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

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:People / Kayla Kitts

People / Kayla Kitts

As a full-time product tester and shopping editor, I try the hottest things on the market. But as abusy momand 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-approvedcooling sheets, agrime-busting steam mop, and ananti-fatigue matthat makes tedious kitchen tasks actually comfortable — grab these essentials while they’rediscounted for Black Friday, and thank me later.

PurSteam 10-in-1 Steam Mop

People / Dera Burreson

$100$59 at Amazon

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

Martha Stewart Mira Anti-Fatigue Mat

$45$30 at Amazon

Cosori 6-Quart 9-in-1 Compact Air Fryer

People / Eric Brockob

$120$88 at Amazon

I won’t name names, but my last air fryer abruptly clunked out on me. I didn’t hesitate to grab thisCosori 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.

Keurig K-Duo Hot and Iced Single-Serve and Carafe Coffee Maker

$200$140 at Target

My husband and I have very different coffee preferences, sowhen 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.

Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set

$331$182 at Cozy Earth

Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum

$500$247 at Amazon

I’ve tested aplethora of vacuumsto 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.

Allbirds Women’s Couriers

$98$68 at Allbirds.com

After years of shoving my feet into heels, I am in my comfort era, and these Allbirds shoes are some of themost comfortable sneakersI’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.

Away Softside Carry-On

$225$168 at Awaytravel.com

I never had a second thought about my luggage untilI tried anAway 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.

Kosas Revealer Concealer

People / Jhett Thompson

$30Buy Now for $23

I never haddark undereye circlesuntil 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.

Rorry Portable Charger

$33$26 at Amazon

Between running errands and hopping in the car for weekend road trips, thisportable chargeris a must for keeping my devices fully charged and ready to go without worry. The best part? It can charge my iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch simultaneously.

Apple AirTag 4-Pack

$99$73 at Amazon

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

Kayla Kittsis a shopping editor at PEOPLE, with six years of experience as a shopping writer and product tester and nearly 15 years as an online editor. She has a background in home and design 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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source: people.com