I’ll be honest: I love a good sale. But I’ve also learned the hard way that a cart full of random deals is not the same as a closet full of things I actually wear. So every November I make a real wishlist before Black Friday hits. Here’s mine for 2026, plus how I shop without regretting it in January. — Cami Del Toro
My rule: only buy what I wanted at full price
This is the one rule that saves me every year. If I wouldn’t have wanted it last month at full price, a discount doesn’t make it a good buy. Black Friday is for stocking up on the things I already reach for every day, and for finally getting the one piece I’ve been thinking about for months. I start my list in early November, add to it whenever something wears out and set a budget before I open a single tab.
Activewear I’m stocking up on
I train most days, so my gym clothes work harder than anything else I own. You can see how often I’m in them in my workout routine.
- Two matching sets. A neutral one and one in a fun color. A cute set really does make me want to go.
- High-waisted leggings with pockets. I need a place for my phone and keys on long walks.
- Supportive sports bras. The ones I wear the most are always the first to stretch out, so I replace them every year.
- A cropped zip-up. LA mornings are chilly in winter, and a zip-up is the easiest layer to throw on and off.
- Fresh white sneakers. One pair for the gym and one clean pair just for coffee runs and errands.
- Grip socks for pilates. You can never have too many.
If you want to see how I put all of this to use through the busy season, read my holiday fitness plan.
Cozy basics for winter
Once it gets cold (yes, LA cold counts), I live in soft layers. These are the pieces I buy on sale because I know I’ll wear them all winter:
- A chunky knit sweater in cream or camel that goes with everything.
- A matching lounge set for nights at home and lazy Sunday mornings.
- A good pair of straight-leg jeans, because my favorite pair is finally giving up.
- Soft slippers and fuzzy socks for my apartment’s cold floors.
- A long wool coat for holiday dinners and the few really chilly nights we get.
My favorite ways to wear all that cozy stuff are in my cozy night-in guide.
Beauty restocks
Beauty is where Black Friday really pays off for me, because I go through the same products over and over. I check what’s almost empty and buy the full-size version or a value set:
- Daily SPF. I wear it every single morning in California, so I buy two.
- My moisturizer and gentle cleanser. Nothing new, just more of what works.
- A hydrating sheet mask pack for the dry winter weeks.
- A red lipstick and a brown eyeshadow palette for party season.
- Heat protectant spray for all the blowouts in December.
Everything I use day to day is in my skincare routine, and my party glam is in my holiday makeup look.
A few things for home
I like to make my apartment feel warm and festive for the season, so I usually pick up one or two home pieces: a soft throw blanket, a new candle for the winter months, cute mugs for hot chocolate and some warm string lights for the bedroom. Small things, but they change the whole mood of a room.
Gifts I grab while the sales are on
Black Friday is also when I knock out most of my holiday shopping. I keep a separate list for each person so I don’t get distracted by things for myself. If you need ideas, I put my favorites together in my holiday gift guide for 2026.
My smart shopping tips
- Make the list early. Start it at the beginning of November and keep it on your phone.
- Set a budget and stick to it. I decide the number before the sales start, not during.
- Check sizes and reviews ahead of time. I add items to my cart a few days early so I’m ready.
- Read the return policy. Some sale items are final sale, and I want to know before I buy.
- Sleep on anything big. If I still want it the next morning, it’s a yes.
- Unsubscribe after. Once I’m done, I clean up my inbox so I’m not tempted all December.
What I’m skipping
Trendy pieces I’ll only wear once, anything that doesn’t fit perfectly right now and gadgets I don’t have room for. I’d rather buy three things I love than fifteen I forget about. Shopping less but better is the best way I know to keep my closet, and my budget, happy.
Want to see what I end up getting? Follow me on Instagram @Camiibby3, where I share my favorite finds and how I style them.
Looking for the full map of my fashion and beauty posts? Start with my style guide.
Every holiday post in one place lives in my holiday season hub.
FAQ
What is on Cami Del Toro’s Black Friday wishlist?
Matching activewear sets, fresh white sneakers, cozy knits and lounge sets, skincare and makeup restocks, and a few soft pieces for my apartment.
How does Cami Del Toro shop Black Friday sales?
I write a list in early November, set a budget, only buy things I already wanted at full price and check return policies before I check out.