The 14 best tech gifts for moms
If you're struggling to come up with just the right gift for your mom, you're not alone. Mothers can be particularly difficult to shop for, especially if your mom is like many we know who insist that they don't want or need gifts. Short of giving them some time back in their day to do what they want to do instead of things they need to do, the gift ideas we collected below can help you show the mother figure in your life that you care and want to spoil them a bit even when they claim it's not necessary — because they deserve it.
When I tested air purifiers for our guide, I found the best way to clear the air was by opening windows — but if the mom in your life deals with allergies or lives where the air quality can get bad, an air purifier can be the next best thing. The Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier was one of the quietest models I tested and performed on a level with models three times as expensive. It has a three-stage filter (including an activated carbon layer and particulate filter), and the internal particulate matter sensor can automatically adjust fan speed as air gets murkier. The companion app both shows historical air quality readouts and makes the unit itself easy to control and schedule. Plus, the replacement filters aren't overly expensive like they are with other units. — Amy Skorheim, Reporter
Read more: The best air purifiers $220 at Amazon
Take your mother's morning coffee routine up a notch with the Ember Mug, a self-heating smart mug that keeps beverages at just the right temperature for up to 1.5 hours or all day if the mug is kept on its charging coaster. It has a temperature range between 120 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which lets your mom dial in just how hot she wants her brew. There's also a companion app which lets her save preset temps for her favorite drinks, track her caffeine intake, customize the color of the LED light on the front of the mug and more. The latest version comes in a pretty rose gold color as well as white, black, gold, silver and copper. — Nicole Lee, Former Commerce Writer $180 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $180 at Target
So many of us take hundreds of photos with our phones and then never do anything with them. They're left to languish in our camera rolls, only to be uncovered when you have to scroll back months to find that one image you're searching for. If you want to give mom a more polished way to look back at her favorite photos, an album from Mpix will do the trick. You can customize your photo book from the ground up, choosing the best images of her family and friends and laying them out on each page in a neat way. You can also pick from different types of cover options and paper weights, making the final product as premium as you want it to be. With options starting at $30 per book, it's pretty easy to make mom a gift she'll want to revisit again and again. – Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor $30+ at Mpix
I'll be the first to say the Pura scent diffuser surprised me. Before testing it out, I didn't believe such a small device could really inject strong scent into my home. But it didn't take long before I was proven wrong. The one I have stays plugged in, resolute, in the family room of my home close to the front door, and as soon as I walk in when the Pura is running, I'm met with the lovely smells of Amalfi lemon, lavender fields or whichever other scent I decided to go with.
The Pura can hold two different proprietary scent capsules at a time, so you can create very different vibes based on time of day, occasion or anything else you can think of. The Pura app makes it easy to set diffusion schedules per scent, too, and it can pause diffusion all together if you're away from home. Are you going to get whole-home diffusion from this CD-sized gadget? No (maybe try the new Pura Plus for that), but it'll make the part of your home that it lives in feel much more luxurious. — V.P. $50 at Pura
The Aura Carver frame would make a great gift for any parent or relative with whom you want to stay more connected and share memories as you're making them. The top pick in our best digital frames guide, the Aura Carver has a super simple setup: plug it in, download its companion app and upload photos. One of its best features is its ability to continuously scan the albums you pair with it and automatically upload new photos in it to the frame. That means if you have a shared photo album between you, your mom and other family members and pair it with the frame, anyone can add new photos to the frame simply by adding them to your shared album. On top of that, the Carver has the best display we've seen on any digital frame and there's no limit to the number of photos it can show. — V.P.
Read more: The best digital frames $149 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $150 at Walmart$150 at Target
Tech touches everything now and the beauty industry has built a better mousetrap with the latest dry-and-style machines available today. One of the simplest I've tried, yet most effective, is the Calista StyleDryer Pro. It's a hairdryer and a brush in one, and it comes with two brush attachments that mom can swap between depending on her preference. Regardless of which is her favorite, both will make it easier for her to get a stellar blowout. Three temperature settings let her dial in exactly how hot (or cool) she needs to go for her desired style, and the attachments are infused with Tourmaline to better distribute heat. In my testing, I found the StyleDryer Pro not only dried my hair more quickly than my separate, aging hair dryer and brush duo, but it also got my hair sleeker and smoother than I ever have been able to get it before. (Note that we're now linking to the newer Vault StyleDryer Pro, which appears to be a bit larger but replaces the now-discontinued original version.) — V.P. $29 at Calista
If mom's been feeling all in knots lately, a personal massage 'gun' like the Theragun Mini can provide some temporary relief by gently pummeling away her muscle aches. While not the most forceful device of its kind, this triangular massager is effective enough to ease soreness, yet small enough to carry around in and outside of the house. We've recommended older versions of the Mini in past gift guides; compared to the last one, this third-generation model is similarly compact and supports the same speeds and head attachments, but it lasts a bit longer on a charge. (Therabody rates it at 180 minutes.) Just be warned it's not exactly quiet. — Jeff Dunn, Senior Reporter $179 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $179 at Target
The Beats Fit Pro may be our favorite wireless earbuds for working out, but your mom doesn't have to be a regular running or pilates enthusiast to get a lot of use out of them. These buds have a comfortable, secure fit thanks to their flexible wing tips, plus a great sound profile out of the box thanks in part to Adaptive EQ technology. Active noise cancellation is solid as well, which will come in handy when she wants to block out distractions at work or while running errands, and she'll be able to quickly jump into any conversation she deems important by using Transparency Mode. If your mom has an iPhone, she'll benefit from the H1 chip inside the Beats Fit Pro, which enables things like quick pairing and switching between Apple devices and hands-free Siri. But Android toting mothers won't be left out either — the Fit Pros have their own Android app that supports many of the same features. — V.P.
Read more: The best wireless earbuds $170 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $170 at Macy's$180 at Walmart
Look, there's a good chance your mom plays Wordle, Connections, Sudoku and/or The Mini anyway — opening up the rest of the New York Times Games catalog with a subscription should only bring them a few more hours of gentle fun during their downtime. Few daily achievements are more satisfying than reaching 'genius' in Spelling Bee or finishing the full-size crossword. But even beyond that, the paid tier unlocks archived editions of Wordle and Connections, plus the ability to track game stats across devices. While not every game in the selection is a winner, your mom will probably be grateful for the harmless entertainment the next time she's bored. — J.D. $50/year at New York Times
The Pixel Watch 3 is Google's best smartwatch yet, so much so that it took the top stop as our favorite watch for Android users in our best smartwatches guide. The Pixel Watch 3 has a slightly larger circular display than its predecessor, and it's brighter than ever which will make it easier to read in all sorts of lighting. In our testing, we found it to be an excellent activity and sleep tracker, and advanced features like auto workout detection and custom running plans make it even better for both those just starting a new exercise routine and seasoned athletes. Google Assistant integration comes in handy as well, allowing users to get questions answered, check calendar events and weather forecasts and more just using voice commands. Plus, the Pixel Watch 3 has the longest battery life of any Pixel Watch to date, with up to 24 hours of use before it needs a recharge. — V.P.
Read more: The best smartwatches $300 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $350 at Google Store$300 at Best Buy
I've loved Withings' hybrid watches, which put all the health tech you could need in a far less geeky package, for more than a decade. The ScanWatch Horizon, its first using a diver's watch case, has been a permanent fixture on my wrist since 2021. Since then, Withings has updated the ScanWatch with even more features, and launched a Horizon successor, called the Nova.
The one downside is that all the ScanWatches are, to be blunt, beefy enough that they only suit folks with strong forearms. If you prefer a smaller timepiece, you've been left on the sidelines until the company launched the ScanWatch Nova Brilliant. It shrinks all of the ScanWatch tech into a 38mm case and gets a two-tone strap that matches your bezel color choice.
A cynic might suggest Withings is aping the style of Rolex's Datejust watches, even down to the two-tone strap choice. An optimist might wonder why that's relevant, given it costs an order of magnitude less money and does an awful lot more. If someone special in your life wants a smart watch but not a smartwatch, and wants to look luxurious while doing it, this should be top of your options. — Daniel Cooper, Senior Reporter $599 at Withings
Last holiday season, after a month or so of me unsubtly and repeatedly mentioning how very cool and convenient and interesting Engadget's top air fryer pick seemed to me, one surprisingly appeared beneath our tree. For nearly a year now, my entire family has used the Instant Vortex Plus air fryer nearly daily to cook frozen french fries, crisp up dinner, reheat takeout or make extra stretchy nachos. This particular model comes with replaceable filters that keeps the fried-food smell down to a minimum and the glass front paired with interior light make it easy to peek on your potatoes without opening the drawer. The basket is easy to clean, preheating is fast and the touch controls are simple to understand — pretty much everything you want in a good air fryer. — A.S.
Read more: The best air fryers $130 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $136 at Walmart$160 at Wayfair
For most moms I know, sleep is a precious, unguaranteed commodity. I personally used to sleep like the dead until I had a kid, which then made every nighttime creak a reason to bolt upright, ready for action. I reviewed the Hatch Restore 2 and found it to be a delightful sleep companion, one that helped me get to sleep and woke me up less jarringly than anything else I've tried. The latest model, the Hatch Restore 3 actually improves upon the previous generation with additional onboard controls (something I'd wished for in my review).
It still has a continually updated library of sleep aids including nature sounds, lulling stories, dreamy music and meditations. Waking up techniques combine a sunrise alarm with pep talks, stretching sessions, fun facts and more. The only catch is that the best content requires a $6-per-month subscription. But, so far it's been worth it for me. — A.S $170 at Amazon Explore More Buying Options $170 at Target$170 at Best Buy
I'm not the world's most organized person, but I do recognize that keeping the detritus of life more or less in its proper place makes a day far easier to get through. I've picked up a few of the storage and organizational designs from Yamazaki Home and each one has made my home feel more under control. The Rolling Storage Cart has a clean look with its white steel and a bamboo top. Just about any room in the house could benefit from the three hidden shelves it offers, but I've used mine as a place to store rolls of toilet paper and the bowl scrubber in the bathroom. Everything stays concealed behind the solid side panel until you roll it away from the wall to access what you need. To me, it represents low-effort tidiness, which is my favorite kind. — A.S. $145 at Yamazaki
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2 hours ago
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27 Classic, No-Nonsense Clothing Pieces
A pair of Levi's you might just mistake for your old, broken-in favorites from the very first wear. They're loose but not baggy, with a straight leg that hits just right over your shoes. The wash is perfectly faded, and the denim has that rigid, no-stretch feel that actually gets better over time. Just easy, everyday jeans with zero fuss. Promising review: "This is the real deal. I wear these for line dancing. Nice comfortable fit. True to size!" —RopeManGet them from Amazon for $59.99 (available in sizes 28 x 30–44 x 36 and eight washes). A Lacoste polo that proves classics never go out of style. Forever the blueprint, this one is made with a breathable piqué cotton, a sharp collar, and finished off with that unmistakable crocodile. It's the kind of shirt that works just as well at a backyard BBQ as it does under a blazer. Promising review: "I love the Lacoste men's short-sleeved pique polo shirt. The fabric is soft and feels great. That said, the shirt adheres to more 'European-style' sizing, so if you're between sizes, I would order a larger size. Also, the shirt shrinks in the dryer, so either air-dry or order a larger size to account for shrinkage." —Geoffrey C. TodebushGet it from Amazon for $98 (available in sizes XXS–4XL and 30 colors). A pack of heavyweight tees made to feel like they've already lived a long, good life right out of the bag. Soft washed and garment dyed, they're giving that perfectly broken-in feel from day one. AKA the kind of shirt you'll end up buying in several because one just won't be enough. Promising review: "It is hard to find good T-shirts. These are thicker cotton than the big-name brands, and they seem tough. I like the colors, which look a little faded, so they don't look brand new or too bright." —Amazon CustomerGet a two-pack from Amazon for $16.30 (available in sizes S–4XL and 45 colors). Or, a Buck Mason ToughKnit tee that feels like your favorite vintage find but holds up like a modern-day workhorse. Heavyweight, structured, and made at their own knitting mills in Mohnton, Pennsylvania, this tee doesn't just look good — it's built with real intention. It's the kind of piece you'll wear on repeat, not just because it's reliable, but because it quietly flexes that you know your stuff. Get it from Buck Mason for $55 (available in sizes XS–XXL and four colors). A pair of Wrangler carpenter jean shorts with a hammer loop and pockets for days, because sometimes more is more. These are the bottoms you reach for when you want room to move, have stuff to carry, and don't need any unnecessary nonsense. Durable, roomy, and ready for work (or not), they're a reminder that fashion CAN be functional. Promising review: "The material is durable and legit denim, large pockets, fits to size, and quite comfortable. The price is reasonable for the quality. Good jorts!" —Andi HokansonGet it from Amazon for $27.05+ (available in sizes 30–54 and five colors/washes). A Flint and Tinder waxed trucker jacket made famous by Pedro Pascal's character in The Last of Us. Flannel-lined, weather-resistant, and made in the USA, this cult-favorite jacket is built to age like fine whiskey and tell a story with every wear. Throw it on, and suddenly you're not just walking to the store — you're surviving in style. Promising review: "I've wanted one of these jackets for a long time and was not disappointed. Besides looking rugged and super cool, the fit is perfect, and the inside feels like a warm blanket. I take it out of the coat closet with reverence each time I wear it." —Kenneth it from Huckberry for $298 (available in sizes XS–3XL, including tall sizes, and four colors). Or a Carhartt Detroit jacket that's as iconic as it is indestructible. It's like workwear with main character energy. With its rugged duck canvas, blanket lining, and corduroy collar, this jacket has been worn by everyone from actual tradespeople to Hollywood's finest. It's warm, it's tough, and it breaks in beautifully with age. Promising review: "I have purchased this same Detroit jacket from Carhartt several times over the years because it is a really tough work jacket with a warm blanket lining, and it's a nice jacket length for working in the shop or for driving. The heavy canvas material cuts the wind nicely on cold days. I love this coat. You can't beat it for the price, and it is one tough work jacket." —MJ SmithGet it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in sizes S–XXL and two colors). A no-frills work shirt built to last and somehow always look good. It's the kind of shirt that works just as well on a job site as it does layered over a tee on the weekend. Simple, sturdy, and surprisingly versatile. Promising review: "Dickies' quality is always impressive. My current couple of utility shirts have lasted around 12 years before the material started to run thin. I fully expect the new ones I just ordered to last just as long." —A_AndGet it from Amazon for $18.74+ (available in sizes S–5X, including big and tall sizes, and 14 colors) A rugby shirt equal parts heritage and hangout. This Lands' End classic has that sturdy, old-school feel with its thick cotton elbow patches, and a collar that actually stays put. It's relaxed but not sloppy, and the kind of shirt that makes you look like you know what you're doing, even if you're just grabbing coffee. Get it from Amazon for $89.95 (available in sizes S–M and two colors). A lightweight Oxford that's breezy enough for the boat, but ~buttoned-up~ enough for the boardroom. If you're looking for one shirt that can do it all this summer — this is it. TLDR: This is the kind of shirt that ends up in heavy rotation all summer long. It's lightweight enough to wear on a boat with swim trunks (as in it almost feels like linen), but structured enough to throw on with a blazer for a wedding or graduation (some serious range). I've worn it with jeans, dress pants, shorts — you name it. The fabric has a subtle texture that almost feels like linen, which gives it a laid-back, breezy vibe without sacrificing polish. Honestly, Buck Mason makes the kind of clothes I want my whole wardrobe to feel like: unfussy, well-made, and timeless. This shirt is exactly the kind of piece that this roundup is allllll it from Buck Mason for $138 (available in sizes S–XL and five colors). A Dickies Eisenhower jacket that looks like it could handle a minor apocalypse — or just your morning commute. Inspired by military workwear and made to last longer than most trends (and maybe some relationships), this timeless layer brings no-nonsense vibes to whatever you're doing, whether that's fixing stuff or just looking like you could. Promising review: "I recently picked up this Dickies Eisenhower jacket for the coming autumn season, and I really like it. It's made of a sturdy polyester and cotton blend, which makes it lightweight but heavy enough for somewhat bad weather. I would suggest that if you'd like to get a more slim, tapered look, size down. This may also help with the length of the sleeves... this work jacket is business up front and a party in the back." —Phill the Thrill Get it from Amazon for $56+ (available in sizes S–5X, including tall sizes, and 11 colors). A Hanes hoodie you won't think twice about throwing on, whether you're lounging at home, running errands, or layering up for a chilly morning walk. Promising review: "Quality is very good, as is the price. After buying one and liking it so much, I bought another in a different color. Very comfortable. To maintain size, I never put it in the dryer after washing. Just air-dry." —Alvan it from Amazon for $14.05+ (available in sizes S–5XL and 32 colors). A Ben Davis heavyweight tee that'll have you well on your way to *building* a better wardrobe. Boxy, durable, and thicker than your average ego boost, this tee doesn't cling, sag, or quit. It's a staple for folks who care more about quality than flash, and who know a good pocket tee when they see one. Promising review: "As many reviewers have commented, the fit is generous and consistent with American workwear. Otherwise, this is a durable heavyweight tee that will stand up to rigorous situations. Perfect for a day on a construction site or in a commercial kitchen, and everything in between!" —Tim Just TimGet it from Amazon for $15.24+ (available in sizes S–3XL and nine colors). A Lee loose-fit chore coat guaranteed to have you looking like you inherited it from your mysteriously cool and handy uncle. With a roomy cut, reinforced construction, and enough pockets to skip the bag, this jacket is made for layering, working, and generally looking put-together without trying. Bonus points if it gets a little beat up — that's when it really shines. Promising review: "This is a sturdy denim coat with outdoor style. The fit is generous but not sloppy. I expect this coat will live to tell great tales of fun times." —C&LWGet it from Amazon for $59.75 (available in sizes S–XXL). A Brooks Brothers button-down shirt that's been doing the job since 1900 and never quit. It's crisp but not stiff, classic without being boring, and works just as well with jeans as it does under a blazer. A true wardrobe workhorse that earns its keep. Promising review: "What is there not to like about a superior product? Reliable and classic. Will buy more." —David C. RasmussenGet it from Amazon for $75.52 (available in sizes XS–3XL). A Filson waffle-knit thermal so good, I literally wrote a love letter to it. Made from Peruvian cotton and designed to hold its shape (and warmth) wear after wear, this is the kind of heavyweight base layer that makes you want to cancel plans just to stay cozy. It's an investment, sure — but one that pays dividends. I wore this thermal alllll winter long, and it's now a staple in my wardrobe. You can read my full review of the Filson Waffle Knit Henley review: "Tough, warm shirt. Great utilitarian piece that can be worn for work or a casual night on the town. Excellent for layering or wearing alone on cooler days, and the color is awesome. Has held up well after several washes and seems to only be getting better with time. 10/10." —Juan C. Get it from Filson for $115 (available in sizes XS–3XL and two colors). A black linen button-down here to check every box: lightweight, breathable, and has that relaxed-but-refined vibe that just works. Heading to the farmers market or out for dinner, this is a closet staple that's as easy to wear as it is to rewear. This shirt punches way above its price point. The linen feels high-end, the cut is spot on, and I've worn it with everything from shorts and sandals to trousers and loafers. It's the kind of piece that makes getting dressed in the summer a whole lot easier, it from Gap for $62 (available in sizes XS–XL, including tall sizes, and 14 colors). A pair of khakis that work as hard as you do. These Dockers are crisp enough for the office but comfy enough for the weekend. The stretch cotton moves with you, and the wrinkle-resistant finish means you look sharp all day. Promising review: "Why should you buy these over other pants? This particular model from Dockers is above all others. It holds its creases well, and it is quite wrinkle resistant, and comes out of a normal load of laundry ready to wear. The weight of the fabric makes them perfect for fall and winter, keeping you warm. Past that, after wearing these for a while, they show no signs of wear at the seams. They drape well, and I am quite satisfied." —Brennan Bailey Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in sizes S–4XL). A pair of linen pants you might think are pajamas because of how comfortable they are, but they'll still make you look like you made an effort. The slim, straight leg keeps things sharp, while the drawstring waist means you can skip the belt. They're the kind of pants you'll wear to brunch, the beach, and everywhere in between. Promising review: "These linen drawstring pants from Faherty are perfect for what I need. A casual, yet stylish pant with no surprises... just what I wanted. The fit is good and the color is just enough olive to be neutral and work with many other things." —Mark FGet them from Faherty for $168 (available in sizes XS–XXL and three colors). A matching suit set in Japanese denim that proves rugged and refined aren't mutually exclusive. With its relaxed fit and washed denim fabric, this jacket-and-pants combo lets you show up polished without pretending you're someone who likes to wear traditional suits. I just picked this up myself to wear to a wedding in Northern Michigan this summer. The dress code is semi-formal to formal, and I'm going to dress this up with a nice shirt and tie and some black derbies. I'm equally as excited to get use of the jacket and pants on their own, too. Get the pants from for $248 (available in sizes 28x30–38x32) and the blazer for $498 (available in sizes 34S–46L). A rain jacket you won't have to worry about taking up too much space (it folds down neatly into a pocket), but will also absolutely save your day when the weather turns. Through downpours, muggy hikes or city commutes, this thing will have your back time after time. Promising review: "I've owned this jacket for close to 10 years, and really tested it in different weather conditions. It is so good that I just bought the same jacket as the inner lining that makes it waterproof was failing (after 10 years, I feel this is pretty acceptable). It is light, comfortable, the hood packs fold and pack easily, and the hand/cuff area is easy to adjust to keep water cold out. Very well designed." —Agustin CRGet it from Amazon for $91.75 (available in sizes S–4XL, including big and tall sizes, and 11 colors) A swim trunk sharp enough for the beach and sturdy enough for your weekend errands. These Bather trunks are made from quick-dry recycled nylon with a soft mesh lining and a 5.5-inch inseam that hits just right. Get it from Bather for $90 (available in sizes XS–XXL and 21 colors). A Pendleton wool shirt that's been cool since the Beach Boys wore it (and still is). It's warm but breathable, structured but easygoing, and the kind of layer you'll keep reaching for, from chilly nights on the beach this summer to all the fall activities come September. Promising review: "This is a high-quality, well-designed, and manufactured shirt. It runs somewhat large, but overall, the fit, comfort, and quality are outstanding. Great shirt that always looks great. No shrinkage after cold wash and low-temperature dryer. Highly. recommend." —PesachGet it from Amazon for $169 (available in sizes XS–L and five colors). A pair of boxer-style shorts (with pockets) that are completely acceptable to wear out of the house on their own. These unisex shorts somehow walk the line between laid-back and pulled-together, but embody comfy-cool style for days. I found these at the One DNA shop in Nickel's Arcade in Ann Arbor, MI (shoutout to my alma mater, go blue!) and honestly haven't stopped wearing them since. They're playful and a little cheeky, sure, but also surprisingly timeless and wildly practical. The pockets alone make them a game changer. I wear them lounging around the house, running errands, grabbing coffee—basically anytime I want to feel comfy and put-together. They're the kind of piece you don't expect to reach for as often as you do… until you them from One DNA for $59 (available in sizes XS–XL and A pair of watercolor camo pants made with a relaxed fit and double-knee construction, blurring the line between workwear and wearable art. Whether you're actually in a studio or out camping in the wilderness, they're proof that function and flair can absolutely coexist. Promising review: "The fit and finish on these pants are awesome, and they are just flat-out well made! I especially love the integrated belt. I've owned a lot of nice pants, but these just seem to be a step above the rest." —Kaden it from Grease Point Workwear for $299 (available in sizes XS–XXL). A zip-off pant that'll make you rethink everything you thought you knew about zip-off pants. Aaron Levine's aren't your middle school hiking pants — they're sharp, grown-up, and built with serious attention to detail. The fabric is luxe and the design is just as thoughtful whether you're wearing them full-length or zipped into shorts. A rare find indeed. Get them from Aaron Levine for $448 (available in sizes 30–38 and two colors). An Alex Mill cotton-linen popover with a perfectly rumpled texture and half-button silhouette here to give you some polish without sacrificing comfort. It's ready to be your spring-to-fall uniform — especially when paired with beat-up jeans and zero pretense. Get it from Alex Mill for $165 (available in sizes XS–XXL and three colors)
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
I put 6 Amazon summer dresses to the test — they're all under $50, and one stood out above the rest
Last year, I purged my closet and donated several dresses that no longer brought me joy. The best part about getting rid of stuff is that you feel less guilty about treating yourself to something new — it's simple math, really. When I set out to revamp my wardrobe, I wasn't looking to spend a fortune, so I took a look at some of Amazon's bestselling dresses for inspiration. I couldn't decide on just one, so I ended up adding six different styles to my cart. Everything I chose is under $50, so I figured, why not? I was most excited about this corset dress, but did I love it when I tried it on? And what about this floral maxi dress? It has more than 15,000 reviews, but did it live up to the hype? Scroll below to see which Amazon dresses have earned a permanent place in my closet, whether for my next summer party or vacation. What I like about it: The moment I tried this on, I knew it was a keeper. It falls right at the knee, and the soft spandex/rayon blend hugs my figure in all the right places. It's easy to dress up with a pair of heels and a stylish blazer or throw on over your bathing suit for a day at the beach. I ordered it in a small which was perfect as it fits true to size. The empire waist and pleats make it a great choice for when I'm feeling a bit bloated but still want to wear something cute. Room for improvement: It does wrinkle and it's also a little sheerer than I thought, so you definitely want to be mindful of your undergarment selections when wearing. What other shoppers are saying: This dress has an average rating of 4.0 stars from more than 950 reviews. Shoppers agree it's "true to size," "flattering," and say it "drapes beautifully." What I like about it: This maxi is a fun choice for a night out or a summer wedding. I like the sash, which gives it a bit more of a refined look. My favourite detail of the dress is the cute ruffled capped sleeves. The 95 per cent rayon fabric feels great on and doesn't cling to the body, which is perfect on those hot summer nights. I ordered this wrap dress in a small and it was a little big on me. Room for improvement: This dress wrinkles so easily! For that reason alone I would hand wash it, anything to cut down on the wrinkles. Also, as it's shorter in the front, it does ride up a bit when you sit down, which I don't love. What other shoppers are saying: Shoppers call this maxi "so comfortable" and say it's "flattering and forgiving." Another reviewer is impressed with how much "boob room" the dress provides, saying that if you are "chesty," this is the dress for you. What I like about it: This cheap corset dress was the one I was most excited to order. The length is great, falling a little below the knee. The corset is surprisingly comfortable even when tied tight. This polyester dress is not stretchy and it runs true to size. Room for improvement: I so wanted this dress to be a winner for me, but alas, it was far from it. I'm 5'5" with a short torso, and this dress didn't fall quite right on my frame. The slit up the front was also a little too high for my personal taste. I know I am slim, but the corset still didn't seem to do anything to "snatch" my waist. What other shoppers are saying: One reviewer called this dress "very flattering," going on to say that the fabric is "light and flowy" and "perfect for summer." Another said that it "fits true to size" and is "amazing quality." What I like about it: I could live in this soft and stretchy dress all year long. It falls rights below the knee, is easy to put on, and the front pockets are the best. The decorative brown buttons down the front? Perfection. I accidentally ordered a medium, and I'm glad I did. It fits great and the looser size is great for throwing on over my bathing suit or to run errands in the morning. Room for improvement: As I mentioned, I accidentally ordered the medium, so it's a little baggy in the underarms, but I think if I had gotten the small, that wouldn't have been a problem. What other shoppers are saying: "The dress fits great and is very comfortable," says one review. They also said the "soft" dress "feels good on." Another customer said that this "great" dress is "very forgiving," while another person called the dress "flattering" and "comfy." What I like about it: This maxi dress is my top choice dress for casual comfort. I don't care what mood I am in; the second I put on this virtually wrinkle-free dress, I am revived. The hidden side pockets are great and I find myself reaching for this dress over others I own. It's flattering and runs true to size. Room for improvement: I'm 5'5" and I ordered a small and it fell right at my ankles. I can imagine if I were any shorter the dress would be too long. What other shoppers are saying: Dubbed the " most comfortable dress" by one shopper, the maxi has earned more than 15,000 reviews on Amazon. It's "beautifully made" and "true to size." What I like about it: If you are looking for a low-maintenance dress that gives you a polished and professional look, this is it. The fabric doesn't wrinkle easily, and it's super easy to clean. It's also great for travel. Just take it out of your suitcase and let it hang in the closet for a bit and voila, your dress is ready for a night on the town. Room for improvement: The only reason I am not giving this dress five stars is that I wish it was a little longer. What can I say? Below the knee is my preferred length for warm-weather dresses. It also runs a little big. But this one still scores an A, just not an A+. What other shoppers are saying: Of its 1,770+ reviews, 59 per cent of shoppers gave this knee-length dress a perfect five-star rating. One person said this "great dress" looks "just like the picture" and "fits true to size." Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by all 6 of the Amazon spring and summer dresses that I tried — especially given their affordable price point. If you're thinking about buying — here's my ultimate ranking and reasoning: 1. MOLERANI Maxi Dress with Pockets: I'm obsessed with this wear-anywhere dress, which shoppers call the "most comfortable dress." It's versatile, flattering and fits true to size — but if you're on the shorter side, it may be a bit too long. 2. MOLERANI Sleeveless Button-Down Dress: Another slam dunk from MOLERANI! This little number is flattering and hits right below the knees, making it great for warm days. Shoppers say it's "very forgiving" and I'll be wearing it everywhere from backyard BBQs to the beach. 3. Famulily V-Neck Puff Sleeve Dress: This low-maintenance dress is polished and professional, and is also super easy to clean. The only downside? It's a bit short for me — but that definitely may just be personal preference. 4. WEACZZY Summer Dress: This sleek empire waist and pleats make it a great choice for a day when you're feeling casual but want to still want to look put-together. I do want to flag that it is a bit sheer, so you'll want to be mindful with your choice in undergarments. 5. GRECERELLE V-Neck Maxi Dress: This dress would be cute for a wedding or another event, but it wrinkles really easily. That combined with the fact that the front rides up when you sit down means I wouldn't recommend it for more than a couple wears. 6. Courecrop Midi Corset Dress: This one didn't do it for me at all — but again, personal preference. I found that the "corset" waist didn't do much to highlight my figure, and the front slit was a bit too high for my taste. I'd personally recommend skipping this one — but to each their own.
CBS News
8 hours ago
- CBS News
DEI rollbacks prompt people powered Pride month in the Twin Cities
Pride month kicked off with a literal running start Sunday: a 5K Run/Walk from Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis. Twin Cities In Motion Ambassadors put on the event that donates a portion of profits to Twin Cities Pride's year-round programming. Amy Lippert Hoffman, from Blaine, is one of the hundred or so who took part. It's a show of support for her LGBTQ friends, she said. "I am out here support them, just letting them know they are loved and they are important to celebrate," said Lippert Hoffman. The recent political climate under President Trump's administration, cracking down on things like transgender rights, has left a dark cloud of fear for many in the community, Lippert Hoffman said. "I wake up everyday and I'm just so worried about my friends, and I see how much they are worried," she said. "They're scared and that makes me scared too." Trump's executive order banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the country saw a concurrent rollback of DEI initiatives from Target. Twin Cities Pride struck back, parting ways with the longtime sponsor. To fill the gap, Twin Cities Pride raised double the $50,000 that Target would have provided, all accomplished within a week. "We really increased our individual donations at the start of the year and I feel like people have been very motivated to really change, not only their shopping patterns, but their giving patterns, which has been really amazing to see," said Kelsey Alto, director of programming for Twin Cities Pride. New community partners and local small businesses have come forward following the loss of sponsors, Alto said. "All of the co-ops in the Twin Cities banded together to raise money for us," said Alto. A new, people powered pride, that Alto said stands strong in the face of adversity. "I think now more than ever that not only our community, but our small businesses in the Twin Cities are standing up and showing up for the pride community and for pride month," said Alto.
