5 Black Friday Deals to Avoid, and What to Grab Instead

Unlike Amazon Prime Day, sales events like Black Friday are unique because they span many online retailers. You’re only limited by your preferences! After speaking to so many experts in 2025, like cardiologists, podiatrists and dietitians, I made a vow to only pick up things that support my version of a healthy lifestyle. This means I need to make some changes, like letting go of a lot of plastic kitchen gear in favor of glass and replacing my worn-out running shoes with a supportive pair.

Expert-approved, worthwhile upgrades don’t stop there. Many of us, medical professionals included, are done with plastic containers, uncomfortable shoes, plastic cutting boards, toxic pans and poor-quality activewear, and we’re replacing them with smart, healthier alternatives. I recommend using Black Friday 2025 as your opportunity to make these replacements for less.

Don’t Buy: Plastic Containers

Buy: Glass Containers

Studies have shown that plastic containers leach microplastics even when they’re just sitting in your pantry. It only takes half a year or so for the material to begin shedding. Depending on the plastic, the containers could also potentially include BPA, or bisphenol A, which is a known hormone disruptor. And, heating the plastic containers is a whole additional risk, according to experts. Cardiologists recommend swapping them for glass food storage containers instead. 

We’ve tested a range of options in our lab and at home, and below are some favorites, including an editor-loved Rubbermaid glass set and glass jars from Ball and Bormioli Rocco. 

• Anyday 4-Piece Glass Cookware and Storage Set, $56 (was $70) at williams-sonoma.com 
• Vtopmart 8-Piece Glass Food Storage Set, $23 (was $33) at amazon.com 
• Pyrex Colors 12-Piece Mixed-Sized Glass Food Storage Set, $36 (was $38) at amazon.com
• Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Round Leakproof 6-Piece Food Storage Container Set, $35 (was $46) at amazon.com
• Ball 8-Pack Wide Mouth Glass Mason Jars with Lids, $35 (was $40) at amazon.com
• Bormioli Rocco 2-Piece Fido Glass Jar Set, $22 (was $33) at amazon.com

Don’t Buy: Shoes Without Arch Support

Buy: Supportive Sneakers

The No. 1 feature podiatrists want you to consider when buying a pair of walking shoes is their arch support. Proper aid in this area of your foot promotes balance and healthy recovery, supporting your body “from the ground up,” according to Janine Ferrigno-Taddeo, DPM, podiatrist and vice president of Millburn Podiatry Group, PC. 

Beyond arch support, the best features can vary depending on your preference. I love cushioned sneakers, so the Brooks Ghost Max 2 is a great choice for me. Others who prefer something more balanced might want the Brooks Ghost 16 or the Hoka Mach 6. 

Don’t Buy: Plastic Cutting Boards

Buy: Wooden Cutting Boards

It makes sense that plastic cutting boards would be another source of microplastics—you’re literally slicing into them with your precious chef’s knife. Food scientists and dietitians have warned against using them for this reason. 

I am a big fan of wooden cutting boards. I recommend the Kikcoin bamboo set for a more inexpensive pick that’s sturdy, durable and nice-looking, even after a few months of daily use. The Caraway butcher block set is a new addition that I’m currently testing, and so far, I’m loving the thickness and quality. You can never go wrong with John Boos, either—this is a tried-and-true brand that professionals use. 

• Caraway Prep & Serve Butcher Block Set, $277 (was $415) at carawayhome.com 
• Kikcoin Extra Large Bamboo Cutting Board Set, $53 (was $100) at amazon.com
• John Boos R-Board Series Rectangular Wooden Cherry Cutting Board, $155 (was $212) at amazon.com
• Allsum Bamboo Cutting Board, $13 (was $20) at amazon.com
• Caraway Birch Wood Cutting Board Set, $192 (was $310) at carawayhome.com

Don’t Buy: Uncomfortable or Poor-Quality Activewear

Buy: Long-Lasting, Comfortable Gear

The older I get, the more I notice just how much I despise uncomfortable workout gear. I’m already pushing myself at the gym, so why do I need to push through the discomfort of unbearably tight leggings and a suffocating shirt? I don’t! 

Once I found the buttery soft lines from Athleta and Aritzia (see products below), I knew I was home free. The same goes for socks; I am a big fan of Bombas, while writer Liv Dansky couldn’t go without her pairs from Feetures. Lululemon is a favorite among many of us on the EatingWell team, too. We’ve gathered some of the best on-sale favorites you can find.  

• Lululemon Align High-Rise Pant, 25-Inch, $49 (was $98) at lululemon.com 
• Bombas Performance Compression Ankle Socks, $19 with code BLACKFRIDAY25 (was $25) at bombas.com 
• Lululemon Swiftly Tech Long-Sleeve Shirt 2.0, $54 (was $78) at lululemon.com
• Feetures Elite Max Cushion No Show Tab Ankle Socks, $16 (was $19) at amazon.com 
• Athleta Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Legging, from $45 (was $89) at athleta.gap.com 
• Lululemon Energy Longline Bra Medium Support, B-D Cups, $39 (was $58) at lululemon.com 
• Aritzia Golden New Butter Limit Zip-Up, $63 (was $78) at aritzia.com
• Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, $59 (was $98) at lululemon.com
• Lululemon Scuba Oversized Half-Zip Hoodie Long, $84 (was $128) at lululemon.com

Don’t Buy: Nonstick Pans with PFAS and Teflon

Buy: Cast-Iron or Stainless Steel

Nonstick pans are a complex topic. There are thousands of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, that can find their way into these coatings, which aren’t closely regulated. Teflon, a type of PFAS, is also a form of plastic, another cause for avoidance. I have decided to move forward with standard cast-iron, enameled cast-iron and stainless steel in my kitchen to avoid any strong concerns. Experts, like cardiologists, scientists and dietitians, feel similarly based on past insights from this year. 

I don’t think you can go wrong with Le Creuset’s enameled cast-iron cookware. These pieces are built to last, with two of the brand’s Dutch ovens remaining in my family for 20 years each. (We still use them to this day!) In terms of stainless steel, All-Clad and Made In are two brands that are constantly regarded in the industry for their quality. I’ll be picking up some of these brands’ pieces today. You can also check out our favorite simple Lodge cast-iron skillet. It’ll last for generations if you care for it properly. 

• Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel Cookware Set, 7-Piece, $100 with coupon (was $150) at amazon.com
• Our Place Titanium Large Always Pan Pro, $158 with coupon (was $215) at amazon.com
• Caraway Deluxe Ceramic Nonstick Cookware Set, $499 (was $670) at amazon.com
• Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven, $363 (was $435) at amazon.com
• All-Clad D3 Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Traditional Covered Fry Pan $120 (was $150) at amazon.com
• Made In Stainless Clad Frying Pan Set, $270 (was $387) at madeincookware.com 
• Lodge Cast-Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder, 10.25-Inch, $25 (was $30) at amazon.com
• GreenPan Valencia Pro Ceramic Nonstick Skillet Trio, $100 (was $160) at amazon.com

You can find even more hot deals over at some of our favorite retailers like Lululemon, Williams Sonoma, Hoka, Amazon and more.