The Best Black Friday Finds According to Our Dietitians

Black Friday, followed by Cyber Monday, is often the time when we’re tempted by countless deals. But for registered dietitians and nutritionists, it’s also a time to shop smart — choosing items that make cooking easier, encourage movement, or support overall well-being.

It’s the perfect moment to invest in quality and sometimes to check a few meaningful Christmas gifts off your list. Giving something that helps someone eat better, move more, or recharge is a gift that keeps its value long after the holidays.

Here’s what our dietitians like to look for during sales — without falling into overconsumption — but with the practical eye of those who know what truly makes a difference day to day.

1. Kitchen Tools That Make Cooking Enjoyable

Cooking at home shouldn’t be a hassle. The right tools can transform the experience, make meals simpler, and bring back the joy of getting in the kitchen.

Large-Capacity Air Fryer

When chosen wisely, it becomes a must-have for quick, crispy, and less greasy meals — one of the few appliances that truly delivers on its promises. Need inspiration for daily use? Check out our healthy air fryer recipes.

Food Processor or Cooking Blender

A huge time-saver for weekday meals. These appliances make it easy to prepare sauces, soups, spreads, or homemade desserts in no time.

Sous-Vide Cooker

For those who love precision and perfect texture, this tool brings professional-level cooking home. It ensures even, accurate cooking and helps preserve texture while avoiding overcooking.

PFAS-Free Pots and Pans

Dietitians are increasingly mindful not just of what’s on the plate, but also of what it’s cooked in. Stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic are top choices for their durability and safety.

High-Quality Chef’s Knife

A good knife changes everything — it cuts effortlessly, reduces stress, and lasts for years. It’s often one of the first real “investments” of dietitians who love to cook.

Vacuum Sealer

A often-overlooked but incredibly useful tool. It helps preserve garden harvests, freeze homemade meals, or store bulk deals like meat. A great way to save money and reduce food waste.

Zero-Waste Kitchen Products

Beeswax wraps, reusable bags, washable coffee filters — small, responsible purchases that are affordable and perfect for gift-giving during the holidays.

2. Accessories to Move and Recover

Dietitians often remind us: moving is just as important as eating well. Black Friday is the perfect time to invest wisely in your physical and mental health.

Resistance Bands and Free Weights

Ideal for a simple, at-home workout. They make it easy to add movement to your routine, no matter your fitness level.

Massage Rollers and Recovery Guns

Whether you’re a casual exerciser or a regular athlete, these tools help relieve tension and encourage consistency.

Yoga or Meditation Mat

A simple item that creates a space just for you — to stretch, breathe, meditate, or simply unwind.

Smartwatch

It’s not just for counting steps — when used well, it helps you understand your sleep, rhythm, and energy levels. Combined with our KoalaPro app, it can even share certain health data directly with your dietitian for more personalized and motivating follow-ups.

Local and Sustainable Activewear

Some Canadian brands stand out with ethically made clothing crafted from recycled materials. Can be a bit pricier upfront, but perfectly aligned with values of sustainability, comfort, and environmental respect.

Walking Pad or Compact Elliptical

Perfect for staying active on stormy days or during long hours of remote work. These compact machines fit easily under a desk or in the living room, helping you move more without effort. A simple way to add activity to your day — no gym required.

Sports and Activity Equipment

Whether it’s to try a new sport or upgrade your gear, discounts can make expensive items like pickleball paddles, spikeball nets, cross-country skis, or skates more accessible. A great time to invest in activities that make movement enjoyable.

3. Outdoor and Adventure Essentials

The outdoors is many dietitians’ favourite playground — a place to recharge, move, and find true balance.

Running Shoes or Hiking Boots

Two key investments that transform the way you move. A quality, well-fitted pair is a long-term purchase you’ll never regret.

Hiking Backpack or Child Carrier

A good backpack is the perfect adventure companion — whether you’re carrying gear or a little one. Ergonomic, well-designed models make every outing more enjoyable.

High-Quality Technical Clothing

Breathable, waterproof clothing makes all the difference between “staying warm” and “coming home cold and soaked.” Fabrics like merino wool, naturally insulating and odour-resistant, offer long-lasting comfort both outdoors and in everyday life. Pricier, but made to last.

Trekking Poles

Often overlooked, trekking poles improve stability, reduce fatigue, and promote better posture during hikes. A lightweight, durable piece of gear ideal for mountain trails or long daily walks.

Dehydrated Meals and Ingredients

Dietitians who love canoe camping or long hikes know that eating well outdoors takes planning. High-quality dehydrated meals make it easy to combine nutrition and practicality.

4. Purchases That Bring the Family Together Around Meals

Eating together is a habit learned early. When kids take part, they develop positive, long-lasting food habits.

Adjustable Learning Tower

A must-have for families: this stable, elevated platform lets children safely reach counter height. Adjustable by age, it encourages independence and the joy of helping prepare meals.

Age-Appropriate Knives

These small, safe knives — often with rounded tips and ergonomic handles — let kids cut, mix, and explore foods confidently. Inspired by the Montessori approach, they build independence and make cooking fun.

Cookbooks and Educational Games

Some books feature simple recipes kids can make themselves, like snacks or colourful meals to assemble. Others explore foods through sensory games or discovery cards — fun tools that spark curiosity and encourage healthy habits from a young age.

5. Local and Gourmet Discoveries to Savour

Giving (or treating yourself to) something delicious is also an investment in the joy of eating — and that’s something dietitians truly value!

Homemade Cooking Kits

Cookie, granola, cake, or even full-meal kits like paella — these sets save time while introducing new flavours. Ideal for cooking at home without the measuring or planning, they strike a perfect balance between convenience and pleasure.

Artisanal Spices, Oils, and Vinegars

Good ingredients inspire creativity. Whether it’s a new spice blend or a local product like camelina oil or pear cider vinegar, these finds can turn a simple dish into a culinary discovery. Perfect for bringing back the joy of cooking — even on busy weeknights.

Local Spreads and Herbal Infusions

Comforting products like nut or fruit spreads and herbal or fruit infusions, often from small local producers. Perfect to gift — or enjoy during a peaceful break.

Subscription to a Food Magazine or Discovery Box

For those who love to explore without the hassle, a subscription to a cooking magazine or a local product discovery box is a wonderful way to feed curiosity. It’s a gift that lasts and inspires new meal ideas month after month.

Shopping With Intention: A Gift to Yourself

Black Friday and Cyber Monday don’t have to mean overconsumption. For dietitians, it’s more about reflecting on what truly adds value — more comfort, more joy, more alignment with your values.

Choosing mindfully is also a way of taking care of yourself. Whether it’s to simplify cooking, move a little more, or share good meals with family, the best purchases are the ones that last and make you feel good.

And sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself is kind, professional support to better understand your needs and find balance in your everyday life!

Book an appointment with a registered dietitian nutritionist