Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Every dog needs a good collar that will keep him comfy on long walks and hold his ID tags.
• Of all the dog collars out there, the Lupine Original Dog Collar is our top pick with its heavy-duty design, big range of colors, multiple sizes, and a lifetime guarantee that even covers chewing.

Picking out a dog collar may seem like a simple task, but there are many options to choose from, and the perfect collar for your dog will depend on several factors. For one thing, you need to think about your dog's age and size, but you must also consider his disposition. Dogs that tend to do well on the leash can get by with traditional nylon or leather collars, while dogs that tend to pull on the leash may require a halter or prong collar. Take some time to think about what purpose you need your dog's collar to serve before you begin shopping.

Not only are there dozens of different types of dog collars, but there is an endless array of choices within each category. So, how do you choose the best collar for your dog? Your vet may be able to give you some insight and you can always find tips offered by other dog owners on the Internet. The American Kennel Club has some good tips on its site. Once you've decided which type of collar is appropriate, all you have to do is find the best one in that category.

Don't worry — you won't have to sift through pages and pages of reviews because we've done the hard work for you. We've read the reviews and done lots of research to determine our top six picks for different types of dog collars. 

Here are the best dog collars you can buy:

• Best dog collar overall: LupinePet Original Dog Collar
• Best budget dog collar: Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog
• Best leather dog collar: Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar
• Best Martingale dog collar: If It Barks Designer Martingale Collar
• Best head collar: PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
• Best metal prong collar: Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus Prong Collar

Updated on 05/10/2019 by Les Shu: Updated links, formatting, and prices.

Keep scrolling to read more about our top picks.

SEE ALSO: The best leashes you can buy for your dog

SEE ALSO: The best dog food you can buy

The best dog collar overall

Few collars offer the durability or longevity of the Lupine Original Dog Collar, which is protected by a lifetime guarantee that even covers chewing.

Although there are many different types of specialty dog collars, most dogs just need an everyday collar you can clip a leash to and pop their tags on. The ideal everyday collar for a dog will be durable but comfortable with options for adjustment. It also wouldn't hurt if it looked good. The Lupine Pet Original Dog Collar fits the bill, and it is the best one you can buy for everyday walks with your dog.

Made from jacquard woven nylon with strong bar-tack stitching and a welded steel D-ring, the Lupine Pet Original Dog Collar offers long-lasting durability. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. If the collar has a pattern, it's woven directly into the webbing, not sewn on, so it'll last longer. The Lupine Pet collar also features a side-release buckle for easy use. Top Review Pro names this collar its number-two pick in a top 10 list of dog collars and Prixie Pets speaks to the quality, durability, and aesthetic appeal of the collar.

Not only does the Lupine Pet Original Dog Collar come in a variety of colors and patterns to suit your dog's personality, but the collar is also available in sizes ranging from 9 inches to 25 inches. What really sets this collar apart from the competition, however, is the fact that it comes with a lifetime guarantee that even covers damage from chewing. There aren't many pet product companies that make such an offer, and it gives this collar an added degree of value.

If you're looking for a durable dog collar for everyday use that also looks great and stands up to chewing, look no further than the Lupine Pet Original Dog Collar.

Pros: Jacquard woven nylon is durable, bar-tack stitching for strength, welded steel D-ring, multiple sizes and colors/patterns available, side-release clasp for easy use, guaranteed for life (even against chewing), simple but fashionable design, can withstand multiple washings

Cons: Sizing may run small, may not accommodate very large or giant breeds

Buy the Lupine Pet Original Dog Collar on Amazon starting at $12.16

The best budget dog collar

Sweet and simple, the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is an affordable dog collar that offers durability and aesthetic appeal.

While there are certainly luxury dog collars out there, many dog owners just want something that will get the job done without breaking the bank. Our top choice for budget-friendly dog collars is the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar. This collar features a classic design and it is adjustable so you can customize the fit to suit your dog.

Made from lightweight nylon with high-density webbing for durability, the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is a budget-friendly option for dog owners. Though the clips and other hardware are made from eco-friendly plastic, the D-ring is chrome-plated metal for added strength. The collar won't stretch like some collars do and tightening the collar correctly will keep it from slipping off to ensure that your dog can't get his mouth around it to chew.

Though it may not be the most long-lasting dog collar on the market, the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is a great option for the price. Top Review Pro and My Pet Needs That both include this collar on their top ten lists, confirming the fact that this collar may not have all the bells and whistles that some collars offer, but it has a simplicity that many dog owners find appealing. The Blueberry collar also has more than 2,700 reviews on Amazon, of which more than 75% are positive.

With several sizes and styles too choose from, all less than $10 (customized options cost a slightly more), the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar is a great choice for the budget-conscious dog owner. Choose from twelve different colors or buy one of each – you can also purchase a matching harness or leash.

Pros: Made from nylon with high-density webbing for durability, clips made from eco-friendly plastic, available in various sizes and styles, metal D-ring is chrome-plated, adjustable sizing, affordable

Cons: May not withstand heavy chewing, may not accommodate dogs with necks larger than 26 inches, plastic clip may wear out with frequent use, color may fade over time, sizing may run large

Buy the Blueberry Classic Nylon Dog Collar on Amazon for $8.99 and up (price varies)

The best leather dog collar

Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar is an Amish-made collar that offers the ideal combination of function and aesthetic appeal.

If you're in the market for a dog collar that looks great and is made to last, try Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar. Amish-made in the United States from real leather, this dog collar features a classic design merged with modern function. This collar is durable as well as comfortable and it comes in five different sizes from 16 to 31 inches, each with options for adjustability to ensure a secure fit for any dog.

Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar is made from high-quality leather right here in the United States. This collar features a beautiful leather exterior with a padded lambskin lining that is comfortable and gentle on your dog's neck. The hardware is made from heavy-duty stainless steel and the whole thing is resistant to the elements and to normal wear and tear.

Named among Here Pup's five best leather dog collars, Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar comes in black or brown leather with a number of color options for the padded lambskin lining. Sturdily but beautifully constructed, this leather collar gets rave reviews from Stop That Dog and Top Review Pro as well. Buyers on Amazon confirm the durability and aesthetic appeal of the collar, though some report issues with sizing and difficulties clipping the collar to a leash.

With five sizes and an array of colors to choose from, Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar is a beautiful and durable leather dog collar. Safe and durable for everyday use, this collar is also very affordable with a price tag ranging from $19.95 to $32.50. To make this collar last, keep the leather clean and moisturized with a leather care product.

Pros: Beautifully made from real leather, padded lambskin lining for comfort, durable stainless steel hardware, resistant to wear and tear, available in a wide variety of colors, adjustable sizing

Cons: May not withstand chewing, sizing may be inconsistent, may be too heavy for very small dogs, some owners find it difficult to clip

Buy Perri's Padded Leather Dog Collar on Amazon for $16.57 and up

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Founded by former Adidas and New Balance designer Justin Schneider, Wolf & Shepherd is a men's dress shoe startup that integrates sneaker-like performance and comfort into its footwear.
• Now, the brand is making an actual sneaker of its own. The Wolf & Shepherd Glider Sneaker is a premium leather sneaker set on top of a classic cup sole. While its minimal design is similar to plenty of other shoes, its plush memory foam insoles make them a lot more comfortable.
• After wearing them casually for a full day and playing squash in them, I quickly found them to be the most comfortable dress sneakers I've worn.
• At $225 the Wolf & Shepherd Glider Sneaker isn't cheap, but it's slightly cheaper and more comfortable than some of the most popular competitors like the M.Gemi Lucente ($228) and Koio Capri ($248).

I can probably name ten different footwear brands that make the same exact minimal leather sneaker, save for a few minor details. Yes, I know that the low-top vintage basketball-inspired silhouette is a design that's stood the test of time and can be worn with just about anything, but it seems like brands are tossing their iterations out into the market left and right just to get a piece of the pie.

And now, Wolf & Shepherd, the brand that successfully integrated sneaker-like comfort into dress shoes, is adding its name to that long list with a sneaker of its own. But this time, it's clear that the priority was making a shoe that actually feels better than the rest.

The Wolf & Shepherd Glider Sneaker features soft, premium Italian leather on the exterior and interior of the upper and a classic rubber cup sole. While its minimal aesthetic is similar to plenty of other sneakers available (some that you might already own), the ultra-plush memory foam insole is what separates it from the bunch.

What it's like to wear them

Between former Syracuse runner Juris Silenieks setting the world record for the fastest half-marathon ran in its dress shoes and founder Justin Schneider participating in the 2018 Running of the Bulls in Spain, Wolf & Shepherd has always gone to extreme measures to emphasize just how well the shoes perform.

For the release of the Glider Sneaker, I put them to the test alongside Schneider with an admittedly less intense, but still undeniably physical sport: squash. I laced them up and hit the squash court for some lessons and a few games, and I would have never imagined being able to perform so well in a shoe that wasn't specifically designed for sport. In the few hours we played, which consisted of short sprints and sharp cuts while running around the court, I broke a full sweat and my feet didn't hurt even the slightest bit.

Since the average person won't spend much time specifically playing sports in the Glider Sneaker, I also wore them like a normal person. My first impression of the leather pair was that it was a bit more comfortable than the patent leather pair I played squash in. It didn't come as a surprise because the leather is more supple and I suspect it'll get even better as I wear them more. Each step felt great throughout an entire day of work.

The insole features three layers of memory foam with one layer extending to the arch of your foot. With added arch support — something most dress sneakers skip out on — the Glider Sneaker is more than adequate for meeting the needs of city goers and commuters.

The bottom line

Although the Glider is Wolf & Shepherd's first sneaker, it definitely doesn't feel like it. The design is clean and simple, and doesn't rely on brand logos to stand out. I've owned a few different shoes in the same style, and they simply don't match up to these in overall wearability.

The $225 price might sound like a lot, but when you compare it to similar shoes, it's a great value. They're cheaper than the M.Gemi Lucente and Koio Capri (which doesn't come in half sizes), and are still more cushioned than both of those styles. With nominal differences in the overall style, the Glider's lower price and superior comfort have made it hard for me to find a justifiable reason to recommend another brand outside of more colorways being available.

If you thought that Wolf & Shepherd's dress shoes were comfortable, the Glider Sneaker takes comfort to a higher level. For days when I want to keep my footwear style minimal, I'll choose the Glider Sneaker every time.

Buy the Wolf & Shepherd Glider Sneakers for $225, available in three colors

Also available in black patent leather for $245 in the Podium Collection 

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Stewart Butterfield, co-founder of Slack and Flickr, says 2 beliefs have brought him the greatest success in life

• Austin Geidt, Uber's fourth employee and current head of strategy for Uber's Advanced Technologies Group, rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange at the company's public debut on Friday.
• Geidt joined Uber in 2010 as an intern and has held multiple roles during her time with the company.
• She has been open about her struggle with addiction and credits much of her success at the high-flying startup to skills she learned while in rehab.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

"To all you interns, keep ya heads up," Austin Geidt tweeted on her five-year anniversary of working at Uber in 2015.

It's advice that's paid off for Geidt. She joined Uber as an intern in 2010 — and on Friday, she got to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange ahead of the company's public debut.

Now the head of strategy for Uber's Advanced Technologies Group, the company's autonomous vehicle unit, Geidt had the honor of the ceremonial role, standing beside CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.

Read More:Meet the 7 VC investors getting rich off of this year's parade of 'unicorn' IPOs

Geidt's rise is that of Silicon Valley legend. She was the fourth employee at Uber and has filled several roles during her time with the company. She's been open about her battle with drug addiction and recovery, and has been sober since she was 20.

Here's how the former intern cold-emailed her way into one of the biggest startups in Silicon Valley as told in a Fortune interview from 2015, except where otherwise noted. 

SEE ALSO: Uber’s first employee is worth over $1 billion as company goes public, and he’s already committed to donating at least $14 million to charity

Austin Geidt’s journey to Wall Street wasn’t easy or predictable. She graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 2010 amid an uncertain job market following the 2008 recession when she was 25 years old.

Geidt has been open about her struggles with drug addiction and her time in rehab when she was 19. "I had a drug addiction. I got sober. I'm 10 years sober," she said in 2015. "I was in a really dark place."

In the uncertain aftermath of the 2008 Recession, Geidt responded to a tweet looking for interns from a new startup — Uber.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/606156612705906688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Happy five-year to the whole @Uber family! And to all you interns, keep ya heads up :) http://t.co/xSKbPdlkl9pic.twitter.com/cx74g65ARu

Geidt told the audience of Fortune's Most Powerful Women conference in 2015 that her resume for Uber was effectively blank with little applicable experience to speak of. Jobs and internships were still hard to come by, and she wasn't having much luck in the market.

• Raising children in New York City's Upper West Side isn't easy, Emily Prawda-Weiss told Business Insider (and she spoke from experience).
• Prawda-Weiss manages her household and takes care of her kids while her husband works for a Wall Street bank.
• Despite the hustle and bustle, NYC has some perks: Prawda-Weiss takes her kids to the theater and surrounds them with cultural diversity. She also gets to attend networking sessions and panels exclusive to the area. 
• Here's a day in the life of a mom on the Upper West Side.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Being a mom is a tough job.

While many assume going to work means sitting at a desk all day, moms need to take care of managing the household, caring for their kids, cleaning the home — and often on top of a career. 

Read more:Something interesting happened when Bill Gates started driving his daughter to school

Emily Prawda-Weiss knows the challenges of raising children as a working mom first hand. Prawda-Weiss resides in New York City's Upper West Side, one of the busiest (and most expensive) neighborhoods in the country. Since her husband works at a bank during the day, Prawda-Weiss gets her girls ready for school and works from home for Big City Moms, a website for expectant mothers.

Prawda-Weiss, who grew up in Brooklyn, feels comfortable with the commotion in New York City: she juggles much of the cooking, housework, and caretaking, while working from home full-time in the country's most populous city.

"No matter what, a mom is working hard because of the emotional labor she takes with her day-to-day, because she has to manage a family and manage a household as well," Prawda-Weiss said in an interview with Business Insider.

Here's what the life of a mom on NYC's Upper West Side is actually like. 

SEE ALSO: Melinda Gates shocked Bill when she quit her high-powered Microsoft job because she 'assumed' women were supposed to stay home and raise kids

Emily Prawda-Weiss lives in the Upper West Side with her husband, Andrew, and her daughters, Delilah and Sylvie. She works from home as a partnership coordinator for Big City Moms.

Sylvie and Delilah are 8 and 10, respectively. They attend different schools on the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. Andrew works at a Wall Street bank from 9 am to 6 pm most days.

Each morning, Prawda-Weiss wakes up at 6:30 am to make breakfast for her two daughters.

• Business Insider asked real-estate agents about the easiest ways to increase a home's value.
• Several real-estate agents said getting rid of clutter is the easiest way to spruce up your home.
• Agents also advised upgrading light fixtures, removing rugs and carpeting, and replacing bedding with a simple white duvet.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

If you're looking to sell your home, you probably want to do everything you can to sell it at the best price possible. 

Business Insider asked real-estate agents about the easiest ways to increase a home's value. Several of them said getting rid of clutter is the easiest way to spruce up your home, while others advised upgrading your light fixtures, removing rugs and carpeting, and replacing your bedding with a simple white duvet.

Here are 13 easy things you can do that will increase the value of your home, according to real-estate agents.

SEE ALSO: 11 things that make a home unsellable, according to real-estate agents

DON'T MISS: 10 things real-estate agents wish they could tell you — but won't

1. Get rid of clutter.

Several real-estate agents said getting rid of clutter is the easiest way to spruce up your home.

"The simplest and least expensive thing that you can do is rid your home of clutter," Deborah Ribner of Warburg Realty told Business Insider. "A buyer needs to be able to envision their things in your home, and when a home is too cluttered ... it's hard for them to do that. Think bare minimum."

Ribner recommends clearing off bookshelves, coffee tables, kitchen counters, and dishes and beds for pets. You should "think of your home as being as much of a blank canvas for buyers," she said.

Rachel Lustbader of Warburg Realty suggested getting rid of old, worn furniture as well. 

"Buyers want to see the future in their new home, not the past," she said.

2. Put away family photos.

Several agents recommended putting away your family photos when you're trying to sell your house.

"Remove all family photos, children's artwork on the refrigerator, and declutter," Julie Brannan of Compass said. "You want them to superimpose their own circumstances on the home, not look at yours."

3. Switch out your cabinets and appliances instead of redoing the whole kitchen.

"If your kitchen is dated and appliances are worn out but you don't want to redo the whole kitchen, consider a cabinet refacing and change out the appliances," Christopher Totaro of Warburg Realty told Business Insider. "It's a plug-and-play upgrade. It's as easy as calling your local home-center to schedule a consultation."

He added that it's possible to add a new countertop without replacing the cabinets. 

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Margaret Atwood's classic book, "The Handmaid's Tale," has evolved into a hit series starring Elizabeth Moss.
• "The Handmaid's Tale" returns for a third season on June 5, so there's still time to start watching the series or to rewatch earlier seasons before the premiere.
• Here's how to sign up for Hulu and watch the popular show.

Whether you're looking to refresh your memory ahead of season 3 premiere of "The Handmaid's Tale" on June 5, or you're just looking to finally watch the show everyone is talking about, you're going to need to spend some time in front of your computer.

You won't find the hit series on CBS, NBC, or any of the traditional networks. This popular show is most readily accessible on the streaming platform Hulu. So if you have plans to keep up with the latest trials and tribulations of Gilead, here's what you'll need to do.

1. Head over to Hulu

While you could buy one-off episodes from a number of other platforms (like Amazon Prime or YouTube), the easiest way to actually stream the series is on Hulu.

2. Sign up for your free trial

Once you're on the Hulu website, select "Start Your Free Trial." You'll receive one month free to try the service. If you select the most popular basic plan, you'll be charged a monthly subscription fee starting at $5.99 after the trial ends.

3. Select your plan

You'll select your plan during your trial period, but once that first month has lapsed, you could always choose to upgrade or downgrade. For $5.99 a month, you'll be able to stream Hulu shows and movies with ads; for $11.99 a month, you'll rid yourself of ads; for $44.99 a month, you'll get both Hulu and live TV.

4. Find "The Handmaid's Tale"

Both seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Hulu, so once you've signed up for your trial or your subscription, you're ready to start watching! Come June 5, you'll also be able to start streaming season 3, which you won't be able to do anywhere else.

5. Alternatively, watch one-off episodes

If you don't want to pay a monthly fee, you could instead buy individual episodes of "The Handmaid's Tale" or the entire season from Amazon or iTunes. We wouldn't recommend this option, though — not only is it much more expensive, but it also won't grant you immediate access to season 3 when it comes out.

Sign up for Hulu to start watching "The Handmaid's Tale" and other great shows and movies.

SEE ALSO: Hulu's basic streaming subscription dropped to $5.99 a month

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Many students take the opportunity to travel in the months immediately following graduation.  
• The big post-grad trip is likely the last chance they'll have to travel for more than a few days at a time, so help them make the most of their vacation with these 20 travel-related graduation gifts. 
• These items will be useful for all their future travels as well, not just their celebratory graduation trip. 

With new jobs, grad school, and other post-grad opportunities on the horizon, members of the Class of 2019 have another pressing concern on their minds: traveling the world, with their best college friends in tow. 

For many, the months after graduation are one of the few times of their life when they'll be able to travel for weeks on end uninterrupted, before company vacation policies and conflicting school breaks get in the way. 

Planning a trip as big as this is not an easy undertaking. If you're gifting a new grad in your life, your contribution to their trip of a lifetime — whether in the form of an Airbnb gift card, a shiny new suitcase, or a luxurious toiletry bag — won't go unappreciated. 

Check out 20 travel-related gifts for your grad, whether they're leaving for a week or three months. 

The only day-pack they'll need to bring

Gift the Lo & Sons Edgemont Convertible Backpack Tote, $128

With this minimalist, durable, and eco-friendly backpack tote, they're getting two bags for the price of one, and each style looks and feels equally great. It features multiple compartments to keep their essentials organized, so they'll never feel lost or flustered while out on a day trip. Despite its ability to hold a surprising amount of stuff, it's always comfortable to carry. 

Read our review of the Lo & Sons Backpack Tote here

Stylish leather stickers to adorn their suitcase

Gift Away Stickers, $15

These lux stickers are made from 100% leather and add a cool personal touch to their travel bags. Away rotates out their selection of sticker options, so check back often to see what new illustrations they have in stock. The "Fast" alphabet collection, pictured above, is usually available and is a bold choice that suggests your recipient is always excited to explore the next new and exciting destination. 

A double-compartment toiletry kit

Gift the Leatherology Double Zip Toiletry Bag, $120

A favorite of frequent travelers who like to stay organized but also stylish, Leatherology's toiletry bag has two large zippered compartments to keep different categories of personal care items separate. The large handle on the side is easy to spot and grab out of their suitcase, while the soft, full-grain leather is a significant upgrade from flimsy plastic bags. 

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider, Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Students across the nation are eagerly preparing for graduation and what awaits them beyond the ceremony stage. 
• Whatever they're doing after graduation, there are some near-universal gifts that can help them navigate post-grad life with confidence and excitement. 
• Find everything you should give your grad, from kitchen tools to travel gifts to subscriptions, at our Class of 2019 gift guide hub. 

For anxious students ready to leave school and start the rest of their lives, graduation, set to take place in the next month, probably feels like it's inching toward them at a glacial pace. For parents and loved ones, it's probably hurtling toward them way too quickly for their liking.  

As soon-to-be-grads experience the complicated feelings of finishing a chapter of their lives, the parents, relatives, and loved ones are right there alongside them to celebrate it all.

Your new grad could be continuing on with more school, starting work, or still figuring out what they want to do. Regardless of their plans, congratulations are surely in order, and there's no better way to say so than with the following practical, thoughtful, and indulgent gifts. There's something for everyone in the Class of 2019 in this under-$100 gift guide. 

Give your grad a proper send-off without spending more than $100 with these 30 gift ideas. 

SEE ALSO: Check out our Class of 2019 gift guide hub

A popular daily planner to keep them focused and motivated

Gift a Panda Planner, $24.97

It's important not to get complacent after graduation. The highly popular Panda Planner not only helps them be productive but also blends in self-appreciation and happiness strategies to keep them motivated. 

Glasses that take the edge off harsh office lighting

Gift the Felix Gray Sleep Glasses, from $95

Though originally designed to protect their eyes from digital screen and reduce eye strain before bedtime, these blue-light glasses also ease the horror that is corporate office lighting. Whether in an office or at home, they'll find these actually stylish glasses useful. 

A mini instant camera

Gift the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, $49.99

The years are only going to fly by faster after graduation. They can capture and cherish all the most important moments with their loved ones thanks to this must-have accessory. 

• Rafa Nadal, a clay court master, is struggling to assert his dominance this year.
• But the Spaniard is on the cusp of a first competition final since the beginning of the year.
• In order to be the best he can be, he has to eat right.
• And for Nadal, that means one key ingredient — seafood.
• Visit Business Insider's home page for more stories.

Rafa Nadal, a clay court master, is struggling to assert his dominance on the soft surface this season but is currently cruising through the Madrid Open, in Spain.

The 32-year-old has an 83% win record this season and since losing the 2019 Australian Open final to Novak Djokovic, has yet to reach another tournament final.

On Saturday, he takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Madrid Open semi-final and, should he emerge triumphant, it will be his first final on clay this year — but he will once again meet Djokovic in a competition's finale.

It is a far cry from his rampant successes last year, when he had already won two titles by May, went on to win the Italian Open, before scooping the French Open — the clay major — in June.

Victory against Tsitsipas and Djokovic, though, could spark a winning run ahead of the French Open this year, something Nadal will be determined to win again to add to his 17 Grand Slam championships to date.

One more major championship and he will close the gap on the all-time Grand Slam leader Roger Federer to just two titles.

But how does the superstar tennis player fuel his body?

It turns out that his diet is largely focused on one key ingredient.

Here's the kind of food Rafa Nadal likes to have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

SEE ALSO: Roger Federer said he'd never dress like Rafa Nadal — here's why

DON'T MISS: Nadal's uncle says Federer is a better tennis player than his nephew — and is even 'the best of all time'

This is Rafael Nadal, also known as the "King of Clay," as he has dominated tennis on the sport's soft surface and won the French Open — the clay major — an extraordinary 11 times.

In a tweet posted just before a US Open match in 2015, Nadal gave fans a glimpse at what a pre-match breakfast might look like. In the photograph below you can see large glasses with fruit juice alongside fresh bread rolls, olive oil, and Iberian ham.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/639822019337560064?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Having breakfast before the match. Bread with #OliveOil& #IberianHam#UsOpen#RafaNadalAlimentosEspañapic.twitter.com/VuGUy9v5f5

Source: Twitter.

To eat right, one must prepare right — and that, for Nadal, involves grocery shopping. Here he is checking out salad leaves, fresh cuts of meat, and cannoli — an Italian pastry made from tube-shaped shells that are filled with spreads like ricotta or chocolate. All the essentials for an incredible lunch.

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/Bkx0ZMMHCK6/embed
Width: 540px

Source: Instagram

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• The Amazon Echo arrived in 2014 and kick-started the smart home market, inspiring other big-name companies to make their own smart speakers with voice assistants — including the Google Home.
• We've tested the Amazon Echo and Google Home smart speakers and they both offer a ton of smart features, decent sound quality, and a relatively nice design.
• While the Google Home is the best choice for Android fans who use all of Google's services, the Echo edges out the competition for everyone else to be the best smart speaker you can buy — period.
• You can read our full guide to the best smart speakers here to learn more about how they work and the privacy concerns many people have with them.

The Amazon Echo was first released back in 2014, and it kicked off a whole new category in tech — the smart speaker. Now in its second generation, the Amazon Echo boasts good sound quality, a nice design, Amazon's digital assistant Alexa, and access to thousands of Alexa Skills that can control smart home devices, order food, and more.

But unlike in 2014, the Amazon Echo isn't without competition. Google now has its own line of smart speakers, which were recently rebranded under the Nest name of smart home products, but the original one the search giant launched was the Google Home.

The Google Home features the Google Assistant, a smart voice assistant that can control your smart home gadgets, tap into all of Google's services like Maps, and search the web for information you might be interested in.

But which smart speaker is better — the Google Home, or the Amazon Echo? We put the two speakers head to head to find out. We've used both speakers for years, so these comparisons come from real-world experience and testing.

Specs and dimensions

* Note that the original Google Home and Amazon Echo prices are listed in the image below, but they were both on sale at the time of publishing (Google Home $99.99 and Amazon Echo $64.99).

Design

The Amazon Echo and Google Home may both be cylindrical smart speakers, but they have their own unique design elements that set them apart. For example, the Amazon Echo features a fabric covering around the entirety of the device, and it's available in a few different colors, most of which are different shades of gray.

It's also available with a wooden exterior, which may or may not look good depending on the overall style of your home. On the top of the Amazon Echo, you'll find volume controls, a mute button for the microphone, and a power button. The ring around the top lights up when you summon the voice assistant by saying, "Alexa."

The Amazon Echo may look good, but that doesn't mean that the Google Home is ugly. The speaker isn't quite as evenly cylindrical as the Echo with its slanted touch-sensitive top for quick controls.

The top can also show information like the volume level and whether or not the Assistant is listening. If you see red, yellow, blue, and green lights dancing, Google Assistant has heard you say, "Hey Google" or "OK Google" and is ready to answer. There is a mute button on the back, so you can turn the Assistant off so it won't respond to you.

The speaker comes with a gray base, but you can get it in a few different colors, including a nice coral or copper. You can even buy third-party bases, which is a nice touch. It's only the base that you can change, however, so you'll be stuck with the white top no matter what.

Both the Google Home and Amazon Echo look good in their own way — though I personally think the Echo looks a little nicer.

Set-up process

Setting up both the Amazon Echo and the Google Home is simple, though the process is slightly different for each.

If you're using the Google Home, you'll plug the speaker in, download the Google Home app, and the device should automatically pop up in the app. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to connect the speaker to your Wi-Fi network, and you should be good to go.

To set up the Amazon Echo, you'll plug the device in, then download the Alexa app. Then hit the '+' symbol in the app, and follow the on-screen instructions to get the device connected to your Wi-Fi network.

Both the Google Home and the Amazon Alexa are simple to set up, which is nice to see, so there's no clear winner here. You'll also connect smart home devices to the speakers in these apps so you can control devices with your voice (more on that later).

Sound quality

For many, the sound quality of the speaker might be the most important feature, and it's important to note that they both sound pretty good for smaller consumer-level speakers, though neither will likely impress audiophiles.

The Google Home has a decent sound quality, with an emphasis on the low-end. The Google Home can't get quite as loud as the Amazon Echo, but it still can get loud enough for the vast majority of users. The high-end on the speaker is certainly present, with a slight dip in the mid-range, though there's not a huge amount of detail compared to other more audio-focused smart speakers, like the Sonos One.

The Amazon Echo offers a slightly more full-bodied sound compared to the Google Home, so if you like balance, then it might be better suited to your audio tastes. The bass response isn't quite as heavy as it is on the Google Home, which might be important for some.

Both the Google Home and the Amazon Echo sound good in their own way, though I personally prefer the more balanced sound of the Amazon Echo.

Smart features

Both the Google Home and the Amazon Echo offer their own smart features, largely through their digital assistants — Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, respectively.

Google Assistant has fast become the smartest digital assistant out there, thanks to the fact that it leverages Google's knowledge graph and artificial intelligence for voice recognition and to find what you need, when you need it. Generally speaking, Google Assistant seems a little better at recognizing what you're looking for, even if you don't specifically say it. You can also connect Google Assistant to a range of third-party services to make it even smarter than it already is.

Of course, you can connect Alexa to third-party services, too, and Alexa may even have the edge on Google when it comes to smart home connectivity, though both can connect to all major smart home devices.

Ultimately, the better smart assistant really just depends on the rest of your digital life. If you own an Android phone, then it's probably better to stick with Google Assistant. If you don't, then Alexa will do the job perfectly well for your needs. Google is also slightly better with accents and languages, so if you live in a multi-lingual household, Google might be your winner.

The bottom line

So which is better: Google Home or the Amazon Echo? Well, it depends. If you're an Android user that has other Google products, then it will benefit you to stick to the Google ecosystem, as your Google products will work together very well. The Google Home is also currently discounted from $129 to $99, making it a better deal than before.

If, however, you don't have an Android phone, then you may be better off with an Amazon Echo, which now supports Apple Music, and sounds a little better, too. It also works with more smart home devices, looks nicer to our eyes, and often goes on sale for less than its original $99.99 price. 

Buy the Amazon Echo smart speaker on Amazon for $64.99 to $84.99 (originally $99.99)

Buy the Google Home smart speaker at Best Buy for $99.99 (originally $129)

Join the conversation about this story »

• Led by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber opened for trading as a public company on Friday at $42 a share. 
• For Khosrowshahi, being a superstar in the tech industry is a family business. Khosrowshahi's cousins, uncle and brothers all made their marks within Silicon Valley and beyond.
• Here's everything you need to know about Dara Khosrowshahi's impressive family.
• Visit BusinessInsider.com for more stories.

Led by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, ride-sharing company Uber opened for trading as a public company for the first time on Friday.

Khosrowshahi, who took over Uber in 2017 from founder Travis Kalanick, filed for an initial public offering in April, pricing shares at $45. While the company's valuation ranked among the largest US debuts, trailing Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and Facebook, the company opened for trading at $42 a share, meaning investors who bought Uber at IPO price lost a cumulative $655 million.

Read more:The amazing life of Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi — from refugee to tech superstar and a huge IPO

For Khosrowshahi, one of today's most powerful tech CEOs, success runs in his blood, Fortune reports. The chief executive's brothers, cousins, and uncles have impressive resumes that include founding their own multimillion-dollar startups, running Fortune 500 companies, and earning diplomas from Harvard, Brown and Stanford. 

Here are some of the impressive careers of Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's family members:

Dara Khosrowshahi took over at Uber's helm in 2017.

Before Uber, he acted as CEO of travel site Expedia.

After earning his degree from Brown University, Khosrowshahi began his career at boutique investing firm Allen & Company. From there, the young Khosrowshahi took an executive role at what was then known as USA Networks, where he was considered a protégé of media industry icon Barry Diller.

The company spun off Expedia Inc in 2005, and Khosrowshahi served as CEO for 12 years. During that time, he turned the site into the largest online US travel agency and saw revenues balloon from $2.1 billion in 2005 to $8.7 billion in 2016.

Kaveh Khosrowshahi, Dara's brother, is currently managing director at investment firm Allen & Company.

Like Dara, Kaveh went to the prestigious Hackley School, the Ivy League prep school that charges around $44,000 in tuition. He then got a bachelor's degree in history from Williams College, according to his LinkedIn, and has been at Allen & Company since 1989.

Mehrad Khosrowshahi, Dara's other brother, is managing partner of the boutique consulting firm Confida Inc.

Mehrad runs the company's Strategy and Performance Reporting division.

Before joining Confida, Mehrad spent five years at Symmetrix, a management consulting firm serving Fortune 500 companies, the Confida website states. He received an MBA from Columbia Business school with high distinction and graduated magna cum laude from Brown University.

Hassan Khosrowshahi, Dara's uncle, founded the Canadian electronics chain Future Shop.

Best Buy acquired Future Shop in 2001 for $580 million CAD.

Hassan immigrated to Canada in 1981 and founded Inwest Investments, now part of holding company Persis. Hassan now serves as chairman of Persis Holdings, and is a member of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor, according to Persis Holdings' website.

Hadi Partovi, Dara's cousin, is the CEO of education non-profit Code.org.

Hadi graduated from Harvard in 1994, and went on to have an illustrious career, working as a general manager at Microsoft and sitting on the board of directors at trucking company Convoy Inc., his LinkedIn states.

Hadi was also an angel investor in Facebook, DropBox, Uber, and more.

Ali Partovi, Hadi's twin brother, helped his brother start Code.org.

Ali now serves as CEO of Neo, an engineering mentorship company. Like his brother, Ali backed numerous successful startups like Facebook, Zappos, and DropBox, his LinkedIn states.

Amir Khosrowshahi, Dara's cousin, co-founded IT company Nervana.

Amir reportedly sold Nervana to Intel for $400 million, Recode reported in 2016.

He graduated from Harvard and then completed a Ph.D. at the University of California-Berkeley. Amir also served as a vice president at Goldman Sachs for six years, his LinkedIn states. Amir now serves as VP of Intel.

Farzad "Fuzzy" Khosrowshahi, another one of Dara's cousins, created Google Sheets.

Upon graduating from Columbia, Farzad opened a Subway shop with his wife in 1993 in Mamaroneck, New York. He then worked at Lehman Brothers and JP Morgan before arriving at Google, according to a Wall Street Journal profile of him written in 2012.

Darian Shirazi, Dara's cousin, was one of Facebook's first 10 hires, he says on his LinkedIn.

He went on to create Radius, a marketing software company.

Darian served as CEO of Radius until 2018. Darian says he reported directly to Mark Zuckerberg while at Facebook, and then left the company to pursue his undergraduate degree at UC Berkeley, his LinkedIn states. He dropped out within a year at college.

Avid Larizadeh Duggan, Dara's cousin, was a general partner for Google's venture capital arm and now serves as an executive at digital-music startup, Kobalt. 

Avid served as the World Economic Forum's Young Global Leader for over 3 years, she states on her LinkedIn. She got her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and MBA from Harvard Business School.

More on Uber's massive IPO:

SEE ALSO: Uber wipes out $655 million of investor wealth in its opening day

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Google's I/O 2019 event in 7 minutes

• Spills, stains, and smudges happen.
• Using the right type of cloth to clean up the mess will make the task easier and may even protect your belongings.
• Zwipes Microfiber Cloths can clean up nearly every kind of grime without the use of harsh chemicals on the surfaces in your home.

If you feel like you are keeping the paper towel industry in business, it's time to invest in some good cleaning cloths. Most cloths can be tossed in the washer to sanitize them so they can be used over and over; saving you money and reducing the amount of trash headed to landfills.

By selecting the right type of cloth for each task, you can also reduce potential damage to the item you're cleaning. Paper towels and some fabric towels can cause minute scratches on finishes or leave lint that looks awful and can damage electronics.

When something needs to be cleaned, most of us just grab a cloth and dive in. But, there is a proper way to use any cleaning cloth to prevent redepositing soil on surfaces or cross-contamination between tasks. No matter how great the cleaning cloth may be, once it is full of soil, it won't collect any more. If the cloth is saturated, you are simply swiping dirt or germs all over the surface, not removing them.

When you begin working with any type of cleaning cloth, fold it in half, then fold in half again. This gives you eight clean sides to use. As you move from one area or task in a room to the next, refold the cloth to a clean side. This gives you a fresh and soil-free cleaning cloth for each job.

To help prevent cross-contamination between bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas, use different colored cloths for each room. Even very young kids can help with cleaning and learn their colors at the same time! Once cleaning cloths are heavily soiled or beginning to fray, use them one last time for a really messy job like cleaning a greasy outdoor grill or dirty car wheels before tossing.

I've been using and testing cleaning products and cloths for many years as a home economist for companies and publications. There have been so many advances in cleaning from the days of just using an old shirt or cotton towel. Some cloths even have cleaning solutions embedded in the fibers so you don't need anything else to complete the cleaning or polishing job. I'm always looking for the most effective, easiest to use, and the best value in products for myself and others.

Here are the best cleaning cloths you can buy in 2019:

• Best cleaning cloth overall: Zwipes Microfiber Cloths
• Best cleaning cloth for scrubbing tough messes: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sheets
• Best cleaning cloth for the kitchen: Libman Microfiber Sponge Cloths
• Best cleaning cloth for electronics: Magic Fiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
• Best cleaning cloth for metal: Sunshine Cleaning and Polishing Cloths

Keep scrolling to check out our top picks.

The best cleaning cloth overall

From wiping up spills on a floor to scrubbing a sink to making mirrors sparkle, Zwipes Microfiber Cloths are up to the task.

If you haven't discovered the cleaning power of microfiber, you're just making your cleaning life more difficult. Microfiber literally means "small fibers" and when a cleaning cloth has millions of small fibers it is more effective in absorbing water and attracting dirt molecules.

With microfiber cloths and just a bit of water to loosen visible soil, you can often clean without the need for detergents or other chemicals. With so many fibers (usually polyamide AKA nylon and polyester), the dirt and bacteria are trapped in the cloth until you use laundry detergent and water to flush them away.

When researching the best microfiber cloths, Zwipes Microfiber Cloths rose to the top. The package of 12 comes with four 12 x 16-inch cloths in blue, yellow, and green so you can keep bathroom, kitchen, and dusting towels separate. Each cloth is quite plush with 110,000 fibers per square inch to trap dirt and dust without having to use lots of cleaning chemicals. Each lint-free cloth will absorb eight times its weight in water and is non-abrasive.

More than 5,000 buyers have shared their reviews on Amazon giving Zwipes a 4.6-star rating. One shopper named Lizzy left a review that simply reinforces all of my testing and the science behind microfiber: "These wipes make cleaning so much easier, faster and so much less frustrating. It now takes me a minute to wipe off my range every night and any time I see some soap or hair on a bathroom vanity, a quick wipe and they are clean. They are thin but sturdy wipes and just the right size for household cleaning. I fold them into quarters and just flip to a clean side while I am using them. I color-code them by task and throw them all into the washer once a week and they are good as new. I can't imagine going back to cleaning without them and highly recommend them."

One quick tip to help Zwipes work even more efficiently, before you use them for the first time, rinse each cloth well in cool water and allow it to air dry. This will remove any lint and residue from shipping or manufacturing. Then, go forth and clean.

Pros: Lint-free, leaves no streaks, cleans surfaces with little or no need for cleaning chemicals, comes in different colors, reusable after washing

Cons: Cloths are thinner and smaller than some other brands, can leave lint if not rinsed before using

Buy Zwipes Microfiber Cloths in a 12-count pack on Amazon for $9.77 (originally $15.20)

The best cleaning cloth for tough messes

If you appreciate the cleaning power of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, you'll love the flexibility of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sheets.

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers use melamine-foam activated with water as micro-scrubbers to remove scuff marks and stuck-on grime from nearly every type of surface. As the years have passed, the erasers have become available in different sizes, with added cleaners, and finally, in 2019, we have Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sheets.

What makes these sheets any better than the erasers? They are thin and easily conform to tight spaces like appliance door crevices or those little groves in a stovetop or that tiny space behind a bathroom faucet. I love the Erasers, but could never get them down into that final small space. With the sheets, I can reach every bit of caked-on dirt because they are less than 1/16-inch thick. I often cut the sheets in half for a small job and then toss away the soiled part when the job is done.

Reviewers on Target's site have discovered the new sheets and have given them a nearly five-star rating. Zanna 7783 writes, "I absolutely love these! I always used the magic eraser pad, but these are a game changer. I can clean everything and it's nice and thin and I use it until it's gone and not have to have a dirty pad laying around. Love these!"

My favorite thing about the sheets is that no additional chemicals are needed to remove tough grime. I do recommend that the freshly cleaned area get a rinse with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any foam particles that might remain.

Pros: Sheet conforms to tight spaces, can be cut to fit cleaning job, disposable, removes really tough grime

Cons: Cannot be used on highly polished surfaces or wood

Buy Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Sheets in an 8-count package at Target for $2.99

The best kitchen cleaning cloth

Super absorbent and durable, Libman Microfiber Sponge Cloths remove dirt and grime without the use of detergents and without the bacterial growth common in thicker sponges.

If you love using a sponge in the kitchen but are concerned about the number of coliform bacteria (Salmonella or E.coli) that can lurk in the pores, Libman Microfiber Sponge Cloths are for you. Combining the best parts of a sponge and a microfiber cloth, they are perfect for washing dishes and cleaning kitchen appliances and counters.

Available in a 3-pack of hot pink, green, and blue, the 7.5 x 6.5-inch cloths have a thin, synthetic sponge quilted between two microfiber cloths. The sponge adds to the cloths' absorbency while the microfiber produces streak-free surfaces whether using them wet or dry.

I love that each cloth is small enough to wash the inside of drinking glasses and coffee cups. When they are soiled, I simply toss them in the washer and I have fresh clean cloths. One tip for any type of microfiber cloth is to never use fabric softener or dryer sheets (I hang mine to air dry) when cleaning. The fabric softener will coat the microfibers and make them less absorbent. I find that each cloth stands up to about 25 or so washes until I'm ready to replace it.

This is a new product in the Libman line but the reviewers on Amazon have given the cloths a 4.3-star rating. One Amazon shopper writes, "These cleaning cloths are great and exceeded my expectations the first time I used them. My husband dropped a large bowl of melted ice cream and the big sticky mess was much easier to clean using this cloth due to the microfiber and the absorbency and saved me from having to use a roll of paper towels to clean it up. The cloths have washed out great and not to mention they're pretty colors. I would recommend them to busy families or anyone that likes a practical way to clean and gets tired of spending so much on those costly paper towels."

Pros: Very absorbent, lint-free, washable, quick drying, naturally anti-bacterial

Cons: Cloths can be stiff until washed several times

Buy Libman Microfiber Sponge Cloths in a 3-pack on Amazon for $4.15 (originally $7.09)

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• It can be hard to keep up with Apple and its ever-changing update cycle, especially when it comes to the iPad family.
• With four different models and several generations, it's not always clear what the newest iPad is, so we've broken it down for you.
• The 2019 iPad Mini and iPad Air are the newest iPads you can buy, but the new standard iPad and iPad Pro launched in 2018, so they're fairly new, too.
• You can also check out our full buying guide for more advice on which iPad to buy.

With so many Apple devices floating around, it can be difficult to keep track of which tablet, computer, or phone is the most recent. That's especially true of the iPad family, where there are not only plenty of different models, but also plenty of different generations.

But fear not — if you're wondering which of the many iPads is the newest out there, we've got an answer for you. Be warned though, it's a long one.

There are four different models of the iPad currently available: the iPad Mini, the iPad, the iPad Air, and the iPad Pro. Among the four of them, there are three different generations, and we may soon be getting yet another set of updates.

Keep reading to find out which iPad is newest:

iPad Mini (2019)

Buy the latest iPad Mini starting at $399 on Apple, Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart

The most recent iPad Mini is the iPad Mini 5, which launched in 2019. It has a 7.9-inch screen, as well as an A12 Bionic processor and 64GB of storage in the most basic model. You'll be well-equipped to download plenty of games and movies, and this Mini also offers first-generation Apple Pencil stylus support. Its supreme portability is certainly the Mini's most winning selling point, but its reasonable price is another one. The iPad Mini will set you back $400.

iPad Air (2019)

Buy the latest iPad Air starting from $499 on Apple, Best Buy, or from $479 Amazon, and Walmart

The newest iPad Air was released in 2019 and it's the third generation of the device. It has a large 10.5-inch Retina screen and a more powerful A12 Bionic processor. It's relatively affordable at $499, and also offers support for the Apple Smart Keyboard and the first-generation Apple Pencil.

iPad (2018)

Buy the latest iPad starting from $329 on Apple, or $249 from Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart

The most recent standard iPad came out in 2018 and boasts a 9.7-inch screen. It's actually cheaper than any other iPad at $329, and it's the sixth generation that Apple has released. It boasts an A10 Fusion processor and an embedded M10 coprocessor, as well as 32GB of storage space on the basic model. It's certainly enough to get you through your basic needs, though you may want to upgrade to a bit more storage space if you're planning on using the iPad to download a lot of videos, store many pictures, or play a lot of games. Like the most recent iPad Mini, the most recent iPad also offers first-generation Apple Pencil compatibility.

• More women perform paid labor, yet spend the same amount of time caring for children than they did 50 years ago. 
• Since the US government offers little help to working mothers, some entrepreneurial parents took matters into their own hands. 
• From companies that offer digital family planning help, to those that find in-home childcare, here are 8 startups helping moms re-enter the workforce. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Getting back into the workforce after childbirth isn't easy — and that's why some moms are helping each other make the transition.

Working women make up a larger share of the workforce than years past. Mothers today spend 16 more hours a week performing paid labor than they did 50 years ago, though they spend just as much time with their children as stay-at-home mothers did in the 1970s, according to the Pew Research Center and The New York Times.

Read more: Women spend 7 more years working than men and get no money or credit for it

The amount of work childcare takes on top of a paid job leaves women with no other option but to quit working: 43% of women with children leave the workforce at some point in their careers. Despite the loss of productivity, the US lags behind developed countries in providing paid parental leave and childcare. 

Some moms are taking matters into their own hands. Entrepreneurial women started companies that connect mothers and companies with flexible work hours, or ship breast milk home during work trips. Women also built apps to help moms find support systems, or send videos to their children remotely. 

Business Insider rounded up eight startups helping moms re-enter the workforce, most of them founded by moms themselves. Here they are:

SEE ALSO: Women spend 7 more years working than men and get no money or credit for it

Werk is an online platform that connects mothers to workplaces with flexible hours.

Annie Dean and Anna Auerbach are the co-founders and co-CEOs of Werk, an online people analytics platform that helps mothers return to the workforce. 

Dean and Auerbach founded Werk in 2016 in New York, and now they have users from around the world. Prospective employees can choose from a range of companies to connect with based on their weekly schedules, letting them work when it's convenient for them.

"When we started Werk, our goal was not just to make the workplace more flexible for women, but to ultimately create a new kind of workplace that supports and facilitates the ascension of women to leadership," Dean told Business Insider. 

Caribu is a video-calling app designed with children in mind.

Most video-calling apps display one user's face in the corner of the screen, and the other's face all over the rest of the screen. This can make video-calling with kids difficult. What if you want to read a them a book?

Caribu, a Miami-based startup, lets kids talk to their loved ones over video while giving them an ample enough screen to add other activities.

Maxeme Tuchman, Caribu's co-founder, told Business Insider its mission is to bring families together. "Caribu helps any mother, or grandmother, ensure she can get a bedtime story in no matter if she's traveling, working late or living far away," she said.

Maven is a virtual clinic for women and families.

Maven, a New York-based startup, was founded by Kate Ryder in 2014. It's designed to help women find healthcare professionals — anyone from OB-GYNs and nurse practitioners to midwives and doulas.

Maven also provides support for working women in the form of healthcare advocates. "Just the other day, Maven helped a woman who was on a work trip to Singapore ship her breast milk home to her baby in the US," Ryder told Business Insider.

• Programmers are constantly being told "If you're not always hacking, hustling, and thinking about code, you're not a real developer."
• So a couple of consulting companies took this idea and turned it on its head.
• Pay people a small hourly bonus to code on their off time, as long as it's open source, an area that's in dire need of more helping hands — and limit the hours they could earn a bonus.
• The results were shocking.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

"Eat. Sleep. Code. Repeat." That's supposed to be the glorious lives of happy computer programmers who love coding so much, they want to do nothing else.

It's the mantra of the software development world; a slogan printed on T-shirts and computer wallpaper. It's the glorified life of a startup, where founders and their early cohort all live together and work until they have to sleep under their desks.

But it's really peer pressure that drives this work ethic. That pressure says coders should work extra hours on the job (because they love it!), volunteer on open source projects (because open source needs them!) and work on their own passion projects (because they are passionate!).

If they want to do something else like enjoy their families, friends, or hobbies, they can't possibly be a true programmer.

Now, two companies have come up with a unique way that both supports open source projects and sends a different message about work/life balance. They are paying programmers $20-per-hour cash bonuses to work on open source projects on their off time. It could be any endeavor they want, whether it's something that benefits their company or a passion project.

But there's a twist. They can only get paid for 30 hours a month, maximum.

Read more: Amale Microsoft programmer who came from the military, not a university, describes how his career got tanked by the 'brilliant jerks' culture

The limit is deliberate

By programming standards, $20 per hour is not a lot of money. But it is enough to pay for some new tech toys, a big date night with the spouse, etc. Thereby programmers are encouraged to help out with open source on a regular basis.

The 30-hour limit is deliberate. Instead of telling people to work more, such a limit tells them to stop and go do something else.

The idea came from a 500-person European consulting company named Futurice. It launched its Spice Program in 2014 and created an organization to help others take the idea and run with it.

Since then, 263 employees have contributed 25,000 hours to open source projects and earned €375,000 split between them. In 2018, they earned roughly €100,000 and this year, it expects to hit €150,000.

When one of their employees moved to another tech consultant, Formidable, he took the idea with him. Formidable just launched its version, called Sauce.

We asked the people running these programs at Futurice and Formidable to tell us more about it all: Futurice's Teemu Turunen, and Jani Eväkallio, VP of Engineering and head of the London office and the Sauce program.

Business Insider: Why do you offer hourly bonuses for after-hours work, instead of, say, 20% free time at work?

Jani Eväkallio: For consulting companies 20% time isn't practical. Product companies can be fast and loose with their time as long as they deliver results. Our clients often expect to have individuals working full-time on their projects, and having people available only four days a week across the board would make it harder for them to work with us.

Product companies also get more value out of their 20% time, as people end up doing R&D that can directly improve their product. In fact, I've worked at a company with a 20% time policy before, and there was pressure to work on things that benefited the firm.

With Sauce, there are no strings attached, and people can feel truly free to work on their passion projects.

Teemu Turunen: It's always been more about recognition than money.

When we implemented this bonus, it was obvious to us that most of our employees learn new technology and programming during their free time. We wanted to recognize this and at the same time encourage them to try publishing their projects as open source.

Also to be honest, 20% free time at work would be a very difficult promise to keep. I am not aware of it working that well anywhere. It tends to become overtime immediately when projects get busy.

BI: Why do you think it's important for people to limit the amount of time they code?

Eväkallio: People are more than their careers. The culture of our industry pressures us to reduce ourselves to just our professional selves: If you're not always hacking, hustling, and thinking about code, you're not a real developer.

This, frankly, is not true. Some of the brightest minds of our generation gravitate toward technology work, and they have so much more to give to the world and the people around them than just their code, no matter how much they love their craft.

They'll also end up being happier. Humans need balance, and programming is almost purely a cerebral activity. By focusing too much on it, you end up sacrificing your emotional, physical, and creative happiness.

When I was younger, I didn't know this. I spent all of my time coding, either for my employer or my own projects, which led me to burn out, destroy relationships, and struggle with depression for a long time.

Turunen: It would be unwise to create a mechanism that encourages people to spend all their time coding. For instance, we have many employees with young children. They should spend time with their kids, rather than learning Haskell and Rust. Unless they learn together as a family.

The monthly limit has worked well enough for us. A much more generous bonus might also be perceived as unfair by those, who cannot put in the hours.

BI: If 75 employees participated and everyone maxed out their 30 hours per month ($600/month), that's $7,200. Not much per employee, but at 75 employees it's $540,000. How can you justify this to whomever counts the beans?

Eväkallio: I sure hope our bean-counter doesn't read this article and shut us down! :)

Let's say the program was so wildly successful that every employee maxed out their bonus, it would still be worth it for the increased employee engagement and happiness. Realistically, the average cost-per-employee isn't anywhere near that high, as not everyone participates, and few of those who do hit the cap regularly.

In the past twelve months, our team logged nearly 5,000 hours on Formidable open source work alone. Open source is a credible strategy for acquiring talent and new business.

Instead of pouring advertising money into Google's or Facebook's pockets, or hiring droves of recruiters and sales people, we actually create value to the community with every open source dollar we spend [which attracts business and talent.]

Turunen: For us, competence development alone justifies the expense. Technology evolves so fast! A workforce active in exploring emerging tech gives us an edge. It also makes our people better at what they do, even if the technology isn't new to them or us.

This is also very much about employee engagement. In a company geographically divided to half a dozen countries, people need things they can feel proud about. Discussing personal projects and contributing to good causes together is a powerful thing.

Additionally, this has worked very well for us in recruitment. It is a rare benefit still, so we stand out.

Read more: Mistrust, secret memos, and boardroom drama — inside the chaos at HQ Trivia after its young cofounder's sudden death

BI: What else would you like people to know about this method of supporting open source?

Eväkallio: Open source software creates billions of dollars of value to the industry in increased productivity, yet it's chronically underfunded and unsustainable in the long term. Every company needs to pitch in.

Our model of investing into people's time, both on and off work hours, works for us but it's not a silver bullet. Initiatives like OpenCollective are a good alternative to support the OSS ecosystem with cash money that can then be distributed to people who want to do the work.

Turunen: We have studied the benefits of this model quite a bit and have found many positive effects, such as fostering an improved sense of membership in the work community, alignment of values, increased confidence, and autonomy to pursue interests and needs.

The only negative effect is unintended strain from putting in the hours, even when you really shouldn't. This is what we try to tackle with the 30-hour monthly limit.

SEE ALSO: 

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• Fifteen countries account for 75% of the world's billionaire population and 79% of the world's billionaire wealth, according to Wealth-X's 2019 Billionaire Census report.
• The US dominates, with 705 billionaires who have a collective wealth of more than $3 trillion.
• All the top Asia-Pacific countries saw a decrease in billionaire population while major European countries saw variations in billionaire growth.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Fifteen countries dominate in billionaire population and wealth, according to Wealth-X's 2019 Billionaire Census report. The report analyzed data from Wealth-X's global database of more than one million records of the world's richest people.

Three-fourths of the world's billionaire population lives in the 15 countries listed below. Collectively, the 1,942 billionaires in these countries are worth $6.8 trillion — that accounts for 79% of total global billionaire wealth in 2018.

When it comes to billionaire population, the United States dominates with 27% of the world's billionaires. Its total billionaire count rose from 2017 to 2018 by 4% to 705 billionaires. Meanwhile, total billionaire wealth worldwide decreased by 5% to slightly more than $3 trillion.

All the top Asia-Pacific countries — China, Hong Kong, India, and Singapore — saw a decrease in billionaires and billionaire wealth due to a decline in equity markets, according to the report. Meanwhile, major European countries saw both decreases and increases in billionaires, depending on economic factors.

Note that Hong Kong and Singapore also made Wealth-X's list of the top 15 cities with the most billionaires — Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous, special administrative region of China, and Singapore is an island city-state off southern Malaysia.

Take a look at which countries worldwide have the most billionaires, ranked in ascending order.

SEE ALSO: The top 15 cities with the most billionaires, ranked

DON'T MISS: These are the 15 hottest destinations billionaires are traveling to in 2019

15. Singapore saw a drop in billionaires because of negative equity market performance.

Number of billionaires: 39

Total billionaire wealth: $84 billion

Singapore is one of the richest cities in the world: The total private wealth of its residents amounts to $1 trillion, reported Business Insider's Katie Warren. It's also one of the most expensive cities to live in worldwide.

14. Canada's wealthy are getting richer faster than the rest of the population.

Number of billionaires: 45

Total billionaire wealth: $87 billion

Ricardo Tranjan, senior researcher at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA), ​told CBC that "the rich are really sprinting ahead" of average Canadians. According to a CCPA report, the richest families are worth $3 billion on average and own as much wealth as three Canadian provinces combined.

13. Italy saw a decrease in billionaire population due to political instability.

Number of billionaires: 47

Total billionaire wealth: $141 billion

In addition to housing nearly 50 billionaires, Italy is home to many destinations frequented by the super rich, including the Amalfi coast, Portofino, Positano, Capri, Cinque Terre, Milan, and Venice.

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Both Amazon and Google build great smart speakers for those who want an inexpensive device with a smart digital assistant inside.
• The Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo Dot are both great smart speakers, but they each offer a few clear advantages and disadvantages.
• Ultimately, while the Google Home Mini is a great device for avid Google fans, the Amazon Echo Dot is the better small smart speaker for most people.
• You can also read our full guide to the best smart speakers here to learn more about how they work and the privacy concerns many people have with them.

The humble smart speaker has come a long way over the past few years. The Amazon Echo kicked off the smart speaker race back in 2014, and since then, we've seen a slew of others go on sale, including the Google Home lineup. Some people want a smart speaker for each room in their house, and if you're buying full-sized speakers, that can get expensive quickly.

That, however, is where smaller speakers like the Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home Mini come in. The speakers don't sound quite as great as their more expensive and larger counterparts, but they're just as smart, plus they're a whole lot cheaper.

But which is better, the Google Home Mini, or the Amazon Echo Dot? We put the two smart speakers head to head to find out. We've used both for years, so these observations come from first-hand, day-to-day experience.

Specs and dimensions

*At the time of writing, the Google Home Mini was on sale for $29 and the Amazon Echo Dot was on sale for $29.99. The original prices are listed below.

Design 

Both the Google Home Mini and the Amazon Echo Dot are short, puck-shaped speakers, and they're more or less the same size, too. The overall look, however, is slightly different — while the Google Home Mini has a fabric covering over the top of the device, the Amazon Echo Dot has a fabric covering around the side and a simple plastic top.

When it comes to controls, the Google Home Mini has small touch controls on the top — you'll tap the side of the top to control volume, and there's a switch on the back to turn off the microphone.

The Amazon Echo Dot takes a slightly more straightforward approach. It has four buttons on the top, including volume controls, a microphone mute button, and a so-called "Action" button, which may be pressed for things like linking devices.  

Both the Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo Dot look relatively nice. They both come in a few different colors, though the Google Home Mini's colors are a little more vibrant. Still, if we had to decide which speaker looked better we'd give that title to the Amazon Echo Dot — though again, both will look perfectly fine in any home.

Set-up process

Setting up the Google Home Mini and the Amazon Echo Dot is a simple process. To set up the Google Home Mini, simply download the Google Home app and plug the speaker in, after which it should pop up for setup right away within the app. Then follow the on-screen instructions to connect it to your Wi-Fi network.

The process is very similar for the Echo Dot. Start by downloading the Alexa app and hit the "+" button in the top right-hand corner of the Devices tab.

Both the Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo Dot are simple to set up, so there's no need to make a purchase decision based on the set-up process. 

Sound quality 

The Google Home Mini and Amazon Echo Dot are speakers, but they both emphasize their smart features a little more than sound quality. After all, if you're truly looking for high-quality sound, then you're probably better off investing in one of the larger smart speakers, like the Google Home or Home Max, or Amazon Echo or Echo Plus.  

Still, that doesn't mean that you should ignore sound quality, and thankfully both of these speakers sound pretty good for their size and price.

While the Google Home Mini beats out older generations of the Amazon Echo Dot in terms of sound quality, the third-generation Dot seems to have a slightly deeper, richer sound compared to the Google Home Mini.

That's not to say the Google Home Mini sounds terrible — while a little midsy and devoid of a ton of detail, it'll do the job for most who don't plan on using the device primarily for listening to music anyway. Neither of the two speakers can get super loud, but they will be loud enough for most basic use.  

Smart features

Of course, perhaps the most important thing to consider for either of these speakers is the smart features they have on offer. The Google Home Mini comes with Google Assistant, the digital assistant that Google has been working on for some time now. The Amazon Echo Dot, on the other hand, features Amazon Alexa.

Both digital assistants have a lot to offer. They can both control most mainstream smart home devices, can both find information from the web, connect to music streaming services, and so on. The different assistants do have their advantages, however.

For example, Alexa may be able to connect to a few more smart home devices than Google. Google, however, is better at finding information from the web, thanks to its long history in search. The Assistant is also better with accents and languages.

Perhaps the biggest advantage Google has over Amazon is that the Google Assistant is the default digital assistant on most Android phones, so if you have an Android phone and use the Assistant on it, having it on your smart speaker will more closely integrate your digital life.

There are other features, too. Alexa works well with Amazon's Fire TV and other devices, while Google Assistant can cast to Cast-enabled devices, like the Google Chromecast. In the end, the digital assistant that's better for you really depends on the ecosystem you're already in. If you have and use an Android phone, then we recommend getting the Google Home Mini. If, however, you're an iOS user, then Alexa will do the job perfectly well, and Alexa can connect to your Apple Music account.

The bottom line

Neither of these two speakers is really better than the other — it just depends on which smart ecosystem you're already using. Generally speaking, the Amazon Echo Dot is probably the better option for most people, but if you use an Android phone and are pretty plugged into Google's ecosystem, then the Google Home Mini may be the better way to go.

Buy the Google Home Mini for $29 from Best Buy, Target, or Walmart (originally $49)

Buy the Amazon Echo Dot for $29.99 from Amazon, Best Buy, or Target (originally $49.99)

Join the conversation about this story »

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Graduation season gives friends and family the opportunity to make a big life change — like graduating from school and entering a career — easier and better.
• As a recent college graduate, I know from experience which gifts had the most impact on my life and, with hindsight, which gifts would have. Below are 35 ideas to help you shop.
• Need more gift ideas? We also have a guide for college graduation gifts for him and graduation gifts under $100.

Graduation season is fast approaching, and with it comes the season of giving.

Recent college graduates are heading into a new and exciting period of life — as well as one that comes with more responsibilities and needs than they may have the budget for. As a recent graduate myself, the most thoughtful and practical gifts I received made a much-appreciated and tangible difference in my post-grad life.

The best graduation gifts range from a thoughtful commemoration of her hard work and fond memories to practical luxuries she can't quite yet afford for herself. With that in mind, I've rounded up 35 thoughtful and practical graduation gifts for her.

If you're looking for more graduation gift ideas this spring, we have you covered:

• College graduation gifts for him
• High school graduation gifts for her
• High school graduation gifts for him
• Graduation gift ideas under $100
• Last-minute gifts that are still thoughtful and unique

DON'T MISS: 16 of the most valuable things you can buy as a college student

A Birchbox subscription

Gift a Birchbox subscription, from $45

In general, subscriptions are some of the best gifts that you can give. A monthly treat, especially on a tight budget, can be a really nice thing to look forward to. And every time their subscription is delivered, your giftee has a nice reminder that you care.

Birchbox is one of the best subscription services out there, and one uniquely well-suited for graduates. It combines monthly deliveries of small personalized beauty and skincare samples with an easy-to-use e-commerce shop. 

You can gift a woman's subscription gift card for 3 months for $45, 6 months for $84, or a full 12 months for $156. 

An Amazon Prime membership

Gift an Amazon Prime membership, $119

An Amazon Prime membership is one of those things that immediately makes life easier and ultimately better. If you decide to gift one, the recipient will enjoy free two-day shipping; access to the Prime Now app, which provides free two-hour delivery on tens of thousands of items; Prime Video, Amazon's streaming video service; Prime Music; the Kindle Lending Library; Prime Reading; Prime Audible Channels; unlimited photo storage, and more. 

If you want to see how Amazon Prime ($199 for the year) actually gives you a lot more than free shipping, you can read our overview of the service here. 

A Blue Apron gift card

Gift a Blue Apron gift card, from $60

In case that cookbook isn't always the first thing they turn to after a long day, Blue Apron is one of the best subscriptions to gift.

Basically, they'll deliver the ingredients for a meal with detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make it. Depending on how many people the subscriber notes in their order, Blue Apron will also send the right portion size. They work directly with farmers and cut out the middlemen, so their foods are higher and fresher quality for less money. 

Plus, your grad can learn how to make healthy, delicious meals by doing it themselves with fresher ingredients and in a more convenient way.

• Google execs had a clear message at the company's annual I/O developer conference: "Helpful, helpful, helpful. Google wants to be more helpful."
• The catch — as we should know by now — is that a product can only be as helpful as the information shared with it. 
• Google is proud to have these privacy options available to users — not cutting off those entirely who have less faith in the company.
• But coming out of I/O, it's clear that the tech giant wants to convert even the skeptics.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Listening to Google execs on-stage at its annual developer's conference this week, there was a very clear and deliberate message: "Helpful, helpful, helpful. Google wants to be more helpful."

The mantra was set into motion by Google CEO Sundar Pichai during his opening remarks on Tuesday. Google has evolved from "a company that helps you find answers to a company that helps you get things done" he declared.

And it makes sense. After years of collecting and organizing unearthly amounts of data, coupled with its more recent focus on artificial intelligence (AI), Google is now in a prime position to deliver products centered around action and making our lives easier. 

The catch — as we should know by now — is that a product can only be as helpful as the information that you share with it. 

Take the next-generation Google Assistant that wooed conference-goers with its speed of navigating apps and completing tasks. Beyond shrinking the size of its learning models, Assistance's new superpower comes from users not having to use the common trigger words — like "Hey, Google" and instead lets them simply say what they want to do, like "open calendar" or "text Mom." 

Foregoing trigger words is made possible by a feature called "Constant Conversations," which keeps the microphone enabled for up to eight seconds after an initial command is given. That means Google Assistant can move at faster speeds, if you're okay with it listening for just a little longer.

Read more:The most important announcements Google made at its biggest conference of the year

And then there's Face Match, a new facial recognition feature that pulls up personalized information — like someone's daily tasks or estimated commute time — on the company's new smart display, the Nest Hub Max. To surface that useful information, though, requires Google to establish and store a facial model for each user. 

For Assistant, a Google spokesperson told Business Insider that "we conduct a very limited fraction of audio transcription to improve speech recognition systems, and apply a wide range of techniques to protect user privacy." And for Face Match, the company touts that facial profiles are created and stored locally on the device, mitigating privacy concerns of sending such information to company servers.

Still, if privacy is a concern for users, they'll likely forego these features, and in return, the products won't be as helpful.

Google is proud to have these privacy options available to users — not cutting off those entirely who have less faith in the company.

But coming out of I/O, it's clear that the tech giant wants to convert even the skeptics. First, by creating its most compelling product lineup ever. And over time, by gaining their trust. 

SEE ALSO: Nest's product boss says it's time to rethink what it means to 'own' a tech product: 'We're not going to allow the owner dictate how our products work'

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: We unboxed the $1,980 Samsung Galaxy Fold — here's what comes inside

Insider Picks writes about products and services to help you navigate when shopping online. Insider Inc. receives a commission from our affiliate partners when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

• Graduation season gives friends and family the opportunity to make a big life change — like graduating from school and entering a career — easier and better.
• Whether they're leaving high school, college, or a master's program, below are 36 gifts to get you started.
• Need more Class of 2019 gift ideas? We also have guides for college graduation gifts for him, for her, and graduation gifts under $100.

Graduation season is here, and both college and high school students are likely feeling all the joy and sadness that habitually comes along with one life chapter ending and another opening up. 

With new jobs, responsibilities, and living arrangements comes a host of exciting opportunities and new responsibilities to navigate. But it doesn't necessarily come with the ideal budget.

Family members and friends are able to celebrate their graduate's accomplishments at the same time as they try to select gifts that commemorate their graduate's experience and, hopefully, make the next few foundational years a little easier to acclimate to. As a recent graduate myself, I can say your gifts (whether hyper-practical or sentimental) will have a big impact.

With that in mind, I've rounded up 36 of the best graduation gifts you can give.

If you're looking for more graduation gift ideas this spring, we have you covered:

• Graduation gifts under $100 for the Class of 2019
• College graduation gifts for her
• College graduation gifts for him
• High school graduation gifts for her
• High school graduation gifts for him
• Last-minute gifts that are still thoughtful and unique

DON'T MISS: 16 of the most valuable things you can buy as a college student

A Birchbox subscription so they can experience a little luxury every month (and discover new favorite products)

Gift a Birchbox subscription to your grad, from $30

In general, subscriptions are some of the best gifts that you can give. A monthly treat, especially on a tight budget, can be an extremely nice thing to look forward to. Every time it's delivered, they'll be reminded of you. 

Birchbox is one of the best subscription services available and uniquely well-suited for graduates — be they on their way to college or the workplace. It combines monthly deliveries of personalized samples and an e-commerce shop to get around how inconvenient and expensive shopping for and trying new products can be. 

The woman's subscription will likely include products like face primers, conditioners, cleansers, mascaras, etc. and the Birchbox Man box will have four grooming samples (like nice aftershave, body wash, or even cologne), plus a stylish accessory or gadget each time.

You can gift a woman's subscription gift card for 3 months for $45, 6 months for $84, or a full 12 months for $156.

You can gift a men's subscription gift card for 3 months for $30, 6 months for $60, or a full 12 months for $110. 

A book about capitalizing on the huge choices you make in your twenties

Gift "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter — And How to Make the Most of Them Now", $39.09

You make big, disproportionately impactful decisions in your twenties that impact the rest of your life. The best defense is a good offense — and she should know now, before any of them crop up, how to get the most out of her "defining decade."

A Brooklinen gift card for really nice new sheets for an adult apartment

Gift a Brooklinen gift card, from $50

Graduates will be moving from dorms to a new place that they'll likely take a bit more pride and ownership in, and that calls for an upgrade in bedding. They'll probably want to pick it out for themselves, but a gift card is a perfect way to give them a luxury they'll be extremely happy to have but maybe couldn't justify just yet for themselves.

Brooklinen has quickly become a standard-bearer for startups offering premium bedding at affordable prices. Their sheets look great,  feel even better, and can genuinely offer you a better night's sleep. They're also our pick for the best luxury sheets you can buy.

You can get a Queen sheet set (flat sheet, fitted sheet and 2 standard pillowcases) for as little as $129 altogether.