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Big retailers aren’t the only place you need to keep an eye on for Black Friday deals. Drugstores really shine during the holiday season—especially CVS. Now, you won’t score big ticket items like a TV or Apple products at CVS, but it’s a great place to get gift wrap, candy, and personal care products.
Before we get into the nitty gritty of all the best CVS Black Friday shopping tips, keep these points in mind:
- Join CVS’s ExtraCare loyalty program before Black Friday
- Visit the CVS red coupon kiosk with your ExtraCare card before shopping
- Use CVS coupons, manufacturer coupons, and ExtraBucks to get freebies
To be the first to know of all the deals, download the KCL app or bookmark KCL’s CVS deals page.
1. The Black Friday CVS ad drops the first week of November.
In the past three years, the CVS Black Friday ad dropped in the first week of November. I’m expecting it to be the same this year. The earliest it’s ever released was Nov. 2 in 2020, so fingers crossed we get it super early again!
2. Shop CVS Black Friday deals in stores on Thanksgiving Day.
CVS is open on Thanksgiving Day. Check your local CVS for store hours on Thanksgiving.
CVS is one of the few stores during Black Friday that has predominantly in-store-only deals. So, show up early and be prepared to stand in line. In fact, I recommend splitting up your transactions and getting back in line each time to avoid holding up others.
3. Look for more deals on CVS.com this Black Friday 2021.
In 2020, there weren’t many deals you could get online, but in 2021, CVS has really ramped up its online deals. I predict that the 2021 Black Friday ad will give us more online deals than ever before.
Also, keep in mind that shipping is free after you’ve reached the $35 spend threshold.
4. Get free personal care items at CVS during Black Friday.
CVS Black Friday deals are the perfect time to stock up the medicine cabinet on medicine, toothpaste, wipes, and so much more. Many of these products are easy freebies, too—just purchase the product and get the same amount back in ExtraBucks.
Be prepared with manufacturer coupons, too. You can use Colgate manufacturer coupons along with whatever Black Friday deal you see on Colgate for even deeper savings. Plan ahead and print internet coupons, clip coupons from inserts, and load your digital coupons on your CVS app.
Check out these freebies I scored in 2020:
Buy 1, receive $1.19 ExtraBucks through Nov. 28, limit 1
Pay $1.19, receive $1.19 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free
Buy 1, receive $0.99 ExtraBucks through Nov. 28, limit 1
Pay $0.99, receive $0.99 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free
Use one $0.50/1 – Colgate Toothpaste, CVS L2C Manufacturer Coupon (cvs.com)
And use one $2.99/1 – Colgate Toothpaste, CVS Store Coupon from the CVS App or CVS Coupon Center
Final Price: Free
Buy 1, receive $4.49 ExtraBucks Nov. 26-28, limit 1
Pay $4.49, receive $4.49 ExtraBucks
Final Price: Free
5. Best things to buy at CVS during Black Friday: candy, stocking stuffers, and gift wrap.
During Black Friday 2020, CVS had gift wrap, bows, and other wrapping accessories on sale for Buy 2 Get 3 Free. Candy, toys, and other stocking stuffers were Buy 1 Get 1 Free. Since these items don’t have coupons for them, you can use your earned ExtraBucks cash on them to make your out-of-pocket even less.
6. Buy gift cards at CVS during Black Friday and get ExtraBucks.
Need easy gifts or stocking stuffers? CVS loves to offer gift card deals such as “Spend $75, receive $25 ExtraBucks.” I like to load up on gift cards for restaurants to use as gifts for the family and then get a few for us to munch on later.
In 2020, CVS offered $25 ExtraBucks when you bought $75 in Applebee’s Gift Cards:
Spend $75, receive $25ExtraBucks through 11/30, limit 1
Pay $75, receive $25 ExtraBucks
Final Price: $16.67 each, when you buy 3
7. Avoid buying electronics at CVS.
Drugstores often have Black Friday deals on headphones, but they are off-brands and not great quality for the price.
In 2020, CVS had iHip Wireless earbuds for $19.99. While this is a decent price for a stocking stuffer, Walmart was offering JLab wireless earbuds for $20, and Kohl’s had Sharper Image wireless earbuds for $19.99.
8. Skip on small appliances too.
Just like with electronics, you can get better deals and quality at other non-drugstore retailers on small appliances. Stores like Walmart or Macy’s offer name-brand small appliances at the same (if not better) prices than the generic ones at CVS.
In 2020, Macy’s had a Bella 4-slice toaster for $7.99 during Black Friday. Whereas, CVS has a Toastmaster 2-slice toaster for $17.79.
9. CVS will take returns up to 60 days.
Don’t stress about returns…the CVS Return policy doesn’t change during the holidays. CVS accepts returns of most non-prescription, new, and unopened items within 60 days of purchase or delivery.
