I’m a Product Tester — These Are My Favorite Black Friday Deals I’ve Personally Tested This Year

As a full-time product tester and shopping editor, I try the hottest things on the market

Published Time: 29.11.2024 - 07:31:12 Modified Time: 29.11.2024 - 07:31:12

As a full-time product tester and shopping editor, I try the hottest things on the market. But as a busy mom and pet parent, many items don’t fit into my everyday routine. So when something makes my life easier or becomes a staple in my home, you know it’s a must-have.

Of the dozens of products I’ve tested this year, only a handful have become regulars, including Oprah-approved cooling sheets, a grime-busting steam mop, and an anti-fatigue mat that makes tedious kitchen tasks actually comfortable — grab these essentials while they’re discounted for Black Friday, and thank me later.

If you think your floors are clean — think again. After swiping this steam mop through my kitchen just once, it was unsettling (yet satisfying) to see how brown the microfiber cloth was. The cleaner also doubles as a handheld steamer for clothes and upholstery and has attachments for cleaning carpets, grout lines, sinks, and more.

Trust me when I say a high-quality anti-fatigue kitchen mat will transform your comfort level — especially during the holiday baking season. This air-infused memory foam option by Martha Stewart is comfortable, supportive, easy to clean, and simply looks good in the kitchen. I even catch my pets lounging on it.

I won’t name names, but my last air fryer abruptly clunked out on me. I didn’t hesitate to grab this Cosori air fryer, partly because of the price. I have cooked everything from dinosaur nuggets (ahem, for my 5-year-old) to honey-glazed salmon, making weeknight meals a breeze.

My husband and I have very different coffee preferences, so when I tried the Keurig K-Duo, I knew it would become a household staple. The multifunctional design allows you to brew both a carafe of ground coffee and a single-serve cup using your favorite pods. Of all the compromises, my coffee doesn’t have to be one of them.

I have slept on 15 sets of bamboo sheets, but these are the ones I wash and immediately put back on the bed. Once deemed a “favorite” by Oprah, the sheets are unde -

niably luxurious and the softest bedding I’ve ever wrapped up in. Plus, the natural cooling properties of bamboo mean they’re a comfy solution for hot sleepers like myself.

I’ve tested a plethora of vacuums to keep kid messes and pet hair at bay. The Shark Stratos keeps my floors clean while alerting me to all the hidden dirt and debris I can’t see (which is always shocking). Bonus: The odor-neutralizer technology makes the house smell fresh, and the vacuum folds for compact storage.

After years of shoving my feet into heels, I am in my comfort era, and these Allbirds shoes are some of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve worn. They’re super supportive for all-day wear, and the retro design can be dressed up or down — I’ve worn them with jeans, leggings, and dresses.

I never had a second thought about my luggage until I tried an Away carry-on. The newer Softside version is just as durable as the classic hardshell, with a water-resistant nylon exterior. It even has a zipper expansion if you need a bit more space. It has been the perfect companion for long weekend trips.

I never had dark undereye circles until I became a mom (IYKYK). I’m also in my mid-thirties, so I’ve developed dry skin. This Kosas concealer conquers both issues and makes me look fresh and energized in the mornings — even if that’s a total facade.

Believe me when I say: I will never travel without an AirTag attached to my luggage. I even have one hidden in my car, and I put a wristband on my preschooler when he went on his first field trip. This four-pack allows you to keep track of multiple belongings, all in one simple app.

Kayla Kitts is a shopping editor at PEOPLE, with six years of experience as a shopping writer and product tester. She has a background in home products, but as a city dweller and the mom of a preschooler and three pets, she is immersed in every product category, from beauty to outdoor.

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