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A sprawling ranch outside of Park City just sold for $32.5 million and became the most expensive home sale in Utah's history. Take a look inside.

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Riverbend Ranch Oakley UT

  • Riverbend Ranch just sold to Nikola Motor CEO Trevor Milton for $32.5 million and became Utah's most expensive home sale. 
  • The 2,670-acre estate is half an hour from Park City, Utah, and features a helipad.
  • The house boasts nine bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and an in-home movie theater.
  • In September, Forbes valued Milton's ownership of Nikola Motor at $1.1 billion.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Riverbend Ranch, a 2,670-acre estate outside of Park City, Utah, just became the most expensive home sale in Utah's history.

Engel & Völkers advisor Paul Benson, who brokered the sale, told Business Insider that the estate sold for $32.5 million to Nikola Motor CEO Trevor Milton. Nikola Motor, which produces hydrogen-electric trucks, recently received a $250 million investment, Forbes reported in September. Forbes valued Milton's ownership of Nikola Motor at $1.1 billion.

A Park City ski chalet that sold for $22.5 million earlier this year previously held the record for most expensive home sale in Utah.

Milton purchased the Riverbend Ranch from Vinny Smith, former Quest Software CEO and current head of Toba Capital. 

Take a look inside:

SEE ALSO: YouTube star Logan Paul paid $1 million for a ranch that used to manufacture LSD. Here's a look at the property.

NOW READ: 19 small homes you won't believe cost $1 million

Riverbend Ranch is located a half-hour's drive from Park City, Utah. The property sprawls across 2,670 acres.

Source: Engel & Völkers



The Weber River runs through the estate.

Source: Engel & Völkers



The house is 16,800 square feet ...

Source: Engel & Völkers



... and boasts nine bedrooms and eight bathrooms.

Source: Engel & Völkers



Its interior features hand-planed hickory flooring ...

Source: Engel & Völkers



... floor-to-ceiling walnut bookcases ...

Source: Engel & Völkers



... and hand-forged custom ironwork.

Source: Engel & Völkers



Most of the woodwork was created on an Amish Farm using reclaimed wood supplied by an Idaho schoolhouse.

Source: Engel & Völkers



Pocket doors connect the living area to a riverfront stone patio complete with fire pit and spa.

Source: Engel & Völkers



There is also an outdoor fireplace, dining area and lounge.

Source: Engel & Völkers



Luxury amenities include an in-home movie theater, tennis court and helipad.

Source: Engel & Völkers



And a garage that could fit many, many cars and ATVs.

Source: Engel & Völkers




28 gifts for him that you can get on Amazon — all under $100

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fire hd 8

  • Finding the right gifts for the men in your life can be extremely hard, so we rounded up gifts that they'll definitely like.
  • Each gift is available on Amazon and under $100, so they're easy to purchase, and they won't break your bank.
  • For more gift ideas, you can find all of our 2019 holiday gift guides here.

If you asked your friends and family, they'd probably say that buying gifts for him — whether that's a boyfriend, dadfather-in-law, or brother — can be the most difficult out of everyone. What does he need, or what does he want?

Trying to find the right gift when none seem ideal also tends to make procrastinators out of the best of us. That's when most of us turn to the convenient, fast, reliable perks of shopping on Amazon and its mountains of options. 

To make sifting through easier, you'll find 28 gifts for him below that won't cost you more than $100, but that he's sure to like.

Most of these items are available with free one-day or two-day shipping if you have Amazon Prime, so you don't have to stress over when it will arrive.

A minimalist leather wallet

Bellroy Low Slim Leather Wallet, $75

Replace his tired and tattered wallet with this slim leather billfold from Insider Picks' favorite wallet brand Bellroy. It's made with ethically sourced leather that will age wonderfully, lasting many years.



A smart speaker with a clock

Echo Dot 3rd Gen with clock, $59.99

With a digital clock now integrated into the design, the newest Echo Dot is more convenient than ever. He can use it as an alarm clock, an audio streamer, and to unlock all of Alexa's other skills.



A versatile iPhone case

Scooch Wingman case, $39.99: iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone 11 Pro Max

If he's getting a new iPhone this holiday season, a durable case is an essential accessory. The Scooch Wingman is a military-grade case that has a built-in grip, kickstand, and car dash mount. To learn why it's the only case I'll use on my phone, read my full review

 



A portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker

JBL Flip 4, $89.99

Perfect for the adventurous man, the JBL Flip 4 is rugged, portable, and waterproof. He can use it while camping in the backcountry, fishing at the lake, or even while he's swimming.



A beard and body trimmer for a comfortable shave

Philips Norelco OneBlade Face + Body Trimmer, $39.95

What separates the Philips Norelco OneBlade from other trimmers and shavers is the unique blade. It uses a fast-moving OneBlade cutter with a dual-protection system on both ends. The base of the blade will contour to his face, allowing for a comfortable shave or trim without irritation — and it works for wet or dry shaving.



A few big bricks of soap

Duke Cannon Big Brick of Soap WWII Era Collection, $34.95

Duke Cannon is a military-inspired men's grooming brand that helps support veterans and active service members by donating a portion of all proceeds. Even if the man you're shopping for isn't a serviceman, he'll appreciate the smell and massive size of these soap bars.



A charging dock for his iPhone and Apple Watch

Belkin Powerhouse Charge Dock for Apple Watch and iPhone, $79.99

Sure, you could give him a regular charging cord to juice up his phone, but a charging dock is often more convenient and definitely cooler. This one in particular also comes with a convenient place to charge his Apple Watch, too. 



An 8-inch tablet for surfing the internet and streaming

Fire HD 8 16GB Tablet with Alexa, $79.99

With an 8-inch 1080p full HD screen, the Fire HD Tablet is the perfect size for surfing the web, checking emails, and streaming videos.  He'll get lots of use out of it whether he's at home or on the go. 

 



An old-school safety razor

 Gillette Heritage-Inspired Double Edge Safety Razor, $34.99

For lovers of that old-school shaving experience, the Gillette Heritage-Inspired Safety Razor makes a great stocking stuffer. The chrome-plated razor draws its inspiration from the Gillette's original 1929 safety razor and comes packed in a small leather-bound case. 



A fun fidget toy

Speks Original Magnetic Balls, $24.95

If he likes to fidget and play with things throughout the day, Speks magnets are an extremely satisfying option. He can use them to build different shapes, structures, or string them together in a line.



An Alexa-enabled smart display

Echo Show 8, $99.99

Help him stay connected to the world by gifting him the new Echo Show 8. This smart display is good for video chatting with friends and family, checking the news, and controlling smart home devices like robot vacuums, security systems, and more. 



A sandalwood-scented shaving kit

Art of Shaving Men's Sandalwood Mid-Size Kit, $60

This four-piece shaving set is great for any guy trying to manage his five o'clock shadow; he just needs to supply his favorite razor. If he's on the fence about scented shaving products, know that the sandalwood scent isn't too strong, and most men will like it.



A Tile Mate that will help him never lose his phone or wallet again

Tile Mate, $18.64

He can place this tracker in his wallet, bag, or phone case to make sure he never loses his things, because if he does, the Tile app makes it easy to retrace.



A popular multitool

Leatherman Wingman Multitool, $59.95

Leatherman is a well-respected company, and they're especially well-known for making multi-tools like this one. It has 14 tools including a knife, pliers, screwdrivers, a ruler, and both bottle and can openers hidden inside it.



A voice-enabled TV streaming stick

Fire TV Stick 4K, Alexa-Enabled Voice Remote, $49.99

The all-new Fire TV Stick has a new Wi-Fi antenna design optimized for 4K Ultra HD streaming and more storage for apps and games. Essentially, though, it's still your standard media streaming stick, and can convert a dumb TV into a smart one that can stream Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. It's Alexa-enabled, too, so you can control it by voice — turning the volume up on your sound bar and dimming the lights simultaneously.



A specialty beer-making kit

Mr. Beer Premium Craft Making Kit, $43.46

If he's one of those guys that either is or will one day be holed up in the garage making specialty beers, he's going to love this DIY kit. It includes everything he'll need to get started, including bottles.



Year-round access to fresh herbs

Click & Grow Smart Indoor Garden, $99.95

Does he like to cook and prefer to do so with fresh herbs? This mini indoor garden comes with its own perfect ecosystem for year-round growth, meaning little effort on his part and constant access to some of his favorite ingredients — just the way he likes them.



A durable 6-foot iPhone cable

Anker 6-foot Charging Cable, $18.99

It's something every one of us will feel grateful for a couple of times per day, but always put off buying for ourselves: a durable, 6-foot-long charging cable.



A turntable for his growing record collection

Audio-Technica Fully Automatic Stereo Turntable, $99

Help him rediscover his favorite classic records with this affordable, fully automatic belt-drive turntable. If you're feeling extra generous, pick up a record he doesn't have or sign him up for a subscription to Vnyl.



A beard grooming kit to keep him looking neat

Rapid Beard Grooming & Trimming Kit, $24.97

This bestselling beard grooming kit isn't messing around, and it's reliant upon 100% natural and organic ingredients like argan oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. It makes grooming, trimming, shaping, and taming easier.



Some of the best headphones you can find for $100

Status Audio BT One Wireless On-Ear Headphones, $99

The perfect pair of over-ear headphones are both highly comfortable and have sound great. For $99, this pair from Status Audio is among the best you'll find at this price point. 



The most comfortable travel pillow

Trtl Pillow, $29.99

It looks gimmicky, but it's not. This is the best travel pillow on the internet in our opinion, and while it won't convince you that you're sleeping on a feather bed, it will make sleeping in an upright position far more enjoyable. If he travels, this is a thoughtful one.



A hilarious coffee table book

"F in Exams," $6.20

This is a great gift for the person who can laugh at the little things in life, or for anyone who works as a teacher. It's a collection of hilarious wrong test answers that is sure to keep them laughing.



A smart outlet for upgrading his smart home

Wemo Mini WiFi-Enabled Smart Plug, $22.99

Isn't controlling everything in your house by voice so you never have to get up kind of the dream? These Wi-Fi- and Alexa-enabled outlets make that a reality. Plug them in, download the app, and you can control your lights and appliances from your phone and your voice.



A dry box for waterproof protection outdoors

OtterBox DRYBOX 3250 Series, $39.99

This rugged case is basically like a tiny storage box, protecting not only their phone but also their keys, wallet, and other small essentials. It's even waterproof up to 90 feet for 30 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.



An Alexa-enabled car charger

Roav Viva Pro Alexa-Enabled 2-Port USB Car Charger, $35.99

Give their car a smart upgrade with the Alexa-enabled Roav Viva Pro. Not only can the device charge his smartphone, but it can also answer questions about the weather or traffic, play music, and even tell him the news.



The internet's most popular cooker

Instant Pot DUO80, $99

The Instant Pot is one of the most versatile appliances you can add to your kitchen for under $100. Help him make delicious home-cooked meals a cinch, even when he has to work late.



A soap bar that can bring dingy clothes back to life

The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar, $5.38

Pop this stain remover bar in their stocking or as an additional gift. It's an early Insider Picks favorite — it's relatively cheap and works exceptionally well. The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar is one of the only things that can bring white clothes back from the brink of donation piles, as we've attested in our roundup of the best things we bought on Amazon under $25.



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



I spent 2 nights in a tiny house and it was basically the same as my New York City apartment, but with more windows and fewer stairs — here's how they compare

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nyc apt tiny house 2

Welcome to my abode.

It's roughly 700 square feet, in Manhattan's Upper East Side, and has no washing machine or dishwasher. That makes it, basically, a tiny house in the sky — without some of the amenities tiny houses are most famous for.

Think panoramic windows, natural lighting, and the ability to take your home with you wherever you go.

I would know: I recently visited Think Big! A Tiny House Resort in the Catskills, about two hours north of Manhattan, and stayed in a tiny house for three days. It wasn't the tight squeeze I anticipated, and I quickly realized why: It was essentially my apartment, but in the middle of the woods.

They're both small spaces that necessitate some physical trade-offs. You have to be resourceful in both to make the most of your space.

Of course, there are differences, like the lifestyle each dwelling enables, as well as cost — the median monthly rent in New York City is $2,900, while median cost of a tiny house is nearly $60,000.

But physically speaking, I can now say that tiny houses are basically NYC apartments on wheels. Here's why.

SEE ALSO: I've been writing about tiny homes for a year and finally spent 2 nights in a 300-foot home to see what it's all about — here's how it went

DON'T MISS: I stayed at a tiny house resort in the Catskills for three days, and it was the perfect getaway for burned-out NYC millennials who need to recharge

As Business Insider's millennial wealth reporter, I've been covering the intersection of money and the lifestyles of today's most controversial generation. That has meant deep dives into topics like student debt, millennials' attempts to catch up financially, and early retirement.

But it's also meant that I've chronicled some of the trends millennials love most — think plants, VSCO girls, wellness, and, of course, tiny houses.

I've interviewed a Colorado man who designs tiny homes for a living and built his dream tiny house; talked to tiny house dwellers about what it's really like downsizing; and interviewed couples who have taken on a minimalist lifestyle about how it's affected their budgets.

But one thing I had not done, until recently, was actually stayed in a tiny house myself.

In October, that finally changed when I took a trip upstate to the Catskills and spent two nights in a tiny house. It was a fun experience — but honestly, it didn't feel all that different to stay in a tiny house and my tiny NYC apartment.



I live in a pre-war building in Manhattan's Upper East Side. Like many streets in the area, it's pretty noisy and tree lined.

My apartment is a fifth-floor walk-up (that means no elevator and four flights of stairs). It's classified as a four-room apartment with two bedrooms; I have one roommate.

The management company didn't respond to my request when I inquired about square footage, but an internet search yielded a listing for another two-bedroom apartment in the same building at a similar price: It's 700 square feet.



Please, step on in to my living room. Don't mind the futon — I've yet to be a real adult and upgrade to a couch.

Like most living rooms, mine serves as the focal point of the apartment — you need to walk through it to get anywhere else. It's part of an open floorplan with the kitchen.



Along one wall is space for an entertainment center (and a much bigger TV, if we wanted one).

The TV is useful when my roommate and I want to watch a game or a movie together, but it's not necessary — I usually watch TV in my bed on my laptop.



My living room only has one window, and it yields a classic NYC view: The apartment building next door and the garbage cans in between them.

Like most NYC apartments, this doesn't allow for a lot of natural lighting — something you'll notice in the darker quality of the apartment photos I took.

Even when it's sunny out, the buildings can block the light. I frequently assume it's a rainy day when it's not.



Now here's the Catskills tiny home I visited in October, when I traded in sirens for crickets for a weekend. It looks like a world away, but it's actually not too different from my apartment.

The Catskills are about two hours north of Manhattan. This tiny house, called the Little Bear, is 269 square feet and nestled in the woods in a very serene setting — a far cry from the city's hustle and bustle. I stayed here for three days.

It's part of Think Big! A Tiny House Resort. The resort's owners, Margie and Melissa, work with Escape Homes to design the tiny houses themselves. They find a way to use "every nook and cranny," Melissa told me, adding that "everything serves a purpose; everything's utilized."



The living area accounted for one of the biggest differences between my apartment and the tiny house: My tiny house didn't have a living room. The central living space consisted of a kitchen and dining area, with no room for a couch.

The interior was rustic, but it was also more modern than my circa-1910 apartment.

If you live by yourself, a lack of living room may not be a downside in a tiny house. But if you have guests or a roommate, you'd likely want a space to socialize.

Take it from me: I once subleased a New York City apartment that didn't have a living room. After I moved into my current apartment, I realized what a difference not having one made. I hated that my bed was the only place where I could relax.



But the tiny house wasn't without an entertainment center. The TV was placed at the foot of the main bed — a convenient location, in my opinion.

There was shelving for knick-knacks, much like my entertainment center has.

The tiny house even has something my entertainment center lacks: a heated electric furnace that functions as a (fake) fireplace.



The tiny house's panoramic windows, which boasted beautiful autumnal views of the sky and trees, put my apartment's sliver of a window to shame.

With so much natural light, there was no need to turn on the lights inside.



Comparing the two kitchens shows how differently space gets used. There's a window in my kitchen, but there's also a notable lack of counter space. Only a sliver of it exists to the left of the stove.

The setup is not ideal for cooking, especially because that counter space is often taken up by drying dishes.

Luckily, we have a kitchen peninsula, which offers up more counter space. But this also doubles as a dining table — when my roommate is eating and I'm cooking, or vice versa, it can be a tight squeeze.

We were able to add some extra counter space with a bar cart, which actually, as you can see, serves as a pots and pans cart.



The kitchen storage space in my apartment isn't bad — there are seven cabinets and six drawers in my kitchen.

For us, it's the right amount of space; nothing's crammed, and two of the drawers are actually empty.



Where my kitchen falls short is in appliances — the fridge, oven, and microwave aren't standard sizes.

Granted, the microwave doesn't come with the apartment the way a fridge and oven do. We could get a bigger microwave if we really wanted to.

The miniature size of the microwave and fridge don't bother me; the oven, however, does. Its small space can make it difficult for my roommate and I to cook at the same time, and the stove gets crowded. I often cook food on a toaster oven tray.

But if the oven were bigger, we'd have even less counter space.



Here's my NYC fridge. It's a tight space for two.



In the tiny house, the counter space wasn't exactly ample either — but there was still more of it.

A square dining table across from the kitchen provided some extra counter space, but that, too, was relatively small.



There were six cabinet doors and four drawers in the tiny house kitchen, as well as a shelf — and they seemed to fit all the necessities quite nicely.

The upper cabinets weren't all that different from one another: There was plenty of space in each for dishes.



The kitchen amenities were far bigger in the tiny house. The oven was much more spacious.

Yes, I am aware that the tiny house's oven was also cleaner than my old-fashioned one.



And I could probably fit my entire fridge into the tiny house fridge if I removed its shelves.



That brings me to the bathroom. My bathroom is basically a square with one cabinet under the sink and one medicine cabinet.

Luckily, we have a linen closet in the "hallway" where we can store things like towels.



The tiny house takes the gold in the bathroom: It was full of storage. There were two cabinets above the sink and a row of cabinets — plus drawers — underneath it.

Who needs a linen closet when you have all of this space?

Both the toilets and full-size shower tubs in my apartment and tiny house were about the same size.



But what's really important is the bedroom. Like most NYC apartments, my bedroom is small. I crammed a full-size bed against three walls to create space.

There is one very thin window. Even though it was light out when I took this shot, I still needed my lamp on for this picture.

The optimal time for natural lighting in my bedroom is in the middle of the afternoon, but in the tiny house, it's all day.



There's not much room for a dresser in my bedroom, but I made it work.

Tiny houses aren't the only dwellings that require downsizing.

When I moved from Florida to New York, sacrifices were made. I had to get rid of my long, six-drawer dresser and queen-sized bed because I knew they wouldn't fit in a NYC apartment.



I can live with the full-sized bed in my apartment. What really matters is the closet space — and that, at last, is where my tiny apartment wins out.

This is not my dream closet by any means. It is not big enough to fit my full wardrobe. Part of my wardrobe is stored under my bed, which sits on a 16-inch high bed frame.

I also keep some clothes in other places in my apartment — my coats and some of my shoes have a home on their respective racks in our entryway. 

That's not to mention the clothes I have at my parents' house in Florida; I try to bring some back with me every time I visit.



In terms of accessibility, the bed in the tiny house was also accessible from one side and one side only — but it's a queen bed! That would take up too much room in my own bedroom. And note the difference in the window size.

Because of the limited point of access, I found both beds equally inconvenient to make in the morning.

If this queen-sized bed isn't to your liking, there were also two full-size, lofted beds in the tiny house.



This was the only closet space in the tiny house. All I have to say is: yikes. For the first time, I felt grateful for my small NYC closet space.

That said, not all tiny houses have closets, so it's nice this even had one.

If you prefer to rent your clothes, this may not be a deal breaker. But I am not ready to downsize my wardrobe or curb my shopping habits. 



It's a lot better than the single dresser drawer under the tiny house bed, though.

I could fit my jeans in here — but what would I do with all my gym clothes, t-shirts, and pajamas?



Ultimately, there are pros and cons when comparing an NYC apartment and a tiny house. On a basic level, both are small and require downsizing and trade-offs in space.

The kitchen storage and counter space in my apartment is on par with what I found in the tiny house.

But there are other aspects where one completely wins out over the other: My NYC apartment has a living room and more wardrobe space, but the tiny house has better windows with natural lighting and more bathroom storage.

It all comes down to what amenities you're willing to sacrifice.



While they're not all that different physically speaking, it's not really what living in either is about: It boils down to the lifestyle — the biggest difference of all.

In the case of my apartment and the tiny house I stayed in, it's concrete jungle versus nature.

Do you want to live in a small space so you can be near the center of action in a thriving city with everything at your fingertips? Or is it because you want to live a life that offers more flexibility for things like traveling and working remotely?

For me, it's the former.



How to appear offline on Steam in 2 simple steps, so others can't see that you're playing online

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man working headphones laptop

There's no denying that Steam is one of the most popular ways to experience digital PC games. With a wide variety of titles both old and new to choose from, as well as an active community for pretty much every game available on the platform, Steam is a gamer's best friend. 

Steam also has a social component, which lets you add friends and more. While it isn't a significant element of the app, it does allow gamers to play their favorite titles with their friends, or directly message other users. 

However, sometimes you just want a little privacy while you indulge in your favorite titles. Fortunately, Steam has an option for you to appear offline, even when you are logged into your account. This way, no one will bother you while you play.

This shouldn't be confused with offline mode, which actually disconnects your Steam app from the internet. By simply appearing offline, you'll still be able to use all the features of Steam — your friends just won't see it.

Whether you want to play your guilty pleasure title, or just take a breather from talking to your friends online, here's how to appear offline on Steam

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

Steam Gift Card (From $20 at Best Buy)

Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

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

How to appear offline on Steam 

1. Launch Steam and click on "Friends" at the top of the window if you're on PC, or in the menu bar at the top of the screen if you're using a Mac.

2. Select "Offline" in the drop-down menu. Your profile should now appear offline to both your Steam friends and strangers alike.

appear offline steam

You can go back online by opening up that Friends menu again and selecting "Online."

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best gaming mice you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

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How to pause a download on your PS4 in 4 steps, to prioritize which games or apps download first

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ps4 tv

Sony's PS4 is one of the most popular systems for gaming. 

However, like other gaming consoles, the PS4 is plagued with automatically downloading multiple items and updates at the same time. 

So, if you recently picked up a new game, but a game you previously installed needs a 40 GB patch before you can play, it is going to be a while before you can enjoy the game. 

Thankfully, there is a way for you to control which items download on your PS4. Here's how you can pause a download on a PS4

Check out the products mentioned in this article:

PlayStation 4 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to pause a download on your PS4

1. Boot up your PS4, or head to your PlayStation menu if your console is already on by clicking the PlayStation button on the center of your controller. 

2. Push up on the left thumbstick (or pressing up on the d-pad) and press the X button on "Notifications." 

3. You'll see several notifications — click on the one that says "Downloads." 

pause download ps4

4. Select the download(s) that you wish to pause by hitting X on your controller to open a new page, then hit X again to pause the download. 

pause download PS4,

Now your download has been paused. If you are ready to resume downloading that particular item, you can repeat step four above and resume the same download you paused. 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: 8 affordable PlayStation 4 accessories that'll help you make the most of your console

Join the conversation about this story »

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12 white Christmas trees that give you a blank canvas for ornaments and decor

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  • A white Christmas tree is a sophisticated option that adds a wintry feel to any space.
  • To simplify your search for the perfect one, we curated a list of 12 white Christmas trees that range in size, shape, and decorative touches like built-in lights.
  • Check out all of our holiday gift guides for 2019

The traditional Christmas tree is a holiday classic, but it can be nice to shake things up every once and a while. That's where the white Christmas tree comes in, bringing a decorative touch that's a little more unique.

White Christmas trees can be striking and elegant, and the neutral color palette gives you total freedom to get creative. We've even seen them decorated with purple and orange ornaments, cobwebs, and witchy accessories for Halloween. They're also fairly simple to assemble and collapse for storage. 

To avoid endless searching on your end, we rounded up 12 trees based on customer reviews and features included.

For more Christmas decorations, browse our holiday buying guides: 

  1. Best artificial Christmas trees
  2. Best pre-lit artificial Christmas trees
  3. Best tabletop Christmas trees
  4. Best Christmas tree decorations
  5. Best Christmas tree toppers
  6. Best Christmas decorations
  7. Best Christmas tree skirt
  8. Best Christmas tree stand
  9. Best Christmas lights
  10. Best Christmas tree ornaments

A 7-foot tree that is surprisingly affordable

$57.99, available on Amazon

This tree is composed of PVC, which is resistant to weathering, chemical rotting, corrosion, shock, and abrasion. These features mean it's likely to last you quite a few years, making it more cost-effective over time. It's also tall and full at the base, good for large spaces.

Tree height: 7 feet 

Base diameter: 52 inches

Light count: unlit

Other considerations: 100% warranty-refund or replacement

 



A realistic winter tree that works for both indoor and outdoor settings

$129.99, available on Amazon

This tree is full, plush, and simple, allowing you to leverage your imagination when it comes time to decorate. The 9-foot height makes it the tallest on our list, though it's available in other sizes as well. Plus, it's compatible in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Tree height: 9 feet 

Base diameter: 60 inches

Light count: unlit

Other considerations: no warranty



A short and narrow tree that's easy to assemble and store

$29.99, available on Amazon

This waterproof tree fits nicely in small spaces, like studio apartments, dens, or classrooms. It arrives in three pieces for easy assembly. 

Tree height: 5 feet 

Base diameter: 30 inches

Light count: unlit

Other considerations: no warranty



An 8-foot Spruce tree with sturdy metal legs and plastic pads to protect your floor

$56.99, available on Amazon

This full tree features durable metal legs and plastic pads, providing balance, stability, and protection against damage on both your tree and floor. It's made with 1,138 lush branch tips, which create the illusion of a genuine spruce tree. 

Tree height: 8 feet

Base diameter: not mentioned

Light count: unlit

Other considerations: no warranty



A 6-foot tree that has a good amount of clearance for decor or presents underneath

$44.99, available on Amazon

This tree has 1,000 branch tips to ensure that you'll create a full-body look. It arrives with a sturdy metal stand, and only takes a few minutes to set up. The branch-fluffing process takes a little extra time, but it'll result in a tree that looks full and lush. It also seems to have a decent amount of clearance underneath so you can fit gifts or decorative items without issue.

Tree height: 6 feet

Base diameter: 44 inches 

Light count: unlit

Other considerations: 90-day return policy

 

 



A glittery tree with bright, clear lights

$161.70, available on Home Depot

This tree is adorned with glittery branches and 550 clear lights for a bright, shimmery look. It's also packed in a reusable storage container, and comes with easy-to-follow assembly instructions and a metal stand.

Tree height: 7 feet 

Base diameter: 47 inches 

Light count: 550 clear lights

Other considerations: 90-day return policy applies

 



A snow-flocked tree that's wrapped in 550 warm white lights

$189.99, available on Amazon

Though it technically isn't a white tree, its thick layer of faux snow gives it a nearly all-white canvas to work with. It has all the natural characteristics of a winter Pine tree, but comes with warm white lights. Its hinge branches and wide base provide volume and body.

Tree height: 7.5 feet 

Base diameter: 52 inches

Light count: 550 warm white lights

Other considerations: 90-day return policy applies



A lush tree that's an ideal centerpiece for large rooms

$223.56, available on Amazon

This full-body tree is 59 inches wide, making it ideal for large living and dining rooms, foyers, or offices. Its size and simplistic design provide a blank canvas, offering you endless decorating possibilities. It's also prelit so you don't have to worry about lights.

Tree height: 7.5 feet 

Base diameter: 59 inches

Light count: 750 warm white lights

Other considerations: 2-year limited warranty

 



A tree that comes with a huge selection of blue ornaments

$159.99, available on Amazon

If monochrome trees are your thing, then this option is ideal. This tree includes a pack of 135 blue Christmas ornaments and decorative items for a color-blocked look, but you can also fleck it with your own ornaments for a personal touch. The lights included have to be manually wrapped; the tree comes with two sets of 39-foot strings. 

Tree height: 6 feet

Base diameter: 42 inches 

Light count: 120 clear LED lights

Other considerations: No warranty information provided

 

 

 

 



A 2-foot twig tree that's perfect for desks and tabletops

$8, available on Target

This all-white tree Charlie Brown tree provides a clean and minimalist look. Its light weight and small size make it easy to bring it to work or fit on your desk or tabletop at home. 

Tree height: 2 feet 

Base diameter: 14 inches 

Light count: unlit

Other considerations: 30-day return policy



A fuller mini tree that works as a table centerpiece

$34.60, available on Walmart

This tree is compact, but full-bodied. It comes prelit with clear lights for subtle glow, making it a perfect centerpiece for any table.

Tree height: 2 feet 

Base diameter: 16 inches

Light count: 35 clear lights

Other considerations: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty



A pencil-like tree that's perfect for narrow spaces

$79.99 on sale (originally $139.99), available on Michael's [you save $60]

By design, this tree is tall and thin, fitting perfectly in tight, narrow spaces. It has 210 clear lights, so all you need to do is deck it out in decorations. 

Tree height: 7 feet 

Base diameter: 20 inches

Light count: 210 clear lights

Other considerations: 5-year warranty for the tree and 2-year warranty for the lights

 

 

 



16 gift baskets for all sorts of tastes and interests — from gourmet pastries and bread to Japanese snacks they can't find in the US

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best gift baskets 12

  • Gift baskets should be thoughtfully curated and contain items that fit your recipient's tastes and interests.
  • Whether their holiday indulgence of choice is chocolate, cheese, or wine, these 16 gift baskets and gift boxes check the boxes off for both quality and relevance. 
  • Need more gift ideas? Find all Insider Picks holiday gift guides here

A gift basket is a common and easy gift to give to a client, host, or your in-laws, but all too often, gift baskets share the same pitfalls. Once you take a closer look at the basket teeming with treats, you realize only a small percentage of its contents are actually worth keeping. Or, there's an excessive amount of packaging that makes the basket look more substantial than it really is. 

When you're gifting a gift basket or gift box, you want something with both quantity and quality. Gift baskets shouldn't be cheesy presents that seemed like a last-minute buy. Instead, they should be thoughtfully curated and contain items that fit your recipient's tastes and interests. 

The top 5 best gift baskets:

  1. A cheerful assortment of Godiva chocolate
  2. A collection of cheese from a New York City institution
  3. A snack box with treats from a different country every month
  4. Boozy gummies and the actual vodka that inspired their creation
  5. Beer and gourmet snacks to go along with game night

Here are 16 gift baskets worth keeping. 

Boozy gummies and the actual vodka that inspired their creation

Tito's x Sugarfina Candy Bento Box, available at ReserveBar, $48

Pour a tiny Moscow mule in the included copper mug and say cheers to these creative gummies inspired by and infused with Tito's Vodka. In addition to the candy and mug, your recipient will get a bottle of Tito's. 



A peppermint hot chocolate and bark set

Peppermint Bark Tartan Gift Crate, available at Williams Sonoma, $89.95

There's no better time than the holidays to indulge in a steaming mug of rich peppermint hot chocolate. It goes well with a chunk of sweet yet refreshing peppermint bark and the appropriate festive drinkware. 



A carb-heavy box of pastries and breads

Signature Bakery Tray, available at Harry & David, $69.99

The tray of cookies, cakes, and other pastries will be a big hit for anyone who loves lingering in bakeries. Reviewers love the lemon poppyseed cake and raspberry galettes. 



A cheerful assortment of Godiva chocolate

Holiday Celebrations Chocolate Gift Box, available at Godiva, $104.95

No one is ever unhappy with a box (or six) of chocolates. The huge assortment of candy includes your classic milk and dark chocolates, along with Bundt cake- and holiday-inspired chocolates and truffles. 



A limited-edition gift from a famous specialty coffee roaster

The Blue Bottle Year in Coffee 2019, available at Blue Bottle, $42

Blue Bottle's retrospective has a blend for every season of 2019, from the floral notes of spring to the warm radiance of winter. The Oakland-based cafe is known around the world for its commitment to the craft of coffee. 



A healthy variety of nuts and fruits

Oh! Nuts Holiday Nut & Dried Fruit Gift Basket, available at Amazon, $28.99

There are a few out-of-the-ordinary fruits in this box: dried summer plums, papaya, and pear. Pair them with crunchy nuts, meat, and cheese, or enjoy them on their own. 



A cheesy collection from a New York City institution

Greatest Hits, available at Murray's Cheese, $95

If they crave a mild cheese, there's a manchego. For a sharper edge, try the cheddar. There's also an aged gruyere and creamy mini brie. To go along with this sampler of Murray's Cheese's popular varieties, there are cherry preserves, crackers, and almonds in the box as well. 

 



Nostalgia-inducing Mrs. Fields cookies

Mrs. Fields Just Smile Box, available at FTD, $24

Your favorite food stand from the mall offers a box of 24 bite-sized cookies and 12 brownie bites that arrives right at their door. It wouldn't be a "Hello Sunshine" box without one frosted sun cookie. 



The starter kit for a cozy night in

Unwind with Pinot Noir, available at Winc, $110

The artistic bottle is an exclusive collaboration with the Tappan Collective, an art-buying site that features some of the best emerging artists. With the included corkscrew and orange-ginger-jasmine candle, their night in is complete. 



Crunchy, flavorful popcorn

Popcornopolis Gourmet Popcorn 5-Cone Gift Basket, available at Amazon, $39.98

We love snacking on the savory and sweet popcorn from Popcornopolis, and your recipient will, too. The delicious non-GMO popcorn comes in four flavors (caramel, cheddar cheese, white cheddar, and jalapeno cheddar) and is wrapped up in distinctive striped cones. 



A lemon-themed gift basket that also gives back

Alex's Lemonade Stand Gift Basket, available at Cheryl's Cookies, $49.99

15% of proceeds from sales of this basket goes to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, which supports cancer research. The lemon-centric assortment includes muffins, cookies, and cake. 



Ninety servings of 'tea drops'

Obsessed Collection, available at Tea Drops, $99

Tea Drops are tea leaves that come in fun shapes such as hearts, flowers, and stars. As the name suggests, they simply drop the packed tea leaves into boiling water to create their cup. The tea kit contains both caffeinated and non-caffeinated varieties. 



A box of Japanese snacks they can't get in the US

Classic Box, available at Bokksu, $49.99

Bokksu works directly with snack makers in Japan, so your recipient won't be able to find these unique and delicious treats here. Every month's box has a different theme and contains 20 to 25 snacks, as well as a tea pairing. The December Bokksu, "Snowy Hokkaido," celebrates Japan's northern prefecture and its beautiful, snowy winters. 



A snack box that travels to a different country every month

Yum Yum Box, available at Universal Yums, $29

If you know that they're open to treats from all over the world, gift a box from Universal Yums. They can travel the world and sample the sweet and savory snacks from countries such as Greece, Indonesia, Colombia, and Italy. 



Beer and gourmet snacks to go along with game night

Game Night Gift Crate, available at Gourmet Gift Baskets, $124.99

A selection of IPAs, lagers, and ales will instantly make their game night more entertaining. They can sit by the fireplace as they drink beer, snack on cheese and nuts, and play their best game of checkers on the handsome stained-wood checkers board. 



A gift basket disguised as surprised Santa

Dylan's Candy Bar Santa Candy Tin, available at Nordstrom, $35

Stack the tins of gummy wreaths, candy cane pretzels, and chocolate chip Kringles to create St. Nick's body. The treats-holder now doubles as countertop decor. 



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



Your ultimate guide to holiday gift ideas for 2019 — from gifts under $100, $50, and $25, to the coolest tech gifts out there

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IP Holiday Gift Guides Landing Page 4x3

Despite all the festive cheer and time with loved ones that come with the holiday season, it can also be a stressful time if you plan on buying gifts for everyone in your life.

Every year, Insider Picks creates dozens of gift guides to help you find the best Christmas gifts out there — for any budget, hobby or interest, and person. You can find all our holiday gift guides on this page, but to make it even easier on you, we've also rounded up and categorized them below. 

Consider this your ultimate cheat sheet to knocking out your gift shopping for the year. Click on a link below to jump directly to all the gift guides in that category. 

Here's a master list of all our holiday gift guides: 



The elements of a good present — thoughtful, useful, or novel — aren't restricted to a big budget.

It's tough to be a tech enthusiast when the market is full of expensive gadgets. Some of the best tech gifts, however, won't cost more than $25. 

Stocking stuffers have a reputation for being cute but useless. These small gifts challenge that perception.

Surprise your friendly neighborhood mailman or the cousin you only ever see at the big family holiday gathering with a thoughtful stocking stuffer. 





Whether you're searching for practical, nostalgic, quirky, or sentimental, there's an under-$50 gift from brands big and small in this guide. 

Not only are all these gifts affordable, but they're also available on a shopping site you know well. 

When it comes to gifting your own mother, the saying "it's the thought that counts" has never been more appropriate. 

Kitchen gifts don't have to be expensive. Even a simple and practical accessory like a ramekin or avocado slicer will make them happy. 

A good manager isn't easy to come by. Show your appreciation with a useful, thoughtful, and work-appropriate gift.

Gift the coworker who you Slack incessantly and is your go-to partner at office happy hours. 

Gift swaps reward the niche, novel, and irreverent, with bonus points going to those who can check the boxes of funny and useful.

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for your sister, mom, partner, or otherwise, we've put together a list of over 50 great gifts under $50 that we think she'll love. 

The unique selection of gifts includes picks for every sort of dad, from the hapless car-key-losing fool to the history buff and the masterful (and not-so-masterful) home chef. 





With a $100 budget, you can buy anything from a smart speaker to an educational cooking class

Most people automatically think cool tech has to be expensive. Wireless earbuds, fitness trackers, and smart lights prove the assumption wrong. 

Here's a double whammy: fast Prime shipping and under $100. 

If you're not already one of their favorite students, you surely will be after they receive something from this list. 



Gift swaps reward the niche, novel, and irreverent, with bonus points going to those who can check the boxes of funny and useful.

Stocking stuffers have a reputation for being cute but useless. These small gifts challenge that perception.

Surprise your friendly neighborhood mailman or the cousin you only ever see at the big family holiday gathering with a thoughtful stocking stuffer. 



When it comes to gifting your own mother, the saying "it's the thought that counts" has never been more appropriate.

Whether you're looking for the perfect gift for your sister, mom, partner, or otherwise, we've put together a list of over 50 great gifts under $50 that we think she'll love. 

You won't find bedazzled, dumbed down, and all-pink tech gadgets here. These gifts are both stylish and powerful. 

Grandma is another important woman in your life who you know always has your back. Show her the love and appreciation she deserves with these gifts. 

We give you more than three dozen gift ideas that make gifting your partner infinitely easier this year. 

You don't need to spend a crazy amount of money or plan an extravagant gesture to show your wife you appreciate her. 

Nordstrom carries some of the best brands in beauty and skin care, like everyday makeup from Anastasia Beverly Hills and luxurious creams from La Mer. 

Sephora, of course, features no shortage of cool beauty and skin-care gifts. We look forward to shopping its beauty exclusives every year. 

Beauty sets are pre-curated, gift-ready, and more affordable than if you bought all the products individually. 

This guide's author has a teen sister herself and has many fun ideas as a result. 

Any mom, tech-savvy or no, can appreciate a good gadget that makes her life easier and happier.



Every gift he could ever want, from a fidget toy to luxury sheets, can be found on Amazon. 

Dads always say they never want anything, but we came up with 50 gift ideas for you anyways. 

Some of these gifts for your husband might even benefit the entire family, so it's a cost-efficient, win-win situation. 

If you have a specific budget you're working with, you'll find affordable yet useful gifts in this guide. 

Here's a double whammy: fast Prime shipping and under $100. 

Make his travels more enjoyable, restful, and convenient with gifts like comfortable shoes and a streaming service subscription.

The unapologetic Disney dad in your life might love a Disney Plus subscription, retro Magic Kingdom sweatshirt, and Mickey Mouse watch. 



Most people automatically think cool tech has to be expensive. Wireless earbuds, fitness trackers, and smart lights prove the assumption wrong. 

You won't find bedazzled, dumbed down, and all-pink tech gadgets here. These gifts are both stylish and powerful. 

Whether they have the newest iPhone or are still hanging on to their iPhone 6, they'll love these small upgrades to their phone. 

"Alexa..." Listen to music, call a friend, and change the room's temperatures with these smart home products. 

It's tough to be a tech enthusiast when the market is full of expensive gadgets. Some of the best tech gifts, however, won't cost more than $25. 

In an iPhone-driven world, it's actually not as difficult as you think to gift an Android owner. 

Any mom, tech-savvy or no, can appreciate a good gadget that makes her life easier and happier.

It can be hard to figure out which tech gifts teens are actually excited about. 



The best subscription services help your recipient discover something new or make their everyday life a little easier. 

Etsy is a treasure trove for handmade goods. Even better, these ones ship for free. 

Using the Amazon Gift Finder tool, we found some cool gifts that makes shopping on the site feel less impersonal. 

As its name suggests, UncommonGoods is filled with non-generic and memorable gifts. You're guaranteed to find something truly unique here. 

The TV show "Shark Tank" never ceases to entertain and inspire us with its innovative products and hardworking entrepreneurs. 

In the place known as "the everything store," we show you the most interesting gift finds. 

Shopping sustainably and responsibly doesn't have to stop during the holidays.

A gift isn't truly unique until it has a personalized mark on it — like a monogram, their favorite song, or their specific flavor preferences. 

Make your memories official with a photo book, calendar, canvas print, and more. 

While the eight-day celebration of Hanukkah isn't rooted in gifting, it's become commonplace to give gifts over the course of the holiday.

This underrated section of Amazon combines the unique product selection of sites like Etsy and UncommonGoods with the convenience of the Amazon shopping experience. 

Beyond the usual fart jokes and political gags, there are gifts that are actually funny and memorable. 

The special animal in your life — be it a dog, cat, lizard, or fish — deserves a gift, too. 

The guide includes helpful labels for which age group each gift is appropriate. 



Carrying legacies like KitchenAid and Le Creuset to modern classics like Instant Pot, specialty shop Williams Sonoma proves it's serious about cooking. 

Sur La Table has a great selection of gifts for cooks of all levels. Or, if your recipient would rather eat than cook, it has gifts for foodies, too. 

In addition to devising creative and delicious recipes, Food52 sells kitchen products, including ones from its own in-house brand. 

They'll always have a meal, dessert, or drink ready on the table with one of these cookbooks in hand.

Kitchen gifts don't have to be expensive. Even a simple and practical accessory like a ramekin or avocado slicer will make them happy. 

Host gifts are never really necessary, but they are a nice way to show your appreciation that someone invited you over, be it for holidays or casual hangouts. 

The pros tell us what to give someone who loves being in the kitchen.  They personally use these tools and appliances in their professional or home kitchens. 

In order to create its candles, Homesick Candles polled people from different states and cities to find out what home smells like to them. 



If they have a sweet tooth, they won't be disappointed by the delectable cookies, truffles, and cake from the New York City-based Milk Bar.

Goldbelly makes it possible to satisfy their most specific cravings wherever they live in the US — a cheesecake from Junior's, deep dish pizza from Lou Malnati, and more. 

There's no such thing as too much tea or teapots, at least according to this guide written by our editor and self-professed tea lady. 

They include the usual (chocolate, cheese, wine) and the unusual (Japanese snacks, tea "drops"). 



Fuel their passion for songs, bands, instruments, and genres of all types.

Whether they're climbing, fly fishing, camping, surfing, or just hanging out at the beach, there are certain pieces of equipment that are plainly and simply essential.

Arm them with the gear that they can wear to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter or decor that shows off their Gryffindor pride. 

This guide is filled with hands-on gift options, including a lightsaber, huge Lego set, or a slime kit.

Mickey Mouse is 91 years old this year and we have 30 gifts that pay homage to this iconic Disney mascot. 

The unapologetic Disney dad in your life might love a Disney Plus subscription, retro Magic Kingdom sweatshirt, and Mickey Mouse watch. 

While Marvel primarily exists in comic book and movie form, there is a thriving market of Marvel-inspired goods and merchandise.

The binge-worthy show has spawned plenty of fun gift ideas.  

Most golfers love trying out new equipment, which means a golf gift is always appreciated and almost certainly will be used, no matter the outdoor conditions. 

Make his travels more enjoyable, restful, and convenient with gifts like comfortable shoes and a streaming service subscription.



Procrastinators, this is the guide for you. As long as you're a Prime member, you can get any of these cool gifts in two days. 

Using the Amazon Gift Finder tool, we found some cool gifts that makes shopping on the site feel less impersonal. 

Not only are all these gifts affordable, but they're also available on a shopping site you know well. 

In the place known as "the everything store," we show you the most interesting gift finds. 

Teenagers are notoriously difficult to find gifts for, so skip the headache and read this guide. 

This guide's author has a teen sister herself and has many fun ideas as a result. 

Every gift he could ever want, from a fidget toy to luxury sheets, can be found on Amazon. 

Beyond the usual fart jokes and political gags, there are gifts that are actually funny and memorable. 

Here's a double whammy: fast Prime shipping and under $100. 

Walk into a Nordstrom and you're bound to run into something worth gifting. Shop our picks for the best clothing, accessory, and home gifts. 

Nordstrom carries some of the best brands in beauty and skin care, like everyday makeup from Anastasia Beverly Hills and luxurious creams from La Mer. 

Sephora, of course, features no shortage of cool beauty and skin care gifts. We look forward to shopping its beauty exclusives every year. 

Carrying legacies like KitchenAid and Le Creuset to modern classics like Instant Pot, specialty shop Williams Sonoma proves it's serious about cooking. 

Sur La Table has a great selection of gifts for cooks of all levels. Or, if your recipient would rather eat than cook, it has gifts for foodies, too. 

In addition to devising creative and delicious recipes, Food52 sells kitchen products, including ones from its own in-house brand. 

Etsy is a treasure trove for handmade goods. Even better, these ones ship for free.

As its name suggests, UncommonGoods is filled with non-generic and memorable gifts. You're guaranteed to find something truly unique here. 

The TV show "Shark Tank" never ceases to entertain and inspire us with its innovative products and hardworking entrepreneurs. 

Urban Outfitters is known for its slightly kitschy but interesting accessories, home products, and tech gadgets.  



Nordstrom carries some of the best brands in beauty and skin care, like everyday makeup from Anastasia Beverly Hills and luxurious creams from La Mer. 

Sephora, of course, features no shortage of cool beauty and skin-care gifts. We look forward to shopping its beauty exclusives every year. 




Meet Stephen Miller, the 34-year-old White House adviser who's being called to resign after leaked emails showed him sharing white supremacist links

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Stephen Miller

  • Multiple reports have said White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller was the architect behind Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's abrupt resignation, a sign of the adviser's continued influence over President Donald Trump's policies. 
  • Miller was on the front lines as the Trump administration butted heads with Democratic lawmakers over Trump's wishes for a $5-billion border wall.
  • The 34-year-old was previously identified as the driving force behind the Trump administration's controversial immigration policies. 
  • A rising star on the far right for years, Miller has been making headlines because of his polarizing demeanor and statements long before his time in the administration. 
  • Recently he's faced calls for resignation after the Southern Poverty Law Center published emails from Miller referencing and linking to publications known for supporting white nationalist ideology. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller was on the front lines as President Donald Trump's administration butted heads with Democratic lawmakers over Trump's wishes for a $5-billion wall along the US-Mexico border.

The 34-year-old was also previously identified as the driving force behind the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy that separated immigrant children from their families at the southern border.

He has been a rising star on the far right for years, often making headlines because of his polarizing demeanor and statements long before The New York Times reported June 16 that he was the origin of the controversial policy.

After Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen's abrupt resignation, multiple reports said Miller was behind the department's shake-up in favor of harsher border policies, a sign of the adviser's continued influence on Trump's policies. 

After leaked emails showed Miller exchanging links to publications known to support white-nationalist ideology with a Breitbart editor, Miller was called a "bonafide white nationalist" and faced calls from several House committees for his resignation. 

One of the few remaining staffers from Trump's 2016 campaign, Miller has also written some of the president's biggest speeches, including Trump's first State of the Union address.

His hard-line positions and knack for policy have made him a force to be reckoned with. But before Miller became a major figure in the Trump administration, he was an outspoken, conservative activist in high school and college who worked on congressional campaigns.

Here's how Miller became Trump's right-hand policy man:

SEE ALSO: Stephen Miller had to be escorted off CNN's set after his interview with Jake Tapper went off the rails

DON'T MISS: A far-right darling in the White House was the one who convinced Trump the US should separate parents from their children at the border

Stephen Miller was born in Santa Monica, California, on August 23, 1985, to a Jewish family whose ancestors fled persecution in what is now Belarus. His family was liberal-leaning, but Miller says he became a stalwart conservative at an early age.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter



In 2002, at age 16, Miller wrote in a letter to the editor that "Osama Bin Laden would feel very welcome at Santa Monica High School" because of the student body's anti-war attitude after 9/11. Soon enough, Miller began appearing on conservative talk radio in the Los Angeles area.

Sources: The LookOutUnivision, Politico Magazine



A video emerged in 2017 of his giving a student-government campaign speech at Santa Monica High in which he argued that students shouldn't have to pick up their own trash because there are "plenty of janitors who are paid to do it" for them. The audience quickly booed him off the stage.

Sources: The Washington Post, Politico Magazine



Miller went on to attend Duke University, where he continued to garner controversy as a prominent conservative ideologue. He appeared on CNN and "The O'Reilly Factor" to defend Duke lacrosse players accused of rape, and he sparred with the university's Chicano alliance.

Sources: The Duke ChronicleVanity Fair, The New Yorker



At Duke, Miller interacted with the white nationalist Richard Spencer. While Spencer claimed he had mentored Miller during their time at the university, Miller has denied these claims, saying he merely helped him raise money for an immigration debate.

Source: Mother Jones



After graduating with a political-science degree in 2007, Miller worked as a spokesman for the conservative Reps. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and John Shadegg of Arizona.

Sources: Politico Magazine, Vanity Fair



In 2009 he began working for Jeff Sessions, the senator who would later become attorney general, as a policy adviser and communications director.

Sources: Politico Magazine, Vanity Fair



In 2013, the pair led the charge against a bipartisan bill that would have created a path to citizenship for all immigrants living in the US illegally.

Sources: Politico Magazine, Vanity Fair



Alongside Sessions, Miller formulated what he termed "nation-state populism," and he helped other members of Congress campaign. During this period, he also grew close to the Fox News host Tucker Carlson, frequently working with his publication The Daily Caller.

Source: Politico Magazine



Miller joined the Trump campaign in January 2016 as a senior policy adviser.

Sources: Politico Magazine, Washington Post



He quickly cemented his position on the campaign team by writing speeches for Trump, often speaking at rallies himself. He was later appointed to Trump's economic-policy team.

Sources: Politico Magazine, Washington Post



Throughout the campaign, Miller also grew close with the future White House chief strategist Steve Bannon. Miller later invited a host of editors and writers from Breitbart News, which Bannon once headed, for a discussion on immigration at the White House.

Sources: Politico, The Washington Post



After sitting on Trump's transition team, Miller was formally appointed to Trump's policy team in January 2017.

Source: Politico



In his early days in the White House, Miller played a part in enacting Trump's travel ban, which restricted immigration and refugee resettlement, and in cracking down on sanctuary cities. He also lashed out at courts for blocking elements of these policies.

Sources: Politico, Vanity Fair



He has also helped write some of Trump's biggest speeches, including the State of the Union address, his inaugural address, and the keynote he gave at the Republican National Convention in July 2016.

Sources: Politico, The Duke ChronicleThe Washington Post



"Stephen really knows how to capture his voice," the former White House press secretary Sean Spicer said.

Source: The Washington Post



In August, Miller had a combative exchange with the CNN correspondent Jim Acosta at a press conference on limiting immigration and eliminating the visa lottery program. Their back-and-forth on — among other things — the Statue of Liberty, went viral.

Source: Business Insider



Miller had another contentious moment on national television when the CNN host Jake Tapper interviewed him in January 2018. Tapper challenged him on a variety of issues before ending the interview early, and security had to escort Miller out of the studio.

Source: Business Insider

 



During the government-shutdown negotiations in January, Miller's important role in crafting White House policy was widely acknowledged, but his intractability was criticized.

Source: Politico



"As long as Stephen Miller is in charge of negotiating immigration, we are going nowhere," Sen. Lindsey Graham said at the time.

Source: Politico



In June, The New York Times reported Miller was behind Trump's controversial immigration policy that separates children from their families at the US-Mexico border.

Source: The New York Times



The policy, which separated almost 2,000 children from their families in six weeks, has drawn backlash from both sides of the aisle and Trump administration officials.

Source: Business Insider



Miller told The Times the zero-tolerance policy was a "simple decision" and "the message is that no one is exempt from immigration law."

Source: The New York Times



Miller came back into the spotlight in December as Trump insisted he would force Congress into funding the wall, saying he would be "proud" to shut down the government if they didn't agree to divert $5 billion by the 21st.

Source: Business Insider



In an appearance on Face the Nation, Miller doubled down on Trump's warning, saying the administration was "absolutely" willing to shut down the government if Congress doesn't authorize spending for the wall.

Source: CBS



"If it comes to it, absolutely. This is a very fundamental issue," Miller said of chances for a shutdown. "At stake is the question of whether or not the United States remains a sovereign country. Whether or not we can establish and enforce rules for entrance into our country."

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Sen. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the administration's comments "a temper tantrum" and warned Trump was "not going to get the wall in any form."

Source: NBC News



Amid gridlock between the administration and Senate Democrats, the government entered a partial shutdown on December 22, 2018.



For the next few weeks, talks about border security among Pelosi, Schumer, Trump, and even Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen proved unproductive as the administration dug its heels in over the wall.

Source: Business Insider



After accepting a deal from congressional Democrats that ended the shutdown but provided no money for the wall, Trump declared a national emergency to divert military funds for construction along the border.

Source: Business Insider



These hardline moves match Miller's signature uncompromising policy style. Reports indicated that Nielsen's April 7 resignation was the result of Miller's handiwork to pave the way for harsher policies to curb immigration.

Source: Business Insider



Nielsen's departure raised flags about what appeared to be Miller's ever-growing influence over Trump.

Source: Business Insider



On November 4, it was reported that Miller was engaged to Katie Waldman, Vice President Mike Pence's press secretary, just over six weeks after the couple attended Trumps' second state dinner.

Source: Vanity Fair, Business Insider 



Waldman previously served as deputy press secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, where she defended the administration's policy of family separations and made several controversial and unproven claims about immigrants.

Source: Business Insider



Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez slammed Miller as a "bonafide white nationalist" after leaked emails showed him exchanging links to white-nationalist websites with a Breitbart editor.

Source: Business Insider 



Congressional lawmakers, including leaders from the House Progressive Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus issued a joint statement urging Miller to resign.

Source: Business Insider



White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham waved off the calls for Miller's resignation and took aim at the Southern Poverty Law Center for publishing the emails.

Source: Axios 



After almost two years as a controversial figure who has been vocally pursuing hard-line conservative agendas since his teens, Miller shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.



23 fitness gifts that'll help them stick to their 2020 goals

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Fitness gifts

Everyone has a fitness goal whether it's to gain muscle, tone up their core, or increase their flexibility. No matter what goal they have for 2020, we've got a gift that'll help them get there. 

From ugly Christmas sweater-inspired running sneakers to a quiet elliptical they can use at their desk, there are plenty of gift ideas that work within your budget and their fitness level. And if their fitness level is nonexistent, there's a ClassPass membership to get them started too.

Help them achieve their fitness goals for 2020 — or at least until the end of January — with these gift ideas:

A monthly membership to try different local gyms and classes

ClassPass Membership, starting at $9/month after free trial, available at ClassPass

A ClassPass membership gives them the freedom to switch up their routine and try new workout classes and gyms in their city without long-term commitments.



An ugly Christmas sweater shoe they'll wear every time they run

Brooks Revel 3, $100, available at Brooks

It's the ugly Christmas sweater but in sneaker form. The shoe itself is Brooks' Revel 3 with all kinds of festive style upgrades like Fair Isle stitching with heat-activated yarn that helps the shoe keep its shape, metallic laces, and even a glittery logo.  



An elliptical machine they can use at their desk

Cubii Pro Seated Under-Desk Elliptical, $349, available at Amazon

This little elliptical machine fits under their desks so even the biggest workaholic won't have an excuse this year. From personal experience, it's really quiet and actually kind of fun. It also syncs with their Apple or Android phones, Apple Health, and Fitbit to track their performance.



Grippy socks perfect for pilates or barre

Gaiam Grippy Yoga Socks, from $7.98-$16.99, available at Amazon

These socks have durable grips along the bottom for stability during pilates or lounging around the apartment. No judgments here.



Delicious ready-to-blend smoothies

Daily Harvest Subscription, $6.99-$7.99 per cup, available at Daily Harvest

If they're not switching up their diet along with their workout regimen, all that cardio and weightlifting might just be going to waste. Encourage them to eat healthier with a membership to Daily Harvest for delicious smoothies, harvest bowls, chia bowls, and more.



A neoprene duffel that works for the office and the gym

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall, starting at $95, available at Dagne Dover

The beauty of this duffel is in its small, but mighty stature. It can hold their laptop, gym shoes and clothes, and tons of accessories without looking bulky. There's also a thoughtfully-designed water bottle pocket to keep their drink upright, avoiding spills and leaks.



An Alexa-enabled fitness tracker

Fitbit Versa 2, $198.95, available at Amazon

FitBit's newest fitness tracker has built-in Amazon Alexa so you can check your daily fitness, heart rate, weather, and even set alarms all via voice. 



A two-in-one foam roller for sore muscles

Lululemon Double Roller, $58, available at Lululemon

This foam roller is actually a two-in-one surprise. The outer roller has a wavy texture to release tension in their arms and legs, while the interior roller has deeper grooves to massage their back.  



A colorful water bottle

Takeya Actives 18 oz. Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Insulated Spout Lid, from $23.99, available at Amazon

This insulated water bottle keeps their drink cool while they work up a sweat, and the bright shade means they won't forget it at the gym either.



A balance board that fires up their core muscles

URBNFit Balance Board Trainer, $79.99, available at Amazon

For those looking to practice snowboarding or surfboarding without snow or waves, or just tone up their core, try gifting them a balance board. The two-piece set comes with a board and roller; the board also has wooden stops on the base for beginners.  



Wireless headphones with built-in artificial technology

Soul Electronics Run Free Pro Bio, $109.99, available at Soul Electronics

This pair of wireless earbuds have built-in artificial technology that acts as a running coach to provide real-time adjustments and suggestions to improve your posture, gait, and more. 

Read our full review and see how the headphones helped shave three minutes off our mile time here.



A cooling yoga mat

Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad Cooling Towel, $9.99, available at Amazon

This cooling towel will be so appreciated after a serious hot yoga or cardio class. They can just rinse the towel in cold water, wring it out, and it'll stay cool for hours.



A sweat-wicking headband

Lululemon Cardio Cross Trainer Headband, $14, available at Lululemon

No one really thinks about fitness headbands — until their hair starts getting into their eyes and mouth as they're doing burpees. This thin style from Lululemon is an easy way to combat that annoyance, and it comes in a bunch of lovely pastel and neutral colors.



Weight training gloves

C9 Champion Women's Workout Gloves, $14.49, available at Target

These fingerless gloves will help them avoid calluses and make them look badass as they reach their deadlift goals.



A backpack for all their gym gear

Aer Fit Pack 2, $150, available at Aer

If they like to carry all of the things to the gym, this backpack is a great option.

It has an extra-large opening for easy access, a ventilated shoe compartment, and a padded laptop sleeve. Best of all, the overall look is so sleek that it doesn't scream "This is my gym bag!"



Meal prep containers they'll actually use

Tone It Up Meal Prep Collapsible Container 2pk Set, $15.99, available at Target

If they love prepping healthy-ish meals in advance, they need this set of collapsible containers from the Insta-famous Tone It Up duo.



Cleansing body wipes to avoid post-gym B.O.

Yuni Shower Sheets Large Body Wipes, $15, available at Amazon

These large body wipes clean, deodorize, and calm skin so they can avoid cramped gym showers. The wipes are also waterless so they won't make a mess if the packaging pops open in their duffel bag. 



New running sneakers because theirs have more than a few holes

Saucony Kinvara, $110 for men's and women's styles, available at Saucony

Upgrade their running shoe to this pair from Saucony. It has lots of cushioning and heel support but is still super light, so it doesn't feel like they're running with leg weights around their ankles.



A shaker bottle for easy protein drinks

BlenderBottle Radian Insulated Stainless Steel Shaker Bottle, $21.97, available at Amazon

If they make a protein shake after working out, they'll love a shaker bottle like this one. The stainless steel whisk is great for mixing smooth drinks, and the copper shade is a style upgrade from the plastic one they've been using for years. 



Their own boxing gloves so they can stop renting sweaty ones at the gym

Sanabul Essential Gel Boxing Kickboxing Training Gloves, $19.99-$29.99, available at Amazon

Sorry, but using boxing gloves that many, many other people have used before isn't hygienic at all. Get your favorite boxer their own pair of gloves, and choose from eight different colors for the one that matches their personal style best.



An extra-long mat with a lifetime guarantee

Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat, $90-$146, available at Amazon

For yogis who hate having to adjust their poses to fit on standard-length mats, this extra-long style from Manduka is perfect. It's definitely much more expensive than other mats out there, but it does come with a lifetime guarantee so they'll never need to buy another mat again.



Dice that'll determine the day's workout routine

Strength Stack 52 Fitness Dice, $37.97, available at Amazon

Instead of doing the same routine every day, they can switch it up by rolling these fitness dice and leaving it up to chance. There are three levels of intensity — beginner, normal, advanced — and then several exercises on each side of the dice, so they can create a new routine every day.

 



A yoga set for beginners or those who want to deepen their practice

Clever Yoga Yoga Set Kit 7-Piece, $56.49, available at Amazon

Whether they're a yoga newbie or expert who wants to deepen their practice, they're going to appreciate this seven-piece yoga set. It includes an extra-thick mat, two microfiber towels, two yoga blocks, a yoga strap, and a carrying case to stash everything inside.



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



The Rock surprised fans with a first look at the DC character he's playing in his first-ever superhero movie. Here's how the highest-paid actor in Hollywood makes and spends his millions.

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Dwayne Johnson

It's official: Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, the highest-paid actor in the world, is starring in his first-ever superhero movie.

Johnson took to Instagram to share the first look at concept art of him as the DC antihero Black Adam, revealing the release date (December 22, 2021) for the movie of the same name. As Business Insider's Travis Clark reported, the project has been years in the making— The Rock first revealed that he'd been cast as Black Adam back in 2014, and rumors about his negotiations with Warner Bros. for a superhero flick go as far back as 2012.

While Johnson has no shortage of blockbuster hit movies, the upcoming DC movie will undoubtedly boost his earnings higher than ever.

The Rock ranked No. 15 on Forbes' 2019 list of the world's highest-paid celebrities, topping the list of the highest-paid actors in the world. According to Forbes, the former WWE star earned $89.4 million over the course of the year. He's been called a movie "franchise unto himself."

One of the hardest-working people in show business, Johnson stars in blockbuster movies and TV shows, runs his own production company, and gets a few extra bucks from endorsements. Yet the actor also knows how to enjoy himself and spend his hard-earned cash in his downtime.

Here's how The Rock made and spends his millions.

SEE ALSO: Tiger Woods staged one of the biggest sports comebacks ever at the Masters — here's how he spends his millions and lives his life off the course

DON'T MISS: Conor McGregor just claimed he's a billionaire in an Instagram post — but the numbers likely don’t check out. Here's how the UFC fighter makes and spends his fortune, from Lamborghinis and yachts to outrageous designer suits

Forbes named Johnson the world's highest-paid actor for 2019, putting his annual earnings at $89.4 million. The former wrestler works hard for his millions.

Source: Forbes



Johnson is a box-office juggernaut. Past successes have led to him commanding bigger pay days for upcoming films.

A few recent hits include:

Source: Forbes



His most recent film, "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw," was released in August.

"Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" has brought in an estimated $758 million worldwide.

Source: Forbes, IMDb



The movie star has also made a name for himself on TV with HBO's "Ballers." The show's fifth season concluded on October 13.

Source: HBO



In early 2016, he teamed up with Under Armour for a global sponsorship, which also allows him to help create a line of footwear and other apparel.

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Source: Maxim



Johnson has been running Seven Bucks Productions with ex-wife Dany Garcia since 2012. Through it, they've produced "Ballers" and Johnson's upcoming "Jungle Cruise" movie, among many other titles in his filmography.

Source: Fortune



He named his production company Seven Bucks for a reason. After flying from Canada to Miami after his football career ended, he emptied his pockets and found just $7.00.

His path to success is inspiring.

Source: Fortune



Johnson also gives back. In 2006, he founded the Dwayne Johnson Rock Foundation, a charity that works with at-risk and terminally ill children.

Source: GuideStar



The 47-year-old has a very particular and demanding diet. Sometimes, he has massive "carb up" nights.

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Source: Business Insider



He especially loves pancakes.

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He also famously eats — or ate — tons of cod.

In 2015, he revealed his diet to Muscle & Fitness. FiveThirtyEight counted it all up and found that Johnson consumes 821 pounds of cod in a year. Given that cod goes for about $1.75 per pound, that means he was spending about $1,400 per year on fish.

However, in early 2016, Johnson revealed via Business Insider's Dave Mosher that he cut cod out of his diet.



To stay in tip top shape, Johnson works with several personal trainers. As of 2016, one of them was Aaron Williamson, who has also worked with J.K. Simmons and Jai Courtney. His programs range from $100-$250 per month.

 

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Source: GQ, Aaron Williamson Fitness



He can almost always be spotted in the gym, even on a rare day off.

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When he's not in the gym, the man loves to wear a suit. He's got a wide collection in an array of colors. In January 2016, he wore a crushed-velvet suit to the 73rd Annual Golden Globes Awards.

Source: The Daily Mail



Seriously, look at these suits.

 



The man also loves his cars. In 2016, Johnson showed up to the premiere of "Ballers" in a Pagani Huayra. This car is custom made, so the price can vary, but the regular Pagani clocks in at around $1 million.

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Source: Car and Driver



The same type of car can also be spotted in his HBO show.



Johnson also sports a lot of ink. His chest and arm tattoos represent different parts of his heritage. He's gotten some of his tattoos done by a famed Tahitian tattoo artist named Po’oino Yrondi.

Source: Inked Magazine



Johnson is almost always on the go and working. During his travels, he stays in luxury, like in this posh place on Central Park West in New York City while doing press for "Central Intelligence."

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He gets from place to place in a Gulfstream G650. He can often be seen bringing his family along for rides. It's unclear whether Johnson owns or rents the jet, but one of these planes can cost up to $65 million.

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Source: Business Insider



As a kid, Johnson always dreamed of owning a Rolex. The first one he ever bought, while still a wrestler, cost $35,000.

Source: Fortune



The Rock is also into the real-estate game. He's owned a few million-dollar mansions, and, according to Zillow, he sold at least 10 homes between 2006 and 2016 — in Florida alone.

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Source: Zillow



Among those homes is this five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion in Southwest Ranches, Florida, he bought in 2012 for $3.4 million. He sold it a year later for $3 million.

Sources: TMZ, RadarOnline



He also sold a six-bedroom home in Hidden Hills, California, for $4.9 million in 2012.

Source: TMZ



In 2014, Johnson paid $4.5 million for a massive 13,700-square-foot mansion in Southwest Ranches, Florida. He paid an additional $1 million for additions. He had sold the property by 2016.

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Source: The Real Deal, Curbed, Curbed



Johnson also owns a farm just outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. He's tweeted about his farm as far back as 2011.

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Source: Instagram, WTKR



Rural life apparently agrees with the actor — Architectural Digest reported in early November that The Rock purchased a $9.5 million farm in Georgia. The estate spans 46 acres and has a 14,791-square-foot main house.

Source: Architectural Digest



And like most movie stars, he also has a home somewhere in Los Angeles.

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Source: Instagram



But he doesn't just spend his millions on lavish homes for himself. In March 2019, Johnson shared with fans via Instagram that he'd surprised his dad, former pro-wrestler Rocky Johnson, with the news that he intended to buy him a new house.

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Source: People



He did the same for his mom several months earlier, surprising her with a new home for Christmas.

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Source: People



Johnson also spends plenty of time (and likely money) doting on his children.

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He's welcomed two daughters with his longtime partner, singer and music producer Lauren Hashian. Jasmine was born in December 2015, and Tiana was born in April 2018.

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Johnson and Hashian finally married on August 18, 2019 in Hawaii, after about a decade together.

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Source: Hollywood Life



The actor also has one older daughter, Simone, with his first wife.

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With a number of high-profile movies on the horizon — including the big screen adaptation of "Jungle Cruise," a "Jumanji" sequel, and now DC's "Black Adam" — it looks like The Rock will have plenty more spending money for years to come.

Source: Business Insider, IMDb



52 unique holiday gifts your mom actually wants to get this year — for every budget

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If you aren't sure what to get Mom this holiday season, you've found the right gift guide.

We've put together a list of 51 gifts to impress all moms — even yours. Whether she's into the latest and greatest tech, likes to cook, runs her own business, wants to update her wardrobe, or trains for marathons (and puts your mile time to shame!), there's something for her in this list. After all, there's no one "mom" mold that women with kids must fit into.

As a professional product reviewer and as someone who's given her own mom many of the gifts included in this list over the years, I can safely say your mom will love them all.

The top 5 best gifts for Mom:

  1. A warm cashmere sweater from Everlane
  2. An Amazon Kindle for reading anywhere
  3. A bundle of soft, crisp sheets and bedding from Brooklinen 
  4. A Rent The Runway Unlimited gift membership
  5. A gift subscription to a popular coffee club

Check out all 52 gifts for Mom:

This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by M.M.LaFleur; it also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*

DON'T MISS: 32 kitchen gifts from Williams Sonoma for the cook and foodie in your life

DON'T MISS: 21 tech gifts moms will actually love to get this holiday season

Soft, crisp sheets and bedding

Brooklinen Queen Classic Hardcore Sheet Bundle, from $219, available at Brooklinen

Brooklinen Queen Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle, $249, available at Brooklinen

Brooklinen's luxe sheets are the ones I always recommend to friends, family, and Insider Picks readers who email me, for their affordable price, sophisticated look, and unbelievable comfort.

The company's Hardcore Sheet Bundles have everything she needs to completely makeover her bed — and stay nice and cozy all year long. Each bundle includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, duvet cover, and four pillowcases. Brooklinen also sells comforterspillows, candles, and blankets



A fancy candle set

Otherland Candles The Threesome, $89, available at Otherland

Candles make any home smell great, and this fancy candle set from Otherland will look gorgeous in any room in her house. The set includes three coconut and soy wax blend candles in beautiful glass vessels. Each candle burns for 55 hours — that's a lot of time that your mom can spend enjoying this gift.



A beautiful felted scarf

M.M.LaFleur Felted Scarf, $145, available at M.M.LaFleur in 2 colors

Scarves are far from boring gifts when they're as beautiful as this wool-cashmere scarf from M.M.LaFleur, which is an Insider Picks go-to for timeless and high-quality workwear staples for women. Available in a soft rose or elegant chartreuse, you can't go wrong with either color.

*Sponsored by M.M.LaFleur



The gift of comfortable loungewear

Tommy John E-Gift Card, $25-$250, available at Tommy John

The women on the Insider Picks team are positively smitten with Tommy John's loungewear and underwear— so much so, we named the latter the best women's underwear in our buying guide, so you can be sure Mom will love it too.



The Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo, $99.99, available at Amazon

There's an ever-so-slight learning curve in figuring out what Amazon's Alexa can and can't do, but once that's passed, the Echo can forecast the weather, read an audiobook, order a pizza, tell jokes, or any number of things moms should find charming. 



A fresh holiday arrangement

The Bouqs Co. bouquets, available at The Bouqs Co., $39 and up

UrbanStems bouquets, available at UrbanStems, $42 and up

We've ordered bouquets from The Bouqs Co. and UrbanStems and both offer gorgeous flower arrangements, potted plants, and even holiday wreaths made from only the freshest blooms, and they're delivered quickly, too. 



A cute assortment of succulents instead of flowers

Succulent Assortment, $30, available at The Sill

The Sill is a relatively new startup that's making the process of choosing and buying house plants much easier. This six-succulent assortment is just one of many plant and planter options you can choose from — you can even shop based on which ones are pet-safe. 



A beautiful cashmere sweater

Everlane ReCashmere Stroopwafel Turtleneck, $155, available at Everlane

Everlane makes our favorite cashmere sweaters and its latest collection is more sustainable than ever since it's made with recycled yarn. She'll never know by looking or touching alone that this turtleneck is made of recycled materials. Choose from three colors. 



A cashmere beanie

Everlane ReCashmere Carpenter Beanie, $50, available at Everlane

Gift this cashmere beanie along with the sweater on the previous slide to keep her warm all winter. It's made of recycled materials and comes in five beautiful colors. 



Comfortable, breathable slip-on shoes

Allbirds Wool Loungers, $95, available at Allbirds

Cult-favorite footwear startup Allbirds is a great destination for gifts. Its Wool Loungers are ridiculously soft, breathable, and supportive — and even machine washable! We tried them and loved them, so we can safely say your mom will too. They currently come in five colors and are suitable for indoor and outdoor wear. 



A delicious treat from Milk Bar

Check out all the goodies in Milk Bar's Holiday Shop

Milk Bar's holiday treats will definitely satisfy her sweet tooth. Choose from a limited-edition Peppermint Bark Cake, the bestselling B'Day Truffles, and plenty more.



A custom map poster

Grafomap Custom Map Poster, from $49, available at Grafomap

Grafomap is a website that lets you design map posters of any place in the world. You can make one of your mom's hometown, her college town, her favorite travel destination, or the place where she got engaged or married — you're only limited by your imagination. Read the full Insider Picks review here.



A sleek and streamlined carry-on for business trips and beyond

Away Carry-On, $225, available at Away

The Away Carry-On is an indispensable travel companion. It comes with a removable interior 10,000 mAh battery and two USB ports, so she can easily charge up her phone and other devices before a long flight. It also comes in a bunch of colors, so you can get it in her favorite. There's even a fancy aluminum version of the carry-on for $475. 



A relaxing massage she can book to her home

Soothe E-Gift Card or Physical Gift Card, select your amount, available at Soothe

Soothe is a relatively new service that can help Mom book a massage to her home in as little as an hour. The company will match her massage request with a vetted, certified massage therapist available in her area at the specified time. They offer Swedish, deep tissue, sports, prenatal, and couples massages.

Soothe is currently available to book in 66 cities in the US and Canada. If you're not sure what amount to choose for a gift card, Soothe says the average cost for a one-time, 60-minute massage is $115, but the price varies by location. Soothe also offers subscriptions if you really want to pamper her this year. 



A heated massager to melt the day away

InvoSpa Shiatsu Back, Neck, and Shoulder Massager with Heat, $38.99, available at Amazon

After a long day, all she wants is some true relaxation to melt away the tension that's built up. While she can't get a real massage every day, you can give her this at-home shiatsu massager, which can give her a quality massage for much less. 

 



Super comfortable, high-waist leggings

Spanx Active Printed Leggings, $110, available at Spanx

Whether or not she wears yoga pants to work out or to run errands, she'll feel comfortable and stylish in this pair from Spanx. They're breathable, supportive but not suffocating, and surprisingly comfortable, offering more stretch than similar compressive leggings I've tried that makes them much easier to get into and out of. I'm not sure what witchcraft went into the design, but they also manage to create a smooth-all-over look that I love. 



A 'book of the month' membership

Book of the Month 3-Month Membership, $49.99, available at Book of the Month

If she loves to read and isn't ready to go 100% digital, a Book of the Month membership is the perfect gift. This gift membership gets Mom her pick of the best new books for $12.50 to $15 a month depending on the length of subscription you choose to give her (three, six, or 12 months). She can also request extra books if she reads more than one book a month. 



A waterproof Kindle Paperwhite

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, $129.99, available at Amazon

On the other hand, if she's tired of lugging around heavy hardcovers, the Kindle Paperwhite is an extremely thoughtful and practical gift. The latest version is waterproof too! Read the full Insider Picks review here.



A marble watch

MVMT Laurel Marble Watch, $112, available at MVMT

She'll love this unique, marble-face watch featuring gold detailing and a caramel leather band. 



An indoor herb garden that requires zero effort

Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Indoor Gardening Kit, $99.95, available at Amazon and Click & Grow

Every chef knows that cooking with fresh ingredients like basil can make a big difference. The Click & Grow Smart Garden is a self-watering system that allows even the most amateur gardeners to quickly and effortlessly grow herbs and vegetables. We tried it and were impressed with how well it worked, and how truly effortless the process was.



A wooden gift crate with 2 pounds of cheese inside

Murray's Cheese Greatest Hits Gift Box, $95, available at Murray's Cheese

Cheese lovers will find a lot to like in this wooden gift crate (yes, crate) from Murray's Cheese, which includes 2 pounds of English cheddar, brie, cave-aged Gruyere, and one-year-aged Manchego along with snacks to pair with each cheese: spiced cherry preserves, sea salt and olive oil crackers, and Marcona almonds. My mouth is watering just writing this caption ...  



A weighted blanket with cooling technology

BlanQuil Chill 15-Pound Cooling Weighted Blanket, $249, available at Amazon

Does Mom always need a blanket to fall asleep, but struggles not to overheat under heavy blankets? This weighted blanket's soothing feel is appropriate for the winter, but the cooling technology will prevent him from overheating. 



A box full of team pride

FanChest Gift Box, $59 and up, available at FanChest

She represents her team with pride, so help her out with a FanChest. This box is the ultimate in sports fan gifts, filled with apparel, accessories, and more team swag than she really needs, but will definitely love. 



A really good mug she can take camping or into the office

Yeti Rambler 14 oz. Mug, available at REI and Yeti, $25

With a vacuum-insulated interior and secure top, this mug works for just about any occasion. Whether she wants to tote her hot oatmeal to the office or enjoy some chili while camping, this is what she'll want to use. 



A Le Creuset Dutch oven

Le Creuset 5 1/2-Qt. Signature Round Dutch Oven, from $350, available at Nordstrom and Williams-Sonoma

At $350, this Le Creuset Dutch oven is the most expensive piece of cookware in my kitchen, but it is also my most used. It comes in tons of colors, so you can choose Mom's favorite. 



A cookbook for 'Girl Meets Farm' fans

"Molly on the Range: Recipes and Stories from An Unlikely Life on a Farm" by Molly Yeh, $23.59, available at Amazon

Not only does this cookbook contain more than 120 delicious recipes (make the Asian Scotch Eggs!), you'll also find tons of personal stories and beautiful photos of Food Network star and award-winning blogger Molly Yeh and her family.

 



A cutting board in the shape of the state she calls home

Totally Bamboo State Cutting & Serving Board, $30, available at Amazon

Available for all 50 states as well British Columbia, Puerto Rico, Long Island, and Ontario, this uniquely shaped cutting and serving board doubles as kitchen decor.



A Daily Harvest gift box

Daily Harvest 9-Cup Gift Box, $75, available at Daily Harvest

If she's always trying to find new ways to prioritize her health, help her out with some Daily Harvest cups. You can prepay for nine cups, which she can redeem and pick out herself. She can choose from smoothies, oat bowls, soups, and other bowls of healthy food that are super easy to take on the go. 



A sous vide for making tender, perfectly cooked meat

Anova Nano Sous Vide Bluetooth Precision Cooker, $99, available at Amazon

For under $100, the Anova sous vide is a reasonably priced investment that just might change Mom's life for the better. Not only will it boil and poach eggs with ease, but it'll also produce tender, perfectly cooked meat every time. I got my mother-in-law one for Christmas a couple of years ago, and she still sends me pictures of how amazing her food comes out every time she uses it.



Her new favorite weekend bag

Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Weekender Bag, from $76.50, available at Lo & Sons

Lo & Sons bags are perfect for travel and not too expensive. The Catalina Deluxe Weekender Bag includes tons of useful interior pockets, a bottom pocket, and a pass-through sleeve for sliding over suitcase handles. It can also be easily folded or rolled for convenient storage.



A roomy work bag with tons of pockets

Dagne Dover Legend Tote, $265, available at Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover's Legend Tote is a sophisticated and spacious work bag with a padded laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, and other thoughtful interior pockets that will keep her organized and always ready to go. You can read the full Insider Picks review of the slightly smaller Classic Tote here, but suffice it to say that the startup's bags are among our favorites for work. It comes in 12 colors. 



A skin-care gift set for glowing skin every day

Fresh Once Upon A Mask Set, $84, available at Nordstrom

This face-mask gift set from Fresh is made up of a flight of travel-sized masks, so she can roll out of bed with dewy, glowing skin every day. Check out even more great skin-care gifts she'll actually use here.



A bottle of lavender bubble bath

L'Occitane Relaxing & Foaming Lavender Bubble Bath, $39, available at Amazon

This lavender-scented bubble bath from L'Occitane is one of the best ways I've found to relax after a long day of work. 



A Rent The Runway Unlimited membership

Rent The Runway RTR Unlimited 1-Month Membership, $99, available at Rent The Runway

Perfect for the woman who "never has anything to wear," a Rent The Runway Unlimited membership lets her constantly rotate her wardrobe with the latest styles from more than 450 fashion brands, like Diane von Furstenberg, Tory, Burch, and Tibi. She's able to rent four pieces at a time and swap them whenever she wants — and Rent The Runway takes care of all her dry cleaning, shipping, and insurance costs. We tried the membership and loved it



An Italian leather wallet that can be monogrammed with her initials

Cuyana Classic Zip Around Wallet, $125, available at Cuyana (+ $15 for monogram)

A sophisticated leather wallet instantly elevates a busy woman's everyday style and keeps her organized when she's on the go. You can get this Italian leather wallet from Cuyana in seven colors. We really love the Stone leather version that has a surprise red lining on the inside for a pop of color (pictured). 



Pearl hoop earrings

Mejuri Pearl Hoops, $60, available at Mejuri

Get your mom a beautiful pair of earrings or a necklace with her zodiac sign that she can wear every day. Mejuri is an Insider Picks favorite jewelry startup, so I'm guessing a lot of moms will love this Canadian company's delicate jewelry too.



A jewelry holder

Catbird Swan Ring Holder, $32, available at Catbird

This ornate swan is a subtle jewelry holder.



A foam pillow from a popular mattress startup

Leesa Pillow, $67, available at Leesa

Give the gift of a good night's sleep with this luxurious and supportive pillow from one of our favorite mattress startups, Leesa. It's so good it's listed in our buying guide to the best pillows.



An alarm clock that uses light to wake her up gently

Philips Light Alarm Clock, $139.99, available at Amazon

Moms work hard and they often have to wake up early. Just because she has to wake up before the sun rises that doesn't mean she has to awaken to the blaring of an obnoxious alarm clock.

Philips makes a lovely alarm clock that gradually lights up to mimic the sunrise and wake her up naturally. The light alarm clock also displays the time and has customizable sounds so she can wake up feeling rested and ready for the day. This clock is the top pick in our buying guide, so you can be sure she'll love it.



A room diffuser

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Scent Surround Room Diffuser, $98, available at Nordstrom

A more modern alternative to potpourri, a diffuser is a grown-up way to add a subtle fragrance to her home.



A personalized T-shirt

Known Supply Personalized Women's Fitted Crew, $32, available at Known Supply

You can personalize this comfortable Pima cotton tee with "mom" or "mama" — or any other name up to nine characters — in cute, loopy cursive. 



A gift subscription to a popular coffee club

Atlas Coffee Club 3-Month Gift Subscription, $60, available at Atlas Coffee Club

If her veins run dark roast, a coffee gift won't go unused. We recommend a gift subscription to the Atlas Coffee Club, which curates a global selection of single-origin coffee that gets freshly roasted and shipped to your house from $9 per bag. 



A pendant necklace

Zoe Chicco 14k Gold XO Pendant Necklace, $280, available at Nordstrom

Your mom will want to keep this pendant necklace very close to her heart.



A crossbody bag with a hand-painted monogram

Leatherology Meadow Mini Camera Bag, from $150, available at Leatherology (+ $40 for hand-painted monogram)

This leather crossbody bag comes in tons of colors and is great for travel and daytime outings — for an extra $40, you can customize it with hand-painted monogram. 



A retro-inspired electric kettle

SMEG 50's Retro Style 7-Cup Electric Kettle, $157.95, available at Nordstrom

With this retro-inspired electric kettle in her kitchen, she'll spend much less time making tea and more time enjoying a cup. It comes in seven fun colors, like pastel green, pastel pink, and bright red.



A box set of loose-leaf teas

T2 Tea Five Greatest Greens Assorted Tea Sampler Gift Box, $15, available at Amazon

Let her sit back and relax with this set of fragrant green teas, including China Jasmine, Sencha Peach, and Japanese Sencha. If green tea isn't her thing, T2 also has gift boxes for black, herbal, and fruity teas. Choose the "Subscribe & Save" option and she'll always have a stocked tea supply. 



A heart snapshot

Minted Filter Heart Snapshot Mix Photo Art, from $29, available at Minted

Collect some of her favorite pictures and turn them into unique photo art for as little as $29.



A pair of shades

Warby Parker Harris Sunglasses, from $95, available at Warby Parker

Pair these sunglasses with a surprise tropical getaway for your mom and a plus one and win the holidays. The sunglasses are scratch-resistant, block 100% of UVA and UVB rays, and they're available with prescription lenses.



A DNA test kit

23andMe Health + Ancestry DNA Test, $99, available at Amazon

This genetic test kit from 23andMe is a unique and cool gift idea for any mom who's interested in learning more about her family history.



A perfume subscription

Scentbird 3-Month Gift, $44, available at Scentbird

Scentbird is a monthly subscription-based service that allows you to choose from thousands of designer fragrances and delivers a 30-day supply right to your door. It only costs $15 a month, and gets progressively cheaper when you choose longer subscription periods.



A luxurious bathrobe

SNOWE Honeycomb Bathrobe, $98, available at SNOWE

A bathrobe will make every shower feel like a trip to the spa.



A FabFitFun box

FabFitFun E-Gift Card, $25-$300, available at FabFitFun

Sign her up for FabFitFun, a quarterly beauty subscription box that sends its members full-size products instead of those tiny samples.



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



The 15 most expensive homes sold in the US over the past decade, ranked

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The playboy mansion

The US has long been home to jaw-dropping real estate with expensive price tags.

Jonathan Miller, the president and CEO of real estate and consulting firm Miller Samuel Inc., has spent the past few years compiling all the sales of single-family homes and condos at or above $50 million in the US. He shared his list with Business Insider so that we could round up the 15 most expensive residential sales the country has seen over the past 10 years.

From a number of $100 million mansions to one nearly $240 million penthouse, 14 out of the 15 homes that made the list are located in either Florida, New York, or California— three states with notoriously expensive housing markets.

The only sale that didn't take place in those markets was a 50-acre property in Greenwich, Connecticut; that home sold for $120 million in 2014.

Keep reading to see the list of the 15 most expensive home sales the country has seen since November 2009.

SEE ALSO: The biggest metro areas with the most million-dollar homes in the US

DON'T MISS: The 10 most expensive NYC neighborhoods to live in right now, ranked

15. This massive estate in Palm Beach, Florida, sold for $99,130,000 in 2019.

The estate, which is located at 60 Blossom Way, was completed in 2000 and bought by its previous owner in 2017 for $77,060,000.

According to a report by the Palm Beach Daily News, the property spans 3.7 acres and boasts about 320 feet of beachfront access.



T11. This 25,000-square-foot mansion in Los Altos Hills, California, sold in 2011 for $100 million.

This mansion on La Paloma Road, called Palo Alto Loire Chateau, was built to mirror an 18th-century French chateau.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, at the time of the purchase, the home featured indoor and outdoor pools, a ballroom, and a wine cellar.



T11. This mansion in Holmby Hills — a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California — sold in 2016 for $100 million.

Also known as the Playboy Mansion, 10236 Charing Cross Road was originally listed for $200 million in January 2016. 

As Business Insider previously reported, the property was sold a few months later (for half its asking price) to the next-door neighbor who, at the time of the sale, expressed interest in connecting the two properties.



T11. This property in Malibu, California, sold in 2019 for $100 million.

This property, 27600 Pacific Coast Highway, is located along the legendarily scenic state highway. It includes two guest houses, a tennis court, a spa house, a two-story library, a theater, a gym, and a pool, along with other amenities.

It fell just $10 million short of matching the most expensive home sale in Malibu.

 



T11. This 10-bedroom mansion in Holmby Hills — a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California — sold in 2016 for $100 million.

As Business Insider previously reported, this mansion, which is located at 301 North Carolwood Drive, was built on speculation and originally listed for $150 million.

The home spans 38,000 square feet and includes everything from private hiking trails to a movie theater complex.



10. A penthouse in Manhattan, New York, sold in 2014 for $100,471,452.

This penthouse is located on the 89th and 90th floors of One57, a residential skyscraper in the Midtown area referred to as Billionaire's Row.

It spans 11,000 square feet and boasts six bedrooms. Up until 2019, it was the most expensive home ever sold in New York City.



T8. A compound in Malibu, California, sold in 2018 for $110 million.

As Business Insider previously reported, this beachfront home is located on Carbon Beach, also called "Billionaire's Beach," which is known for its multimillion-dollar homes and ultra-wealthy residents. 

The home, which was designed by Richard Meier, includes a main residence and a guest house.



T8. Three properties on Lily Pond Lane in East Hampton, New York, sold in a single sale in 2016 for $110 million.

Before this sale, the three properties — 93, 97, and 101 Lily Pond Lane — were bought in 2014 for $93.9 million.

According to a report by the New York Post, the properties total 6.4 acres and include 284 feet of oceanfront access.



7. An oceanfront estate in Palm Beach, Florida, sold in 2019 for $110,250,000.

This 13-bedroom property, also known as La Follia, is located at 1295 S. Ocean Blvd, only half a mile from Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort.

As Business Insider previously reported, it was originally listed in 2018 for $135 million. The property includes 210 feet of private beach, lush gardens, and a private boat dock.



6. A 9-acre estate in Woodside, California, sold in 2012 for $117,500,000.

Until 2019, this home, which is located at 360 Mountain Home Road, was the most expensive residence ever sold in California.

As Business Insider previously reported, the off-market deal took place in November 2012.



5. A massive mansion in Holmby Hills — a ritzy neighborhood in Los Angeles, California — sold in 2019 for $119,750,000.

Also known as The Manor, this home, which is located at 594 S. Mapleton Drive, is the most expensive home ever sold in Los Angeles County, according to the Los Angeles Times.



4. A 51-acre estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, sold in 2014 for $120 million.

Known as Copper Beech Farm, this property, which is located at 499 Indian Field Road, was originally listed in May 2013 for $190 million.

According to a report by Forbes, the price was cut by $50 million in September 2013, and then dropped another $10 million before it closed for $120 million in 2014.

It's the only home on this list in a state that's not California, Florida, or New York.



3. Four oceanfront properties in Palm Beach, Florida, sold in 2013 for a total of $129,600,000.

These four properties are located at 20, 30, 40 and 50 Blossom Way.

According to a report by The Real Deal, the buyer owns all the properties along that street. The report also states that many of the properties have been demolished.



2. A massive estate in East Hampton, New York, sold in 2014 for $137 million.

This 18-acre property, located at 60 Further Lanes, was the most expensive home ever sold in the US until 2019.

The sale price was first mistakenly reported as $147 million by several publications in 2014 (though either amount qualified it as the priciest real estate in the country at the time of the sale).



1. The penthouse atop 220 Central Park South, a residential tower in Manhattan, New York, sold in January 2019 for $239,958,219.

This New York City penthouse spans the 50th through the 53rd floor of 220 Central Park South. It currently holds the title as the most expensive home ever sold in the US.

Billionaire hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin bought the property in a record-breaking sale.



Target's Black Friday 2019 ad came out — here's what will be on sale and what steps you can take to save even more

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Black friday target deals 4x3

Black Friday is, statistically speaking, one of the best days of the year to shop. Nothing is off-limits when it comes to a discount: TVs, cult-favorite cooking products, the latest smart home gadgets ... if you go into the shopping event knowing what you want and which retailer is selling it for the lowest price, you can make quick work of a shopping and holiday gifting. We're also tracking Target's Cyber Monday deals here

Alongside Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon, Target will likely be offering some of its best discounts of the year. 

Target Black Friday ad — the deals we know about for Black Friday

Target released its Black Friday ad on November 6, so we at least know some of what will be on sale. Here are the standout deals from the ad, which will go live on Black Friday:

And, to keep up with retailers with great shipping policies (cough, Amazon), you may see cheaper expedited shipping. Target already offers free shipping on everything. 

When do Target's Black Friday deals start?

Target will again give RedCard holders early access to shop more than 100 deals all day on Wednesday, November 27. Members of Target Circle (the company's free loyalty program) will reportedly get early access at 6 p.m. CT on November 27. For everyone else, Target Black Friday deals became available on Thanksgiving morning. 

Target released its Black Friday ad on November 6, so we at least know some of what will be on sale.

Will Target be open on Thanksgiving?

Yes. Target will be open for an eight-hour shift from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day like it was last year. Doors close at 1 a.m. and re-open again at 7 a.m. on Friday, November 29. 

Does Target allow in-store pick-up?

Sometimes, but you may not want to count on it. There are certain items that will be eligible for in-store pickup, but not likely everything you'll want to buy.

What is Target's return policy?

For items purchased from November 1 – December 25, the 30-day return period will start on December 26. As usual, RedCard holders have a longer returns window. 

Is Target price-matching during Black Friday?

No. Target will price-match between its online and in-store prices, but not with competitors. 

However, Target will likely keep prices as close to competitors as possible, and most major retailers tend to adjust prices throughout the day to remain competitive. You just won't have 14 days to ask for a differential refund if you come across something lower. 

Will RedCard holders still get 5% off purchases at Target on Black Friday?

Yes. They'll also get early access to over 100 Black Friday deals on November 27.

Are there any ways to save even more at Target on Black Friday?

As mentioned, it certainly doesn't hurt to be a RedCard holder. They typically get early access to the deals, and they get an extra 5% off their purchases. You'll also get free shipping with no minimum. If you make purchases with a Target Debit Card, Credit Card, or Target Mastercard (all RedCards) you also get an additional 30 days to return a purchase. 

You can also get early access for free by joining Target Circle, the retailer's free loyalty program. 

The benefits may be slim in comparison, but it also doesn't hurt to download the Target app. Retailers with apps are known to push specific coupons or exclusive discounts to those with it downloaded already or to incentivize downloads. 

And while it pays to get early access to avoid sellouts, Target is offering incentives for shopping on Black Friday, too. Shoppers who spend $50 (in-store or online) on November 29 get a 20% off coupon to redeem online or in stores December 3 through December 14. 

In terms of strategy, the best plan is to have a plan. Make a wish-list of what you'd like to buy day-of by clicking the heart on a Target product. When Black Friday deals open to the public, shop your wish-list and don't get lost browsing. And prioritize whatever is most likely to sell out first.

What will be on sale at Target for Cyber Monday?

Target hasn't released many deals yet, but you can find everything we know about Target's Cyber Monday deals here

As more Black Friday deals drop, we'll update this page with the best discounts Target is offering and when you can access them.

Shop Target

Create a Target wish list

Apply for a Target RedCard

Early Target Black Friday 2019 deals you can shop now:

Early Black Friday vacuum deals at Target



Early Black Friday kitchen deals at Target



Early Black Friday TV deals at Target



Early Black Friday laptop deals at Target



Early Black Friday speaker and headphone deals at Target



Early Black Friday furniture deals at Target



Early Black Friday health and grooming deals at Target



Early Black Friday miscellaneous deals at Target



See more Black Friday sales and deals



How to get the Disney Plus bundle with ESPN Plus and the ad-free version of Hulu

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How to combine Disney Plus, ESPN+ and ad-free Hulu

At just $6.99 per month, Disney Plus is as affordable as it is nostalgic (in comparison with many other streaming services). Disney's new streaming service offers not only exclusive programming from Disney, Pixar, "Star Wars," Marvel, and National Geographic, but it is also stocked with plenty of old favorites. 

As if the launch of Disney Plus weren't exciting enough on its own, the streaming service also offers a bundle with ESPN Plus and Hulu's basic plan for an additional $6 ($12.99 total). Though the deal involves the version of Hulu with ads included, there is a workaround to include ad-free Hulu for an extra $6 per month. You'll still save $5 per month by signing up for all three services this way compared with signing up for each of them separately. 

How to combine Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and ad-free Hulu

  1. Sign up for ad-free Hulu ($11.99).
  2. Use the same email address connected to your ad-free Hulu account to sign up for the Disney Plus bundle. 
  3. You will have new Disney Plus and ESPN Plus accounts but continue to be billed separately for your ad-free Hulu subscription. 
  4. Every month, Disney will credit you $5.99, which is the value of the ad-supported Hulu in the original bundle, bringing your total monthly cost for the three streaming services to $18.99 (a $23.97 a month value).

Read more about Disney Plus on Insider Picks:  

Originals Disney Plus 4x3

  1. Disney+: Everything you need to know about Disney's new ad-free streaming service
  2. How to get a free week of Disney+
  3. Disney+ costs $7 a month on its own, but you can bundle it with Hulu and ESPN+ for an extra $6
  4. All the new movies you can watch on Disney+ — from the live-action 'Lady and the Tramp' to holiday comedy 'Noelle'
  5. All the new shows you can watch on Disney+ — from 'The Mandalorian' to new Pixar shorts
  6. All the kids' movies you can stream on Disney+ — from 'Snow White' to 'Frozen'
  7. All the new kids' shows you can watch on Disney+ — from 'Vampirina' to the new reboot of 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'
  8. All the Marvel movies and shows you can stream on Disney+ — from 'Iron Man' to the new 'Loki'
  9. Every single Star Wars movie will be available on Disney+
  10. All the Pixar films and shorts you can stream on Disney+ — from 'Toy Story' to 'Inside Out'

Join the conversation about this story »


How to check your PayPal balance on desktop or mobile

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paypal money

  • To check your PayPal balance, all you need to do is log into your account. 
  • You'll find your PayPal balance on the left side of your main account page on the website, or on the primary account screen in the mobile app. 
  • But in order to carry a balance, you will need to have a Cash or Cash Plus account (most people do). Otherwise, you won't see a section for your balance on your main account page.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

For most, checking their balance on PayPal is an extremely quick and easy process. 

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 check your PayPal balance

In theory, all you'd have to do is go to paypal.com— or open the mobile app on your iPhone or Android if you prefer to check there — and log into your account.

1 HOW TO CHECK YOUR PAYPAL BALANCE

Assuming you have the ability to carry a balance, even if your current balance is $0, it will be listed on the left-hand side of your main account page for desktop, or on the primary account screen for mobile users. 

2 HOW TO CHECK YOUR PAYPAL BALANCE

However, there is a bit of a catch: If you aren't seeing a "PayPal balance" section on your main account page, it's because you don't have a Cash or Cash Plus account. 

You may not have those if you've had your account for a while, as those account types are relatively new to PayPal. In that case, you'll need to set up a new account first.

You should also be aware that you will still have to first verify your identity through PayPal in order to take advantage of that balance-carrying feature.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

Join the conversation about this story »

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

Nordstrom's Black Friday 2019 sale will include great deals on Hunter rain boots, Nike sneakers, and limited-edition beauty sets

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Deals Nordstrom 4x3

Black Friday is one of the best days of the year to shop, with deep discounts on all kinds of products, particularly big-ticket items. If you're hoping to find great prices on clothing, beauty, and home goods, you'll want to check out Nordstrom's Black Friday sale

While prices won't start dropping until Wednesday, November 27, Nordstrom has already released a handful of deals so you can get a head start on making your Black Friday shopping list. These are ten of the best deals we've seen so far, but we'll be updating this list as more are released. 

See more: All the best Black Friday 2019 deals, in one place

The 10 best Nordstrom Black Friday 2019 deals we know of:

  1. Hunter Original Gloss Rain Boot, $99.90 (originally $150) [You save $50.10]
  2. Rebecca Minkoff Mini MAC, $99 (originally $198) [You save $99]
  3. Marc New York Holden Coat, $129.90 (originally $275) [You save $145.10]
  4. Topshop Carly Coat, $75 (originally $125) [You save $50]
  5. Halogen V-Neck Cashmere Sweater, $65.90 (originally $98) [You save $32.10]
  6. Blondo Nada Waterproof Boot, $129.90 (originally $219.95) [You save $90.05]
  7. Nike Men's Epic React Flyknit 2 Running Shoe, $99.90 (originally $150) [You save $50.10]
  8. AG Everett Jeans, $132.66 (originally $198) [You save $65.34]
  9. Sam Edelman Hooded Puffer Jacket, $99.90 (originally $230) [You save $130.01]
  10. Nuna Pipa Lite LX Infant Car Seat & Base, $299.95 (originally $399.95) [You save $100]

Shop Nordstrom Black Friday deals by category:

Nordstrom Black Friday 2019 FAQs:

Is Nordstrom open on Thanksgiving?

No, Nordstrom will not be open on Thanksgiving, but it will be open on Black Friday. You can go to any Nordstrom store on November 29, but if you'd rather snag deals from the comfort of your couch, you can always shop online. 

When does Nordstrom's Black Friday sale start?

Black Friday 2019 falls on November 29, but you'll be able to access the sale even earlier than that. This year, prices will drop on November 27, the day before Thanksgiving. 

Nordstrom also frequently open sales up earlier to its Nordy Club members. It's free to join, so it may be a good idea to do so now so you can get the best chance of early savings. Plus, being a Nordy Club member gives you exclusive perks all year round, so if you shop at Nordstrom often you'll probably benefit from the membership. You can also apply for a Nordstrom Credit Card which instantly makes you a Nordy Club member, and offers even more perks. Learn more about the perks of a Nordstrom Credit Card and being a Nordy Club member

What should you buy? 

Whether it's everyday wear or designer goods, Nordstrom has it all. Last year, shoppers saved up to 60% off on a huge selection of clothing, beauty products, and home goods with Nordstrom's Black Friday deals. Additionally, certain designer items could be found on sale for up to 40% off. 

Nordstrom has released a handful of deals already so you can plan ahead. We'll be hand-picking the best deals from Nordstrom's Black Friday sale and updating this guide.

What's Nordstrom's return policy?

Nordstrom doesn't have a traditional return policy. Instead, returns are handled on a case-by-case basis. The retailer says it has "the ultimate objective of making our customers happy," so the company tends to be very accommodating. 

How can I save even more at Nordstrom on Black Friday?

While we can't be sure, we wouldn't be surprised if Nordy Club members get early access to deep savings again. Last year, Nordy Club members also got extra points on their Black Friday purchases. These points add up to Nordstrom Notes, which eventually can be redeemed to shop at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Hautelook. While Nordstrom Notes may not be direct savings in the short term, in the long-run they'll add up to help you save on future purchases. 

As Black Friday gets closer, we'll update this page with more information on Nordstrom deals, so bookmark this page to stay up to date. 

Shop clothing, home goods, beauty, and more at Nordstrom

Sign up to become a Nordy Club member

Apply for a Nordstrom Credit Card

See more Black Friday sales and deals



13 mind-blowing facts that show just how expensive New York City really is

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new york city manhattan

New York City is known for its high prices and its wealthy residents, and that's in large part due to the city's booming job market.

New York City has the world's largest urban economy, reported Steve Goldstein for MarketWatch, citing an Oxford Economics report. In 2018, the city saw its biggest economic boom in 70 years, according to Kirstan Conley for the New York Post. The securities, healthcare, technology, media and business, and tourism-related industries are fueling job growth, she wrote.

As a result, New York City consistently ranks on top 10 lists as one of the world's most expensive cities to live in. Rents in the city are on their way to historic rates, and 1.5 million New Yorkers are living below the poverty level.

Here are 13 mind-blowing facts that show just how expensive New York City really is.

SEE ALSO: 13 mind-blowing facts that show just how expensive San Francisco really is

DON'T MISS: More rich millennials are abandoning New York than any other state — and they're not the only ones fleeing the high cost of living

New York state as a whole is outrageously expensive, as evidenced by a new study from personal finance platform GoBankingRates. The study found that workers making the state's median hourly wage of $21.63 need to work an average of 76.16 hours a week to just to live comfortably.

To gather this info, GoBankingRates looked at the following factors in New York state: the median household income, which is $62,765; the median hourly wage, which is $21.63; and the average annual cost of living, which is $42,828.30.

GoBankingRates found that the annual salary needed to live in the state comfortably is $85,656.60— assuming 50% is spent on necessary expenses, 30% is spent on nonessential items, and 20% is put into savings.

New York is continuously ranked as one of the most expensive states in America. In fact, in July, CNBC ranked New York as the third-most expensive state in the country, which is why it's no suprise that it is also home to one of the country's most expensive cities: New York City.

Keep reading for 13 telling facts and statistics that illuminate just expensive the city is.



1. Some NYC residents are shelling out millions to live in basements, where they can get more space for their money.

"As prices continue to decline in the luxury market, developers are keen on maximizing every square foot, including below-grade space, while buyers seek out bargains in a supply-heavy market," reported Stefanos Chen for The New York Times

One buyer told Chen she bought a 2,100-square-foot, two-bedroom underground duplex on the Upper West Side for $2.3 million — twice the size of her place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The smaller apartment above her was listed for roughly $1 million more, she said.



2. New York City is the world's only city with more than 100 billionaires.

New York City has 105 billionaires, according to Wealth-X's 2019 Billionaire Census report. That's more billionaires than nearly every country in the world, besides the US, China, and Germany.



3. The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in New York City is $3,500 — over two times the national median of $1,480.

The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in the US is $1,480

New York is the third-most expensive city in the world to rent a two-bedroom apartment. Battery Park City is the most expensive neighborhood to rent in Manhattan, with an average rent of $5,530.

The average New York rent is about 82% of the median American salary, Stephanie Taylor reported for Markets Insider.



4. The monthly cost to park a car long-term in New York City is over $606 — more than the median rent in some US cities.

It costs $606.37 a month to park a car long-term in New York City, according to SmartAsset, citing a report from Parkopedia.

That's more than the median rent in many US cities, like San Joaquin, California ($539), or Monte Vista, Colorado ($561).



5. The average price of homes listed in Manhattan is nearly $1.5 million — more than five times the typical national price of homes listed.

The national median price of homes listed is $289,00o, according to Zillow.



6. To live comfortably as a homeowner in New York City, residents need to earn $148,448. It takes the median US worker roughly three years to earn that much.

The median US worker earns $46,696 annually, according to data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To live comfortably as a renter in NYC, residents would need to earn at least $128,552 a year, according to a GoBanking Rates study.



7. New York City has the most expensive home ever sold in the US, a $238 million penthouse.

Billionaire hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin purchased the three-floor, 23,000-square-foot penthouse in a skyscraper at 220 Central Park South, reported Business Insider's Katie Warren, citing The Wall Street Journal

New York City penthouses are so expensive that they're not selling — so real estate companies are splitting them into smaller, cheaper units to get them off the market, Warren reported.



8. New York City is home to one of the top five richest ZIP codes in the country —10007. The average income there is $879,000.

The ZIP code is home to southern Tribeca, according to Bloomberg's ranking of America's richest ZIP codes. The average annual income in the ZIP code is $879,000, according to 2016 tax returns.

According to Zillow, the median price of listed homes in the area is $3.485 million. But new Tribeca developments are known for even pricier apartments — penthouses in 30 Park Place, which has Four Seasons private residences, are selling for about $30 million.



9. A $75,000 salary in New York City is equivalent to a $195,362 salary in San Antonio, Texas.

Business Insider's Tanza Loudenback used Bankrate's cost of living calculatorto find what $75,000 in Manhattan equals in some of the country's biggest cities. Turns out, it's even worth less than it is in notoriously expensive San Francisco: $75,000 in Manhattan is equivalent to $96,684 in San Francisco.

The purchasing power in New York City is 16% lower than the purchasing power in San Francisco, according to Investopedia.



10. A single person in New York City can expect to spend an annual total of $51,323 on necessities — more than what the median US worker earns in one year.

That's $4,277 a month, according to the Economic Policy Institute. Costs in this calculation include housing, food, transportation, healthcare, other necessities, and taxes, not including savings or discretionary spending.



11. A family of four in New York City can expect to spend $124,129 a year on necessities — that's $10,344 a month.

They should expect to spend the most on childcare — $2,773 a year, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

 



12. Private preschools and kindergartens in New York City can cost up to $50,000 a year — more than yearly tuition at some Ivy League universities.

Manhattan K-12 schools Horace Mann, Collegiate, and Trinity all have yearly tuition that exceeds $50,000. That's more than the yearly tuitions at Cornell, Harvard, and Princeton, which cost less than $50,000 without room and board, reported Suzanne Woolley and Katya Kazakina for Bloomberg.

Hedge-fund managers, celebrities, and tech millionaires send their kids to Avenues: The World School, which costs $56,400 a year, reported Business Insider's Katie Warren



13. The cost of living is so high that multimillionaire Wall Street bankers are fleeing the city for more affordable housing.

In 2016, New York lost $8.4 billion because of residents — many of them wealthy bankers — moving to other states, John Aidan Byrne of the New York Post reported.

Rich millennials are also moving away from the city. According to a new SmartAsset study, New York is the No. 1 state rich millennials are moving from — and it's likely partly due to expensive housing in the city.



How to sign a PDF document on a Windows computer using Adobe Reader

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As we've progressed deeper into the digital age, electronic signatures are becoming more and more common. Rather than printing out a document, signing it, scanning and emailing it (or faxing it), signing the document electronically can save paper, time, and even money.

With Adobe Reader, signing your documents electronically is simple. 

Here's how to sign a PDF on Windows using Adobe Reader.

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How to sign a PDF on Windows using Adobe Reader

1. First of all, make sure that you have Adobe Reader installed. You can download it for free from the Adobe website, here.

2. Open the PDF document in Adobe Reader. If it isn't already the default PDF viewer on your computer, right-click it, hover your mouse over "Open with," and select "Adobe Reader" in the list.

3. On the right side of your PDF, there's a menu with several functions you can perform to alter the PDF. Scroll down the menu until you see the "Fill & Sign" option, and click on it.

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4. On the next screen, you will be asked if you're filling out the form yourself, or preparing it for another person's signature. If you're trying to sign the PDF yourself, click on "Fill and sign." If you're preparing the form for another person to sign, click on "Request signatures."

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5. On the PDF document itself, click on any fields that need to be filled in and type in the required information.

6. Once you have all of the required information filled, click on the "Sign" button, represented by an icon resembling a fountain pen.

7. In the "Sign" sub-menu, click on "Add Signature." Type in, draw, or upload your signature, and click "Apply." 

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8. Your signature should now appear onscreen, alongside your cursor. Use the mouse to position the signature on the page, and click when you're ready to sign.

9. Once you've signed, save your PDF to make sure your signature isn't lost.

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Adobe Reader can save your signature as well as your initials for future documents as well, simplifying the process even further. All you have to do is click on "Sign," click your signature, and click on the spot you want to sign.

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best all-in-one PCs you can buy

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'Why does my Galaxy S10's brightness keep changing?': How to keep your S10's brightness the same and control it manually

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Galaxy S10 lineup

  • If the brightness keeps changing on your Samsung Galaxy S10 during the day, there are a couple of possible causes, and you can correct both of them.
  • You'll need to train the Adaptive Brightness feature by adjusting the brightness manually for a few weeks. After that, the app should be able to set the Galaxy S10's brightness at the right level for you automatically. 
  • Adaptive power savings might also be changing the screen brightness as the battery level drops. 
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Your Samsung Galaxy S10 is designed to change the brightness of the screen depending upon ambient lighting conditions, using a feature called Adaptive Brightness. In Power Saving mode, the brightness can also be affected by the battery level of the phone. 

If everything is working well, you should never notice these changes in brightness, because your Galaxy S10 will adapt seamlessly to changing lighting conditions. That's not always the case, though. 

Here's a breakdown of why your brightness keeps changing, and how to fix it.

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Samsung Galaxy S10 (From $849.99 at Best Buy)

Understanding Adaptive Brightness on a Samsung Galaxy S10

Adaptive Brightness isn't quite the same as the "Auto brightness" feature that was available in older versions of the Android operating system. 

Adaptive Brightness uses artificial intelligence to monitor how you change the brightness of the phone in various lighting conditions, and then starts making those adjustments for you automatically. In other words, it learns the lighting level you like over time, and then changes the brightness for you.

That means it takes a little time for Adaptive Brightness to get used to your preferences. To teach it, when ever you use the phone in a different lighting condition, pull down the Control Center and use the brightness slider to adjust the screen. With sufficient training, it should make those decisions for you. 

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How to turn off Adaptive Brightness on a Galaxy S10 if you don't like the feature

Make sure you give the Adaptive Brightness feature enough time to learn from you — ideally, a few weeks of manual brightness adjustments. If, after that, it's still not working to your satisfaction, you might want to turn it off.

1. Start the Settings app.

2. Tap "Display."

3. Turn off Adaptive Brightness by swiping its button to the left. 

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How to check if Power mode is affecting screen brightness, or turn the feature off

Your battery level might also be affecting screen brightness — if "Adaptive power saving" is on, the power mode (and screen brightness) can change throughout the day as the battery level drops. 

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to display the Control Center.

2. Tap and hold "Power mode" until the Power mode settings page appears. 

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3. Check the status of the Adaptive power savings control at the bottom of the screen. You can turn it off by swiping the button to the left. 

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Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

SEE ALSO: The best wireless chargers you can buy

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Apple just revealed its AirPods Pro for $249, which feature noise cancellation. Here's everything that was wrong with the $159 pair of the wireless headphones.

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