The Hunt for Anime Black Friday Deals: 2021 Edition

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. In addition to being a reminder to treasure your friends and family, it’s also the time for a deal-a-thon at most stores.

Once again, this is not a typical sales season. Items may have limited stock, and discounts may not be as good as years before. And another major difference is that a couple of stores either aren’t doing a Black Friday ad (as in the kind you get in your local newspaper) or are keeping theirs under wraps. Which is a problem for this list, as I try to keep this roundup limited to ad deals!

One good thing about Black Friday this year is that a lot of the deals are a part of Black Friday week. But unfortunately, that also means by the time this goes live, you may have a hard time scoring some of these specials. Here are some tips:

  • Do keep refreshing occasionally for a restock.
  • Some of the sales listed below may be available elsewhere, like Amazon, or available for slightly more somewhere else. It’s up to you to balance your patience and luck versus your wallet.
  • Places that sell video game consoles will likely have a limited supply of PlayStation 5s, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch OLEDs, so don’t be surprised if there are occasional downtimes for stores as they get slammed with people trying to order one. If you want to try to get one, I suggest keep checking social media for news alerts.
  • Apple products like AirPods are heavily promoted this year, and there is a large selection of streaming devices on sale. So while those aren’t anime-related, deals like that may enhance your anime-watching.

But here’s the list!

Boys’ Character 2-Pc Sleepwear Set – $5 at Walmart

Walmart Boys PJs

For the kiddos in your life, get a pajama set for $5. Pokémon or Mario Kart options are available along with various Western media.

Shipping is free on $35+, with Walmart+, or choose free store pickup if available.

Pokémon Shining Pearl or Brilliant Diamond or Mario Party Superstars – $49.99 after coupon at Meijer

Meijer Gaming Coupon Titles

Head to your local Meijer store to get a $10 coupon when you buy select games including the recent Pokémon games or Mario Party Superstars. The $10 coupon is valid on your next purchase and you can’t use one to get another $10 coupon (i.e. buy Diamond and then use that $10 on Pearl to get another $10 coupon). Alternatively, you can log into your mPerks account and clip the $10 coupon if you’re doing store pickup or having your local store deliver to your house to get the price knocked down directly to $49.99.

Bakugan Battle Pack – $14.99 at Target

Target Bakugan

Get a pack of Bakugan toys for 50% off. This deal is currently unavailable online, so hopefully there will be a restock. Otherwise, check your store anytime this week for this deal.

Shipping is free on $35+ or with Red Card or choose free store pickup if available.

First Party Switch Games – $35 at Walmart

Lots of games are discounted here and everywhere, but as far as software goes, Switch games are in high demand, especially since Nintendo published titles are often resistant to discounts. Nintendo is marking down several hits to $39.99, which is why you see these games in almost every Black Friday ad. Walmart though knocks a few extra dollars off. But be aware — as of this writing, GameStop undercut Walmart and was selling some of these for just $26.99! Also know that these prices won’t start until Friday in-store despite already being marked down online.

Shipping is free on $35+, with Walmart+, or choose free store pickup if available.

Mega Construx Pokémon Jumbo Poké Ball construction set – $17.49 at Target

Target Poke Ball Building Kit

A rather annual deal from Target. This year, instead of building a Pokémon, build the item that captures and holds them. Add this one to your Mega Construx collection for 50% off all week.

Shipping is free on $35+ or with Red Card or choose free store pickup if available.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Trading Card Tin – $9.99 at Target

Target Pokemon Tins

Yet another Target deal! And this time, it’s on one of the year’s hottest items: Pokémon cards. Get select Trading Card Game tins with 4 boosters and more for 50% off. Like the other Target specials, this one is valid all week.

Shipping is free on $35+ or with Red Card or choose free store pickup if available.

PlayStation Store & Xbox Gift Cards – 20% off at Dollar General

Dollar General Gaming Gift Cards

If you need to add digital credit to your account, go to your local Dollar General starting on Thanksgiving. Get $30 in PS Store credit (3x $10) for $24 or pay $20 for $25 Xbox credit.

Are there any other deals you spotted? Is there something specific you’re hoping to see marked down?