Black Friday Editors’ Picks: What Our Expert Shoppers Bought

Black Friday is here, and this is the perfect chance to shop some of the best deals of the year on tech, travel items and more. As shopping editors, we know a great deal when we see one — and sales are so good this year, we shopped them directly from our desks.
Below, I compiled what our shopping editors have bought on sale so far. I’ll update this list throughout Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but many deals are already starting to sell out. If you see something you like, don’t wait till it’s gone — prices go back up soon.
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Nikki Brown, senior editor
I’m buying this stand mixer as a gift for my mother. She enjoys cooking and baking way more than I do, and I know this is an appliance she’ll use at least weekly and enjoy keeping out on her kitchen counter.
Lindsay Schneider, senior editor
I’ve been eyeing this silk pillowcase for months and have waited to hit ‘purchase’ until I could get it on sale. $98 is quite expensive for a single pillowcase, so I jumped at the chance to get this with a hefty discount. The patterns are beautiful and I’ve felt how soft the silk is and can’t wait to see the benefits for my skin and hair.
Cory Fernandez, commerce editor
We write a lot about headphones and NBC Select tech reporter Harry Rabinowitz has tested many, including the Bose QuietComfort. I love them as a gift for my brother, but I will probably buy one for myself since they have great active noise cancellation and up to 24 hours of playtime, according to the brand. The headband is also adjustable and they come with a case, making them easy to travel with.
Mili Godio, updates editor
My Lola Blanket is the item I reach for the most in my house — it’s incredibly soft, warm and perfect for the colder weather. When my parents came to visit me earlier this year, my mom became equally as obsessed with it, so of course I’m gifting her one for the holidays. I love that the blankets come in a bunch of neutral colors, which makes it so much easier to choose one that’ll fit her personal style. I might even snag another one for myself.
One of my biggest New Year’s resolutions is to be more organized, so naturally a planner is one of the first purchases I’ll make during Black Friday to help achieve that. I love Rifle Paper Co.’s stunning designs and patterns for stationery, and I’ve been eyeing this pocket planner for quite some time. The hardcover makes it more durable than other flimsy planner purchases I’ve made in the past, plus the smaller size will make it easier to carry around in my purse or work tote (which means I’ll be more inclined to use it, too).
Harry Rabinowitz, reporter
Never buy cycling clothes full price — they are pricey and go on sale often. Case and point: I bought this long sleeve cycling jersey for 50% off this Black Friday. Le Col has been my new go-to cycling brand this year, and I’ve been wearing the short-sleeve jersey and bib shorts from the same collection for months. They’ve both been supremely comfortable during long rides. This long sleeve jersey will help me shoulder the cold winter months ahead.
Zoe Malin, reporter
Lowest price ever
I’ve been waiting all year to buy a new Apple Watch — I’ve had mine for over three years, and it’s starting to run out of battery quickly and glitch quite often. NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz recommended I get the SE 3 model because I mainly use it to track my daily activity, workouts and runs, as well as control my music, find my iPhone and answer texts and calls. I’m definitely someone who can’t go to bed without closing all my Apple Watch rings, so I’m excited to use a more updated version and explore features I currently don’t have access to.
Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager
My rosacea tends to flare up the most during the winter, so I tend to modify my skin care routine during this time of year to address the redness. One of my favorite skin care products is a sheet mask and this mugwort mask is one of my favorites for soothing redness. I love that it’s meant to not only calm my skin, but also strengthen my skin barrier, which is also affected at this time of year. Once the mask comes off, I immediately notice a difference in the appearance of my skin — it’s more even and hydrated.
Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate
As a New Years goal and in preparation for NBC Select’s 2026 Wellness Awards, I am working on incorporating regular exercise (specifically weight-lifting) in my day-to-day routine. Bala Bangles are a 2025 NBC Select Wellness Awards winner, as well as an editor favorite. Though I do not have a gym membership, I am a native New Yorker, so I walk a lot, and I plan on walking around my neighborhood with the weights on my ankles and doing low-impact strength training to start off the year. The kit comes with a set of Bala Bangles, Bala Bars and a Beam for lifting and a 10lb Power Ring. I like that they are functional, trendy and easy to carry and store.
Despite the long social media break I took this year, I couldn’t miss out on the hype around this new celeb-owned new haircare line. I saw several, non-sponsored, before-and-after pictures of hairlines on social media after using these drops, and my own friends with natural hair (even the most frugal ones) fought tooth-and-nail to be first in line for the restocks on Ulta. The verdict is in: This stuff works, and fast, too. After some back and forth I caved and agreed to buy the drops if they go on sale, and as of now, everything on the Cécred site is 30% off for Black Friday.
Josh Rios, Social Video producer
I’ve been avoiding buying a Dutch oven the last couple years because I didn’t think I had the space or use for it. This year, after my roommate moved out, I have so much storage. So, as I’ve been going on this cooking journey this year and becoming mildly obsessed with soups, I finally cracked. A Dutch oven feels like the final piece of my kitchen armor.
Kalohe Danbara, NBC Select intern
Lowest price ever
I have sensitive skin that breaks out easily, so I rarely trust face masks, but this is one that I can always count on. My skin has been feeling super dry from the cold weather recently, and I’m definitely restocking these for Black Friday.
Lowest price ever
I’m always trying to find ways to improve my sleep, and because I can’t fall asleep without an eye mask, I’m excited to try this weighted one. The gentle pressure helps you fall asleep faster and makes you feel calmer, according to the brand.
Georgea Hall, NBC Select Page
I love a good pair of baggy jeans, but with my long legs, finding a pair that actually counts as baggy and doesn’t awkwardly hover above my ankles is a real challenge. I already own a pair of Levi’s Baggy Dad Jeans that I’m obsessed with, so I’m excited to give these a try. One thing I really appreciate about Levi’s is that you can choose both the waist and the length, instead of sacrificing one and ending up looking like I accidentally shrunk my jeans in the wash.
Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor
I’ve bought something from the Beis Black Friday sale every year for the last three years, so I’m excited to add a carry-on to my collection. This one is expandable, has a built-in weight indicator and plenty of internal organization, which is key for me since I’m a huge overpacker. The all-black design is sleek, clean and will go perfectly with my black Mini Weekender bag.
Why trust NBC Select?
I’m an editorial and production intern for NBC Select. For this article, I asked NBC Select editors to highlight their favorite purchases during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.




