A Marine family just got their entire Christmas list for 60% less than retail. Another service member scored $3,000 worth of electronics for under $1,200. These aren’t Black Friday doorbusters – they’re military-only holiday deals that most people don’t even know exist. And the best part? Most start before the civilian holiday rush.
The Early Military Black Friday
Major retailers are giving military members secret early access to their best holiday deals. Target started their military appreciation pricing two weeks before regular Black Friday. One Army family cleaned up: “Got all our kids’ gifts, holiday decorations, and new kitchen stuff for the family dinner. Saved $2,100 by combining military discounts with early access deals.”
The real trick? Register with Target Circle before the holidays. Military members get exclusive offers that stack with holiday sales. An Air Force spouse loaded up on toys: “Everything was already 40% off, then got another 10% military discount, plus Circle offers. Paid less than wholesale prices.”
Best Buy’s Military Holiday Magic
Forget waiting in Black Friday lines. Best Buy gives military members early online access to their holiday deals, plus their 10% military discount still applies. One Navy family got their entire tech wishlist: “Three laptops, gaming console, TV, and smart home stuff. Regular Black Friday prices minus another 10% – saved over $2,400.”
Pro tip: Their military discount works on Apple products too, even during holiday sales. Stack this with their military financing offers, and you’re looking at interest-free payments on already-discounted gear.
Amazon Prime’s Military Secret
Amazon Prime’s military discount (just $6.99 monthly) unlocks exclusive holiday deals weeks before regular Prime members see them. A Coast Guard family scored big: “Got our kids’ entire Christmas list during military-only Prime deals. The same stuff was 30% more expensive during regular Prime Day.”
The hidden perk? Military Prime members get the first crack at lightning deals during Black Friday week. Plus, their military store often has stock when regular Amazon sells out of hot items.
Department Store Double Dips
Macy’s takes their regular 10% military discount and doubles it during holiday events. Show your ID at the register – they’ll often add unpublished military specials. One Marine mom outfitted her whole family: “Got holiday outfits, winter coats, and home stuff. Saved $970 by shopping for their military appreciation days.”
Kohl’s stacks their military discount with Kohl’s Cash and holiday coupons. Smart military shoppers time their purchases to maximize returns. An Army family turned their $ 500-holiday budget into $1,200 worth of gifts: “Used military discounts on sale items, earned Kohl’s Cash, came back and did it again.”
Toy Store Tactics
The Exchange often beats civilian toy store prices but during holidays? It’s not even close. Their Price Match Plus program adds a discount on top of matched prices. A Navy dad saved huge on gaming systems: “Got two PlayStation 5 bundles for less than what one cost at regular stores.”
GameStop’s military discount stacks with their holiday trade-in bonuses. One Air Force family traded old games and systems toward new ones: “Got $400 extra in trade credit with military ID, then saved another 10% on the new stuff.”
Home Goods Holiday Hustle
Bed Bath & Beyond takes their military discount up to 25% during holiday events. Stack this with their famous coupons (yes, they still work), and you’re looking at serious savings. An Army couple furnished their whole house: “Got holiday decorations, new bedding, kitchen stuff – saved $1,800 combined.”
Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn don’t advertise their military program much, but it’s worth asking about. During holidays, military families get 15% off plus early access to sales. One Marine family redid their dining room for holiday hosting: “Everything from the table to the place settings was already on sale, then discounted again.”
Clothing and Fashion Finds
Nike’s military discount hits differently during the holiday season. Their 20% off stacks with outlet prices and holiday markdowns. Coast Guard family decked everyone out: “Winter gear, shoes, sports stuff for the kids. Saved over $600 just on Nike products.”
Under Armour doubles down during military appreciation events near the holidays. One Army family saved big on cold weather gear: “Got winter training gear for everyone. Prices were better than their outlet stores.”
Electronics Extra Early
Samsung’s military program is already good (30% off) but during holidays? It’s insane. Military members get early access to Black Friday pricing plus their regular discount. An Air Force family upgraded everything: “Two phones, a tablet, and a TV. Saved $2,800 total by combining deals.”
Dell kicks their military discount up during holiday sales. Stack it with their doorbusters for maximum savings. One Marine got holiday laptops for the whole family: “Three computers for less than the regular price of one. Saved over $2,100.”
Outdoor Gear Opportunities
REI might skip Black Friday, but their military discount works all holiday season. Smart shoppers combine it with member sales and dividends. A Navy family geared up for winter: “Ski equipment for four people. Saved almost $2,000 compared to resort rental prices for the season.”
Bass Pro Shops adds extra military perks during holidays. Their 5% military discount stacks with holiday sales, and they often throw in bonus gift cards. One Army family got their camping wishlist filled: “Tent, sleeping bags, fishing gear – everything was already marked down for holidays.”
Travel Deals You Can’t-Miss
Airlines often drop military-only holiday fares. Delta and United usually lead the pack with special rates for holiday travel. One Air Force family saved $1,200 on holiday flights: “Called their military desk directly – got rates way better than anything online.”
Hotels step up too. Marriott and Hilton both boost their military discounts during the holiday seasons. A Marine family booked their whole holiday trip through Hilton: “Room upgrades, free breakfast, and holiday rates minus military discount. Saved over $800 on a week’s stay.”
Your Holidays Should Cost Less
These military discounts make holiday shopping affordable. Smart timing and stacking discounts can stretch your holiday budget way further than you’d think. Your service earned these benefits – use them to create amazing holidays without the financial stress. Share these deals with your military community; everyone deserves to save during the season.