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• 12/05/19--10:50: _How to move the tas...
• 12/05/19--10:58: _How to delete your ...
• 12/05/19--11:09: _How to mute people ...
• 12/05/19--11:17: _How to find elevati...
• 12/05/19--11:19: _The Obamas reported...
• 12/05/19--11:26: _How to save GIFs to...
• 12/05/19--11:34: _How to convert a Go...
• 12/05/19--11:50: _How to do fractions...
• 12/05/19--11:59: _How to disable Siri...
• 12/05/19--12:05: _How to make a pictu...
• 12/05/19--12:09: _How to go split-scr...
• 12/05/19--12:25: _How to rename a fol...
• 12/05/19--12:49: _53 clever gifts und...
• 12/05/19--12:56: _The internet is roa...
• 12/05/19--13:35: _31 unique yet pract...
• 12/05/19--13:37: _Backcountry's Cyber...
• 12/05/19--13:45: _Goldbelly is a serv...
• 12/05/19--14:16: _54 thoughtful gifts...
• 12/05/19--14:32: _The best Christmas ...
• 12/05/19--14:34: _A couple moved into...

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12/05/19--10:50: How to move the taskbar in Windows 10 to any side of your screen
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• You can move the taskbar on Windows 10 through the "Taskbar Settings" menu.
• You can move the taskbar in Windows 10 to the default bottom, top, right, or left side of the screen.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you activate a brand new Windows 10 device, the Windows taskbar is located by default horizontally at the bottom of your device's screen. The Windows taskbar gives users quick access to their favorite apps. 

What many Windows 10 device owners don't know, however, is that they can actually move the Windows taskbar to the top, left, or right side of the screen. It's a simple process.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Windows 10 Home (From $139.99 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to move a taskbar on Windows 10

1. Turn on your Windows 10 device and log in.

2. Right-click on the taskbar so a drop-down menu opens up. 

3. In the drop-down menu, click "Taskbar settings"  and it will open a new page. 



4. After you open the "Taskbar settings," scroll down until you find "Taskbar locations on-screen."  

5. Click it, and a drop-down menu will display, showcasing the four ways you can move your Windows 10 desktop bar: top, left, right, or bottom.



6. Select which location you want the taskbar to be placed at.



Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to change your background on a Windows 10 device using your settings or a shortcut

• How to invert or change the colors on your Windows computer, to make icons and links easier to see

• How to set a default printer in Windows 10 so that it's easier and quicker to print documents

• How to change the font size on a Windows 10 computer, to make it easier to read text displayed on your screen

• How to change your screensaver on a Windows 10 computer to a custom animation or slideshow

SEE ALSO: The best keyboards you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Most maps of Louisiana aren't entirely right. Here's what the state really looks like.






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12/05/19--10:58: How to delete your drafts on Instagram if you no longer plan to post them
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• You can delete drafts on Instagram if you no longer want to keep them. 
• It's easy to delete multiple drafts at a time — just select all the drafts you want to delete and tap "Discard Posts." 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

One of Instagram's most handy tools for frequent posters is the ability to create drafts.

This becomes incredibly convenient when you need to edit images, write up captions, and prepare future posts.

But once you've created a handful of drafts, you may realize that you no longer want to post some of them to your feed.

To tidy up your drafts and eliminate those you didn't mean to save, you can easily delete one or more at a time. Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From 899.99 at Best Buy)

How to delete drafts on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android phone. 

2. Tap the "+" icon at the bottom center of your screen like you're preparing a new post.

3. If you have saved drafts, you'll see a "Drafts" section at the top of your library above "Recents." Tap "Manage" to the right of "Drafts."



4. A new screen with your drafts will open. Tap "Edit."

5. Tap on the photo(s) or video(s) that you'd like to delete from your drafts. A checkmark in a blue circle will appear in the bottom right corner of your selected content.

6. Tap "Discard Posts" at the bottom of your screen once you've selected all of the drafts you'd like to delete.



7. A message will appear at the bottom of your screen to confirm that you'd like to delete the selected drafts. Tap "Discard Posts" to complete the process.

 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to delete your Instagram account on an iPhone, or temporarily disable it

• How to get your account verified on Instagram using the mobile app

• How to delete or archive Instagram posts from your account

• How to delete a comment on Instagram from your computer or mobile device

• How to delete Instagram private messages, by deleting a conversation or unsending a message

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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12/05/19--11:09: How to mute people on Instagram in 3 different ways
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• You can easily mute someone on Instagram in three different ways. 
• You have the option to mute someone's posts that show up in your feed, their stories, or both.
• Muting comes in handy when you don't want to unfollow someone, but also don't want to see their content.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Whether it be a colleague, family member, or friend, there is likely someone that you're reluctantly following on Instagram.

If you're not a fan of what they post to their feed or in their stories, but don't want to unfollow them at the risk of hurting their feelings, the app provides you with options to mute their content.

Here are three different ways that you can mute someone on Instagram.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to mute people on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android. 

2. Pull up the profile of the person that you'd like to mute by either tapping on their username in your feed or searching for them via the search option — the magnifying glass second from the left at the bottom of your screen  — in the app.

3. Tap the ellipses in the top-right corner of the screen next to their username.



4. A list of options will pop-up at the bottom of your screen. Tap "Mute."

5. Toggle the slider to the right of "Posts," "Stories," or both to mute the person's respective content. When the slider turns blue, you've muted their content.



How to mute someone's posts on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android.

2. Once you've located a post on your feed by the person that you'd like to mute, tap the ellipses to the right of their username.

3. A list of options will pop-up at the bottom of your screen. Tap "Mute."

4. You'll then be able to mute either their posts or both their posts and stories. Tap your preferred option.



How to mute someone's stories on Instagram 

1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android.

2. Once you've located the person that you'd like to mute in the stories bar at the top of your screen, press down on their profile picture and a list of options will pop-up.

3. Tap "Mute."

4. You'll then be able to mute either their stories or both their stories and posts. Tap your preferred option.



 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech: 

• How to share your Instagram Story or your friends' stories using the Instagram app

• How to make your Instagram public using your phone or computer, so anyone can see your photos and stories

• How to video chat on Instagram with up to 6 people through the direct-messaging feature

• How to put lyrics on your Instagram story along with a snippet of a song

• How to change your profile picture on Instagram using the mobile app or website

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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12/05/19--11:17: How to find elevation on Google Maps on your computer or mobile device
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• You can find your elevation on Google Maps by turning on the "Terrain" function.
• However, Google Maps doesn't show elevation by default, and only shows elevation in mountainous areas — it doesn't report elevation everywhere, especially in cities or other areas that lack naturally elevated grounds.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Google Maps has revolutionized how people get from point A to point B, and even how they discover new locations. Included in Google Maps' wide variety of features are options to see terrain and elevation, allowing people in mountainous regions to have a better feel for the altitude of the area they're exploring. 

Users can turn on the Google Maps terrain feature using a desktop or mobile device. Note that Google Maps does not report elevation for all areas — only naturally mountainous land will have an elevation option.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to find elevation on Google Maps in a web browser

1. Type https://www.google.com/maps into your web browser on a Mac or PC.

2. Type your location into the search bar on the left side. You can either type in a specific address, or a more general location.



3. Click the "Menu" bar, which is next to the search bar and is represented by the three horizontal lines in the top-left.



4. Hit "Terrain" to show topography and elevation. Make sure that "View topography and elevation" is turned on in the "Terrain" slider at the bottom of the map. Toggle it on by clicking on the slider, which will turn blue when on.



5. Zoom into the area on the map where you want to see the elevation by clicking the "+" sign in the bottom-right corner of the screen. The numbers will appear as you get closer. If you zoom in too far, the contour and elevation lines will disappear.

How to find elevation on Google Maps on a mobile device

1. Open the Google Maps app or type https://www.google.com/maps into a web browser. Type your location into the search bar.

2. On the app, tap the "Map" icon at the top right and select Terrain under "Map type." In a web browser, click the "Menu" bar, the three horizontal lines in the top-left, and select Terrain.



3. In the app, close out of the menu by hitting the gray "X" at the top-right.



4. Elevation lines will appear as you zoom in and out. Note that the numbers may be faint, as they are written into the contours of the map.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to create a map in Google Maps using My Maps, to save and share it for custom routes or directions

• How to avoid highways on Google Maps for your directions on desktop or mobile

• How to share your location on a Samsung Galaxy S10 in 2 ways

• How to update Google Maps on your iPhone or Android phone, to get the latest features and security updates

• How to go 'back in time' in Google Earth using its historical imagery feature, and see locations many years in the past

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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12/05/19--11:19: The Obamas reportedly just bought a $12 million house on Martha's Vineyard. Take a look inside the 7-bedroom waterfront mansion.
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• Barack and Michelle Obama just dropped $11.75 million on a house on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Julia Wells reported for The Vineyard Gazette.
• The 7-bedroom home spans almost 7,000 feet and sits on 29 waterfront acres, according to the listing.
• It comes with an outdoor swimming pool, sun decks and balconies, a boathouse, and private beachfront.
• The home was originally asking $14.85 million.
• The former first family has spent summer vacations on Martha's Vineyard, which is a popular summer destination for the wealthy.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Barack and Michelle Obama just dropped $11.75 million on a house on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts, Julia Wells reported for The Vineyard Gazette.

Martha's Vineyard is an affluent vacation destination where the Obama family has previously spent summer vacations.Rumors have swirled about the family possibly buying a home there since the former president left office.

The former first family reportedly bought the home through a nominee trust from sellers Wycliffe Grousbeck, who owns the Boston Celtics, and Corinne Basler Grousbeck, according to the Gazette. 

The 7-bedroom home spans almost 7,000 square feet and sits on 29 waterfront acres overlooking Edgartown Great Pond, according to the listing. The asking price was $14.85 million.

The listing agents, Gerret Conover and Thomas LeClair of LandVest Martha's Vineyard, declined to comment on the details of the sale. Ronald Rappaport, the attorney for the buyers, according to the Gazette, didn't immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.

Take a look inside the sprawling Martha's Vineyard home.

SEE ALSO: The Obamas are worth 30 times more than when they entered the White House in 2008 — here's how they spend their millions.

DON'T MISS: The Martha's Vineyard estate that Jackie Kennedy bought for $1 million in 1979 just hit the market for $65 million — here's a look inside the property

Barack and Michelle Obama reportedly just spent $11.75 million on a house on Martha's Vineyard, an affluent vacation island in Massachusetts.



The family bought the home through a nominee trust from Wycliffe Grousbeck, the owner of the Boston Celtics, and Corinne Basler Grousbeck, the Vineyard Gazette reported.

The Obamas have spent several summer vacations on Martha's Vineyard, and rumors have swirled for years that they were contemplating buying a home there.





The nearly 7,000-square-foot home sits on 29 waterfront acres overlooking Edgartown Great Pond.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





The home has seven bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





It comes with a modern chef's kitchen ...



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





... and a circular formal dining room with a wall of windows overlooking the grounds.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





The interior is decorated in neutral tones with natural wood accents.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





The living room features vaulted ceilings with exposed steel beams and a stone fireplace as the focal point.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





And there are several other seating and entertainment spaces throughout the home.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





The master bedroom features high ceilings and glass doors that open up to the outdoors.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





Listing photos show a minimalist bathroom with glossy white subway tiles.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





One of the bedrooms is set up with bunk beds for children or multiple guests.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





The home comes with multiple decks and balconies for sun bathing.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





The property comes with a boathouse and private beachfront.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





There's also an outdoor swimming pool, as well as a hot tub on a second-floor balcony.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





Next to the pool is an al fresco dining area shaded with trees and greenery.



There's also an outdoor screened porch with an outdoor fireplace.

Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard





The home also comes with a two-car garage.



Source: LandVest Martha's Vineyard








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12/05/19--11:26: How to save GIFs to your Samsung Galaxy S10 from a web browser
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• You can easily save GIFs on your Samsung Galaxy S10.
• The Galaxy S10 allows you to save GIFs from your web browser to your phone's storage.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Have you ever found a GIF that perfectly encapsulates your feelings or reactions, and wanted to share it with friends, but didn't know how? 

As it happens, you can save GIFs from your web browser directly to your Samsung Galaxy S10 phone, allowing you to share them to your heart's content. 

Here's how to save GIFs from the web to your Galaxy S10.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $899.99 at Best Buy)

How to save GIFs on your Samsung Galaxy S10 from a web browser

1. On your Samsung Galaxy S10 phone, open the app on your preferred web browser. For the purposes of this guide, we'll be using Google Chrome.

2. In the search bar, type a few keywords related to the GIF you want, and then tap "Go."

3. If the GIF you want to save doesn't appear in the first few images, tap "Images" in your browser and peruse the selection until you find the GIF you want. 



4. Once you've found the GIF you want to save, tap and hold your finger on the GIF until a menu pops up.

5. Tap on "Download image." 



The GIF should then be saved on your phone, in either the Gallery folder or the Downloads folder. You can access the GIF from there.

 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to dial international numbers on your Samsung Galaxy S10

• How to delete photo albums from your Samsung Galaxy S10 in 4 simple steps, to get rid of many photos at once

• How to crop a video on your Samsung Galaxy S10 using a free third-party app

• How to combine videos on your Samsung Galaxy S10 and add or edit transition effects

• How to change the font on your Samsung Galaxy S10 and customize its size and style

SEE ALSO: We compared Samsung's Galaxy S10 and the Galaxy S10+ to determine which phone you should buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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12/05/19--11:34: How to convert a Google Doc to a PDF on your Mac or PC
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• You can convert a Google Doc to PDF by exporting it from the Google Docs website. 
• Google Docs allows you to export documents in multiple formats.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Whether you're signing a contract, finishing an essay for school, or sending off a work report, what file your document needs to be in will vary depending on the occasion. While most times, a Google Doc or Word doc are acceptable, other times you'll want or need a PDF. 

PDF files are not only universally compatible and more portable than other file types, they're also more secure as they can be password protected and aren't as easily edited.

If you've created a Google Doc and want to convert it to PDF, doing so is quick and easy and only takes a few seconds. Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Macbook Pro (From $1,299 at Best Buy)

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 (From $999 at Best Buy)

How to convert a Google Doc to PDF

1. Go to the Google Docs website on your Mac or PC and ensure you're logged into your Google account. 

2. Click on the document you wish to convert to open it. 

3. In the upper-left hand corner of the screen, click on "File." 



4. Scroll down to the "Download" menu, then from the file types listed click on "PDF Document (.pdf)."



5. Your PDF document will then be downloaded to the default download location on your computer and be ready to use. 

It should be noted that should you lose your original Google Doc, but want to edit your PDF, you can always re-upload it to your Google Drive and convert it back to Google Doc format simply by opening it in Google Docs.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to search for a specific word or phrase in a PDF on your Mac using the Preview app

• How to convert a JPG file to a PDF on a Windows 10 computer using the default Photos app

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• How to reduce the file size of a PDF document on a Mac computer in 4 simple steps

• How to convert a JPG image to a PDF document on your Mac computer using the Preview app

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Apple just released iOS 13.2 with 60 new emoji and emoji variations. Here's how everyday people submit their own emoji.






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12/05/19--11:50: How to do fractions on your iPhone calculator in 2 basic ways
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• You can do fractions on your iPhone calculator using two different methods. 
• When you turn your iPhone calculator sideways — switching it to a scientific-calculator layout — you'll be able to use more functions, such as the 1/x button to divide fraction values. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you hold your iPhone upright in the standard portrait mode while using the built-in Calculator app, you will have the ability to execute basic mathematical equations like addition, subtraction, and the like.

However, you can enhance the type of mathematical equations you're able to conduct by tilting your iPhone's Calculator sideways to access a scientific-calculator layout in landscape mode, allowing you to perform mathematical formulas like fractions or square roots.  

Here's how to do it. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to do fractions on your iPhone calculator

1. Launch the Calculator app located on your iPhone.

2. Once the application is launched, turn your iPhone sideways to place it in landscape mode. There will be additional functions located on the left side of the screen that will appear. 



3. When you are ready to compute fractions, input the number you wish to convert into a fraction. Then, you can press the 1/x button to put that number in the denominator (the numerator will be 1), and get your fraction value. 



4. You can calculate the value of a fraction that does not have 1 in the numerator using the division button. Specifically, the formula can be done by entering your numerator value, pressing the division key, and then inputting the denominator value. When you press the equal (=) button, you'll get your fraction value.

 

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• iOS 13 has a new feature that limits the data usage on your iPhone — here's how to use Low Data Mode

• iOS 13 changed the method for deleting apps on an iPhone — here's how to do it

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12/05/19--11:59: How to disable Siri on your Mac computer through System Preferences
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• You can disable Siri on your Mac through your System Preferences.
• Siri is Apple's virtual assistant and is available on nearly all Apple devices, including Mac computers. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple launched its virtual assistant Siri in 2010, first as a stand-alone app for iOS, but it's also now accessible via the menu bar or touchpad on Mac computers. 

Siri can help with a handful of tasks ranging from composing messages, searching the web, playing music, and organizing calendars. According to Apple, Siri works best with the latest version of macOS, which is currently macOS Catalina.

However, if Siri's infamous chime has become more of a burden than a benefit for you during your workflow, follow the steps below to disable the feature on your Mac computer. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

MacBook Pro (From $1,299.99 at Best Buy)

How to disable Siri on your Mac computer

1. Launch System Preferences from your dock or menu bar. 

2. Find and select "Siri" in the bottom row of the menu.  



3. On the left, under "Siri," deselect the check from "Enable Ask Siri" — this will turn off Siri completely. 



You will be unable to access Siri from the menu bar or touch bar unless you enable Siri once again by going to System Preferences, then Siri, and checking "Enable Ask Siri" again. 



 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to disable the trackpad on your Mac computer in 2 different ways

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• How to change the cursor size on a Mac computer in 3 steps

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12/05/19--12:05: How to make a picture fit as a wallpaper on your iPhone
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• You can make any picture fit the wallpaper on your iPhone by customizing your phone's (or the photo's) display.
• If you can't zoom the photo all the way in, turn off "Perspective Zoom" in the Settings app.
• You can also take a screenshot of a photo zoomed all the way out if you want to use the entire photo, but don't mind having black bars at the top and bottom of the screen.   
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Apple makes it easy to display your favorite photos on your iPhone as "wallpaper" — the background image on which your phone's icons and other controls rest. 

You can set a custom wallpaper on the lock screen and the home screen (also known as the app screen, where you find all the icons for your installed apps). 

You might find, though, that the picture you want to use doesn't perfectly fit the screen. There are ways to fix that. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to make a picture fit the wallpaper on your iPhone

1. Start the Settings app and tap "Wallpaper."



2. Tap "Choose a new wallpaper."



3. On the "Choose" screen, pick the image you want to use.

4. Now pinch and expand your fingers to zoom in or out on the image and position it where you want to place it on the screen. 

5. If you are having trouble including the edges of the photo, it's because Perspective Zoom is turned on, so the iPhone needs to zoom in on the photo, leaving a bit extra of the photo outside the edges to enable the perspective effect. Disable it by tapping the "Perspective Zoom" button at the bottom of the screen.



6. Tap "Set" and choose if you want to save it as your Lock Screen, Home Screen, or both. 

How to make an entire picture fit the wallpaper on your iPhone (with black bars at the top and bottom)

If you want to include all of a photo, but your iPhone won't let you do so because the photo isn't tall enough, there's a trick to work around this limitation.

The problem is that your iPhone won't let you include blank space in a wallpaper — the selected photo must cover the screen, edge-to-edge, in every direction. But you can cheat by taking a screenshot of the photo in your iPhone's Photos app, which adds black bars to the empty spaces.

1. Open the photo you want to use in the Photos app.

2. Make sure you are zoomed in so the entire photo is visible.

3. Tap the photo so the background turns black. 

4. Take a screenshot of the photo. 

5. Start the Settings app and tap "Wallpaper." Tap "Choose a new wallpaper" and select the screenshot of your photo. You'll be able to include the entire photo from side to side, with black bars at the top and bottom. 



Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• 'What is Google Authenticator?': How to set up Google's two-step verification software to secure all of your Google apps

• How to put lyrics on your Instagram story along with a snippet of a song

• How to change your profile picture on Instagram using the mobile app or website

• How to put a link in your Instagram bio on desktop or mobile

• How to easily change your email address on Instagram on desktop or mobile

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

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12/05/19--12:09: How to go split-screen on a Chromebook in 4 simple steps, and view two windows at once
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• It's easy to go split-screen on your Chromebook to view two windows at the same time. 
• To use the split-screen feature, all you'll need to do is open your apps and drag them to the corresponding halves of the screen — the computer will take care of the window resizing for you.
• Here's how to use the split-screen feature on your Chromebook.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

A split-screen setup can help you get more work done on a computer, and might be an easier format if you find yourself switching back and forth between windows and apps all day long. 

On a Chromebook, it's really easy to set up, and when done correctly, the computer will do the window resizing for you.

Here's what you'll need to do:

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

HP Chromebook (from $249 at Best Buy)

How to go split-screen on a Chromebook

1. Open your first app and click the window size reducer button in the top-right corner of the window.



2. Drag the window to either side of the screen — you'll see a vertical line pop-up in the center of the screen, at which point you should release the window so it can automatically fit into that half of the screen.



3. Open your second app and click the window size-reducer button in the top-right corner.

4. Drag the window into the other side of the screen and release when you see that side of the screen gray out.



You can always go back to the typical window configuration by clicking the window-expand button in the top-right corner of either app window.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to screen record on your Chromebook using a Chrome extension

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• 'Do Chromebooks have Bluetooth?': Most Chromebooks do — here's how to connect your device in 4 simple steps

SEE ALSO: The best budget laptops

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12/05/19--12:25: How to rename a folder on your Mac computer, or rename multiple folders at once
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• It's easy to rename a folder on your Mac computer.
• You can rename a single folder or a set of folders at once in a few simple steps.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

When you create a new folder, you don't always get the name right the first time.

Sometimes project names change or the way you refer to a project or client changes.

Fortunately, you can always rename one or more folders on your Mac computer with a couple of clicks.

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Macbook Pro (From $1,299 at Best Buy)

How to rename a folder on a Mac

Renaming a folder is very simple and there are two ways to do so.

1. Navigate to the folder you want to rename. If it's not near the top of your Finder window, type the name into the search field in the window. 

• Pro tip: if you know all or part of the exact name of your folder, your search will return fewer and more relevant results if you select Name Matches in the box that drops down after you type in your search terms.



2. Click on the folder you want to rename. Then left-click once more, with your cursor over the name. Don't double-click – that will open the folder.



3. The full name of the folder is automatically highlighted. Start typing to completely write over the folder name. Or you can click to highlight a word or words you want to replace in the folder name. 



4. Alternatively, you can also right-click on the folder you want to rename, to pull up a drop-down menu. This can be useful if you're having trouble clicking into the name field.

5. In the drop-down menu, choose Rename and type in the new name.



6. When you are done, simply hit enter.

How to rename multiple folders on a Mac

You can also rename multiple folders at once on your Mac. You might want to do this if a name that's used in multiple folders changes.

For example, your client Johnson LLC might merge with Wilson Inc to form The Wil-John Company. Rather than laboriously renaming all your Johnson folders, you can use this technique to make them Wil-John all at once.

1. As in the first example, find the folders you want to rename. 

2. Highlight all the folders you want to rename. To do this, click once to highlight the first folder, hold down the shift key, and click once on the last folder in the sequence. If you want to change the name of non-sequential folders, hold the command key while you click once on each folder you want to rename.



3. Right click on your highlighted folders. The drop-down menu will include an option to Rename [number] items. In this example, we are renaming 5 items at once.



4. A box will pop up to allow you to replace text. Type the text you want to replace in the "Find" field and the replacement text in the "Replace with" field. In this example, we replaced Test Folder with Renamed Folder, while leaving the serial numbers in the folder names.



5. Click rename. All your folders now have new names.

6. You can also add text to multiple folders at once. Click the Replace Text box above the Find field and choose Add Text. Click on the last column on the right to choose between adding text after or before the existing folder name. 



7. Click Rename when finish composing the new folder name. Be sure to add a space before or after the new text to avoid it from colliding with the existing folder name.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

• How to delete your frequently visited Safari sites on a Mac computer in 2 different ways

• How to turn off autocorrect on your Mac computer in 4 steps

• How to delete pages from a PDF on your Mac computer, or add pages in 2 ways

• How to convert a PNG image file to JPG on a Mac computer using the Preview app

• How to block emails from certain senders on your Mac computer using the Mail app

SEE ALSO: The best MacBooks you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Apple just released iOS 13.2 with 60 new emoji and emoji variations. Here's how everyday people submit their own emoji.






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12/05/19--12:49: 53 clever gifts under $25 that won't end up getting regifted
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• Just because you paid a cheap price for a gift doesn't mean the gift itself has to be cheap.
• Below, we've rounded up 53 thoughtful and fun gifts under $25 that will do the trick, from a mini waffle iron to a set of sheet masks and hand cream for at-home spa nights. 
• If your budget changes, here are our guides to gifts under $50 and gifts under $100. Check out all of our 2019 holiday gift guides here.

The elements of a good present — being thoughtful, useful, or novel — aren't restricted to a big budget. And most people on your holiday gifting list don't expect (or necessarily want) a big gesture. 

But the best gifts under $20 are hidden in a minefield of totally expendable knickknacks. To combat that, we've raked the internet and curated 53 of the best under-$25 gifts below for you to browse. All of them are things we have or would gladly buy and use in our daily lives.

The top 5 best gifts under $25:

1. Their new favorite pair of socks from Bombas
2. A Tile Mate to help them find lost belongings
3. A pair of super soft, festive holiday underwear from MeUndies
4. A wide-mouth Hydro Flask water bottle
5. A scratch-off donation card from LottoLove

Check out all 53 gifts under $25: 

A cult-favorite clay mask that basically vacuums out pores



Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask, available on Target, $7.99

The Aztec Clay Mask has been called "the world's most powerful facial" and it's also under $10. It can be mixed with water, but it works best with a little bit of apple cider vinegar. You can read a full review here.





Reusable straws that fold up on the go



Food52 Reusable Straw Set, available on Food52, $25

Food52's reusable straw sets come in a pretty color palette, and each pack includes carrying cases and cleaning squeegees. They can toss one set in their bag, leave one at work, and keep one in the car. 

 





A holiday box filled with bourbon- and beer-inspired soaps



Duke Cannon Jingle Booze Holiday Classics Gift Set, available on Target, $14.99

Duke Cannon is a men's grooming company that donates 5% of its net profits to causes that benefit veterans and active-duty military, and the "Jingle Booze" box contains three giant soap bars with scents like American Bourbon from Kentucky and Fresh Squeezed IPA from Oregon. Find a review of the brand's products here. 





A holiday shave set from a popular startup



Holiday Shave Set, available at Flamingo, $16

Flamingo is the women's brand of Harry's, and it's got the same M.O.: to make better hair removal products for a reasonable amount of money, and to present them in a way that makes them feel special. Its Holiday Shave Set comes in an iridescent pouch with a razor and two blade cartridges, luxe foaming shave gel, a shower hook, and a blank holiday card. 





A mini griddle that makes individual servings of breakfast foods



Dash Mini Maker: The Mini Waffle Maker Machine, available on Amazon, $9.99

This tiny waffle maker is perfect for single-serving breakfasts, or for meal prep (just freeze your waffles ahead of time). It's compact for confined spaces, heats up in a few minutes, and has a non-stick surface that's easy to clean.





Their new favorite pair of socks



Women's Fair Isle Calf Socks, available at Bombas, $12 (originally $15)

Men's Fair Isle Calf Socks, available at Bombas, $12 (originally $15)

Bombas are one gift we find ourselves giving friends and family every year. They're the best socks we've ever tried, and they're a little more expensive than someone is likely to spend on sock themselves, making them a great gift. The site is 20% off through December 5 with the code "HOLIDAY20" at checkout.  

 





A lifetime REI membership



REI Membership, available on REI, $20

Perfect for the outdoorsy types, an REI membership offers a lifetime of benefits for a one-time purchase. That includes 10%-back dividends, special offers, access to in-store REI Garage sales, and special pricing on REI classes and events. Find out more here.





Silicone gloves that keep the other half of the avocado fresh



Avocado Huggers, Set of 2, available on Uncommon Goods, $7.95

These little silicone cups hug the remaining half of an avocado to keep it fresh in the fridge. 

 





A healthy, happy houseplant



Maranta Plant, available on The Sill, from $14

Order them a houseplant for under $20 with The Sill. If you choose one of the company's chic potters, the cost is closer to $30 for small plants. 

 





A milk frother that brings the taste of a cafe closer to home



PowerLix Milk Frother, available on Amazon, $11.67

A milk frother is an unexpectedly convenient tool to have around the house, and it can make a frothy latte or cappucino that's closer to what you'd buy at the cafe.





Smart outlet plugs that let you turn devices on or off from anywhere



Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini, available on Amazon, $22.99

A small but convenient gift, smart wifi plugs let the owner turn their electronics on or off from anywhere with their smartphone thanks to the Kasa app. If they have a smart home gadget, they can use the voice assistant to turn things on and off as well. In the Kasa app, they can also set schedules and "scenes" for controlling many devices with one button. 





A cheeky soap-bar stocking stuffer that smells like pine



Duke Cannon Bar Soap in Pine, available on Target, $4.99

If you're not up for an entire holiday box of soap, you can gift a cheeky limited-edition stocking stuffer from Duke Cannon that smells like an "Illegally Cut Pine."





A bauble filled with silk hair ties



Slipsilk Hair Tie Holiday Bauble, available on Net-A-Porter, $25

Silk is often used in products like headbands and pillowcases to reduce friction and breakage of hair, and these four hair ties serve the same purpose. Designed to keep hair from catching, crimping, and pulling, these hair ties are gentle on strands and around the wrist. Plus, this set comes in an ornament-like bauble.





A popular skin-care product that combats blemishes overnight



Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, available on Amazon, $14.45

Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion has acheived just as much cult status over the years as the company's famous facial sprays. It targets pimples with a cocktail of acne-fighting ingredients while you sleep, and it's one product we use daily in our own lives. 

 

 





A Disney+ subscription



Subscribe for $6.99/month or $69.99/year

It gives you unlimited access to movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox, and costs just $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year after a free seven-day trial. Read everything there is to know about Disney+ over here.

And if you need some binge-spiration, here are all the new movies available to stream.





An approachable cookbook that's caused a lot of buzz this year



"Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over" by Alison Roman, available on Amazon, $19.50

This is the cookbook to beeline it to if your recipient loves to host friends for dinner.

Author Alison Roman shuns mild-mannered foods and favors crunchy, citrusy, smoky, and otherwise bold flavors. Expect how-tos for a DIY martini bar, coconut-braised chicken and chickpeas, and pans of lemony turmeric tea cake. 

If this isn't the right fit, check out other great options here. 

 





Tickets to an event you know they'll appreciate



Live concert and game tickets, available on Stubhub, from $15 per person

Is there a good concert, play, or game coming up in the next few months you think they'd love? It doesn't have to be expensive to be impactful. Grab tickets and make a night of it — or, if you live far away, make sure they get to go with a friend or two.

 





A cold brew coffee tool that makes a quart of liquid



Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker, available on Amazon, $16.99

This cold brew maker is as inexpensive as it is convenient, and it saves me hundreds of dollars per year on iced coffee. It easily fits into most refrigerator doors, is simple to use, and makes a good amount of cold brew at once. If they need more than one quart, there's also a two-quart option.





A spray that protects your shoes from stains



Jason Markk Repel Spray, available on Amazon, $16.98

This Jason Markk spray repels water and oil to keep your shoes free of stains and water spots. It's water-based, so it's okay to use on a variety of materials — from suede to nubuck leather to canvas and others. It sprays a fine mist that covers large areas both quickly and evenly. 





Soft, cozy underwear that comes in holiday patterns



MeUndies Holiday Boxers, available on MeUndies, $24

MeUndies makes some of the most comfortable underwear and loungewear for men and women that we've found at Insider Picks. And, beyond that, we love their festive patterns.

Because they're pricier than most people are willing to pay for their own underwear, these make a great and surprisingly luxurious gift. 





Coasters made from reclaimed vinyl records



Upcycled Record Coasters, available on Uncommon Goods, $18

These upcycled coasters are made from reclaimed vinyl records and sealed against moisture. Each set includes a variety of music genres. 





A thermos that keeps drinks hot for up to six hours straight



Hydro Flask 16-Ounce Wide Mouth Coffee Thermos, available on Hydro Flask, $18.71

Hydro flask's cult-favorite thermos keeps hot drinks hot for up to six hours, and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. 





Playing cards that pay homage to musical giants



Genius Music Playing Cards, available on Amazon, $9.89

Two jokers (Björk and David Bowie) and 52 playing cards featuring music's greatest legends — from Madonna and Prince to Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Amy Winehouse — make up a fun pack of cards.





Fast-absorbing, moisturizing hand sanitizer



Touchland Hand Sanitizer, available on Touchland and Amazon, from $15.95

Touchland makes hand sanitizers that aren't sticky or drying. We like them because they're fast-evaporating, moisturizing, and effective. 





An eco-friendly utensil set for eating on the go



United by Blue Utensil Kit, available on United by Blue, $18 on sale (originally $24) [you save $6]

Perfect for eating on the go or at a campsite, this utensil kit comes with two stainless steel straws, one silicone straw tip, one straw cleaner, one stainless steel spork, and one pair of stainless steel chopsticks.

United by Blue is an eco-friendly outdoors retailer, and the carrier is made from 100% recycled polyester ripstop with a water-resistant finish. 

 





A protective case for your airpods



Incase Airpods Case, available on Incase, $29.95

Incase probably makes either your laptop case or phone case, but they also have covers for your AirPods. It's lightweight, adds another layer of protection, and keeps your charging case from getting scuffed or scratched. 





A cult-favorite $15 cast iron skillet



Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, available on Amazon, $13.99

This affordable 10.25-inch cast iron skillet is another wunderkind plucked from the depths of Amazon. It has over 12,400 five-star reviews, and Lodge has been making cast iron cookware since 1896, so they've learned a thing or two about what makes it great. 





A membership to unlimited reading



Scribd Membership, available on Scribd, $8.99/month

Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of thousands of books, audiobooks, and magazines for less than $10 a month with Scribd. (Or $13 per month for access to Scribd and the New York Times). If they aren't a bibliophile already, Scribd will make them one. 





A cult-favorite fidget toy



Speks Classic Magnet Balls, available on Speks, $24.95

Speks are one of our all-time favorite fidget accessories. They're tiny magnetic balls that you can break apart, reconfigure, and otherwise mold, mash, and build with. They help us divert just enough energy to remain productive throughout the day. 





Spicy, fragrant cinnamon sticks



Williams Sonoma Cinnamon Sticks, available on Williams Sonoma, $15.95

Are they a whiz in the kitchen, or a big fan of apple cider? Switch it up with these elevated cinnamon sticks. They're made with Korintje cinnamon renown for its intense spicy flavor and curled "quills" of dried evergreen bark that hails from the volcanic soil on the slopes of Mt. Korintje. They'll be on the receiving end of a delicious convergence of spice and fragrant essential oils. 





Spiral hair ties that don't leave kinks in their hair



Invisibobble Hair Elastic Set, available on Ulta, $14

Inivisibobble makes popular spiral hair ties that apply even pressure to a ponytail, providing a strong but comfortable hold. This set comes with six hair ties in two limited-edition colorways.





Chip-resistant, vegan nail polish that comes in over 40 colors



Smith and Cult Nail Polish, available on Smith and Cult, $18

Smith & Cult's rich, chip-resistant nail polish comes in 46 colors and the kind of beautiful bottle you leave out on the vanity because it's just that nice to look at. The formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and don't have potentially harmful ingredients like formaldehyde or camphor,  among others.

 





An advent calendar of 24 herbal teas



Pukka Advent Calendar, available on Amazon, $9.99

This pack of 24 tea bags in different varieties supplies a full month of daily spontaneity and self-care. According to Pukka Herbs, all its teas and supplements are ethically and sustainably sourced. 





Charitable lottery tickets that donate money to a deserving organization



Scratch-off Donation Card, available on LottoLove from $5

When you scratch off a card from LottoLove, you won't win any money. Instead, you "win" a charitable prize that's donated to someone in need. There are four possible prizes, which help provide clean water, solar light, nutritious meals, or literacy tools. To date, LottoLove and its charitable partners have impacted lives in over 60 countries.





A set of travel-friendly perfumes



Pinrose Good Intentions Sampler Kit, available on Sephora, $25

Perfume is often expensive, and scent is very personal, but samples let the wearer live with the scent for a few days before committing. Pinrose's Good Intentions Sampler Kit makes that possible, with eight mini bottles of its signature scents. They can find their favorite and keep the others for travel. 





Lip gloss that's moisturizing and not sticky



Tower 28 Beauty ShineOn Jelly Lip Gloss, available on Sephora, $14

Tower 28 makes soft lip glosses with subtle color and a non-sticky, moisturizing formula with ingredients like raspberry seed oil and rosehip oil. Pick it up in four colors. 





A set of glasses that have a how-to diagram for Bloody Marys



Bloody Mary Diagram Glassware, Set of 2, available on Uncommon Goods, $25

These cute Bloody Mary glasses make a playful science out a truly perfect spicy and savory Bloody Mary. 





Reusable beeswax sandwich wraps



Beeswax Reusable Sandwich Wrap, available on Uncommon Goods, $11

Beeswax Sandwich Wrap is made from cotton infused with beeswax and natural oils. It acts as an eco-friendly substitute to plastic sandwich bags, and which can be reused over and over and over again.





A hair towel that cuts down on drying time by as much as 50%



Aquis Original Microfiber Hair Turban, available on Amazon, $17.84

Aquis' cult-favorite hair towels have inspired a slew of rave reviews online, including one from our own team of product reviewers.

The towels are made from a proprietary fabric called Aquitex that's composed of ultra-fine fibers (finer than silk) that work to reduce the amount of friction that hair experiences while in its weakest state. Plus, it speeds up drying time by as much as 50%.





Festive syrups that are perfect for cocoa, coffee, or cocktails



Monin Mini Coffee Syrup, available on Amazon, $20.49

Did anyone — anyone at all — say cocktails? Monin's holiday cheer collection has everything needed for festive drinks, be they cocktails, cocoas, lattes, mochas, or ciders. It includes five syrups ranging in flavors from gingerbread cookies with a hint of cinnamon to toasted campfire treats. Plus, Monin has a recycling initiative that works to improve the health of bee populations. 





A smart chip that helps you find items you've lost



Tile Mate, available on Amazon, $18.49

How nice would it be if every time you lost something, you could find it within a few minutes? Use your smartphone to make the Tile Mate ring aloud, and you'll be able to locate your keys or wallet using the sound. 





Lavendar lotions and masks that help you relax



Tony Moly I'm Lavender Cracker Box Set, available on Macy's, $14

This Tony Moly Lavender set is made to soothe irritated skin and bring about instant relaxation. The set is comprised of two sheet masks, a sleeping mask, and hand cream. 





A popular lip mask that creates a protective seal to lock in moisture overnight



Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, available on Sephora, $20

Laneige's hyper-successful Lip Sleeping Mask uses a combination of vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, minerals, antioxidants, and fruit extracts to form a protective layer over the lips to lock in moisture overnight. It has over 7,000 ratings on Sephora, and an average rating of 4.5-stars out of five. 





A reusable shopping bag that comes in tons of fun colors



Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag, available on Amazon, $12

Baggu bags are popular for a reason — they come in tons of fun prints and can fold down to pretty much nothing even though they can hold 50 pounds of stuff. 





A slip-resistant armband to keep their phone in place on a run



Tribe Cell Phone Armband, available on Amazon, from $9.33

If you're going to buy an armband for a runner, you're probably going to wind up buying this version from Tribe. It has over 18,000 reviews on Amazon (with a 4.2-star rating overall) and, while it's not the most perfect out there, it's frequently recommended for its water-resistant and no-slip design. 





Knee-high socks from one of the best loungewear companies online



Tommy John Knee High Casual Sock, available on Tommy John, $18

Tommy John is another company responsible for some of the very best loungewear and underwear on the internet. Their knee-length socks have light compression to support blood flow, and the "comfort cuff" design means you should be able to peel them off without finding marks left over. 





An adjustable phone stand for their desk, dinner table, or kitchen counter



Lamicall Adjustable Cell Phone Stand, available on Amazon, from $10.99

Whether they use it as a desk accessory or to prop up their YouTube search for "how to chop onions" while they cook at home, a lightweight, adjustable phone stand comes in handy more often than you'd expect. 





One of the best new books of the year



"The Night Tiger: A Novel" by Yangsze Choo, available on Amazon, $13.49

If you're looking for a good book to gift, look no further than the reading lists already on Amazon — form the best books of the month, to the best books of the year, to the 100 you should read in a lifetime. We loved "Circe," "Educated," and "On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" this year. Find nearly 30 books the Insider Picks team recommended last year. 





All the tools you need for a delicious, fast avocado toast



Avocado Toast Breakfast Set, available on Uncommon Goods, $10

This set of breakfast tools makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who wants a delicious meal faster, which is never a bad thing in the morning. 

 





A photo book with some of their best memories



Custom Softcover Photo Book, available on Artifact Uprising from $15

For a sentimental gift under $25, we recommend these beautifully designed photo books that look like a personal magazine, curated by you for them.





Bath salts that are the perfect excuse for relaxation



Herbivore Botanicals Calm Bath Salts, available on Nordstrom, $18

Herbivore Botanical's bath salts include nutrient-rich Pacific sea salts combined with ylang-ylang and vanilla essential oil. They'll moisturize the skin and provide a deeply relaxing, calming effect on the brain to decrease anxiety and restlessness.  





The best hair mask you can buy



It's a 10 Miracle Hair Mask, available on Amazon, $20.99

Perfect for color-treated, heat-styled, and otherwise damaged hair, It's a 10's hair mask deep-conditions strands with a blend of moisturizing ingredients like oat kernel extract, apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, and linseed extract. We ranked it the best hair mask you can buy. 





A cute, bunny-shaped loose-tea infuser



Fred & Friends Brew Bunny Tea Infuser, available on Amazon, $12.52

Gift them some relaxing time spent sipping their favorite tea (which you could pick up as an accompanying gift). 





The makeup remover tourists stock up on in French pharmacies



Bioderma Sensibio H2O Makeup Remover, available on Amazon, $14.90

Bioderma's makeup remover is a cult-favorite among makeup artists, celebrities, the average person, and the Insider Picks team. We've ranked it the best makeup remover you can buy, and it's one of the many beauty products tourists are known to stock up on when visiting a French pharmacy. 





Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.



• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• 50 creative gift ideas under $25
• 50 thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• 76 clever gift ideas under $100
• 28 unique stocking stuffers they'll actually use 
• 44 cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• 26 affordable tech gifts under $25
• 51 thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• 65 cool gifts for him on Amazon








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12/05/19--12:56: The internet is roasting YouTube's 'Rewind 2019' video, with people calling it lazy and low-budget
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• YouTube just dropped its annual year-in-review video, called "Rewind 2019: For the Record," that highlights the platform's biggest creators and trends in 2019.
• The video is already getting roasted on Twitter, where users are calling it lazy and boring. Additionally, the video itself has already accrued significantly more dislikes than likes on YouTube.
• Not everyone was upset about YouTube's 2019 video. YouTubers like LaurDIY and Casey Neistat highlighted the video's inclusion of international and breakout creators, while others said that the video actually appeared to be more diverse than Rewind videos in the past.
• This year's video is presented as a compilation of YouTube's greatest moments, such as its most-liked videos and most-viewed creators. The format is a stark departure from last year's much-hated Rewind.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

People across the internet are already going after YouTube's "Rewind 2019," calling the production "lazy" and "boring" while inundating the video with hundreds of thousands of dislikes and comments.

YouTube released its year-in-review video Thursday as part of its annual tradition of highlighting the year's biggest trends and creators on the platform. After the uproar that last year's "Rewind 2018" video caused, YouTube presented this year's video as a compilation of the platform's biggest moments in an effort to highlight the content that users have watched and liked the most.

However, immediate reactions across the internet hint that this year's video is not getting the positive feedback YouTube hoped for. The "Rewind 2019" video itself has already received nearly 250,000 dislikes — compared to 150,000 likes — and thousands of comments from angry YouTube users.

People have been quick to voice their displeasure and say they feel let down by the video, which doesn't appear to have the same amount of production work and effort behind it as Rewind videos of past years:

 

 

 

SEE ALSO: YouTube's 'Rewind 2019' video aims to please the masses after last year's debacle — watch the video here

"I expected nothing and I'm still let down somehow," one Twitter user wrote. "The response to the terrible video last year was the equivalent to the Magic Conch [from SpongeBob SquarePants] telling them to do nothing."

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202659341297422336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
So... all #YoutubeRewind this year was... counted down the MOST LIKED things on the platform. ...That's it?

I expected nothing and I'm still let down somehow... the response to the terrible video last year was the equivalent to the Magic Conch telling them to do nothing https://t.co/iwsw0qvQj3Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202653229676421121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
in 2018 we made something you didn't like... so in 2019... we made something so boring that there's no way for you to form any sort of opinion on it, which creates indifference, which means it CAN'T be hated.*** #YouTubeRewindhttps://t.co/sknrQ9RSNyTweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202656975160524800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I have inside sources telling me that the budget for #YouTubeRewind this year was $3.74, and it shows... pic.twitter.com/i6NvrJY0pW





Other Twitter users were disappointed that "Rewind 2019" seemed to be a simple top 10-type video showcasing a compilation of content that already exists on YouTube.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202657972448571394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
me watching #YouTubeRewind thinking i clicked on a top 10 video pic.twitter.com/Y3RyuOuuGpTweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202653237213585413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In 2018 #YoutubeRewind was the most disliked video of ALL TIME

In 2019 how does @Youtube fix that?

By releasing a fucking Top 10 #YoutubeRewind using creator's clips to rank them in diff categories

Its literally a LIST VIDEO that couldve been made yesterday #Pescatore#PNNpic.twitter.com/XxfEkIUygKTweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202655842467749888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
No one asked for a top 10 video and if they wanted one they would've went to watch mojo #YouTubeRewind





However, not everyone was upset about YouTube's 2019 video. YouTubers like LaurDIY and Casey Neistat highlighted the video's inclusion of international and breakout creators, while others said that the video actually appeared to be more diverse than Rewind videos in the past.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202654122379530240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
funny how the year that youtube decides to make a digest listing of the top videos is the same year that #youtuberewind has the most diverse video in history.

crazy how that works.Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202660732313034752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I thought #YouTubeRewind was actually hella cute 🥺 ppl stay mad no matter what they make. Obv didn't have the wow factor of past years but I loved the celebration of breakout and international creators ✨Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202658020204793857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
i liked rewind 2019. not as sensational or produced as years passed but i appreciate;
-not just same old faces (except my same old face)
-highlighting new creators
-how international it was
-the focus on likes and channel growth
-seeing @pewdiepiehttps://t.co/RuRaxux7y6





Considering the video only came out Thursday, it remains to be seen how widespread the criticism of this year's Rewind video compares with reactions to Rewind 2018. Last year's video was widely hated on for leaving out some of YouTube's most controversial creators, and it quickly became the most-disliked video of all time on YouTube.

Tweet Embed:
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12/05/19--13:35: 31 unique yet practical stocking stuffers for under $10
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• If the holidays are the season for giving, then stocking stuffers are the affordable, easy-to-buy gifts you can give to everyone in your life, from your neighbors to your distant cousin twice removed. 
• Even if your gift costs $10 or less, it can still be useful, thoughtful, and unique. 
• Check out all of our holiday gift guides for 2019.

Not everyone in your life, like your friendly neighborhood mailman or the kid cousins you only see once a year, is going to receive a fancy gift from you during the holidays. However, it's always a nice gesture to give them a small token of love and appreciation and show that you're thinking of them. 

Before you tackle the big-ticket gift purchases on your list for your mom, dad, or significant other, it's easier to start small with the stocking stuffers you can buy by the armful. Under $10 is just about as affordable as you can get with gifts, but this low price point doesn't mean your stocking stuffers can't still be useful, thoughtful, and unique. 

The 5 best stocking stuffers under $10:

1. A hydrating lip balm from Jack Black
2. A stylish and reusable shopping bag from Baggu
3. A 6-foot-long lightning cable from Anker that works on iPhones, iPods, and iPads
4. Indulgent gourmet caramels covered in dark chocolate from Paper Source
5. High-quality, matte prints of your favorite memories together from Artifact Uprising

Check out our full list of 31 affordable stocking stuffers:

Cable clips that keep all your cables organized



Shintop 6-Piece Cable Clips Set, $5.69, available at Amazon

These handy adhesive clips prevent cables from slipping around the table and control any cords that run along the wall. 





A stylish and reusable shopping bag



Baby Baggu, $10, available at Baggu

The mini version of Baggu's original best-selling bag is the perfect size for grocery store pick-me-ups or their daily lunch. 





A pair of colorful socks



Clouds Sock, $8.40, available at Happy Socks

To meet the free shipping minimum, pick up a few different styles, or check out the themed gift box sets to impress the sock aficionado in your life.





A funny laptop sticker



Pug Yoga Sticker by Huebucket, $2.99 to $9.99, available at Society6

Find thousands of unique laptop sticker designs, from inspirational phrases to quirky illustrations, at art site Society6. 





Surprisingly high-performing earbuds that tens of thousands of reviewers love



Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbuds RP-TCM120-K, $7.43, available at Amazon

Panasonic proves you really don't have to spend a lot on a solid pair of earbuds. The comfortable feel and balanced audio make them a great everyday model. 





A Disney+ subscription



Subscribe for $6.99/month

Disney+ gives them unlimited access to movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and 20th Century Fox, and costs just $6.99 a month after a free seven-day trial. Read everything there is to know about Disney+ over here.

And if they need some binge-spiration, here are all the new movies available to stream.





Reusable stainless steel straws



RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Bent Drink Straws, 4-Count, $9.79, available at Amazon

Gift reusable metal straws so your friends and loved ones have little excuse not to reduce their plastic waste. 





A long lightning cable



Anker Powerline 6-Foot Lightning Cable, $9.99, available at Amazon

Admittedly, they're not the most glamorous stocking stuffer, but you can't deny their usefulness. The long length is convenient and the cable delivers maximum charging speed to their device. 





A hydrating lip balm



Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, $8, available at Sephora 

Relieve winter-chapped lips with a best-selling lip balm filled with hydrating and nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and green tea extract. 





A small, beautiful candle



Japonica Santiago Huckleberry Petite Decorative Tin Candle, $10, available at Nordstrom 

Featuring notes of huckleberry, vanilla and crushed sugar cane, this candle brings the scents of a garden indoors and has an impressive 25-hour burn time. 





A mini Rubik's cube



World's Smallest Rubik's Cube, $8, available at Urban Outfitters

Help them exercise their brain by solving the iconic puzzle with this tiny Rubik's cube that fits right in their pocket. 





Cute hair ties



Invisibobble Power Hair Ring, $7.89, available at Target

Hair ties that don't strain your head or leave marks aren't easy to find, which is why your recipient won't be able to thank you enough for this simple hair accessory. 





A soothing face mask



Sephora Collection Face Mask, $6, available at Sephora

Sephora's special "bio-fiber" masks hug facial contours more closely so their skin will enjoy the full benefits of the ingredients. Choose from masks like Rose (moisturizing, brightening) and Pineapple (pore-refining). 





A plant they'll immediately become fond of



Marimo 'Moss' Ball, $9, available at The Sill

Rather than gift a classic succulent, give these unique and adorable moss balls. The green algae originate from Hokkaido, Japan, and couldn't be any easier to take care of. 





Funky faux leather stickers



Icon Stickers, $5, available at Mark & Graham

These small and playful stickers insert personality onto any laptop, phone case, water bottle, or suitcase. 

 

 





An affordable phone accessory that really lives up to the hype



PopSockets Grip, $9.97, available at Amazon

We know — PopSockets Grips are everywhere. But there's a reason why even naysayers have been convinced. They offer a strong grip on your phone, double as a stand, and come in many different colors and prints. 





A pack of double-ended colored pencils



Yoobi Double-Ended Colored Pencil 12-Pack, $3.99, available at Target

For only $4, they get 24 colors to exercise their creativity. These pencils save space and color smoothly. 





A nice bottle opener



Marble + Copper Bottle Opener, $9.99, available at West Elm

The beautiful handcrafted bar accessory is made from a cool pairing of materials, marble and copper. 





A personal mini fan



Haptime Portable Personal Mini Fan, $9.99, available at Amazon

This tiny fan comes in handy during all seasons. Our editor loves using it in stuffy subway stations. 





High-quality, matte prints of your favorite memories together



Everyday Print Set, from $9, available at Artifact Uprising

Physical prints are always thoughtful and appreciated. Artifact Uprising's easy-to-use photo editor helps you check off your gift list in no time. 





Indulgent gourmet caramels covered in dark chocolate



Sugarfina Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, $9.95, available at Paper Source

Rich caramel, slightly bitter dark chocolate, and a zing of sea salt balance each other out in this treat that melts in your mouth. 





A fizzy bath bomb



Bath Bomb, $4.97, available at West Elm

With this gift, they'll feel their worries dissolve as quickly as this bath bomb. The South Seas scent will take them to a coastal dream far, far away. 





A fast-charging power bank



heyday 4000 mAh Power Bank, $9.99, available at Target

This $10 power bank packs a lot of charge into a compact device, letting them fill up to a full battery around two times. 





A fast-paced party game for the whole family



Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game, $9.99, available at Amazon

The game is like a twist on slapjack, with the addition of fun characters and funny rules. 

 





Shoelaces made from recycled water bottles



Runner Lace Kit, $10, available at Allbirds

Be on the lookout for limited-edition colors of these popular laces. They're an easy way to make their shoes look fresh and exciting. 





A mini silicone spatula that home cooks swear by



GIR: Get It Right Premium Silicone Mini Spatula, 8 Inches, Blue, $7.95, available at Amazon

If they bake at all, GIR's well-designed spatula is a must-have tool. They'll enjoy using the mini size to dig into small bowls and jars. 





A monogrammed mug



Monogram Mug, $10, available at Anthropologie

This large, personalized mug looks best when filled with steaming hot cocoa or tea. 





Gel nail polish



Essie Gel Couture Nail Polish, $8.79, available at Target

Essie's nail polishes boast rich color and long wear, so they can recreate the salon experience right at home. 





Hot chocolate mix, complete with marshmallows



Mason Jar Cocoa Mix, from $7.50, available at Etsy

These hand-crafted mason jar mixes come in a pint-size or half-pint size and include twine or a ribbon of your choice. Inside are the fixings of your choice of flavor for a great hot cocoa drink and a cozy, indulgent night in. You can also pick toppings from mini marshmallows to semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips. 





Cute lid lifts that allow steam to escape so their pots won't boil over



Tovolo Farm Animal Pot Lid Lifts, three for $7, available at Amazon

Add a little personality to their kitchen with these heat-resistant silicone lid lifts. They're also available in sheep and smiley-face varieties. 





A simple leather bookmark



Bookmark, $7, available at Leatherology

They'll never guess that these handsome full-grain leather bookmarks cost less than $10. The bookmark looks nice and is much more sturdy than its paper counterpart. 





Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.



• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• 50 creative gift ideas under $25
• 50 thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• 76 clever gift ideas under $100
• 44 cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• 26 affordable tech gifts under $25
• 51 thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• 65 cool gifts for him on Amazon








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12/05/19--13:37: Backcountry's Cyber Week deals are live through December 10 — save up to 60% on The North Face, Burton, Patagonia, and more
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• Outdoors retailer Backcountry extended its Cyber Monday sale through Tuesday, December 10, and its Winter Clearance will now run all season long.
• Save up to 60% off on cold-weather clothing and gear, including great deals on brands like Helly Hansen, Patagonia, Giro, and more.
• There are thousands of deals for men, women, and even kids, so to save you time, here are 11 of our top picks. 

Backcountry extended its Cyber Monday (now Cyber Week) sale through Tuesday, December 10, and its Winter Clearance will now run all season long, offering discounts of up to 60% on cold-weather clothing and gear. 

Whether it's skis, roof racks, fishing gear, yoga wear, outerwear, or loungewear, just about everything is on sale for men, women, and kids from brands like Helly Hansen, Patagonia, Giro, and more. There are thousands of deals across different categories, and but sizing and supplies are limited, so we've rounded up the best sales on our favorite brands to shop.

Shop the Backcountry winter clearance now, or go straight to specific deals below. 

• Men's deals
• Women's deals
• Kids' deals
• Ski deals
• Snowboard deals
• Hiking and camping deals
• Snowshoe deals
• Fly fishing deals

The North Face ski jackets, base layers, bibs, and more



Shop The North Face Deals, up to 55% off





Burton backpacks, gloves, anoraks, and more



Shop all Burton deals, up to 64% off





Patagonia jackets, fleeces, base layers, and more



Shop all Patagonia deals, up to 54% off





Backcountry flannels, base layers, beanies, and more



Shop all Backcountry brand deals, up to 65% off





Spy goggles



Shop all Spy goggle deals, up to 36% off





Sorel boots for women, men, and children



Shop all Sorel deals, 31% off





Marmot bibs, gloves, down jackets, and more



Shop all Marmot deals, up to 60% off





Komperdell ski poles



Shop Komperdell ski poles, up to 64% off





Smartwool gloves, socks, base layers, and more



Shop all Smartwool deals, up to 60% off





Coal Headwear beanies, truckers, and brim hats



Shop all Coal Headwear deals, up to 46% off





Arc'Teryx ski jackets, pants, boots, fleeces, and more



Shop all Arc'Teryx deals, up to 55% off





Smith helmets, goggles, and shades



Shop all Smith deals, up to 65% off








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12/05/19--13:45: Goldbelly is a service that lets you send food gifts from iconic restaurants around the country — here's how it works
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• It's unusual to be able to enjoy regional delicacies if you're not local, but Goldbelly is quickly becoming the middleman between you and famous foods from the rest of the country.
• You can order gourmet food gifts from iconic eateries all over the United States and have them delivered anywhere nationwide.
• Goldbelly makes a great holiday gift for any food-lovers on your list. Looking for more gift ideas? Check out all of our 2019 holiday gift guides. 

We all know the old adage: The way to someone's heart is through their stomach. Most of us would agree it's true. Food is more than sustenance — it's nostalgia, comfort, a common denominator in a world of difference. A bite of a tender lobster roll transports you back to childhood summers spent in Maine. The chewiness of a New York bagel beckons memories of lazy Sunday morning rituals from when you lived in the city. A whiff of a hot, gooey, cheesesteak will always be associated with cheering on the Phillies at baseball games with Dad. 

As we pack up and move on with our lives, we'll continue to crave these nostalgic bites. Whatever the connection, wouldn't it be lovely if you could experience your favorite meals from local, regional eateries no matter where you are?

Enter: Goldbelly.

It's an online marketplace offering up some of the best bites from iconic food establishments all around the United States — and it's the ultimate gift for food lovers. 

What Goldbelly does

Every region has its own delicacies — Philly cheesesteaks, New York bagels, Kansas City barbecue — and Goldbelly is on a mission to make these local foods available to everyone, regardless of location. Goldbelly partners with famous food purveyors and eateries all over the country — like Pat's Cheesesteak, DiFara Pizza, and Pat LaFrieda—and helps them deliver some of their most popular dishes to hungry consumers nationwide. You can find everything from fresh Georgia peaches to saucy pulled pork and ribs. 

How Goldbelly works

Head over to Goldbelly and you'll be met with a homepage filled with drool-worthy pictures of delicious eats from all over the country. Goldbelly helps you find what you're looking for in a variety of ways. Choose to peruse by category of food, what's popular at the moment, iconic shops, or check out one of Goldbelly's curated gift guides.



Once you find what you're looking for, it's just like ordering anything else online. There is also an option to add a gift message and recipient information, which makes Goldbelly packages extra giftable. Shipping time and price is dependent on the product and where it's coming from. Since Goldbelly works with independent vendors, it's understandable that shipping would be varied. 

My experience

After coming back from a trip visiting a friend in Seattle, I was looking for the perfect thank-you-for-hosting-me gift. Of course, there are always flowers, candles, and edible arrangements, but nothing felt personal enough for a friend who had gone out of her way to plan a wonderful weekend on the West Coast. As coincidence would have it, I came across Goldbelly the day after I returned. While in Seattle, my friend had mentioned her only real complaint about the city was that there are no good bagels (sorry, Seattle), so I figured, why not send them?



I perused Goldbelly's curated guide to "Best Gifts from NYC", knowing there had to be some great bagels inside. I landed on a package from Ess-a-Bagel— a New York institution and a personal favorite — which included enough bagels and fixings for six. The box cost $85 for six bagels, a 1/2 pound nova lox, and a 1/2 pound of any type of cream cheese. You can also add more cream cheese, lox, and even add more spreads for an added price. I ordered it on Tuesday morning and it was delivered to my friend's doorstep the next day, on Wednesday afternoon.

While I got to try this service for free to review it, when it comes down to it, it's clear that Goldbelly provides a pretty good value. A typical nova bagel sandwich at Ess-a-Bagel costs $13.25, but the Goldbelly price isn't much higher, clocking each bagel and lox combo in at just about $14.20. Of course, there is also a delivery fee to consider, and you may get a heavier helping of lox and schmear at Ess-a-Bagel, but that's beside the point. The point is, this delivery brought serious smiles to an East Coast transplant who had a hankering from some New York bagels, and for that, I'd definitely gift it again.

The bottom Line

Nowadays, we're comfortable with buying so many items online. If you can buy a mattress and have it delivered to your door, why shouldn't you be able to do the same with pastrami sandwiches and clam chowder?

Goldbelly has definitely filled a niche for food-lovers everywhere. While there's nothing like eating the real deal in person, Goldbelly can get you pretty darn close. 

Order gourmet food gifts from Goldbelly, here



• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• Creative gift ideas under $25
• Thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• Clever gift ideas under $100
• Cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• Affordable tech gifts under $25
• Thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• Cool gifts for him on Amazon

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12/05/19--14:16: 54 thoughtful gifts your girlfriend will love — at every budget
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• Getting your girlfriend a meaningful gift doesn't require hours of internet research on your part.
• The reporters and editors on the Insider Picks team spend every day covering the latest, greatest, and altogether best products you can buy, and we put together a list of thoughtful gifts for your girlfriend.
• Find all of our holiday 2019 gift guides here.

For couples, gifting can be especially enjoyable. You know what your partner loves, what small daily annoyances of theirs that you can solve with a thoughtful gift, and how much they'll appreciate knowing the gesture came from you.

Odds are you want to give them something wonderful — whatever your price range is. All you need is a little direction, and a few great options to choose from. Most of these have expedited shipping options too.

The top 5 best gifts for your girlfriend:

1. A beautiful candle from Otherland, a cool startup
2. A personalized gourmet coffee subscription from Driftaway Coffee
3. An Aquis towel that makes her hair dry faster
4. A gourmet Cozymeal cooking class with a renown chef 
5. A pair of wireless Apple AirPods

Check out all 54 gifts for your girlfriend:

SEE ALSO: 17 cool gift ideas for the music lover in your life

DON'T MISS: 25 affordable kitchen gifts under $50 that any home cook or baker will love

A beautiful cashmere sweater in tons of colors



Cashmere Crew, available on Everlane, $100

Everlane is a cult-favorite startup, and its $100 cashmere sweaters are one of its most popular products ever. Thanks to the company's transparent pricing, you get a really nice cashmere sweater for the price of a not-so-nice one — and this classic crewneck comes in 18 colors. 

If she's especially environmentally conscious, check out Reformation's cashmere. It's more expensive ($148), but it's made from 70% recycled cashmere. If you're looking for something even less expensive, cashmere startup Naadam has fantastic cashmere sweaters for $75, but they're prone to sell out. 





The best performance socks she's ever worn



Women's Performance Running Ankle Sock, 6-Pack, available on Bombas, $91.20

Bombas makes the best socks we've ever tried, and they're a holiday gift we find ourselves giving every year to loved ones. They're lightweight, moisture-wicking, and built to circumvent annoyances like uncomfortable seams and heel slipping.





A weighted blanket for better rest



YnM Weighted Blanket, available on Amazon, $59.50

Weighted blankets help create more restful sleep by "grounding" the body, and YnM makes some of the most popular and affordable weighted blankets on the internet. There are multiple sizes and weights for the ideal fit and width (they recommend picking whichever is about 10% of your body weight), and the segmented design allows you to move around without displacing all the weighted beads inside. 





Touchscreen-compatible leather gloves



Cashmere Lined Leather Touchscreen Gloves, available on Nordstrom, $74.25 (originally $99)

Something she'll use often is a pair of sleek, cashmere-lined leather touchscreen gloves.

 





Her favorite specialty food straight from the source



Order her favorite specialty foods using Goldbelly

Goldbelly makes it possible to satisfy their most specific and nostalgic cravings no matter where they live in the US— a cheesecake from Junior's, deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati, and more. Browse the iconic gifts section for inspiration. 





A camera lens kit for her phone



Olloclip Lens Kit, available on Olloclip, from $79.99

If she loves taking photos and wishes her phone's camera could do more tricks, pick up an Olloclip lens kit with a fish-eye, wide-angle, and macro lens inside. They work well and they're easy to use. Plus, the company even has a universal mount in the works.





Comfy, high-end sheets at the best price on the market



Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, available on Brooklinen, from $219

Brooklinen is one of our favorite companies, point-blank. We think they make the best high-end sheets at the best price on the market, and most of the Insider Picks team uses Brooklinen on their own beds.

The Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle comes in 14 colors and patterns, and you can mix and match them to suit your taste. Grab a gift card if you want to give her more freedom. If you opt for a sheet bundle, she'll receive a core sheet set (fitted, flat, two pillowcases), duvet cover, and two extra pillowcases in soft, smooth 480-thread-count weave.





Beautiful candles from a cool startup



Manor House Weekend Candle, available on Otherland, $36

Otherland is a candle company started by Abigail Cook Stone, a former art buyer for Ralph Lauren. If you want to give your girlfriend a candle that burns for 55 hours, looks beautiful, and comes from a startup that she's probably seen (or coveted) before, this is a great option. Find a full review here.





A mug that keeps hot drinks hot for up to six hours straight



Hydro Flask Mug, 12 oz, available on Amazon and Hydro Flask, from $22.46

This mug is a common desk companion for the Insider Picks team. The 12-ounce coffee mug has the company's proprietary TempShield insulation that made its water bottles famous. This mug will keep hot drinks hot for up to six hours, and cold drinks cold up to 24 hours. Read a full review of it here.





The internet's favorite olive oil



Awake Olive Oil, available for pre-order on Brightland, $37

Brightland's olive oils make great gifts for cooks and anyone who loves to entertain. The white bottles protect the EVOO from light damage and look nice displayed on a countertop. Find a full review here. 





The convenience of Apple AirPods



Apple AirPods, available on Amazon and Best Buy, $145 (originally $159)

When it comes to convenience, truly wireless earbuds are the best. And Apple's AirPods are very popular with iPhone and Android users alike. They look subtle compared to other bigger options, and they're incredibly easy to use. For the latest option, you can pick up AirPods Pro for $234.98 on Amazon too. 





A gift card to a popular wine subscription club



Gift Card, available on Winc, from $60

Winc is a personalized wine club — and we think the best one you can belong to overall. Members take a wine palate profile quiz and then choose from the personalized wine suggestions. Each bottle has extensive tasting notes and serving recommendations online, and makes it easy to discover similar bottles. 

Gift her a Winc gift card, and she can take a wine palate profile quiz and get started with her own customized suggestions. 





A high-tech towel that keeps her from slipping around during yoga classes



Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel, available on Amazon, from $43

Manduka is known for making the best yoga products, and their Yogitoes towel is one of the most loved. It has tiny 100% silicone nubs on one side that grab yoga mats and keep yogis from slipping around during the exercise. Having a good towel can make a big difference. 

It also comes in 19 great colors and gets eco-friendly points. Each Yogitoes towel is made from eight recycled plastic water bottles, and made with dyes free of azo, lead, or heavy metal. 





The "world's most comfortable shoes"



Women's Wool Runners, available on Allbirds, $95 

Allbirds' newest collection is a line of water-resistant shoes, but for the uninitiated (or anyone looking for comfortable sneakers for casual wear), the classic Wool Runners make a great gift. 





A nice gold vermeil and sapphire zodiac sign necklace



Zodiac Necklace, available on Mejuri, $80

Mejuri is a Canadian startup created in 2015 to make fine jewelry affordable to buy — and it has racked up wait lists with more than 40,000 people on them before. Their popular Zodiac Necklace is cool, minimalist, and something she can wear every day. It's made in gold vermeil with AAA quality white sapphires. Mejuri's affordable pricing means the estimated traditional retail price of the same necklace elsewhere would be closer to $235.  





A popular fitness tracker



Fitbit Charge 3, available on Amazon, $127

The Fitbit Charge 3 isn't the newest model the company has released, but it is perhaps the best and most popular. It has a lot of useful activity tracking features without a big, clunky screen or an exorbitant price. It has a built-in heart rate monitor, in-depth sleep tracking, advanced workout features, and real-time workout tracking on the screen. The battery life lasts around six days. 





A monogrammed jewelry case from a minimalist fashion startup



Leather Jewelry Case, available on Cuyana, $115 (+ $15 for monogram)

Keeping track of tiny and delicate jewelry is difficult — but jewelry cases are a pretty and useful solution. Especially if you've gotten her jewelry in the past, or plan to in the future, this is a thoughtful and personalized gift. It's made from premium leather, comes in six colors, and can be monogrammed with her initials. Cuyana is also a cool leather bag startup she may have already heard of. 





A surprisingly elegant headband



Lele Sadoughi Velvet Pearl Padded Headband, available at Shopbop, $185

Sleek velvet is studded with faux-pearl accents for a headband that'll add a feminine touch to every outfit she pairs it with. 





A customized map of her favorite place



Custom Map Poster, available on Grafomap, from $49

Grafomap lets you design custom maps of anywhere in the world — like the first place you met, the best trip you ever took together, or the hometown she couldn't wait to show you. It's unique, thoughtful, and pretty inexpensive.  You can find the full Insider Picks review here.





Plan a trip for the two of you to take together — and maybe use this online travel concierge to help



Journy Gift Card, available on Journy, from $50

Airbnb Gift Card, available on Airbnb, from $25

If you want to gift an experience for the two of you to enjoy together, grab a card, a gift card to Journy or Airbnb, and come with a few location ideas in mind. 

If you haven't heard of Journy, it's a startup that matches you with an expert travel planner to design the ideal trip for $25 per day — complete with booking hotels, making restaurant reservations, and keeping landmarks and local haunts in mind. If you want to surprise her with a trip already planned, go through Journy yourself and present her with the full, detailed plan.

You can also book a hotel in your city on Booking.com or Expedia for a sweet staycation. 





A new waterproof Kindle Paperwhite for reading anywhere



Kindle Paperwhite, available on Amazon, $129.99

Amazon's new Kindle Paperwhite is its thinnest and lightest yet, with double the storage. Perhaps the best features are that it's waterproof and has built-in adjustable light for the perfect reading environment indoors or outdoors, day and night. If she loves a nice, relaxing bath, pair this with a caddy, bath bombs, and a glass of wine for a relaxing night in that you've already taken care of.





A cult-favorite hair towel that reduces damage and cuts drying time by 50%



Aquis Rapid Dry Hair Towel, available on Amazon, from $16 and Sephora, from $30

Aquis' cult-favorite hair towels can cut the amount of time it takes your hair to dry in half — a claim we're happy to report holds up. The proprietary fabric also means there's less damage to wet hair while it dries. 





A funny and unique handmade card



You've Stolen a Pizza My Heart Handmade Card, available on Etsy, $4.25

You can pick up a card from Walgreens on your way to exchange gifts, but it'll mean more if you think just a few days ahead. Etsy has great options for cheap, unique, handmade gifts that are cool and thoughtful. This one is handmade watercolor print, and it's lovably funny and sweet. 





A fun, unique local date



Airbnb Experiences, available on Airbnb, from $25

Local pasta-making classes, wine tours, pottery workshops, secret concerts, nature outings — you can book from thousands of fun classes and experiences on Airbnb Experiences to make wherever you live feel new, exciting, and full of possibilities. It's also an under-utilized part of Airbnb, making it a thoughtful and unusual gift — and one you may keep using yourselves for out-of-the-box date nights in the future. Find out more here. 





A 100% silk pillowcase that reduces frizz and keeps skin hydrated overnight



Celestial Silk Pillowcase, available on Amazon, from $35.99

Silk pillowcases reduce frizz and damage to hair and make it look shiny and healthy. It also reduces the likelihood of wrinkles and keeps skin hydrated overnight by absorbing less of the moisturizer in her skin as she sleeps. 

This particular Celestial Silk pillowcase is one of the internet's hidden gems. It's $40 on Amazon (lesser quality options go for $85), but we rated it the best silk pillowcase you can buy in the Insider Picks buying guide. It's the one I personally own, and it makes a big difference for frizzy hair.





A houseplant that arrives already potted and is easy to care for



Silver Evergreen, available on Leon & George, $109

Leon & George is a San Francisco startup that will send beautiful plants — potted in stylish, minimalist pots — to her door. All she has to do is to occasionally add water. Flowers are wonderful, but houseplants have a much longer shelf life, and most of Leon & George's options are very easy to care for. 





Beautiful earrings she'll own forever



Triple Threat White Topaz Huggies, $150

Stone and Strand is a one-stop shop for affordable fine jewelry. According to the site, the Triple Threat White Topaz Huggies are limited edition and 100% ethically mined, and no two pieces are exactly alike. 





A membership to a popular skin-care and makeup subscription that sends new, cool, and best-selling products once per month



Birchbox 3-Month Gift Subscription, available on Birchbox, $45

Birchbox is a skincare and makeup subscription that sends tons of samples of new and cult-favorite products to subscribers so they can find products they love without much commitment or cost upfront. Makeup and skin-care products can be expensive, so this is a particularly helpful service. 





A stylish leather makeup pouch that's thoughtful and easy to travel with



Lola Toiletries Pouch, available on Dagne Dover, $75

Dagne Dover is quickly becoming one of the best women's handbag companies to know, and their Lola Toiletries Pouches are a great and relatively affordable gift. The small size ($75) is perfect for everyday makeup essentials, and the large ($105) can be used for toiletries, makeup, or as a small purse. It's made from beautiful pebbled leather, and you can pick from seven foolproof color choices. 





The new Sonos Move portable speaker



Sonos Move, $399

The Sonos Move is one of the best speakers on the market. It's powerful, can be controlled by your voice or an app, and has Amazon Alexa built in so on WiFi you can play music, check the news, set alarms, get your questions answered, and more, without much effort.





A small skin-care tool that removes 99.5% of dirt, oil, and makeup residue



Foreo Luna Facial Cleansing Brush, available on Amazon, $99

Our team swears by these gentle yet effective cleaning brushes. They have hygienic silicone bristles and come in five different models for different skin types. The Luna is small enough to bring on the go, so they can maintain their skin-care routine while traveling. 





A leather wallet from the same manufacturer as Prada for a fraction of the price



Brynn Zip Around Wallet, available on Italic, $100

Italic is a startup that makes unbranded luxury goods from the same factories that produce designs for brands like Givenchy or scents for Le Labo — minus the markup. The Zip-Around Wallet is made from soft, calfskin leather and comes in four classic colors. It comes from the same manufacturer as Celine and Prada, and Italic estimates it would cost $295-$300 in traditional retail. It's also good to note that the company plants one tree for every order. You can find a full review of the company's leather goods here, and of their candles here. 





A subscription to a coffee service that sends coffees specifically for her taste preferences



3-Month Subscription, available on Driftaway Coffee, from $44

If she loves coffee, she'll probably love to try Driftaway. It's a gourmet coffee subscription that gets smarter the longer you use it, remembering your preferences and steering you towards increasingly accurate brews for your specific tastes. The first shipment will be a tasting kit with four coffee profiles, which she'll rate online or in the app to start getting personalized options.





A book of love letters written by history's great men



Love Letters of Great Men, available on Amazon, $13.54

It can be hard to do yourself justice in words — whether they're spoken or written in a card. This compilation of love letters written by great men can help you say it without actually technically saying it. Bonus points if you write your own, or mark the ones in the book that most closely resemble your own feelings.  





A beautiful diamond necklace she'll have forever



Diamond Bezel Necklace, available on AUrate, $320

A diamond necklace doesn't have to be thousands of dollars, as fine jewelry startups like AUrate are proving. This necklace is something she can keep and wear forever, and both the solid gold and conflict-free diamonds are of the highest quality. 





Cozy fuzzy socks and the tools for a great night in



UGG Australia Chenille Crew Socks, available at Bloomingdale's, $20

Pair these with her favorite comfy products for an ideal "night in": bath bombs, sheet masks, candles, wine, and maybe a gift card to her favorite place to order take-out from. 





A cooking class from one of the nation's top chefs



Gift Card, available on Cozymeal, from $50

With a Cozymeal class, they'll learn how to make anything from fresh pasta to Argentinian staple dishes from the nation's top chefs. In addition to cooking classes, Cozymeal offers food tours in various cities. 

You can also book a cooking class through Sur La Table depending on your location. 





A pair of leggings from an eco-conscious startup



Seamless LITE High-Rise Legging, available on Girlfriend Collective, $78

Girlfriend Collective is an affordable, unique fitness startup that makes stylish workout gear — which also happens to be made out of eco-friendly materials like recycled fishing nets and plastic water bottles— in ethical factories. 





The best bathrobe that money can buy



Bathrobe, available on Snowe, $98

Snowe's $98 unisex bathrobe has been called the best and most absorbent terry robe on the market, and I'm just one more fervent believer. The cotton fiber traps air for extra absorbency, is soft and plush, and the unisex sizing means it will feel like a blanket-turned-robe. Perfect functionality, and extra points for coziness.





a personalized passport cover and luggage tag set



Passport Cover and Luggage Tag Set, available on Leatherology, $65 

Beautiful passport sets are a great gift for plenty of reasons. They're useful, likely something she won't have already bought herself, and are often associated with the joy and excitement of travel. Sometimes, you want to own one thing for a long time — and luggage tags and the memories that accompany them are one of those items.

You can get this monogrammed starting from $20 for a bit more personalization, too. 





A gift set of a dozen decadent bath bombs



Bath Bomb Gift Set, available on Amazon, $26.80

This bath bomb gift set comes with 12 handcrafted bath bombs that range from mango-papaya to lavender in scent, and some of which include flower petals. They're a great addition to a long bath, as is a bamboo bathtub tray. 





A plug-in that adds voice-control to outlets



Wemo Mini Smart Plug, available on Amazon and Best Buy, from $27.97

These plug-ins will turn a "dumb" outlet into a smart outlet. Plug in the WeMo Mini Smart Plug, download the free app, and that's it — you control your lights and appliances from your phone anywhere and your voice through Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Home Kit. It only needs WiFi — no expensive hub. 

 





A subscription to a famous book club that sends her great hardcovers once per month



3-Month Subscription, available on Book of the Month, $49.99

If she loves books, Book of the Month is an especially thoughtful and unique gift — it's a book club that has been around since 1926, and it's credited with discovering some of the most beloved books of all time ("Gone with the Wind" and "Catcher in the Rye" to name a couple). 

If you gift her a subscription, she'll receive a hardcover book delivered to her door once a month. Books are selected by a team of experts and celebrity guest judges.

If she's really more into audiobooks or e-reading now rather than hardcovers, check out a gift subscription to Scribd (full review here).





A gift bundle of the best hair dryer ever invented and popular hair products from a celebrity hair stylist's line



Dyson Blown-A-OUAI Set, available at Amazon, $399

This gift may seem inexplicably expensive, but it's actually considered a steal to those with either product on their wish lists (retail value: $466). The award-winning Dyson blow dryer is covetable, and lauded as the best one ever invented; It prevents hair damage by measuring air temperature 20 times per second, has a specially designed Dyson motor for fast drying, and reduces static, breakage, and makes hair look smooth and shiny.

The Ouai products are from celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin's personal line. She's best known for stylish the Kardashians, Jessica Alba, and Sofia Vergara.  





A gift card to ClassPass so she can go to tons of boutique fitness classes without the expense



Gift Card, available on ClassPass, from $1

Boutique fitness classes are expensive. ClassPass makes them less so. With ClassPass, she can drop into diverse exercise classes at tons of different specialized studios for $15 or less per class (about half their traditional cost). If she likes to be kept active, is looking for a newfound favorite class, or likes yoga as much as barre classes, this is a great gift she'll actually use.





Lush, subtly scented body wash



The Body Wash, available on Necessaire, $25

New startup Necessaire formulates its body care products with nourishing vitamins and clean ingredients. The subtly scented Body Wash will leave their skin feeling clean, soft, and nourished. 





A stylish, savvy carry-on with an external battery pack



Carry-On, available on Away, $225

Away's hyper-popular suitcases deserve their hype. Their hard shell is lightweight but durable, their 360° spinner wheels make for seamless traveling, and the external (and ejectable and TSA-compliant) battery pack included can charge a smartphone five times over so she never has to sit behind a trash can at the airport for access to an outlet again. It's also guaranteed for life by Away. Find our full review here.





A stylish weekender to keep her organized on the go



Caraa Sport Studio Tote Large, $250

Caraa Sport makes some of the most functional and best-looking gym bags on the market. This one can transition from tote to backpack by adding straps, has a hidden shoe compartment, and has a waterproof and antimicrobial lining.





An award-winning but pricey at-home facial



Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, available on Sephora, $80

This is an award-winning mask with a big following in the beauty and skin-care community. It's $80, but it's an at-home pro-quality facial she can use anytime — which is a fraction of the price required for regular facials.





A framed keepsake of a favorite memory



Framed photo, available on Framebridge, from $39

Gift Card, available on Framebridge, from $25

Framebridge makes custom framing for not-custom-framing prices. You can print or paint something on your own and have it framed, or have them print and frame it, and you can take advantage of the team of designers for help deciding what frame to get. 





A gift card for delicious healthy meals she can make in about 30 seconds



Gift Card, available on Daily Harvest, from $25

Daily Harvest is a food startup that makes it possible to eat healthy, delicious meals for less than $10 each even if you only have 30 seconds to spare for prep time. Meals are pre-portioned, delicious, and designed by both a chef and a nutritionist to make sure they're tasty and good for you. It addressed all my healthy eating roadblocks. 





Fancy popcorn and a movie night



Popcorn Seasoning Set, available on UncommonGoods, $30

Fandango Gift Card, from $15

Grab these handmade popcorn seasonings (white cheddar, salt & vinegar, buttery garlic, and smokey BBQ) from Uncommon Goods and make some fancy popcorn for a movie night. Or, make a reservation at a nice restaurant, stock up on her favorite movie candy and some fun drinks ahead of time (wrap them for an extra wow-factor), get a Fandango gift card, and take her out for a dressed-up version of the classic movie date. 





Kitchen towels that rate wines by how well they pair with certain foods



Wine Pairing Towel Set, available on Uncommon Goods, $28

If she loves having a nice glass of wine and/or cooking, she'll appreciate the thought behind these unique wine pairing towels. Grab a bottle and some corresponding ingredients for a fun night in for the two of you.





16 highly-rated sheet masks



Sheet Mask Set, available on Amazon, from $9.90

Grab her 16 sheet masks to make it easier for her to have a frequent and well-deserved "treat yourself" day. These 16 are highly-rated and have both vitamin E and collagen included for healthy, happy skin.   





Looking for more gift ideas? We've got you covered.



• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• 50 creative gift ideas under $25
• 50 thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• 76 clever gift ideas under $100
• 44 cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• 26 affordable tech gifts under $25
• 51 thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• 65 cool gifts for him on Amazon








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12/05/19--14:32: The best Christmas tree decorations
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• We've gathered up an array of Christmas tree decorations to make your home festive for the holidays.
• Whether it's an 8-foot ceiling duster, a tiny tabletop tree, or any size in between, an unadorned conifer is merely a houseplant, not a Christmas tree. It's what you put on the tree that transforms it into a celebration of the holidays. That's why we've rounded up the best ornaments, toppers, lights, and tree skirts below.

Whether you prefer to cut your own tree, choose one from the local tree lot, or retrieve your faux tree from storage, it's just not Christmas without a decorated tree gracing the living room. For many families, trimming the tree is a treasured holiday tradition, with all family members participating. In other households, one person prefers to do the decorating alone. Either way, it's always fun to get reacquainted with your holiday decor as you pull each piece from storage containers. 

Of course, there are times you need, or just want, to add some more holiday decor to your collection. Or maybe this is your first year living on your own or setting up a holiday tree. Either way, you're on the hunt for Christmas tree decorations, which generally include ornaments, lights, some sort of topper, and a tree skirt to cover up the typically unattractive tree stand and provide visual balance to the tree's height. 

And while there are a lot of places to buy tree decorations, it can be rather overwhelming choosing your favorites from the nearly endless options available online and in brick-and-mortar stores. That's where we come in. 

Life can get a bit hectic as the holidays approach, so to make it easier for you to cross a few things off your must-do list, we've selected a wide selection of our favorite Christmas tree decorations to turn that plain conifer into a holiday star. 

Though we admit there really is no "best" Christmas tree decoration and it mostly comes down to personal preference, we do stand by our assertion that you really can't go wrong with any of the following options. So whether you prefer traditional, whimsical, or something in between, get ready to trim your holiday tree. 

Here are our favorite Christmas tree decorations: 

• Best clear traditional tree lights: Prextex 100-count Christmas Lights
• Best colored tree lights: Brizled LED Mini String Lights 
• Best bubble lights for the tree: Novelty Lights Bubble Set
• Best animated tree topper: Mr. Christmas Santa Sleigh Animated Tree Topper
• Best snowflake tree topper: Layered Wood Snowflake Tree Topper
• Best tree topper for kids: Hugging Snowman Tree Topper
• Best angel tree topper: Silk Waldorf Angel Tree Topper
• Best personalized ornament: Winter Family Ornament
• Best blown-glass ornament: Christmas Sloth
• Best felted-wool ornaments: Christmas Mice
• Best ball ornaments: Knit Ball Ornaments
• Best wooden ornaments: Wooden Heart Ornaments
• Best faux-fur tree skirt: Snowy White Faux Fur Christmas Tree Skirt
• Best traditional tree skirt: Holiday Plaid Christmas Tree Skirt
• Best knit tree skirt: Reversible Fair Isle Christmas Tree Skirt
• Best elegant tree skirt: Valery Madelyn Gold Christmas Tree Skirt

Updated 12/05/2019 by Lisa Sabatini: Updated prices, links, and formatting. Removed out-of-stock items.

Christmas Tree Lights

When it's time to trim your holiday tree, start with the lights. As a rough rule of thumb, you'll want 100 mini lights for every foot of Christmas tree height. So for example, if your tree is 6 feet tall, you'll want a total of 600 lights. While you can connect strings of different colored lights, you do need to stick with the same size and type of bulb, so keep that in mind when choosing holiday string lights.





The best clear traditional tree lights



If you like traditional clear lights with a steady glow, you'll love the Prextex 100-count Christmas Lights. The green wire blends in with your tree, and the lights are bright and dependable. The string of lights is approximately 18 feet long, and you can connect up to five strings to cover your entire tree. 





The best colored tree lights



One 66-foot strand of Brizled LED Mini String Lights features 200 LEDs and should provide enough colorful bulbs to decorate an entire tree. They're rated to last for 25,000 hours, so you probably won't have to replace the strand. Ever. With just one strand of these bright, colorful LED lights, you should be able to decorate even an 8- or 9-foot tree. 





The best bubble lights for the tree



If you have fond childhood memories of these vintage bubbling candle-shaped lights adorning your Christmas tree, you'll be thrilled with the Novelty Lights Bubble Set. You're not going to decorate your entire tree with bubble lights (probably), but tucking one or two strings of these old-fashioned fun bubblers along the tree branches adds an instant dose of nostalgic fun and color. Each string is 7 feet long and has seven bubblers with small clips to keep them in place and steady. 





Christmas Tree Toppers

Once your lights are in place, it's time for the topper. Typically, these slip over the top of the tree's trunk, and generally take a little bit of wiggling or adjusting before they sit steadily. While stars and angels are very popular options, there are plenty of other choices as well.





The best animated tree topper



Your kids will love watching Santa flying around the Christmas tree in his reindeer-drawn sleigh with a "Believe" banner trailing behind. The Mr. Christmas Santa Sleigh Animated Tree Topper has a brightly lit yellow star that attaches easily to your tree's top, and with a flick of the on/off switch, Santa begins his journey. This topper is AC powered with adapter included. 





The best snowflake tree topper



Snowflakes are a popular Christmas-tree theme, but this handcrafted, laser-cut beauty from Cost Plus World Market isn't the run-of-the-mill cheap plastic design. Instead, the Layered Wood Snowflake Tree Topper has three overlapping wooden pieces with just a hint of glitter for extra pizzazz. The wire-coiled base holds the star securely on the top of your tree. 





The best tree topper for kids



The Hugging Snowman Tree Topper will absolutely thrill your kids, but let's admit it: It's adorable enough to thrill adults as well. It's easy to position too. Just slip Mr. Snowman's head over the top of the tree, and then bend his wired arms to grip the branches and keep him in place. His long red scarf adds even more fun to the tree. 





The best angel tree topper



Hand-crafted in silk and wool, this Silk Waldorf Angel Tree Topper from Etsy can be custom-made according to the size and hair color you desire. Each angel is made with a wool body handcrafted from the fleece of New Mexico sheep and then topped with woolen and silk needle-felted fibers.





Christmas Tree Ornaments

Your tree is up, it's strung with lights, and your topper is firmly in place. Now it's time for the best part: trimming it with your favorite ornaments.

While everyone has their own preference when it comes to ornaments, it generally makes the most sense from a budget and convenience perspective to decorate the bulk of the tree with inexpensive, easily found shatterproof or glass balls in your favorite holiday colors. You'll find every color of the rainbow at Target or Walmart. Then add your own personality with individual ornaments or small sets reflecting a hobby, color, interest, or something whimsical that strikes your fancy.





The best personalized ornament



The holidays are all about family, so celebrate yours with a personalized ornament that includes everyone's name. The Winter Family Ornament from Bed, Bath & Beyond includes your family name in the center, surrounded by up to 12 first names. It's made of porcelain with a glossy finish and is nearly 3 inches in diameter. 





The best blown-glass ornament



What do you get when you combine traditional blown-glass with an of-the-moment and absolutely adorable craze? This super-cute sloth ornament from Old World Christmas, that's what. The Christmas Sloth is hand-blown from glass, then hand-painted and sprinkled with a bit of glitter. The kids are going to argue over who gets to put this on the tree, but don't feel bad if you have the urge to step in and do it yourself.





The best felted-wool ornaments



While Cost Plus World Market has a large selection of wonderfully unique felted-wool Christmas ornaments, you can't go wrong with this adorable set of two Christmas Mice. Mr. and Mrs. Mouse are all dressed up and ready to celebrate the holiday with their very own tree and gifts. The mice are made of handcrafted of wool and 5.5 inches tall. 





The best ball ornaments



You already have your shiny glass or shatterproof ball ornaments, so add some warm texture, pattern, and color with two sets of 12 Knit Ball Ornaments from WEWILL. Each ornament measures around 3 inches in diameter and is completely covered with knitted wool in a colorful winter sweater design. Each set contains multiple patterns.





The best wooden ornaments



While the majority of Christmas ornaments are made of glass, plastic, or wool, it's nice to mix it up a bit with a variety of textures, which is why we love these Wooden Heart Ornaments. You get two sets for 24 ornaments in all. Measuring 2.7 inches across, each ornament is delicately laser-cut by hand into a reindeer-and-bird design and finished with a red satin ribbon for hanging. 





Best Tree Skirts

Most Christmas tree stands are not very attractive, so a Christmas tree skirt serves two purposes: It covers up the stand, and it provides a horizontal counterbalance to the upright shape of the tree. Smooth your tree skirt in place once the tree is fully decorated, and then arrange the wrapped gifts on top of it. Now you're ready for Santa's visit!





The best faux-fur tree skirt



The Snowy White Faux Fur Christmas Tree Skirt is hard to resist. It's almost like a wintry drift of snow beneath your tree, except this snowdrift is warm, plush, and fuzzy. At 48 inches in diameter, it's large enough to work with just about any tree and has hooks and loops along the slit edge to fasten it around the tree's trunk. The only downside is that your cat or dog might decide this is the best sleeping spot ever, but never fear: The skirt is hand-washable in cold water if necessary. 





The best traditional tree skirt



The Holiday Plaid Christmas Tree Skirt is decorated with a red and green plaid print with a thick border of green velvet for a traditional finish to your Christmas tree decorations. Best of all, it comes personalized with your family name or any word up to 20 characters. The skirt is 47.5 inches in diameter and can be spot-cleaned. 





The best knit tree skirt



The Reversible Fair Isle Christmas Tree Skirt is softly knit like your favorite sweater, and sports a cheerful red-and-white Fair Isle reindeer pattern on one side. Flip it over, and it's white with red stripes. Whichever side you choose to display, the tree skirt is a traditional design that adds lot of holiday cheer. The tree skirt is 48 inches in diameter and can be spot-cleaned. 





The best elegant tree skirt



If your holiday decor leans more toward classic elegance than cutesy designs, you'll love the beautiful Valery Madelyn Gold Christmas Tree Skirt. This 48-inch velvet and satin stunner has gold sequins throughout the central star as well as along the satin border. The cream and gold color scheme complements a collection of metallic gold and clear glass ornaments. 





For more Christmas decorating inspiration, check out our other great guides



The best Christmas decorations you can buy

A beautifully decorated home is part of the wonder of the holiday season. We've rounded up the best decorating essentials for your home to make it easier for you.

That's why we've gathered up the top suggestions for a wide range of Christmas décor. Whether you go all-out decorating for the holidays, or just stick with a tree covered with a few glass balls, we've got the best of the best for your holiday home.

Here are the best Christmas decorations you can buy:

• Best tree stand: Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand
• Best ornaments: Shop all ornaments at Target
• Best tree topper: Christmas Snowman Tree Hugger
• Best tree skirt: Primode Holiday Images 50-Inch Tree Skirt
• Best wreath for your front door: Woodland Eucalyptus Wreath
• Best stockings: Needlepoint Stockings from L.L. Bean
• Best garland: Home Accents Holiday Pre-Lit Plaza Garland
• Best advent calendar: Byer's Choice Christmas Tree Advent Calendar

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The best Christmas lights you can buy

Holiday decorations bring feelings of warmth and cheer even in the darkest and coldest days of the year. Testing, setting up, and connecting Christmas lights can be anything but a joyful experience, though.

To that end, this year I've worked to assemble a buying guide filled primarily with holiday lights that not only look great, but that also make your life easier.

Here are the best Christmas lights you can buy:

• Best Christmas lights overall: KooPower Waterproof Battery Fairy Lights
• Best Christmas lights: Good Tidings Light Ceramic Multi-Colored Holiday Lights
• Best solar Christmas lights: VMANOO Solar Powered String Lights
• Best mini Christmas lights: Brizled LED Mini String Christmas Lights
• Best permanent Christmas lights: Everlights Starter Kit

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The best tree skirts you can buy

Tree skirts add a dash of color and style to your holiday decor while hiding away that unsightly tree stand and all the Christmas light cords.

Here are the best tree skirts you can buy:

• Best tree skirt overall: Primode Holiday Images 50-Inch Tree Skirt
• Best traditional tree skirt: Valery Madelyn 48-Inch Tree Skirt
• Best mini tree skirt: VHC Brands Burlap Mini Tree Skirt
• Best affordable tree skirt: Ivenf Christmas Tree Skirt
• Best large tree skirt: Kurt Adler Embroidered and Pleated 60-Inch Tree Skirt

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The best Christmas tree stands you can buy

The best Christmas tree stands are designed to last for many decades, have a stable base that holds plenty of water, are easy to set up, and store easily after the holidays are over.

Here are the best tree skirts you can buy:

• Best Christmas tree stand overall:Krinner Tree Genie Christmas Tree Stand
• Best screw-in Christmas tree stand:Jack-Post Welded Steel Christmas Tree Stand
• Best Christmas tree stand for artificial trees: National Tree Folding Tree Stand
• Best full-sized, live Christmas tree stand on a budget: Cinco C Express Tree Stand.








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12/05/19--14:34: A couple moved into a 730-square-foot, modern yurt to avoid high rent costs in Portland, Oregon. Take a look inside.
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• Zach Both and Nicole Lopez built a modern yurt when they realized the cost of living in Portland, Oregon, was too expensive.
• The $30,000 yurt took just one weekend to put together. The couple then spent an additional $30,000 to transform it into a beautiful, comfortable home.
• The main feature of the house is a circular loft surrounded by hanging plants, but the yurt also has a full kitchen, bathroom, living room, and office. 
• They estimate they're saving about $1,000 in living costs compared to renting an apartment in Portland.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Moving to a big city in the US can get expensive, so to avoid the high city costs, Zach Both and Nicole Lopez decided to do something different. 

The couple moved into a 730-square-foot yurt — a circular tiny house built from poles and fabric — on a small island just outside Portland, Oregon, in April 2019. For the past few months, they've been living in their yurt full time and documenting their experience on a blog, Do it Yurtself.

Take a look inside their tiny house that has a modern and contemporary flair.

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Zach Both was living in a converted van when his girlfriend, Nicole Lopez, got a job in Portland, Oregon, so he knew it was time for a change.



Both lived in his van for almost four years and traveled across the country in his home on wheels. 

"I wanted to travel more and have some sense of freedom to do what I wanted," he said. 

But Lopez got a full-time nursing job in Portland, so Both knew he had to settle down in a more permanent place. 

"We were looking for houses and apartments to rent, but we were dumbfounded by the rent prices," he said. 





Instead of paying the high rent prices in the city, the couple decided a yurt would be cheaper as a permanent home.



After living in a van for several years, Both knew he could continue living the tiny house lifestyle.

"We always joked about living in one, but when the opportunity came, we came back to it because it's such a unique structure and has such a unique history," he said. "So we settled on the yurt."

Yurts go back thousands of years and can be found in Central Asian countries like Mongolia. They are typically circular structures made from flexible poles covered in fabric, like felt. 





Both and his girlfriend set out to build a yurt that was different than others they'd seen in the past.



"I wanted to make something unique that people haven't seen before," he said. "Almost every yurt looks exactly the same — very rustic. It was an opportunity to do something completely different and to make a yurt that is modern and contemporary." 





After finding a spot on Sauvie Island off the coast of Portland, Both and his girlfriend got to work building their home.



The couple bought a yurt assembly kit from a company called Rainier Outdoor for $30,000. They enlisted the help of a few friends and built the exterior of the yurt in one weekend in October 2018. 

"We managed to build the entire structure in one long weekend even with very little experience," he said. "Some of my friends never even picked up a power drill before. It's like putting together Ikea furniture just on a much larger scale."





But their house wasn't completed just yet.



"We were then left with an entirely blank space that you can make whatever it wants to be," he said.





For the next several months, Both and Lopez focused on turning the inside of the yurt into a livable, modern home.



The couple first installed water, plumbing, and electrical, which was a learning experience for them both. They then moved on to building and designing a modern interior, which lasted three months. In the end, they spent another $30,000. 





When the house was completed, the couple realized they were saving $1,000 in monthly costs by living in their yurt.



Since the yurt itself is completely paid off, Both and Lopez only pay $600 per month for the land they are on and for utilities. Both said they would be paying two to three times that in the city of Portland where the median rent price for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,595.





While saving money is a great perk, Both said he loves the 730-square-foot yurt for a second reason: the circular loft.



While lofts are common in tiny living spaces, Both was determined to make his loft and bedroom look different. Situated in the middle of the 30-foot-diameter house, this yurt's loft is completely circular and is surrounded by "hanging plants that cascade over the edge." 





A ladder at the back of the house takes Both and Lopez up to the lofted bedroom.



Ladders are common in tiny houses, especially in ones that have lofts. 





Upstairs, the bedroom looks like a modern jungle.



"It was quite a challenge [to build], but it pays off in the end," Both said. "When you're sleeping up there and looking through the skylight at night, there's nothing else quite like it."





Beneath the circular lofted bedroom is the bathroom.



The bathroom has a compost toilet, a shower with hot water, and a sink. There's also a storage closet where Lopez and Both keep most of their clothes and camping gear. 





The living space also has a modern, eat-in kitchen.



In the kitchen, you can find a full fridge, a sink, and a toaster oven. 





At the front of the yurt, there's a large living room.



The living space has a pull-out couch, which also stores linens and pillows inside.

"We needed to find multiple uses for different pieces of furniture," Both said. 





At the far end of the living room, there is a large wood-burning stove.



Both said one of the biggest challenges they face is temperature control.

"It's too hot during the summer and too cold during the winter," he said.

The wood-burning stove is meant to warm up the place in the winter, but for the summer months, they had to find ways to ventilate the home. 

"It takes a little more work than just a normal apartment or house to work through those problems," Both said. 





Around the corner, there's an office.



While Lopez works in the city, Both works from home as a filmmaker, and he uses this space as an office. The shelving unit houses Both's camera equipment and books. 

"We didn't have to skimp on the living features that most people are accustomed to," Both said. 





Although the couple isn't living in the city of Portland, they are confident that they made the right decision by living in their modern yurt.



"It's always a challenge," he said. "It's always a learning opportunity. I think perseverance is the key. It's easy to get discouraged at times, but when you're at the end and everything is finished, you'll be able to sit back and relax. It all pays off." 

• Read more:
• A 23-year-old turned an old van into a 'mobile studio' to explore the US
• 7 gorgeous tents that you can 'glamp' in
• 23 photos that show the ugly truth of living in a tiny house
• This couple's 130-square-foot home is the most traveled tiny house in the world. Here's what their life is like.

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