Everyone knows the feeling. You walk into a craft store for one specific skein of yarn and walk out $80 later with a basket full of "possibilities." Now, imagine that impulse, but amplified by the chaos of November. Honestly, the michaels black friday ad is basically the Super Bowl for people who own hot glue guns and have a dedicated "gift closet."
If you've been paying attention to how retail has shifted lately, you'll know that Black Friday isn't just a single Friday anymore. It’s more like a month-long marathon of psychological warfare. Last year, Michaels basically threw the traditional calendar out the window, running deals from November 21st all the way through early December. We're talking a full ten-day "Black Friday" event followed immediately by Cyber Week. It’s a lot to keep track of, especially when you're just trying to figure out if it's cheaper to buy the pre-made wreath or make your own (spoiler: usually the pre-made ones go on such deep discount that your DIY pride takes a hit).
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What’s Actually in the Michaels Black Friday Ad?
Most people go straight for the 70% off stickers. It’s a big number. It looks great on a flyer. But if you look closer at the actual ad scans, that "up to 70%" usually applies to very specific categories. In 2025, the heavy hitters were artificial Christmas trees, floral stems, and those massive frames that usually cost a fortune.
If you're hunting for a 7ft pre-lit tree, that's when you strike. They often drop them to prices that make you wonder how they even ship the things for that cheap. But here’s the thing—if you’re looking for a specific high-end Cricut machine or a Glowforge, don’t expect 70% off. You might get a bundle deal or a modest $30–$50 discount, but the "real" savings at Michaels are almost always on their in-house brands like Artist’s Loft, Ashland, and Simply Tidy.
The Doorbusers You Might Have Missed
Doorbusters are kinda the bait that gets you in the door at 7:00 AM. In recent years, Michaels has leaned hard into the "stocking stuffer" doorbusters.
- Creatology Art Sets: Usually around $3 to $5. They’re perfect for that one cousin’s kid you don't know well.
- Gildan T-Shirts: $2.50. Seriously. If you’re a Cricut user, this is when you buy the entire rainbow of shirts.
- Shatterproof Ornaments: Usually $10–$15 for a massive set.
One thing that surprised a lot of people in the 2025 ad was the sheer volume of storage deals. The Simply Tidy rolling carts—you know the ones, the three-tier metal carts every crafter owns—usually drop to their lowest price of the year. Last year they hit around $30, which is a steal considering they're basically the backbone of any organized craft room.
The "Buy Two Get One" Trap (And How to Win)
Michaels loves a "Buy Two, Get One Free" or "Buy One, Get One 50% Off" deal. It sounds great until you realize you only needed one. This is especially true with yarn. With Michaels acquiring Joann’s private label brands like Big Twist (now rebranded under Loops & Threads), the yarn section has grown by about 25%.
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If you see a B2G1 deal on yarn, you’re basically getting 33% off each skein—but only if you buy three. If you see BOGO 50%, that’s 25% off each. Honestly, if you can wait for a flat 40% or 50% off sale, you’re better off. But for the Black Friday ad, they often do "Buy 2 Get 2 Free" on canvases. That is a massive 50% discount and probably the best time to stock up for the entire year if you're a painter.
Why the Ad Leaks Early (and where to find them)
You don't have to wait for the newspaper anymore. Most of the time, the michaels black friday ad leaks online via sites like BlackFriday.com or through the Michaels app about two weeks before the sale starts.
There’s a reason for the early reveal. Michaels knows you’re comparing their tree prices to Hobby Lobby and Joann. By putting the ad out early, they’re hoping you’ll commit to their $79 Aspen Pine before you even see what the competition has.
Pro Tip: Check the "Mini Mik" Rumors
If you want the real inside scoop, look at what employees are saying on platforms like Reddit. Sometimes the "Mini Mik" (the handheld scanners employees use) shows price changes a few days before they go live. It’s not a guarantee, but it’s a good way to see if that "sale" price is actually a new low or just the same rotating discount they run every three weeks.
The Strategy for 2026
Looking ahead, we can expect Michaels to double down on the "maker" economy. They’ve been pushing their "MakerPlace" (their Etsy competitor) hard. Don't be surprised if the 2026 michaels black friday ad includes specific discounts for people who sell their crafts—bulk discounts on shipping supplies, packaging, and raw materials that go beyond just the casual hobbyist.
Also, keep an eye on the Rewards program. In 2025, Michaels Rewards members got early access to the deals and sometimes an extra 5-10% back in rewards "dollars." It’s a bit of a game, but if you’re spending $200 on holiday decor, getting $20 back to spend on January clearance is a nice little win.
Actionable Next Steps for Shoppers
If you're serious about winning at Michaels this holiday season, here is what you actually need to do:
- Download the App Now: The paper ad is dead. The app has the coupons that actually stack.
- Inventory Your Stash: Don't buy more "Sunset" orange yarn if you already have three skeins. Check your drawers before the sale starts.
- Measure Your Space: If you're eyeing a 9ft tree, make sure your ceiling isn't 8ft. People make this mistake every single year.
- Watch the Dates: The "Black Friday" price usually lasts for two weeks, but the doorbusters (like the $2.50 shirts) often sell out in the first four hours of Friday morning.
The reality is that the michaels black friday ad is a tool. If you use it to buy things you were already going to buy, you win. If you use it as an excuse to fill your garage with "project starters" you'll never touch, the store wins. Choose your side wisely.