Black Friday sales are like the Olympics of shopping—high stakes, competitive, and honestly, a little overwhelming. But don’t worry, because Sal and Al—aka the hilarious, no-BS duo behind the Two Broke Chicks podcast—are here to coach us all to gold medal status.
These two are basically the friends you’d call for a pep talk before tackling a chaotic sale—or a chaotic life moment. They’re witty, savvy, and have lived the “broke chic” lifestyle, so when they say they’ve mastered Black Friday, we’re all ears.
Not only do they dish out life-saving advice twice weekly on their podcast, but their legendary Black Friday Sale Cheat Sheet has become the ultimate shopping hack for navigating deals without maxing out your credit card (or your sanity). So, if you want to snag Christmas presents, must-have wardrobe staples, or even boring-but-essential stuff like dishwashing tablets (because adulthood is real), these two have got your back.
Ready to shop smarter, not harder? Here are Sal and Al’s top tips to conquer Black Friday like a pro—and their five must-have purchases you don’t want to miss.
1. Start with Christmas presents 🎁
It’s the most wonderful (and wallet-draining) time of the year—but not if you follow Sal and Al’s advice to shop smart.
“The number one thing everyone should be buying this Black Friday is Christmas presents,” the duo says. “Black Friday is the last sale event between now and Christmas, so it’s going to save you hundreds to get organised and do it all now. It also means you don’t have to brave the chaos of the shopping centre which, in our books, is always a win.”
Think about it: ticking off your gift list during Black Friday sales means less stress and more holiday cheer.
2. Unsexy essentials are your best friend
While it’s tempting to get caught up in flashy discounts on things you don’t really need (hi, random massage gun), Sal and Al recommend focusing on practical buys that’ll pay off in the long run.
“It’s super easy to get wrapped up in Black Friday madness and just start shopping things simply because they’re on sale,” they caution. “Try to take stock of the items you truly need that may not be the sexiest or most lavish, but you’re going to get the ultimate cost per use out of them. Think vacuum cleaners, washing machines, non-perishable groceries like dishwashing tablets and laundry detergent, bedding, etc. Things that you’re going to get the ultimate bang for your buck with low cost per use.”
3. Build your dream capsule wardrobe 👗
Now’s also the time to stock up on quality wardrobe staples—because who doesn’t love scoring a luxe blazer or the perfect sneakers at a fraction of the price?
“Black Friday is the perfect time to replenish your wardrobe with any capsule wardrobe or staple pieces you need like a good work blazer or a new pair of sneakers,” Sal and Al advise. “Most fashion retailers offer sitewide sales, so you’re bound to find good quality items that will last the test of time.”
4. Expert-level hacks to shop smarter, not harder
These two know their way around a sale, and they’re sharing their next-level strategies:
- Use their Black Friday Sale Cheat Sheet:
“Every year we create a spreadsheet of sales where you can see hundreds of offers from multiple brands across fashion, beauty, home, lifestyle, tech, and more. It’s a great way to compare what’s on offer and get the best deal.” - Cashback apps are a must:
“Cashback is a great way to get even more savings on brands that offer it. Our personal favourite is ShopBack, but you can choose whichever you prefer!” - Don’t forget to price match:
“Brands are all competing to get the sale this year, so see what they can offer you. Think places like The Iconic, JB Hi-Fi, David Jones, Myer, Chemist Warehouse, The Good Guys, and Harvey Norman.”
Whether you’re hunting for gifts, everyday essentials, or timeless wardrobe pieces, Sal and Al’s no-nonsense tips will help you shop like a Black Friday pro. Ready to dive into their must-have sales picks? Here’s the ultimate list of their top five buys this season.
01
Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi-Styler & Dryer
$499 (was $749) at David Jones
The Dyson Airwrap is a game-changer in the world of haircare, offering a revolutionary way to style your locks without extreme heat. Designed with Dyson’s signature Coanda airflow technology, it effortlessly attracts and wraps hair around the barrel for smooth curls, waves, and sleek finishes. Say goodbye to fried hair—this innovative tool styles while protecting against damage, keeping your hair healthy and shiny.
Equipped with multiple attachments, including brushes and curling barrels, the Airwrap is a one-stop shop for all your styling needs. Whether you’re aiming for bouncy curls, a voluminous blowout, or a polished straight look, this versatile tool makes it possible. Plus, it’s suitable for all hair types and textures, with customizable settings for heat and speed.
Key features:
- One styler to dry, curl, shape and hide flyaways with no heat damage
- Three styling attachments designed for different hair types and styles
- Salon quality blow dry at home
02
Prada Paradoxe EDP 30ml
$113.60 (was $142.00) at Adore Beauty
Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum is a sophisticated fragrance that captures the essence of feminine duality—where strength meets softness and tradition blends seamlessly with modernity. Encased in an elegantly designed bottle, it’s a scent for the bold and the graceful alike.
Key features:
- Top Notes: Calabrian Bergamot Heart, Tangerine Essence, Pear Accord
- Heart Notes: Neroli Essence and Neroli Bud Essence, Tunisian Orange Flower Heart Absolute Blossom, Jasmine Sambac Absolute
- Base Notes: Amber Accord, Laos Benzoin Resinoid, Madagascar Premium Bourbon Vanilla Infusion, White Musk Accord
03
New Balance 9060
$179.99 (was $229.99) at Platypus Shoes
The New Balance 9060 redefines timeless style with a bold, innovation-driven approach inspired by the iconic 99X series. Rooted in the brand’s legacy of quality and performance, this sneaker reimagines familiar elements with a futuristic Y2K twist.
With its sleek yet playful aesthetic, the 9060 is perfect for those who appreciate the blend of vintage inspiration and modern innovation.
Key features:
- Mesh upper
- Dual-density midsole featuring ABZORB and SBS cushioning
- Tongue logo inspired by original 991 lace jewel
04
lululemon Align High-Rise Short 6″
$39 (was $65) at lululemon
Experience the ultimate in comfort with the Lululemon Align collection, crafted from Nulu fabric for a weightless, buttery-soft feel. Designed to make you feel like you’re wearing nothing at all, these shorts are perfect for low-impact workouts like yoga—or simply lounging in unparalleled ease.
A hidden waistband pocket adds a touch of practicality, offering space for essentials like a card or key without disrupting your flow and the collection’s sleek design and second-skin fit ensure you stay focused on your practice, free from distractions.
Key features:
- Designed for yoga
- Hidden waistband pocket
- Sweat-wicking
05
New Amazon Kindle (2024 release)
$167 (was $199) at Amazon
Meet the 2024 Kindle in Matcha Green—the lightest, most compact Kindle yet, now packed with upgraded features to enhance your reading experience. With a brighter front light, faster page turns, and a higher contrast ratio, this Kindle ensures effortless reading, whether you’re enjoying a novel in bright sunlight or cozying up with dark mode at night.
Key features:
- Get up to 6 weeks of battery life
- 6“ glare-free display
- The lightest and most compact Kindle
Interested in more Black Friday sales? Find more here.
