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9 Best New Picks That Would Make Great Gifts

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In this edition of The Gift, we share a love letter to a duck in crisis. Plus: our inaugural Best New Picks Awards winners. Several weeks ago, I had an extremely important 1:1 meeting with Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief, Ben Frumin. It was a searching conversation that veered into the existential and posed some of the toughest questions I’ve ever been asked in this (or honestly, any) job. The matter at hand? A $17 duck lamp . Many of you may recognize the duck. It — in all of its cute, complicated, ennui-ridden glory — first appeared in this very newsletter, when gifts expert Samantha Schoech suggested it as a birthday gift for a prankster. Since then, the duck has come to mean many things to many people, but especially to our newsroom. And Ben was on a journey to find out why. “Why do I love the duck so?” he wanted to know. “And what does it say about me, about all of us, that we love the duck?” His reporting led him to uncover the true meaning of the duck, which I won’t spoil for ...
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The Best Smart Strip Lights

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Every year, I look forward to holiday lights. They remind me of when my son was little, and we would drive around as a family to take in all of the spectacular light displays around the neighborhood. It also signifies a time where there will be a lot of family togetherness — and cookies. When January rolls around and the lights get packed away, sadness always sets in. I know I’m not alone, it’s a thing . However, there are ways to extend that twinkle in your eye and your living room. Smart strip lights give me the dopamine fix I need throughout the year. They can add a burst of special effects to your kitchen counter, your fireplace mantel, or your Zoom or social videos. And they’re a popular way to add pizzazz to an otherwise dungeon-like dorm room. We have tested dozens, and like the Govee Strip Light 2 Pro because it delivers bright, accurate colors, includes more special effects and features than most other models we tested, is easy to fit into any space, and supports all the m...
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The Best Smokeless Fire Pits

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Few things are as pleasurable as a toasty fire in the backyard on a chilly evening. But if you find that the accompanying smoke dampens that pleasure, or if your neighbors prefer to keep their bedroom windows open to catch the cool air, you might consider using a so-called smokeless fire pit, which eliminates some (but not all) of your fire’s smoke and most of the ash. We spent four months testing (plus years of long-term testing) nine fire pits in Hawaii and California. In the end we chose two as our top picks: the Solo Stove Classic Bonfire , for most people and small backyards, and the Tiki Patio Smokeless Fire Pit , for people with larger yards or those who enjo y its more patio-inspired look. However, finding the right fire pit for you is a matter of personal choice and depends largely on your needs and personal style. We have picks that are lightweight and easy to move around , aesthetically unobtrusive for a patio , great for cooking over , affordable yet edgy-looking , and ...
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10 Cheap(ish) Things to Keep in Your Car If You’re Always on the Go

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For many people, a car is like a second home. And that means it should be outfitted with a few daily essentials and just-in-case emergency items, to help keep life running a bit more smoothly. From everyday necessities to emergency supplies that will get you out of a jam, here are 10 cheap(ish) items we recommend storing in your ride, so you’ll never be caught without the things you need when you’re out and about. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/mIrvlY1 via IFTTT
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The Best Robot Mop-Vac Combos

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In an ideal world, you’d clean your floors every day, staying ahead of dust and grime and watching your home transform into a spotless, sparkling palace. We live in the real world, however, where a host of other household responsibilities and chores vie for our attention. The newest robot mop-vacuum combos are designed to bridge the gap. And as long as you set your expectations accordingly (these things aren’t miracle workers ), a good robot mop-vac combo can handle day-to-day floor cleaning with consistency and aplomb. After testing a range of models priced between $400 and $1,600, we think the Narwal Freo Pro offers the best combination of performance and value. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/fQrwstK via IFTTT
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Our Favorite Watering Cans

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Almost any vessel that holds liquid—from measuring jugs to that half-finished glass of water on your desk—can be used to water your plants. But a well-designed watering can do it better, with less mess and considerably more style. We’ve tested nearly 50 watering cans on everything from houseplants to flower beds, with almost two dozen testers ages 9 to 70-plus. Our eight favorites are comfortable to use and easy to control, and many of them are downright gorgeous to boot. Everything we recommend A charming can with a beautiful pour: the Modern Sprout Glass Watering Can. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter A two-in-one watering can and spray bottle: the Time Concept Watering Can and Mister. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter An expressive design that’s excellent for larger pots: the Alessi Diva Watering Can. Marki Williams/NYT Wirecutter A versatile, plastic option under $20: the Qilebi Watering Can. Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter An heirloom-quality, enamel...
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Essential Tools To Stay Organized While Caring for Aging Parents

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Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever take on—but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing appointments, medications, paperwork, and communication with family members or professional aides, there’s a lot to keep track of. In this episode, senior tech writer Rachel Cericola joins us to talk about the tools and systems that can help caregivers stay organized. From shared calendars to smart pill dispensers and even digital fax services, these gadgets and apps can lighten the mental load—whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a spouse in person or coordinating from afar. While this conversation focuses on supporting older adults aging in place, many of these tools can be helpful for anyone managing a busy household. This episode covers Why organization is critical for caregivers: Managing medications, appointments, meals, hydration, and commu...
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