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LEGO sets, Barbies, Squishmallows, and more toys are already on sale ahead of Black Friday

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Pile of LEGOs with kids in background

UPDATE: Nov. 3, 2022, 4:15 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with the latest toys on sale ahead of Black Friday.

Though toys may be the most classic holiday gift out there, they're simultaneously one of the most overwhelming gifts to shop for. Stock of the season's most popular toys proves to be volatile with or without supply chain issues like we saw in 2021 — add to that the fact that kids generally make it very clear when they don't like a gift, and toys easily claim a spot as a make-or-break list item.

How to shop toy deals this year

As irksome as unabashedly early holiday commercials may be, anyone gifting to a kid can't deny the convenience of having ample time to hunt down what they've been asking for. Retailers are kicking off their Black Friday events earlier than ever in 2022, offering some cushion around any shipping delays or "sold out" notices that could prevent toys from arriving on time.

Here's what you can snag on sale already:

Note: Any items that have been fully crossed out were sold out or back up to full price at the time of writing, but could come back in stock at some point.

Amazon toy deals

Why we like it

You can't deny it: Squishmallows are adorable. These tiny two-inch-tall ones are doubly precious and the perfect size for a Squishville house or other playset. The pack of 12 all-star characters could work as one big gift or split up into stocking stuffers for multiple kiddos.

More toy deals at Amazon:

Walmart toy deals

Why we like it

Disney's Descendants saga is like the modern day High School Musical in terms of how kids love it (complete with Kenny Ortega as the director). Get them pumped for the fourth movie (speculated to be released in 2023) with this pack of dolls inspired by the first book. At more than 50% off, you're technically getting each of the four dolls for $5 a pop.

More toy deals at Walmart:

Target toy deals

Why we like it:

Being a member of Target Circle, Target's free loyalty program, unlocks a 25% discount on any toy or kids' book of your choosing. The eligible selection here is massive: Choose from classic toy brands like Barbie, Star Wars, Paw Patrol, Play-Doh, CoComelon, and so many more, or opt for school or craft supplies like glue and chalk. As for books, grab a classic read like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom or try a fun workbook.

More toy deals at Target:

Best Buy toy deals

Why we like it

Lightsaber replicas — the legit ones like those by Force FX, at least — aren't cheap. So if a sequel trilogy stan you know (a kid or an adult) is looking to add to their collection, snag Rey's at Best Buy for cheaper than we've seen it elsewhere. The Black Series upscale toy line brings fancy effects like touch-sensing LED light, a realistic blade hum, and accurate metal hilt.

More toy deals at Best Buy:

Macy's toy deals

Why we like it

Learning? On a break from school? It'll just feel like playtime with a set from Discovery Kids. Whether it's science or art that gets them excited, you'll be able to find something they'll be psyched about — from telescopes and globes, to terrariums, to chemistry kits, to illuminated tracing tablets and art projectors.

More toy deals at Macy's:

Navigating each store's early Black Friday deals

Amazon: The online behemoth added its early Black Friday deals tab in late October — though that wasn't even its first epic holiday savings event of the fall. Getting right back into things after the Prime Early Access Sales Event, Amazon has been rolling out a ton of early deals (some time sensitive, some not) and countless toy categories are participating. Check back for new toy deal drops over the coming weeks.

Walmart: The big box store is once again resurrecting its Deal for Days event, which still consists of new deal drops every Monday throughout November until Black Friday. But Walmart's going even harder in 2022 with a precursor to its precursor: since late October, the store has been releasing a number of other deals at confirmed Black Friday pricing. Check back for new toy deal drops over the coming weeks.

Target: Target beat every other major retailer to the punch this year, holding its Target Deal Days event on Oct. 6 to 8 and following it up with an ongoing official Black Friday event starting Oct. 10. (Both of these events kicked off before Amazon's Early Access Sale, which was ridiculously early to begin with.) Check back for new toy deal drops over the coming weeks.

Best Buy: After a quick sneak peak on the official dates of Amazon's second Prime Day, the tech giant unveiled its Black Friday sales tab on Oct. 24, promising to drop new deals "almost every week" leading up to actual Black Friday. Check back for new toy deal drops over the coming weeks.

Macy's: The cornerstone of malls everywhere, Macy's is late to the game compared to the aforementioned retailers — and yet also still super early. Though its holiday discounts won't be officially titled holiday discounts until Nov. 7, deals in a ton of categories (including toys) can already be found.

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