Black Friday 2025 proved to be a major shopping event for UK consumers, with readers of the Guardian's Filter newsletter eagerly snapping up discounted products that had been highly recommended. While the sales frenzy is often criticised as a commercial import, many shoppers reported significant savings on items they had been waiting to purchase.
The Top-Ticket Items Shoppers Waited For
Readers demonstrated a clear strategy of holding out for price drops on more expensive goods. Among the most popular big-ticket items was the Habitat 6ft mixed tip Christmas tree, available for £84 with a code at Argos. This artificial tree, praised for its lifelike appearance and ease of assembly, saw a surge in purchases as December approached.
Another major hit was the Otty Original Hybrid double mattress Not all favourites carried a high price tag. The card game Uno Show 'Em No Mercy sold more units than any other toy or game mentioned, proving a hit at under £6. Food columnist Yotam Ottolenghi had recommended its "dastardly" new rules as a perfect Christmas gift. Giftable tech also performed well. The Fuji Instax Mini 12 instant camera, identified by teenagers as a dream present in a dedicated gift guide, fell to £69 at John Lewis. Its analogue appeal and pastel colours resonated with buyers seeking a nostalgic yet trendy gift. In the beauty category, the Charlotte Tilbury cryo-recovery eye serum attracted attention with its Black Friday discount, dropping to £35.25. Touted for its ability to reduce puffiness, it was seen as a timely purchase for the upcoming party season. Practical home and kitchen gadgets saw strong sales. The Zeroll 1020 ice-cream scoop, which uses heat-conducting fluid to slice through frozen ice cream, became the best-selling kitchen gadget in the sale despite a modest discount. Its promise of mess-free serving proved irresistible. For commuters, the stylish KeepCup Commuter mug offered a 30% discount direct from KeepCup's UK store, undercutting Amazon at £23.80. Its leak-proof design and ability to maintain temperature were key selling points. Fashion-conscious shoppers rushed to buy the Oswin Hyde Joseph handcrafted umbrella after its price dropped from £75 to £49 at Debenhams. Previously crowned the "best looking" brolly in a rigorous test, it was praised for its craftsmanship and capacity for two. For grooming, the Philips Series 9000 Prestige beard trimmer saw a dramatic price cut at John Lewis, falling by almost £40 to £89.99. Its simplicity and effectiveness had already convinced some to buy at full price, making the discount a pleasant surprise for others. The addictive card game Flip 7, a variant of blackjack, was described as "seriously addictive" and sold quickly at around £9. It was suggested as a potential palate-cleanser after the more ruthless rounds of Uno. Finally, the Guinness Nitrosurge device, which promises a perfect pub-style pour at home, saw a solid discount to £19.99 at Amazon. Its ultrasonic technology and potential as a festive conversation starter made it a popular gift idea. The newsletter also highlighted a popular guide to gifts for teenagers, curated by teenagers themselves, which noted a strong desire for joggers. Furthermore, with winter setting in, a round-up of essential cold-water swimming gear from expert Ella Foote provided timely advice for outdoor swimmers battling the chill. An editor's pick also brought attention to Clean Sheet, a new toilet roll subscription service that donates 100% of its profits to causes tackling the climate crisis, workers' rights, and housing campaigns. The product itself was tested and praised for its texture and durability. The Black Friday 2025 sales period clearly illustrated a savvy UK consumer base, willing to wait for discounts on desired items, whether for personal use, home improvement, or as gifts for the festive season ahead.Affordable Finds and Gift-Friendly Products
Home, Kitchen, and Lifestyle Bargains
Entertainment and Indulgence
What Else Caught Readers' Eyes
