Every year I tell myself I’m going to keep holiday shopping simple, and every year I end up chasing down deals that feel too good to pass up. This season, Bose is making that chase a little easier with a lineup of limited-edition color drops and bundle specials that are not only giftable but also lifestyle upgrades in disguise.
Sandstone Returns for Black Friday
Let’s start with the comeback story. Sandstone, one of Bose’s most popular finishes, is back for a limited run after Thanksgiving. You’ll find it on two of their bestsellers: the Ultra Open Earbuds ($199) and the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (1st Gen; $299).
I’ve worn the Ultra Open Earbuds while jogging around my neighborhood, and the beauty of them is how they balance sound with awareness. I can still hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional car passing by, but my playlist doesn’t lose its punch. The Sandstone finish adds a subtle sophistication that makes them look less like workout gear and more like everyday accessories.
As for the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, I once used them on a cross-country flight where the guy next to me was determined to narrate his life story at full volume. With noise cancellation on, I was blissfully transported into my own world. Sandstone makes them feel less like tech and more like a piece of design you’d actually want to show off.
The Ultimate Stocking Stuffer
Cyber Monday brings a splash of color with the SoundLink Micro Portable Speaker (2nd Gen), now available in Twilight Blue and Petal Pink. Here’s the kicker: on December 1 and 2, you can snag two for $199.
I keep one of these clipped to my backpack for impromptu park hangs. It’s small enough to forget it’s there until you need it, and then suddenly you’re the person who brought the soundtrack to the picnic. The new colors make them feel more personal, like you’re gifting not just a speaker but a mood. Petal Pink for the friend who loves a pop of brightness, Twilight Blue for the one who insists everything must match their denim jacket.
Weekend Bundles Worth Considering
If you’re shopping the weekend after Thanksgiving, Bose has a bundle that’s hard to ignore. On Saturday and Sunday, you can pick up the Smart Ultra Soundbar paired with QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for $999. To put it bluntly, that’s basically a free pair of headphones when you buy the soundbar.
I tested a similar setup during a movie night at home, and the difference was startling. Dialogue was crisp, explosions had depth, and when I switched to the headphones later, I didn’t lose any of that cinematic punch. It’s the kind of bundle that makes you rethink your living room setup entirely.
- Friday, 11.28: QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (1st Gen) in Sandstone for $299; Ultra Open Earbuds in Sandstone for $199
- Saturday, 11.29 & Sunday, 11.30: Smart Ultra Soundbar + QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) for $999
- Monday, 12.01 & Tuesday, 12.02: Two SoundLink Micro (2nd Gen) speakers for $199, including Petal Pink and Twilight Blue
Holiday shopping always feels like a balancing act between practicality and delight. Bose’s lineup this season manages to hit both. Whether you’re looking for a stocking stuffer that actually gets used or a bundle that transforms your living room, these drops are worth circling on your calendar.
