Editor Picks: What Reviewed editors bought for Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed's editors. Purchases made through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.
We're still recovering from the biggest shopping extravaganza of the year: Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Some of us are still eagerly awaiting our orders in the mail. Like the rest of us, the editors here at Reviewed had their own holiday wish lists—and they’re about to tell you exactly what they ended up buying on Black Friday.
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From high-quality everyday essentials and perfect Christmas gifts to useful big-ticket items they’ve had their eye on all year, check out our editor-approved product picks and add them to your holiday list.
►Black Friday 2022: Learn about the best deals and biggest sales going on this year
►The ultimate holiday gift guide: Shop the best gift ideas for everyone on your list
1. Plush Turkish cotton towels
Stye Editor Anthony Palliparambil Jr. grabbed the bestselling Brooklinen Super-Plush towels. "I've wanted the Super Plush towels from Brooklinen since I felt them at a friend's place," he said.
We don't blame him: Brooklinen made our list of the best bath towels this year. The Super-Plush towels are made in Turkey of 100% Turkish cotton, making them spa-worthy.
2. A cordless Waterpik flosser
Home Editor Rachel Murphy made her way through a long list but one standout was the Waterpik flosser. With this dentist-recommended device, you can take your flossing to the next level. It has four tips and three pressure settings to help remove plaque and times your flossing. It's also rechargeable, waterproof (of course) and portable, so you don't have to give it up when traveling. The Waterpik is also more environmentally-friendly than floss strips.
A facial steamer
Continuing her self-care theme, Rachel also bought the Dr. Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer, a perfect skincare device for oh-so-coveted dewy skin. The compact device uses micro-steam tech to drench your skin in moisture, providing instant hydration and prep for the next steps in your routine, like exfoliation or toner. It acts like a mini facial at home and especially helps for those who have dehydrated skin, large pores. Reviewers state how much their skin clears up and looks more hydrated after using the device.
3. A heated eye massager with Bluetooth
Rachel Moskowitz, Deputy Head of Audience Development, invested in the Renpho Heated Eye Massager. The massager heats up between a comfortable 104-107 degrees Fahrenheit, acting as a hot compress for strained eyes, dryness, puffiness and migraines. It can help you sleep better and is portable and adjustable so you can throw it in your bag. The built-in Bluetooth means you can listen to your favorite tunes while relaxing.
4. Comfortable winter lounging basics
Home Executive Editor Meghan Kavanaugh went for a few dependable basics perfect for comfortable and warm lounging at home. These included Bombas Merino Wool Calf Socks and Lightweight No Show Socks and the Terry-Soft Jogger Set Bundle from Lively.
Merino wool has natural moisture-wicking properties and is itch-free, warm and stretchy, making them a good choice for winter. The socks' cushioned footbed offers arch support. With over 8,000 reviews, it's clear the socks are well-loved.
The Lively jogger set is also a great lounging choice, being super soft and lightweight against skin with a relaxed fit. Reviewers also like how it washes well. The bundle includes the joggers and sweatshirt.
Lively jogger set $50 at Lively
5. The Samsung Jet 60 cordless stick vacuum
Senior Editor of Electronics Joanna Nelius bought the popular Samsung Jet 60 cordless stick vacuum. At only 6 pounds, the vacuum is super lightweight but packs a big punch with its layered filtration system, 180-degree swivel head, removable battery and accessories that allow you to get specific areas like window frames and cars.
The filtration system captures pet dander, pollen, dust and allergens. The vacuum is able to reach tight spaces and run on different types of floors, including hardwood, tile and carpet. It can run for up to 40 minutes without recharging. Plus, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is our favorite cordless vacuum of the year, not so far off from the Jet 60.
6. Squishmallows, Legos and the Sugarfina advent calendar
Parents take note: Kitchen & Cooking Editor Danielle DeSiato bought "ridiculously adorable Squishmallows in Peanut Butter and Meerkat and Mario Bros Legos (can you tell I have two young boys?)."
"Plus," adds Danielle, "I got myself this gorgeous Sugarfina Gingerbread House candy advent calendar (and maybe two or three others) from this article I wrote."
Who doesn't love Squishmallows? It's also the perfect season for advent calendars—they sell out quickly so if you see one you like, grab it. The Gingerbread House one includes 24 drawers that each contain four pieces of candy. Here are just a few you might find: dark chocolate sea salt caramels, lemon shortbread cookies, apple frogs, strawberry hearts and Santa donuts. It's a sweet way to count down Christmas.
Mario Bros Legos $48 at Amazon
Advent calendar $25 at Sugarfina
7. The LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher
Staff Writer Ceara Perez-Murphy bought the LifeStraw Home Glass Water Filter Pitcher, a sleek, modern pitcher with a two-filter filtration system that removes bacteria, parasites and microplastics. The second filter reduces chlorine, metal, pesticides, cloudiness and unpleasant odors. The pitcher is shatterproof and replaces the need to continuously buy packs of plastic water bottles, making the purchase eco-friendly in addition to providing water that tastes good.
8. Comfy Athleta winter leggings
"I never want to take these off, the absolute coziest," says Managing Editor of Commerce Jennifer Beaudry about Athleta's Altitude Stash Tight leggings. The leggings have Polartec Power Stretch fleece fabric for extra warmth and softness, and were specifically made for training in cold weather. "I got them for winter outdoor treks but I’m gonna wear ’em every day."
The Ordinary skincare
Jennifer also bought tons of skincare from popular budget-friendly brand The Ordinary, known for its high-quality active ingredients. We especially like the The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% for its gentleness on skin and ability to reduce acne and scarring.
9. Urban Outfitter duvet set
Operations Coordinator Sofia Tort shopped at Urban Outfitters, grabbing the vintage-style Myla Floral Duvet Set and about nine turtlenecks for the winter. The duvet set is machine-washable, comes in three sizes and includes the duvet cover, pillowcases and a tote bag.
Duvet from $59 at Urban Outfitters
Turtlenecks from $10 at Urban Outfitters
10. The Beast blender
Art director Tara Jacoby jumped on the social media–buzzy Beast Blender, which is lauded by reviewers for its smooth, timed blends. The blender can monitor and adjust blade speed and is made to be portable, allowing you to take your blends on the go with the steel-lined drinking lid and cup.
The included hydration system, with its drinking lid, cup and vessel, encourages you to drink more and keep hydrated. Reviewers point out how seamlessly it blends fruits and veggies and that the pulse function helps with chunky or frozen ingredients.
11. A winter moisturizer
Newsletter Writer Sara Beth Bolin went ahead and bought the First Aid BeautyUltra Repair Cream, a cult favorite in the beauty world for its rich texture, intense hydration and ability to soothe itchiness, eczema, rashes and irritation. Reviewers love that one layer is enough to keep the skin hydrated all day. The First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream was also the best face moisturizer we tested this year. It comes in four sizes.
Sports bras
Sara also stocked up on her favorite leggings and the bestselling sports bra from Girlfriend Collective, both made with sustainable materials, sturdy stretchiness for ultimate comfort and moisture-wicking fabric. The sports bra also has UPF 45+, protecting against ultraviolet rays.
Sports bra $30 at Girlfriend Collective
Leggings $51 at Girlfriend Collective
12. The Cast Iron Always Pan
Kitchen & Cooking Senior Staff Writer Monica Petrucci stayed true to her title by buying a kitchen item: the Cast Iron Always Pan. "I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since testing it," she admits.
The 8-in-1 pan from trendy brand Our Place is a spin on the brand's most popular product, the Always Pan. Its enameled cast iron provides browning with no seasoning required, it contains an integrated spoon rest with an included beechwood spatula and the glass lid helps trap and release steam. One reviewer said "it's the only cast iron pan you'll ever need." Choose from seven popular colors.
Pepper bras
"I'm also finally trying out out the Pepper bras that I've been eyeing for a while," Monica adds. "AKA they’ve been popping up as IG ads for months."
The Pepper bras are designed for smaller chests, going from AA, A and B cups. Options include push-up, wireless, T-shirt, strapless and more.
13. A Blu-ray DVD of The Lost City (2022)
"I got this masterpiece," SEO Editor Garrett Steele cheekily says, referring to the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray DVD of The Lost City (2022), starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum and Daniel Radcliffe.
This cute oddball adventure-comedy film was well-received by critics and audiences, grossing over $190 million worldwide. It follows a disillusioned novelist, Loretta, who gets kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire to help locate the ancient lost city that she researched for her latest book. Loretta is accompanied by her handsome but intellectually clueless book cover model, Alan, who promises to prove her view of him wrong by rescuing her on his own.
14. The Brita BB1 Filtering water bottle
"Creating about a dozen links and images of it gave me a sort of Stockholm syndrome and I decided to get the Brita water bottle," says News & Trending Senior Staff Writer Kaleb A. Brown. "I'm particular about my water bottles and I prefer to see how much water I have left. I also discovered after buying it that I don't like water bottles that you have to suck as much as you have to with the Brita, but hey, it works."
The Brita water bottle is the best water bottle we've personally tried this year. The premium insulation that keeps water cold for up to 24 hours, the wide mouth and the filter that keeps out odors put it right on top.
Brooks running shoes
"I also got Brooks running shoes, which weren't on sale, but I was introduced to the brand through Reviewed," Kaleb adds.
Brooks running shoes are indeed a Reviewed favorite for its breathable feel and hefty support. The shoes offer the maximum amount of plush cushioning that the brand calls "pillowy soft." The cushioning is stretchy, moving and expanding along with your foot.
15. Cheeky pillows and a pill case
Rachel Murphy continued her shopping spree with a few fun purchases: namely a Furbish Studio Needlepoint pillow and an Urban Outfitters yin-yang pill case. Both will add a fun, playful touch to everyday life.
Pillows from $104 at Furbish Studio
Pill case $10 at Urban Outfitters
16. An ergonomic wireless gaming mouse
I bought the Corsair Sabre RGB Pro Wireless mouse," says Electronics Editor Jonathan Hilburg. "It's been on sale and it's at the top of our best gaming mice right now." Jonathan is right: this versatile gaming mouse has plenty of useful buttons, customizable lighting and is comfortable to hold.
17. A J.R.R. Tolkien novel
Search & Updates Senior Editor Alex Kane says, "I got really into The Rings of Power a couple months back, so my Black Friday purchase was this hardcover The Fall of Numenor book!"
The Fall of Numenor takes Tolkien's writings on the Second Age of Middle-earth and puts it all into one volume for convenient reading. Here, you'll find insight into the rise and fall of the island of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, expansion upon the Second Age and Christopher Tolkien's twelve-volume The History of Middle-earth, where he discussed even more stories written by his father in draft form.
18. A Rifle Paper Co planner
Managing Editor of Partner Content Kate Ellsworth bought this gorgeous Rifle Paper Co 2023 Softcover Spiral Planner, which includes a full color floral design and metallic gold foil. There is a page for notes and lists as well as monthly and weekly views and storage pockets. It's a great way to keep the new year on track.
19. The Revlon One-Step Volumizer
Dealing with your hair can be a very dramatic situation. That's why Commerce Executive Editor Tercius Bufete bought the Revlon One-Step Volumizer for his partner. The tool is our top pick for the best hair dryer brush this year. It looks like a round brush, but it blows hot air from within the barrel, so it brushes right through wet hair to detangle and dry it completely, giving hair a sleek, blown-out look. It's perfect for those who crave regular blowouts but don't have the funds to constantly go.
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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed: Cyber Monday Week: What Reviewed editors recommend
