Latest news with #HarryRabinowitz
NBC News
a day ago
- Business
- NBC News
The latest Macbook Pro is nearly 20% off right now — its lowest price ever
The MacBook Air may be one of the best laptops for the dollar, but the MacBook Pro will always have my heart. It's got a few key upgrades over the Air, things that I personally can't live without. The base model, the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4) is at its lowest price ever right now — it's a great time to buy if you've been looking for an upgrade. While this isn't the most powerful MacBook Pro you can buy, it has some significant upgrades over any MacBook Air on the market. It has a longer, up to 24 hour battery life, 512GB of storage space and clearer, richer built-in speakers and microphones. But the biggest upgrade is to the screen: it's brighter, faster, higher resolution and supports HDR content. One of the main reasons I choose it over the MacBook Air is connectivity: the Pro has three USB-C ports, an HDMI port and an SD card port. Being able to easily connect extra screens, wired keyboards, and SD cards without using a dongle is simple and convenient. It's a touch heavier (and pricier) than the MacBook Air, but I think it's worth it. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, running shoes, cameras and more. For this piece, I checked Apple MacBook Pro (M4) prices and price history across multiple retailers to find the best deal. Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date. Harry Rabinowitz
NBC News
a day ago
- Business
- NBC News
Deal of the Day: The latest iPad Air is at its lowest price ever
While I mostly use my iPad for relaxing and watching shows and videos on the couch, others use it as a total laptop replacement — NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin carried an iPad Pro, Apple Magic keyboard case and Apple Pencil to class back in her college days. The latest iPad Air (M3) is the swiss army knife of iPads — lightweight and easy to use, but powerful enough to tackle professional and creative tasks usually reserved for laptops. It's currently at its lowest price ever at 25% off. The iPad Air sits in the middle of Apple's tablet lineup, more capable than the iPad (A16) but not as premium (or pricey) as the iPad Pro (M4). Compared to the iPad (A16), the iPad Air (M3) has the much more powerful M3 chip inside, which has faster and smoother performance, especially in graphically demanding apps. It also has an anti-reflective, laminated screen with increased color depth and contrast. The iPad Air (M3) is also one of the cheapest models that's compatible with the Apple Pencil Pro, making it a good fit for artists and creatives. The Apple Pencil Pro acts much more like a real pencil than other models — it has extra tools like double-tap and squeeze shortcuts, plus it's pressure sensitive and supports rolling to change the orientation of shaped pens and brushes. Like other iPads, the iPad Air (M3) weighs about a pound and gets up to 10 hours of battery life. If an 11-inches screen sounds too small to you, this larger 13-inch version is also on sale at its lowest price ever. It's still pretty lightweight at 1.36 pounds (the 11-inch version weighs 1.01 pounds), and it has a larger, brighter, higher resolution screen. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on smartwatches, running shoes, cameras and more. For this piece, I checked Apple iPad Air (M3) prices and price history across multiple retailers to find the best deal. Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date. Harry Rabinowitz
NBC News
10-07-2025
- Business
- NBC News
BTW: Our favorite Bose headphones are more than 40% off for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is here, giving Prime members exclusive access to major deals across every major category like tech, smartwatches and vacuums. If you're in need of a new pair of headphones, Amazon is currently discounting a handful of popular models. One of the best over-ear headphones we tested in 2025, these Bose QuietComfort headphones are nearly half off for Prime Day NBC Select editors voted these Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth headphones the best for travel because they're lightweight and compact, they come with a durable carrying case. Sound wise: hey use active noise cancellation technology to block out distracting sounds and they also come with a wired audio cable to plug into seat back entertainment on flights, according to NBC Select tech reporter Harry Rabinowitz. The battery life also lasts for up to 24 hours and they're highly padded for comfort. 'I've tested earbuds and headphones from almost every major brand on the market and Bose continues to stand out,' says NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman. 'The brand's headphones are expensive but they're worth it when you consider the audio capabilities, the comfort and the build quality. I wore these on a trip to Denmark recently and they were incredibly lightweight and comfortable. I also love the tactile physical buttons, which are incredibly responsive.' Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a freelance writer for NBC Select who has covered deals and sales for three years. To evaluate the quality of this Bose headphones deal, I ran it through price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to ensure it's at its lowest price in at least three months. I also made sure it's a highly rated item, at least 20% off and has at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews. Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
NBC News
08-07-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Not a drill: These 9 products are at their lowest price ever for Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is here, which means Prime members get exclusive access to stellar deals across almost every majority category — including products at their lowest price ever. You can also find top-tier deals on household essentials, beauty and wellness, tech and even gift cards. I frequently cover shopping events like Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday as a writer for NBC Select, so I know how to find deals that are actually worth buying. I combed through thousands of discounts to find the best Prime Day deals at their lowest price ever — each one I recommend below is highly rated and at least 20% off, too. I'll frequently update this list throughout Prime Day. Best Prime Day deals at their lowest price ever Beloved by dermatologists and NBC Select editors alike, this lip mask is infused with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to actually keep lips moisturized overnight. It comes in a variety of scents, and has a small applicator to apply the product without using your fingers. 'I never want to use another lip product after using this,' says NBC Select commerce editor Lindsay Schneider. 'It's thick and stays on my lips all night so I wake up with it still on and my lips fully healed and hydrated.' What this cordless vacuum may lack in runtime — it has up to 25 minutes of suction power — it makes up for in versatility. The handle folds down for easy storage, can bend at an angle to reach beneath furniture, and has swivel steering to navigate around obstacles. It also converts into a hand vacuum for crevices and counters. Shokz makes some of our favorite wireless earbuds, and these open earbuds, meaning they rest on the outside of your ear, are no different. (NBC Select staffers use them for outdoor activities like biking and running, since they make it easier to hear external noises like cars and pedestrians.) These have up to seven hours of listening per charge and silicone cushioning for extra comfort. 'Shokz OpenFit are some of the best open ear earbuds you can get,' says NBC Select tech reporter Harry Rabinowitz. 'This older model shares most of the same feel and features as its newer model, the OpenFit 2.' Dewalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit $119.00 $304.24 Amazon Now 61% off For DIY projects, this set has a multitool that can work as an oscillating saw (to cut through wood and metal) or a sander. It also has a small LED light at the end to illuminate your work area, a lock switch, two blades, and three speed settings. One of our favorite reusable water bottles, the Stanley Iceflow tumbler has a convenient flip-up straw and top handle for better portability. 'The flip up straw never leaks when I open or close it and I love that it has a handle on the top,' says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who uses it for hot yoga and other workouts. It's made of stainless steel and is dishwasher-safe. This 12-cup food processor comes with a chopping blade, a blade for mixing dough, two slicing and shedding discs, and a storage box for all of the attachments. It also has an extra-large feed chute to add ingredients, and everything (besides the base) is dishwasher-safe, according to the brand. Joining the spate of wearable trackers is the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which tracks your sleep quality, heart rate, and workouts. The battery lasts up to seven days and the ring itself is resistant to water and scratches, according to the brand. 'If you're all in on Samsung devices, this is the smart ring to get,' says Rabinowitz. 'It's sleek, comfortable and doesn't have a subscription fee like some competitors.' A big deal in wireless charging stations, Belkin's three-in-one is equipped to charge the Apple iPhone (from the 12 series and later), Apple Watch, and Airpods at once. The nonslip base is weighted to keep it upright, and the AirPod charging pad has an LED light indicator to show the charging status. These smart lightbulbs connect to both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can experiment with the hue and intensity from the Govee app. You can set the color and brightness on a schedule, choose from 54 preset shades in the app, and also control the lightbulbs via Alexa or Google Assistant. How I found the best Prime Day deals at their lowest price ever All of my recommendations above are based on NBC Select's previous coverage and reporting. I also included products the NBC Select staff has tested. I ran each deal through price trackers like CamelCamelCamel to ensure products are at their lowest price ever. All the products I recommend are highly rated with at least a 4.0-star average rating from hundreds of reviews. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a writer for NBC Select who has covered deals and sales for five years. To round up the best products at their lowest price ever during Prime Day, I found highly rated products at their lowest price ever.
NBC News
02-07-2025
- Business
- NBC News
Our 100 most essential, all-time best buys from Amazon
Ask anyone you know and they probably have something to say about Amazon. Maybe they'll mention the fast shipping. Maybe it's the streaming platform or Prime Day sales. Maybe they swear by the Kindle, or maybe they just love to hate the retail giant and its practices. It's far from perfect, but one thing's hard to argue with — whether you're a Prime member or not — and that's the sheer size of Amazon's marketplace. You could spend forever browsing the site: home essentials, gifts, pet supplies, basics (so many basics), every kind of electronic imaginable, small business finds — it's all there. Ahead of Prime Day 2025 (which starts July 8 and runs for four full days this year), we rounded up our 100 most essential, all-time best Amazon buys. Some are trusted picks from well-known brands we tend to buy from Amazon for the convenience, pricing or availability. Others are those random 'oh I found it on Amazon' gems — the kind we stumbled on, vetted and now can't live without. Use this list to inspire your wish list, or bookmark it the next time you need a rec. We have standout favorites across every major category. (PS: We've added all 100 of our picks to our Amazon storefront, too.) I had been using the same Clean & Clear face wash since I was a teenager, and finally decided to switch after basically the entire NBC Select team recommended Cerave. This foaming face wash is everything I could ask for: it's gentle yet effective, and it's a good price. It also comes in four sizes, including a three-ounce travel bottle and a 16-ounce value size. — Harry Rabinowitz, reporter I've been using these viral sheet masks for over a year and I'm now completely hooked — there's at least one in my house at all times. It's so satisfying to wake up in the morning and see how the mask has gone from opaque to translucent. When I first apply it to my skin it feels so refreshing and instantly hydrating and when I take it off the next morning my skin looks dewy and taut. - I spent years using the hand towel next to my bathroom sink to dry off my face after washing it… and I didn't swap it out for days. I admit that's disgusting and my dermatologist was disturbed by this habit, especially because I have acne-prone skin. She recommended swapping my nasty fabric hand towel for Clean Skin Club's single-use towels instead. After using them once, I was hooked. They're the perfect size, feel soft and gentle against my skin, absorb water in seconds and come in a compact box. I also appreciate that the towels are dual-sided — one is smooth and one is textured for a little extra exfoliation if you want it. Do I feel bad about tossing a towel every time I remove my makeup? Kind of, but my skin looks and feels fantastic, so I've gotten over it. — Zoe Malin, reporter Listen, I'm no stranger to K-beauty products — I've been trying products for years, both personally and professionally. Even so, Round Lab's Birch Juice sunscreen still blew me away. It's lightweight, hydrating, and leaves the perfect dewy finish (glowy, but not too greasy) for summertime and vacation days at the beach. It now seriously feels almost as essential to my vacations as my passport. For a long time, my only gripe with this sunscreen was that I could only get it in K-beauty specialty stores but these days, I love that I can easily grab a fresh tube on Amazon. - Ashley Morris, associate reporter While studying abroad in Paris, I left my favorite cleansing balm behind to save space, assuming I could find a good alternative there. Parisian pharmacies are known for exceptional skin care, and that's where I discovered this micellar water. As someone who prefers to use an oil-free cleanser in the summer to avoid clogged pores, I was immediately impressed. I found it on Amazon (in a two-pack) three years ago — and I still have some left. Unlike generic micellar waters or makeup wipes, this one removes waterproof eye makeup without smudging or excessive rubbing. It doesn't sting, dry out my skin, or have that harsh, astringent smell. Plus, the bottles are huge — you'll be using them for a long time. - Jem Alabi, editorial operations associate I'm very pale, so stocking up on self tanner is a non-negotiable for me, especially in the winter. I've tried more than a dozen self tanning mousses, lotions and drops over the past year, but few come close to the convenience of Dr. Dennis Gross' self tanner pads. They're towelettes, so I just swipe them across my face and body and let it develop for about four hours. The tan is noticeable but not super intense, so it looks natural for someone who's as pale as I am. Plus, the tan gets me compliments almost every time I use these pads. I also don't feel gross or sticky after I use them like I do with many other self tanners, and the scent is very mild compared to others I've tried (the chemical smell is one of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to regular tanners). - Mili Godio, updates editor Voted our #1 best moisturizer out of more than 100 formulas, this Cetaphil option is just one of those skin care products I'm probably going to always make sure I have on hand. The cream is thick and completely unscented and nonirritating; it constantly saves my skin whenever I feel like I'm on the verge of a breakout and it's a formula I constantly find myself returning to. It's truly one of those drugstore products that just really work. - , commerce editor Where do I even begin? If it's not Dr. Dan's Cortibalm, I won't use it. As someone with lip eczema, I take lip care seriously. Most lip balms just coat your lips in shine without real moisture, creating a cycle of constant reapplication. I refuse to spend my day reapplying lip balm every 15 minutes. This one is different. It's a simple blend of beeswax, petroleum jelly, and 1% hydrocortisone, making it both moisturizing and soothing. I always keep one at home, one in my purse, and a backup just in case. I also layer it under other lip products, and it works beautifully as a base. - Alabi Tech I handed the Polaroid Now to friends during my wedding celebration and it allowed me to look back at the night from the perspective of different guests. I've had it for a few years now and it's great for capturing those fun moments with a physical photo instead of a digital image that lives on a screen. If you enjoy photography or don't have much experience this is such a simple tool, you plug in the film and press the shutter button. It's almost impossible to mess up. - Jordan Bowman, commerce editor One of life's best little luxuries is not having to get out of bed to turn the lights off at night. And for me, that's made fully possible by these smart bulbs. I put them in every lamp I own and I literally never have to touch a light switch again. Using the Wiz app, I set up schedules so my lights turn on when the sun sets, which means I can leave them off for the majority of the day to save energy, but I know they'll turn on once it gets dark for my pets if I'm still at the office. I can also adjust the color, brightness and temperature via the app, letting me set up mood lighting depending on the situation. I always dim the lights and turn them to an amber color when I'm watching a movie, and I'll use fun colors like pinks, reds and purples for dinner parties with friends. The bulbs also respond to Amazon Alexa voice commands — I say 'Alexa, turn on living room lights' a million times a week and feel like the most techy person on Earth every time I do so. - Malin Best. Portable charger. Ever. My number one gripe with portable chargers is how bulky and heavy they always are. This one's no wider than a business card and plugs right into the bottom of my phone. It fits in every purse or pocket and I don't even have to carry around an additional wire. I don't even notice it in my bag. The unit itself charges quickly and charges my device quickly, and it's easy to text, talk on the phone, take photos with the power bank still plugged into the bottom. I bought this for my honeymoon in Portugal and took it with me walking around every day. - Rosalie Sparaco, senior manager, community engagement The Sonos Ace are the pair of over-ear headphones I always go back to when I'm not testing out new ones for NBC Select. They're exceedingly comfortable on my head and my ears, and have some of the best on-ear controls on the market. They sound excellent, making movies, TV shows and music pop with detail and clarity. — Rabinowitz 2025 will be my sixth year covering Amazon Prime Day, and I can almost guarantee you two things about the sale: this Amazon Smart Plug will be deeply discounted and it will be a bestseller among NBC Select readers. I never understood how so many people could buy a smart plug every single year, but then I bought one and quickly figured it out — once you automate one thing in your home with a smart plug, you realize how many other things you can automate and suddenly need a dozen more. I've connected them to devices like lamps I can't use smart bulbs for, fans, air purifiers and Christmas lights on my tree, and I find it so simple to set up schedules, routines and timers for each item in the app. - Malin Cleaning Imagine not having your life flash before your eyes when you spill red wine on white jean shorts, or drip coffee on a white button-up. That's me because I carry Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater Spray everywhere I go. It was a Prime Day impulse purchase, and involved a little peer pressure — my co-workers said I'd be dumb not to buy it, especially on sale, since I'm accident prone but I've never found a stain remover I can rely on. This is the most effective and fastest working option I've ever used, and it's the least likely to damage fabric, in my experience. I currently own two bottles: one stays at home, and I put the other in whatever bag I'm carrying during the day just in case. - Malin I've had this vacuum for nearly a decade, and it's still one of the main workhorses of my apartment. I have two cats, which means that litter and hair are practically everywhere — my Dyson removes those and more with just one to two passes over the area I'm cleaning. Plus, it doesn't feel like a chore to use: it's lightweight, cordless and comes with a range of attachments that I use to reach tight corners, underneath my bed and inside the creases of my couch and armchair. I make sure to clean this regularly (about once per month) to keep it looking and working like brand new. It's worth the splurge. - Nikki Brown, SEO editor I like to invest in shoes and bags and there's nothing I'm motivated to take care of more than those investments. I bought this spray to protect against rain, grime and moisture after seeing reviews online and it's been my go-to for all the leather and suede items in my closet. Anytime I get a new piece I care about protecting from the weather I prime it in this and let it sit for 24 hours. It doesn't leave weird stains or smells, and I truly notice a difference in how well my favorite pieces hold up over time because of it. - Schneider I bought these dryer balls last year, and they've since been a staple in my laundry routine. Since I have sensitive skin, I tend to avoid any overly fragranced softener, so these unscented dryer balls help me avoid that entirely. Plus, they're reusable, so it's a step toward helping me reduce waste with single-use dryer sheets. - Godio I remember when I first learned about Bar Keeper's Friend Powder Cleanser — I was in high school doing the dishes and my Dad took it out and told me that if I care about my pots and pans I should always have this in my house. I've been using this miracle cleanser since. It makes cleaning tough cooking stains easy without scratching the bottom of my pans and leaves them looking shiny and brand new. - Rodriguez Getting deodorant on a dark-colored top is one of my biggest frustrations while getting dressed. The white marks are so noticeable, and I don't care what anyone says, the DIY hacks don't work. This little sponge does. I'm honestly not sure what it's made from, and I never question why or how it works. All I know is that if I firmly hold the sponge on the deodorant mark and rub it back and forth a couple times, it's gone in less than a minute like magic. That's why I bought at least five of them and put one in every bag, keep one in my bathroom at home and have one in my desk drawer at the office. You can't just have one of these sponges because you end up using them that much. - Malin This mop and bucket are worth the space they take up in my very small kitchen. The built-in wringer doesn't feel too loose or tight whenever I press down on it, so I can get really specific about how much water I want to wring out, depending on the area I'm cleaning. I love, love, love that the mop head is machine-washable. I've gone three to four months between replacements. I would say it provides a deeper clean than a Swiffer, too. - Brown My introduction to this toothpaste was when I tested it for our Wellness Awards and it's since become an all-time favorite of mine. Using it has made such a stark difference in the whiteness of my teeth after only a few weeks. I'm amazed by how effective it is and how it makes me look like I just got back from the dentist. It has a refreshing, mild minty flavor that isn't overwhelming and the scent lasts for hours after brushing with it. - , commerce editor Food and Beverage This is the only protein powder I'll use or buy, full stop. It checks all my boxes: low-sugar, gluten-free, vegan, available in tons of flavors, no aftertaste, no gritty texture, insanely creamy and, overall, absolutely delicious and filling. It seamlessly blends into smoothies, which is what I most often put it in, but I also mix it into oatmeal and have added it to muffin batter. According to my Amazon order history, I've bought the vanilla bean flavor nine times and the creamy chocolate fudge flavor 10 times. You can count on those numbers only increasing from here. - Malin I love cooking and experimenting with new flavors and cuisines and when a recipe calls for an ingredient I don't have I don't look for a substitute (I try to find the exact thing it calls for). That's how I discovered Shaoxing cooking wine. I came across it three years ago when making a fried rice recipe and I've had a bottle in the fridge ever since. It makes for a great marinade and helps tenderize meat, but I also use it to deglaze my wok or enhance the flavor of a stir-fry dish. - Rodriguez Health and Wellness I suffer from chronic migraines, which means I'm almost always testing ways to get rid of them. My neck and shoulders suffer most whenever I'm in the throes of one, so I need something that forces me to stop looking down at my phone and stretch those muscles/joints for relief. I don't use this everyday but once a week for 20 minutes usually does the trick. My posture has also improved; an unexpected side benefit. - Brown This deodorant is one of my few Subscribe and Save subscriptions on Amazon, and it has been for two years. Before I got married in September of 2023, I was on a mission to find deodorant that would combat my sweat in a giant ball gown, and I am a very sweaty person. I tried around four and this one was the absolute best. It always keeps me physically dry without smelling all day long, and will even last until the next morning. It really does stay effective that long. I recommend it to anyone for their wedding day, for the summer, or even if they just sweat a lot. - Sparaco I tend to fall into trends pretty easily, but I never thought I'd be buying a buzzy hand sanitizer. But Touchland makes a menial, everyday essential actually exciting to use. Not only does it smell incredible (the mist I have is rose and lychee scented), but it's also super easy to use — I can spray it using one hand, and I don't have to battle with opening a cap or deal with messy gels. Plus, this hand sanitizer doesn't dry out my hands like others do. I also love the packaging; it's cute enough to clip it on my purse or backpack, and compact enough to slip into my travel bag without taking up too much space. - Godio Pets I never thought I'd be loyal to a specific brand of dog poop bags, but here I am. When I adopted my puppy this year, I bought a pack because I saw so many people using them on the streets of New York City. Now that I've used them for about three months, I can confidently identify why they're so popular. First, they're thick and durable, so I never worry about tears or explosions mid-walk. Second, they're perfectly perforated, so I can easily and quickly rip off a bag whenever I need one. Third, there's a little sticker on the third to last bag telling me that I only have a few left, reminding me to replace the roll so I don't get stuck without one at the worst possible time. And finally, they're made with recycled plastic, which makes me feel less guilty about my constant disposable plastic use. Oh, and they come in a lavender scent to help mask gross smells. I am a fangirl for these poop bags, which sounds crazy, but you'll understand once you use them. - Malin I'm pretty sure my cat thinks of me as 'the treat lady' because of these. Ever since I introduced him to them, he's been obsessed. Every morning, our (maybe) 10-year-old Bombay yells at us as we walk past the treat jar until we give him a small pinch. They've become part of our routine — and they actually help with his digestion, too. He's very, very regular. - Lauren Swanson, editorial director Travel This handheld fan has truly saved me from overheating many a time and as someone who is always (I mean always) hot, that's saying a lot. The battery lasts an unbelievably long time — an eight hour charge lasts me for weeks. It also has a built-in flashlight on the end, which is helpful if I'm trying to find my keys or if I drop something on the ground when it's dark out. I love that it collapses and isn't bulky, too. - Fernandez When I went to Europe for the first time a few years ago, I brought four different plug adapters for four different countries. It was a waste of space in my carry-on and a headache trying to figure out which one was which. When I went back, I bought this $20 universal travel adapter — and now, I'll never use another one again. This has virtually every plug you'll ever need, plus four USB ports and one USC-C port, so I can charge my phone, airpods and portable charger all at the same time. Having dead devices in a foreign country is probably my worst nightmare, so I'll never travel without this universal adapter again. - Caitlin Cusack, associate social media editor I hate wearing most neck pillows on long haul flights. A few years ago I bought this Trtl Travel Pillow before a 12-hour flight to Japan and it was a complete game changer. I often wear noise-canceling headphones and they tend to bump against traditional neck pillows but I can easily adjust this so it doesn't nudge my headphones while I lean in my plane seat. It's also easy to pack up and throw into my travel bag. It takes up less space than I expected and it comes with a useful travel case. It has a Velcro fastening and an internal support so you can lean against the pillow at your preferred angle. I refuse to take long flights without it. - Bowman When I was traveling back and forth from NYC to Florida for my wedding a few years back, I kept this toiletry bag on hand and ready to go at all times. It's large enough to fit all of my travel skin care, hair care and makeup, yet it folds into itself so it's not too bulky and doesn't take up too much space. I love that the compartments are transparent because I can see exactly what's in each part, which makes it so much easier to find all of my essentials (and see what I'm missing while packing). The soft sides also make it easy to pack into my suitcase since it's moldable. - Godio Kitchen I can't stand traditional ice trays that you have to whack on the counter to pop the cubes out. I was searching for a more convenient alternative on Amazon and this tool popped up. I was immediately sold. It comes with two stackable silicone trays you fill with water, and once they're frozen, you flip them over on top of the included storage bin and use the spikey lid to press the cubes out of their molds. That means no more whacking the trays on countertops, and the ice makes the most satisfying sound ever when it comes out. The storage bin holds enough ice for multiple days, plus the whole contraption fits in my teeny tiny freezer. I swear I sell one of these every time I show someone it. - Malin Silicone Pasta Strainer Clip-On 40,084 Amazon Reviews $12.99 $27.99 Amazon Now 54% off $13.99 Walmart Pasta is one of my favorite foods — I probably cook it at least once or twice a week. It wasn't until I bought this $13 clip-on pasta strainer that I realized how inefficient my pasta-making process was. You clip this little gadget on to the side of your pot and it catches the pasta as you pour out the water — so you don't have to struggle to pour with one hand and hold your colander with the other. The silicone material is heat-resistant and dishwasher-safe, making it super easy to clean. For under $13, I've saved a ton of space and effort. - Cusack Weck Tulip Jars 3,676 Amazon Reviews $29.71 $34.98 Amazon Now 15% off I'm on an apartment-steading journey — basically homesteading, but scaled down to my 750-square-foot apartment. Part of that includes making my own yogurt from scratch. (My team is probably tired of hearing about how 'easy' it is — even though it takes forever.) I bought these Weck jars to store my yogurt, and I'm a little embarrassed by how much I love them. - Swanson Small Glass Meal Prep Containers 2,651 Amazon Reviews $29.99 Amazon See: apartment-steading, continued. I use these small glass containers to store a few tablespoons of yogurt starter for my next batch. But I've also started using them for lemon juice, homemade sauces — basically anything my fridge needs to hold. They're small, simple and genuinely useful. - Swanson More of our favorite kitchen finds on Amazon: AeroPress Original Coffee Press Zulay Apple Corer Kitchen Mama Automatic Electric Can Opener OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Peeler Set Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven Fitness DripDrop Hydration Packets 17,899 Amazon Reviews $30.99 $35.99 Amazon Now 14% off $35.99 DripDrop I buy these electrolyte powder packs regularly on Amazon. They help keep me hydrated on long bike rides, which is my biggest concern anytime I'm cycling for more than an hour. I love how slim each individual packet is because it makes it easy to put one in a pocket or bike bag. I'm partial to this variety pack because I love the lemon, orange and watermelon flavors (sorry grape). — Rabinowitz ProStretch The Original Calf Stretcher 8,588 Amazon Reviews $23.49 Amazon $23.99 $31.99 Medi-Dyne Now 25% off $23.49 Walmart Between a decade of running and over a decade of dancing before that, my legs have been through it. I do what I can to take care of my muscles and joints, but continuously putting them under stress (plus natural aging) means an injury pops up from time to time. Most recently, I had severe achilles tendonitis — I stopped running for about two months to recover, which led to this life-changing purchase. ProStetch's calf stretcher helps release tension from my achilles, calves, feet, heels and hamstrings when I simply stand on it in the right position. I feel my whole body breathing a sign of relief while I use it, and I make all my friends and family try it when they visit my apartment — you really can't understand how phenomenal it feels (or how tight you are) until you take it for a spin. The calf stretcher has become one of those things that I don't put away because I religiously use it pre- and post-workout. - Malin More of our favorite fitness finds on Amazon: Blenderbottle Classic V2 Shaker Currex RunPro Insoles for Running Shoes Games, Leisure and Hobbies Exploding Kittens Party Pack 115,233 Amazon Reviews $24.99 $29.99 Amazon Now 17% off $24.99 Target $27.94 Walmart Exploding Kittens is a card game that incorporates bits of strategy and random chance. It's an incredibly quick game that can be over in about 10 to 15 mins and it often feels like anyone has a chance to win. If you want a light game that isn't overly complicated or difficult this is one of my favorites. The party pack addition lets you play with larger groups, which increases the chance of chaos and fun, too. - Bowman Lego Botanicals Orchid 19,895 Amazon Reviews $39.99 $49.99 Amazon Now 20% off $39.99 Target $49.99 Lego I gave my husband this orchid Lego set as a Valentine's Day gift that we could do together, and now it's my favorite gift to give my loved ones. There are so many varieties, including a bonsai tree, chrysanthemum and a tiny plant set, that it'll delight most people on my shopping list (especially if they're prone to accidentally killing their real plants). Building the orchid was fairly simple and straightforward, though complex enough to take a few hours for my husband and I. We had so much fun watching it all come together, and it still sits proudly on my bookshelf over a year later. - Godio Game That Song 2,192 Amazon Reviews $19.99 Amazon I can't remember the last time I had this much fun playing a card game. I discovered this one in our music lovers gift guide and immediately added it to my shopping list. Here's how it works: One person draws a card, and everyone else has to play a song that aligns with the prompt on the card — the trick is picking a song that suits the cardholder's personal taste since they choose the winner. I come from a family of musicians with wildly different preferences, so you can imagine the vast range of songs played in a single round. It's a great way to discover new music, rediscover old favorites, and stir up nostalgia with loved ones. - Brown More of our favorite leisure finds on Amazon: Oversized Lightweight Beach Blanket Jenga Clever Fox Daily Planner Wavelength Home TubShroom Bath Tub Drain Protector 61,249 Amazon Reviews $12.99 $15.99 Amazon Now 19% off $12.99 Walmart $13.99 $24.99 Target Now 44% off I was skeptical of the TubShroom at first, because it sits in the drain rather than on top of it. Thankfully, I bought it, and now I cannot imagine life without this little hair catcher in my tub. I have long, thick hair that's constantly shedding, and the Tubshroom catches all of it while still allowing my shower water to drain. It's super easy to install and even easier to clean, which is imperative since cleaning the drain gives me the ick. - Cusack ComfiLife Orthopedic Knee + Leg Pillow 30,633 Amazon Reviews $24.95 $29.95 Amazon Now 17% off $25.95 $37.99 ComfiLife Now 32% off The payoff for this pillow was almost immediate; I woke up the next morning with a right hip that didn't feel as tight and sore as it usually does. It keeps everything aligned and has a little strap to hold it in place no matter what position I move into. It's firm but not rock hard. The shape is still intact and the removable pillow case is machine-washable. As someone who sleeps on her side a lot, this little gem has been a godsend. At this point, I can't sleep without it. — Brown Utopia Bedding Mattress Protector 84,939 Amazon Reviews $15.75 $18.99 Amazon Now 17% off $24.99 Walmart I've had this mattress protector for a few years and it's still in excellent condition. (It doesn't have any tears in it and isn't worn out or discolored). It's easy to take off when I have to do laundry and the closures on the sides make it easy to secure it to my mattress. Best of all: It doesn't feel wrinkly or cheap when I put a sheet over it, which is a problem I've had with protectors in the past. - Fernandez Mystic Home White Sheer Curtains 18,119 Amazon Reviews $14.69 Amazon After almost a decade in my apartment, my landlord surprised me with some major upgrades: new living room and kitchen flooring, plus a fresh paint job throughout the entire space. I went into makeover mode and replaced a lot of my decor items, except for these curtains that I've used for years. They're lightweight, sheer and give the room a luxe, elevated feel when layered with heavier curtains. Because the fabric is delicate, I recommend hand-washing, air drying and using a steamer to remove wrinkles instead of throwing them in the washing machine. With the proper care, you'll only need to buy a batch of these once, especially if you go with a neutral shade. - Brown More of our favorite home finds on Amazon: GreFusion Compostable Bags for Compost Bin Fayleeko Heavy Duty Hangers Homesure Large Strong Moving Bags Hair Care Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair 16,544 Amazon Reviews $24.00 Amazon $24.00 Ulta $24.00 Sephora I have very curly hair that I only wear naturally, so I've tried my fair share of gels, sprays, creams and mousses to help tame it. For the last two years, Color Wow's Dream Coat for Curly Hair has been a key part of my two-step post-shower routine — I've re-bought it six times on Amazon and use every bottle till the last drop. I think of the spray as a seal of sorts. After applying a gel, I spritz Dream Coat on my whole head and scrunch my curls. It locks the definition in, helps get rid of excess frizz, adds shine and boosts volume without leaving behind a sticky or crunchy feel. I notice an obvious difference in how my curls look if I don't apply this spray, and anyone who asks me about my hair care routine gets a speech about how incredible this product is. - Malin Dosso Beauty Hypoallergenic Pre-Stretched Braiding Hair 201 Amazon Reviews $31.99 Amazon $30.00 Dosso Beauty Gone are the days of heavy and itchy box braids in the summer heat, thanks to Dosso. This hair is hypoallergenic, light as a feather and affordable; a trifecta of benefits I didn't think I would ever get from braiding hair. Ever since I discovered it years ago, I haven't bought my hair anywhere else. I've recommended this to friends more than I have anything else and have yet to hear anyone complain. - Brown Tangle Teezer Hairbrush 7,550 Amazon Reviews $19.99 Amazon $20.99 Nordstorm $19.99 Ulta I love this hairbrush so much, I bought it twice. Why two of the exact same one? Because my husband decided it was his favorite, too — and let's just say he's not great at keeping track of things. I can't risk being without it, even for a day, so I got a backup. It's that essential. It glides through my fine, processed hair without pulling or breaking, and somehow gets every last tangle out without making a scene. Gentle, effective and now shared property. - Swanson Learn more: How to properly clean hairbrushes and combs, according to experts More of our favorite hair care finds on Amazon: Nutrafol Women's Balance Hair Growth Supplements L'Oreal Ever Pure Bond Repair Conditioner 2-Piece Hair Claw Banana Clips Apparel and Jewelry PAVOI 14K Yellow Gold Plated Lightweight Chunky Open Hoops 48,357 Amazon Reviews $13.95 $15.77 Amazon Now 12% off $13.95 Pavoi I've lost one too many pairs of expensive solid gold jewelry while traveling that I forced myself to find cheap hoops that I could bear losing before my next trip (if it came to that). I settled on these about a year ago and haven't looked back. They come in around $15 and look strikingly similar to pairs that I have that cost more than $200. Since they're chunky I was expecting them to be heavy on the ear, but they're light as can be and they've shockingly held up well despite not really caring for them at all. I've worn them in the ocean, in the shower, in heavily chlorinated pools — without a care in the world — and they haven't turned green or warped dramatically. I've accidentally coated them in sunscreen and leave-in conditioner mists, and they still look pretty great. They, of course, don't rival real 14K gold jewelry but they're excellent for travel or if you just want a cheap, on-trend pair of hoops that you don't have to stress about. - Schneider Mcool Mary Womens Socks 6,941 Amazon Reviews $14.99 Amazon I'm picky about my socks and these tick all my boxes: they're on the thin side so I never feel like my feet and toes are overheating, the vertical ribbing is comfortable and slimming (weird, I know, but it's true) and the price is just right. I love the scalloped edge at the top — they offset the edginess of a chunky loafer so nicely, but also look great with a pair of sneakers. I've bought many packs over the years and also love how stretchy they are. They're the opposite of constricting. - Schneider More of our favorite apparel and jewelry finds on Amazon: Orolay Women's Cropped Puffer Jacket Casio A158WA Watch Series Related select We ranked the 100 best spoons (yes, really) Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Why trust NBC Select? The NBC Select editorial team has been covering Amazon in its entirety — whether it be for daily sales coverage, its membership or its annual Prime Day deal events — since our brand's inception in 2019. We're also just regular people at the end of the day who also frequently shop at Amazon. Lindsay Schneider is an editor for NBC Select who oversees our Select 100 packages (including our ranking of the 100 best face moisturizers and 100 best face sunscreens.) Catch up on NBC Select's in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
