Black Friday fever is about to hit South Africa, making it easy to get caught up in the chaos with giant TVs, flashy gadgets, and deals that claim to end any minute. But the truth is simple: the best Black Friday buys aren’t the trendiest items, but items you will be grateful for in June, not just during the excitement of of the event.
With South Africa’s Black Friday spending climbing again soon, shoppers are clearly looking for smarter, longer-lasting value, not just impulse buys.
Best Black Friday buys that will save you money all year
Before we dive into the best shopping choices, read what smart South Africans know about Black Friday to make every purchase count. But also be careful and remember to watch out for scams if you plan to make any online purchases this year.
1. Everyday essentials you will definitely need
Black Friday is great for stocking up on toiletries, detergents, nappies, dishwashing liquid, and pantry staples, saving you money every single month. According to Pick n Pay, shoppers bought so much sugar during the early 2024 Black Friday sale that it could sweeten more than 70 million cups of coffee, showing just how cleverly South Africans stock up on basics.
Prices for everyday goods keep rising, so bulk-buying now means you glide through December and January without painful grocery bills.
2. Power-saving gadgets (especially for power cuts)
Whether load shedding is mild or just labelled as power cuts, small power backups remain top Black Friday winners. Look for deals on mini inverters, rechargeable LED bulbs, solar motion lights, and power banks. These buys lighten your load and electricity bill long after Black Friday has passed.
3. Data and mobile deals
Every year, networks slash prepaid bundles, fibre add-ons and SIM-only contracts. A discounted plan can shave hundreds off your digital spending over 12 months, especially for South Africans who work online, stream often, or live online. If you need to upgrade, this will be one of the best Black Friday buys.
4. Durable clothing and shoes
Skip the trend pieces. Black Friday is a great time to buy school uniforms for next year, basic tees and jeans, and quality footwear. Focus on the essential items instead of just nice-to-haves.
5. Small kitchen appliances that save time and electricity
If your kettle, microwave, or blender is ancient and power-hungry, or has stopped working, this is the moment to replace them. Energy-efficient appliances – especially air fryers, induction hot plates and gas stoves – have become South Africans’ secret weapon for cutting cooking costs and time.
6. Home comfort upgrades
Little home changes make a huge difference. Fans, air conditioning, curtains, pillows, bedding, cookware, and décor items often receive markdowns as stores clear their stock. These buys make your home more comfortable year-round without breaking your budget.
7. Subscriptions and digital services
This is the forgotten gem of Black Friday shopping. Many apps, online courses, software packages and streaming services offer annual plans at big discounts. It is a once-off payment, but a year-long benefit. This is one of the best Black Friday buys, and one of the easiest ways to save money.
Black Friday isn’t about buying the biggest items, but buying the right ones. The best Black Friday buys in South Africa are the items that stretch your rand, simplify your life, and carry you well into next year.
