I’m a travel editor, and when people ask me what I do for a living, I often tell them that I’m a professional online shopper — which is kind of true since a large portion of my job is finding the best deals from across the web. So, you can imagine that every year I'm asked by friends and family what the best Black Friday deals are to shop. Personally, I always start with Amazon since I can get all of my essentials in one place, the retailer has 2-day shipping for Prime members, and (most importantly) it is known for hosting massive early Cyber Monday sales every year. 

I recommend exploring Amazon’s virtual shelves because, well, they’ve got everything you could ever need — whether you’re shopping for yourself, upgrading your travel gear, or looking for presents. I’m happy to report that there’s no shortage of savings during the Amazon Early Cyber Monday Sale this year, and if you keep scrolling, you’ll find the top 23 picks that I always suggest people add to their carts during Cyber Week. Deals are up to 48 percent off and heck, I’ll even be buying some of these can't-miss items for myself and loved ones. 

Catalonia Oversized Blanket Hoodie Sweatshirt

Whenever anyone asks me what's the one product that I think is a total game-changer, I always tell them it's a sweatshirt blanket — and urge them to buy one. So far, I've gotten several friends and most of my family members on the wearable blanket train, and if you take this advice, I promise you that you won't regret it. After all, this comfy (and packable) Catalonia Blanket Hoodie is on sale for just $20, and it's a two-in-one blanket sweatshirt. Talk about a deal, right? And trust me, there's plenty of use for it outside of the house. I've brought mine on road trips and camping trips so I'm perfectly warm and snuggly wherever I am. 

She’s Birdie: The Original Personal Safety Alarm

Another one of my game-changer Amazon buys is the Birdie Personal Safety Alarm, which is on sale for $17 ahead of Cyber Monday. I always carry this in my purse so I have peace of mind that I can ward off any unwanted folks when I'm out and about. The easy-to-use alarm is activated once you pull the pin from the top and it emits a shrill siren to attract attention to your situation. It also sets off a bright strobe light and won't stop blaring until the pin has been returned to the device. It's an ideal product for anyone, whether you're a frequent traveler or not.  

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)

I never travel without a pair of noise-canceling headphones and highly recommend the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation). In fact, right now, they're on rare sale for Cyber Week. Grab a pair for 24 percent off, and prepared to be amazed by how well they block out background noise. I also love that their Transparency Mode feature, which lets you tune back into the world around you so you can hear important announcements while listening to your favorite tunes.

Apple Watch Series 9

Amazon's Cyber Week Apple savings should never be skipped. And this year, the retailer is hosting a first-of-its-kind deal on the popular Apple Watch Series 9. Nearly 20 percent off, which never happens, the smartwatch is the ultimate travel companion with its impressive GPS features. And, it helps you stay connected while you're on the go; send texts, answer calls, check notifications, and more. But, my favorite part is that you can track how many steps you walked on your vacation.

Anrabess Women’s 2-Piece Lounge Set

Amazon is a goldmine for matching loungewear sets, which are the coziest travel outfits for fall and winter trips. My sisters and I have a tradition of buying matching pajamas every holiday season, and we're eyeing this on-sale duo from Anrabess. It's 43 percent off and includes an oversized crewneck sweatshirt and wide-leg pants that are comfy, flattering, and ready for anything. 

Koolaburra by Ugg Women's Advay Slip-On Boots

I made the mistake of donating my Ugg boots back in college, and now I'm on the hunt for the perfect pair of wear-everywhere fleece-lined boots. Uggs rarely ever go on sale, but if you're trying to get the classic look for less, Koolaburra boots need to be on your radar. They're basically wallet-friendly Uggs and would be the ideal replacement for my beloved short Ugg boots from high school. The pair that I had my eye on is temporarily sold out, but luckily, Amazon is overflowing with Koolaburra styles. Check out the Aubrei Mini Boots, Koola Mini II Boots, and Victoria Mini Ankle Boots that are starting at $60. 

Apple AirTag

When it comes to important travel accessories, very few compare to the multitasking and all-around helpful capabilities of Apple AirTags. And luckily, Amazon always treats shoppers to special deals on the travel editor-approved gadget, which can be used to track everything from your checked luggage to your purse and wallet. I've been telling my friends and family to add an Apple AirTag to their gear repertoire for extra peace of mind, and now you can get one for a rare near-20 percent off. 

Yeti Rambler 26-Ounce Straw Cup

Amazon is one of my favorite places to score deals on top brands that hardly ever go on sale like Yeti. Ahead of Cyber Monday, the retailer is hosting a secret flash sale on Yeti tumblers, travel bags, and accessories, and I'll be snagging this 26-ounce Rambler Straw Cup while it's starting at $27; it'll make a great gift for my mom, who is always on the go and never has a sturdy, leak-proof travel tumbler. 

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker

Cyber Monday is my favorite time of the year to save on tech and electronics, especially when I'm gifting them for someone else. My friend is in need of a new portable speaker and always wants to know when there are good deals on Bose products. Right now, the brand's waterproof SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker is up to 20 percent off; it's my favorite speaker that I've tried and its sound quality, easily rechargeable battery, and portability makes it a must-have. 

Ring Video Doorbell

For me, Cyber Monday is when I finally get the splurge-worthy items that have been sitting in my cart all year, and one of those eternal cart products is the Ring Video Doorbell. Normally $100, the high-tech gadget is a doorbell, security camera, and PA system all-in-one and is currently on sale for just $55. Having this stationed outside my apartment door will give me peace of mind when I'm traveling because it sends you real-time alerts to your smartphone through the Ring app. 

Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket

Cyber Week is also a great opportunity to upgrade your outerwear, and Amazon is brimming with deals on reliable parkas, puffers, and down jackets. I have my eye on the Orolay Thickened Down Jacket, which has earned a stamp of approval from Oprah Winfrey in the past and is currently 40 percent off. Its warm and oversized design that features a fleece-lined hood and lots of pockets will be perfect for an upcoming cabin getaway — and I'm excited to snuggle up in this comfy-looking jacket. 

Samsonite Centric 2 Hardside Expandable 3-Piece Luggage Set

If any of your travel bags need replacing, now is definitely the best time to do so as Amazon is offering massive savings on luggage, duffel bags, and more. This Cyber Monday, the retailer has incredible deals on Samsonite pieces, including this three-piece luggage set that's 48 percent off now. I'm thinking about grabbing it for my mom, who has been traveling with the same suitcases for ages and is in need of a major upgrade. This Samsonite trio ensures that she'll have a bag for every occasion, and that they'll be able to fit everything she needs while still being lightweight enough for easy maneuvering. 

Twelve South AirFly Duo

Shopping for frequent travelers can be tough, because odds are that they already have all of the gear they need. I've been stumped on what to get my jet-setting sister until I saw that the Twelve South AirFly Duo just went on sale. She and her boyfriend have several trips lined up in 2024, and this genius gadget will ensure that they can both watch movies together on the plane. The Bluetooth audio transmitter connects up to two wireless headphones so you and a buddy can enjoy the same movie or T.V. show at the same time. 

Charmast Portable Charger

I tell everyone to travel with a portable charger (because you never know when you're going to need extra phone battery fuel). But recently, I've gravitated away from traditional models and now really only opt for ones that come with built-in cords so I don't lose them on the go. This Charmast Portable Charger, which is on sale for $20, can charge up to six devices at once and all of the cords (including the recharging cord for the device itself) are attached so you're never without them. 

Nortiv 8 Women's Lightweight Hiking Shoes

I have a cabin trip coming up and the house is located near several easy-to-moderate trails. Unfortunately, I don't have the proper footwear for these treks, so I'm turning to Amazon's hiking shoe selection for a quality-yet-affordable pair. These Nortiv 8s caught my eye because they offer great traction but have a low-key, sneaker-like profile that makes them versatile enough to wear around the cabin and neighboring town if needed. If you're like me and prone to overpacking, multitasking shoes like these are must-haves to keep your suitcase trim. 

Etekcity Collapsible LED Camping Lantern

With this cabin getaway coming up, I'm realizing that I need more gear than I originally thought — starting with lanterns. I'm a fan of this collapsible and rechargeable LED set from Elekcity, which is on sale for $14 and perfectly bright to keep the cabin's yard lit when the sun sets. They're very compact and easy to carry, too. 

Ektos 100% Wool Outdoor Blanket 

This trip also calls for a proper outdoor blanket. Whenever I've gone camping and such, I'd always bring my favorite throw blanket and would instantly regret it because of how dirty it'd get. Now, I'm thinking ahead (and packing much smarter) and will be buying this wool outdoor blanket that's on sale for $30. It's just the right amount of oversized where you can comfortably snuggle up in it without feeling too weighed down by it, and machine washable. 

Emdmak Door Stop Alarm

There are plenty of personal security devices at Amazon, and many of them are great for travelers — starting with the Emdmak Door Stop Alarm, which is on sale for $12 and adds an extra layer of protection to your hotel room, Airbnb, or vacation rental. These door stops slide under your door and are equipped with a loud siren that will right when the door is opened from the outside. 

PrettyGarden Women's Midi Sweater Dress

Is it just me, or have Amazon's fashion offerings gotten incredibly better this year? I have a few pieces in my cart from shopper-loved brand PrettyGarden, and I'm definitely using Cyber Monday as an excuse to stock up on holiday dresses like this Midi Sweater Dress. It's on sale for $21 and puts a sexy and modern spin on the classic silhouette with its cinched bust, slitted hem, and trendy lantern sleeves. And, it's available in 16 fall- and winter-friendly colors that I can wear long after the holidays are over. 

Zesica Women's Collar Pullover Sweater

I've had my eye on a few cashmere sweaters, but unfortunately for my bank account, they're much too expensive. Luckily, I came across this Zesica Collared Sweater, which looks like ones that are triple its price tag — and it's $41 now with the on-site coupon. It would make the perfect cozy top for a long flight or travel day, as well as for any nice-but-casual outings on a trip itinerary. And, when you're not traveling, it can definitely be worn around town, while you're running errands, and to work. 

Cincha Luggage Strap 

I try to travel with the most functionally designed bags possible, but sometimes, I find myself reaching for my old-school bags that don't have any bells and whistles. If you're like me and wish that your go-to purse or backpack had a pass-through sleeve to attach to your luggage handle, then you need this Cincha Luggage Strap. It securely fastens your bag to your suitcase so you can navigate the airport hands-free, and it can even be used to hold things like your jacket and hat when you don't feel like carrying them. 

HexClad 12-Inch Hybrid Nonstick Wok

A word to the wise: Never underestimate Amazon's home and kitchen offerings. On any given day, these categories are stocked with amazing deals on cookware, useful gadgets, and more,  but this week, the retailer is pulling out all of the stops ahead of Cyber Monday and you can save up to nearly 40 percent off on top brands. This HexClad Wok has been on my sister's wish list for past birthdays and holidays, so I'll make sure this is the year she actually gets it — especially while it's 20 percent off. 

Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Printer Bundle

If you're stumped on what to get the trendy traveler on your list, let me introduce you to the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Printer. Currently on sale for Black Friday, the genius device allows you to print photos from your smartphone into Polaroid-sized prints. This bundle comes with the smart printer and a pack of Polaroid film so the recipient can get snapping, printing, and displaying their favorite travel pictures ASAP. 

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