VESCORP's Black Friday Gift Guide
An edit inspired by our events, and what the VESCORP community actually buys.
Did you know that Black Friday wasn’t designed to be a shopping-forward frenzy? It actually began in the 1950s when Philadelphia police used the term to describe downtown chaos the day after Thanksgiving. With people pouring into the city for early holiday shopping, plus the Army-Navy football game that same weekend, chaos ensued, causing traffic jams and packed stores.
At first, retailers hated it, not realizing the unsung potential in branding Black Friday. Come the ‘80s, stores reframed Black Friday as the day their books went “from red to black,” meaning losses turned to profits. And that stuck.
The modern version: doorbusters, lines at 5 AM, and the whole culture of urgency exploded in the 2000s and evolved again in the 2010s as online shopping took over.
Side Note: As someone who designs IRL events in consideration of consumer flow… it’s the experiential, campy, and cultural element of Black Friday that really piques my curiosity.
Post-COVID, we’ve seen a shift again. Black Friday deals start a week or more in advance, stay live through Cyber Monday, and you don’t have to go Tonya Harding on your fellow shoppers to get the new 75-inch smart TV. Now, it’s less about chaotic crowds and more about curated lists, influencer codes, and finding the things that actually feel worth buying.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
Gifted at VESCORP Events
VESCORP community-approved. These are the items that made it onto tables, into gift bags, or into conversations at our events this year — the things people asked about, photographed, or immediately DM’d me for links.
Hypervolt 2 by Hyperice [22% off]
Costa Brazil Bath Salt & Candle Kit [30% off]
AWAY Carry-Ons [25% off]
U Beauty Duo — Resurfacing & Hydration [20% off]
Microdose THC + Kanna “Melts” from Mary & Jane [15%-25% buy more, save more]
Founder-Led Brands I Actually Use
These are brands built by founders I admire — friends, collaborators, and women shaping beauty, wellness, home, and lifestyle in New York and beyond. Everything here is a repeated, real personal recommendation.
Barefaced Skincare Discovery Kit [25% off]
Lazy Jamie Cheese Knife Set [18% off]
COZYLAND Softest PJs [30% off with code COZYBF2025]
The Modern Homemaker Host Edit
Practicality = thoughtfulness. A chic collection of home and hosting pieces that actually get used. The stylish, utilitarian things that make a space feel intentional and a dinner feel easy.
Ceramic Baguette & Olive Tray [20% off]
Kyoto Flowers Incense Set with 12 Floral Scents with Disc Ceramic Holder [Save 15% with code: THANKS]
Christophe Robin Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt & Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear Oil - because the hosts need the most self-care! [25% + an extra 10% with code: VESPERCR20]
“Bon Appetit” Linen Hand Towels [20% off]
My Top ShopMy Hits
The people’s picks! These are the items the VESCORP community has clicked, saved, and purchased the most. The algorithm-proof favorites that consistently overperform.
Crown Maple Syrup (Unclear why this is my second most clicked link ever, but I’m here for it! Great for the baker or chef in your family!)
Weighted Blanket by Bearaby [15% off]
Agent Nateur Calm (Beauty) Supplement [25% off]
Happy gifting & Happy Thanksgiving 🤍