Latest news with #HamiltonBeach
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tariffs are coming for your sex toys
Trump's massive tariffs on China are going to hurt your sex life. Most sex toys sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China, and production can't quickly shift stateside. This month, the president has made a slew of announcements and backtracks on global tariffs. This has led to an escalating trade war with China, with current tariffs on imports at 145 percent (as of this writing), and the administration hinting that they can balloon to 245 percent. SEE ALSO: People are rushing to Temu and Shein to beat Trump's tariffs As many products sold in the U.S. are made in China, many industries and customers will likely suffer. Sex toy companies aren't any different, and if these tariffs continue, your bedside drawer might look a lot emptier soon. Why are sex toys made in China? "Pretty much all toys are made in China," said Carolyn Eagle, owner of the online sex toy shop Betty's Toy Box and others. Factories in China have the manufacturing capabilities and decades of knowledge to make toys, particularly vibrators, which have small electronic parts like motors. This wasn't always the case, though, according to sex historian and journalist Hallie Lieberman. In the early twentieth century, vibrators were produced in the U.S. — and companies were proud of it. "Pretty much all toys are made in China." - Carolyn Eagle, owner of the online sex toy shop Betty's Toy Box "In the early 1900s, the U.S. [...] Racine, Wisconsin marketed itself as ' vibrator capital of the world ,'" said Lieberman, author of Buzz: A Stimulating History of the Sex Toy . "We were making electric motors and vibrators in Wisconsin […] the Midwest was that production capital, because we were making small electric motors here. They had the infrastructure, they had the factories." In the decades since, Lieberman said we've "gone from doing vibrator production in the U.S. to completely outsourcing it." Why? Why does the U.S. outsource vibrator production? Firstly, these Midwestern-made vibrators weren't marketed for sexual purposes (even though that's what they were used for); they were sold as products for health and non-sexual uses — even vacuum cleaners . Around the sexual revolution and women's liberation movement in the 1960s and 70s, vibrators did become more associated with sex, and women's masturbation in particular. This contributed to more stigma around the toys. American companies like Hamilton Beach, which produced vibrators at the turn of the century (you can find some on eBay ), focused on other household appliances instead. Meanwhile, the iconic Magic Wand vibrator (formerly known as the Hitachi Magic Wand), which isn't produced in the U.S., debuted in 1968. By the time Vibratex, the wholesale distributor of Magic Wand, took over distributing and managing the vibrators in 2000, Magic Wand was manufactured in China. The switch from manufacturing in Japan to China happened in the late 1980s or early 1990s, CEO of Vibratex Ken Herskovitz told Mashable. Vibratex, which launched the also-famous Rabbit Pearl vibrator, also shifted production from Japan to China (unrelated to Magic Wand) around that time because of the reduced labor cost and larger manufacturing infrastructure, Herskovitz said. "Shenzhen and Dongguan are where, I would say, about 90 percent of all sex toys are made." - Alexandra Fine, co-founder and CEO of sex toy company Dame Today, it's difficult to determine how many vibrators and other sex toys are produced in China and imported into the U.S., Lieberman said. These products don't have a NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code, so they're not categorized like retail or agriculture products. Despite the lack of official statistics, Lieberman and business owners Mashable spoke to made it clear that the vast majority of sex toys sold in the U.S. are made in China. "Shenzhen and Dongguan are where, I would say, about 90 percent of all sex toys are made," Alexandra Fine, co-founder and CEO of sex toy company Dame, told Mashable. "They are experts there at making this type of product." Certain aspects of vibrators are particularly difficult to make, Fine continued. She used an example of not being able to use high-temperature silicone around electronics because it'll melt the electronics. "There's nuance. They're hard to do, and this is where the experts are, and how we can make quality product," she said. "The manufacturers in Shenzhen are exceptional at what they do," wrote Polly Rodriguez, co-founder and CEO of sex toy brand Unbound, in a blog post about how tariffs are impacting the company . "There is no other region that can match their quality of raw materials, technology, safety standards, manufacturing processes, speed, and price." Can sex toys be made in the U.S.? One stated reason for the tariffs is to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. But in the case of many products, including sex toys, it's not easy. Two variables are the ability to make products at scale and cost, according to Michael Topolovac, co-founder and CEO of pleasure jewelry company Crave. Currently, supply chains that companies need to make an array of products at scale (meaning, a lot of them) don't really exist in the U.S. "For example, batteries and motors. They're not manufactured in the U.S. anywhere," said Topolovac. "Not for these kinds of consumer products. They just don't exist. Could you build battery and motor factories in the U.S.? Sure, but that's a five-year problem." "Could you build battery and motor factories in the U.S.? Sure, but that's a five-year problem." - Michael Topolovac, co-founder and CEO of pleasure jewelry company Crave "When you get to electro-mechanical products, and the scale at work that we're doing it, it's just not feasible in the U.S. currently," said Ti Chang, co-founder and creative director of Crave. Crave does its design, research and development, some assembly, and quality control in San Francisco, but its parts are made in China. The other problem is cost. Rates for labor, construction, real estate, and basic living costs are higher here than in China. "Even if you could build up the supply chain, it would be materially more expensive," Topolovac said. So, are sex toy prices going to go up? If nothing changes with the tariffs, yes. "People are going to have to really raise the prices of vibrators," Lieberman said. Sex toy brands are responding to this potential reality in different ways. Unbound and Dame posted blog posts about the tariffs, pledging transparency to their customers. When the tariffs were set at 20 percent, Dame instituted a $5 "Trump tariff surcharge," which Fine told Mashable wasn't enough to offset the increased cost on the company's end. Last week, Dame updated the charge and the blog post , stating, "We've updated our prices to reflect a ~50 percent tariff. Because we just don't think it will stay at 145 percent." Dame's "Trump's tariff surcharge" is currently $15, and Dame and Fine shared more about the company's math on Instagram . Vibratex sells wholesale to retailers, and effective immediately, there's a 10 percent tariff offset fee, which also wouldn't fully cover the increased cost, Herskovitz said. As of this publication, beginning in May, there will be a 20 percent tariff offset fee; in June, 30 percent; and in July, 40 percent. Vibratex aims to cap this fee to its customers (retailers) at 40 percent. Vibratex has also controlled order sizes so one retailer doesn't stock up on all their inventory before prices increase. Meanwhile, Crave stocked up on extra inventory before Trump's tariff announcement, given his history of imposing tariffs on China . In an email sent to customers and forwarded to Mashable, Crave stated it's not raising prices for now, but urged customers to buy something if they're eyeing it. "[O]wing to the extreme tariffs and their apparent likelihood of being maintained, it is unclear how long we can keep our current pricing," Crave's email stated. It's difficult to say how much products will cost if manufacturing eventually shifts to the U.S., Topolovac said, but he estimated prices can go up 300 or 400 percent. Hurting businesses and bodies The escalating tariffs are causing chaos in the markets and businesses. "If one's intent — I use that word very broadly — was wanting to eviscerate very large swaths of small businesses in America, this is precisely how you would do it," said Topolovac, CEO of Crave. "I feel a little apocalyptic about my vibrators right now." - Alexandra Fine, co-founder and CEO of Dame Multiple business owners told Mashable that the instability of Trump's decisions has made it difficult to decide what to do. Across industries, from beauty to children's toys to furniture , business owners feel, as the Wall Street Journal reported, "stuck in limbo." "I feel like I'm dancing with chaos," Fine said. "I feel a little apocalyptic about my vibrators right now." "Everyone's on edge," Herskovitz said of the Vibratex team. "This current situation feels very unpredictable. We don't know. It's why I'm doomscrolling all day." "Even if the tariffs continue on for another couple of months, companies are going to start going under," said Eagle. "They just won't be able to afford to produce and bring over the product that they need to bring over." These impacts will undoubtedly affect consumers, and not just their wallets. "It's easy to look at it and say, 'Oh, it's just frivolous, whatever,'" about sex toys, "but these are products people use on their genitals, inside their bodies," Lieberman said. SEE ALSO: Whatever Trump decides on tariffs, Apple and Tim Cook lose "People are always going to want to masturbate. They're always going to want to provide pleasure. They will find a way to get the cheaper product, even with the surcharge, the Shein product , or the whatever product that may have dangerous chemicals in it that may break, that may be harmful to them." What makes matters worse is that this is happening alongside a years-long attempt to stifle online sexuality. Twin laws FOSTA-SESTA , which Trump signed into law in 2018, were outwardly to curb online sex trafficking, but in reality have pushed sex workers (and educators, and other people in the sexuality space ) off social platforms and the internet. This makes them less safe and also makes it harder to find credible information online. Sex toy companies, especially women-centered ones, aren't exempt from this. In 2023, Unbound showed that Meta rejected its toy ads until it marketed to men. Additionally, around a third of the U.S. is now subject to age-verification laws . These laws typically require identification data (in the form of government ID or facial recognition) for visitors of sites with over a third of explicit content. Despite free speech advocates and researchers saying age-verification doesn't work to stop minors from accessing porn sites, they persist. And age verification is coming for sex toys. Last month, Texas introduced a bill to require official proof of age to buy sex toys online . "Current struggles impacting toy businesses with the new tariffs remind us of challenges we continue to see faced by advocates, researchers, and educators like ourselves in the broader field of sexual rights," COO at sexual freedom nonprofit Woodhull Freedom Foundation , Mandy Salley, said in an emailed statement to Mashable. "Restrictive policies on who can access sexual content online, increasing censorship of sexual expression on social media, and regressive human rights policies contribute to the censorship and stigmatization of consenting adults' access to sexual content." It's unclear whether the 145 percent tariffs will last long after this publication or for years, and how sex toy companies will respond. One thing for sure is, they're killing the buzz in more ways than one.
Buzz Feed
27-03-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
If You're A Little Bit Vain But Also Practical, You'll Love These 34 Beautiful, Functional Products
1. A set of transparent sticky notes reviewers love not just for the aesthetic, but because it makes it easier to leave notes in books and study guides without interrupting the ~flow~ of the text. Amazon Promising review:"For someone who is a big note-taker, these are perfect. Durable, easy, and not to mention aesthetically pleasing! Definitely will be purchasing more!" — penny Get a pack of 50 sheets from Amazon for $5.99 (available in seven colors). 2. A set of faux coffee table books inspired by the iconic (and verrrry expensive) Assouline travel series, except with a ~secret~ — these all open with a magnetic lid to become storage compartments. Now you can either declutter your coffee table by stashing your knick knacks, or hide your valuables by putting these books on a shelf! Amazon Promising review: "The color of these books is actually more vivid and beautiful in person. I'm thrilled with how it looks on the shelf — plus it's a very good hiding spot. I would 100% recommend these for anyone looking to add color to your home." — elishiva Get a set of four from Amazon for $28.99. 3. A slim-profile Bella VersaBrew 2-in-1 Coffee Maker designed to save you SOOOO much space — this can hold a coffee pot that brews up to 12 cups of coffee on days when you've got a crowded kitchen, or convert to a one-cup coffee maker that uses both grounds *and* K-cup pods on days when you're flying solo. It's basically two deeply functional (and sleek??) coffee makers in one. Promising review:"I love this design! In the past, we have used Keurig and Hamilton Beach products. We are replacing coffee makers every two years. This design is more simplistic and brews a hot cup of coffee. You can actually see the steam. It's very easy to use, and I love that you can use fresh coffee grounds or a K-cup. This makes me want to buy the whole line of products for the kitchen." — HJ Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in five colors). 4. An oh-so-sweet hummingbird lamp with three brightness levels and a touch sensor that reviewers love using as a reading light, a wind-down light, or a nursery light. Bonus: it also functions as an aroma diffuser if you add 3–4 drops of essential oil to the top of its head. Check out a TikTok of the bird night-light in action. Promising review:"This little bird is truly a gem. You tap on its head to get three different brightness of lighting. Works great as a night-light or to have on during the day as a decor for your table or end table. I love that it comes with a charger. No need to worry about having the right battery size. Will buy as gifts for friends and family!" — Linda S. Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in four styles and two sizes). 5. A pair of wireless over-the-ear headphones crafted to look like AirPods Max, so you can still enjoy the comfort and chic style of their iconic headphones without shelling out hundreds of dollars. These feature premium cushion padding, a built-in mic with the ability to take calls, 10 hours of playtime per charge, and surprisingly decent noise blocking for the price. iJoy is a small business that specializes in headphones and tech accessories. I own a pair of these, and because I'm vain as heck and need to own all things pink, but I was decently surprised by how well they muffle noise! I feel like these are ideal for people who still want to hear some of the world around them (read: parents, people working in open offices), but still want to listen to their tunes comfortably. The charge on these goes for at least four hours (I haven't tried it beyond that yet), and the Bluetooth connects to my devices super easily. Excellent pair of headphones for the price point. Promising review: "These headphones surprised me. I thought they were not going to be as great because of how cheap they are, but the bass is amazing! The noise cancellation is so good that I can't hear anything. The volume is loud and sound quality is a win, and just how I like it. Very snug and comfy, recommend! Thanks TikTok, lol :)." — Chevelle Revero Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in five colors). 6. A sleek one-button electric wine bottle opener because TBH, nobody has time to lament a cork getting stuck in their bottle and google a bunch of hacks to fix it anymore. This rechargeable beauty will safely pop it open without any of the hassle. Promising review:"I have had this wine bottle opener for over two years and I'm so happy with this purchase. I love the aesthetic and that I can leave on the counter. When you receive the product, you just have to plug it in to charge and then it's ready to use. It's convenient to have the foil cutter. It's also still sharp after two years. In just a few seconds the bottle is opened and I'm ready to enjoy a glass of wine!" — Rebecca Anne Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in four styles). 7. A decorative rainbow window film that says, "Yes, I want my privacy, but I also want to be extremely glamorous about it." Not only does this refract beautiful rainbows in your space, but reviewers mention that it's handy for pet owners whose dogs love to bark at things outside, and that they also used them to outfit the sunroofs of their cars to prevent glare. Promising review:"I had no privacy in the evenings and was looking for an alternative solution that was not only effective but that would look good, too. After putting these up, I finally have some really effective privacy. It's so nice without everybody being able to see into my windows whenever they please at night. The amazing amount of rainbow effect that happens during the daytime when the sunlight streams through is so neat! My place is flooded with rainbows everywhere. It is better than I pictured!" — Sally Skeleton Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in seven colors and 17 sizes). 8. A set of chic pastel reusable air fryer liners so chic that they can double as serving dishes when you pluck them out of the basket. Amazon Promising review: " These inserts are so good for what I use my air fryer for. Clean up is a breeze! I never tried any kind of accessory with my air fryer and this is the perfect complement to my air fryer use." — Barbara Reynolds Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99 (available in two styles). 9. A set of quick-drying Swedish reusable dish towels that save the environment *and* a whole lot of your time and money. Each of these lil' bubs is durable enough to replace 15 paper towel rolls, and the ultra-absorbent cellulose makes it so much easier to scrub up grime. Eparé is a small business that specializes in kitchen and cleaning products for home use. Promising review: "Have been using these for a year now and absolutely pleased with replacing these for using paper towels. They are absorbent and easy to clean with dish soap and water, then hung to dry. I throw ones that have had several uses into the dishwasher at the end of the week. They hold their shape and and absorbency, and while a duller pattern, does well for a couple of months each." — Ben McDonald Get a set of four from Amazon for $12.99 (available in two styles and in eight-packs). 10. A branding spanking new 2024 *mini* Kindle — it's faster, it's brighter, and more importantly, it's TEENSIER. The new size makes it easier to fit in the palm of your hand, easier to travel with, and a heck of a lot easier to pack in smaller clutches and purses when you're commuting. It's also glare-free and has a battery life that lasts for up to six weeks on a single charge. Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action. Promising review:"This is such a great Kindle! It's lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn't as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable kindle, this is the one for you." — Christine Heath Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen). 11. A stainless-steel "see-through" knife set with a transparent block that lets you admire your blades even when they're stashed away, so they become part of the "minimalist, but never, ever boring" aesthetic of your kitchen space. Bonus: there's a knife sharpener built into the block! Promising review: "I ordered the pink set, and I love the color. It's a soft pink, not too bright, and just the right amount of subtle, fun color. The knives themselves were impressive, the handles are matte making them safe and easy to use when you're cooking. I was shocked at how well the knives worked for the price paid; I meal-prepped for the week and used them on meats, veggies, and herbs with ease! The built-in sharpener is a great touch, and it comes with a cleaning cloth, which was an unexpected bonus. I love the container, it's a much more modern aesthetic compared to the solid wood box that's been around since the '80s. This provides everything you need in a knife set at a great price!" — Kelly Dumais Get it from Amazon for $49.99. 12. A deeply adorable retro-style portable Bluetooth keyboard you can connect to your tablet, phone, or computer to easily type on the go. Reviewers especially love the satisfying ~clickety clack~ feel of the keys! Promising review: "I got this keyboard because of its aesthetic. The look did not disappoint. Love it! Super easy to connect to my iPhone and iPad. It makes my typing and note creating on my phone quicker and cuter. I will purchase another for an upcoming friend's birthday. I know she'll love it as well!" — NT Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in nine colors). 13. A beautifully packaged, travel-friendly Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and has the most luxurious floral scents. Amazon Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers. Promising review:"Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it's pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it's extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I'm especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feel tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what's not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" — Briana R. Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options). 14. A marble board wire cheese cutter to serve as half decor, half kitchen tool, and 100% the biggest hit at any wine-and-cheese night when you let guests slice their own cheese with it. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the cheese slicer in action. Promising review:"My mother-in-law had purchased one last year and I tried hers at Christmas and fell in love with how easy it was to use. We have a lot of get togethers with friends and cheese is a staple appetizer in our house. So I purchased my own and have been using it weekly since. It cuts easily and it's mostly easy to clean. Sometimes cheese gets stuck in the crack but some scrubbing with a small brush usually does the trick." — Jessica Get it from Amazon for $17.64+ (available in two colors). 15. A retro-style smoothie maker that honestly has a lot of audacity being that cute AND that functional?? It blends in either a LITERAL MASON JAR or a plastic portable sports bottle you can pop right off and drink from. But don't you dare underestimate this cute little bean — it can crush ice and blend frozen fruit like nobody's business. Promising review:"Wow. I have been through many high-end blenders that have broken or just didn't cut it. Well, I am so amazed at this blender. Perfect size for my smoothies and so easy to use. I love how you simply twist the lid and turn it on. It blends so nicely and doesn't leave my protein powder on the sides like my old blenders do. It crushed ice and blends up to a perfect consistency. I've never written a review on here before but I am amazed at this!! Not to mention it's so cute on the counter!" – Casey Get it from Amazon for $37.51+ (also available in black). 16. A sophisticated, airtight ribbed storage canister you can use to elevate everything from coffee grounds to laundry beads to cotton balls — the sky is your very chic limit. Promising review: "These are so versatile. Right now I have different teas in them, but in the fall I have other ideas. The size is perfect for me. The quality is great and the lids fit well. The material is glass glass with wooden like lids." — Darlene Hohn Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in three shapes and two sizes). 17. A sleek as heck wireless handheld vacuum reviewers *love* using for computers and desks, their car interiors, and little messes in the home. It has adjustable nozzles depending on what kind of surface you're working with, and also has the added benefit of looking like a chic accessory that TikTok Barbie would own. (Does she exist yet??? Because it's only a matter of time.) Amazon, Promising review:"Another 'TikTok made me buy it' purchase. I absolutely love this thing. Helps with cleaning my daughter's desk since she's homeschooling, and it's easy to use if you have to clean drawers." — Manisha Roopnarine Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in five colors). 18. A cloud-shaped utility knife you *need* in your life if you're a person who gets a lot of packages — this will save you a whole lot of time and effort (and DESPAIR over your ruined nails) with quick, easy cuts. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the cloud knife in action. Promising review:"I love these — sturdy, sharp with retractable blade. I keep them in different rooms for opening packages or breaking down boxes to recycle. Would recommend and buy again." — Amy Yasneski Get a set of six from Amazon for $11.99. 19. An absurdly gorgeous, oh-so-functional detachable cookware set that has the luxe look of a lot of expensive brands, but wayyyy more convenience. These premium, nonstick pans are designed to save a ton of space with detaching handles that let the pans "nest" snugly in the cupboard. Each set includes an eight-inch and ten-inch frying pan, a ten-inch deep frying pan, a seven-inch and eight-inch saucepan, two glass lids, two removable handles, and four pot protectors. Promising review: "I found these detachable pots and pans on a YouTube video. They are such a space saver for small kitchen. They can stack on top of each other, which only takes up a small corner of the cabinet. The spot protectors are so useful and neat that you won't scratch the pots. They are very easy to clean. Great quality that I've recommended to several friends." — Yuli Aoki Get it from Amazon for $59.99. 20. A sophisticated laptop tote bag so you can easily (and chicly!) carry not just your tech, but the whole arsenal of I'm A Very Busy Business Person things you need to get through the day. Reviewers compare this to the $$ Beis version, and especially love the unexpected depth and pockets included. Promising review: "It's much more spacious than it looks. It's very sleek and stylish. I use it as my work bag, and I find that it looks professional and has enough space for all of my stuff. I carry a laptop, pencil case, two books, makeup bag, water bottle, wallet, lotion, phone and laptop charger, and other small miscellaneous objects. Still plenty of space. And when you see carry it, it doesn't feel bulky or cumbersome. The bag does sag a bit after use. But has held up to wear and tear. I would recommend." — Su Get it from Amazon for $27.89+ (available in nine styles). 21. The 2025 updated version of The Original Gratitude Journal, a science-backed prompt journal to help you cultivate more mindfulness, appreciation, and joy in your human existence by writing for just five minutes each day. Promising review: "I love how it keeps me consistent. I've never had a journal in my life until I bought this one. I am glad I got it. I love how it looks styled and cute. Also it's a high quality book, because I've been bringing it with me wherever I go and it doesn't really get an old look at all. Highly recommended!" — Yagmur Get it from Amazon for $22+ (available in six colors). 22. A dreamy dimmable candle-warmer lamp so you can waft your favorite candles throughout your space in the most aesthetically pleasing (and safe!) way possible. Promising review:"I bought this on a whim, and I'm hooked. I love the timer and dimmer features. So far, the lamp works great. It doesn't put out a lot of heat, and I love that you can adjust the light. This is now going to be my go-to gift." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $31.98+ (available in 10 styles). 23. A lightweight quilted laptop sleeve to turn your work and travel aesthetic into a puffy cloud daydream. This little cloud isn't all looks and no game, though: it's waterproof, thanks to the exterior nylon, and features a fleece inside with a magnetic closure to keep your laptop safe and scratch-free. Promising review: "Going on a big trip soon and I bought this for travel. I am super obsessed with the quality and how light/soft it is. It's the perfect size for my laptop and acts as a cushion for other things in my backpack. It can be slightly tricky to open, I just slide one finger in and then expand my hand to open it but it has a magnetic-like closure. Love the color too, it's simple." — mandella cesena Get it from Amazon for $30.99+ (available in two sizes and nine colors). 24. A checkered dog couch cover protector so cute that you might just want one even if you don't have a single furry friend in sight?? I mean, if they're not going to pay rent, they might as well be chic decor enablers. Promising review:"This is two-legged, and yes, four-legged approved!! It is soft and does NOT slip around. It didn't have any 'smell' out of the packaging which is always a plus!! Looks pleasant on our sofa. We placed it where we like to sit and of course where our pup likes to sit as well. This will keep our leather furniture clean, protected and warm when we sit down. So goodbye to all those miss matched blankets there were bulky and always bunching up and was meant to cover US up not the sofa! Two thumbs up!!" — Kimberly Evanson Get it from Amazon for $59.99+ (available in seven styles and five sizes). 25. A gorgeous "woven" ceramic flower vase to add a subtle, calming texture to your space that blends in seamlessly with the rest of your decor. Amazon Promising review: "I'm so happy with this lovely vase in baby blue. It's really great looking and will be stunning with flowers in it. Very pleased with the beauty of its shape. I will get tons of use out of this over the years. Would also make a very nice gift!" — Pamela R. Kramer Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in five styles and a two-pack). 26. A set of luxe, reviewer-beloved Le Gushe "24K Gold" under-eye masks so you can *truly* pamper yourself — these soothing (ridiculously pretty??) masks are infused with hyaluronic acid, collagen, and aloe to help hydrate and refresh the dark circles and puffiness under your eyes. The self-care vibes are *immaculate*. Promising review:"I have used these a few times and they have been fine. However, the other day I hadn't slept well and had some bags under my eyes. These little miracles suddenly were amazing! After twenty minutes, my eyes looked less sunken and tired and more natural in color with the right amount of puffiness. I even forgot about them for six months so imagine my surprise that they were still good to go and worked perfectly. They leave my skin feeling smooth and happy." — Angela I Get 20 pairs from Amazon for $14.95 (also available in sets of 10 and 30 pairs). 27. A three-tier ring floor lamp for anyone who wants a lighting option that isn't going to bore them to tears. This not only has unique, sophisticated flair, but comes with adjustable brightness so you can curate the room's mood. Amazon Brightech is a California-based small business that specializes in home lighting. Promising review: "The light is nice! It's a unique-looking light. I love how it has three different settings so you can adjust the brightness. It fits perfectly with my reading chaise and goes well with the rest of my living room decor. The only con I have is I wish the cord was clear instead of black, it sticks out. Other than that, I love the light. I'd definitely recommend it to others." — Carmelita Joy Get it from Amazon for $79.99+ (available in four colors). 28. A clear glass simmering stove so you can make your whole home smell warm and cozy by heating up cinnamon cloves, oranges, hot cocoa, or mulled wine, while also enjoying the this uniquely beautiful ~aesthetic~. These withstand temperatures 0 degrees F–400 degrees F, can be used to simmer on the stove, and are microwave-, dishwasher-, and oven-safe. Promising review: "I purchased this glass jar for my potpourri. I was initially concerned about using glass, especially with my glass electric stovetop. However, I'm pleased to report that it has held up beautifully so far. The jar is lightweight and shows no signs of cracking, which is a relief. While I wouldn't recommend using it for cooking — since it might not withstand the wear from utensils like spatulas or spoons — it works perfectly for my simmer pots." — Tori Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in three sizes). 29. An adorable cherry-inspired bedside carafe with a pretty pink pitcher and lil' stem cup that will add the loveliest touch to your nightstand and keep you hydrated as cutely as possible. is a US-based small business that specializes in quirky accessories, home products, and stationery. Get it from Amazon for $38.95. 30. A set of wooden flower pot magnets to bring the whole trend of "fridgescaping" to an entirely new, adorable level, or brighten up your desk area at work. I dare anyone to be grumpy with these cute lil' blooms in their eye line. Promising review: "The magnets look good! I have them displayed at work and receive so many compliments. Perfect addition!" — Amazon Customer Get a set of four from Amazon for $11.99 (also available in four other styles, including quirky food boards). 31. A deliciously luxe chunky knit blanket so buttery soft, satisfyingly heavy, and beautifully draped that everyone in the house is going to fight over it. Amazon Promising review:"This was a great buy for the money. It is a large, heavier chunky blanket, but soooo soft! I have it at the foot of my bed and I love to snuggle up in it. My grandkids love it too! Bought this to replace a very pricey Pottery Barn one that I had that came unraveled. This one is so much softer and heavier." — Rebecca Dobbs Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three sizes and eight colors). 32. A retro-style Tupperware Classic Mix-N-Store Pitcher Set in nostalgic mint green and candy pink colors that will give your baking and cooking projects the sweetest vintage touch. These mixing bowls feature handles and lids with a spout for easing pouring, and are airtight for easy storage while you're prepping. Amazon Promising review: "Love these, they are so cute and I love that they are vintage-looking. I loved using my mom's growing up, so I just had to buy these when I saw them. They are Tupperware so they are well made and will last forever!" — JMReviews Get the set from Amazon for $32.99 (and check out Tupperware's Vintage Collection for more styles!). 33. A hybrid travel planner and journal, so not only can you organize all your plans for the trip in advance, but chronicle them in the same space for safekeeping. Extremely love to see it, especially because the planning and anticipating of the trip is every bit as fun as the trip itself! Amazon The Lamare is a Florida-based small business that specializes in planners and journals. Promising review:"I loved this travel planner. I got it to plan my road trip and it is working wonderfully. It has a monthly overview so you can plan the month leading up to the trip. Also, you get a whole page for what and where you want to go and where you want to eat. And a whole page for a packeting list with blank labels for categories." — Sydney Smith Get it from Amazon for $13.95 (available in three colors). 34. And a beautifully illustrated undated planner perfect for anyone trying to get their life in order in 2025, but with a dash of ~whimsy~ to keep you motivated. Each week changes over to a new flower theme to keep the vibe light and lovely even when your schedule is anything but. Promising review:"Perfect size. Each page is a beautiful work of art. I cannot wait to start using it! Absolutely love it!" — Karla Ramirez Get it from Amazon for $8.89+ (available in two styles). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumers Are Stressed About Tariffs. For Many Companies, It's More Complicated
Consumer confidence has fallen as Americans worry that companies will pass on the cost of tariffs, increasing their costs and inflation. Many companies that serve companies say they would raise at least some prices, including: Steve Madden, Sally Beauty and home appliance company Hamilton Beach. Some companies say they're confident they can navigate a market reshaped by consumers are anxious about tariffs. The companies that serve them are, too, though not all of them are bracing for the worst. Consumer sentiment in February took the biggest monthly hit seen in three years, according to The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence survey, which showed that Americans are concerned tariffs will spur inflation. Businesses are exploring how to protect their profits through supply chain changes and price increases, executives said during recent conference calls. While some consumer-focused companies worry tariffs will hurt business, others are confident they can handle—or even reap rewards from—higher import costs. President Donald Trump said this week that he plans to impose a 25% tariff on products from Mexico and Canada, beginning Tuesday. He also said the U.S. would raise a tariff on goods from China to 20% and has recently talked about adding tariffs to items from other regions, including the European Union. Many companies said they'd raise at least some prices if tariffs were enacted—from the cosmetic company Sally Beauty (SBH) to Hamilton Beach Brands (HBB), which sells small household appliances. A number of businesses said they worked to blunt the potential blow by diversifying their supply chains. Steve Madden (SHOO) diminished sourcing from China by about 20% since the last quarter, CEO Edward Rosenfeld said. But selective price increases will still be necessary, he said. Higher prices may not dramatically alter the outlook for some companies. Birkenstock (BIRK), which finishes its shoe assembly in Germany, has been able to raise prices without consequence in the past, CFO Ivica Krolo said on an earnings conference call last month. 'The good news here [is] that we have, historically, [had] the ability to take pricing action globally that offsets these inflationary pressures, including tariffs, without any impact on our business,' Krolo said, according to a transcript made available by AlphaSense. Some large companies see their size as an advantage in navigating tariffs. Coca-Cola (KO) could rely more on plastic bottles than cans, CEO James Quincey said on an earnings conference call in February. He added that even if the company pays more for aluminum, it's 'not going to radically change a multibillion dollar U.S. business.' Walmart (WMT) knows how to find value for consumers amid tariffs, executives said. So does Home Depot (HD), executive vice president of merchandising Billy Bastek said on an earnings call this week. 'We've been through this before,' Bastek said, according to a transcript made available by AlphaSense. "With our scale, we feel that we're as well or better positioned than anyone in the marketplace." A few companies said they may even benefit from tariffs. Roku (ROKU) doesn't expect tariffs to impact its product margins. But they could raise the cost of 'higher end" TVs, prompting people to move to less expensive options and driving up demand for Roku, said Mustafa Ozgen, president of devices, products and technology. Newell Brands (NWL), which sells Yankee candles, believes tariffs present both headwinds and potential benefits. The company has ramped up its production capacity in the U.S., CEO Christopher Peterson said. This gives Newell an advantage over competitors—and potential clients—he said on an earnings call in February. The company has been informing retailers it can quickly add manufacturing capacity in the U.S. "on a first come, first serve basis," Peterson said. Read the original article on Investopedia
Fox News
15-02-2025
- Business
- Fox News
The coffee connoisseur's guide to the top coffee pots for every type of coffee drinker
Coffee is the start of most people's mornings, afternoons and evenings. When you're looking for a new coffee pot, there are a lot of options to consider, depending on how you want your coffee brewed, the customization you want and the type of coffee you drink. Whether you're looking for simple, straightforward drip coffee makers or want to go all out with an espresso machine, this list has an option for every coffee drinker. The Amazon Basic five-cup coffee pot is a no-frills, ultra-affordable coffee pot, ideal for the occasional coffee drinker. If you need something that makes just a few cups of coffee for you in the morning, this coffee pot is the way to go. Most of your Amazon purchases can be delivered to your door in 24 hours if you're an Amazon Prime member. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your holiday shopping today. Want a bigger coffee pot at a low price? The Hamilton Beach 12-cup coffee pot is a one-button pot that's easy to use. It makes 12 cups of coffee, and you can grab a cup before the pot is completely done brewing. Original price: $69.99 If you're willing to splurge just a little bit, you can get a middle-of-the-road coffee pot that'll last for years. The Black and Decker 12-cup coffee maker has a stainless steel carafe that'll keep your coffee warm for hours. Original price: $59 Coffee drinkers who just want a cup at a time should consider a Keurig K-Express machine. It's a single-serve machine that comes in a variety of colors. A Keurig allows you to switch up what you're drinking from cup to cup, rather than having a big pot of the same coffee. Original price: $133.27 Coffee aficionados often appreciate freshly ground coffee each morning. The Cuisinart Grind and Brew comes with a built-in grinder that will grind your coffee beans and then brew you up to 12 cups of coffee. You can program the coffee pot to automatically brew, and the warmer plate will keep it hot. Original price: $199.99 You don't have to decide between hot or iced coffee, you can have both with the Keurig K-Duo. You can choose your favorite K-cups or put in fresh grounds on the hot side of the coffee pot. Just adjust the temperature and you can also brew your coffee over ice. Your coffee maker doesn't need to be a modern-looking stainless steel machine. This Nostalgia retro coffee maker has a vintage design that'll look beautiful on your counter. You can select from a handful of vintage colors and get a pot everyone will be impressed with. Original price: $141 The Braun MultiServe coffee machine is the coffee machine of the future. It's a high-tech machine that'll deliver the perfect cup of coffee. You can select from different brewing choices, like over ice, light or bold with just a touch of a button. Original price: $319.95 You don't need to choose between coffee and espresso with the De'Longhi all-in-one coffee maker and espresso machine. You can brew coffee and make the perfect shot of espresso simultaneously. The machine is easy to use, even for novice espresso machine users. You can select your foam setting on the steam wand to customize your lattes or make an authentic cappuccino with the cappuccino setting. A Nespresso espresso maker is essentially a Keurig, but for espresso. You buy different flavored espresso pods that you pop into the machine to get a smooth cup of espresso. A Nespresso offers five different cup sizes and is simple and easy to use. Original price: $159.99 Experienced and novice espresso machine users will love everything about the Hamilton Beach espresso maker. It's a more affordable option that still brews espresso like a professional barista. The 15-bar pump extracts your favorite espresso's flavor, creating an authentic taste. A Primula classic moka pot brews espresso the old-fashioned way. Ideal for serving a cup or two of espresso, this stainless steel moka pot is great for beginners who aren't ready to invest in an entire espresso machine. For more deals, visit When you want strong coffee that tastes delicious, a French press coffee maker is the way to go. It combines pour over coffee and a percolator, creating an easy-to-use machine. A Secura French press from Amazon is a simple French press that's great for daily use. If you want a beautiful, durable French press, Le Creuset offers them in all its classic colors. A Stanley coffee percolator can help you make incredible camp coffee while you're camping out or at home. Just add hot water and coffee grounds and stick the percolator over the fire. After a few minutes, you'll have a carafe of delicious coffee.
