Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times of year to update your bedding or buy cozy gifts. They’re also when it’s easiest to get carried away and end up with sheets that don’t fit or a blanket nobody needed. A little planning goes a long way. This guide explains how to shop holiday bedding sales with confidence and come away with things you’ll actually love.
Start with a list
Before the sales begin, walk through each bedroom and note what needs replacing.
- Sheets that are thin, pilled or have tired elastic.
- Pillows that are flat or lumpy.
- Duvets and comforters that no longer keep you warm.
- Mattress protectors that have worn out.
- Throws and blankets for winter.
Add gift ideas for family and friends. Having a list keeps you focused and stops impulse buys.
Measure before you shop
Nothing ruins a bargain like sheets that don’t fit. Measure your mattress width, length and depth, including any topper. Deep mattresses need deep-pocket fitted sheets. Check duvet sizes too, as “queen” can vary between brands. Our guide to choosing bedding sizes explains the standard measurements.
Know what quality looks like
A sale only matters if the product is good.
Sheets
Look at the fiber and weave rather than thread count alone. Long-staple and organic cotton are durable and soft, and percale and sateen offer different feels. An organic percale sheet set is crisp, breathable and easy to care for. Read thread count explained before you buy.
Pillows
Choose by sleeping position: thinner for stomach sleepers, medium for back sleepers and firmer for side sleepers.
Duvets and comforters
Check the fill, the warmth level and whether the cover is removable and washable.
Timing your purchases
- Sign up for newsletters from stores you like a few weeks ahead to hear about sales early.
- Shop early in the day for the best choice of sizes and colors.
- Check Cyber Monday too, as some stores save their best offers for online shopping.
- Order gifts early to allow for shipping and personalization.
Compare real value
A big discount on an overpriced item isn’t a deal. Compare similar products across stores, look at materials and construction and think about how long the item will last. A quality sheet set that lasts years is better value than a cheap one that pills after a few washes.
Read the return policy
Bedding is personal, and fit and feel matter. Before buying, check how long you have to return items, whether opened bedding can be returned and who pays for return shipping. Keep receipts and order confirmations together.
Cozy gifts worth looking for
Holiday sales are a great time to pick up gifts.
- A heated shawl for someone who’s always cold. The heated shoulder and neck shawl wraps around the shoulders and is perfect for reading or working from home.
- A personalized blanket with a heartfelt message. The To My Wife heirloom blanket is a keepsake she’ll use every winter.
- Quality sheets for newlyweds or new homeowners.
- A chunky throw for the sofa.
For more ideas, see our Christmas bedding guide.
Avoiding common sale traps
- Buying things you don’t need just because they’re discounted.
- Forgetting to measure.
- Ignoring care instructions, which can make a bargain expensive to look after.
- Waiting too long for personalized gifts, which need extra production time.
- Overlooking shipping costs and delivery times.
Shopping for the whole year
Black Friday is a good time to buy bedding you’ll need later. Stock up on a spare set of sheets for each bed, a mattress protector or pillows for the guest room. Buying ahead means you won’t need to pay full price when something wears out unexpectedly.
After the sales: caring for new bedding
Wash new sheets before using them to remove finishing residues and soften the fabric. Follow care labels carefully to keep bedding looking good. Our post on caring for your bedding has more tips.
Setting a budget
It’s easy to overspend when everything seems to be on sale. Decide in advance how much you want to spend on bedding for your own home and how much on gifts, and keep a running total as you shop. Prioritize the things that make the biggest difference to sleep, usually pillows and sheets, before decorative extras like shams and accent pillows. If your budget is tight, one quality sheet set will do more for your comfort than several cheap ones.
Splitting your list into needs and wants
Needs are the items that are worn out or missing, such as a fitted sheet with broken elastic or a pillow that has gone flat. Wants are nice-to-haves, like a seasonal duvet cover or a new throw. Buy the needs first, then treat yourself if there’s room left over.
Thinking about the season
Black Friday falls right at the start of winter, so it’s the perfect moment to buy warm layers like flannel sheets, heavier duvets and cozy blankets. Lightweight summer bedding is often cheaper at the end of summer, so there’s no rush to buy it now.
Shopping for others
When buying bedding as a gift, keep it simple. Throws, blankets and personalized keepsakes don’t depend on mattress size, so they’re safer choices than sheets when you aren’t sure what bed someone has. Neutral colors and classic patterns suit most homes. Include a gift receipt in case they’d like a different size or color.
FAQ
Is Black Friday a good time to buy bedding?
Yes. Many stores offer sales on sheets, pillows and blankets, and it’s a great time to buy gifts.
Should I buy bedding online or in stores?
Online offers more choice; in-store lets you feel the fabric. Either way, check the return policy.
How do I know if a bedding deal is good?
Compare materials, construction and similar products, rather than focusing only on the discount.
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