•  If you hate checking a bag, you need a good carry-on-sized duffle bag.
• The Allpa 35L Travel Pack is our favorite duffle bag because its generous size lets you safely store up to 35 liters of your stuff, but it's still airline-friendly.

I'm the worst kind of packer — I save it until the last minute and am completely disorganized. At least the second part is at least partially to blame on my luggage. When your suitcase is just an empty square of space, you don't have many options besides piling everything inside and hoping for the best.

I take a lot of weekend trips to visit family or escape the city for a few days, and I've often wished for a duffle bag that can fit all my stuff — I travel with a lot of stuff — and is actually comfortable to carry, unlike the collection of free tote bags I've collected at events that I typically use.

If this sounds familiar, well, you and I are both in luck. There are so many great duffle bags on the market, and I've tracked down the six best ones. They make packing for travel so much easier and a whole lot more fun. I've focused on duffle bags that look great and have storage features that keep your items neat and organized whether you're traveling by plane, train, automobile, carrier pigeon, etc.

Here are the best duffle bags you can buy:

• Best duffle overall: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack
• Best duffle for weekend trips: Everlane Twill Weekender
• Best gym duffle: Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Duffle
• Best foldable duffle: bago Foldable Travel Duffle Bag
• Best leather duffle: KPL Vintage Leather Duffel
• Best 55-liter duffle: Patagonia Black Hole Duffle
• Best waterproof duffle: YETI Panga Duffel

Updated on 10/25/2019 by Amir Ismael: Updated links, prices, and formatting.

The best duffle bag overall

If you want a duffle bag that can do it all, look no further than the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack— it holds 35 liters of stuff in durable, all-weather fabric.

I'm a carry-on only traveler as often as it's possible. If I can fit it all in a TSA-friendly piece of luggage, I'll do it. But that typically means making some concessions about what I bring along with me, but that's not the case if you invest in the Allpa 35L Travel Pack.

As the name suggests, it has a capacity to hold 35 liters within its carry-on friendly dimensions. The bag has so many different compartments it's hard to imagine not fitting everything you need for a long weekend inside.

There's also a wrap-around zipper, so the bag flips open completely and allows you to see what you're doing as you reach inside. Zippered mesh compartments protect your clothing, while a cushioned laptop sleeve keeps your important devices safe. It also comes with mesh bags to store dirty laundry, a shoe bag, and a water bottle sleeve.

My favorite part? You can wear it as a backpack or use the handles to carry it as a duffle. A rain cover protects the bag and your belongings from unexpected bad weather.

All these features combine to earn the Allpa 35L Travel Pack 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Cotopaxi website and glowing reviews from Insider Picks commerce reporter Mara Leighton and Wired.

"It's so good at fitting a never-ending amount of things that it has pretty much negated my tendency to overpack, simply because it fits surplus for a carry-on-sized weekend incredibly well," writes Leighton.

Pros: Holds a ton of items within carry-on measurements, comes with extra accessories and rain cover, pockets for organization, can be carried as backpack or duffle

Cons: Very sporty design might not appeal to everyone

Buy the Allpa 35L Travel Pack on Cotopaxi for $200

The best weekend duffle bag

Everlane's Twill Weekender holds everything you need for a quick getaway and doesn't skimp on style.

I'm a little bit obsessed with Everlane lately. I don't consider myself a minimalist by any stretch of the imagination, but the brand's thoughtful basics speak to me. Finding the perfect pair of flats or everyday bag that goes with everything frees me up to be creative with the rest of my outfit.

All of is to say that of course the Everlane Twill Weekender is one of the best duffle bags available for the style-conscious. The simple oval silhouette will ensure you look great in transit — even if you're wearing decade-old sweatpants and a college logo hoodie. It comes in several classic color combos, like army green with black straps or two-toned grey twill and black leather.

Designed to fit in overhead compartments on trains, airplanes, and more, you can use this as a carry-on or as your only source of luggage for shorter trips. Two pockets — one on the outside and one inside — give you easy access to essentials like cell phones and boarding passes. You won't be able to pack your entire wardrobe in the bag, but it's the ideal size for shorter trips.

The Everlane Twill Weekender is well-reviewed, earning a 4.6-star rating based on 248 responses. Refinery 29, Travel + Leisure, BuzzFeed, and Apartment Therapy have all recommended the bag, and we reviewed it here at Insider Picks.

"The bag's cotton-twill body is spacious enough for a three- or four-day weekend's worth of stuff," writes our senior editor Ellen Hoffman, "It's also, crucially, water-resistant, capable of protecting your stuff from wet grass, dirty floors, and sudden summer showers."

Pros: Stylish, roomy enough for several days of travel, water-resistant, made of quality materials, long leather straps

Cons: Only has two pockets

Buy the Twill Weekender on Everlane for $98+

The best gym-friendly duffle

Searching for a gym-appropriate duffle that doesn't necessarily look like a gym bag? Check out the Landon Carryall from Dagne Dover.

Carrying everything you need to trek from the office to the gym (or vice versa) can really weigh you down. Many gym duffle bags are clunky, unattractive, and not exactly style-friendly. The Landon Carryall by Dagne Dover is the exception. I don't even go to the gym and I want one.

Made of "performance neoprene," it's durable enough to withstand even the most annoying commute, but the shape is chic and wearable: In short, it won't ruin your outfit. Though the Landon Carryall is marketed as an office-to-gym bag, the larger sizes (it comes in small, medium, large, and extra large) would be sizeable enough to pack for a short vacation.

Each size comes with a laptop sleeve, two mesh pockets, exterior pockets, and detachable crossbody strap. The three larger sizes include a separate shoe bag (ideal for sweaty gym sneaks!). The Landon Carryall is a popular choice among industry insiders: It's been featured on Racked, Forbes, Bustle, and twice here at Insider Picks.

"Perfect size, fabric is great. Love the extra shoe bag," writes on 5-star Nordstrom reviewer. "Plenty of extra compartments for keeping things organized. Fits a normal sized laptop. Great for everyday wear."

Pros: Made of sturdy neoprene, features like shoe bag and laptop sleeve for additional storage, comes in five sizes and multiple fun colors

Cons: Small size still might be a bit small for daily use

Buy the Landon Carryall on Dagne Dover for $95 to $215 (depending on size)

The best foldable duffle bag

The bago Travel Duffle Bag can hold a ton of stuff, but it magically folds down to nothing for easy transportation. 

A foldable duffle bag is more useful than you probably think it is, and the bago Travel Duffle Bag is one of the best-reviewed options. There are two sizes: a 23-inch medium bag with a 53-liter capacity and a 27-inch large bag with an 80-liter capacity. Both come in bright, fun colors and your standard black.

Bago claims this bag "weighs 75% less than your empty suitcase" yet fits way more stuff. Utilize the foldable aspect and pack the bag along as an extra piece of luggage in case of emergency, or if you plan on doing some shopping and need additional storage for the return trip.

The Honeycomb RipStop exterior makes this tear-resistant and durable, so don't bother treating this bag with kid gloves.

With nearly 2,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.5-star rating, the bag is a major hit with shoppers. "Don't let the lightweight material fool you — this bag held up nicely for us despite our long trans-Atlantic flights, domestic flights, and bullet train ride," writes one fan.

"The best thing is when you're finished using it you just fold it up and zip it," says another. "It literally takes up no space at all. I just put it in my dresser drawer."

Pros: Foldable, durable RipStop material, lightweight

Cons: Not the most attractive

Buy the bago Travel Duffle Bag on Amazon for $19.99

The best leather duffle bag

If you prefer the look of leather, check out the functional and stylish KPL Vintage Leather Duffle.

There's nothing like a classic leather bag for travel — especially if that bag costs less than $100. The KPL Vintage Leather Duffle looks a lot more expensive than it is, but that's not the only reason you'll love it if you're a frequent traveler.

First of all, this bag is the ideal size for a carry-on, which is always a plus. Secondly, it totally looks like something you stumbled across in one of those incredible vintage stores in, like, the Catskills, only you bought it for $64.99 on Amazon. But you don't have to tell anyone that, do you?

There's a main center compartment where you can store shoes, clothes, books, and bulkier items, two side pockets, and a smaller front pouch for items that need to be easily accessible. Canvas lining ensures the leather exterior won't be impacted if you store dirty gym clothes or a leaky shampoo bottle inside.

The KPL Vintage Leather Duffle has a 4.6-star rating on Amazon based on 5700 reviews. It's also been mentioned by TripSavy.

"I'm sure bags costing $300-$500 might use better leather but I think you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference," says on 5-star review.

"That you can buy this for under $100 is nothing short of amazing," writes another.

Overall, customers love the high-quality material and were pleasantly surprised by the size of the bag.

Pros: High-quality leather, roomy, reasonable price tag, multiple pockets

Cons: Might wear faster than higher-quality leather

Buy the KPL Vintage Leather Duffle on Amazon for $64.99

The best 60L duffle bag

The Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag can hold 55 liters of stuff and it doubles as a backpack when you don't want to carry it as a duffle.

Patagonia's Black Hole Duffle has a huge 55-liter capacity and durable design that will get you through just about any trip. Insider Picks' Breton Fischetti swears by the older 60-liter version and he's had it for more than five years and traveled an awful lot with it in that space of time.

The duffle is made from polyester ripstop with a weatherproof TPU laminate and a durable water repellent finish, so it can handle any kind of weather. It has a large main compartment, zippered side pocket, and mesh pockets in the lid. The shoulder straps are padded and removable, so you can wear it as a backpack or a duffle. The webbing handles have a snap closure and there are haul loops for easy carrying.

As Breton writes in his review: "This bag can handle anything short of a hurricane without your stuff getting wet, and fits a shocking amount, while still maintaining the size of a slightly-larger-than-average backpack. That means on crowded subways, buses, trains, or streets, your movement isn't affected by your stuff; instead, the bag keeps a low profile.

I've also never been asked to gate check it on a crowded plane because it looks so small. Airline employees are trained to look at roller bags as targets when overhead compartments get full, but this one barely registers and fits into every overhead compartment I've encountered.

The bag has one external pocket for easily accessible essentials, like a passport or keys, and two pockets inside for other gear. Overall, the design has everything I need and makes it all fairly simple to access, which, for a duffel bag, is pretty impressive."

Pros: Huge 55-liter capacity, works as a duffle or a backpack, weather-resistant

Cons: Expensive

Buy the Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag for $139

The best waterproof duffle bag

YETI's Panga line is completely air- and water-tight, and rugged as can be. This is the pick for those of you who are rough on your luggage.

"A whole new category of waterproof" might sound a little gimmicky, but YETI isn't wrong in the introduction of the Panga dry duffel bag line. So far, I've taken it offshore, leaving it atop, beside, and on occasion beneath a carelessly-strewn array of anchors, chains, tools, and fishing tackle. A friend's little brother even tossed a freshly-sharpened and heavily-weighted fishing hook atop it (as little brothers do). A hook that sharp, I was sure, would have quickly rendered this bag no longer waterproof.

The EVA molded bottom is even tougher, which is key for anyone using this bag for more rugged, outdoorsy applications. The Panga is sleek enough to travel with, too, especially to destinations that require potentially wet boat rides.

Using technology reminiscent of what is used for a dry suit zipper, YETI has stepped up the waterproof bag game with its trademarked Hydrolok Zipper, which is exceptionally rugged, if simple. It puts most other waterproof zippers to shame. This zipper system is so airtight that I've actually been filling YETI's bags up with air and sitting on them, using them as cushions on boat rides, and I still haven't been able to break the seal it forms.

Around the web, YETI receives an exceptionally heavy pat on the back for this one. GearJunkie is "convinced it's unlike any other waterproof bag on the market," and 33 Amazon customer reviews rounded out to a 4.6/5-star rating.

The zipper can be a little tough to operate and requires a little force to open, but that's the same issue that arises with most good, fully waterproof products, and precisely why it works. It's also corrosion-resistant, and so long as you pull the zipper shut, there's no room for human error like there is with a more traditional roll-top bag.

And while whatever you might stuff in our 55-L pick, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel, will eventually get wet, the YETI Panga will, in fact, survive a hurricane, and even a full submersion. — Owen Burke

Pros: Ultra-durable, probably the sturdiest duffel I've ever used, comes in three sizes

Cons: Expensive, not great compartmental storage, scuffs up quickly

Buy the YETI Panga series from YETI for $299.99-$399.99 (50L, 75L, 100L)

• A new analysis by real-estate listing website Zillow found that in the US, the median million-dollar, single-family home boasts around 2,200 square feet.
• The analysis looked at the median square footage of million-dollar, single-family homes in 100 of the largest US cities.
• The largest is El Paso, Texas, where a $1 million single-family home has a median of over 7,000 square feet of space.
• On the other end of the scale, the city with the smallest median square footage is San Francisco, where the median million-dollar, single-family home boasts just 1,150 square feet of space.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The amount of space $1 million will get you in the US fluctuates drastically depending on where you live.

A new analysis by real-estate listing website Zillow found that in the US, the median million-dollar, single-family home boasts around 2,200 square feet, four bedrooms, and two-and-a-half bathrooms.

The analysis looked at the median square footage of million-dollar, single-family homes in 100 of the largest US cities and found that in El Paso, Texas, $1 million will get you the farthest. There, a typical million-dollar, single-family home has over 7,000 square feet of space.

However, space seems to shrink over on the West Coast. The analysis found that the city with the smallest median square footage is — not shockingly — San Francisco. There, a typical million-dollar, single-family home boasts just 1,150 square feet.

San Francisco is home to one of the most expensive housing markets in the country

For years, San Francisco has been home to one of the most expensive housing markets in the country. In fact, the city's median home value is $1,355,200.  That's nearly six times more than the national median home value of $231,000.

As Laura McCamy previously reported for Business Insider, you'll need to earn at least $172,000 a year to afford a home in San Francisco. Meanwhile, the median sales price of a two-bedroom home in the city has increased by 329% since 2000.

In fact, the city is so outrageously expensive that even renters are struggling to afford living costs. Business Insider previously reported that some renters are dishing out $1,200 a month for bunk beds in co-living buildings to save on rent. Even the city's highest-paid workers, tech workers, are spending over $2,000 a month to rent rooms in vacant Victorian homes.

The city's housing crisis is so dire that on October 22, Facebook pledged $1 billion to help fix it. In a blog post, the company said it will spread out an investment of $1 billion over the next decade to create around 200,000 housing units to help professionals such as teachers, nurses, and first responders live closer to the communities they work in.

Facebook isn't the only big tech company looking to ease the housing crisis. Back in June, The New York Times reported that Google pledged to invest $1 billion to build homes in the Bay Area. According to the report, the company believes the investment could help build at least 20,000 homes.

SEE ALSO: Facebook pledged $1 billion to help fix California's affordable housing crisis one day before Mark Zuckerberg was due to address a claim that Facebook ads were enabling housing discrimination

DON'T MISS: Here's how much space $1 million will get you in 25 major US cities

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Meet the photographer behind the 'I Spy' books that captured millions of readers' imaginations

• Cruise ship passengers can be exposed to legal systems that don't provide the same protections they would find in the US.
• When a cruise ship docks at a port, its passengers are subject to the laws of the country in which the port is located.
• This can lead to warrantless searches from local police, the most common of which involve marijuana possession, lawyer Jim Walker told Business Insider.
• If the local officials find even a small amount of marijuana, the passenger may face an ultimatum: pay a fine or spend time in jail.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

While some of the biggest cruise lines base their headquarters in the United States, their passengers can be exposed to legal systems that don't provide the same protections they would find in the US, Jim Walker, a lawyer who specializes in cases involving cruise-line employees and passengers, told Business Insider.

"Cruise passengers have, really, no rights that they could enjoy in the US," he said.

Cruise ship passengers often sign contracts that allow cruise ship personnel to search their rooms for any reason, Walker said, and cruise ship itineraries can put passengers under the jurisdictions of legal systems that may be unfamiliar to American citizens.

"While precise security details for each vessel are confidential and vary based on size, configuration, passenger demographics and other factors, cruise lines have experienced, well-trained security staffs and protocols in place to protect passengers and crew, including closed-circuit cameras to monitor ship activity," said a representative for the Cruise Lines International Association, a trade association for the cruise industry.

Read more: A lawyer who represents cruise-ship workers reveals one thing passengers do that's terrible for some workers

When a cruise ship docks at a port, its passengers are subject to the laws of the country in which the port is located. The latter can lead to warrantless searches from local police, the most common of which involve marijuana possession.

If, for example, a passenger smells marijuana in another cabin and reports it to ship personnel, the complaint may be forwarded to the ship's security department, which may alert local police at the ship's next destination. Once the ship arrives at that destination, the local police may search the room in question without a warrant. If the local officials find even a small amount of marijuana, the passenger may face an ultimatum: pay a fine or spend time in jail, Walker said.

This scenario happens most often in Bermuda and the Bahamas, according to Walker.

"This happens so frequently, and there's nothing anybody can do for them. There's no right to hire a local attorney or consult with an attorney when you're in Nassau," he said. 

The Tribune, a Bahamian newspaper, reported in 2016 that a Bahamian magistrate told an American Carnival Cruises passenger found with nine grams of marijuana that he would spend three months in jail if he did not pay a $500 fine. In 2014, The Tribune reported that four American cruise ship passengers found with marijuana received a choice between paying $300-$500 fines or spending between one and two months in jail.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Bermuda Ministry of Tourism and Transport did not respond to requests for comment.

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at mmatousek@businessinsider.com.

• Read more:
• A lawyer who represents cruise passengers reveals the one thing you need to know before getting on a cruise ship
• A former cruise-ship waiter describes why the party culture on cruise ships isn't as fun as it seems
• Cruise-line workers reveal the grueling schedules they must keep while on the job
• Cruise workers say they have so much sex on ships that it's comparable to college dorms

SEE ALSO: A Royal Caribbean passenger was banned from the cruise line for life after she stepped over the railing and stood on the edge of her ship to pose for a photo

Join the conversation about this story »

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• The abandoned Bannerman Castle sits on Pollepel Island in New York's Hudson River. 
• Once a fortress for weapons, the castle is only accessible by private boat.
• The castle was built by Francis Bannerman, a 20th-century Scottish arms trader, but was abandoned in the 1950s. 
• In the early 1990s, the Bannerman Castle Trust led efforts to restore the castle and island to make it safe for the public to visit. It's been accessible since 2004.
• Today, the facility hosts tours and as used as a theater venue. Here's what it looks like.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

SEE ALSO: There's a $200 million abandoned village of Disney-like castles in Turkey. Take a look inside.

SEE ALSO: Inside the 'monstrosity,' a gritty, mostly-abandoned bus station in Tel Aviv that’s become an oasis for artists and urban explorers

Bannerman Castle is on Pollepel Island, which is about 60 miles north of New York City.

The abandoned castle is visible from Metro-North Railroad's Hudson train line.

To get to the castle, I took a Lyft from the Manitou train station to Donahue Memorial park in the town of Cornwall, New York.

The park sits on the west side of the Hudson River. There, I met up with guides from the Bannerman Castle Trust, the group that oversees the preservation and maintenance of the castle.

A boat waited at the park's public dock.

I crammed into the boat with two guides and a handful of volunteer gardeners who do landscaping work on Pollepel Island.

It took less than 20 minutes to get to the castle. From the dock, its beautiful, sturdy-looking walls made the building appear almost functional.

But my guide told me that I absolutely could not go inside.

From the dock, we climbed 72 stairs to reach the island.

Closer up, I understood why it's not safe to enter the castle. My guide explained that the towers of the castle require external beams for support.

The braces are made of steel. Each individual section weighs 250 pounds.

But even with this support, there's still a risk that the walls could fall.

So all visitors must stay at least 100 feet away from the castle. "Observation decks" are set up around the castle at picturesque vantage points.

A history of accidental explosions and weather damage at Bannerman Castle have left it in this decrepit state.

Francis Bannerman VI, an arms dealer who lived in Brooklyn, bought Pollepel Island in 1900. He wanted a place outside the city to store an arsenal of munitions, according to the New York Times, so he built the fortress and an accompanying harbor.

Source: New York Times

Bannerman's sons took over the business when he died in 1918. But in 1920, a room full of gun powder exploded, shattering some of the windows.

Forty-seven years later, the Bannerman family sold the island to New York State, according to the New York Times. It eventually became part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve.

Sources: Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, New York Times, Business Insider

In 1969, a fire destroyed much of the castle, leaving it unusable.

Source: New York Times

After that, Pollepel Island was deemed unsafe and declared off-limits by the State of New York.

Source: New York Times

But in 1992, Neil Caplan, a resident of nearby Beacon, New York, formed the Bannerman Castle Trust. The group raised money to restore the island; Caplan is now its executive director.

Source: New York Times, Bannerman Castle Trust, Business Insider

The Trust teamed up with New York's Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to open the island to the public in 2004.

Source: New York Times, Bannerman Castle Trust

Today, it serves as a theater, museum, and historical site.

Source: Bannerman Castle Trust

Although the main castle is inaccessible ...

Source: Bannerman Castle Trust

... the Trust has stabilized the structure that served as the Bannerman family residence. That's now the island's visitor center.

The facade of the building also serves as the backdrop for the theater's stage.

Inside, visitors can find information about the island's past.

Modest exhibits explain the site's history before Bannerman built the castle there ...

... and describe the castle's construction.

Drawings and documents about the castle and the Bannerman family are framed on the building's distressed walls.

Visitors can also see preserved fixtures from the castle, like this bathtub.

Props for plays at the island's theater venue get stored inside the residence as well.

In September, the theater was showing "Dracula" ...

... so the furniture and decor in the visitor center had a spooky theme.

The center also has a gift shop that sells art and t-shirts.

Although the trust has restored parts of the castle since the '90s ...

... weather has still taken a toll on the structure in recent decades.

Source: The New York Times

Much of the castle's shell collapsed one night in December 2009.

Source: The New York Times

Then more walls fell just a month later, during a January storm in 2010.

Wear and tear from the elements is visible on the walls that still stand.

On the way back from the castle, the boat took a spin around the island's perimeter.

From the water, we caught glimpses of other pieces of the abandoned fortress ...

... including its deteriorated harbor.

From afar, it was especially clear that nature has already taken over many parts of this mysterious piece of history on the Hudson River.

• Sling is one of the most affordable cord-cutting services on the market, offering two packages —  Orange and Blue— with 30+ channels starting at $25 a month or combined for $40 a month.
• Orange offers the Disney Channel and ESPN, while Blue offers a slate of Fox channels, NBC, Bravo, and Discovery. Both Orange and Blue offer CNN, TBS, Food Network, and BBC America.
• You can also add on multi-channel packages like Sports Extras, Kids Extras, or News Extras starting at $5 a month. Premium add-ons like Showtime, Starz, and Epix are also available for an additional monthly charge. 
• Here's a complete breakdown of the channels offered on each Sling package. 

If you're hoping to get the most bang for your buck once you cut the cord with your cable subscription, Sling is one of the most affordable streaming services on the market. 

The service has two packages with over 30 channels starting at just $25 a month. Though you may make some compromises in the user interface department — it's not as pretty or as intuitive as some other streaming services out there — the amount of channels offered is just as good as its competitors.

But Sling's website makes it a bit difficult to compare services and ensure you'll be getting the channels you're after, so we've broken down exactly what you'll get with each package and all the add-ons you can include to enhance your channel offerings.

The two main packages — Sling Orange and Sling Blue— offer 30+ channels for $25 a month, or $40 combined

Sling's two main offerings are Sling Orange and Sling Blue, each available to stream for $25 a month. For the most part, the channels offered largely overlap, but there are a few key differences that might cause you to choose one over the other.

Disney and ESPN are included with Sling Orange. You don't get them with Sling Blue, but in their place, you'll get a slate of Fox-owned channels including FX, FXX, FOX SPORTS 1 and 2, and National Geographic, Bravo, TLC, and Discovery. Blue also comes with NBC and its local affiliates, but only if you live in select markets — more on that later. The channels that overlap on both Orange and Blue include standouts like Food Network, Lifetime, CNN, and the History Channel.

If you're keeping up with the newest season of "It's Always Sunny…" on FXX, but you absolutely can't live without "SportsCenter" on ESPN, you might want to combine the two packages for $40 a month, giving you access to all 50+ channels Sling offers over the two services.

Sling Orange doesn't offer any local channels at all, so if you're hoping to catch your local nightly news, Sling Blue is the way to go. Blue offers local channels from NBC, but only in select cities. If you live in any of the following Designated Market Areas, you'll have access to your local NBC affiliate: New York; Philadelphia; Chicago; Boston; Washington, DC; Miami/Ft. Lauderdale; Hartford/New Haven; Dallas/ Ft. Worth; Los Angeles; San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose; and San Diego.

If you live outside those regions and you're really attached to your locals, you'll have to find another way to access those networks.

There are plenty of add-ons starting at $5 a month if you're looking for specific genres or channels

If you want to further enhance your channel selection, Sling offers a slate of genre-based add-ons starting at $5 a month. Each add-on like Kids Extras, Sports Extras, Lifestyle Extras, and more offers a mini-bundle of channels for an additional charge. Sling offers seven of these mini-bundles, which they'll package together and throw in 50 hours of DVR service for just $20 a month, a $20 savings compared to buying them separately.

Though HBO is no longer offered, there are still several premium add-ons you may want to tack onto your service. For $10 a month, you'll get a slate of nine Showtime channels — perfect if you want to stay up to date with the new season of "The L Word: Generation Q" premiering in December. Sling also offers a Starz package for $9 a month and an EPIX package for $5 a month.

If you're using Sling a la carte, the monthly charges per add-on can increase your rates pretty quickly, but if you're happy with its baseline Orange or Blue offerings, Sling is incredibly cost-efficient.

See below for a full breakdown of all Sling's channel offerings and add-ons, and click here to sign up and start streaming live TV.

• Just Orange
• Just Blue
• Both Orange and Blue
• Sports add-ons 
• Comedy add-ons
• Kids add-ons
• News add-ons
• Lifestyle add-ons
• Hollywood add-ons 
• Heartland add-ons
• Showtime add-ons
• EPIX add-ons 
• STARZ add-ons
• Other premium add-ons

Just Orange

Sign up for Sling here

The following channels are included:

• Disney Channel
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN3
• Freeform
• MotorTrend
• A&E 
• TNT
• AMC
• HGTV
• CNN
• TBS
• Comedy Central
• History Channel
• IFC
• Food Network
• BBC America
• Investigation Discovery
• Travel Channel
• Cartoon Network
• EPIX Drive-In
• Lifetime
• Viceland
• AXS TV
• Fuse 
• Newsy
• Bloomberg Television
• Cheddar Business
• Cheddar News
• Local Now
• Comet 
• Stadium

Just Blue

The following channels are included:

• USA
• NFL Network
• Bravo
• Discovery Channel
• FOX
• NBC
• FX
• FXX
• TLC
• NBC Sports Network
• FOX Sports 1
• FOX Sports 2
• Nick Jr.
• SYFY
• National Geographic
• National Geographic Wild
• BET
• truTV
• E!
• Paramount Network
• A&E 
• TNT
• HGTV
• CNN
• TBS
• Comedy Central
• History Channel
• IFC
• Food Network
• BBC America
• Investigation Discovery
• Travel Channel
• Cartoon Network
• Epix Drive-In
• Lifetime
• Viceland
• AXS TV
• Fuse 
• Newsy
• Bloomberg Television
• Cheddar Business
• Cheddar News
• Local Now
• Discovery
• Comet

Both Orange and Blue

The following channels are included:

• A&E
• TNT
• AMC
• HGTV
• CNN
• TBS
• Comedy Central
• History Channel
• IFC
• Food Network
• BBC America
• Investigation Discovery
• Travel Channel
• Cartoon Network
• EPIX Drive-In
• Viceland
• AXS TV
• Fuse
• Newsy
• Bloomberg Television
• Cheddar Business
• Cheddar News
• Comet
• Stadium

Sports add-ons ($10/month if Blue; $5/month if Orange)

The following channels are included:

• NFL RedZone
• MLB Network
• MLB Network Strike Zone
• Golf Channel
• Tennis Channel
• ESPNU
• ESPN Goal Line
• ESPN Bases Loaded
• SEC Network
• SEC Network+
• NBA TV
• Pac-12
• NHL Network
• beIN Sports
• Outside Television
• Olympic Channel

Comedy add-ons ($5/month if Blue; $5/month if Orange)

Sign up for Sling here

The following channels are included:

• CMT
• GSN
• Logo
• MTV
• MTV2
• Revolt
• TV Land
• Paramount Network
• truTV

Kids add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• Disney Junior
• Disney XD
• Nick Jr.
• NickToons
• TeenNick
• Boomerang
• BabyTV
• duckTV

News add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• MSNBC
• CNBC
• Free Speech
• NewsMax
• Science Channel
• Fusion
• BBC World News
• TheBlaze
• HLN
• Weather Nation
• Euronews
• France 24
• News18
• NDTV 24x7
• RT America
• CGTN

Lifestyle add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• Cooking Channel
• BET
• DIY
• FYI
• Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
• Hallmark Channel
• Hallmark Drama
• Lifetime Movies
• Oxygen
• VH1
• WE TV 
• Z Living HD

Hollywood add-ons ($5/month)

Sign up for Sling here

The following channels are included:

• Cinemoi
• The Film Detective
• HDNet Movies
• REELZ
• SundanceTV
• Turner Classic movies

Heartland add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• World Fishing Network
• RIDE TV
• Sportsman Channel
• American Heroes Channel
• Destination America
• Outdoor Channel
• RFD-TV
• PixL
• The Cowboy Channel

Showtime add-ons ($10/month)

The following channels are included:

• SHOWTIME
• SHOWTIME 2
• SHOWTIME Beyond
• SHOWTIME Extreme
• SHOWTIME Family Zone
• SHOWTIME Next
• SHOWTIME Showcase
• SHOWTIME West
• SHOWTIME Women

EPIX add-ons ($5/month)

The following channels are included:

• EPIX
• EPIX 2
• EPIX Hits

STARZ add-ons ($9/month)

Sign up for Sling here

The following channels are included:

• STARZ
• STARZ Comedy
• STARZ Edge
• STARZ Encore
• STARZ Kids and Family
• STARZ West

Other premium add-ons (monthly price varies)

The following channels are included:

• NBA League Pass: ($28.99/month)
• NBC Team Pass: ($17.99/month)
• CuriosityStream: ($6/month)
• UP Faith & Family: ($5/month)
• Hopster: ($5/month)
• PANTAYA: ($6/month)
• Stingray Karaoke: ($7/month)
• Dove Channel: ($5/month)
• Outside TV Features: ($5/month)
• Docurama: ($5/month)
• CONtv: ($5/month)
• Here TV: ($8/month)
• Cinefest: ($5/month)
• Cinemoi: ($3/month)
• Comedy Dynamics: ($5/month)
• DOGTV: ($5/month)
• Hallmark Movies Now: ($6/month)
• Grokker: ($7/month)
• The Country Network: ($3/month)
• Magnolia Selects: ($5/month)
• Warrior & Gangers: ($3/month)
• Monsters & Nightmares: ($3/month)
• Genius Brands Network: ($3/month)
• Stingray Qello: ($8/month)

• Jay Rosenzweig is the founder of Rosenzweig & Company. He's an expert in designing, building, and attracting world-class teams.
• He says that while online services seem like they've changed the hiring process, the keys to finding the right fit haven't changed much.
• Looking outside of your industry can offer innovation; you want to find candidates who have skills that can work across sectors.
• Delve into your company's culture to see if a candidate would fit in there. You want someone who will be loyal.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

With websites like LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, and Indeed, you'd think it would be easy for companies to find top talent. In 2019, the job search process has been largely digitized, and, seemingly, a lot has changed when it comes to the way hiring is done. 

But I've found that for the most senior-level recruitment projects, the keys to success haven't changed all that much. Fundamentally, the real reason you are hiring in the first place is to further your company's mission while prioritizing its people.

With all the job boards out there, finding candidates with mediocre fit has never been easier. But it hasn't really gotten any easier when you're hiring for key positions. The difference between the right candidate and the available candidate can still make or break a company's future. 

At Rosenzweig & Company, we've helped companies find CEOs that brought them back from the brink. I've spent the last 20 years recruiting and researching top talent. In my experience, it is crucial to prioritize clear and concise hiring criteria to find the right candidate for the right set of circumstances. Here are the four questions to consider when making key hires.

SEE ALSO: This is what women really want from their employers, according to 4 prominent female leaders

1. Can your company benefit from an industry outsider?

It can often be beneficial to consider outsiders to your industry. I've noticed that when companies only hire individuals with experience in their industry, innovation can stagnate. I know a recruiter — with a particular industry focus — who only hired from his Rolodex of contacts, which meant hiring incredibly insular and limited teams.

Oftentimes, raw talent is more important than industry expertise. You should be on the lookout for candidates who are dedicated to the position and could potentially bring fresh ideas to the company. This expands your hiring pool from a narrow list of regulars to a new and innovative talent pool that can take your business to new heights.

2. Does the candidate have transferable skills?

Candidates who bring transferable skills to the table are often the most impactful to your business. The ability to adapt to new and evolving marketplaces and businesses are key in this day and age. 

Key skills to look for include: leadership, communication, problem solving, drive, ability to multitask, and — more importantly — creativity, all of which can be cross-applied between positions and different sectors.

When looking at a candidate, it's beneficial to ask them what they see as their transferable skills. 

Do they: 

• Like new challenges or prefer steady building?
• Communicate effectively — whether it's one on one, in meetings, on the phone, or via email?
• Work well in a group, or prefer to work alone?
• Manage their time well?
• Seamlessly juggle two or more tasks at a time? 

When candidates have transferable skills, they can often jump the learning curve when it comes to adapting to your company and mission.

3. How well does the candidate fit into your company culture?

Looking for the right fit requires far more than a checklist of skills and experience. It is important to categorize company culture, and map how candidates do or don't fit within the context of that cultural blueprint. That is a complex and critical process. It requires deep clarity and understanding of your own company culture, a due diligence process to ensure the candidate can fit into that landscape, and benchmarking and keeping track of talented potential hires early in the recruitment process. 

Part of prioritizing company culture is integrating diversity (of gender, race, and more) into the hiring equation. Beyond the moral imperative of treating people fairly and giving everyone their best shot, there is a business case to be made for diverse hiring. Study after study shows that the best performing businesses have much diversity in the executive suites and around the boardroom table. And bringing these diverse perspectives to the table and giving everyone a voice will help build a more healthy company culture.

4. How strong is the candidate's work loyalty?

According to Gallup, only 34% of employees are engaged at work, and 13% are "actively disengaged" as of 2018. Though a huge part of engagement is what happens within a workplace, work loyalty is often formed over years of work prior to a candidate applying for a role at your company.

For instance, constantly moving from top company to top company can be a red flag — but also too much time at one company can lead to stagnation or complacency. Loyalty should be measured by a combination of engagement and length of service, but never tenure alone. A loyal employee is engaged. They act as a corporate ambassador by recommending the company to other prospective employees and go the extra mile for clients. 

Paying attention to employee engagement can help your company avoid the unnecessary hurdles and costs associated with high churn rates.

Jay Rosenzweig, the founder of Rosenzweig & Company, is an expert in designing, building, and attracting world-class teams and emerging tech advisory, and a long-standing advocate for human rights.

• The ideal toiletry bag holds the essential items you need when you're on the go without hogging all the space in your carry-on bag.
• The Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag is a lightweight travel bag that fits all the essentials — nothing more, nothing less.

Packing is, hands down, the worst part of travel. It seems I always forget something or I bring way too much. This past Memorial Day weekend, for example, I brought two toiletry bags full of makeup and shower supplies — for a vacation in the woods. I pretty much used the bare minimum of what I had with me.

The right toiletry bag can at least ease some of the overpacking pains or help to curtail that urge. A bag can only hold so much, after all. The best toiletry bags will meet your travel needs without encouraging you to fill all the empty space with items you won't actually use. Extra touches like secure compartments, durable fabrics, and even travel-sized bottles complete the package.

So instead of tossing all your shower supplies in an oversized plastic baggie next time you travel, consider picking up a dedicated toiletry bag to help keep you organized. These top picks will make a world of difference when it comes to ensuring all your bathroom necessities are easy to find.

Here are the best toiletry bags you can buy:

• Best overall: Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag
• Best faux leather: Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag with Travel Bottles
• Best for makeup: Freegrace Hanging Toiletry Bag
• Best for longer trips: L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag
• Best carry-on size: TSA-Approved Clear Toiletry Bag
  

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated links, prices, and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best carry-on bags you can buy

The best toiletry bag overall

The Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag is a top-rated pick for helping you tote your essentials around without weighing you down. 

If you want to fight the urge to bring your entire bathroom on vacation, might I suggest the Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag? It's not the largest bag in our guide, but it has a roomy body and multiple mesh pockets that can expand to fit more items. Store shampoos, conditioners, body wash and other full-size products in the main compartment and smaller items in the other nooks and crannies.

I also love that the bag is made of water-resistant fabric so that it won't leak onto your clothing if any of the bottles inside spill. Though it's on the smaller side, the Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag should be good enough for you to take along on shorter trips. The Wirecutter, which selected it as the best toiletry bag, said it's large enough to comfortably hold about a week's worth of items.

The publication also noted that the bag comes with its own mirror — a great addition if you're camping or want to apply some lip balm on the plane. "It's the best compact, spill-resistant, carry-on–friendly bag we found," says The Wirecutter's Meghan Miner Murray.

A reviewer on the REI website notes that it's a great choice for camping because of its durable fabric. "I've had many, but this is the best. It keeps all of my toiletries and some of my makeup organized and fits easily in my suitcase/backpack/gym bag/glove compartment. It is tough and I've put it through many tests."

Pros: Lightweight, water-resistant, mesh pockets great for smaller items, fits up to a week's worth of items

Cons: Not big enough to fit a lot of makeup or much beyond essential shower supplies

Buy the Sea to Summit Traveling Light Hanging Toiletry Bag at REI for $36.95

The best imitation leather toiletry bag

If you don't want to sacrifice style, try the Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag. Not only does it have a cool vintage look, but it comes with some travel-sized bottles as well.

The only thing more annoying than impractical luggage is unattractive luggage. Nip both issues in the bud with the Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag— It has a vintage appeal but won't let you down in terms of functionality.

Though the bag is made of imitation leather, you don't have to worry about still-damp toiletries ruining the material because the interior is lined with water-resistant nylon. It won't leak and is easy to clean. Inside, the bag has two roomy zippered compartments, plus a leather handle, and two small bottles. Use those to decant your existing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or facial cleanser without having to pick up a new travel-sized bottle.

Vetelli's Leather Toiletry Bag has a 4.6 rating on Amazon and 1,243 customer reviews. It was also featured by New York Magazine's The Strategist.

"Well manufactured bag that looks the part!" writes ones reviewer, "I really enjoyed the segmented lower pouch of the bag. I was amazed how much I could fit into the lower section, which allowed me to put more items in the top pouch. I like how the top pouch was lined with plastic, which is a brilliant touch when there is a potential for toothpaste, mouth wash, shampoo, shaving cream and other liquids to spill or leak."

Pros: Beautiful vintage-inspired design, lined with nylon to protect the outer material, two large compartments, lifetime warranty, comes with two travel-sized bottles

Cons: The leather is imitation (though several reviewers note it's still high-quality)

Buy the Vetelli Leather Toiletry Bag at Amazon for $39.99

The best toiletry bag for makeup

There's a time and a place for packing light, but sometimes you want to bring everything, so you need the Freegrace Hanging Toiletry Bag.

Packing light is great and all, but it's not for everyone and not all the time. If you're going on a longer trip or want to carry a significant amount of makeup or toiletries with you, the Freegrace Hanging Toiletry Bag is a great option.

Made of a durable nylon fabric available in eight colors, the Freegrace Hanging Toiletry Bag is ideal for keeping cosmetics, shower essentials, shaving supplies, and more well-organized on long trips (or even in your own bathroom).

The bag has numerous mesh pockets to help you keep various items organized, and elastic straps to secure makeup brushes, toothbrushes, and other items. It's also waterproof and resistant to rips and tears, so it's just about the most durable option you'll find.

With a 4.7 star rating on Amazon, based on 1,140 reviews, this is a customer favorite. "If you're looking for a roomy toiletry bag that can handle full sized products - this is it!" writes one reviewer, who also notes that it was able to hold everything she needed for a three-week trip overseas.

Pros: Large bag with numerous compartments to hold cosmetics, shower supplies, and more, water-resistant nylon fabric, spaces to hold makeup brushes

Cons: Reviewers noted that it's still not necessarily large enough to hold many full-size containers

Buy the Freegrace Hanging Toiletry Bag at Amazon for $19.99

The best toiletry bag for long-term travel

Experts and buyers agree that the L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag is an ideal pick for long-term travel because it fits everything you need.

If you travel for longer periods of time, you want a toiletry bag that doesn't mess around. The L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag is a great pick for long-term travelers. It comes in multiple sizes, including small, medium, and family-size.

The medium size is probably roomy enough for most occasional travelers, according to The Wirecutter. The reviewer writes that "[i]t spreads its 6.4 L storage capacity across a dozen compartments" and is large enough to "accommodate non-travel-size bottles," which is a rarity among toiletry bags. It's topped with a strap and the bag unzips completely so that it can hang open.

I particularly love the removable features — a mirror and a shower caddy. Buyers are also crazy about the L.L. Bean Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag. It has more than 1,000 reviews on L.L. Bean's site and a 4.7-star rating.

"This bag is the best!" says one fan, "Everything I need fits in well, most things are visible with the clear fronts on many of the pockets, and the abundance of pockets keeps everything organized and easy to find."

Pros: 12 pockets, removable mirror and shower caddy, waterproof nylon material, hanging hooks

Cons: A bit heavy if you're traveling light

Buy the Personal Organizer Toiletry Bag at L.L. Bean for $29.95

The best carry-on size toiletry bag

The temptation to throw your carry-on toiletries in a large sandwich bag is real, but it's worth it to pick up something a bit sturdier, like the CableintheBay TSA-Approved Clear Travel Bag.

My method for packing a carry-on bag isn't exactly scientific — I usually just fill a Glossier bubble wrap pouch with a bunch of travel-friendly skincare to use on the plane and call it a day. But I think there's something to be said for using a bag dedicated to that purpose, like the TSA-Approved Clear Travel Bag.

It's a clear, quart-sized bag compliant with TSA regulations. You can simply pluck it out of your carry-on when you go through security. The structured square shape makes it easier to fit more travel-sized toiletries inside than a flat ZipLoc might. It's also made of a strong, waterproof PVC material and is reusable.

The Clear Travel Bag is remarkably well-rated for something so similar to a regular plastic baggie: It has a 4.6 rating on Amazon and over 500 customer reviews.

"I cannot believe that after monthly business trips for the last 5 years, I didn't buy something like this sooner (I was using the disposable quart-sized bags)," says one five-star review. "This is so much better."

Pros: More durable than a disposable plastic bag and fits more items due to the structure, waterproof

Cons: It has writing on the front that is not the most attractive

Buy the TSA-Approved Clear Travel Bag at Amazon for $9.99

Check out our other great travel guides

The best checked luggage you can buy

Traveling doesn't have to be a hassle. Having a great suitcase can be the difference between an amazing trip and a bad one.

The best carry-on bags you can buy

Sometimes you just don't want to check your luggage, so you need a reliable carry-on bag that you can bring onboard the plane.

The best travel backpacks you can buy

Backpacks are perfect for when you don't need a full suitcase, but you want more than a regular daypack or messenger bag.

The best travel pillows you can buy

Trying to fall asleep on a plane is incredibly difficult, but having the right travel pillow can help you get some shut-eye during your epic flight across oceans and continents.

• Bill Gates turned 64 on October 28, 2019.
• Gates' net worth is $108 billion.
• In July, Gates temporarily lost his ranking as the world's second-richest person to LVMH's Bernard Arnault for the first time in at least seven years, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
• While Gates indulges in a few luxuries, they make up only a fraction of his fortune.
• He mainly spends his billions on charity through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and plans to give away most of his fortune.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The world's second-richest man is now 64 years old.

Bill Gates has a net worth of $108 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, and he knows how to make the most of it. While he has some indulgences — like a Washington estate worth $125 million, a private airplane, and a luxury-car collection — they make up only a fraction of his massive fortune.

In fact, Gates and his wife, Melinda, previously said it's unfair they're so rich. Instead of spending billions on themselves, they often donate it to charity through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. They've also pledged to give away most of their fortune through the Giving Pledge, which they launched in 2010.

Keep reading for a look at how Gates spends his billions.

SEE ALSO: A billionaire who signed the Giving Pledge in 2012 said Bill Gates' philanthropy pact isn't 'growing as rapidly as we hoped'

DON'T MISS: A 24-year-old who has shared photos of himself partying with Rihanna and Bella Hadid just became Hong Kong's newest billionaire overnight

Bill Gates, the cofounder of Microsoft, has an estimated net worth of $108 billion, making him the world's third-richest person.

Source: Bloomberg

He's roughly $10.5 billion richer than he was one year ago and $25 billion richer than he was five years ago.

Source: Business Insider

His net worth puts him in a three-man club of people worth more than $100 billion along with Jeff Bezos and French businessman Bernard Arnault.

Source: Business Insider

If he spent $1 million a day, it would take him more than 245 years to spend his fortune. Here's how he spends his money.

Source:Business Insider

Gates has invested in a variety of stocks and assets and launched a $1 billion investment fund, Breakthrough Energy, with 20 others.

Source: Forbes

Despite his massive fortune, Gates previously told Ellen DeGeneres that when he became a billionaire at age 31 (history's youngest billionaire at the time), he didn't go on a spending spree.

Source: Business Insider

But he has indulged in things over time, he said, like a private plane.

Source: Business Insider

It's been reported that Gates owns a Bombardier BD-700 Global Express, which costs $40 million and can seat up to 19 people.

Source: Business Insider

Gates also spent a lot on his estate, Xanadu 2.0, in Medina, Washington. It took him seven years and $63 million to build. He purchased the lot for $2 million in 1988.

Source: Business Insider

At 66,000 square feet, his home is worth about $125 million today.

Source: Business Insider

In 2017, he paid $1,041,292.55 in property taxes on it, according to public filings.

Source: Business Insider

The estate has a trampoline room, which Gates told DeGeneres his three kids love.

Source: Business Insider

There's roughly $80,000 worth of computer screens sitting around the house.

Source: Business Insider

Devices worth $150,000 can display different paintings or photographs on the screens at a single touch.

Source: Business Insider

However, there are real paintings on the wall as well — like the Winslow Homer painting Gates purchased for $36 million in 1988.

Source:Business Insider

There's also a 60-foot pool — in its own separate, 3,900 square-foot building.

Source: Business Insider

That's not to mention the 2,100-square-foot library, home to a 16th-century Leonardo da Vinci manuscript that Gates bought at auction for $30 million in 1994.

Source: Business Insider

Gates reportedly pays to have sand imported from St. Lucia in the Caribbean to the shore surrounding his house.

Source: Business Insider

In addition to a home theater for 20 guests, six kitchens, and 24 bathrooms, Gates' house has various garages for 23 cars.

Source: Business Insider

It's perfect for Gates, an avid luxury-car collector. His first big splurge after founding Microsoft was a Porsche 911 supercar, he told DeGeneres. He later sold it, and it was auctioned for $80,000.

Source: Business Insider

But that wasn't Gates' last Porsche. He also has a Porsche 959 in his car collection.

Source: Business Insider

Outside of his Washington pad, Gates also has a 4.5-acre vacation ranch in Wellington, Florida, with a 12,864-square-foot mansion.

Source: Business Insider

He reportedly dropped $27 million to buy a whole string of properties in the area.

Source: Business Insider

The area is hotspot for wealthy equestrians. His daughter Jennifer is an accomplished equestrian, and he bought the property to support her passion.

Source: Business Insider

In California, he owns the 228-acre Rancho Paseana, which he purchased for $18 million. It includes a racetrack, orchard, and five barns.

Source: Business Insider

He also reportedly purchased a 492-acre Wyoming ranch, which listed for $8.9 million back in 2009.

Source: Business Insider

But Gates' real-estate portfolio doesn't end there.

He's made numerous investments through his personal investment firm, Cascade, including partial ownership of Charles Hotel in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Source: Business Insider

He reportedly owns nearly half of the Four Season Holding's hotel chain through Cascade, including hotels in Atlanta and Houston.

Source: Wall Street Journal

Gates shares 95% ownership with Prince Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia.

Source: Wall Street Journal

In 2013, Gates and several unnamed buyers paid $161 million for the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. As of 2014, it was reportedly worth $200 million.

Source: Wall Street Journal

When he's not busy buying real estate or working, Gates needs a vacation or two to unwind.

He's traveled to Australia and Croatia....

Source:Travel + Leisure, Forbes

....and Belize and the Amazon in Brazil.

Source:Travel + Leisure, Forbes

He's also treated his family to a Mediterranean vacation on board the 439-foot superyacht Serene, which he chartered for $5 million a week. It included a helicopter.

Source: The Daily Mail

He previously said that he likes to play tennis and go skiing. He's also been spotted spectating at tennis matches.

Source: The Telegraph

But Gates' downtime isn't always so adventurous. He's an avid reader, having indulged in quite the book collection.

Source: Business Insider

He's also an "avid bridge player," as he once told Reddit.

Source:Business Insider

Gates hates to shop for himself, but did admit that he likes to "buy nice things" for his wife, Melinda.

Source: CNBC

However, he once told Reddit that he doesn't like overspending on clothes and jewelry.

Source:CNBC

But Gates' splurges are only a fraction of his massive fortune. He previously told The Telegraph, "I have no use for money." Instead, he often donates to or invests his money in good causes.

Source: The Telegraph

Gates previously invested in Amyris, a synthetic-biology company that originally produced precursors to malaria drugs and hydrocarbon-based biofuel. Today, it focuses on health through fragrances, skincare, and sweetener.

Source:Business Insider

In November 2017, Gates invested $50 million into Alzheimer's research.

Source: Business Insider

He continued these efforts by recently investing $30 million with a group of investors into the Diagnostics Accelerator, a "venture philanthropy" fund to diagnose Alzheimer's earlier.

Source: Business Insider

Gates and Melinda are huge on philanthropy. They were recently named the most generous philanthropists in the US by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, having donated more than $36 billion to charitable causes through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Source: Business Insider

Gates agreed to give away most of his fortune through the Giving Pledge, which he launched in 2010.

Source: Business Insider

The Gateses spent money traveling to Tanzania and other countries for charity work.

Source: Travel + Leisure

In 2017, they donated $4.78 billion, mostly to projects run by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Source: Business Insider

They donated more than $2 billion in 2016 to causes related to global health and development and US education.

Source: Business Insider

They've pledged about $2 billion to defeat malaria, donated more than $50 million to fight Ebola, and pledged $38 million to a Japanese pharmaceutical company working to create a low-cost polio vaccine.

Source: Business Insider

The Gates Foundation has also committed at least $2.5 billion to the GAVI Alliance, which works to improve access to vaccines in poor countries.

Source: Business Insider

Bill and Melinda also prioritize education. The Gates Foundation established the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, which has received $1.6 billion.

Source: Business Insider

It also partnered with the Dangote Foundation in 2016 to spend $100 million on eliminating malnutrition in Nigeria.

Source: Business Insider

When it comes to the future of his fortune, Gates is leaving $10 million to each of his children, a fraction of his net worth.

Source: Business Insider

On October 28, 2019, Melinda shared an Instagram post of Gates wearing a goofy birthday hat for his 64th birthday. In the caption, she explained that Gates first wore the hat by request of his then-pre-school-aged daughter, Jen, 20 years ago.

Instagram Embed:
//instagram.com/p/B4KWTT3JZUt/embed
Width: 540px

Source: Instagram

• Flip flops are the unofficial footwear of summertime. Wear them to the beach, backyard barbecue, or anywhere that calls for casual attire.
• But this type of open-toe sandal has a reputation for being plasticky, flimsy, and uncomfortable.
• Sanuk's flip flops for men and women are soft as a cloud and made of cushy yoga mat material.

You know the person who shows up for beach day in leather sandals with like eight buckles and makes everyone wait around for 20 minutes at the edge of the boardwalk while she takes them off? Yeah, that person is me.

I never have the right footwear for the beach, because I've never found a pair of flip flops I really love, and flip flops are really the only appropriate footwear for the beach. Some people live in them from June through September, and I think they are onto something. Flip flops are so versatile — you literally don't have to think about them. Depending on the material, you might not even need to worry about sudden summer rainstorms while wearing them.

When most of us think of flip flops, we think of slim, inconsequential shoes with no real arch support that we mainly buy because they are cheap and simple. But these days there are plenty of comfortable options appropriate for more than just lounging poolside. Maybe you won't wear them to the office (or maybe you do, if you're lucky to work in an ultra-low-key office), but these picks are suitable for exercising, outdoor showers, and even lunch with friends on a hot day.

Here are the best flip flops you can buy:

• Best women's flip flops overall: Sanuk Women's Sling Flip Flop
• Best men's flip flops overall: Sanuk Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flops
• Best colorful women's flip flops: Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flops
• Best colorful men's flip flops: Havaianas Men's Top Sandal
• Best poolside flip flops: Vertico Shower and Pool Sandal
• Best budget men's flip flops: Old Navy Classic Flip Flops for Men
• Best budget women's flip flops: Old Navy Classic Flip Flops for Women
• Best stylish flip flops: Hari Mari Flip Flops
  
• Best comfortable flip flops: Oofos Sandals
• Best rugged flip flops: Keen Kona Flip
• Best women's flip flops for travel: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials
• Best men's flip flops for travel: Birkenstock Arizona Essentials

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Remi Rosmarin: Updated prices, links, and formatting. 

The best flip flops overall

Sanuk is reinventing the flip flop with unique designs for men and women made of yoga mat material for maximum comfort and ultimate style.

When you do yoga, there's a moment when you press your hands into the mat during downward dog or sink into child's pose, and the world melts away. That sense of relief and comfort is in large part due to the mat itself. Yoga mats, though relatively thin, make you feel cushioned and supported even on top of a hardwood floor. Sanuk makes flip flops that mimic that experience.

The footbeds are made of actual yoga mat material. It's a cool, unique concept that translates well to real-life comfort. The brand's most popular style for women is the Yoga Sling 2, which has well over 6,000 Amazon reviews and one of The Strategist's picks.

A stylish wrap-around silhouette that is clearly yoga-inspired, makes these art-gallery-owner-chic. While not a true flip flop due to a piece of fabric that secures around the ankle, it still gives you that thong sandal look.

For men, there is the cleverly named Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flop. With more than 1,500 reviews and a 4.1 Amazon rating, these are popular. This is more of a traditional flip flop with thick straps, Sanuk's signature yoga mat footbed, and a curve for additional arch support.

"Love, love, love. Very comfortable and swishy," writes one Amazon customer. Another shopper says, "I have a previous pair I bought five years ago that I still wear to this day."

Pros: Cushy footbed made of yoga mat material, cute styles that work for a variety of occasions, comfortable for walking long distances

Cons: May want to size up, material isn't waterproof

Buy the Sanuk Women's Yoga Sling 2 Flip Flop on Amazon from $11.52 and up

Buy the Sanuk Men's Beer Cozy Flip Flop on Amazon from $14.99 and up

The best colorful flip flops

Havaianas are the most iconic flip flops around, with a huge selection of rainbow colors, fun prints, and simple designs for men and women.

Havaianas are the ideal beach sandal — durable, colorful, and able to withstand rough conditions. Even if they get a little scraped-up and windswept, they'll still look cool after the fact.

The sandals come in a wide variety of color and style combinations. The most iconic styles — the ones you think of first when you hear the brand name — are probably the Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flop and the Men's Top Sandal Flip Flop.

Basically men's and women's versions of the same shoe, they both have a slightly curved footbed and slim rubber straps stamped with the Havaianas logo. The Slim Flip Flop comes in more colors and has almost 2,000 reviews on Amazon, while the Top Sandal Flip Flop has about 500.

Both are highly rated and raved about by fans. "I don't think you can ever go wrong with Havaianas! They're so comfortable, cute, durable, and last forever!" says one reviewer. Even though they look more appropriate for the beach than the hiking trail, another shopper says they even held up while camping.

Pros: Simple, comfortable, comes in many colors and designs, holds up well over long periods of time, good for the beach

Cons: Super-casual style probably won't work for less-casual settings

Buy the Havaianas Women's Slim Flip Flops on Amazon from $17.39 and up 

Buy the Havaianas Men's Top Sandal on Amazon from $13.99 and up

The best poolside flip flops

Maybe the Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals won't be the most stylish shoes in your closet, but they're comfy and you can get them soaking wet.

Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals are great for wearing in water. They're more of a slide than a flip flop, but they will still give you that satisfying slapping-sound when they hit the base of your heel.

Considering these rubber shoes are pretty orthopedic looking, they are very popular: They have almost 2,500 Amazon reviews and a 4.4 rating. I came across them in The Strategist and was surprised to find out they had such a rabid fan base.

They're chunky and a little bit ugly but in a cool sort of way that reminds me of Everlane and Crocs at the same time. The sandals are so comfortable you may not even want to take them off when you're no longer poolside. Unlike regular flip flops, there's traction at the bottom to prevent slipping.

"I use [these shoes] in the sauna, steam room, and shower," writes one Amazon customer. "I do not know what the product quality consistency is like since I have only ordered one pair. However, given how frequently I have used them, and what I use them for, I find them to be durable, comfortable, and much better than some other types and brands of shower shoes."

Pros: Water-resistant for shower or pool, able to float, vented for comfort in the heat

Cons: Not the most attractive shoe

Buy the Vertico Shower and Pool Sandals on Amazon from $12.99 and up

The best affordable flip flops

Old Navy flip flops come in a rainbow of colors that go with every summertime outfit, from sundresses to cutoff shorts.

If you've never owned a pair of Old Navy flip flops, we probably didn't go to high school together. I strongly associate their simple designs and rainbow colors with days spent at the public pool or the mall with my friends.

The signature thing about Old Navy flip flops is that they are cheap — not affordable or inexpensive, but cheap. Most pairs are normally $3.99 when not on sale, but they are seemingly always discounted. If you like the look of Havaianas but don't want to spend a lot of money (especially if they may become sand-logged), check out the Old Navy Classic Flip Flops.

They come in men's and women's sizes that look the same aside from minor adjustments to accommodate different foot shapes. Old Navy offers the Classic style in tons of colors, including some fun pastels. The women's version has nearly 15,000 online reviews on the Old Navy website and a 4.7 rating.

"I love Old Navy flip flops," writes a customer. "They are durable and super comfortable. I literally have a pair that I have had for at least 5 years. And if you can catch the $1 flip flop sale it's a major score. Very good quality for such a low price!!!"

Of course, being so cheap, you sacrifice some quality and comfort. Don't be surprised if you have to replace one each year. But, Insider Picks Guides Editor Les Shu wears the Men's Old Navy Classic flips flops to the gym showers regularly, and find that they hold up nicely. He does recommend actively replacing them often if you do use them for the gym, to prevent bacteria buildup.

Pros: Cute, less than $5, perfect for the beach or casual wear

Cons: Not as comfortable as flip flops with cushioned insoles

Buy the women's Old Navy Classic Flip Flops for $2.50

Buy the men's Old Navy Classic Flip Flops from $3

The best stylish flip flops

Hari Mari makes flip flops that even people who hate flip flops will love because of the luxe materials and sleek, sporty design. 

I don't have the kind of life that requires me to own "boat-safe" shoes, but Hari Mari makes me wish I did. "Boat safe" in this case essentially means nonslip, so they're suitable for just about any slick terrain. These are flip flops for everyone, even people who don't normally wear flip flops. They're cute and sporty, but more attractive than your average pair.

What really makes Hari Mari flip flops unique is the memory foam toe, designed to minimize the awful chafing you get from other thong sandals. It's described by the brand as "a formidable cylinder of memory foam encased in soft nylon to help grip toes, reduce abrasion and do away with painful break-in periods."

The brand has been featured by Fast Company and Insider Picks writer Amir Ismael recommends the Fields Flip Flop. At $60, they're on the pricier side, but many of the styles have 5-star ratings on Zappos and cost less than $40.

"This is an amazing leather flip-flop that just keeps getting better every day!" says one Fields Flip Flop reviewer on Zappos, "If they get wet they dry beautifully. They wear perfectly. These are the flip-flops I look to put on every day!"

Pros: Made of luxurious materials like nubuck leather, memory foam toe, boat-safe sole

Cons: Expensive

Buy Hari Mari Flip Flops from Zappos for $35 and up

The best comfortable flip flops

Oofos' sandals are beyond comfortable, machine washable, and come in several colors and styles.

Oofos reinvented the flip flop to make the most comfortable sandals we've tried. The special foam is built to absorb even more shock that your average sports shoe.

Oofos specifically markets these sandals as recovery shoes for people who need more arch support and impact absorption than others. Many athletes and people with feet problems swear by them.

I discovered Oofos sandals at a shoe store about five years ago and I've been wearing them at the beach, around the house, and while traveling ever since. These flip flops offer stability, comfort, and durability.

They are formed to fit the curve of your arch, so Oofos' sandals offer much more support than your average pair of flip flops. They absorb impact and they don't move up and down as you walk, either.

I've bought Oofos for a few different family members and they're all converts. Even though the sandals are a bit pricey, they are worth it because they will last and last. You can even machine wash or hose them down after a day on the beach to get rid of all the sand they pick up.

They may not be the most beautiful sandals you'll own, but they sure will be the most comfortable. — Malarie Gokey

Pros: Comfy, machine washable, absorb impact, they float

Cons: Pricey, not that attractive

Buy Oofos sandals at Zappos from $42.99 and up

The best rugged flip flops

Flip flops that wear like rugged shoes? With the Keen Kona Flip, you can traverse on sand, rock, gravel, water, and pavement with ease and comfort.

You go the beach and upon stepping onto the sand, your flip flops start to sink into it and, before long, slip right off and get buried in the flip flop graveyard. Then, the burning sand on your bare feet causes you to convulse in some strange dance. If this sounds familiar, what you need is a pair of rugged flip flops that can tackle rough environments: the Keen Kona Flip.

The Kona Flip has a thin profile that makes it easy to pack, yet the compression molded footbed provides comfort. It has good weight balance: light enough that it doesn't hold you down, yet heavy enough to help you walk competently on sand, water, muddy trails, rocks, pavement, or wherever your adventure takes you.

I wear the Kona Flip because it's the flip flop that changed my view on flip flops. I used to think all flip flops were cheap sandals that aren't designed as footwear and hated wearing them on sand. But since having worn my pair of Kona Flip on a variety of surfaces and find it to be very sturdy, easy to wear, and, in my opinion, stylish. I also find it fits my feet almost perfectly, like a glove (if feet could wear gloves, that is). And, I've never lost mine while walking on the beach.

The Kona Flip is available for men and women, and fairly identical. On Zappos, it has a 4-star rating; most customers found it fits true to size and width and offers moderate arch support. Despite the high marks, some complained that it didn't fit right; some of these customers seem to be loyal Keen fans. Considering the high price, you should try one on before buying or purchase from an online retailer with a good return policy; few dissatisfied customers gave kudos to Zappos' customer service. — Les Shu

Pros: Comfortable, slim profile, tough molded footbed

Cons: Pricey, small percentage of customers complained of poor fit

Buy the Keen Kona Flip from Zappos for $39.95

The best flip flops for travel

Lightweight and waterproof, the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials blends the walking comfort of a Birkenstock sandal with the versatility of a flip flop.

The Birkenstock sandal is controversial footwear: It divides people, much in the way that pineapple pizza has both its fans and detractors (#teampineapple here). Some find it stylish, while others think it's an abomination. Whatever your view, there's no denying that the Birkenstock cork footbed is one of the most comfortable ever developed, which is why the Arizona Essentials is my favorite for travel. It has the comfort of a Birkenstock sandal but wears like a flip flop.

Modeled after the popular leather-and-cork Arizona, the Arizona Essentials is made entirely out of EVA, i.e. plastic. I was first turned off by the thought, but having worn one for some time, I find it to be very comfortable, especially if you're walking a lot during a city sightseeing tour like I did. No, it won't have the softness that the regular Arizona offers, but it's one-third the price.

The Arizona Essentials has some advantages over its pricier sibling. It's waterproof, so you can just hose it down if it gets dirty. It's also lighter, making it easy to pack. It functions like a flip flop, but the contoured footbed and buckle-straps provide a secure, shoe-like fit. Best of all: It comes in many colors.

Being that it's made from a synthetic material, I did worry about odor and heat- and sweat-resistance. I've worn these under the hot sun in Tokyo and Kuala Lumpur and found it to hold up well.

What really attracted me to the Arizona Essentials is its price of $40. No, you can't really compare it to a traditional Birkenstock sandal, but it offers a lot of benefits, particularly for travelers (great for airport security). And, it's made in Germany, so it's a quality product. Even die-hard Birkenstock haters should give it a chance.

The Arizona Essentials has a 5-star (out of 5) rating on Zappos, with 94% reporting it feels true to width and 78% saying it feels true to size. Dissenters complain that it doesn't feel like the leather sandals, but that's because they aren't.

Take it from Insider Picks Editor Sally Kaplan, who was a huge fan of the leather sandals before converting to the Essentials because she finds the EVA footbed to be just as comfortable yet costs way less. Read her full review. — Les Shu

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, waterproof, great for walking, flip flop versatility

Cons: If you hate plastic, you probably won't like this

Buy the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials for women from Nordstrom for $39.95

Buy the Birkenstock Arizona Essentials for men from Zappos for $39.95

We rounded up the nine best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on the Instant Pot Ultra 8, designer clothing at East Dane and Shopbop, outdoor gear and apparel at REI, and more. 

Deals in this story are subject to change throughout the day. The prices listed reflect the deal at the time of publication. For even more deals and savings across the web, check out Business Insider Coupons.

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

• Save $79.96 on an Instant Pot Ultra 8
• Save up to 40% at East Dane and Shopbop
• Buy two, get one free on games, movies, and books at Target
• Get an Echo Dot 3rd Gen when you sign up for Amazon Music Unlimited
• Save up to 50% on outdoor gear and apparel at REI

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

DON'T MISS: I got my teeth straightened through an online service called Candid for under $2,000 — here’s how it works

1. Save $79.96 on an Instant Pot Ultra 8

Instant Pot Ultra 8-Quart, $99.99 (Originally $179.95) [You save $79.96]

The Instant Pot developed a cult following because of its versatility and easy-to-use functions. The 10-in-1 cooker can be used as a standard slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sterilizer, and more. As the largest version, the eight-quart Instant Pot is perfect for cooking big batches. Right now, you can save nearly $80 on the cooker on Amazon. 

2. Save up to 40% at East Dane and Shopbop

Shop the East Dane sale now. 

Shop the Shopbop sale now. 

East Dane and its sister site Shopbop are great online destinations for designer clothing brands at affordable prices. Now through October 31, both sites are holding sales with 40% off select styles. The sales include top brands like Stüssy, Ralph Lauren, KENZO, A.P.C., Ferragamo for men and Madewell, Theory, and Alexander Wang for women.

3. Buy two, get one free on games, movies, and books at Target

Shop the Target sale now. 

Games, movies, video games, and books are all likely on your holiday shopping list — and Target is helping you save with a buy-two-get-one-free offer. For a limited time, you can mix, match and save on some of the lastest and most-popular titles.

4. Get an Echo Dot 3rd Gen when you sign up for Amazon Music Unlimited

Get the Echo Dot 3rd Gen and 1 month of Amazon Music Unlimited from Amazon, $8.98 (originally $57.98) [You save $49]

The Echo Dot sells like hotcakes at full prices, but Amazon is offering what is easily the best deal ever on the popular device. For a limited time, you can get the Echo Dot 3rd Gen for $0.99 when you sign up for Amazon Music Unlimited ($7.99). At less than $9 total, you'll get a wonderful addition to your smart home setup and access to millions of songs. 

5. Save up to 50% on outdoor gear and apparel at REI

Shop the REI Garage sale now. 

REI is the one-stop-shop for all outdoor camping and hiking gear, and right now is the best time to save big. While great deals can be found across the entire site, the REI Garage section is known for the biggest discounts. Now through November 4, you can save 50% or more on handpicked items at REI Garage. The sale includes everything from outerwear and footwear to backpacks and sleeping bags. 

6. Get $750 worth of travel points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred

Learn more about the Chase Sapphire Preferred from our partner The Points Guy.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great option if you're new to earning points and miles, as it has a reasonable $95 annual fee. You'll earn 2 points per dollar on all travel and dining purchases and 1 point on everything else, and the card includes some valuable benefits like trip delay coverage and primary car rental insurance.

You can earn 60,000 Chase points with the Chase Sapphire Preferred when you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. That's worth at least $750 toward travel. Read our review to learn more about the card's benefits.

Business Insider may receive a commission from The Points Guy Affiliate Network if you apply for a credit card, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

7. Save up to $275 on a Bear mattress, plus two free pillows

Shop the Bear Mattress sale now. 

Named the best mattress for hot sleepers in our buying guide, Bear Mattresses are designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night. Additionally, the mattresses feature Celliant, a material that converts heat from the body into far infrared — a type of energy that's been proven to help rebuild cells. The technology can help you wake up feeling well-rested and free of aches and pains, plus, you won't break a sweat in your sleep. Right now, you can save $175 on orders of $1,075 with the promo code "SAVE175" and $275 on orders of $1,075 with the promo code "SAVE275" at checkout. Plus, you'll receive two free pillows.

8. Save 15% on all orders at Framebridge as a new customer

Shop the Framebridge sale now.

In addition to offering customizable framing options for your prints and original paintings, Framebridge will turn your favorite digital images and smartphone pictures into beautifully framed artwork that's suitable for display. Simply pick a frame, upload your image, and Framebridge will ship it to you ready to be hung and shown off. Right now, new customers can save 15% sitewide by using the exclusive promo code "INSIDER15" at checkout. 

9. Save $200 on Sennheiser PXC-550 Bluetooth Headphones at Daily Steals

Sennheiser PXC-550 Bluetooth Headphones, $199.99 (Originally $399.99) [You save $200]

As one of the lightest pairs of headphones in the industry, the Sennheiser PXC-550 headphones are perfect for wearing during long listening sessions and while traveling. They feature Bluetooth connectivity, a touch-sensitive trackpad, and adaptive noise canceling. Right now, they're $190 off on deal site Daily Steals, but you can save an extra $10 by using the Business Insider-exclusive promo code "BISPXC" at checkout. 

• Occasionally, apps from the App Store won't download on your iPhone.
• You should ensure your phone is using a local Wi-Fi connection rather than cellular data, pause and restart the download, and double check that you have a valid credit card associated with your Apple ID.
• If all else fails, restart the iPhone and try the troubleshooting steps a second time.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

While it goes without saying that apps should install automatically from the App Store, occasionally things don't work out the way they should, and apps won't download. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (from $699.99 at Best Buy)

SEE ALSO: The best iPhone for every type of person and budget

How to troubleshoot your iPhone if apps won't download

There is no single reason why your iPhone isn't downloading apps, so you should try these troubleshooting steps. If you try each one, you're likely to solve the problem.

Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi

If you're trying to download an app using your cellular connection, that might be the problem. 

By default, the iPhone won't attempt to download an app that's more than 200 MB in size so that it doesn't use too much data from your wireless plan. Cellular networks can also be generally unreliable for downloading large files. 

To eliminate this potential problem, go somewhere with Wi-Fi, connect to the network, and try again. For instructions on connecting to Wi-Fi, see our article, "How to connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi in 2 different ways, to either a visible or hidden network."

Pause and restart the download

Occasionally, a download will get corrupted or "confused," and stall indefinitely. There are a few ways to get the download to resume, but the first and easiest way to try to fix it on an iPhone running iOS 13 is to pause the download and then restart it. 

1. To do this, find the partially installed app and then tap and hold it firmly. 

2. If you see "Pause Download," tap that, then repeat the process and resume the download. 

3. If it's already paused, tap "Resume Download." 

4. If that doesn't fix the problem, you can tap "Cancel Download" and then try to install it again from the App Store. 

On an iPhone running iOS 12 or earlier, you can pause and restart a downloading app from its App Store page. 

Check your payment method

It doesn't matter if you're trying to install a free or paid app – Apple requires you to have a payment method associated with your Apple ID. 

1. To check the status of your payment method, start the Settings app and tap on your Apple ID at the top of the screen. 

2. Then, tap "Payment & Shipping" and make sure your payment method is valid and up to date. 

Restart your iPhone

Often, restarting your phone can resolve unexpected issues, and this is no exception. See our article "How to restart and force-restart any iPhone model," and after it restarts, check to see if it downloads properly. If not, try to pause and restart the download a second time. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'Why am I not getting emails on my iPhone?': 6 ways to troubleshoot the Mail app on iPhone

• 'Why is my iPhone not sending messages?': How to troubleshoot iPhone messaging issues

• How to find, listen to, and delete podcasts on your Mac using the new Podcasts app

• How to see old notifications on your iPhone in the Notification Center, and clear all your notifications at once

• You no longer have to call a traditional security company to get a home security system in place.
• As smart home gadgets become more affordable and easy to use, making your home secure is easier than ever before.
• The best home security system you can set up by yourself is the Simplisafe home security system.
• You can also check out our guide to the best home security cameras.

There was once a time when home security meant shelling out thousands of dollars for high-end cameras, motion sensors, and professional set up. These days, however, home security systems are both smarter, and more affordable, plus, you can set them up all by yourself — no expert installation needed.

Of course, there are quite a few home security systems on the market, and some are clearly better than others. A good security system features motion trackers, security cameras, and even smart home connectivity to give you alerts on your phone and the ability to track your home's security on the go.

When choosing a home security system, you'll want to think about the smart home standard you want to use. For example, you may want the system to integrate with Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, Wink, Nest, Amazon Alexa, or the Google Assistant. Some systems work with more smart home gadgets to give you a fuller picture of your home environment, including everything from open windows to leaky sinks.

You'll also have to make sure that you're comfortable setting up these new wirelessly connected home security systems by yourself. If not, you'll have to go to a professional like ADT, which costs more. However, the systems we've included are easy to use and set up, so you shouldn't have a problem with them. It's also important to note that you need strong internet to support all of these smart home products.

Last but not least, you'll need to think about any monthly fees. Often, you'll have to pay monthly fees for things like cloud video storage and other security features. — Christian de Looper

Here are the best home security systems you can buy:

• Best security system overall: Simplisafe
• Best budget security system: Ring
• Best smart home security system: Abode
• Best professional security system: ADT Pulse

Updated on 10/28/2019 by Monica Chin: Added four new picks and what else we considered. Updated prices and links.

SEE ALSO: The best security cameras you can buy for your home

The best home security system overall

SimpliSafe is easy to use, affordable, and simple to install.

If you're looking for a decent security system that you can install yourself, then SimpliSafe is the one for you. It even works with the Nest Learning Thermostat and the August smart lock.

Like other smart home security systems, SimpliSafe comes with a variety of different devices, including a motion sensor, four entry sensors, a keypad, a base station, and a 720p camera. Installation is generally quick and easy, and the app is easy to use, albeit a bit basic.

Another great thing about SimpliSafe is that the hardware is relatively inexpensive, and the $14.99 a month charge for live monitoring and LTE backup in the event of a power or Wi-Fi outage is fairly reasonable.

However, the subscription price does increase based on what features you want to use. If you want text and email notifications, you'll have to pay $19.99 a month for that service. Those of you who are interested in controlling devices from an app on your phone will have to pay $24.99 a month.

We recommend that you go with the $24.99-a-month plan because it gives you app control, notifications, email alerts, and 30-day event-footage storage for unlimited cameras.

The only downside here is that the system only works with a few smart home devices. Still, if you want a simple, basic system, this is it. Other reviewers agree — The Wirecutter, CNET, and PCMag all highly recommend it. — Monica Chin

Pros: Easy to use, easy to set up, relatively inexpensive

Cons: App is a little basic, only works with Nest products

Buy The Essentials 6-piece Simplisafe System at SimpliSafe for $195 (originally $259)

The best budget home security system

Ring Alarm is well-designed, easy to use, and super affordable.

Maybe you're not interested in spending a lot of money on a home security system. if that's you, then you may want to look into the Ring Alarm system. It's only $149, and professional monitoring is available for an extra cost. 

The kit includes a base station, a keypad to arm and disarm the system, a contact sensor that alerts you when doors and windows open, a motion detector, and a range extender. You can purchase additional flood and freeze sensors, as well as a panic button. Our reviewers found the setup process a bit complex, but it's certainly possible to do on your own. 

You can arm and disarm the system either from the keypad or the Ring mobile app. When you're home, Ring will sound the alarm if the contact sensor senses that a door or window has opened. When you're away, the alarm will also sound if the system detects motion. 

For an extra $10 a month, you can add professional monitoring. Then, in addition to sounding the alarm, the system will alert a call center if it detects suspicious activity. When you sign up for monitoring, you'll create a password, which you'll give to the security center when they call you to disarm the system. If the password isn't provided, they'll contact the police. Ring claims the average call response time is 30 seconds.

We aren't the only ones who like Ring Alarm. Wirecutter selected it as the best no-contract security system. — Monica Chin

Pros: Easy to use, affordable

Cons: Limited smart-home compatibility, professional monitoring costs extra

Buy the Ring Alarm 5-piece kit on Amazon for $199

The best smart home security system

The Abode Essentials Starter Kit is an easy-to-install security kit that works Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

If you already have a smart home set up, the Abode Essentials Starter Kit will fit right in. It's easy to set up, and even easier to use from Abode's app and website. You can integrate it into smart home routines and create custom actions using Alexa, Google Assistant, or IFTTT. 

The kit comes with a hub (called a gateway) that connects to your router or modem, a door or window sensor, a motion detector, and a key fob to arm or disarm the system. You can purchase additional sensors to cover a wider area. Our reviewer was able to set up the system in just 15 minutes with no difficulty. 

Using the app, you can set the system to three modes: "Standby" (disarmed), "Home," which arms the door and window sensors but disables the motion detector, and "Away," which arms everything. You can use Alexa and Google to arm and disarm the system with your voice as well.

If the system detects motion, it sounds a loud siren through the gateways speaker and pushes an alert to your phone from which you can call the police. There are some advanced automation features as well. You can set the system to arm and disarm based on your location (if you grant the app location permissions), as well as the time, and other conditions.

The system is also compatible with a number of popular smart home products, including many from brands such as Nest, Philips Hue, Lifx, and Ecobee. Compatible devices can connect to your gateway as a hub, and you can control them in the Abode app as well. 

Many reviewers recommend the Abode Essentials Starter Kit. Tom's Guide named it the best overall DIY home security system. — Monica Chin

Pros: Easy to install and use, home automation features, smart home compatibility

Cons: Professional monitoring costs extra

Buy the Abode Essentials Starter Kit on Amazon for $199 (originally $279)

The best professional home security system

ADT Pulse is built by a home security company that knows what it's doing.

ADT is a long-time player in the home security game. If you're looking for high-end security with professional monitoring, ADT Pulse offers everything you might need. 

Note: This system requires professional installation, and it's not cheap. The price will vary depending on your home and needs, but the basic package is $52.99 per month, and installation starts at $99.

Note, however, that you'll need to call ADT for a price quote, and may be pushed towards pricier packages.  PCMag's reviewer, who purchased a number of extra components and an advanced tier, ended up with an upfront cost of $3,276 and a monthly charge of $63.89. You also have to sign a 36-month contract, so renters should look elsewhere. 

The base package includes a motion detector, wireless door and window sensors, and a backup power system. You get 24/7 professional security monitoring and customer service, as well as an on-site consultation.

Depending on the tier you select, you can get any number of additional features, including email and text alerts, remote home automation features, and real-time video monitoring. You can also use Alexa to arm and disarm your system through ADT's skill. 

ADT can also install a number of smart home devices, including a range of security cameras, control panels, video doorbells, thermostats, and more from ADT as well as third-party companies like Nest and Ring.

PCMag named ADT Pulse the best smart home security system. It also topped the list over at Reviews.com. — Monica Chin

Pros: Respected brand, 24/7 professional monitoring and customer service, multiple pricing tiers, advanced automation options available, third-party smart-home integration

Cons: Very expensive, requires professional installation, requires 3-year contract

Buy ADT Pulse from ADT starting at $52.99 per month

What else we considered

• Vivint Smart Home (starts at $599+$29.99 per month): Vivint is a subscription-based monitoring system that requires professional installation. It provides 24/7 security monitoring and a number of cameras, sensors, and other smart-home hardware. However, it's quite expensive, and doesn't provide as many third-party integration options as ADT. 
• Honeywell Smart Home Security Starter Kit($173.95): Honeywell's DIY system is easy to install and includes a 1080p camera with free cloud storage. It's also compatible with Alexa, IFTTT, and some third-party smart-home devices. But it doesn't offer professional monitoring, and its home-automation options are limited compared to other systems.  
• Wink Lookout ($199): Wink Lookout is a good option for folks who already use Wink's smart-home system. It works with the Wink Hub, as well as a variety of other smart-home devices with both the Z-Wave and Zigbee standard. However, we don't recommend it over other DIY systems because it lacks a professional-monitoring option, and it doesn't have a backup battery. 
• Nest Secure ($399.99): Nest Secure is well designed and easy to set up, and it works with other Nest products, including the Nest Learning Thermostat and Nest Cam IQ. However, it's much more expensive than DIY systems such as Abode and Simplisafe, which offer most of the same features. 
• LifeShield Smart Home Security Kit ($229.99): ADT's LifeShield DIY system offers both self- and professional monitoring options, and works with Alexa and IFTTT. There are several kits you can get, including a keypad, a fob, any number of sensors and an indoor security camera. Unfortunately, it doesn't offer as many add-on components as systems like Simplisafe, and reviews found the camera's nighttime footage to be grainy. 
• Ooma Security Starter Kit ($126.58): Ooma's affordable DIY starter kit includes smoke detectors, motion sensors, a camera, and a siren. But it's a very basic system that doesn't offer professional monitoring, third-party integrations, or many advanced automation features. 

• There are a few ways you can teach yourself to type faster, including fixing your posture and the placement of your fingers.
• You can also learn to type faster by using various typing games and speed tests, which challenge you to type quickly and accurately for an extended period of time.
• Learning how to type faster takes time and experience, so there's no guarantee that any one method will work.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Considering how often we type on physical keyboards, knowing how to type faster is an invaluable skill.

The average person types about 40 words per minute, but it's actually possible to double that with practice. Practice even more, and you could even reach over 100 words per minute.

It should be noted, however, that typing is a skill. This means that there isn't any one guaranteed way to make yourself type faster — only a set of methods that show evidence of helping typists improve.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Logitech Wireless Combo MK345 Keyboard (From $49.99 at Best Buy)

How to type faster and more accurately

Maintain proper posture and hand placement

For optimal typing, your back should be aligned with the back of your chair, with your elbows bent, and both feet flat on the ground. 

Maintaining proper posture will make your typing experience more comfortable and ease any stress on your wrists.

For hand placement: Place your fingers on the keyboard so that your left index finger is on the F key and your right index finger is on the J key. Your fingers should fall naturally along the middle row of the keyboard, also known as the home row keys.

When typing keys outside of the home row, move your nearest finger either up or down. In order to limit finger gymnastics, your pinkies should be in charge of pressing the "shift" key, and your thumbs are responsible for the space bar.

Excercise muscle memory

The best way to do this is to train yourself to touch type, which means to type without looking down at the keyboard. 

Open up a blank document and start typing any words that come to your mind. Don't worry too much about the speed — focus on limiting typos!

If it's too difficult not to look at your hands, you can purchase a blank keyboard or keyboard cover. 

Another option is to activate an on-screen keyboard as a guide so you're not tempted to peek.

To do this, go to your computer's search bar and type in "keyboard" to open your keyboard preferences.

On PC, click on "On-Screen Keyboard."

For Mac users, make sure "Show keyboard and emoji viewers in menu bar" is checked. You should now see the keyboard menu in the upper-right of your screen, which will give you the option of "Show Keyboard Viewer."

Practice, practice, practice

Once you feel comfortable touch-typing, you're ready to hit the tracks.

Speed tests are a great way to practice. These games give you a pre-written passage, and challenge you to type that passage as quickly as you can — without making a typo. Some sites even let you race against other typists, to see who can type the fastest.

Some great (and free) typing games are Typeracer, Typing.com, and TypingTest. If you search, you can find dozens of popular typing tests, all across the internet.

But no matter how you do it, learning how to type faster requires time and experience. The most important thing to know is that practice makes perfect.

Check out the video version of this article on YouTube:

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to turn off auto-capitalization on your iPhone in 4 simple steps

• How to add words to your iPhone dictionary with Text Replacement, so your iPhone automatically recognizes them when you type

• How to add contacts to your iPhone in 3 different ways

• How to edit autofill information on your iPhone, or disable the feature

SEE ALSO: The best keyboards you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How Area 51 became the center of alien conspiracy theories

• There are a vast number of running belts on the market, from money belts that are just glorified fanny packs, to high-tech hydration belts.
• The SPIbelt hits a sweet spot in the middle, with an expandable pocket that allows you to carry personal items on your run with a bounce-free, comfortable fit.
• See also: The best running shoes for women
  

Running is one of those sports that doesn't require a lot of things outside of a good pair of running shoes, but there is plenty of gear out there that can make the sport even more enjoyable. For example, if you want to carry anything on your run (phone, ID, money, etc.) you'll need a place to put these things. After all, it definitely isn't convenient to carry anything when you're trying to log some miles.

While some may slip things into their running shoes or the waistband of their shorts for safekeeping, this isn't the most secure or ideal way to carry your items with you. If you want to carry anything on your run, a good running belt can be a useful piece of gear to have. To ensure that you find the best running belt for your needs, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.

• Storage: What will you be carrying with you on your run? This will help you determine how much storage you'll need in a running belt. If you'll only have your ID and some money on you, you won't need too much storage space, so a belt with a minimal design won't be an issue. However, if you plan on bringing your phone along for the ride, and you're going on a long run that requires you to carry energy gels on you in addition to the ID and the cash, you'll want to have a running belt that has the capacity for these things.
• Hydration: If you're training involves long runs, or you're simply training in hot weather, you may want a running belt that can carry water or sports drink so you can stay hydrated. Belts like this can come in multiple forms, with single bottle designs, or with multiple bottles fastened to the belt. Either will do the trick, but having run with both styles, I find that the belts with two small bottles — one on the left and one on the right — allow for a better distribution of weight and less bouncing overall.
• Durability: Do you only step outside for runs in fair weather? Or are you the type that could rival the mailman, undeterred by snow and rain? While durability is an important quality to look for in general, if you're the second type of runner, you'll want a running belt that is water resistant to protect your items. While some running belts are durable enough to get the job done in the good weather, others have been designed with events like marathons and triathlons in mind, so they can withstand the elements.

No matter what your needs are, you'll want a belt that fits you comfortably, and one that will stay securely in place with minimal bouncing. The best gear is the kind that you don't have to think about while running because it's comfortable and doing its job. With so many factors to consider before making a purchase, and all the options that exist, you may feel tempted to leave everything at home, but not to worry — We've done the research for you, comparing belts and sifting through the reviews to determine five running belts that are worth adding to your running arsenal.

Here are the best running belts you can buy:

• Best running belt overall: SPIbelt
• Best minimalist running belt: FlipBelt
• Best running belt for hydration: Fitletic Hydration Belt
• Best running belt for durability: Aqua Quest Kona

The best running belt overall

The SPIbelt has a pouch that expands just enough to hold the items you need and a belt that will stay in place no matter how many miles you're running.

The SPIbelt was born when a woman named Kim Overton was running with a key tucked into her sports bra. She realized that there had to be a better, more comfortable way to carry small personal items (which is what "SPI" stands for). Having done the same exact thing myself with the key to my apartment, it's no wonder that this thought came to mind. A sports bra seems like a fine vehicle for carrying a few small items at the beginning of a run … but by the end, I can guarantee that all you will be thinking about are the items you chose to put there. Not pleasant.

If you're looking for a reliable every day running belt, the SPIbelt has gotten top reviews. There are a few different styles, including the original SPIbelt, as well as a large pocket SPIbelt that will hold larger phones like the iPhone 7 Plus or the Galaxy Note 5. This reviewer found it to be the perfect solution since they didn't want to carry their phone but also didn't like running with an armband.

If you have a smaller phone or don't need to carry many items on you, the original SPIbelt is slightly less expensive and just as comfortable. The belt itself is expandable and adjustable on both models, fitting up to a 47-inch waist.

The pocket may look tiny, but it will expand as needed for the items you want to carry. Most reviewers had no issues with the belt bouncing while they were running or working out, even while carrying multiple items. While many running belts only come in one color or style, the SPIbelt goes an extra step further with plenty of colors and designs to choose from so you can find the perfect one to coordinate with the rest of your running wardrobe.

Having a reliable running belt beats trying to tuck your items into a sports bra, waistband, or those tiny pockets that are often built into running shorts that usually look like they couldn't hold a single quarter — let alone hold it securely. Seemingly simple inventions like the SPIbelt can have a huge impact on the quality of your run. Convenience and comfort are the true winners when it comes to high-quality running gear, and the SPIbelt provides both.

Pros: Comfortable, bounce resistant, adjustable belt, expandable pocket

Cons: Not water resistant

Buy the SPIbelt running belt on Amazon for $19.95 

Buy the SPIbelt running belt with large pocket on Amazon for $22.99

The best minimalist running belt

The minimal design of the FlipBelt allows it to fit like a waistband around your shorts or leggings, providing you with a snug fit to minimize any bouncing.

If the idea of wearing anything resembling a fanny pack makes you cringe and you find armbands uncomfortable, you may want to consider the FlipBelt. It's simple design almost makes it look like a waistband, and allows it to fit snugly, with no bulging pouches.

The belt has multiple openings where you can insert anything you'd like to run with, including cash, credit cards, energy gels, keys, and even your smartphone. This writer from Huffington Post loved that it gave her the perfect way to run with her phone while being able to carry all the other things she wanted to bring with her.

As a bonus, the belt even has a key hook built in for extra security — because finding yourself locked out of your home or car after a long run is not fun. The cursing that follows when the realization hits that you're locked out and you've lost your key isn't the greatest way to cool down (I speak from experience).

Once you've loaded up the belt, it gets flipped over so the slits are on the inside, further ensuring that nothing will fall out during your run. It should be noted that the belt isn't water resistant, but its material is sweat wicking and comfortable enough to wear directly against your skin if you did want to wear it under your shirt.

The FlipBelt comes in multiple colors, many of which are great for added visibility while you're out running. It also comes in multiple sizes, from XX-Small (18 to 21 inches) and XX-Large (40 to 48 inches).

Some reviewers disliked that the only way to get the belt on and off is to pull it up like you would a pair of shorts and had trouble with it riding up slightly while running, but others appreciated the minimal design, and found that it allowed the belt to fit securely while both walking and running.

As simple as it is, the current price of the FlipBelt is on the pricier side. However, if you're willing to pay a little extra, it's well worth the convenience it provides — even allowing you to go without additional gear like an armband.

Pros: Tubular pocket design allows it to hold more items, comes in multiple colors and sizes, comfortable sweat-wicking material, key hook for extra security

Cons: Not water resistant, some reviewers had trouble with the belt riding up, some reviewers didn't like having to slip the belt on and off, on the more expensive side

Buy the FlipBelt on Amazon for as low as $24.24

The best running belt for hydration

The Fitletic Hydration belt will keep you hydrated, with easy-to-grab bottles and Dura-Comfort Technology to prevent the belt from riding up or bouncing.

As an owner of the 12 oz. Fitletic Hydration belt, I can attest to its comfort, durability, and ease of use. I purchased my belt while training for the Boilermaker last summer, and it helped me get through many long, hot training runs. If you're looking for even more water capacity for especially long runs, the Fitletic also comes in a 16 oz. version.

Both designs feature two bottles nestled in quick-draw water holsters. There is a bungee cord loop that holds the bottles in place when you don't need them but makes them easy to remove when you need a quick sip. The zippered pouch is large enough to hold most smartphones and has an interior pocket to keep other items like an ID or cash secure.

This is also a great race day belt, thanks to the exterior energy gel loops and the integrated toggles to keep your bib number in place. The neoprene pocket is both water and sweat resistant, keeping your items dry even as you're leaving it all on the race course with the finish in sight.

In addition to the features above, I also like the fact that this belt has reflective details for added safety. It also comes in quite a few different color schemes. The Small/Medium size fits waists from 24 to 34 inches and the Large/Extra Large size fits waists from 35 to 42 inches.

Personally, I had no issues with fit, and the belt stayed securely in place on my runs with minimal bouncing. It was comfortable enough that I decided to race with it as well — a decision I didn't regret, as I could carry my phone on me, and didn't have to take any extra time at the water stops.

I did notice on a few runs that if I filled the bottles to the top there was some leakage, but this was remedied by leaving a little bit of space at the top of each bottle. This still gave me more than enough water to hydrate with on my longer runs. Overall, Fitletic receives positive reviews for their gear, and their hydration belt was no exception. Most reviewers loved the secure fit, the added features like the bib number toggles, and its lightweight and comfortable feel.

Pros: Comfortable fit with no bouncing, bottles are easy to get in and out of holsters, zippered pocket is water resistant, designated places for energy gels, toggles for easy race bib attachment

Cons: Some leakage when bottles are all the way full, has a smaller range of sizes compared to other belts, on the more expensive side

Buy the Fitletic 12 oz. Hydra Hydration belt on Amazon for as low as $35

Buy the Fitletic 16 oz. Hydra Hydration belt on Amazon for as low as $37.32

The best running belt for durability

The Aqua Quest Kona pouch will fit most phones, and it's both lightweight yet durable, providing you with a running belt that can handle the most grueling of runs.

If you're not a fan of the way an armband feels, but you want something both extra durable and comfortable to carry your phone and other personal items, you should check out the Kona pouch.

This running belt was inspired by the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii — in other words, it's designed to be tough. As a result, it's water-resistant, and the pouch is designed to protect your items from dirt, sand, and sweat. The belt also comes with a waterproof 'Joey' pouch that can be nestled inside of the water resistant one for added protection against the elements.

In the case of the Kona, durability is coupled with comfort thanks to the breathable fabric, its lightweight (weighing in at 2.6 oz.), and seamless design. The pouch is sleek, yet expandable. It fits close to your body for minimal bouncing, and it's big enough to fit personal items as well as your smartphone.

The Wirecutter praises the Kona for its ability to fit phones of all sizes, so even if you do upgrade your phone or switch to a larger phone, you won't need to upgrade your running belt. The Kona can also fit a large range of waist sizes, with the ability to adjust from 27 to 52 inches.

Some reviewers did think it was difficult to access their phone while running, finding it hard to use the zipper one-handed. Others wished that the pouch was split into two different compartments to separate their other personal items from their phone. Overall though, reviewers loved that this running belt is water-resistant and found it to be a great alternative to an armband for carrying a phone. In addition, the lightweight feel of the belt was much appreciated and made it possible for most to forget they were even wearing a running belt—a true sign of an effective piece of running gear.

Pros: Water resistant, comes with an additional waterproof pouch, lightweight and comfortable, minimal bouncing, durable seamless design, adjustable belt

Cons: Difficult to access phone while running, some wished the pouch had separate compartments

Buy the Aqua Quest Kona on Amazon for $25

Check out our other buying guides for running gear

The best smartphone armbands for runners

If you take your phone on runs and workouts, you need a comfortable, secure armband to hold it. 

The best women's running shoes

Running doesn't require a lot of equipment, but a good pair of running shoes is a must-have to prevent injury.

The best men's running shoes

The pair of running shoes you choose can either make or break your running experience.

• To invert the colors on your Windows display, you'll need to go into your computer's Control Panel settings.
• When using Windows, you have access to a wide range of advanced color settings, built to help people with impaired vision.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Considering how much computer work is based around what we can see on our screens, it might seem like using a computer would be impossible for users with impaired vision. However, that isn't the case at all.

Windows has many different settings built to help those with impaired vision. These include high contrast mode, an on-screen magnifier to see small icons, a dark mode that makes the light from your screen less intense, and of course, inverted colors.

If you're in need of inverted colors on your Windows display, here's how to activate them.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

How to invert colors in Windows 10

1. These settings are found under Magnifier. Press the Windows key on your keyboard, or click the Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen, and type "Magnifier." Open the search result that comes up.

2. Scroll down through this menu until you find "Invert colors" select it.

3. While the Magnifier app is active, colors will be inverted and part of the screen may be zoomed in. Closing the magnifying app will disable inverted colors and remove the zoom until the application is reopened. If you only want to invert colors without magnification, set the zoom level to 100%. You can also set Magnifier to open at startup, so you don't have to repeat these steps.

How to turn on high contrast mode

1. Search in the Start Menu for "high contrast" and select "Turn high contrast on or off" when it comes up. Alternatively, you can search for it in any open Control Panel window if you've been following the previous steps.

2. Turn on high contrast mode using the toggle you see. This should give you some of the functionality of inverting colors, but with more control over your preferences, though you will have to turn it on to test them. When turning on high contrast mode, be aware that your computer will tell you to wait for a few seconds — it hasn't crashed and isn't going into shutdown mode, but simply needs time to adjust the display.

Once you've toggled it on, high contrast mode will be on permanently — unless you toggle it off again.

How to turn on dark mode

1. If both the previous options were too intensive for your purposes, but you'd still prefer to use a darker palette for your Windows computer, then search for "Colour Settings" in the Start Menu.

2. Under the box "Choose your color," you can select "Dark." You can also select "Custom" to change only specific parts of your Windows display to the darker settings.

While there are dedicated programs, like F.lux, that are able to change the screen tint to reduce eye strain, Windows comes packaged with enough usability options that you should be able to find some variation of what you're looking for in these settings.

If you can't find what you're looking for in these options, and you have a graphics card installed, it's worth checking to see if it comes with software that allows you to change these settings in other ways.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to turn Narrator on or off on a Windows 10 computer, for an accessibility feature that reads text aloud

• How to change the icon size of your files, folders, or applications on a Windows 10 computer

• How to find your stored Wi-Fi passwords on a Windows 10 computer, and use them to connect another device

• How to log off a Windows 10 computer in 4 different ways

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling headphones you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: How to take full advantage of the iPhone's new dark mode

• Apple debuted its newest AirPods on Monday, called AirPods Pro, that have a new design, noise-cancelling abilities, and cost $250.
• It took only minutes for eagle-eyed Twitter users to notice that Apple CEO Tim Cook had changed his Twitter photo to add an AirPods Pro earbud.
• The photo is pretty similar to Cook's old Twitter photo except it features the new AirPods Pro, whose design is visibly different from the original AirPods.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is already celebrating the company's release of its newest AirPods earbuds with a new profile picture on Twitter.

On Monday, Apple unveiled its newest version of its popular AirPods wireless headphones. The AirPods Pro come with a brand-new design and noise cancelling technology, and will cost $250.

Just minutes after Apple's announcement, Twitter users spotted Cook's new profile picture on Twitter. Upon first look, Cook's photo doesn't look much different: It's the same smiling, denim shirt-clad Cook portrait that has long been the CEO's Twitter avatar. But if you look closely, you can see an AirPod earbud placed in Cook's ear.

It's not clear exactly whether Cook made the picture change before or after Apple officially announced its AirPods Pro at noon eastern time. But it's not hard to spot that the AirPods in Cook's ear is an AirPods Pro earbud, with a rectangular black speaker along the back of the earpiece that doesn't exist on the older AirPods.

The AirPods Pro cost are already available for preorder on Apple's website, and are scheduled to arrive on Oct. 30.

SEE ALSO: Jennifer Aniston's record-breaking debut on Instagram highlights 'The Aniston Effect' as her 'Friends' costars each gain over 1 million followers

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: All the new iPhone iOS 13 gestures you need to know

• Not surprisingly, Walmart has a wide variety of artificial Christmas trees that you can buy online or in-store.
• To make your life easier, we rounded up 10 of our top picks, from a gnome-style tree to more traditional designs.

An artificial Christmas tree is a popular alternative to the classic, especially for those preoccupied with never-ending holiday to-do lists. But selecting the right one at an affordable price can be a challenge (after all, we still have to buy gifts for family and friends).

Walmart meets this challenge with highly affordable artificial trees in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. That said, they're not cheap in quality. They're reliable and long-lasting, so no need to replace them year after year.

To save you time, we rounded up 10 of our top cost-effective artificial Christmas trees based on positive customer reviews, ease of assembly, and overall style. 

A tree with cashmere branch tips for a realistic look and feel

$59, available on Walmart

This elegant pencil-like tree is designed with 339 cashmere hard-needle tips that give it an authentic look and texture. It's pre-strung with 300 clear mini lights, which remain lit even if one burns out. 

Tree height: 7 feet 

Base diameter: 19 inches

Light count: 300

A full-body tree that's perfect for large rooms

$134.99, available on Walmart

For those looking for a center mainstay, this tree provides lush, full shape — serving as a standout in large living rooms, dining rooms, and foyers. Pre-strung warm white lights complement its rich green foliage.

Tree height: 7.5 feet 

Base diameter: 52 inches

Light count: 550

A mini fiber-optic Christmas tree to add sparkle to any room

$16, available on Walmart

This tree with 83 tips changes color when plugged in, creating brightness and twinkle with minimal effort. Its compact size serves as a perfect tabletop centerpiece. 

Tree height: 32 inches

Base diameter: not given

Light count: not applicable

A tree that will turn your home into a winter wonderland

$79, available on Walmart

Adorned with 787 snow-capped branch tips and 250 clear lights, this option resembles an authentic wintry tree with durable branches to hang your ornaments.

Tree height: 6.5 feet

Base diameter: 42 inches

Light count: 250

A unique tree that's dressed up as a gnome

$20, available on Walmart

This gnome-inspired tree adds extra-festive fun and charm to any space, especially compared to traditional options.

Tree height: 3 feet

Base diameter: not given

Light count: unlit

A tree that replicates the classic evergreen

$89, available on Walmart

With undecorated, evergreen branches, this lush option replicates a real Donner Fir tree — without the hassles of an authentic one. There are 1,310 branch tips offering plenty of real estate for decorations.

Tree height: 7.5 feet

Base diameter: 54 inches

Light count: unlit

A lush tree that's adorned with pine cones

$79.99, available on Walmart

This tree mirrors nature foliage with pine cones and synthetic snow on its tips. Its height and diameter give the tree a full-body appearance. 

Tree height: 7 feet 

Base diameter: 48 inches

Light count: unlit

Other considerations: 90-day return policy applies

A mini tree that's ideal for desks and tabletops

$12.77, available on Walmart

Because of its size, this mini tree is great for desks and tabletops. Instead of lights, it's decorated in natural-looking pine cones. It looks great as is, though you can add lightweight decorations for extra flair.

Tree height: 18 inches

Base diameter: 14 inches

Light count: unlit

A pre-lit tree with hassle-free, easy setup

$149, available on Walmart

Thanks to this tree's lighting system, it's easy to assemble — just connect the poles and the lights are good to go. It features 1,527 branch tips strung with 500 clear mini lights, which stay lit even if a bulb burns out.

Tree height: 7.5 feet 

Base diameter: 50 inches

Light count: 500

A tree that adds pops of color

$259.64, available on Walmart

If clear lights feel too dull for your holiday theme, then this tree will stand out as a vibrant option — thanks to its 750 multicolored lights. Despite its large size, this tree with 2,514 branch tips arrives in three manageable sections for easy assembly.

Tree height: 7.5 feet

Base diameter: 59 inches

Light count: 750 

• Comedian, actor, and former physician Ken Jeong spoke with Business Insider last week about his partnership with Heineken 0.0, the company's non-alcoholic beer, for National First Responders Day. 
• Jeong is known for his comedic roles in movies like "The Hangover," "Pineapple Express," and "Knocked Up." He also recently starred in the blockbuster movie "Crazy Rich Asians," the first major Hollywood movie with an all-Asian cast in 25 years.

Ken Jeong has become a recognizable face in Hollywood over the past decade — with a long list of roles in comedies like "The Hangover" and "Knocked Up," to a recent Netflix stand-up special and a role in the blockbuster film "Crazy Rich Asians." 

What is less known about Jeong is how he actually transitioned into acting from studying and practicing medicine, and began following his passion by doing stand-up while in medical school. 

Jeong's recent roles in "Crazy Rich Asians" and the ABC sitcom "Fresh Off the Boat" feature all-Asian or majority-Asian casts, and have been credited with redefining the way Asian characters and actors are portrayed in Hollywood. 

Business Insider sat down with Jeong to talk about his transition from being a doctor to a Hollywood actor, his recent roles and representation in Hollywood, his family, and how he's choosing to honor those in the medical field by partnering with Heineken for National First Responders Day.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. 

Isabella Paoletto: Can you talk a little bit about your partnership with Heineken, your role, and why you decided to do it?

Ken Jeong: Yes, I am celebrating First Responders Day, and I used to be a physician, and as a medical professional I know first-hand the importance of first responders. They are the most valuable team [and] part of the healthcare team because if I'm admitting a patient into a hospital, they're the ones taking in the patient to the ER, giving me information, you know, "28 year old male with shortness of breath, pain, coughing," and they're giving me all the necessary tools for me to make the diagnosis — and at the same time they're saving that patient's life. They've stabilized that patient. 

So to me, they have to assess and they have to save, and they never get the credit they deserve. And for me that that's why this cause is near and dear to my heart, because they deserve the most recognition of all of us, and I can't think of a better way to partner up with Heineken 0.0 and just honestly for National First Responders Day, alcohol-free beer, so right call when you're on call.

Paoletto: So, my grandpa actually used to be a doctor and said that he would drink non-alcoholic beer when he was on call. Did you often drink non-alcoholic beer, or have colleagues who did when they were on call?

Jeong: I definitely had colleagues that did, and I think it's a very, very healthy way to decompress when you're on call and you can't drink alcohol, and that's so cool that your grandfather did that. Our campaign represents really your grandfather and what he does —  it's like when you're on call, you want to decompress, but you want to do it, obviously, in a way that that makes sense as the right call when you're on call.

Paoletto: I wanted to talk a little bit about your transition from the medical field into acting. Why did you decide to make that career change?

Jeong: I always had a passion for performing, so even when I was in college. I was pre-med. Yeah, a lot of people don't know this, but I was doing a lot of theater as well and I had gotten bitten by the acting bug in college. I never did any acting in high school or anything like that. I didn't know I even had it in me to perform. So, I was definitely a late bloomer, and I didn't know where I was going to go with this. All I knew was I just had a deep, deep love of performing. I felt like I had an aptitude for it, but more importantly, I had a passion for it.

I had a very complicated life, you know, or at least in my head I did, where I was in medicine, on a medical track, and it was a very, very heavy time because I basically had two loves and two passions and how to reconcile that? The only advice I could give is just don't ever think about the end result. Doesn't matter. There is probably a parallel universe out there where a guy like me is a physician and maybe just doing some stand-up comedy on the side. I was incredibly happy doing that, you know.

Paoletto:I know your wife is also a physician. How does she feel about you working with Heineken for National First Responders Day?

Jeong: Oh yeah, no, I run everything by my wife and she was definitely very much in favor for it, and she saw the campaign and everybody in that like campaign ad, they're all real life first responders. And I surprised these first responders, they didn't know it was me.

So, it was a really cool experience. So to me, my wife's been very supportive of it, and I even showed her the end product as well. We're partners, you know, I could not do this without her. She again is another unsung hero.

Paoletto: You also have two daughters, around 12 years old. Have they seen any of your work? Are there any roles of yours that they hate or love?

Jeong: It's so funny, they love "Community." They love every episode of "Community," and they don't like my character, like when they see my character, it's like they want to fast forward it, and even my daughters actually ask me, "Am I insulting you if you're not my favorite 'Community' character or if we watch episodes that don't feature you?," you know?

I think you bring up a good point, though, if you're a child of an entertainer. Yeah, I know I probably won't make them laugh as much because they're just annoyed by me anyway, so I think you know, familiarity breeds contempt. You know, that's something I heartily accepted. Yeah, that's just part of the deal.

Paoletto:How has the transition to fame been for your family?

Jeong: Well, they can't make eye contact ever, especially in private, you know that. [laughs]. And I have a Fortress of Solitude that I built in the house that's just for me. But other than that, I think my wife has done the most amazing job of just kind of, and I'm on board with this too, that we tell our kids, "Look, I have an odd job, and the job is just slightly different but the principles of life is the same."

Let's say I was still practicing medicine full-time, to me how we are trying to raise our children, raise a family, it's exactly the same. We just, we want them to pursue what they want to do. We want them to be disciplined at what they do, we want them to excel in school, but we also want them to follow their passions, whether it be in academics or in the arts or in athletics, whatever it is. 

I think my legacy as a parent is encouraging my kids to think outside of the box. My whole livelihood is thinking outside the box and not doing something that's typical, and I want my family, I want my kids to embrace their uniqueness, even if it's something no one else does, or no one else thinks you can do.

Paoletto: So, your Netflix standup recently came out and you've been in many great comedies, you know, "The Hangover" and "Pineapple Express." Do you plan on continuing to focus on comedy, or do you see yourself transitioning out of comedy into different types of roles?

Jeong: That's a great question. I would love to do — again I don't think of the end product like, "Oh, I have to do a period piece, or I have to do a drama" — but I would love to do a period piece, and I would love to do a drama. 

I always just try to find a way to maximize whatever opportunity I have before me, but I also, I don't want to limit myself to those things that I haven't done. There might be some things similar to what I've done before that I can find some unique form of joy. So to me, I just want to find a way to just maximize the joy of whatever scenario. Like I never thought in a million years I would do a show like "The Masked Singer," to do a panel show, that's never been in the cards for me, and it's the best decision I ever made. You know, it's my mom's favorite show in Korea because it's based on the Korean show with the same name, and I'm having the most fun, ever, like I'm thoroughly enjoying every second of it. 

What I'm learning as I get older, it's just you know, man, it's just nothing wrong with going with the flow and finding enjoyment and opportunity and happiness there because you'll get it, and you'll get happiness in the most unexpected places.

Paoletto: You've also recently starred in "Crazy Rich Asians" and you've been in "Fresh Off the Boat," which have both done a lot to redefine previous stereotypes of Asian characters in Hollywood. In your personal experience, do you see more representation in the industry? Do you see the roles changing and becoming more diverse for people of color?

Jeong: Well, I think first of all, "Fresh Off the Boat" is one of the most important shows on television for Asian-Americans, and if it wasn't for that show, I wouldn't have my own sitcom, "Dr. Ken," that was on for two years. I created that show, and that was my big mission was to have more representation. 

And then "Crazy Rich Asians," man, that just to me, that may be the most important movie I've ever done because it wasn't about me — it was about my kids' future. It was about, really, the future of Asian Americans in entertainment. And because of that film, you have Awkwafina just crushing it right now. You have Gemma Chan, Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Ronny Chieng, and now even outside the "Crazy Rich Asians" circle, you have Ali Wong, who I think for my money is the best Asian-American comic right now, and she did a movie with one of my best friends, Randall park, for Netflix, "Always Be My Maybe." 

There's more representation than ever, but we still have a long ways to go. I mean, also Bowen Yang of "SNL." He's the first Chinese American cast member. He's a dear friend, and he's my favorite member of "SNL." He's just crushing it right now. He's just so funny, and I I watch the show because of him. So the representation, it is getting better. We still have a long ways to go, but it's getting better and better, and it's exciting.

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• Elizabeth Warren, one of the leading 2020 Democratic presidential candidates, and her husband have a $12 million fortune, according to Forbes.
• Most of the couple's wealth is held in retirement accounts and real estate.
• The Massachusetts senator and her husband own two homes: a house in Cambridge worth about $3 million and an $800,000 condo in Washington, DC.
• In addition to her $174,000 senator's salary, Warren has made hundreds of thousands of dollars from book royalties.
• Prior to becoming a senator in 2013, Warren made her money teaching, writing, consulting, and through investments.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Elizabeth Warren is one of the leading 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.

Warren was ranked No. 1 in Insider's recent "Power Ranking" of who has the best chance of becoming the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee.

The 70-year-old former law professor has been surging across multiple polls in support, favorability, enthusiasm, and perceived electability.

Warren and her husband have an estimated combined net worth of $12 million, according to Forbes. Most of their wealth is held in retirement accounts and real estate. The senator has also brought in hundreds of thousands from book royalties.

A spokesperson for Warren didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read on for an in-depth look at Warren's wealth, assets, real estate, and lifestyle.

SEE ALSO: Here's everything we know about the net worth and personal finances of each 2020 Democratic presidential candidate

DON'T MISS: Bernie Sanders has made more than $1.75 million from book royalties since 2016 — here's what we know about his wealth and assets

Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren is one of the leading 2020 Democratic presidential candidates.

Warren was ranked No. 1 in Insider's recent "Power Ranking" of which candidate has the best chance of becoming the 2020 Democratic presidential nominee.

The 70-year-old former law professor has been surging across multiple polls in support, favorability, enthusiasm, and perceived electability.

Warren raised $24.6 million in fundraising money in the third quarter of 2019 — more than any other Democratic candidate except Bernie Sanders.

Warren's 2017 financial disclosures placed her net worth between $4.6 and $10.6 million, Business Insider previously reported. Today, Forbes estimates her and her husband Bruce Mann's combined net worth to be $12 million.

Their wealth is held mainly in is held mainly in retirement accounts and real estate, according to Forbes. Warren and her husband have TIAA and CREF accounts, which are available for nonprofit employees and teachers, worth at least $4 million. 

The couple also own two homes: one in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and one in Washington, DC.

Source: Business Insider, Forbes

Warren has been married to Bruce Mann, a professor at Harvard Law School, for almost 40 years.

The couple met at an economics and law conference in Florida when they were both 29 years old, according to CNN.

Mann would be the first male presidential spouse if Warren were elected president.

Mann is "unquestionably the quieter half of the couple," according to MJ Lee and Gregory Krieg, who interviewed the couple for CNN.

"I don't want to be married to somebody like me. I want to be married to somebody like him," Warren told CNN. Warren and her first husband, Jim Warren, married when she was 19 and were together for a decade.

The couple's primary residence is a Victorian-style house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that they bought in 1995 for $447,000, per Forbes.

Today, the two-bedroom, 3,728-square-foot house is worth an estimated $3.1 million, according to Zillow. 

The median home value in Cambridge is $804,500.

Warren and her husband live with their golden retriever, Bailey, who is sometimes seen at campaign events.

"We named him after George Bailey, the community banker in 'It's a Wonderful Life' — a guy who was decent, determined, and saw the best in people," Warren wrote on Twitter when they got the dog in 2018.

Warren has two children with her ex-husband.

The couple also owns a two-bedroom condo in Washington, DC, that they bought for $740,000 in 2013.

The 1,400-square-foot apartment is located in Penn Quarter, a historic neighborhood with theaters and museums that borders DC's Chinatown.

The current median home value in the neighborhood is $473,200, according to Zillow.

Before she became a senator in 2013, Warren made money teaching, writing books, and consulting.

Between 2008 and 2018, tax returns show that Warren and her husband earned about $10 million, per Forbes. In those years, Warren made at least $290,000 consulting on legal cases, according to Forbes.

After she became a senator in 2013, Warren stopped her consulting work, but she went on to bring in hundreds of thousands in book royalties.

Warren has published several books, including "The Two-Income Trap" in 2004, "A Fighting Chance" in 2014, and "This Fight Is Our Fight: The Battle to Save America's Middle Class" in 2017.

She has co-authored several other books, including "The Fragile Middle Class: Americans in Debt."

In 2017, Warren and her husband reported an income of $913,000, according to Newsweek.

The salary of a typical US senator is $174,000, and Warren also raked in $430,370 in book royalties. The couple paid paid $302,000 in taxes that year and donated $82,000 to charity.

In 2018, Mann made $400,000 teaching at Harvard, where he's been working since 2006. The average salary for a Harvard Law professor is about $145,000, according to Paysa.

While Warren and her husband are reportedly millionaires, their fortune doesn't come close to placing them among the "ultra-millionaires" the senator plans to tax if she becomes president.

Warren's campaign centers around a proposed "Ultra-Millionaire Tax" that calls for a 2% annual tax on households with a net worth between $50 million and $1 billion and a 3% annual tax on households with a net worth over $1 billion, Business Insider's Taylor Nicole Rogers previously reported.

An Insider poll found that more than half of Americans support Warren's wealth tax proposal, which the senator has said could generate $2.75 trillion in revenue in a decade. 

Compared to other Democratic presidential candidates, Warren's net worth falls on the higher end — but she's far from the richest candidate.

South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg has an estimated net worth of about $100,000. Former tech CEO Andrew Yang is worth about $1 million.

Bernie Sanders and his wife, Jane, are worth an estimated $2.5 million, according to Forbes. Like Warren, the Vermont senator has brought in significant income from writing books. In both 2016 and 2017, he earned more than $1 million, largely from book royalties, financial-disclosure documents show.

Forbes estimates that former vice president Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, are worth $9 million.The Bidens made $15.6 million between 2017 and 2018 from book royalties and paid speaking engagements, according to financial disclosures.

On the upper end of the spectrum, Colorado senator Michael Bennet, worth an estimated $15 million, and former Maryland representative John Delaney, worth an estimated $232 million, are both wealthier than Warren.

The richest of the Democrat hopefuls (by a wide margin) is former hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer, who's worth an estimated $1.6 billion, according to Forbes.

• Give back to the hardworking employees who keep your business running with these 23 corporate gifts.
• They're both thoughtful and useful, and unlike many corporate gifts, they don't look cheap.
• Some of them can be customized with your company's colors and logo, or a personal touch like a monogram.
• Find more gift ideas for everyone in your life here. 

A company is nothing without its employees. Whether you manage a lean team of five out of a coworking space or oversee thousands across offices nationwide, you know that your employees are invaluable to the success of your business — and perhaps you want to thank them beyond simply paying a salary. 

Skip the tired and cheap corporate gifts and surprise your employees this year with these elevated, thoughtful, and useful options instead. Some come from our favorite startups, while others are just a click away on Amazon. Go the extra mile by customizing them with company colors, a logo, or a personal touch that truly shows your appreciation. 

These 23 corporate gifts are sure to wow your employees. 

Need some gift ideas? Check out all of Insider Picks 2019 holiday gift guides.

Gourmet gummies from Sugarfina

Baby Champagne Bears Large Candy Cube, $20, available at Nordstrom

Give your employees a sweet treat they'll remember with a Sugarfina Candy Cube. Packaged thoughtfully in clear acrylic boxes, these candies were made for gifting. 

Nylon tote bags from BAGGU

Nylon Tote Bag, $10, available at Amazon

These waterproof nylon totes hold 50 pounds of stuff, fold down to a fraction of their size to fit in your back pocket, and can be customized to let your employees flaunt where they work. As eco-friendly practices become more than a passing trend, you'll only see more of BAGGU's stylish yet functional bags out on the streets. You can request a custom quote at BAGGU here.

Chocolate covered strawberries from Shari's Berries

Gourmet Drizzled Strawberries, $34.99-$64.99, available at Sharri's Berries

Peak indulgence is a box of strawberries dipped in rich milk, white, or dark chocolate, and maybe even sprinkled with nuts or chocolate chips. Shari's Berries are our favorite chocolate covered strawberries and they might just become your employees' favorite too after they try them. You can request a business gift quote at Shari's Berries here. 

Succulents from Lula's Garden

Live Succulent Plant, $48, available at Amazon

A dash of greenery on their desk or in their room will make them happy — make it low-maintenance and nearly impossible to kill, and they'll be even happier. Choose from single succulents or mini gardens, then customize the rest of the box to create the perfect plant gift. You can learn more about custom gifting at Lula's Garden here.

Wine from Vinebox

Vinebox Transitional Whites, $75, available at Vinebox

Instead of gifting them a bottle of wine you're not sure they'll like, let them personalize the selection themselves. Vinebox takes the intimidation and pressure out by delivering wine flights in unique bottles and helping budding wine enthusiasts discover their favorites. You can learn more about corporate gifting at Vinebox here.

Hatch Idea notebooks

Hatch Ideas Notebook, $25, available at Uncommon Goods

A well-executed idea doesn't happen overnight. Help your employees hatch the next big idea with this cloth-bound notebook that's organized into three sections: Conceive, Incubate, and Hatch. You can submit a corporate order inquiry form at Uncommon Goods here.

Steaks from Omaha Steaks

Tasteful Gift, $79.99 on sale (originally $160.93), available at Omaha Steaks

Omaha Steaks has a long history of delivering some of the best steaks in the country. It offers many different gift combos that feature a mix of steaks, burgers, other meats, and desserts. You can also order custom certificates so your employees can pick and choose their own menu. If this piques your interest, shop custom certificates and gifts, and request an employee gift quote at Omaha Steaks here.

Mini hand sanitizers from Olika

Minnie Hand Sanitizer 6-pack, $36, available at Amazon

These adorable mini hand sanitizers, which have a twist-lock mechanism and contain more than 500 sprays each, are a desk drawer must-have. They combine non-irritating cleansers with natural essential oils like bergamot and spearmint to deliver a soothing, hydrating experience.

Suitcases from Away

The Carry-On, $225, available at Away

Business travel has never looked so cool. With a bag from Away, they'll be organized and stylish as they fly from destination to destination. You don't have to gift a piece of luggage — you can also choose a backpack, garment bag, or simple luggage tag. Submit a corporate gifting form here for orders over 25 units. 

Patterned socks from Happy Socks

Mix Gift Box, $48, available at Happy Socks

Regardless of your office dress code, fun socks will always be appreciated. You'll have difficulty narrowing down the final choice from Happy Socks' large selection of colorful, quirky patterns and prints. Custom designs with the company colors or logo are also available for orders of 6,000 pairs or more. 

Tumblers from YETI

Roadie 20, $200, available at YETI

Whether you're sipping on a hot or cold drink, YETI's stainless steel, double-wall insulated tumblers never fail to keep your beverage at the optimal temperature. Employees can keep them on their desk or bring them along to the trails on their days off. You can fill out a corporate gift form at YETI here.

Cookies and other sweet treats from Milk Bar

The Hallelu-yaahh, $57, available at Milk Bar

Christina Tosi's creative, nostalgia-driven cookies and truffles will win over anyone with even a hint of a sweet tooth. Fan favorites include the anything-goes Compost Cookie and celebratory B'Day Truffles. The gourmet treats may be pricier than average desserts, but one bite will have your recipients immediately hooked. Get 10% off corporate gifts and bulk orders over $1,000 here. 

Leather accessories from Leatherology

Bifold Wallet with Flap, $90, available at Leatherology

Send employees home with a beautiful, full-grain leather accessory like a luggage tag, business card case, or keychain. For an extra special touch, add a debossed monogram or logo. Though leather goods sound like a premium gift that could be out of your budget, Leatherology sells its bags and accessories without the markup, so customers don't have to spend so much for a touch of luxury. You can fill out a corporate gift inquiry form at Leatherology here.

Wine bottle stoppers from Williams-Sonoma

Wine Bottle Stopper, $12.95, available at William Sonoma

Simple, sleek, and practical, a wine bottle stopper makes a handy kitchen tool. These affordable ones from Williams-Sonoma are made from silicone and create an airtight seal to keep wine at its best. To inquire about discounts on business gift orders totaling more than $1000, email businessgifts@wsgc.com or call 800-838-2589. 

Movie gift cards from Fandango

Custom Gift Card, $50-$100, available at Fandago

Everyone loves going to the movies, which is why a Fandango gift card is a no-brainer. You can get bulk discounts for orders over 100 cards so your employees can enjoy the latest summer action movie, surprise indie hit, or highly anticipated animated sequel whenever they want. 

Sunglasses from Sunglass Hut

Polo Ralph Lauren, $175, available at Sunglass Hut

Sunglasses are a common gift or employee freebie, but they're rarely worn because they're plain or cheap. Sunglass Hut offers top brands and stylish options that everyone will actually want to wear. A perk of ordering through Sunglass Hut is that anyone can go to a store to receive a free personalized adjustment if the glasses don't fit well. You can learn about corporate gifting at Sunglass Hut here.

Flowers from The Bouqs Co.

Honey Crisp Arrangement, $49-$79, available at The Bouqs Co.

Valentine's Day and Mother's Day aren't the only occasions where a bouquet of flowers is appropriate. Welcome new employees and remind current ones they're appreciated with The Bouq Co's farm-fresh flowers, which are always arranged and designed beautifully. Business customers can get up to 25% off regular prices. You can learn more about corporate gifting at The Bouqs Co. here.

Phone grips from Popsockets

Rose Gold Aluminum Popsocket, $13, available at Popsocket

Popsockets grips are the small, simple, and affordable phone accessories that your employees will wish you had gifted them earlier. These round buttons stick to the back of their phone and expand whenever they need a grip or a stand. They can take photos, text, and hold their phone without worrying about dropping it, or prop it up to stream content and video chat. You can order custom Popsockets grips here.

Mashable magnet toys from Speks

Speks Original Magnetic Balls, $24.95, available at Amazon

Our team loved these tiny magnet toys a lot more than we expected to. Less obnoxious than fidget spinners, they're immensely satisfying to play with and build with as you work through a problem or concentrate on a task. The set includes 512 rare earth magnetic balls, metal building base, plastic splitter card, 16-page starter guide, and carrying case. 

A warm sweater from Patagonia

Womens Better Sweater 1.25 Zip, $165, available at Amazon

A branded sweater isn't only about flexing the Patagonia name (though that's certainly part of it). Patagonia's sweaters really are top quality, whether you opt for microfleece, polyester fleece, or down for your employees. Especially as cold weather lingers after the holidays, they'll be grateful to have this sweater on hand. You can fill out the corporate sales application form at Patagonia here.

Candles from Otherland

Chandelier Candle, $36, available at Otherland

There are plenty of candles out there, but few quite as giftable as Otherland's. These premium candles are available in many scents to suit the different personalities of your employees, and they look great on any tabletop (office, bedroom, or otherwise). You can email hello@otherland.com to inquire about corporate gifts and place a large order.

Socks from Bombas

Men's Merino Tie Dye Calf Sock 8-Pack, $129.60 on sale (originally $144), available at Bombas

Part of Bombas' appeal, other than the obvious differences in fit and feel, is that it donates a pair of socks to a homeless shelter every time someone buys a pair. This philanthropy doesn't stop if you take part in its corporate gifting program. It can work with your company's current charity partner, or help you find the perfect donation recipient. You can fill out a corporate gifting form at Bombas here.

Bath and body gifts from L'Occitane

Hand Indulgences Hand Cream Trio, $29, available at Nordstrom

From luxurious hand creams that are sold every three seconds around the world to nourishing soaps and shower oils, L'Occitane offers many options to pamper your employees. You can combine multiple products to create mini gift baskets or dish out individual stocking stuffers at the annual holiday party. Email corporategifts@us.loccitane.com to learn more about its corporate gift program.