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THE FINANCEBASE List yours

Guide

The 8 Black Friday deals I hoped to see in 2025

By TheFinanceBase Team 7 min read

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Editor’s note: This is an archived Black Friday 2025 wishlist, not a current deals page. The original article was updated November 13, 2025, ahead of Black Friday on November 28. Its eight prices were personal buy thresholds—not proof that every product reached them. The list is deliberately practical: trackers, earbuds, tools, storage, lighting, cables and a compact TV.

Use the figures below as ceilings. Check the exact model, what is included, the seller, return terms and the full cost of any required ecosystem before buying.

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Quick view: the eight watchlist targets

Product Wishlist threshold Best fit Main caveat Buy signal
Apple AirTag four-pack $70 or less iPhone households tracking several items Requires Apple-device compatibility Buy at or below the ceiling
AirPods Pro 3 $199 hoped-for; $219 considered good Apple users wanting seamless integration Exact generation and promotion matter Wait unless the discount is genuine
Fanttik E1 Max Not stated Light repairs and furniture assembly Not a substitute for a drill Set a value limit from included kit
PNY microSD Express 256GB for $50 or less Nintendo Switch 2 owners Standard microSD may not be compatible Buy only verified Express cards
EGO 12-inch chainsaw $200 or less Existing EGO battery owners Tool-only and kit prices differ Compare complete system cost
Anker USB-C cables No specific price Travel, cars and spare charging locations Length alone says nothing about capability Buy to a required wattage and speed
Philips Hue A19 three-pack About $75 Hue households expanding lighting Bridge and ecosystem costs Compare per-bulb price
Samsung 43-inch U8000F Near $200 Space-constrained office or bedroom Entry-level picture and gaming compromises Match exact suffix and specifications

These targets come from the personal wishlist published by Engadget on November 13, 2025. They should not be read as verified final transaction prices.

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1. Apple AirTag four-pack: useful only inside Apple’s ecosystem

Why it was on the list

The practical case is simple: four trackers can cover keys, luggage, bikes or household valuables without buying units one at a time. The wishlist ceiling was $70 or less for the four-pack.

#1 Best Overall
Amazon eGift Card - Amazon Logo
  • Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.
  • Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
  • Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.com or certain affiliated websites.
  • Available for immediate delivery. Gift cards sent by email can be scheduled up to a year in advance.
  • No returns and no refunds on Gift Cards.

Check before buying

  • You need an iPhone or compatible Apple device to set up and use the tracking network; Android-only households should skip it.
  • Compare the four-pack with individual-unit promotions and retailer gift-card offers.
  • AirTags use replaceable batteries, so factor in future battery purchases and keep unwanted-tracking alerts and privacy settings in mind.
  • Confirm that the item is new and covered by the seller’s return policy.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy at or below $70 if you already use Apple devices and need several trackers. Skip if you cannot use Apple’s network or only need one inexpensive tracker. See Apple’s product information at Apple.

2. AirPods Pro 3: a deal for integration, not automatically for sound value

Why it was on the list

The author hoped for $199 or less and called $219 a reasonable sale price. The appeal is convenient pairing and Apple-device integration, not a universal claim that they are the best value for every listener.

Check before buying

  • Owners of AirPods Pro 2 should compare the actual upgrade benefits with keeping a healthy existing pair.
  • Verify that the listing is the named generation, rather than an older model, refurbished unit or open-box return.
  • Check ear-tip fit, battery condition, warranty and the return window.
  • Separate a real price cut from a gift-card, membership or app-only promotion.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy near $199 if you value Apple integration and need new earbuds. Wait at $219 unless the included promotion is genuinely useful. Skip if you prioritize lowest cost or already own Pro 2 earbuds that meet your needs. Product details are at Apple.

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Rank #2
Amazon eGift Card - Happy Birthday
  • Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.
  • Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
  • Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.com or certain affiliated websites.
  • Available for immediate delivery. Gift cards sent by email can be scheduled up to a year in advance.
  • No returns and no refunds on Gift Cards.

3. Fanttik E1 Max electric screwdriver: convenient for small jobs

Why it was on the list

The E1 Max suits furniture assembly, light household repairs and small fasteners where a manual screwdriver is slow. The original wishlist did not provide a target price, so there is no honest dollar threshold to quote.

Check before buying

  • Review torque settings, bit selection, battery type and charging method.
  • Confirm which bits, case and charger are included.
  • It is not a replacement for a full drill for masonry, large screws or demanding materials.
  • Compare the complete kit with a manual screwdriver you already own or a compact drill.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy when the included accessories and warranty justify the price for your light-duty work. Skip if you need drilling power or already have a capable drill. The manufacturer storefront is Fanttik.

4. PNY microSD Express: storage for Nintendo Switch 2, not a generic memory-card bargain

Why it was on the list

The target was at least 256GB for $50 or less. The key condition is the Nintendo Switch 2 requirement for microSD Express; a cheaper ordinary microSDXC card may not satisfy it. The source reported only small differences among the Express cards it tested, which should not be generalized to every future model.

Rank #3
Amazon eGift Card - Birthday Wishes
  • Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.
  • Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
  • Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.com or certain affiliated websites.
  • Available for immediate delivery. Gift cards sent by email can be scheduled up to a year in advance.
  • No returns and no refunds on Gift Cards.

Check before buying

  • Confirm the card is explicitly microSD Express and compatible with Switch 2.
  • Check capacity, sustained performance, warranty and the seller’s authenticity.
  • Avoid suspicious marketplace listings: counterfeit flash cards can report false capacity or fail early.
  • Keep the receipt and test the card promptly while the return window is open.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy a genuine 256GB-or-larger Express card at or below $50. Skip a cheaper non-Express card simply because its capacity looks similar. Check the vendor at PNY.

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5. EGO Power+ 12-inch cordless chainsaw: the $200 target depends on the battery

Why it was on the list

The hoped-for price was $200 or less, attractive because EGO’s interchangeable battery system can make a small saw useful to existing owners.

Check before buying

  • Compare tool-only and kit versions. A $200 tool without a battery and charger is not equivalent to a complete kit.
  • Confirm runtime, chain-tensioning design, chain brake and the battery you already own.
  • A 12-inch saw is for pruning and smaller jobs, not substantial trees.
  • Use eye, hearing, hand, leg and footwear protection; do not attempt hazardous or large-tree removal without a qualified professional.
  • Store and maintain the battery and saw according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy near $200 when you already own compatible EGO batteries and have light work. Wait or skip if you need a complete kit and the combined cost is no longer compelling, or if the job calls for an arborist. See EGO Power+.

Rank #4
Amazon Physical Gift Card in a Gift Box - Better than Gold - Black
  • Gift Card is redeemable towards millions of items storewide at Amazon.com
  • Gift Card has no fees and no expiration date
  • Gift Card is nested inside a specialty gift box
  • Free One-Day Shipping (where available)
  • Scan and redeem any Gift Card with a mobile or tablet device via the Amazon App

6. Anker USB-C-to-USB-C cables: cheap is useful only when the specifications fit

Why it was on the list

The wishlist called for several extra-long cables for a car, bag, luggage and other locations. It named no model, length, wattage or price, so those details cannot be inferred.

Check before buying

  • USB-C describes the connector, not charging power or data speed.
  • Match the cable’s wattage rating to your charger, phone, tablet or laptop; high-power applications may require an e-marker.
  • Check the USB generation and whether you need video or high-speed data rather than charging only.
  • Buy multipacks only when every cable meets your requirements, and treat extra length as a convenience rather than a performance specification.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy when the listing clearly states the required power and data capabilities. Skip a cable chosen solely by its low price or length. Anker’s storefront is Anker.

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7. Philips Hue A19 White and Color Ambiance three-pack: premium ecosystem, measurable bundle value

Why it was on the list

The desired price was around $75 for three bulbs. Hue products are often promoted during the Black Friday period, but that recurring expectation is not a guarantee of a particular price.

Best Value
Amazon Physical Gift Card in a Mini Envelope - Candlelight Celebration
  • Gift Card is redeemable towards millions of items storewide at Amazon.com
  • Gift Card has no fees and no expiration date
  • Gift Card is affixed inside a mini envelope
  • Free One-Day Shipping (where available)
  • Scan and redeem any Gift Card with a mobile or tablet device via the Amazon App

Check before buying

  • Distinguish White Ambiance from White and Color Ambiance; color capability costs more but may be unnecessary.
  • Confirm A19 base, brightness and fixture fit.
  • Check whether the pack supports Bluetooth and whether a Hue Bridge is needed for your preferred controls and scale.
  • Calculate the per-bulb price and the cost of adding a bridge or more bulbs.
  • For a small installation, compare cheaper smart-lighting brands before paying for the Hue ecosystem.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy near $75 if you are building or expanding Hue and want color bulbs. Skip the premium if basic app-controlled white light meets your needs. Start at Philips Hue.

8. Samsung 43-inch Crystal UHD U8000F: compact size first, specifications second

Why it was on the list

The hoped-for price was close to $200 for the 2025 43-inch U8000F, intended to replace an older office TV. The 43-inch constraint matters: a larger screen is not an equivalent purchase when desk or wall space is limited.

Check before buying

  • Compare the exact model number and retailer suffix; similarly named televisions can differ in ports, refresh rate, stand and software.
  • Review 4K resolution, HDR support, smart-TV platform, viewing angles and gaming features rather than relying on “4K” alone.
  • Measure stand width, wall-mount compatibility and viewing distance.
  • A near-$200 entry-level set may compromise brightness, processing or HDR. Roku, Vizio and other compact alternatives may offer better value at the same price.

Buy, wait or skip

Buy near $200 if the exact U8000F configuration fits your space and office use. Wait or compare if you need strong HDR, gaming performance or wide viewing angles. Verify specifications at Samsung.

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How to use these targets without overpaying

  1. Treat the figures as ceilings, not forecasts. The original article did not establish that every item reached its target during Black Friday 2025.
  2. Compare exact configurations. Storage capacity, generation, model suffix, color and included accessories can change the value completely.
  3. Calculate total cost. Include batteries, chargers, hubs, replacement parts and any required subscriptions.
  4. Check the promotion mechanics. Memberships, coupons, gift cards, instant rebates and delayed shipping can make a headline price misleading.
  5. Use the seller and return policy as part of the price. This is especially important for memory cards, discounted electronics and marketplace listings.
  6. Prefer price history over “was” pricing. A large percentage discount is not necessarily a low price.

The Bottom Line

The wishlist breaks into four practical groups: inexpensive impulse buys such as cables and AirTags; ecosystem-dependent purchases such as AirPods, Hue and EGO; specification-sensitive products such as Switch 2 storage and the TV; and a need-based household tool in the Fanttik screwdriver. Buy only when the threshold and the surrounding conditions—compatibility, included hardware, safety and return protection—work for your situation.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon eGift Card - Amazon Logo
Amazon eGift Card - Amazon Logo
Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.; Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
$50.00
Bestseller No. 2
Amazon eGift Card - Happy Birthday
Amazon eGift Card - Happy Birthday
Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.; Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
$50.00
Bestseller No. 3
Amazon eGift Card - Birthday Wishes
Amazon eGift Card - Birthday Wishes
Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.; Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
$50.00
Bestseller No. 4
Amazon Physical Gift Card in a Gift Box - Better than Gold - Black
Amazon Physical Gift Card in a Gift Box - Better than Gold - Black
Gift Card is redeemable towards millions of items storewide at Amazon.com; Gift Card has no fees and no expiration date
$50.00
Bestseller No. 5
Amazon Physical Gift Card in a Mini Envelope - Candlelight Celebration
Amazon Physical Gift Card in a Mini Envelope - Candlelight Celebration
Gift Card is redeemable towards millions of items storewide at Amazon.com; Gift Card has no fees and no expiration date
$50.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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