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9 Gifts for Spring Shoppies

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In this edition of The Gift, we’re sharing gifts to welcome spring. Plus: beautiful (fake) flowers and 24 wedding gifts you won’t find on the registry. The winters of my childhood in Maine did not play. From Thanksgiving until Easter, the flurries were flurrying, the snow banks were towering, and the no-school days were aplenty. This past winter felt like one of those winters. The internet tells us we aren’t supposed to like rugged weather, but I do like it, very much. And the best part about a helluva winter is that when spring comes — next Friday! — baby, we’ve earned it. We had our first two spring-like days this week, the sky an electric blue, the air like silk. (Of course, it’s frigid and gray now.) My optimism is undimmed. No matter what spring looks like this year — colorless and cold, drizzly and vibey, twinkling and bright — my vow is to embrace every minute. We made it through winter, and the newness of spring, in all its forms, is a gift. It’s also a nice time to reconne...
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REI’s First Big Sale Of The Year Is Here. These Are the Deals Our Experts Love.

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As we slowly emerge from the frost and gloom of winter into rainy spring, it can be easy to forget that sunny destinations and outdoor adventures are just around the corner. Thankfully, when we pored through this month’s big member sale at REI, our experts were happy to see some favorite warm(er) weather picks selected by our seasoned outdoor experts — gear that will set you up not only for long-awaited spring and summer trips, but also for activities like running, biking, and camping. You can find the best of the best below. Something to note: Unless price-matched by competitors, most of these deals are only available to REI Co-op members. Through March 23, members get 20% off one full-price item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with the code MEMBER26 . If you’re not already a member, you can read our breakdown of whether the one-time $30 membership fee is worth it for you. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/d5snWYu via IFTTT
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Is the New $600 MacBook Neo Actually a Good Deal?

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Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio Apple recently expanded its lineup with two new budget-friendly entries: the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. Both start at $600—hundreds of dollars less than their standard counterparts—but what exactly are you giving up for that lower price tag? This week, host Rosie Guerin talks with Wirecutter senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar to break down the trade-offs. Plus, Brenda explains why Apple is leaning into "affordable" tech right now. Products we recommend Powerful battery in a slightly cheaper package Apple iPhone 17e Apple’s most affordable iPhone isn’t the cheapest the company has ever made, but it offers long-lasting battery life and excellent performance. For better cameras, buy an iPhone 17. $599 from Apple The starter Mac Apple MacBook Neo The MacBook Neo is a perfect fit for younger students, and those who want a basic lapt...
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Our Favorite Coffee Tables

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A great coffee table feels like a quiet, confident anchor in a living room. It’s sturdy enough to withstand the daily spill of snacks and drinks, fidgety feet, rowdy pets or children, and all of the unexpected situations that living rooms invite, yet it’s also attractive enough to complement your seating and elevate the room as a whole. After months of living with a rotating cast of 14 tables and assessing their materials, dimensions, construction, and stability, we’ve identified eight standout designs. From sculptural silhouettes to classic budget-friendly styles that look more expensive than they are, we have options that will make any living room feel more comfortable and complete. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/Vr3lMn1 via IFTTT
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The Best Accessories for Your USB-C Laptop

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We've spent dozens of hours testing the best cables, hubs, adapters, and dongles to help you connect your monitors, peripherals, and accessories to your new laptop, even if it has only USB-C ports. Live that dongle life. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/So8MYOe via IFTTT
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The Best Plastic-Free Bowls, Plates, Cups, and Utensils for Babies and Kids

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I have two little kids, the younger of whom had started eating solid food at the time of our testing. When my older child reached this milestone, I aimed to get her excited about the process by buying feeding tools that were colorful — and many of them were made of plastic. But as the time came for my son to start using tableware, I’d become more aware of the growing concerns about plastics. While researching and writing Wirecutter’s guide to the best baby bottles , I learned about two class-action lawsuits brought against two leading baby bottle companies, Philips North America and Handi-Craft Company , for failing to warn consumers that their plastic bottles may leach microplastics when heated and used to prepare formula. Research shows that plastic food packaging might also leach harmful chemicals. My kids were eating and drinking from plastic throughout the day. What did all that exposure mean for their developing bodies? The experts I interviewed told me that the chemicals t...
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The Best Rear Bike Rack

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A solid rear rack is the foundation of any good carrying-stuff-on-your-bike setup: It enables you to attach other components to your bike and get a heavy pack off your back. After considering 41 models and testing 11 top contenders, we’re confident that the Topeak Explorer MTX 2.0 Rack is the best rear bike rack for the average commuter. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/2b3YNDI via IFTTT
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