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we found black friday deals on our As Black Friday approaches, numerous tech deals have emerged, with many popular gadgets available for under $50.

we found black friday deals on our

Useful Tech

CHGeek Wireless Car Charger

Where to Buy: $25.99 $22.09 at Amazon

For years, I procrastinated on acquiring a proper phone holder for my car, which would allow me to easily glance at GPS directions. Frustrated with my Android Auto-less vehicle, I finally decided to purchase a wireless phone charger and holder from Amazon. While it may not be a name-brand device, I found it easy to mount on my dashboard using the suction cup, and it has remained securely in place since installation. The auto-clamping feature ensures my phone stays snug inside the holder, providing a significantly better charge than the inadequate USB cable I previously relied on.

— Emma Roth, news writer

Minix 66W Turbo 3-Port GaN Wall Charger

Where to Buy: $36.90 $25.90 at Amazon

As someone who travels frequently, a reliable charging brick is essential for both home and international use. Minix’s compact 66W 3-Port GaN wall charger has become my favorite. It features two USB-C fast-charging ports and one USB-A port, allowing me to charge my laptop, phone, and other devices simultaneously in hotel rooms. The charger also includes a European and UK wall plug adaptor, making it convenient for travel across different regions.

— Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, senior reviewer

Anker iPhone 17 Portable Charger

Where to Buy: $29.99 $19.99 at Amazon

After over three years of use, my Pixel 6 occasionally dips to 20 percent battery life by the end of the day. To combat this, I opted for the lightweight Anker Nano Power Bank, which connects directly to my phone’s USB-C slot. Weighing only 3.5 ounces, it provides 5,000mAh of battery power—enough to last through the day. Available in several colors, I chose Ice Lake Blue, making it easy to spot in my bag.

— Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

ToAuto DS90 Soldering Station

Where to Buy: $59.99 $47.99 at ToAuto, $54.99 $37.99 at Amazon (with Prime)

My ToAuto soldering station had been gathering dust until I began experimenting with game console repairs. While it may not be a Hakko or Weller, it serves its purpose well. The station heats up to 842 degrees Fahrenheit and comes with various interchangeable soldering tips, steel wool for cleaning, and a handy rack for holding solder. It has proven invaluable for tasks such as soldering an HDMI port onto a PlayStation 4 and installing new batteries in old Game Boy games.

— Emma Roth, news writer

Tile Slim (2024)

Where to Buy: $29.99 $19.99 at Amazon, $29.99 $19.99 at Life360

After a recent dinner outing, my partner realized his wallet was missing as the bus sped away. Thankfully, we were able to retrieve it the next day, leading me to order a Tile Slim for him. I have been using Tile trackers for my own keys and wallet for years, and I hope this new addition will prevent future mishaps.

— Barbara Krasnoff, reviews editor

Royal Kludge Foldable Mechanical Keyboard

Where to Buy: $54.99 $43.99 at Royal Kludge (with discount code BFCM25), $54.99 $43.99 at Amazon

Despite the amusing name, the Royal Kludge is the best folding Bluetooth keyboard I’ve used. It’s the only multi-device keyboard that remains stable on my lap. This mechanical keyboard features swappable keycaps, but its most important qualities are its ease of typing and the ability to switch between multiple Bluetooth devices without the need for re-pairing. It also includes a USB-C port for wired connections, making it a versatile option.

— Sean Hollister, senior editor

HOTO Electric Screwdriver Rechargeable

Where to Buy: $59.99 $39.99 at Amazon

I purchased Hoto’s electric screwdriver after hearing recommendations from colleagues. It has become a staple in my toolkit for tasks like tightening desk legs and assembling furniture. While it may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects, it’s incredibly handy for everyday tasks. It features a USB-C charging port, an LED light, and a case for 25 steel bits, making it a thoughtful gift option.

— Brandon Widder, senior commerce editor

Anker 321 Power Strip

Where to Buy: $25.99 $15.99 at Amazon (with Prime), $19.99 $15.99 at Walmart

Older buildings often suffer from what I call “loose socket syndrome,” where heavy socket extenders fall out of the wall. After one vacation where I had to charge multiple devices in an awkward corner, I bought the Anker combination extension cord/power strip. This compact cube features several sockets and USB ports at the end of a five-foot cable, making it a reliable travel companion.

— Sarah Jeong, features editor

Epicka Universal Series Travel Adapter

Where to Buy: $23.99 $17.99 at Amazon (with Prime)

This travel adapter combines six plug adaptors in one, making it ideal for multi-continent trips. Although it’s bulkier than individual adaptors, it includes USB ports for charging multiple devices. The Epicka adapter even comes with a spare fuse for added safety. However, while it claims to be universal, it only covers the four most common plug types, which may not suffice in some countries.

— Victoria Song, senior reviewer

Bags and Backpacks

Killstar Vamped Up Backpack

Where to Buy: $82 $57.40 at Killstar

Killstar offers a variety of bags catering to alternative fashion tastes, and the Vamped Up backpack is a standout. While it may not accommodate larger devices like laptops, it is spacious enough for phones, wallets, and other essentials. The back-facing zipper placement adds a layer of security, and the rubber-like bat design effectively keeps contents dry in wet weather. I own it in a striking red color, which garners compliments every time I wear it.

— Jess Weatherbed, news writer

Alpaka Flow Satchel (2L)

Where to Buy: $89 $71 at Alpaka

For the past year, I have relied on Alpaka’s 2L Flight Sling bag, which is perfect for carrying phones, earbuds, and keys without weighing down my pockets. For a recent trip, I opted for Alpaka’s 2L Flow Satchel, which has similar capacity but includes an extra zippered pocket for safely stashing my passport and an expandable sleeve for a water bottle. The water-resistant design with sealed zippers kept my belongings dry during a whale-watching trip.

— Andrew Liszewski, senior reporter

Two Wheel Gear Pannier Backpack Convertible 2.0 LITE

Where to Buy: $179 $125 at Two Wheel Gear, $159 $119.25 at Amazon

After getting into cycling, I wanted a pannier bag that could also function as a backpack. Two Wheel Gear’s convertible bag features backpack straps that can be tucked away for pannier mode. Once off the bike, the straps can be reattached for easy carrying. It includes a laptop sleeve and ample pockets, along with a rain cover, making it an excellent choice for cyclists.

— Allison Johnson, senior reviewer

CamelBak Hydrobak Hydration Pack

Where to Buy: $62 $49.50 at Amazon, $72 $50 at CamelBak

Carrying water on my back has proven more convenient than using a bike-mounted drink holder. The CamelBak Hydrobak hydration pack holds up to 1.5 liters of water, sufficient for a two-hour bike ride. It features a straw for easy drinking and keeps water cool even in hot weather. Additionally, there’s a zippered pocket for small items like keys and IDs.

— Emma Roth, news writer

Food Prep

Sweese Airtight Butter Dish with Beechwood Lid

Where to Buy: $20.99 $16.58 at Amazon

A good butter dish is essential for anyone who enjoys a simple slice of bread with butter. Since acquiring an airtight ceramic butter dish, I no longer struggle with spreading cold butter. While I’m not advocating for room temperature butter, the combination of salted butter and this container has made my life easier.

— Sean Hollister, senior editor

Microplane Premium Classic Series Lemon Zester

Where to Buy: $18.99 at Microplane, $17.95 $15.26 at Amazon

The joy of using a Microplane zester has transformed my cooking experience. Whether zesting lemons or grating cheese, this tool has become indispensable in my kitchen. While I still keep a box grater for vegetables, the Microplane’s sharp blades excel in various tasks.

— Dominic Preston, news editor

Cambom Mini Food Chopper

Where to Buy: $12.99 $10.39 at Amazon

My first purchase for my new home was a food chopper, which has saved me countless hours in the kitchen. For recipes like tikka masala, dicing ginger can be tedious, making a food chopper invaluable. Although mine recently broke, I plan to replace it with a more advanced model.

— Kylie Robison, former reporter

Ninja Fit Single-Serve Blender

Where to Buy: $69 $49.99 at Amazon, $69.99 $49.99 at Target

This small blender has been a game-changer for my wife and me, initially purchased for smoothies and protein shakes. It has since become essential for making purees for our baby, showcasing its versatility.

— Antonio G. Di Benedetto, reviewer

Instant Pot Duo Crisp

Where to Buy: $149.99 $99.99 at Amazon, $229.99 $129.95 at Walmart

The Instant Pot has become a kitchen staple, capable of cooking a variety of meals quickly. From rice to stews, it significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. For instance, rice cooks in just six minutes, making meal prep much more manageable.

— Emma Roth, news writer

Personal Items

Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder

Where to Buy: $27.99 $22.39 at Amazon, $27.99 $25.19 at Walmart

When I left home for a couple of weeks, I was concerned about my fish’s care. After considering various options, I found the Petbank Automatic Fish Feeder. This device attaches to the tank and features 15 compartments for daily feeding, controlled by a timer. It successfully fed my fish every other day while I was away, without draining its battery.

— Emma Roth, news writer

Tushy Travel Bidet

Where to Buy: $25 $20 at Amazon

For any multiday trip, I never forget my Tushy portable bidet. It allows me to maintain hygiene regardless of the toilet paper situation. The collapsible bottle is easy to clean and store, making it a travel essential.

— Cameron Faulkner, commerce editor

Balega Blister Resist Socks

Where to Buy: $21 $17.83 at Amazon

Comfortable feet are crucial for overall happiness. During a week in Scotland, I relied on Balega blister resist socks, which lived up to their name. These socks have served me well during countless miles of walking, proving their worth in various conditions.

— Nathan Edwards, senior reviews editor

Xiaomi Sound Pocket

Where to Buy: $26.99 $20.99 at Amazon

The Sound Pocket may not be the highest-quality Bluetooth speaker, but its compact size makes it my go-to choice. Small enough to fit in my pocket, it offers better sound than my phone and is light enough to carry anywhere.

— Dominic Preston, news editor