5 things you shouldn’t buy on Black Friday

Black Friday offers tantalizing steals, ranging from toys to smart-home gadgets. But, ‘tis the season to also be a critical shopper, as it’s not the optimal time for everything. It might be worth it to hold off on buying certain items.

The latest smartphones

The holidays aren’t the time you should be looking to buy a smartphone. Particularly the new iPhones, which just came out. It’s a no-brainer but don’t buy when the demand is hot. If you’re looking to buy a phone for a loved one — unless it’s a spouse or a child — know what you’re getting yourself into.

If you buy a smartphone as a gift, you’ll also be responsible for paying the recipient’s monthly bill.

Laptops

This holiday season is not an ideal time to search for the necessary tech for school or for work.

You’ll see some of the best laptop deals during back-to-school season or in the spring, when companies start to roll out their new models and slash prices on their older ones.

Heavy-duty winter wear

There’s wisdom in the idea that you should buy coats, hats and scarves when you’re least inclined — after winter. But, you won’t find the best deals on winter gear during Black Friday season.

SOUTH PORTLAND, ME – NOVEMBER 25 2016: Max Richardson, 17, of Cumberland, and Trinity Turcotte, 16, of Brunswick, wait in line to get into the store Victoria’s Secret’s Pink store just after midnight during Black Friday at the Maine Mall. (Brianna Soukup/Getty Images)
SOUTH PORTLAND, ME – NOVEMBER 25 2016: Max Richardson, 17, of Cumberland, and Trinity Turcotte, 16, of Brunswick, wait in line to get into the store Victoria’s Secret’s Pink store just after midnight during Black Friday at the Maine Mall. (Brianna Soukup/Getty Images)

You’ll find tons of winter attire on clearance during January and February, and while it’s not as enticing, perhaps wait that extra month or two to toss your tattered winter coat and give yourself an upgrade. Maybe you can even snag an extra one with all the money saved.

Fitness equipment

Gyms are jam-packed in January, as motivated folks vow to shed their holiday weight and start the new year on the right foot. That means January is also the best month to buy fitness equipment as manufacturers are luring you in to buy dumbbells and elliptical machines.

Jewelry

While you may be eyeing that diamond ring for the perfect Christmas proposal, you’re unlikely to find it in the sale section.

The best time for deals on bling is after the holiday season — January and February — as retailers make a big push for Valentine’s Day.

Overall, Black Friday as a single day of shopping might be losing its luster. As KeyBanc points out, e-commerce is transforming “Black Friday” to a whole month of sales — “Black November.” You might be able to find some steals and deals all throughout the month — without having to deal with any human interaction and nuisances at all.

Melody Hahm is a senior writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm.

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