Latest news with #MiskaSalemann
New York Post
4 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Taste-tested and toddler-approved: The best baby food pouches for the toughest critics
New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Don't be fooled by their diapers and incomprehensible babble. Toddlers may be small, but when it comes to food, they're ruthless critics. Sure, they're still a bit new to the world, but they certainly know what they like — and what they'd rather leave spewed on the ground. Searching for the right snacks to appease them can feel like playing a rigged game, and if your kiddo simply isn't eating, nobody wins. When I started looking into the best pouches for toddlers, I was overwhelmed by the different certifications, ingredients, and the dizzying number of brands to keep track of. Notes of broccoli and apple, stage four eating, packed with probiotics, shelf-stable, certified organic, paleo-friendly…There were so many choices that I had no clue where to start. My daughter, an unyielding picky-eater, is hard to please in terms of both taste and presentation. Some snacks are too sour, others too sweet, and the packaging? Sometimes it's too squishy, too slippery, or just plain tricky for little hands to manage. I'll go out of my way to slice her grilled cheese into perfect stars and dice her cucumbers just right, only to watch the entire meal fly across the room like a frisbee. That's half the reason pouches feel like the ultimate parenting hack. Unlike prepared snacks, they're incredibly convenient, and most toddlers simply can't get enough of them. I mean, what parent doesn't want a snack they can throw in their bag and pop open when the hunger pangs hit or their child starts melting down in public? There are plenty of pouches to choose from, the real trick is finding ones that are still packed with wholesome ingredients that babies need — like fiberous fruits and veggies, protein, iron, and more nutrients that little ones need to grow and thrive. Behold, the best pouches for toddlers: a carefully curated roundup of all the brands we've researched, vetted, and offered up to the toughest critics (our toddlers, of course). Best Overall: Little Spoon Smoothies Little Spoon Pros: Durable packaging and ideal dispenser size Smooth, balanced flavor profile, per our testing Smoothies are tested for 500+ toxins and contaminants Certified organic, no artificial flavors or synthetic colors No added sugars Cons: Smoothies are perishable (must be stored in the refrigerator for 14 days or the freezer for up to 2 months) Getting fruits and veggies has never been so easy. Little Spoon smoothies feature a decadent blend of wholesome ingredients that you can pronounce — kiwi, kale, chia seeds, carrot, flaxseed, pitaya, and more real fruits and veggies. They're simple, yet delectable, and that's why both kids and parents love them. For a heartier snack, Little Spoon also offers Overnight Oat Smoothies, which have six grams of whole grains per recipe. Miska Salemann New York Post Review: 'I never thought the day would come where my toddler would actually ask me for a snack packed with veggies, but here we are. The perfectly balanced, sugar-free Little Spoon smoothies changed her, and by some miracle, the tropical greens flavor is the biggest hit. I was so curious that I tried it myself, and can confirm that these blends are tasty, smooth, balanced, and just a touch sweet. The durable packaging is an added perk, too. The dispenser is an appropriate size for little mouths, which means far less of a mess. Zero complaints here.' Calories: 70 | Sugar: 11 | Protein: 1 Amazon Pros: Offers more protein and healthy fats for kids Organic and paleo-friendly Lower sugar count Cons: Not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets Not all toddlers are as willing to chow down on protein, but Serenity Kids Meat + Veggies pouches might change their minds. These organic, paleo pouches are made for kiddos six months and up, and the combination of flavors might blow kids' minds as much as parents'. Featuring blends with chicken, turkey, bison, salmon, squash, and roots, these meat-centric snacks are perfect for any little ones who need to up their protein counts. Calories: 80-100 | Sugar: 2-4 | Protein: 1-5 Best Vitamins: Cerebelly Organic Baby Food Pouches Amazon Pros: Smooth texture for babies and toddlers Made with organic ingredients Packed with vitamins B12 and B6 for brain development Developed by a practicing neurosurgeon Cons: The smoothie can come out of the pouch's spout fast and get a bit messy, per testing Little bellies deserve the good stuff — like selenium and zinc for brain development, Vitamin B12 and B6, and flavor-packed fruits and veggies like white beans, pumpkin, chickpeas, sweet potato, and other superfoods for the early stage feeding. For all that and more, we suggest Cerebelly. These squeezable pouches are backed by a practicing neurosurgeon, who spent years trying out different recipes before perfecting these science-backed snacks. Miska Salemann New York Post Review: 'My daughter slurps these up like she's never seen food before. No joke — sometimes I turn around and the whole pouch is gone. I have no problem with it, given the wholesome ingredient list. The combo of fiber-filled legumes and fruits, plus brain-boosting vitamins, assures me that she's getting the good stuff. My only suggestion — bring some wet wipes. Things can get messy.' Calories: 80-110 | Sugar: 0-5 | Protein: 4 Best Fiber: Happy Tot Organics Baby Food Pouches Amazon Pros: Good combination of protein, fiber, and veggies Picky-eater apprvoed, per reviews Cons: Recommended for kids, ages 2 years old and up If you're a parent, you know that toddlers are always on the move. They need all the energy and nutrients they can get. Happy Tot Organics has crafted a GMO-free recipe that supports their growing needs with thoughtful ingredients like pea protein, pumpkin purée, chia seeds, and more. These snacks are ideal for ages two and up, and customers mention that they're picky-eater approved and convenient for families who are always on the go. While a pouch a day may not satisfy all their nutritional needs, these snacks do get them a bit closer to their recommended dose of fruits, veggies, and protein. Calories: 80 | Sugar: 10-11 | Protein: 3 Best Yogurt: Little Spoon YoGos Little Spoon Pros: Made with nutritious whole milk Greek yogurt Cold-pressed to lock in nutrients YoGos are tested for 500+ toxins and contaminants Certified organic, no artificial flavors or synthetic colors Has more protein than some other snacks Cons: YoGos are perishable (must be stored in the refrigerator for 14 days or the freezer for up to 2 months) Packed with gut-friendly probiotics and a solid dose of protein, YoGos are developed for toddlers with high standards for both taste and nutrition. The whole milk Greek yogurt base kicks up the protein count while adding a creamy, smooth texture that little ones can never get enough of. The cold-pressing process ensures the best nutrients are locked in and sealed for freshness. Little Spoon emphasizes transparency and has set the standards in terms of organic, expert-backed snacks. If you're a new parent unsure where to turn, this brand has you covered. Ryan Murphy New York Post Review: 'The Little Spoon YOGOs are the perfect on-the-go snack for my toddler. Sometimes, sitting and eating isn't an option with a little boy who would rather be digging in the dirt. These yogurts include real ingredients and have a ton of different flavors that he loves. These can help me rest assured he's getting something nutrient-dense, and can still be on the move!' — Ryan Murphy, Commerce Partnerships Manager Calories: 100 | Sugar: 12 | Protein: 4 Once Upon a Time Pros: Clean Label Project verification and Purity Award Certification Cold-pressed to lock in the nutrients Delicious, homemade flavor Cons: These pouches require refrigeration More expensive Designed for toddlers, but suitable for ages one year and up, these cold-pressed, dairy-free smoothies are the proud recipients of The Clean Label Project verification and Purity Award Certification. Each is crafted to get kids exactly what they need without all the extra junk. Through the intricate cold-pressing process, all the best nutrients stay active, so kids can reap the benefits. While they do require refrigeration, they're a healthier and refreshing choice with delicious homemade flavors. Calories: 80-90 | Sugar: 9-11 | Protein: 1 Best Smoothies: Little Spoon Limited Edition Smoothies Little Spoon Pros: Fun, sensory-friendly packaging that kids recognize and love Smoothies are tested for 500+ toxins and contaminants Certified organic, no artificial flavors or synthetic colors Same high-quality, organic ingredients with a focus on fruits and veggies Cons: Limited-edition (recommend ordering fast, while supplies last) They say to eat the rainbow, and now you finally can! Little Spoon's latest release of smoothies are bursting with colors and character. There's Barnie, Billy, and even Baby Bop — and kids will love nothing more than picking out their new favorite squeezable snacks. Packaging aside, these Little Spoon smoothies are still stacked with the same high-quality organic ingredients, including sparkling spirulina, purple sweet potato, and butternut squash. Calories: 70 | Sugar: 12 | Protein: 1 Best Easy to Open: GoGo Squeez Pouches GoGoSqueez Pros: A combination of sweet, tropical flavors that kids like Each variety pack comes with 20 pouches Pouches are easy to open and hold Cons: No protein and higher sugar count For lip-smacking fruit without the fuss, stock up on GoGo Squeez. These squeezable pouches pack in a variety of tropical fruit flavors, from apple and guava to mango, passionfruit, pineapple, and more. No high-fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors added. Customers say they're perfectly sized for little hands, easy to open, and the ideal addition to lunchboxes. Each variety pack is filled with 20 pouches, so you're kiddo will be set up for some time. Calories: 70 | Sugar: 11 | Protein: 0 How We Tested To evaluate the best snack pouches for babies and toddlers, we considered the following criteria: The quality and durability of the package, flavor and variety, and overall nutrition. Miska Salemann Packaging: Pouches are designed to be taken on the go, so we considered the quality and durability of the packaging. These pouches were dropped, thrown, and resealed, and we considered how well they fit in small hands and if the caps were easy to remove. We also looked for dispensers that were sized and shaped appropriately for a more mess-free snacking experience. Pouches are designed to be taken on the go, so we considered the quality and durability of the packaging. These pouches were dropped, thrown, and resealed, and we considered how well they fit in small hands and if the caps were easy to remove. We also looked for dispensers that were sized and shaped appropriately for a more mess-free snacking experience. Flavor and variety: Toddlers have different preferences, and some get bored easily, so we looked for snack pouches that came in a variety of different flavors that cater to developing taste buds. In addition to a balanced profile, we sought blends that were smooth and easy to swallow. Our critics have been snacking on these pouches for weeks, so they're truly toddler-approved. Toddlers have different preferences, and some get bored easily, so we looked for snack pouches that came in a variety of different flavors that cater to developing taste buds. In addition to a balanced profile, we sought blends that were smooth and easy to swallow. Our critics have been snacking on these pouches for weeks, so they're truly toddler-approved. Nutrition: Nutritional needs vary depending on your baby's composition, allergies, and health needs. We considered different blends that offered fiber, probiotics, protein, and other nutrient-dense ingredients. In general, we looked for certified-organic, non-GMO, third-party tested snacks with short ingredient lists. We avoided brands with high sugar counts (especially added sugar). Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Never seen Dad cry? Watch his tears fall on Father's Day with a $50 ice bath from Amazon
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Ready to skip the cliché and shock dad to his core this Father's Day? With a portable ice bath, you can shake away his sore joints and ignite his survival instincts at the same time. Sure, sounds almost too good to be true, but for just $50 on Amazon, it could be his, and yours too (if you don't mind taking turns). Perhaps, your dad still trains and strains like he's been throwing touchdowns under the Friday night lights. It's possible that all those years of chasing you around as a kid just caught up to him. Or, maybe his back went out last time you called him over to fix the leak in your apartment. Advertisement Whatever the case, as he's ripened into his dad-bod prime, he has likely begun complaining about every ache and pain in his body, non-stop googling whatever remedy there is to try. Little does he know, you hold the perfect gift in your hands — or at least, Amazon does. Snag this scientifically-proven solution to reduce inflammation, and if you're lucky, you might get to watch him shed a few tears, too. It will be worth it for him, and for you! New York Post Composite A stainless steel ice bath for athletes, adults, and well…dads, because we know just what a whiny man needs when we see one. A five-minute flash freeze can free the body of tension, reduce lactic acid buildup, and aid in post-workout recovery for full-body relaxation. This extra-large version on Amazon is sturdy enough to support dads of all sizes (up to 6 feet 7 inches, to be exact), and is currently marked down 31% just in time for Father's Day. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
New York Post
09-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Post
Goodbye gift cards, this Amazon gift basket is 60% off and arrives by Mother's Day
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Something important slip your mind this week? Don't panic. Mother's Day might be two days away, but there's still a bit of time to snag a gift that will make her smile on Sunday morning. Sure, you could always go the easy route with a Starbucks gift card or whip up some homemade favor coupons. But let's be real, if she makes your world go around, she probably deserves more than a cappuccino or the promise of a back rub. Maybe something like a luxe, self-care gift basket that is piled high with wonders to take care of all of her needs, from an engraved wine tumbler to a scented candle, plush socks, handmade soap, lipstick, and more treasures that will make her feel taken care of and pampered. Wrapped in a beautifully designed box, it's as convenient for you as it is delightful for her. Currently marked down 60% off to just $23.98 on Amazon, this elaborate basket makes luxury gifting easy and more affordable. Snatch one up before time runs out. Amazon Moms work tirelessly, so when there is time to unwind, self-care goodies are certainly appreciated. This curated set will certainly have her covered, whether her ideal Friday night looks like lounging on the couch, sinking into a hot bath, or sipping wine out of her new favorite tumbler. With over 3,000 purchases in the last month alone and an average of 4.8 stars, it's clear that customers and their gifting recipients are over the moon with this dreamy spa basket. 'The packaging was elegant, making it feel like a high-end gift, and it was clear that a lot of care went into the presentation,' one happy customer exclaimed. 'My wife was genuinely thrilled with the quality and thoughtfulness of this set.' Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.
New York Post
05-05-2025
- General
- New York Post
I turned my toddler's chaos cave into a dreamy sanctuary with Max & Lily kids' furniture
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Hot take: Decorating a nursery is easy. Most parents have a vision well before their little one is earthside, whether it's the work of a lifelong dream or snagged from a page off Pinterest: soft, serene, cozy, and clean seems to be the common theme. Their new bundle of joy will mostly stay balled up in their crib, so there's no need to rush to childproof the whole place. Plus, it goes without saying, but babies don't really have an opinion on paint colors or wood finishes. You basically can go to work, without their say in the matter. Advertisement Now, decorating a toddler's room is a battle of another kind. These little humans have a whole personality, and suddenly, you're working around their favorite colors, a never-ending stuffed animal collection, and arts and crafts galore. Finding a place for all their belongings, while also maintaining an aesthetic, seems like a near-impossible feat. Of course, tiny tots also spend most of their time littering the floor with toys or rummaging through drawers, so no matter how nice you make it, their room often turns into a tornado zone. At least, that was the case with my daughter's space, until Max & Lily stepped in. I'd nearly given up in my search for affordable kids' furniture when I stumbled upon Max & Lily's sophisticated catalog. After sifting through the website, I had a second burst of hope. Beds, bunks, dressers, nightstands, and more, Max & Lily is essentially a one-stop shop for parents struggling to create a cool, kid-friendly space on a budget. Not to mention, the designs were far less cartoonish than some of the clunky kids' furniture I've seen before. The pieces looked smooth, simple, and modern, making it easy to blend them in with the rest of the home's decor. Many are functional too, with hidden drawers for secret storage, so clean-up is a breeze. All my research checked out, so I had to find out — could Max & Lily transform our mess into a best-kept kids' room for my untamed toddler? Max & Lily Review Max & Lily Pros: The bed frame is constructed with sturdy New Zealand pine for longevity Soft chenille fabric is easy to spot-clean with a damp cloth The storage chest provides space for essentials, toys, and more Cons: The frame may be too high for smaller kiddos to climb up on, but Max & Lily also offers floor beds Max & Lily offers a variety of unique beds, including bunks, trundles, floor beds, and lofted, space-saving designs that create a little oasis for a little one. As apartment dwellers, the Kenzie Upholstered Twin was one of the first to catch my eye — small, sturdy, and still stylish enough to stand out. Miska Salemann The bed arrived in a single box, which was heavy enough to require quite a bit of elbow grease from two full-grown adults, but it didn't stop us. Once it was unpacked and the directions were laid out, the task seemed far less daunting. All the pieces were marked with corresponding letters, and it came with everything needed for setup, including slat rolls, hardware, and some tools. Putting it together was a test of patience, but the hard work paid off. Miska Salemann After three hours, my toddler was screaming 'soft!' and climbing all over it like she'd been sleeping on it for years. She's just tall enough to pull herself up, but the brand also offers a sea of low, floor beds for smaller kiddos. The padded chenille fabric is astoundingly soft, as she pointed out, and it has a warm, inviting feel that lights up a dreary space. Fortunately, the entire outer layer can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth, and so far, no spill has stood a chance. It's topped off with the charming, curved headboard that I am growing jealous of by the day. If Max & Lily offered adult bedding, this frame would be in my room ASAP. Miska Salemann Max & Lily doesn't sacrifice quality, either. Knot-free pine and engineered wood are combined to create a sturdy base, and you can tell how balanced it is when a wild kiddo is jumping all over it. It doesn't budge, and considering it's 400-pound weight limit, it really shouldn't. It's a sturdy bed, and I wouldn't be surprised if it outlived some of the other furniture in my house. Miska Salemann It's clear this bed is built to survive the toddler years, but its true standout feature has to be its secret storage chest, which rolls out easily so little ones can access they're favorite toys on-demand, and said toys can also be stowed away in an instant. I've managed to convince my daughter that it's fun to make her toys disappear into it, and that in itself is priceless. It's like the Kenzie bed is training her to be tidy. Materials: Solid pine wood, engineered wood, chenille fabric | Dimensions: 78.75″ L x 43.75″ W x 50.5″ H | Color Options: 2 Max & Lily Pros: Non-toxic, low-VOC finish meets or exceeds U.S. safety standards Unique slanted legs for a more modern look Ideal size for one child's wardrobe Cons: Important to pay attention to the setup directions since many of the pieces look similar The dresser is a key element of the kids' room, and Max and Lilly's Mid-Century Modern 6-Drawer design does not mess around. This style is a smart choice for parents looking for something that's just as safe as it is sleek. The non-toxic, low-VOC finish helps ensure a safer environment for your kiddo, meeting or exceeding U.S. safety standards. New York Post Composite Like the bed, the dresser arrived in one box, and the lofty weight confirmed its solid wood construction. The most difficult part of the assembly was probably the fact that it's a completely white dresser (besides the angled feet), which means it's important to identify all the pieces before you get to work… learn from my mistake or risk starting from scratch. Miska Salemann My daughter may be too young to appreciate a Mid-Century modern design moment, but I'm loving the clean finishes, and the functionality is not lost on her. Its low-profile design allows her to reach her own clothing, and the gliding drawers open easily, without much force (and so far, without any finger jams). It's a practical choice for a kid who's gaining their independence. Miska Salemann The build of this dresser was just right for our needs, but bigger families might prefer something with slightly larger drawers. I can easily fit my daughter's Spring and Summer wardrobe, but the lower depth may be a bit tight for a shared room or multi-use storage area. Max & Lily also offers dressers in different configurations, so there's sure to be something that fits in your space. Material: Solid, knot-free wood with low VOC finishes | Dimensions: 52' L x 16.25' W x 36' H | Color Options: 3 Max & Lily Pros: Modern, minimalist design in a solid color Non-toxic, low-VOC finish meets or exceeds U.S. safety standards Easy assembly with clear directions Many color options Cons: Only one drawer is best for smaller storage needs To round out the room, we opted for the Scandinavian nightstand set. This simple, minimalistic set was just the right size to fit on either side of the bed for a little more storage. Unlike some stumpier designs I've seen, the tall legs on this one make the entire nightstand look a bit more elegant. In true 'Scandi-style,' the natural wood grain is preserved for a chic modern look, and you can see and feel the quality. There are six lovely shades to choose from, but we opted for white to match the dresser. Miska salemann After putting the bed and dresser together, the Scandinavian Nightstands felt like a walk in the park. Both nightstands arrived in a single box and were light enough to carry up solo. The directions were clear, and with only a few pieces and legs to put in place, it wasn't all that complicated. As with many sets I've constructed, once the first is done, building the other one feels like second nature. Miska Salemann I've lived with many different nightstands, and this was my first experience with a single drawer system. While two compartments can help with organization, I was actually very pleased with the generous width and depth of this design. My daughter quickly decided to throw her favorite toys in each drawer, so it's not like I need it to be super neat, anyway. Miska Salemann As with all the Max & Lily furniture we tested, these nightstands felt like they were made for kids first. They open very easily, and the ergonomic design means my daughter's little fingers fit around the curve perfectly so she can pull it open and close it by herself. It's low enough to the ground for her to access it, but still tall enough that I don't need to hunch over if I'm looking for something. Material: Solid, knot-free wood with low VOC finishes | Dimensions: 9.75' L x 17.5' W x 22.5' H | Color Options: 6 Shipping and Assembly Miska Salemann Max & Lily strives to make your new room makeover a simple and fast process, and the flexible shopping options make that possible. The company ships through FedEx across the United States and Canada, and offers free shipping for orders of $350 or more. After placing your order, customers can expect it to be processed in two to five business days. Transit times vary based on the destination's proximity to Max & Lily's South Carolina or California warehouses. My order shipped out on a Monday and arrived two days later. Most of the packages were left in my lobby. When I was not home to ring one in, it was placed outside the front door, tucked out of sight behind a wall, which we know is necessary in New York City. Miska Salemann There are a couple of options when it comes to assembly, but Max & Lily furniture should be manageable for any person with basic reading and building skills. The furniture pieces are clearly labeled and come with extensive step-by-step directions, so you know exactly where everything goes. My items came with all the necessary tools, but a power drill certainly sped things up. The time it takes to construct each item varies based on its size, but expect to spend between one and three hours and enlist help from a friend for bigger projects, like beds or dressers. Max & Lily also partner with local assembly services (available at an additional cost) if you're not too confident with your DIY skills. Miska Salemann Max & Lily VS. Other Kids' Furniture The adult furniture and decor category is extensive, with options for every kind of interior style and budget. Unfortunately, there are far fewer dedicated kids' furniture companies, and even fewer that offer stylish, functional furniture that blends in with the rest of the home's design. I've browsed options like Delta Children, IKEA, and Pottery Barn Kids, each of which brings its unique approach to kid-friendly feng-shui. In reviewing Max & Lily, I found that the brand's catalog is much more refined, less cartoonish, and most products are made with high-quality New Zealand pine, so parents know they're purchasing high-quality, child-safe products that will last the test of time. Max & Lily also offers many space-saving options, which make it an attractive choice for families that are furnishing smaller homes and apartments and want to maximize storage. Final Verdict For my daughter's room makeover needs, Max & Lily was a match made in Heaven. There was a wide selection of products to choose from, and I appreciated that most time on the site are already well-reviewed, so you can see how the furniture fits in real people's spaces. I opted for a bed frame and dressers that would maximize storage, and Max & Lily delivered. While these items might seem a little more basic than the colorful, character-inspired kids' furniture that you can find on Amazon, I find them to look much more elegant and easy to style with seasonal decor. Each item was built with my toddler's needs in mind, at the right height for her to open drawers, crawl into bed, and put away her toys. Shipping was fast, and assembly was a bit easier than expected, but it's still important to note that you're going to want to set some time and space aside for setup. All in all, I'd highly recommend the brand for and family looking to revamp their kids' space. It's solid, high-quality, and still stylish enough to keep the door to the kid's room open — you'll want to show it off. How We Tested Miska Salemann As with any furniture pieces, we spent a couple of weeks living alongside these different items before piecing together a complete review. I kept in mind a few main factors when considering how Max & Lily stacks up to competitors: the quality of material, assembly, design, and safety. Quality of Material: Max & Lily uses solid, knot-free New Zealand pinewood with low VOC finishes. This material ensures greater longevity than some less-expensive brands that utilize particleboard. Max & Lily is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning the designs have lower chemical emissions, contributing to cleaner and healthier air in your home. Max & Lily uses solid, knot-free New Zealand pinewood with low VOC finishes. This material ensures greater longevity than some less-expensive brands that utilize particleboard. Max & Lily is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, meaning the designs have lower chemical emissions, contributing to cleaner and healthier air in your home. Shipping and Assembly: Max & Lily shipped faster than I expected, and the packages were left in a safe and secure place. Some were heavy enough to require two adults, but they were still manageable. Assembly took some time, but it wasn't any more complicated than your typical DIY project. All the tools and step-by-step directions were provided. Max & Lily shipped faster than I expected, and the packages were left in a safe and secure place. Some were heavy enough to require two adults, but they were still manageable. Assembly took some time, but it wasn't any more complicated than your typical DIY project. All the tools and step-by-step directions were provided. Design and Practicality: Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to style and functionality, but my main focus was how well the furniture fit in our space and whether it was easy to use for storage needs. I measured my daughter's room before putting in the order, and the dimensions reported on the site were accurate. The storage was easy to access and provided the perfect amount of space for one child's clothing and toys. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to style and functionality, but my main focus was how well the furniture fit in our space and whether it was easy to use for storage needs. I measured my daughter's room before putting in the order, and the dimensions reported on the site were accurate. The storage was easy to access and provided the perfect amount of space for one child's clothing and toys. Safety: Safety with kids' furniture is paramount. I looked for smooth, rounded corners, clean finishes, and gliding drawers that would ensure my daughter could use her new furniture without blisters or jammed fingers. I found that Max & Lily furniture is child-friendly as is, and the brand also offers additional guardrails and secure climbing options to help keep kids safe. This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
New York Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- New York Post
The Post Wanted guide to what to buy during Way Day: Our favorites
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. One of the largest home sale events is not on its way (ha!); it's here. Wayfair's much-anticipated Way Day Sale officially kicked off on April 26 and the Post Wanted team is here to pull our all-time favorite items that we can't stop glossing over. From wine glasses to outdoor patio furniture, consider Wayfair your one-stop shop for all your furniture and decor needs. The lion's share of Wayfair's catalog is up to 80% off, and we're pretty much screaming inside. Below, find the items our team is most excited about. Plus, a good chunk of these items are Wayfair Verified, meaning they're some of the retailer's all-time favorite items, according to real-life shoppers over the years. Wayfair I'm on the hunt for a new outdoor dining set, and I really have high hopes of finding the table I want to coincide with these chairs. The Bayou Breeze Outdoor Dining Side Chairs (Set of 4) is perfect for small decks, looks incredibly chic (it's giving alfresco coffee shop vibes) and is on a pretty sweet sale. Wayfair 'You know when you go out to an Italian restaurant and your wine comes in the most exquisite glasses you wish you had at home? Bring that same feel and aesthetic to your own dinner table with this luxurious stemmed wine glass set,' Meaghan Roche, senior commerce SEO manager, shared. 'Bonus points: these glasses are dishwasher-safe!' Not only are these glasses a team favorite, but they look incredibly chic. Undoubtedly, you'll receive plenty of compliments on them during your next hosting moment. Wayfair 'Lighting used to be the last on my priority list, as home improvement goes, Miska Salemann, commerce writer/reporter, admitted. 'Now that my taste is a little more refined, I know the power of a good pendant. Something simple that adds a little bit of luxury to any space.' There are so many styles to choose from, but Salemann finds this moody dome lantern particularly dreamy. Wayfair Add a touch of modern edge to your space with a runner to change up your hallway or place in the kitchen. 'It's pet- and kid-friendly, which in translation means easy to wash and holds up well overtime,' Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce writer/reporter, said, recommending the addition to any floor of your home. Wayfair Nothing beats the breezy, effortlessly luxurious feel of linen sheets. 'Quality linen is like the silver fox of textiles — cool under pressure, gets better with age and looks straight out of the south of France,' Kendall Cornish, commerce writer/editor, shared. 'These AllModern sheets are exactly the kind of high-quality investment that only gets better with every wash, and I'd confidently throw money at them knowing they'll probably outlive me. Wayfair 'During this year's Way Day sale, I'm eyeing this faux potted plant to add some height and color to my living room,' Roche said. 'With hundreds of great reviews and four different size options, this is an instant add-to-cart.' For less than $100, our team is amazed at how realistic-looking this faux greenery looks, too. Wayfair 'This cute 3-piece set can fill out any corner nicely and add to the space,' Sutton-Williams shared. 'It comes in five different shades and seats two. What more do you want at this price?' Not to mention, it's great for small spaces and adds a touch of bohemian flair to any outdoor space. Wayfair 'I love a good earth-tone,' Salemann said. 'Anything rustic, muted, natural, or ceramic can make a house feel like a home.' If you're shopping for a piece of decor on a budget, the Post Wanted team recommends going for this terracotta table vase. Wayfair 'I would buy this SMEG citrus juicer solely because it looks like it belongs on Sophia Loren's kitchen counter,' Cornish said. 'And if it makes freshly squeezed orange juice taste half as good as it would look on my countertop, I'll never drink from a carton again.' Cornish is a fan of SMEG appliances already, so this little summer essential is next on her list. 'It's chic, it's sleek, and honestly, buying it would make me feel far more sophisticated than my actual juice-consumption habits warrant,' she added. Wayfair Woven, geometric rugs will probably never go out of style. This one comes in an all-over khaki hue that screams sunroom. Besides, an indoor/outdoor rug is such a smart investment. 'Throw it on the patio when the weather gets warmer, or swap it out with another rug if you get bored with your interior decor,' Salemann said, recommending this versatile option. The deal is also one of Wayfair's very best right now. Wayfair 'This is the nicest bar cart I've ever owned and gets more compliments than my hair (which is pretty cute some days),' Sutton-Williams noted. 'It looks elegant and has a great organizational layout.' Better yet, if you love the look of gold finishes and a photogenic display for all of your hosting endeavors, this is the on-sale grab to shuffle into your Wayfair cart. Wayfair Another bar cart on sale that we love: the Joss & Main Domenica Bar Cart. 'It's giving Italian summer,' Cornish suggested. 'Imagine rolling this chic little cart out stocked with Aperol, olives, and overpriced sparkling water for all your guests (while you traipse around in a linen caftan unironically and laugh in slow motion). If you're looking for something to make your patio feel less suburban and more Amalfi, this is it.' For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
