as MacRumors noted on Tuesday, the Pocket is now sold out in every country it's been offered in: The United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. We haven't checked retail stores, though; you might find one there if you look hard enough.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone Fold is on track, but it might be pricier than we thought

We're not sure if Apple plans to make more of the iPhone Pocket, but it appears that it should. The people, they yearn for the sock.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is down to a record-low price for Black Friday — save $200 at Amazon

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 15:30

SAVE $200: The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is on sale for $599 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $200 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 $599 at Amazon
$799 Save $200   Get Deal

Black Friday is coming through with bumper deals on all the items that top wishlists, like Apple Watches. And not just your standard Apple Watches. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is on sale for $599 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's $200 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

In many ways, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ultimate sports and adventure watch. It provides advanced features for runners, cyclists, swimmers, hikers, divers, and other active individuals. Users get an Always-On Retina display, impressively accurate dual-frequency GPS, vital health and safety features, and up to 36 hours of battery life for normal use and 72 hours in Low Power Mode.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Runners generally look at Garmin, Suunto, Coros, or Fitbit, but the Apple Watch Ultra shouldn't be dismissed. The accurate GPS, automatic track detection, advanced running form metrics, and customizable workouts make this smartwatch a solid option for beginners and advanced runners looking for a PR.

Score the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for its best-ever price in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Black Friday deals on Bluetti power stations — score record-low prices across the range

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 15:16
The best Black Friday Bluetti power station deals at a glance: Best Budget Power Station Deal Bluetti Elite 30 V2 $189 (save $110) Get Deal Best Mid-Range Power Station Deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $394.99 (save $404.01) Get Deal Best Premium Power Station Deal Bluetti Elite 200 V2 $699 (save $600) Get Deal

Black Friday isn’t just for luxury goods and entertainment devices. It’s also a chance to stock up on practical items that you might ordinarily put off buying because of the price. Items such as portable power stations, for instance. 

Having a portable power station on standby for emergencies is just common sense. If you’re a camping and outdoors enthusiast, it’s a must-have piece of kit. If you’re not, it’s still good to have one for emergencies and unexpected power outages. The problem is that they can go well into the $1,000s. But not for Black Friday. A number of power stations from leading brand Bluetti are heavily discounted in the Amazon Black Friday sale. 

Bluetti power stations are among the best-reviewed, best-selling models available, so you know you can rely on performance and rest assured that it’s money well spent. Here’s a quick selection of the best Black Friday deals on Bluetti power stations.

The best budget Bluetti power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 30 V2 $189 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $110.99   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bluetti Elite 30 V2 is especially good for camping trips and taking on-the-go. It weighs just 9.5 lbs but has an output of 600W and it can surge — or “power lift” — to 1,500W. It has nine inputs, including a mix of AC plugs and USBs, so you’re covered for charging multiple devices.

The best mid-range Bluetti power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $394.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $404.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The Bluetti Elite 100 V2 power station cranks things up a few notches. It’s a pricier, more powerful option with a 1,800W standard output and a max of 2,700W. It has 11 ports and recharges in just 70 minutes using a solar panel (not included).

The best premium Bluetti power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 200 V2 $699 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600   Get Deal Why we like it

Best of all in terms of sheer power is the Bluetti Elite 200 V2. It will cost you extra but you’ll still save $600 this Black Friday. With nine ports, it has an output of 2,600W and can surge up to 3,900W. It’s a bigger unit so is best for RV road trips or keeping at home for emergencies. You can also charge this one with an optional solar panel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

$69 Apple AirPods are still live at Amazon — score a new record-low price for Black Friday

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 15:00

BEST-EVER PRICE: Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $69 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's the lowest-ever price for these earbuds, by some margin.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $69 at Amazon
$129 Save $60   Get Deal

Deals on Apple AirPods have been going extremely hard this Black Friday, but we were still stunned to see the latest price drop on AirPods 4. We were thrilled to see these popular earbuds for $79.99, but that low price has been completely destroyed by Amazon's latest offering. Seriously, what is going on?

Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $69 in the Amazon Black Friday sale, saving you $60 on list price. That's almost 50% off and the lowest-ever price for these earbuds by a long way. There are so many impressive deals live right now over Black Friday, but this is easily one of the best. It's honestly going to be very hard for Amazon to top this. Have we already peaked?

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The only problem we can see with this deal is limited stock. We expect these $69 AirPods to sell very quickly, so if you're planning to pounce on this low price, we recommend acting fast to avoid disappointment. The Apple AirPods with ANC for under $100 deal has already sold out, and we can only see this deal going the same way. Consider yourself warned.

Score the best-ever price on Apple AirPods 4 in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Roomba Plus 505 Combo is down to its best-ever price for Black Friday — save over $400 at Amazon

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 13:26

SAVE OVER $400: The Roomba Plus 505 Combo is on sale for $549 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's over $400 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo $549 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $450.99   Get Deal

Black Friday has already delivered absolutely loads of incredible deals on some of our favorite products. We've seen record-low prices on AirPods, MacBooks, DJI drones, and almost everything else. We haven't been inundated with stunning robot vacuum deals, but they're out there if you look hard enough.

The Roomba Plus 505 Combo is on sale for $549 in the Amazon Black Friday sale. That's over $400 off and the lowest-ever price for this model.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This really is a low price to pay for such an impressive model. Mashable's robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, said the "hinged pad design has been a game changer for me, especially near the kitchen counters."

The price beats what we saw over October Prime Day, so we would be surprised to see any further price drops on this clever device. If you've been scouting for a robot vacuum deal worth your time and cash this Black Friday, this could be it.

Score the Roomba Plus 505 Combo for its best-ever price in the Amazon Black Friday sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley reveal the real surprise in Hamnet

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 13:26

Great love can echo across centuries. This seems to be the heart-wrenching truth of Hamnet, the latest film from Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao. Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's novel of the same name, Hamnet unfolds the little known story of William Shakespeare, his wife, and the love that saw them through times of joy and agony. Beyond that, this critically heralded drama — starring Academy Award nominees Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley — reveals how their story went on to inform one of Shakespeare's most well-known tragedies, Hamlet.

Mashable's UK Editor Shannon Connellan sat down with Hamnet stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal to delve into what it meant to make a movie with such rich history and profound emotion. For starters, she asked Mescal what it was like to tackle the always intimidating "To be or not to be" soliloquy.

Mescal admitted this scene caused him "great anxiety," expanding that "to be Shakespeare but also say Shakespeare and also say that speech, that was always one of the big, more technical challenges." Hamnet gave the acclaimed actor new understanding of Shakespeare's writing. "Whenever I've approached Shakespeare before, it's like this sacred text. And to me, subjectively playing Shakespeare within [Hamnet]," he explained, "Oh no. These are words that have cost parts of his life to write. They're not words on a page. They come from him. So there's a slight freedom in that, where I leant into that so I felt like I could survive the spiders in my mind when I was speaking it all. So I feel very proud of that."

For her part, Buckley plays Agnes true of O'Farrell's novel, a woman who is "too wild for any man." She reveled in the part, telling Mashable, "She's elemental. Every ounce of her is full. And she has such a kind of uncompromising sense of herself and who she is."

But of course, Hamnet is about more than Agnes and Will. Asked about performing with the three children who play the Shakespeare brood, Mescal revealed that he, Jacobi Jupe, Olivia Lynes, and Bodhi Rae Breathnach cleverly conspired to prepare a scene in which their characters surprise Agnes with a bit of Macbeth — specifically, the witches' entrance. "We didn't let Jessie know that we were gonna do that," Mescal said, "So that was an actual surprise. I'd rehearsed the kids...so that shot on Jessie — "

"It was real," Buckley said, picking up the sentence before praising Jupe's terrific performance as a deeply committed witch. The stars treasured their time on the film and playing family. And you see the cinematic magic of this in Hamnet, which is now playing in select theaters. A wide theatrical release will follow on Dec. 12.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 25 best Advent calendars to buy in November. Take advantage of Black Friday deals.

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 12:38

Advent calendars are some of our favorite Christmas gifts, and with Black Friday coming up fast, you're running out of time to order. Already, some of the season's most popular Advent calendars have gone out of stock, but there are still plenty of festive countdowns available.

Our favorite Advent calendars: Best Skincare Advent Calendar Kiehl's Advent Calendar 2025 $152 (save $140) Get Deal Best Beauty Advent Calendar Sephora Premium Makeup & Skincare Advent Calendar Gift Set $65.60 (save $178.50) Get Deal Best Lego Advent Calendar Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 $35.99 (save $9) Get Deal BEST FOOD COUNTDOWN Bonne Maman Advent Calendar $54.99 Get Deal BEST FOR CROCS LOVERS Crocs Holiday Advent Calendar 2025 $25 (save $24.99) Get Deal Best for Kids Bluey Mini Figures 2025 Christmas Advent Calendar $15.99 (save $6) Get Deal

Even better, thanks to the best Black Friday deals, you can find popular Advent calendars from top brands like Kiehl's and Williams-Sonoma on sale. Not every calendar will be on sale, but the best ones still represent a great deal, as they let you enjoy hundreds of dollars' worth of products for a lot less than you'd usually pay.

So, whether you're looking for the best beauty Advent calendars, calendars for kids, or something more traditional, we've gathered them all up into one place for you. Keep checking back as we approach Black Friday, as we'll keep adding more products as they go on sale — and crossing off the ones that go out of stock.

The best Advent Calendar to buy during Black Friday Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Advent Calendar 2025 $35.99 at Walmart
$44.99 Save $9   Get Deal Why we like it

This Lego Christmas playset comes with 24 toys in total, and it's packed with easter eggs for Star Wars fans, young and old. (BB-8 as a snowman? A Jawa in a holiday sweater? Say less.) Adults can certainly enjoy Advent calendars, but we're not sure we can enjoy them quite as much as a kid eagerly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.

Even more Advent Calendars on sale Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Harry Potter 2025 Advent Calendar $31.49 at Amazon
$44.99 Save $13.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ferrero Rocher Ferrero Collection Holiday Advent Calendar 2025 $26.57 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Urban Outfitters Urban Outfitters Exclusive Beauty Advent Calendar $50 at Urban Outfitters
$160 value Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Kiehl's Kiehl's Advent Calendar 2025 $152 at Kiehl's
$292 value Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Sephora Sephora Premium Makeup & Skincare Advent Calendar Gift Set $66.50 at Sephora
$95 Save $28.50 $245 value Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bonne Maman Bonne Maman Advent Calendar $54.99 at Bonne Maman
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Crocs Crocs Holiday Advent Calendar 2025 $25 at Crocs
$49.99 Save $24.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluey Store Bluey Mini Figures 2025 Christmas Advent Calendar $15.99 at Amazon
$21.99 Save $6.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Williams-Sonoma Williams-Sonoma Christmas Popcorn Advent Calendar $47.97 at Williams-Sonoma
$79.95 Save $31.98   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluey Store Bluey: Awesome Advent Calendar Book Bundle $19.60 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.39   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Funko Funko Pop! Countdown Calendar: The Nightmare Before Christmas $42.49 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $7.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: National Geographic National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar 2025 $20.49 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $9.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dermstore Dermstore 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar $210
$300 Save $90 $888 value Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Insight Editions Wicked For Good: The Official Advent Calendar - 25 Days of Surprises $24.49 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $10.50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Onyx Coffee Lab Onyx Coffee Lab 2025 Advent Calendar $220 at Onyx Coffee Lab
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Neiman Marcus Neiman Marcus 25 Days of Beauty Holiday Advent Calendar $225 at Neiman Marcus
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig 24 Cups of Cheer Advent Calendar $19.99 at Keurig
$29.99 Save $10   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Credo Credo Beauty Vault Advent Calendar $140 at Credo
$175 Save $35 $416 value Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ulta Ulta Beauty x Mini Brands Advent Calendar $39.99 at Ulta
  Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peppa Pig Store Peppa Pig George's Party Advent Calendar $11.69 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $13.30   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tea Forte Tea Forte Advent Calendar $49 at Amazon
$70 Save $21   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Palais Des Thés Palais Des Thés Advent Calendar $27.93 at Amazon
$39.90 Save $11.97   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: L'Occitane L'Occitane Advent Calendar $135 at Amazon
$238.50 value Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: E.l.f. E.l.f. Sleigh the Holidays Advent Calendar $95 at Amazon
  Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Im a pro robot vacuum reviewer and my top 2 picks of 2025 are under $1,000 for Black Friday

Wed, 11/26/2025 - 12:33

Don't have time to read a bunch of paragraphs? Use the table of contents dropdown to skip to my straightforward Black Friday robot vacuum recommendations.

A look at the best Black Friday deals on robot vacuums Best budget robot vacuum deal Eufy E20 3-in-1 $297.49 at Amazon (Save $202.50 at Amazon) Get Deal Best mid-range robot vacuum deal Narwal Freo Z10 Ultra $799.99 at Amazon (Save $500 at Amazon) Get Deal Best premium robot vacuum deal Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller $999.99 (Save $600 at Dreame) Get Deal

I test robot vacuums for a living and have been keeping tabs on robot vacuum deals trends for over half a decade — and I'd say Black Friday's count of robot vacuums on sale beats spring cleaning sales and even both Prime Days. It makes sense: Many brands release their new vacuums for the year at CES in January (or at least near the CES time frame), so Black Friday is often an eleventh hour push to sell the "old" but still great robot vacuums from the past year.

SEE ALSO: Dyson Black Friday deals: Our favorite vacuum, air purifier, and hair tool are all on sale

After a slow start last week, Black Friday robot vacuum deals are out in full force as of Nov. 25. Most deals are even sealed with a "Black Friday deal" tag at their respective retailer, as Black Friday sales at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Target are all officially underway. You can be confident that those prices won't drop any further if you wait a few days, so why not snag your dream robot vacuum mop combo before the chaotic weekend? Take a day to read up on what to look for in a robot vacuum and assess the features that are non-negotiables in your home, then make your move.

Below, I've pulled the Black Friday deals on robot vacuums that are actually worth your money. (Read up on why to think twice about buying a Roomba this Black Friday). I'll be updating this post with new drops, price updates, or stock changes through Cyber Monday.

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller $999.99 at Dreame
$1,599.99 Save $600   Get Deal Why I like it

The Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller is the most powerful robot vacuum on the mainstream market, and it's less than $1,000 for the first time ever for Black Friday. Spending that much on a vacuum probably sounds like brain rot to budget shoppers, but think of it this way: The Dreame's 30,000 Pa of suction power is more than 10,000 Pa stronger than the most powerful robot vacuums we saw on sale last Black Friday, and they were still hovering around the $1,000 mark. With the addition of a robust self-rinsing roller mop, this is a real bang for your buck.

I've been testing the Aqua10 Ultra Roller at home for over a month and can personally confirm its efficacy. Its pet hair pickup on rugs has impressed me the most: It has had about a 99 percent pickup rate for large clumps of cat hair that I put in its path and smoosh down into various pile heights. On patterned rugs that camouflage the layer of fur to the naked eye, I've ChomChom-ed the area after the Aqua10 Ultra Roller has done a few passes — and there's barely anything left over to get rolled into the ChomChom compartment. This carpet performance plus a livestream pet camera make the Aqua10 Ultra one of the best vacuums a pet owner could have on hand (robot or not).

More robot vacuums on sale ahead of Black FridayRobot vacuum mop combosRobot vacuums that don't mop
Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker