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How to uninstall the Steam gaming app on your PC, and still keep all of your game and save data

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Steam valve logo website

  • You can uninstall Steam on your PC easily in the same way that you uninstall any other program.
  • Uninstalling Steam from your PC will remove not only Steam, but also all your games, downloadable content, and save files.
  • You can make a backup of the games content first, as it will be removed during uninstallation.
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Steam can be uninstalled in the same way most programs on your PC can, through the Settings app

However, unlike most programs, Steam is what's known as a launcher — in other words, it's a program that's used to launch other smaller programs. Specifically, your games.

Uninstalling Steam also removes all these games, along with their save data and downloadable content, from your computer.

This makes uninstalling Steam from your PC an incredibly efficient way to remove many programs at once, and free up a lot of space. If you haven't uninstalled your old games in a while, it might just be more efficient to uninstall Steam, and reinstall it fresh. 

Uninstalling and reinstalling Steam is also a good idea if Steam isn't working correctly, as it can help clear out corrupted files.

Here's how to uninstall Steam on your PC.

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How to uninstall Steam on a PC

Firstly, remember that uninstalling Steam also removes your games and save data.

If you're just uninstalling Steam to troubleshoot errors, you might want to backup your files. To do so:

1. Open Steam and click the "Steam" button in the top-left of the window.

2. In the drop-down menu, select "Backup and Restore Games..." and then select the first checkbox option — "Backup."

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3. Steam will let you manually select which games to make a backup of, and then a destination to back them up to. I recommend using an external hard drive for this, though Steam also offers a way to break it down into smaller file sizes to fit onto CDs or DVDs.

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Once you've backed up your choice of applications, exit Steam. It's time to uninstall.

1. Open the Windows menu by clicking on the icon at the bottom left of your screen, or by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard, and search "Add or remove programs." Select it when it appears in the search results.

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2. In the Settings window this opens, search for Steam in the search bar. Click on its icon.

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3. Select "Uninstall."

4. This will delete the entire folder that Steam is installed in. If Steam is installed in a folder containing other data, and not its own dedicated Steam folder, this will delete everything in the shared folder. If this is your situation, Steam provides this support page to walk you through manually deleting Steam to protect your other files.

5. After Steam has been reinstalled, you can open the "Backup and Restore Games..." menu, and this time select the second checkbox item, "Restore."

6. Point it to the directory you sent the backups to, and Steam should restore those backed up files.

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A TikTok star is the new face of 74-year-old French fashion house Celine, and it shows how luxury brands are courting Gen Z

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Celine

On December 11, luxury brand Celine announced the new face of its latest fashion campaign via Instagram: 18-year-old Noen Eubanks, best known for his lip-sync videos on the popular social media app, TikTok. Eubanks has amassed more than 7 million followers on the platform, earning him the title of "teen idol," a designation Celine echoed in its Instagram post announcing the partnership. 

The brand's decision to partner with a TikTok star isn't surprising, given the app's ever-growing impact and reach.

Data analysis firms Business of Apps and Sensor Tower report that TikTok has been downloaded over a billion times since its launch three years ago and has 500 million global users — 66% of whom are under the age of 30. And as the fashion industry actively tries to court a younger generation of shoppers — whose wants and needs are vastly different from their older counterparts— fashion marketing was bound to follow where members of Gen Z are spending their time, in the hopes they'll also come to spend their money. 

Celine is not the first — and likely won't be the last — high-end brand to tap into TikTok

Celine follows other major companies like Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Guess that have used TikTok to promote their brand, signaling that the fashion industry at large is beginning to take the app more seriously in terms of its global reach to younger consumers. 

In June, Burberry created a TikTok account to coincide with its Thomas Burberry Monogram collection. On the social platform, the brand launched the #TBChallenge, which asked users to recreate the Thomas Burberry Monogram with their hands. As of the most recent count, Burberry's TikTok video has over 200,000 likes and over 4.5 million views. 

"It's important for Burberry as a brand to be where our consumers are, and we need to constantly be evolving what spaces we play in," a Burberry spokesperson told Business of Fashion in June."We thought long and hard before launching on TikTok … We wanted something that felt really tapped into the space, and would be about a broader consumer education and invite people into our world."

In September 2018, Guesslaunched its #InMyDenim campaign on the social platform and promoted it with popular TikTok creators like Madison Willow, who has over 1 million followers on the platform, and @ourfire, who has 5.5 million. And in February, Calvin Klein made its TikTok debut with a #MyCalvins video campaign featuring pop star Shawn Mendes, actor Noah Centineo, model Kendall Jenner, and rapper A$AP Rocky.

"Lo-fi content featuring celebrities and influencers seems to resonate," Marie Gulin-Merle, Calvin Klein's chief marketing officer, told Business of Fashion in June. "We believe that the future is video-based."

Luxury retail could tap into a whole new market on TikTok

TikTok has been leaning into all the attention from the retail industry. Adweek reported in November that TikTok has begun rolling out "shoppable video content" open to "a select few influencers"— similar to the "Instagram Shopping" feature introduced in September — that allows users to buy directly from businesses within the app's interface.

But even as TikTok opens its doors to shoppable content, it seems many luxury fashion brands are still ambivalent about running through, with some even saying they wouldn't advertise on the platform at all. 

In an interview with Business Insider, millennial luxury eyewear designer Garrett Leight, whose frames are beloved by celebrities from Brad Pitt to Selena Gomez, said he has no plans to advertise on TikTok. Leight believes an influx of advertisements and marketing would "ruin" the fun of the app. "[Right now, TikTok is] just a place for endless silly content," he said. "So obviously somebody'll ruin it ... That's just the gentrification of the internet." 

If anything, there are many fashion brands who would do well on the platform. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and even Amazon Fashion have yet to advertise on the platform, but lead in search results. Louis Vuitton has nearly 137 million hashtag views, trailing behind Gucci's astounding 304 million and Amazon's 251 million.

SEE ALSO: The 9 most valuable luxury brands in the world

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How to delete a user profile from Windows 10 in 2 ways, and erase all their data and files

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Dell XPS 17

One of the best security features in Windows 10 is the ability to add multiple user accounts. If multiple people use the same computer, setting up different user accounts is the best way to keep each user's files private.

But if there comes a point when you want to delete a user, either because they don't need it anymore or you want to block their access, deleting a user account from a Windows 10PC is simple, as long as you're using an Administrator account. 

Here's how to do it.

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How to delete a user from Windows 10

1. Click on the Windows icon at the bottom-left of your screen and search for the "Settings" app.

2. Click the "Settings" app when it appears in the search results to open it.

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3. Click on "Accounts." 

4. Click on "Family & other users" from the menu bar running along the left-hand side of the Settings window. 

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5. Under the "Other users" heading, click on the name of the account holder you want to remove from Windows 10. 

6. Click "Remove." 

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7. Click "Delete account and data" in the pop-up that appears. The account will then be removed. 

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Note, however, that this method only works for users listed as "Other users." If you've added another user to your "Family," you'll have to instead:

1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/family/ and sign into your Microsoft account.

2. You'll be brought to a page that shows all the accounts currently connected to your "Microsoft family."

3. Underneath the name of the person you want to delete, click "Remove from family."

Once you do this, their account should be deleted.

Note that deleting a user from your Windows 10 machine will permanently delete all of their associated data, documents, and more. 

If needed, ensure the user has a backup of any important files they want to keep before you delete.

 

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The Centurion 'black' card has a $2,500 annual fee and is invite-only, but you can get most of its benefits with the Amex Platinum

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Business Centurion Card Amex

Also known as the Centurion card, the American Express "black" card is so prestigious that you have to be invited to use it. Yes, you read that right — you can't just apply for it and expect to get approved. You have to receive a private invitation from American Express.

So, how do you get an invite for a black card? While the requirements aren't officially published, rumor has it that you have to be a high earner who has spent and paid off between $350,000 and $500,000 across all of your American Express accounts in a calendar year.

And once you're approved for the card, there's a $7,500 initiation fee, and a $2,500 annual fee. It makes premium credit cards like the Amex Platinum ($550 annual fee) and the Amex Business Platinum ($595) look downright affordable. Plus, as The Points Guy reports, the annual fee is increasing to $5,000 starting in April 2020!

Keep in mind that we're focusing on the rewards and perks that make these credit cards great options, not things like interest rates and late fees, which will far outweigh the value of any points or miles. It's important to practice financial discipline when using credit cards by paying your balances in full each month, making payments on time, and only spending what you can afford to pay back. 

Benefits of the Amex black card

Aside from its appeal as a status symbol, the Amex black card offers the following perks:

Hotel elite status

With a black card, you can lock in hotel elite status at four major hotel chains: Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and Relais & Châteaux. Hotel elite status gets you sweet benefits like room upgrades, late checkouts, resort and spa credits, and free breakfast.

The Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum offer status with Hilton and Marriott, but not with IHG and Relais & Châteaux.

Read more:Credit cards that get you hotel elite status just by having them in your wallet

Delta elite status

According to The Points Guy, the black card also offers cardholders Platinum Medallion elite status with Delta. You can't get this benefit with any other credit card, and it offers you perks like complimentary upgrades and bonus miles. 

Airport lounge access

There's nothing better than knowing you have access to a comfortable airport lounge while you're traveling, especially if you have a long layover. The Amex black card gets you free access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the world, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs when you're flying Delta, and Priority Pass airport lounges. You can sit back and relax on the comfortable chairs while indulging in some good food and drinks.

The airport lounge access you get as a Centurion cardholder is virtually identical to the lounge access you get with the Amex Platinum and Amex Business Platinum.

Equinox membership

The Centurion card added several new perks in late 2019, along with the announcement that Amex would be raising the annual fee. One of the most valuable new benefits is Equinox Destination Access Membership, which lets Centurion cardholders use any of the 100-plus Equinox gym locations in the US, UK, and Canada. This membership costs $300 per month plus a $500 initiation fee, so it's quite valuable if you're a fan of the high-end fitness club chain.

Unsurprisingly, there's no comparable benefit on the Platinum and Business Platinum cards. 

Up to $1,000 per year in Saks Fifth Avenue credits

The Amex Platinum offers up to $100 in credits for Saks Fifth Avenue per year, so it's only fitting that the Centurion has an even better version of this perk. 

Starting in 2020, Centurion cardholders will get up to $1,000 in credits for Saks purchases — divided into four credits of up to $250 per quarter of the year. To get the credit, cardholders just have to make an eligible Saks purchase with their Centurion card, and they'll be reimbursed up to the quarterly and annual limit in the form of a statement credit.

As a bonus, Saks stores will open their doors to Centurion cardholders outside of normal business hours — a pretty extravagant perk for those who want to make a power move or impress their non-Centurion-holding friends.

CLEAR membership 

CLEAR is an expedited security membership (an alternative to TSA PreCheck), and you can use it at more than 30 airports and more than 20 sports and concert venues in the US.

The recently revamped American Express® Green Card offers a statement credit for up to $100 toward CLEAR membership, which costs $179, but with the Amex Centurion card you can get a statement credit for the full cost of membership when you use your card to buy it. Plus, you can get statement credits to cover adding up to three family members.

24/7 concierge service

An Amex black card gets you your own personal concierge whenever you'd like one. You can count on the round-the-clock concierge service to help you make travel plans or reservations at exclusive restaurants. This service can also get you tickets to just about any event and/or purchase gifts on your behalf.

Once again, the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum also offer concierge services. However, Centurion cardmembers are definitely the top priority for Amex concierge, and they get the best access to restaurant reservations and more.

International arrival service 

If you travel abroad often, you'll love the black card's international arrival service. As long as you fly business or first class via American Express Travel, you'll be assigned to your own personal guide who will make the immigration and customs process a breeze. This isn't a benefit you can replicate with any other Amex card.

Another exclusive airport perk: Centurion cardholders get complimentary membership to The Private Suite at LAX, a private VIP terminal. But there's a big catch: You have to pay each time you use it — and it costs up to $3,000.

No spending limit

There are no preset spending limits with the black card, so you can easily buy big-ticket items that you may not necessarily be able to pay for with other credit cards. Keep in mind, however, that since the black card is technically a"charge card," you must pay off your balances in full every month. (The Amex Platinum and Business Platinum are also charge cards.)

Other lifestyle perks

Beyond offering elite status with more travel partners, international arrival service, and the top tier of Amex concierge service, the black card stands out from the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum with its selection of wine-related benefits, such as consultations with a wine specialist and wine-buying offers.

Black cardholders also get several shopping perks, including special offers and VIP benefits with Net-a-Porter.

The Amex Platinum is more attainable, and offers many of the same perks

If you don't get an invite for the American Express black card, don't fret. As you can see, many of the benefits it offers are available on the Amex Platinum, which has a $550 fee. You'll get no preset spending limits, hotel elite status, complimentary access to airport lounges, and concierge services.

Read more:Amex Platinum card review

If you're a business user, the Amex Business Platinum is worth a look. It offers most of these benefits as well, and has a $595 annual fee. 

Read more:Amex Business Platinum card review

Click here to learn more about the Amex Platinum »

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How to delete events from a Google Calendar on your computer or mobile device

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Google Calendar apps

Google Calendar offers many easy-to-use features to make event scheduling and management easy. 

Deleting calendar events is very simple, and you can remove events in a couple of clicks or taps. Here's how.

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How to delete a Google Calendar event from a desktop browser

1. Open your Google Calendar from calendar.google.com

2. Click the event on your calendar.

3. Click the trash can icon in the menu that appears. Your event will be removed and a confirmation message will be displayed at the bottom of the browser window. You could also click "undo" to revert changes. 

How to delete google calendar event 3

If you're deleting a recurring event, you'll be prompted to delete all events in a series or a single event. You can choose to delete all of the events or the single occurrence you have selected. 

How to delete a Google Calendar event from a mobile device

1. Open the Google Calendar mobile app on your device.

2. Tap the event in your calendar to open.

3. Tap the three-horizontal-dots icon in the upper right hand corner of the menu, then tap Delete. You'll be prompted to confirm your selection.

How to delete google calendar event mobile 3

Keep in mind, shared calendars are a little different. Deleting events in your Google Calendar does not remove them from a shared calendar someone else created. A deleted event will no longer show up in your Google Calendar, but remains unchanged in the shared calendar.

 

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The best sewing machines

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  • High-quality sewing machines are pleasant to use for long periods of time, have stitches for whatever projects you want to work on, and can handle a broad range of fabrics.
  • The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is our top pick because it's ideal for beginners, it's inexpensive and can reach speeds of up to 1,100 stitches per minute.

With the easy accessibility of cheap clothing, linens, and other fabric products just a click away, the sewing machine has lost its once prominent place in American homes. However, for people who like completing projects on their own and reducing their consumption, sewing machines are an indispensable part of the household. Plus, these units serve as an excellent way to bond with youngsters and nurture their self-sufficiency.

For the most part, the sewing machine industry is dominated by Singer, Janome, and Brother. Singer is the top brand with almost half of sewing machine sales. The company offers features and styles that are designed for all skill levels. Brother holds a quarter of the market share and focuses on balancing easy usability with advanced technology and functions for a variety of experience levels and budgets. Lastly, Janome is known for its more expensive and advanced computerized machines.

The two main factors you should consider when purchasing a new sewing machine are your skill level and your budget. In our guide, we note which experience levels will benefit most from each machine, including which ones will continue to serve you well as you develop your abilities.

If you have a limited budget, you need to pay closer attention to the features and extras that you really need. For the most part, added functionality comes with a price, but there are deals to be found if you are willing to live without some accessories. For example, some of the more affordable units don't come with carrying cases and have limited stitch options. This might be fine if you have a dedicated space for your machine and are not interested in monogramming or embroidery.

While researching the best sewing machines, we read through hundreds of buyer and expert ratings and reviews of dozens of models. Our guide features machines that have a track record or performance, durability, and versatility.

Here are the best sewing machines you can buy:

Updated on 12/19/2019 by Jen Gushue: Added pick for the best beginner sewing machine, updated prices, links, and formatting.

SEE ALSO: The best serger sewing machines you can buy

The best sewing machine overall

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine is designed with the beginner in mind with its intuitive interface, ability to handle all types of fabrics, and one-step buttonholes.

The Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machineonly has 23 stitches — six basic, 12 decorative, four stretch, and a one-step buttonhole — but it's a workhorse with its heavy-duty mechanical design.

It has the ability to make 1,100 stitches per minute so you can complete your projects faster. The top drop-in bobbin is easy to insert, and the clear cover allows you to monitor how much thread is left. The built-in needle threader is also convenient for effortless threading with minimal frustration.

The kit comes with a soft-sided dust cover, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt, screwdriver, bobbins, needles, quilting guide, seam ripper/lint brush, and all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole, and button sewing feet — all at a relatively affordable price.

Wirecutter also recommends the Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machinefor beginners and casual sewers because it's affordable, can handle an array of fabrics, and is easy to use. It found that a beginner could sit down and use this machine without spending much time reading the manual. It also makes excellent buttonholes perfectly sized for your button. However, the reviewer points out that there only appear to be two speeds, fast and slow. And, the machine gets quite noisy.

Sew Orbit and Best Sewing Machine for Beginners Today blogs also recommend this machine.

Pros: Achieves up to 1,100 stitches per minutes, handles heavy-duty fabrics, easy to use, makes great buttonholes, affordable

Cons: Only two speeds and 23 stitches



The best beginner sewing machine

The Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine is great for beginners thanks to its six built-in stitch options, preset stitch length and width, and quick threading, so you can start on your projects right away.

While our top overall pick is a great machine to grow with, if you're looking for something even simpler that can get you sewing right away with no stress, we recommend the Singer Start 1304.

With just six stitches to choose from — straight, zig-zag, satin (a.k.a. tight zig-zag), scallop for decorative trim, blind hem, and four-step buttonhole — it's incredibly basic, and for someone who's never touched a sewing machine before, that's a good thing. You won't have to spend hours reading manuals and how-to guides. You can simply thread your bobbin, choose a stitch, and begin sewing.

The Singer Start 1304 is also already pre-set with an average stitch width and length that will work for a wide variety of fabrics. Experienced sewers may find this lack of control frustrating, but newbies will appreciate another variable being removed as they get their feet wet.

We included the Singer Start 1304 in our guide for best sewing supplies — a guide focused on helping beginner sewers stock their supply closet with the best basic gear they can find.

Pros: Its simple settings get you sewing right away

Cons: More experienced sewers may be frustrated by the lack of customizability



The best computerized sewing machine

If you are looking for a sewing machine that will keep pace with your improving abilities, the Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine is a smart choice with its computerized stitch selection and durable design.

The Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine features a small backlit LCD screen that lets you choose from 30 stitches, including 6 one-step buttonholes. Using the touch buttons, you can also see what stitch length and width you've selected. There are convenient buttons for tying off the end of the thread, reversing direction, and starting/stopping.

This machine comes as part of six different kits, and the price is currently the same for all of them. So, before buying, take a moment to find the kit that is best for your needs. For instance, I would recommend going with one of the bundles that has a tote case if you plan on moving your 7330 around regularly.

The Janome 7330 is one of the most highly rated machines on the comprehensive expert site Erin Says Sew. The reviewer appreciates that the bobbin is jam-proof and top-loading. Also, she was impressed with how one can start and stop sewing with the push of a button, rather than relying exclusively on the foot pedal. However, she would have preferred more decorative stitches, a dust cover, and adjustable presser foot pressure.

Grandma Likes to Sew found that this is a terrific unit for sewers of all levels. The reviewer liked the superior stitch-work and how durable and reliable the 7330 is.

Pros: Useful for sewers of any skill level, runs quietly, durable, automatic button sewing

Cons: Only 30 stitches



The best quilting sewing machine

The Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine comes with a variety of extras that make quilting convenient, including an oversized table attachment.

What makes the Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine special is the extras and the number of stitches it can handle.

First of all, the oversized table attachment is designed for quilting and other larger projects. There are also eight quilting feet to choose from. There are 60 stitches to choose from on the LCD screen, including 7 buttonholes. You can store your CS6000i in the included hard protective case. Brother backs the quality of this unit with a 25-year limited warranty.

On the sewing blogs, Grandma Likes to Sew recommends this unit as one of the best values for your money. The reviewer noted that the auto-threading, pedal-free sewing, and speed control were easy enough for beginners to use. Sewing from Home suggests buying the CS6000i for quilting projects because the foot holder quilt guide, wide table, and the spring-action quilting foot all lent themselves well to quilting projects.

Many buyers were impressed with the number of stitch options they get with such an affordable machine. Another popular feature is the effortless threading of the bobbin and needle. The only common complaint was that the highest speed is not particularly fast.

Pros: 60 stitches, comes with a wide table attachment, easy threading of the needle and bobbin, 25-year limited warranty

Cons: Some complaints about the tension



The best luxury sewing machine

If you are an experienced sewer who needs a unit for daily use and you have a little extra money to spend, the Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machine is your best bet.

The Janome DC5100 Computerized Sewing Machineis great because it has 167 stitches that you can select and edit on the control panel. Among the stitches are five one-step buttonholes and every letter of the alphabet.

This computerized machine also has enough memory to store up to 50 patterns so you can easily duplicate a project. The kit comes with 11 presser feet, extra needles and bobbins, and a carrying case with a handle so you will have everything you need to get started out of the box. You just need to buy some thread.

Wirecutter also recommends the Janome DC5100— it tops their list of the best sewing machines for intermediate sewers. The reviewer found that it can handle everything from delicate clothing projects to heavy curtains and quilts.

Of the dozens of units that the Erin Says Sew blog tested, this machine is one of only three to receive a perfect 5-star rating. She recommends this unit because she found the motor to be incredibly powerful and the array of stitches to be unique and helpful. The only negative she noted is that there is only one font for monogramming, and it isn't particularly exciting.

Pros: 167 stitches, powerful motor, handles a broad array of fabrics, well-written user manual

Cons: Expensive, unimpressive and non-adjustable font



The best portable sewing machine

The Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine only weighs about 10 pounds, which makes it ideal for bringing along to sewing circles and classes.

For its price, the Brother HC1850 Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine has an impressive selection of features. You can use this unit to monogram letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and even some non-standard characters. The stitches include eight auto-buttonhole styles, 12 heirloom stitches, 94 decorative stitches, 14 quilting stitches, and 42 garment construction stitches.

Like the Brother CS6000i, the HC1850 is great for quilting and comes with a spring-action quilting foot, detachable wide table, and the ability to do free-motion quilting. Plus, the kit includes bobbins, needles, spool caps, a seam ripper, instructional DVD, eight presser feet, and more.

Quilter's Review recommended this unit because it balances affordability and features quite nicely. The reviewer was impressed with how simple it is to thread the needle, but she warned against using it for serious quilting because of the small neck. The presser feet also don't rise enough for thicker quilts.

Pros: Only weighs about 10 pounds, 130 built-in stitches, comes with an instructional DVD

Cons: Runs slow, misleading warranty, doesn't come with a case or cover



The best moisturizers for winter

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  • Everyone wants healthy, smooth skin, but it's not always easy to attain during the winter months, when harsh winds and dry indoor heat can cause serious damage. 
  • The solution to winter-induced dry, dull, flaky skin? Use a good moisturizer.
  • Our favorite moisturizer for both face and body is CeraVe's Moisturizing Cream, but we also have recommendations for different budgets, skin types, and needs.

As we enter the cooler months, dryness can become a serious skin issue. Even if your complexion is on the oilier side, you still need a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and balanced.

Moisturizers help skin retain its moisture barrier, which is the outer layer known as the stratum corneum. When viewed through a microscope, it looks somewhat like a brick wall, with dead cells making up the bricks, and lipids — the primary three naturally found in skin are fatty acids, cholesterol, and ceramides — making up the mortar. Excessively dry skin loses these lipids, weakening the skin's defense mechanisms and opening it up to irritation, damage, and a flaky, dull appearance. And in the winter, harsh winds and dry indoor heat only speed up the process. 

On the most basic level, moisturizers help heal dry skin by attracting and sealing in water, thus replenishing what is lost to the atmosphere. Choosing the right moisturizer, though, can be an exercise in frustration. The typical drugstore has hundreds of moisturizing products on the shelves, all claiming to improve your skin.

Luckily, we're here to help. We sorted through seemingly endless options, tested them ourselves, and pinpointed the best moisturizers for a wide range of skin types, budgets, and needs. 

Here are the top moisturizers you can buy:

Updated 12/16/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated formatting, prices, copy, and links. We are currently testing and researching new options and will be updating this guide again.

SEE ALSO: The best sunscreen you can buy

The best moisturizer overall

The CeraVe Moisturizing Cream is a dermatologist favorite that soothes, pampers, and restores skin at a price that's also nice on your wallet.

CeraVe Moisturizing Cream contains three essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid to restore moisture, and time-release technology to help keep your skin hydrated for 24 hours. It doesn't have any fragrance or oil, and won't clog pores either.

This thick cream glides on smoothly but absorbs fully without leaving you greasy or sticky. It's excellent for normal to dry skin and is even safe to use on sensitive skin, eczema, and babies' extra-delicate skin.

Self chose this as one of the top drugstore moisturizers. 

Pros: Suitable for use on both face and body, safe for sensitive skin, large container

Cons: If applied too thickly, it can be hard to layer foundation makeup 



The best affordable facial moisturizer

Neutrogena Hydro Boost gives your face every bit as much moisture as more expensive creams for a fraction of the price.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost moisturizes like a cream but absorbs as quickly and completely as a gel. The result? A healthy, moisturized, and comfortable complexion.

Although the gel moisturizer is geared towards normal-to-dry complexions, it's remarkably well-suited for slightly oily faces as well. It contains no oils, won't make you break out, and soaks in quickly, making it an excellent choice for use under makeup.

The water-based gel is a favorite of Byrdie because it's oil-free and made with hyaluronic acid to leave your skin moisturized and glowing without feeling oily. 

Pros: Lightweight, soaks in quickly with no greasy feel, suitable for most skin types, good under makeup

Cons: If you have very dry skin, this might not be moisturizing enough for you



The best drugstore facial moisturizer for oily skin

La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Mat is specifically designed for oilier skin, with ingredients that moisturize and combat shine. 

Oily skin can be a conundrum — too much moisture and it can look greasy, too little moisture and it can also look greasy to overcompensate for the imbalance. Since oil doesn't contribute all that much to skin hydration, many oily individuals suffer from dry, damaged moisture barriers, too. 

The search for the perfect moisturizer formulated for oily skin is like the story of Goldilocks, and La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Mat is the one that makes everything just right. It absorbs excess oil by providing the light hydration oily skin craves and leaves behind a soft matte finish.

Byrdie praised La Roche-Posay not only for producing a moisturizer that effectively reduces shine while improving skin texture, but also for supporting its claims with scientific research.

Pros: Helps reduce shine, absorbs well, good under makeup

Cons: Tube is small, expensive



The best affordable organic facial moisturizer

Want to keep potentially harmful ingredients off your skin while treating it to a healthy glow? Then try Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream.

I made the switch to organic facial-care products a few years ago when I realized that the silicones found in many traditional formulas made me break out like I was back in my teenage years. To further complicate the matter, my skin is oily, maturing, and sometimes gets flaky, tight, or dull.

After much trial and error — and many wasted dollars — I discovered Pacifica Coconut Probiotic Water Rehab Cream, and I'm not looking back. No silicones, no oils, no fragrances, no parabens, no comedogenic troublemakers. Just 100% vegan ingredients including aloe vera, coconut water, vitamin E, and plant-derived amino acids to soothe away dryness without any greasiness, shine, or breakouts.

It feels a bit thick when it first goes on, but dries quickly to provide an excellent makeup base for my pressed powder mineral foundation. It also keeps shine under control for at least a few hours.

Pros: All natural ingredients, no silicone, suitable for just about every skin type

Cons: Small size 



The best drugstore body moisturizer for very dry skin

Kiss itchy, flaky, dull skin goodbye after smoothing on Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion.

If you suffer from the maddening itch of dry skin, you know how frustrating it can be to find a product that provides relief. Luckily, Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Unscented Lotion is rich enough to conquer even the driest knees or elbows, and it doesn't contain fragrance or other sensitive skin-aggravating ingredients.

InStyle chose this moisturizer as one of the best options for sensitive skin according to dermatologists.

Pros: Very inexpensive, safe for sensitive skin or skin with eczema, very rich and nourishing

Cons: Might be too thick for some



The best affordable moisturizer for very sensitive skin

If you have extremely sensitive skin or suffer from eczema or psoriasis, you need the dermatologist-created Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream.

Developed for those with the most sensitive skin, Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream is notable for the many things it does not contain — like dyes, fragrance, lanolin, phosphates, parabens, formaldehyde, and other common skin irritants. What it does contain are soothing, rich, moisturizing ingredients that settle down even the most irritable skin on your body or face. It's also been given a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.

Self included Vanicream in a list of the best drugstore moisturizers. The site's medical reviewer highly recommends it. 

While the cream is thick, it does absorb fairly quick and won't leave you feeling too greasy or sticky. Some buyers complain that the pump dispenser does not work well, however.

Pros: Suitable for very sensitive skin, safe for body and face, non-comedogenic, okay for use on eczema or similar conditions, very large container for a low price

Cons: Some complaints about the pump on the container



The best moisturizer with clean ingredients

When it comes to personal care, clean beauty products often focus on the face and neglect the rest of the body. Nécessaire is looking to change that with its Body Lotion, which utilizes vitamins, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to nourish everything from the neck down. 

We're probably more careful with the skin on our faces than on our legs most days, but Nécessaire's Body Lotion aims to balance that out with its vitamin and antioxidant-packed formula. It includes niacinamide, vitamins A, B, C, and E, two types of omega fatty acids, and shea butter, as well as marula, cacay, and meadowfoam oils. The lotion is also considered clean, as it's made without questionable ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and fragrance. 

Despite the rich and nourishing formula, the lotion itself is lightweight and fast-absorbing; a few passes left my skin hydrated, gleaming, and protected from the elements. Here's our full review of the lotion.

Pros: Skin-care-level ingredients, lightweight, absorbs quickly, clean formula 

Cons: Expensive compared to others on this list 



The best affordable antiaging moisturizer

If you want to keep fine lines at bay a little longer, try Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.

Although no moisturizer can perform miracles, plumping, firming, and moisturizing ingredients in Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, like niacinamide, amino peptides, and hyaluronic acid, can help give your skin a boost. You'll see immediate plumping and smoothing of fine lines, and subtle reduction of deeper creases over time.

Good Housekeeping gave the cream its seal of approval, and wrote, "This 24/7 cream outperformed 10 competitors — even a prestige brand that costs $440 — in our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab's clinical and blinded consumer studies."

Target reviewers praised the quick results, improvements in fine lines and skin texture, and lack of fragrance or other sensitive-skin triggers.

Pros: Effective ingredients, safe for sensitive skin, absorbs well, good under makeup, reasonable price

Cons: Not suitable for very oily skin



The best drugstore hand cream

Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Hand Cream keeps your hands soft and smooth for hours without any greasy feel.

Although I struggle with oily skin on my face, my hands have the opposite problem: they're dry and tend to crack and bleed. Any hint of fragrance or other irritating ingredients makes the problem even worse. The skin over my knuckles turns flame-red and burns like fire. To add to the problem, I can't stand any slippery, greasy, or tacky feeling on my skin.

Thankfully, I discovered Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Hand Cream several years ago, and I hope the company never discontinues this wonderfully soothing, fragrance-free, and intensely moisturizing hand cream because it fulfills all of my requirements.

It isn't greasy or sticky feeling and only requires a couple of applications each day. There's no burning, stinging, cracks, or parched skin. And best of all, the Aveeno cream is very inexpensive. The only downside to the product is that it comes in a rather small tube.

Pros: Suitable for sensitive skin, not greasy or sticky, very soothing to extra-dry skin, concentrated so only a little is needed

Cons: Tube is not very large



Check out our other great skin-care guides

The best exfoliators

Regular exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing brighter, more refreshed skin underneath, and helps to keep your pores clear. While exfoliators have a reputation for being harsh and abrasive, the latest crop delivers gentler sloughing and smoothing. Check out our list below to find your perfect exfoliator match: 


The best clay masks

Clay masks are an easy and cost-effective way to give your skin a boost without hitting the spa. Our top pick is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask because it's super affordable, all-natural, and deep cleans your pores. But if you're looking for something more particular — maybe a mask that hydrates, exfoliates, or brightens — check out the rest of our list. Here are the best clay masks you can buy:


The best face cream for dry skin

While dry skin tends to plague most people in the chillier months, for some, their daily skin-care regimen is a near-constant fight against the flake. And, if you're one of these folks, you know that all moisturizers are not created equal. Luckily, looking out for some key ingredients can save you a lot of trial and error when it comes to soothing your chapped face. We did the work for you, and came up with this list of the absolute best face creams for dry skin: 

 



Parachute's absorbent, Turkish cotton bathrobe is the perfect thing to wrap up in after a hot shower

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  • Bedding startup Parachute is known for its practical and comfortable products, and its Classic Bathrobe is no different.
  • The Classic Bathrobe ($99) is extremely comfortable and it adds an element of self-care that I normally wouldn't incorporate into my nighttime routine. 
  • It's also made with quick-drying Turkish cotton and has a shawl collar, waist belt, and two big pockets.
  • After testing the Parachute Classic Bathrobe for a month, I don't think I can go back to using regular towels. 

To me, a twentysomething millennial, a bathrobe seems like an unnecessary expense. It essentially functions as a wearable towel and I've only ever seen or worn them in spas and hotels, leading me to think that self-care is a luxury that only those with time and money can afford. 

But editors here at Insider Picks have been fans of Parachute's surprisingly affordable bedding and bath products for years. In fact, we've dubbed Parachute's Classic Bathrobe the best women's bathrobe because of its luxurious feel and reasonable price tag. 

So as someone who has never worn a bathrobe before, I decided to test Parachute's bathrobe to see if it was worth the hype.

Read more: The best women's bathrobes

The Parachute Classic Bathrobe's Turkish cotton dries my body quickly just like a regular towel and I appreciate that I don't have to hold it up and get ready one-handed

Since I hadn't used a bathrobe before trying Parachute's, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I admittedly didn't understand the need for what's essentially a wearable towel, especially since I always have extra towels on hand. But in the month that I've been testing Parachute's Classic Bathrobe, my opinion has changed completely. 

The Turkish cotton dries my body just as quickly as my regular towels do, but I love that I can be more productive while drying off  — even if I'm just watching TV. Gone are the days of attempting to get ready with one hand while holding up my towel with the other.

The material is quick-drying without being itchy, which I appreciate as someone with particularly sensitive skin. If you're looking for a super-soft, plush bathrobe, I'd recommend that you'd look elsewhere. If you're looking for a quick-drying bathrobe, this is a great fit. 

The bathrobe makes self-care feel more like a part of my nighttime routine as opposed to a rare moment of indulgence 

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It seems superficial to say that a bathrobe has somehow changed my perspective on self-care, but it's also completely true for me. 

During a time in my life that constantly involves learning to balance, in a word, everything, self-care has been pushed to the back burner. Daily things like cooking dinner and showering are typically the means to an end, the next step in a daily routine that becomes robotic if you let it.

The first time I used Parachute's Classic Bathrobe, I was finally able to let myself pause. Perhaps it's because a bathrobe is always associated with relaxation, but I somehow felt as though I was doing myself a disservice if I didn't take the time to relax. While this has more to do with bathrobes in general than Parachute's bathrobe specifically, the Classic Bathrobe has a just-plush-enough texture that I can relax but still remember that I have work the next day.

The bathrobe isn't the most flattering but that's the nature of most bathrobes; the white shade I have also has the most potential for stains but the bathrobe can easily be washed

I have the bathrobe in a medium and it fits me comfortably, although it's not the most flattering. That's generally the nature of the thick cotton, but the waist belt of the robe actually sits right above my stomach, tightening at a place that makes my body look a bit boxy. This isn't important to me, considering I have no intention of wearing the robe outside of my apartment, but for a product that's so easily connected with self-care, I wish that it landed in a different spot and made me feel more positive about my body while wearing the robe. 

The bathrobe is available in four colors: white, mineral, blush and stone. Mine is white and I'm indifferent about the color, it's merely functional. The crisp white is the same shade you'd associate with a hotel or spa, so it adds that element of luxury. I'm always cognizant of stains though when I wear white, even with something as rarely seen by others and easily washable as a bathrobe.  

The bathrobe also has some other notable features that set it apart, namely the pockets and the big collar. While the collar didn't get much use from me, the pockets certainly did. I listen to music from my phone as I shower, so the pockets make for easy (and dry) transportation from bathroom to bedroom. 

I'm grateful to have discovered Parachute's Classic Bathrobe, and I can especially see its appeal among young people. It's comfortable enough to feel like you've purposefully incorporated self-care and relaxation into your day, but not too comfortable that it stifles my productivity and makes me fall asleep as soon as I wear it.

Personally, I'd rather use a bathrobe that feels like a traditional towel than a bathrobe that's super soft and cozy, and that's why I really like my Classic Bathrobe, but I wouldn't recommend it to those looking for ultimate plushness. The $99 price tag isn't the most expensive I've seen, but it's something to be aware of, especially considering the fact that a towel can still perform the same function.

With that said, though, I can't imagine returning to my regular towels after discovering the Parachute Classic Bathrobe

 

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Working constantly in my 20s bought me my house, but it also led to debilitating depression. Still, I don't regret anything.

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  • My parents never wanted me to have a job while I was in school because they thought it would distract me from my studies.
  • They were right — when I got my first job in college, I ended up dropping out of school to focus on work and earning more.
  • I worked hard through my 20s — including through three healthy pregnancies — and it bought my family a home, but I sacrificed my mental health and eventually developed fibromyalgia. Still, I don't regret it.
  • Read more personal finance coverage.

My parents never approved of me having an after-school job as a teen. They didn't want me dedicating myself to anything other than college prep and knew a job would be a distraction.

My dad promised that once I started making money, I'd never want to stop. My dad's first job was at age 9, slaughtering goats in the back of his uncle's South Texas grocery store. It was a disturbing task, but he would have done anything to support his 10-person family.

My mom was just as reluctant. She had been a teenage runaway and high school drop-out after a gruesomely abusive upbringing. At 17 years old, she got her first job at a fast food restaurant as her only means of support. 

She'd remind me that I already had everything and had no reason to work — school was supposed to be my job, my mom would stress. 

While my need for independence was nowhere near as dire as my parents' experiences, I soon got my chance at employment. At age 18, in my first year of college, I got a job at a popular organic grocery store. Though I started as a part-time worker, I quickly became a supervisor. A year later, I decided to stop school and make this my full-time job. 

The money was better than my chosen teaching career, so I left college permanently. My dad was right — the money was a big draw.

A big promotion — and a baby on the way

Soon after, my fiancé and I made the decision to move back into my parents' house to save for our own home buying. Feeling more prepared than ever, I took a huge leap and accepted a promotion to assistant team leader — around the same time I discovered I was pregnant with my first child. 

Though I was pregnant, this didn't mean I could lighten my workload. Living up to the standard I set for myself meant working long hours, ignoring doctor's restrictions, and staying on my feet all throughout my pregnancy. 

In fact, the day before my maternity leave was to start, I got up for work and my water broke! I actually had to call into work and explain that I was in labor. 

This grind didn't stop after maternity leave. Six short weeks and I was back working those same extended hours with a newborn baby to care for at home. The non-stop revolving door of training new hires and the failed attempt at breastfeeding (simply because I couldn't pump at work) began to wear on me mentally. 

The recession decimated my retirement savings, but I kept grinding at work — and it paid off

Then, a couple of weeks after I returned to my job, the Stock Market Crash of 2008 happened. As a part of that crisis, America lost $10.2 trillion in wealth in one year. 

At ages 22 and 21, my husband and I lost a combined $9,000 in 401(k) savings and stock options. To lose that was like a blow to the dream we were working towards. I remember crying all night because that amount was meant to go towards a down payment for a home for our family. 

Aside from that, though, my family was thriving in the years after the recession — thanks largely to grinding at work. Between 2009 and 2015, I had two more healthy pregnancies. My husband and I also bought a home, paid off two cars, traveled to Europe, Mexico, and Canada, and helped my parents financially. 

Career-wise, I was still working at the organic grocery store and making more than my husband did — hell, I was making even more than my dad ever had — and I was on the trajectory for a promotion that would at least double my salary. 

While all this seemed like I was living the perfect life from the outside, I was terribly unhappy. In order to achieve that level of success, I had to dedicate so much time away from my family. I often feel there are parts of my kids' lives I only know from pictures. 

Despite our financial gains, my health was suffering

Also, I was starting to experience the onset of fibromyalgia. The challenging hours and labor put a lot of stress on my body and made the condition worse.

The biggest drawback of grinding so hard in my 20s is the manifestation of mental illness that hit me hard in my 30s. 

It seemed to start back in 2013 after my youngest was born. I began developing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and paranoia. I was certain everyone was secretly thinking badly of me. I would fantasize about going into comas just so I would no longer be a burden to my family. My nerves were so terrible that I only left home to go to work. I found no joy in life. I had no hope. 

Though I had sacrificed so much to get to that point in my career, I had to leave my job to get help for my mental illness. I had worked so hard for what I had and yet, that hard work had broken my body and mind.

Why I don't regret it

Though it eventually lead to pain, I'm glad I had the opportunity to have a job that I loved for so many years. While I spent more time away from my kids than I would have liked, I'm lucky I had great health insurance that allowed me to bring their little lives into the world. 

Even though I'm still working through my anxiety and depression, I'm privileged to have had access to all sorts of financial rewards for my hard work, like the home my husband and I eventually bought. I don't take for granted that my family is financially stable. I've always had my husband's support, and my children have always been fed and cared for. 

But even though I've worked through these hard times to come through better on the other side, it's not realistic to expect this to be the case for everyone.

If my personal experience wasn't enough to show that long hours of hard work and stress are bad for the body and mind, tons of research has been done by doctors and psychologists about how overworking impacts our health. 

For example, in 2015, researchers at University College London compiled information on how stress, work hours, physical activity, and other risk factors impacted the health of 600,000 workers. 

They discovered that the employees who worked more than 55 hours per week had a 13% greater risk of a heart attack compared to those who worked less than a 40 week. Additionally, those who worked longer hours were 33% more likely to suffer a stroke. 

It isn't just a physical toll that your body takes, either. When you undergo stress from overwork or anxiety, your brain produces the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone has been proven to be harmful when produced in large amounts. 

Most recently, a study in "Neurology" reviewed the effects of cortisol on 2,000 subjects. The researchers found that higher cortisol levels were associated with physical changes to the brain. These changes were often seen as precursors to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

These health concerns point to a risk that not everyone would be willing to take. Is it worth it to work hard for your far-off payday if you have no guarantee that you'll ever be able to enjoy it? That's a question you'd have to ask yourself. Essentially, it's a question of what you need.

Just like with my dad and mom's first jobs, the work I did in my 20s is what my family needed at the time. And I don't regret a thing.

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Nobody needs an $800 cooler — but Yeti's new V Series makes a compelling case

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  • Yeti's new V Series 55-quart cooler is stainless steel-lined and vacuum-sealed. It's also $800. Is it worth it? We had to try it to see for ourselves.
  • Intrigued as to whether or not the best cooler in the world could get any better, or justifiably even more expensive, we also asked the brand's former vice president of innovation, Rob Murdock, why it comes with such a price tag.
  • Here's what he had to say, and what we think about the state-of-the-art cooler so far after some initial testing.

Yeti's new V Series 55-quart cooler is stainless-steel-lined and vacuum-sealed. It's also $800.

Intrigued as to whether or not the best cooler in the world could get any better, or justifiably even more expensive, we asked the brand's former senior vice president of innovation and current senior vice president of direct-to-consumer, Rob Murdock.

In short, it's a heritage item, something to bear some legacy. "Yeti V Series is more of a signature piece," Murdock said in an email interview. "It's intended to be a stationary cooler that you use at family gatherings, special events, or maybe on the back patio. This is a piece you can pass down for generations."

We also decided that we had to see it and try it out for ourselves.

Read our full interview and observations, below. 

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Basically, why is this thing $800? Is it the vacuum insulation? Is it the kitchen-grade steel?

This cooler is the best on the market. We already made the best-in-market cooler and wanted to make something even better. Inspired by our Rambler drinkware and Tundra hard coolers, we've combined vacuum insulation technology with our proprietary PermaFrost Insulation to create a first-of-its-kind stainless steel cooler.

We are always innovating. Yeti V Series is a testament to Yeti's mission to "improve the damn thing."

I've held it, played with the latches (which feel even 10,000 times stronger and sturdier than those on a Pelican travel case — something I also rely on heavily). What really sets it apart from, say, Coleman's Steel-Belted cooler?

We've been working on this product for years. There were multiple rounds of builds and improvements before we landed on the final product. This product is extremely thoughtful and very well tested.

The vacuum insulation is really what sets this apart from any other cooler (stainless or rotomolded) — a vacuum is considered the best-known insulator and is the same technology used in Yeti Rambler drinkware. Achieving vacuum insulation in a cooler was a challenge we accepted. The Yeti V Series is the result of our relentless dedication to innovation and our own standards for superior performance.

When we decided we wanted to make a stainless steel vacuum insulated cooler, we knew we were deviating from our tried and true rotational molding process (the process for making the Yeti Tundra). Throughout the process, it was key that this product delivered on our incredibly high quality and manufacturing standards.

Is it that this is the first vacuum-sealed cooler (seems to be through a quick bit of research on my end)?

Yes, Yeti V Series is the first-of-its-kind cooler in the market. Achieving vacuum insulation in a hard cooler required some serious thought and engineering. No one else is making or has made a stainless cooler like we are. Vacuum insulation needs to be well protected. If punctured and the vacuum seal is broken, thermal performance is compromised, and the cooler would lose insulating power. We needed to figure out a way to incorporate, install, and be able to use the cooler in the field without compromising the vacuum.

How much better is it than the Tundra?

This cooler performs 50% better than any cooler we've made. We've tested the Yeti V Series extensively, and after many iterations and rigorous testing, we've delivered a product that exceeds our own expectations.

Why the Yeti V over, or versus, the Tundra?

Yeti V Series is more of a signature piece. It's intended to be a stationary cooler that you use at family gatherings, special events, or maybe on the back patio. This is a piece you can pass down for generations. Yeti V Series will wear beautifully, but stainless steel is not immune to dings or dents. The Yeti Tundra, conversely, is a workhorse — virtually indestructible. The Tundra performs in the most intense environments and conditions, when you need it most (e.g., in the backcountry, down the river, or offshore).

First remarks

Firstly, it's one of the prettier but also most timeless looking coolers we've seen to date — which is good, because, gimmicks aside, as with anything by Yeti, it's built to last.

Then there's the fact that it's vacuum-insulated the same way that Yeti's water bottles and mugs are made. What does that do, though? Yeti's big claim is that the V Series (of which there's just one size for now) boasts 50% better ice retention than any cooler the company has ever made — which is to say any cooler ever made.



Specs, etc.

Looking at it, the 18/10 "kitchen-grade" stainless steel is the most obvious thing. And then there's the cast aluminum hinges and latch. In my estimation, those puppies are probably never going to break.

The latch itself opens and closes with an unparalleled authority that's somewhat reminiscent of a Pelican case, but then those are plastic latches.



Specs, etc.: Like the latch, the hinges are cast aluminum

This, and not plastic or cheap plates and screws, are what you really want to see in design. I can't imagine any of these mechanisms falling apart or failing in any way, but rest assured that if somehow they do (which will most likely be at your very deliberate fault) they can be replaced.



Specs, etc.: Drain plug, size, capacity

Every mechanism and detail of the Yeti V Series is as finely machined as you'd hope. Note that the drain plug is even stainless steel.

Capacity is 55 quarts, and while the site suggests a 2:1 ice to food and/or beverage ratio, Murdock reports that it can hold 60 12-ounce cans with 30 pounds of ice, which, indeed, happens to be just right for a backyard party or family gathering.

Proportional to the Tundra cooler series, the V Series weighs 35 pounds empty, which is heavy for a 24.75-inch wide, 17.375-inch tall, 16.375-inch deep cooler, but again, you don't want to be lugging this thing to and fro in the first place.



Specs, etc.: A rotomolded plastic bottom and feet modeled after the Tundra were very good ideas

Using a rotomolded plastic for the bottom was a good idea. Stainless steel not only scratches, it sounds almost as bad as nails on a chalkboard when dragged across something like, say, a patio. The bottom of the Yeti V Series cooler is essentially, if not exactly, the same as the Tundra, which, in our estimation, was a very good move by Yeti.



More testing notes

We're still testing this thing out, but it did manage to keep a box of 100 oysters frigid for about five days before we just couldn't wait any longer. More extensive testing to come.

We did, however, drag it up and down the block, take it to a few parties, and let it bounce around in the back of a van for about eight hours' worth of driving. A scratch here and there, but nothing we were able to capture clearly in a photograph, and also nothing more than a little character.

A tray of 100 oysters, kept by two 10-pound bags of ice, lasted over five days through temperatures ranging from the 20s to the low 60s (Fahrenheit). It also endured regular opening for beer and quality checks. After I pulled the oysters out, I left the ice in the cooler, but also forgot to shut the latch. Nearly three weeks later, we still have plenty of ice (see below).



How much is left after nearly 3 weeks

With wild temperature fluctuations and probably too little ice, they Yeti V Series still held ice after almost three weeks. I've left that ice in there, removed about a gallon of (frigid) water, and will check it yet again in a few more days. We've got a lot more testing to do with the Yeti V Series, but so far, color us impressed, if also swooned by its good looks.



The bottom line

We're not kidding anyone, or ourselves: $800 is a lot for anything. It's the price of a laptop, a state-of-the-art cellphone, or a really, really nice refrigerator. Does everyone with $800 to spare need an $800 cooler? No. For goodness' sake, it's exactly twice the price of the comparably sized Yeti Tundra 65. You know, the cooler that started it all, and the reason hundreds of thousands of decals bearing the brand's name adorn trucks and boats from sea to shining sea.

Are you going to lug this thing out to the beach for a picnic? Probably not, but maybe for certain special occasions. This isn't your everyday cooler in that sense. It's not something you're going to take on the boat, it's not something you're necessarily going to bring to a tailgating party, and as Murdock says, it's not something you're really going to want to move around all that much.

The Yeti V is a backyard fixture, and, indeed, something from which you'll want your grandchildren to be pulling tasty beverages long after they're of legal age to do so and you're but dirt in the ground.

But if you do use a cooler regularly, want to spiff up your back patio, and have a cooler that you can pass on down the line, it might not be the craziest thing you've ever spent $800 on after all.

Pros: Gorgeous, nearly bomb-proof, what might be the best ice retention of any cooler ever

Cons: $$$, so to speak



27 last-minute holiday gifts that are still thoughtful and unique

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  • The holidays are coming up very, very soon, but you still have a chance to get a thoughtful and unique gift that feels like something you thought of weeks ago.  
  • Many are subscription services or gift cards, while others are from Amazon, where two-day Prime shipping may swoop in to save you this year. 
  • Still feeling stuck? Check out our holiday gift guides for more ideas.

We've all been there — the holiday season starts creeping closer and closer, your schedule starts getting more chaotic, and suddenly it hits you. "I forgot to find a gift for someone!"

Whether it just slipped your mind to prepare ahead of time or you decided to give gifts last-minute, we've got you covered. 

This list proves that last-minute gifts can still be thoughtful and unique, from clever subscriptions to useful gift cards and everything in between (all of which can be e-mailed to the recipient just in time). 

The 5 best last-minute holiday gifts:

Check out our 27 picks for last-minute holiday gifts they'll think you pored over: 

A gift that's as uniquely sweet as they are

Sugarwish treat boxes, from $19.50 for two selections

Holiday gifting just got a little bit sweeter. You choose the number of treats, and Sugarwish takes care of the rest. The recipient chooses which treats they want to receive, so it's the perfect last-minute gift for a picky eater. 



An Amazon Prime membership to make life easier

Amazon Prime membership, $39 for 3 months or $119 for a year

The gift of Amazon Prime is always one that'll be met with extreme appreciation given that it is both practical and actually thoughtful. If the recipient already has a membership, the money will convert into a gift card that they can use on anything they want from the site. 



A Birchbox subscription for beauty and skin-care lovers

Birchbox subscription, starting at $45 for 3 months

There's a reason Birchbox is so popular — it's a super affordable way to find and learn about new beauty, skin-care, and grooming products without the risk of spending too much on full-sized options the recipient might not like. For $45, you'll be able to gift three months' worth of boxes right to their door. For a more substantial option, you can gift six months for $84, or 12 months for $156.  



A box from Fanchest filled with their favorite team's gear

Fanchest team boxes, starting at $69

Chances are, if the person you're gifting is a serious fan, they'll love anything you get them with their team's logo emblazoned on it. Fanchest delivers boxes full of licensed memorabilia for NHL, MLB, NBA, NCAA, and NFL teams at a great value, and even has an option for babies. They also offer overnight and two-day shipping. 



A coffee subscription to help them stay caffeinated

Atlas Coffee Club 3-Month Gift Subscription, $50 (limited holiday deal, originally $60)

Atlas makes some of our favorite coffee out there, and they fresh roast each batch before sending it out so you know the coffee you'll get hasn't been sitting on a shelf for six months. Any caffeine fiend will love receiving beans or grounds direct to their door each month. 

Read about our experience with Atlas Coffee Club here.



A Blue Apron subscription

Blue Apron subscription gift, starting at $47.95 for one week

Blue Apron's meal kits are the perfect last-minute gift for anyone who enjoys cooking but lacks the time or foresight to do the planning and prepping involved. $47.95 will get your recipient two servings of two recipes each week. 

 

 



An Echo Dot for the smart-home enthusiast

Amazon Echo Dot, $24.99 on sale (originally $49.99) [you save $25]

If you have an Amazon Prime membership and at least two days' worth of foresight, the Echo Dot is a great last-minute gift that won't require you to pay for expedited shipping. Whether you know for a fact that they have just started outfitting their home with smart capabilities, or you at least have a suspicion that they'd enjoy the convenience of having Alexa around to answer questions and play games, the Dot is a great pick. 



A wine subscription for new bottles delivered right to their door

Winc gift card, starting at $60

Winc is a wine delivery subscription that brings the good stuff right to your recipient's door. Users take a quiz and share information about their taste preferences before receiving expert recommendations about bottles they may like. They can choose what to include in their box, and since each bottle is priced individually, they can control the cost of each delivery. Gift cards can be emailed to the recipient and used toward the cost of a box (or a few, if you're feeling extra generous). 



A perfume subscription for the scent-obsessed

Scentbird gift card or gift box, or subscription starting at $44 for 3 months

Scentbird is a subscription perfume and cologne service that delivers scents right to their door each month. To give it as a gift, your recipient will be able to select their favorite fragrances or try something new for any increment of three, six, or 12 months. You can also just give a gift card or purchase a gift box of three pre-selected scents that you can choose based on their personality for $59.95. 

Read about our experience with Scentbird here.



A flower subscription service for freshly delivered blooms

The Bouqs Co. flower subscription, from $36 per shipment

Send beautiful bouquets on a regular basis at the rate of your choosing — weekly, every two weeks, monthly, or every two months. Choose from a variety of floral themes, from farmers' market fresh blooms to gorgeous rose arrangements. This new twist on a classic gift is one that'll keep on giving.



A salami of the month club for the meat lovers

Olympia Provisions Salami of the Month Club, $240 for 12 months

You know the type — always orders a charcuterie board, could survive on prosciutto, prefers savory over sweet. Spoil your giftee with a salami delivery every month, and hope they invite you over for a dinner party soon. 



A gift card to Everlane for anyone who appreciates the basics

Everlane gift card, starting at $25

Everlane is our go-to for all things considered "closet staples" — from cozy cashmere to classic button-downs, comfortable cotton tees to casual denim. We can't think of anyone who wouldn't be able to put an Everlane gift card to use. 



A gift certificate to Warby Parker for the daily glasses-wearer

Warby Parker gift cards, from $50 to $295

Glasses have become a means of helping people to express their individual sense of style, a trend only bolstered by stylish online glasses retailers. Warby Parker has managed to make prescription glasses affordable (a baseline pair is just $95, including lenses), but even if your giftee doesn't wear prescription glasses, the company also makes non-prescription sunglasses that are equally as good-looking.



A BarkBox subscription for anyone who's just a little too obsessed with their dog

BarkBox subscription, starting at $35

Whether they just got a new puppy or they've had one for a while now, you can't go wrong with a BarkBox subscription for any dog parent. To give it as a gift, simply input the name of their pup and its relative size (small, medium, or large), and select a one-, three-, six-, or 12-month increment. You can send the box directly to their house or purchase a digital gift card. 



An Amazon Kindle for book lovers who travel frequently

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite, $99.99

Kindles make the perfect last-minute gift for voracious readers. Even if the recipient swears by the feeling of a real book in their hands, once they see how much easier it is to travel with one thin tablet instead of six thick novels, they'll be grateful you introduced them. The Paperwhite has a backlit screen with zero glare, so they can read it as easily outside as in bed with the lights out. Another plus? It's waterproof. 

Read about our experience with the new waterproof Kindle Paperwhite here



A Book of the Month subscription for bibliophiles who like to hold books in their hands

Book of the Month Club, from $49.99 for three months

If the Kindle just isn't their thing, the Book of the Month Club might be a perfect alternative. The subscription service narrows a selection of new releases down to five options, and the recipient will be able to choose which hardcover book they'd like to receive each month. If they don't like any of that month's selections, they can also opt to skip and wait until next month's choices come out. 



A hot sauce subscription for heat seekers

Fuego Box quarterly hot sauce subscription, available at Food52, $120

They'll get fired up for this quarterly delivery of small-batch hot sauce, which is curated by Fuego Box and filled with gourmet picks from all over the country. Each box contains three five-ounce bottles. 



A Fandango gift card for frequent movie-goers

Fandango gift cards

Film buffs and the occasional movie-goers alike will definitely put this last-minute gift to good use. Fandango allows you to purchase cards in pretty much any amount, and even gives the option of "dinner and a movie" cards with partnering restaurants like Olive Garden. 



A Hulu gift card for the TV-obsessed

Hulu gift card, available at Target, from $25

Hulu, like Netflix, is a must-have for TV fiends. Whether or not they already have a membership (which you may or may not mooch off of), this gift card can be used to sign up or pay for their next few months with the service. 



A Disney+ gift subscription

Subscribe for $6.99/month or $69.99/year

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

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



A ClassPass gift card for the fitness enthusiast

ClassPass gift card, choose your amount

ClassPass is a membership service that allows you to explore boutique fitness classes at a lower price. Give your fitness enthusiast giftee the jump-start they need to join with a gift card with an amount of your choosing. Classes are generally $15 or less through the service, so we recommend gifting at least that much. 



A gift card to frame their art or photos

Framebridge gift card, from $10

Everyone appreciates having a beautiful frame for their photos, posters, or artwork — but no one actually likes paying for it themselves. Anyone will enjoy the chance to custom frame something for their home with Framebridge.



A fun and convenient way to freshen up their wardrobe

Stitch Fix gift card, starting at $20

It's natural to settle into a dressing routine, but if you sense that they're no longer excited by their closet, a Stitch Fix gift card is the perfect solution. They can try out different brands and styles that they wouldn't ordinarily buy, and it's easy to return pieces with the provided prepaid shipping labels.



A travel-planning service that does all the work for them

Journy gift card, from $50

An expert trip designer will curate the perfect travel experience based on their interests and preferences, and can even help make hotel or restaurant reservations.



A customizable suitcase

CALPAK gift card, from $25

Ordering a piece of luggage that best suits them will take too long if you're strapped for time, plus you might not know exactly what they like. You're better off giving a gift card so they can choose from plenty of fun options. From confetti to marble patterns, CALPAK offers suitcase designs for every traveler. 



An electric toothbrush with recurring brush head refill deliveries

Goby gift card, from $50

Give them the gift of better oral hygiene with a Goby toothbrush, which pairs with an automatic subscription so they'll always be brushing with the most thorough and efficient brush head. 

 



The only all-in-one kitchen appliance they'll ever need

Ninja Foodi, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $179.99 on sale (originally $239.99) [you save $60]

Knowing that they've been eyeing both an air fryer and a pressure cooker, you can impress them by gifting the multi-cooker that does it all. Albeit a bit large, the Ninja Foodi performs each of its seven functions really well. 

Read about our experience with the Ninja Foodi here.



56 thoughtful gifts your girlfriend will love — at every budget

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  • Getting your girlfriend a meaningful gift doesn't require hours of internet research on your part.
  • The reporters and editors on the Insider Picks team spend every day covering the latest, greatest, and altogether best products you can buy, and we put together a list of thoughtful gifts for your girlfriend.
  • Find all of our holiday 2019 gift guides here.

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

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

The top 5 best gifts for your girlfriend:

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

Check out all 56 gifts for your girlfriend:

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

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

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

The best performance socks she's ever worn

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

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



A one-size-fits-all lid that instantly declutters the cabinets

Silicone Universal Lid Kit, available at Made In, $99

This was one of the gifts that professional chefs recommended to us for avid home cooks. If she loves to cook and has a plethora of differently sized pots and pans with all the corresponding lids, having one universal lid can declutter and streamline her space in a heartbeat. 



A cozy cashmere turtleneck she'll wear repeatedly

The Coziest Cashmere Turtleneck, available on Summersalt, $110

For a thoughtful gift she'll wear on repeat, pick up a cozy cashmere sweater. Summersalt's option has cool color-blocking and a slight high-low hem that makes it easier to wear with leggings, and you can pick between four colorways depending on which colors she loves the most. 

*Sponsored by Summersalt



A weighted blanket for better rest

YnM Weighted Blanket, available on Amazon, from $59.50

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



Her favorite specialty food straight from the source

Order her favorite specialty foods using Goldbelly

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



Touchscreen-compatible leather gloves

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

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

 



Festive matching underwear from one of the internet's favorite startups

Matching Underwear, available on MeUndies, $42

Get yourself and your girlfriend festive matching underwear — which also happen to be some of the most comfortable pairs we've ever found. MeUndies gives you the options to create your own personalized set — two styles listed for women, two styles listed for men, a mix, and whichever length or cut you and your partner prefer. 



A camera lens kit for her phone

Olloclip Lens Kit, available on Olloclip, from $79.99

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



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

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

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

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



Beautiful candles from a cool startup

Manor House Weekend Candle, available on Otherland, $36

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



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

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

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



The internet's favorite olive oil

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

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



The convenience of Apple AirPods

Apple AirPods, available on Amazon, $139 and Best Buy, $145 (originally $159)

When it comes to convenience, truly wireless earbuds are the best. And Apple's AirPods are very popular with iPhone and Android users alike. They look subtle compared to other bigger options, and they're incredibly easy to use. For the latest option, you can pick up AirPods Pro for $249.99 on Best Buy too. 



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

Manduka Yogitoes Yoga Mat Towel, available on Amazon, from $38

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

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



A gift card to a popular wine subscription club

Gift Card, available on Winc, from $60

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

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



The "world's most comfortable shoes"

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

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



A nice gold vermeil and sapphire zodiac sign necklace

Zodiac Necklace, available on Mejuri, $80

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



A popular fitness tracker

Fitbit Charge 3, available on Amazon, $119

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



A monogrammed jewelry case from a minimalist fashion startup

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

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



A surprisingly elegant headband

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

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



A customized map of her favorite place

Custom Map Poster, available on Grafomap, from $49

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



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

Journy Gift Card, available on Journy, from $50

Airbnb Gift Card, available on Airbnb, from $25

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

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

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



A new waterproof Kindle Paperwhite for reading anywhere

Kindle Paperwhite, available on Amazon, $99.99

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



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

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

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



A funny and unique handmade card

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

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



A fun, unique local date

Airbnb Experiences, available on Airbnb, from $25

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



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

Celestial Silk Pillowcase, available on Amazon, from $35.99

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



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

Silver Evergreen, available on Leon & George, from $109

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

We'd also recommend checking out Bloomscape for small plant trios under $70.  



Beautiful earrings she'll own forever

Triple Threat White Topaz Huggies, $150

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



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

Birchbox 3-Month Gift Subscription, available on Birchbox, $50

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



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

Lola Toiletries Pouch, available on Dagne Dover, $75

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



The new Sonos Move portable speaker

Sonos Move, $399

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



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

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

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



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

Brynn Zip Around Wallet, available on Italic, $100

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



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

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

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



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

Love Letters of Great Men, available on Amazon, $13.95

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



A beautiful diamond necklace she'll have forever

Diamond Bezel Necklace, available on AUrate, from $320

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



Cozy fuzzy socks and the tools for a great night in

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

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



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

Gift Card, available on Cozymeal, from $50

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

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



A pair of leggings from an eco-conscious startup

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

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



The best bathrobe that money can buy

Bathrobe, available on Snowe, $98

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



a personalized passport cover and luggage tag set

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

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

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



A gift set of a dozen decadent bath bombs

Bath Bomb Gift Set, available on Amazon, $26.80

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



A plug-in that adds voice-control to outlets

Wemo Mini Smart Plug, available on Amazon and Best Buy, from $19.99

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

 



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

Gift Card, available on ClassPass, from $1

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



Lush, subtly scented body wash

The Body Wash, available on Necessaire, $25

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



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

Carry-On, available on Away, $225

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



A stylish weekender to keep her organized on the go

Caraa Studio Tote Large, pre-order now $250

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



An award-winning but pricey at-home facial

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

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



A framed keepsake of a favorite memory

Framed photo, available on Framebridge, from $39

Gift Card, available on Framebridge, from $25

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



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

Gift Card, available on Daily Harvest, from $25

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



Fancy popcorn and a movie night

Movie Night Popcorn Set, available on Sur La Table, $19.95

Fandango Gift Card, from $15

Grab this movie night popcorn set and make some fancy popcorn for a movie night. Or, make a reservation at a nice restaurant, stock up on her favorite movie candy and some fun drinks ahead of time (wrap them for an extra wow-factor), get a Fandango gift card, and take her out for a dressed-up version of the classic movie date. 



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

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

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



16 highly-rated sheet masks

Sheet Mask Set, available on Amazon, from $7.47

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



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



Frank And Oak released a collection of sustainable coats made with down-free insulation — we put them to the test in blistering cold New York City weather

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Frank And Oak outerwear

  • Sustainable clothing startup Frank And Oak has released a new collection of performance winter outerwear.
  • Inspired by and built for harsh Canadian winters, the outerwear collection includes a variety of parkas and puffers for adults. The down-free coats are made mostly of recycled polyester and wool. 
  • We put four of the coats to the test by wearing them in blistering cold New York City weather. 
  • Priced from $349 to $749, the Frank And Oak outerwear collection is expensive, but we put four of the coats to the test by wearing them in blistering cold New York City weather and came away supremely impressed by the level of warmth they offer.

While thick down jackets with fur-trimmed hoods might seem like the only way to stay warm in blistering weather, it's still possible to find styles that are environmentally friendly and warm.

Canadian clothing company Frank And Oak is one brand proving that you don't have to sacrifice your values to stay truly warm this winter, thanks to its collection of sustainable performance coats.

Frank And Oak

Inspired by and adapted for harsh Canadian winters, the Frank and Oak outerwear collection includes a variety of winter parkas and puffers that have been made from mostly recycled materials.

Read moreFrank And Oak is recycling old denim to make new pairs of jeans for under $100

We put four of the coats — the Capital Waterproof Parka in Navy, the Capital Waterproof Puffer in Black, the Alpine Parka in Wine, and the Expedition Puffer in Navy Plaid— to the test. Frank And Oak outwear is on the expensive side (the jackets we tested were $349 to $499), but we came away appreciative of the warmth they provided and their use of sustainable materials. Keep reading for our full reviews.

Shop sustainable outerwear at Frank And Oak here.

Review of the men's Capital Waterproof Parka, $499:

Frank And Oak outerwear

My number one prerequisite for winter coats is warmth; less important to me is what brand it is, what it's made out of, or how much it costs. Frank And Oak meets that requirement, but gets bonus points for doing it sustainably.

The Captial Parka that I tested is made out of 60% recycled polyester from plastic water bottles and 40% regular polyester. Rather than using duck or goose down, the parka is insulated with Primaloft, a polyester material that closely mimics the look and warmth of traditional down.

Frank And Oak considers this to be its most technical parka and it absolutely lives up to those claims. It's 100% waterproof with sealed seams and has loads of useful additions. From the neoprene neck collar and jersey sleeve extensions to the multiple storage compartments and magnetic buttons that automatically fasten themselves, you can tell that Frank And Oak put a lot of thought into optimizing warmth and convenience. In my opinion, there isn't anything else that the designers could have added to make it a better coat.

At $499, the Captial Parka is on the higher end of Frank And Oak's outdoor collection, but it's worth it. It has a good length, a comfortable fit, and it's not bulky. I have a lot of winter coats to choose from, but if I had to pick one to wear every day this winter, it may very well be the Captial Parka.  — Amir Ismael, Insider Picks reporter


Review of the women's Capital Waterproof Puffer, $449:

Frank And Oak outerwear

Frank and Oak's Capital Waterproof Puffer has quickly become my favorite. It's warm, has a short, modern silhouette, and the two-layer breathable fabric keeps me from feeling overheated while walking around the city without letting the cold in. I've worn it on top of sweaters and thin T-shirts, and I've been impressed with how the sealed seams prevents chilly air from getting in. The neoprene collar is also a cool touch. The only complaint I have is that, unfortunately, the jersey extension with a thumb hole is a little too short for my arms — I usually skip using it. Even so, the pros still outweigh the con. — Mara Leighton, Insider Picks reporter


Review of the women's Alpine Parka, $349:

Frank And Oak outerwear

Most of the outerwear I've tested at Insider Picks, including Patagonia's and Everlane's, contains recycled or vegan materials. What I've learned and what Frank And Oak's parka further confirms is that these environmentally sound alternatives perform really well, and they're often more affordable, too. 

Compared to a couple of Hunter winter jackets that I recently tested, Frank And Oak's Alpine Parka is on the slimmer side and doesn't take up as much space, which is impressive considering it's just as warm. The water-repellent exterior isn't super soft, but the interior is another story — soft, gently padded, and comfortable. 

In my usual size (medium), the parka is still roomy enough where I can wear a thick sweater underneath, and it hits at my knees (I'm 5-foot-6), covering and protecting most of my body from nasty winter winds. I love red-hued clothing, so I picked the gorgeous deep Wine color, but it's also available in black and olive green. — Connie Chen, Insider Picks senior reporter


Review of the women's Expedition Puffer, $349:

Frank And Oak outerwear

Let me start by telling you that I once wore this coat outside on a 29-degree night paired with a cocktail dress and heels, and the upper half of my body was so warm that I almost forgot my toes were about to fall off. Every time after (and before) that I wore this coat, I stayed exceptionally warm and cozy thanks to the down-free insulation that still very much feels like down. 

The outside of the coat is made with recycled wool — a fun touch on a puffer coat — while the inside is lined with recycled polyester. I'm borderline allergic to wool, but every part of the coat that would come into contact with my skin has some sort of liner to prevent any and all itchiness. 

Perhaps the best part of the coat is that the hood is removable, but if you choose to leave it on, it has a bungee cord that lets you tighten it against your head. There's also another adjustable cord around the bottom hem to seal out the wind.

If you're trying to figure out your size, I recommend going true to your usual. I am generally between a medium and a large in coats, and I opted for a large so I could layer underneath. In the picture above, I have a thick blazer on underneath my coat — so it can definitely stand up to heavy sweaters. The coat also comes in a honey yellow and deep red for $299 in case the plaid isn't your favorite. — Sally Kaplan, Insider Picks editor

The bottom line:

Collectively, we were all happy with the overall quality and style of Frank And Oak's new outerwear collection. They've kept us extremely warm during our testing (even as we shot these photos in 35-degree weather by the water). 

Shop sustainable outerwear at Frank And Oak here.

Join the conversation about this story »

Inside the fundraisers Silicon Valley's elite billionaire families hosted for Pete Buttigieg, where guests paid $2,800 to dine under a chandelier covered in 1,500 Swarovski crystals

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Pete Buttigieg spent his weekend schmoozing Silicon Valley billionaires. 

At Palo Alto fundraiser on Monday, cohosts included Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, Google cofounder Sergey Brin's wife Nicole Shanahan, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's wife Wendy Schmidt, and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg's sister Michelle Sandberg, a campaign document obtained by Recode's Teddy Schleifer shows. These hosts alone have a combined net worth of $80 billion, according to Recode.

A group of 150 to 200 supporters met at Napa Valley's Hall Rutherford winery on Sunday evening, according to a Pete for America pool report provided to Business Insider. Guests dined at a table made of onyx, under a chandelier that contains 1,500 Swarovski crystals, photos of the event shared by Schleifer show and Brian Slodysko of the Associated Press previously reported. Guests had to make a donation of up to $2,800 to Buttigieg's campaign in order to attend, according to Recode.

For $1,000, guests got to take a photo with Buttigieg. For $2,800, they could be listed as co-hosts, according to the pool report. Former US ambassador to Austria and Hall Rutherford owner Kathryn Hall was the event's host.

Buttigieg told attendees that the event — along with meeting Lizzo earlier in the week — was a highlight of his trip to San Francisco, according to the pool report

Schleifer shared photos of the Napa Valley event on Twitter. The photos were originally shared on Instagram, but appear to have since been removed.

Buttigieg isn't the only Democratic contender courting billionaires

California senator Kamala Harris has received donations from 46 billionaires since January 1, including oil heirs Gordon and Ann Getty, filmmaker George Lucas, investor Dean Metropoulos, and philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs before dropping out of the race on December 3, Business Insider previously reported. 

New Jersey senator Cory Booker is neck and neck with Harris when it comes to billionaire support, with donations from 45 billionaires, according to a November report from Forbes. Booker's ultra-wealthy donors include hedge-fund manager William Ackman, producer Andres Santo Domingo, Google chairman (and Booker's former business partner) Eric Schmidt, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg, Forbes reported.

Former Vice President Joe Biden is third-most popular when it comes to financial backing from billionaires: He has accepted donations from 44 billionaires. Buttigieg has the support of 39, according to Forbes.

Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have turned taking campaign donations from the ultra-wealthy into a taboo in the Democratic presidential primary. Sanders vowed not to accept funds from any billionaires, and even returned a $470 donation from a billionaire's wife in November, Forbes reported.

SEE ALSO: Kamala Harris has more billionaire donors than any other Democrat running for president

DON'T MISS: Meet the top 10 ultra-wealthy Americans funding the 2020 presidential elections so far

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: The true story behind the name 'Black Friday' is much darker than you may have thought

We compared Yeti's $800 V Series cooler and Coleman's $170 Steel Belted cooler — they look nearly identical, but the Yeti is truly built to last

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  • We all know Coleman ($170) as the pedestrian classic and Yeti ($800) as the sleek new kid in town. But is the hefty price difference really worth it?
  • Both of these coolers are made with stainless steel, both of them are insulated, and they can both hold almost 30 12-ounce cans with a 2:1 ice to can ratio.
  • Both, in effect, will do the trick, but the Yeti V Series is built to last. Here's why.

 

We get it. It's hard to fathom why a cooler might cost more than, say, an iPhone, or a refrigerator. Just know this: Either the Yeti V Series or the Coleman Steel Belted cooler will serve you well. It will do an excellent job of keeping things cold, and it will probably class up whatever joint you grace with it.

But there are some crucial differences to note before investing $170, let alone $800, in a cooler.

Yeti V Series (left), Coleman Steel Belted (right)

The difference lies in the craftsmanship, which lends to both ice retention and durability.

The Yeti V Series is the toughest-built cooler there is. As long as you, and maybe even your children and grandchildren live, there's a good chance it will not even need so much as a screw replaced. It's built like a World War II-era icebox or battle tank. It's heavy, it's robust, and yes, it's even tougher than the Yeti Tundra, replacing rubber with hardened aluminum and steel.

The Coleman Steel Belted cooler will keep beer cold. Don't get me wrong. There are just a few shortcomings where Yeti went above and beyond, and that, quite obviously, is reflected in the price. Read on to see which one's right for you.

 



Yeti V Series (latch)

Yeti's ditched the two rubber latches on the Tundra for this single, sturdy aluminum and steel setup. Far as we know, there's nothing quite like this on coolers today. Word to the wise: Keep an eye out for stray fingers before you snap this thing shut.

Because the Yeti is vacuum-insulated and equipped with this heavy-duty latch, you can count on days and days of ice retention. Starting out with 20 pounds of ice, I still had more ice than water after two weeks with temperatures bouncing between the 20s and 60s (Fahrenheit), and generally hovering above 40.



Coleman Steel Belted (latch)

This latch contraption is really where Coleman cheaped out. The brand's original version of this cooler had all metal fittings. This plastic, along with the cheap screws above, do not bode well for longevity. You can probably fix them provided Coleman's still making the cooler when they give way, and it won't cost a fortune, but it is a pain.

Moreover, this is a very large part of the reason why ice doesn't last quite as long in the Coleman as it does in the Yeti. I got as far as day three before there was more water than ice in the Coleman, which had started out with the same two 10-pound bags the Yeti did.



Yeti V Series (hinge)

The same hardened aluminum and steel that make the latch are used for the hinges.



Coleman Steel Belted (hinge)

A few of these screws have even come loose in recent months, and I've only hauled this cooler in and out of the car a half dozen times or so. Again, stuff you can fix, but do you really want to have to? This is, after all, still not a cheap cooler.



Yeti V Series (bottom)

The bottom of the Yeti is rotationally molded, or "rotomolded" plastic like the Tundra, but the rest of the shell is high-grade 18/10 stainless steel, the same stuff you'll find in commercial kitchens the world over.



Coleman Steel Belted (bottom)

Coleman's Steel Belted cooler has a rigid plastic at the bottom and no protective feet. Drag that thing across the patio a couple of hundred times and I'd be willing to bed you'd get a crack or two. Granted, there's a six-year warranty on the Coleman and only a three-year warranty on the Yeti.



Yeti V Series (drain)

While the drain might not be all that important or impressive to many, noting that even the drain plug is made with high-grade stainless steel shows just how detailed the consideration and design for the Yeti V Series. Even this piece is probably never going to break or give you any trouble.



Coleman Steel Belted (drain)

The Coleman Steel Belted cooler's drain is a simple plastic tab. I haven't had any trouble with it leaking or anything, but it's easy to see how it might pop open.



Final thoughts

Both of these coolers have the potential to serve you and yours well. The Coleman will last a good while, keep things cold, and look great in the backyard. And a six-year warranty on a $170 cooler isn't half bad at all, provided parts are still available going forward from there.

But if you really want something state of the art, something you'll have for decades, and a superior cooler in every way, the Yeti V Series will pay for itself over time. It might, after all, be the last cooler you buy.

Read our full review of the Yeti V Series cooler here.

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How to make a Community post on YouTube if your account is eligible

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  • If your account is eligible, you can make a Community post on YouTube and reach your viewers directly with media like GIFs, polls, and images.
  • Only YouTube acccounts with at least 1,000 subscribers can create Community posts, and have access to the Community tab in general.
  • If it's available to you, here's how to create a Community post on your YouTube channel, via the desktop or mobile versions of the site.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

YouTube provides creators with a video-centric way to access their followers, but it's also started giving some of those creators the ability to reach out in a more direct way through Community posts.

Community posts allow users to interact with their viewers through media like polls, GIFs, text, images, and video in the Community tab on YouTube.

However, before you get started it's important to know that only those with at least 1,000 subscribers have access to the Community tab and will be able to create Community posts on YouTube, though the company does say that it's still testing the feature, so in the future others may also have access. 

With that in mind, here's how to create a Community post on YouTube, using either your computer or mobile device.

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)

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

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

How to make a Community post on YouTube using a computer

1. Go to YouTube and sign into your account on your Mac or PC, if necessary.

2. Click the "Upload" button, the video camera icon, at the top-right side of the screen and select "Create post."

How to make a community post on YouTube

3. Type or paste your message into the text box and add an image, GIF, or video, if desired.

4. Choose the kind of post you want to create — video, poll, image, or post.

5. Select "Post."

You will now be able to see your Community posts under the "Community" tab of your channel page. 

How to make a Community post on YouTube using a mobile device

The process for creating a Community post is the same whether you have an iPhone or an Android

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

2. Tap "Create" — the icon looks like a video camera icon.

How to make a community post on YouTube

3. Select "Post."

4. Add your post to the textbox, and upload any other media you want to include.

5. Select the kind of post that you want to create.

6. Tap "Post."

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: 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.

How to turn off location tracking on the Facebook app for your iPhone

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Facebook app on iPhone

While there may be plenty of reasons to allow your Facebook app track your location, you can also turn off location tracking on your Facebook app on an iPhone to protect your privacy. 

Here's how you can turn off or adjust location tracking and sharing on Facebook. 

Check out the products mentioned in this article: 

iPhone 11 (From $699.99 at Best Buy)

How to turn off location tracking on the Facebook app for iPhone

1. From the Facebook app, tap the three parallel bars at the bottom left of the screen. 

2. Scroll down to and tap "Settings & Privacy."

3. Tap "Settings."

4. Scroll down to and tap "Location" under the "Privacy" heading. 

5. Tap "Location Services."

6. Tap "Location" and on the next screen in your Settings app, select "Never" to turn off tracking entirely, or elect an option like "While Using the App" or "Always" to allow Facebook to track your location according to those respective settings.  

How to turn off location on Facebook iPhone   2.PNG

You can get to this same location setting screen through the Settings app on your phone by scrolling down to the app section and finding Facebook.

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

The best electric kettles

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  • If you're a tea lover or you need hot water on demand, you'll want to buy an electric kettle.
  • With its variable water temperature settings, durable design, and good price, the Krups Savoy Adjustable Temperature Kettle is our top pick.

There's nothing like a hot cup of tea. For real tea fanatics, it can be difficult to get just the right temperature water for your brew and nuking H2O in the microwave is simply out of the question. That's where electric kettles come in. They boil water faster than a watched pot on your stove, and the best ones even offer adjustable temperature settings to ensure that the water is just right for your delicate tea leaves.

You can also use electric kettles to boil water quickly for any cause, whether it's oatmeal, instant noodles, or a packet of soup. No matter your needs, it's good to have a dedicated appliance in your kitchen that boils water quickly. Every self-respecting British person has a kettle at home, and the fact that most Americans don't is totally befuddling. It's time to correct that error, because as one Brit told me, "Stoves take too long, and we don't live in the 1800s anymore."

The cheapest electric kettles are often made of plastic, and most reviewers agree that they aren't durable enough and the plastic housing leaves an odd aftertaste to the water. As such, we haven't included any in our top picks. Most people agree that stainless steel kettles are the best, but glass and ceramic kettles are also popular.

We've mainly included stainless steel kettles because they are the most durable and will last you a few years at least. We considered several glass kettles, but some reviewers warned that the glass explodes or cracks easily, so they've been excluded. We included one highly rated ceramic kettle for those who want a more classic look and material for boiling their water.

We researched dozens of electric tea kettles to find the very best ones you can buy. Whether you want a fancy kettle with adjustable water temperature settings, a timeless ceramic one, or a giant 5-liter kettle that keeps your water hot for hours, we've got a kettle for you in our buying guide. You can also check out our guide to the best tea infusersif you're in the mood to give your entire tea-brewing setup an overhaul. 

Here are the best electric tea kettles you can buy:

Updated on 12/17/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices and links. 

SEE ALSO: The best tea kettles you can buy

The best electric kettle overall

The Krups Savoy Adjustable Temperature Kettle heats water to the perfect temperature for brewing a variety of teas, it looks gorgeous, and it costs much less than similar kettles.

If you're serious about your tea and you like to drink all different kinds of tea, you need an adjustable temperature kettle. The 1.7 Liter Krups Savoy Adjustable Temperature Kettle has five preset temperature settings to ensure that you never burn your green tea leaves with scalding hot water ever again.

It's remarkably easy to select the temperature setting you need and you can actually watch the water temperature rise on the LCD display that sits on the kettle's base. If you want black or herbal tea, just hit boil and watch the water go up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit within five minutes or less. If you're drinking green, white, or oolong tea, you press the "TEMP" button until you see the right number for your tea on the screen. 

Believe it or not, using the right temperature is a big deal. Whenever I make green, white, or oolong tea with this kettle, I always set it to the right temperature instead of just hitting that "BOIL" button. The teas' flavors come out in full force when brewed at the right temperature, and it's so easy to select the right temperature on the Krups kettle. The LCD screen is an excellent addition to this fine kettle's design.

The kettle automatically stops boiling when it hits the temperature you selected or if it runs dry. The kettle will even keep your water warm for a time before automatically shutting off to protect the heating element. You can also press the start/cancel button to turn it off immediately.

The kettle is made out of brushed stainless steel, and it looks absolutely gorgeous in my kitchen. The kettle jug is unattached, so you can pick it up and pour the water over your tea, oatmeal, or cooking pot without worrying about the length of the cord. The cord is concealed in the base and you can have it as short as you need it to be. 

There's a big button on the top of the kettle, which pops the lid open when pressed. The handle is big and comfortable for easy handling and pouring. There is a water window as well, so you can check how much is in there. Krups put the anti-scale filter in the spout of the kettle, and you can remove it if need be.

While some customer reviews voice concerns over the kettle's longevity, we've been using it daily for nearly two years without any incident, and we'll keep you updated on how it fares, but we are confident that this is indeed the best kettle you can buy.

Pros: Affordable, adjustable temperature settings, clear LED screen, easy to use, attractive metal design

Cons: Some question durability



The second-best electric kettle

The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle is a tea lover's dream kettle with six temperature settings for all kinds of tea.

The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp electric kettle was formerly our top pick, and it's still a great choice if you dislike the Krups kettle or it sells out. Not only does it heat water quickly, it also brings the water to the perfect temperature for any kind of tea or coffee. 

Cuisinart's kettle packs 1500 watts of power to ensure that the water heats up in about four minutes. The kettle has six different pre-set temperature settings so that the water is the ideal temperature for brewing any kind of tea or coffee. 

The controls are on the kettle's handle, and you can choose between 160 degrees Fahrenheit for delicate teas, 175 degrees Fahrenheit for green tea, 185 degrees Fahrenheit for white tea, 190 degrees Fahrenheit for oolong tea, 200 degrees Fahrenheit for coffee, and "boil" for black tea. You can also use the "boil" setting for instant noodles, soup, oatmeal, or anything else that requires boiling water.

It'll automatically keep your water warm for 30 minutes and announce when your water is ready with a single beep. Cuisinart built in boil-dry protection, so it will automatically shut off if there's no water inside to boil. That protects the heating elements and ensures your kettle lasts longer. There's also an auto-sleep function that will turn off your kettle after 5 minutes of inactivity. A blue backlit water window lets you see how much water is inside, too.

The stainless steel kettle is durable and easy to clean. It has a concealed heating element to prevent too much mineral buildup, which is great if you have hard water at home. There's a removable and washable scale filter inside that you can clean. 

Reviewers from The Wirecutter, Best Reviews, Heavy, Best Products, and Apartment Therapy all loved the Cuisinart's ability to heat water to different temperatures and praised its sturdy stainless steel design. 

Although we did come across some customer reviews complaining about durability and saying their kettles rusted or broke quickly, The Wirecutter says that many of its staff members have used the kettle for years without issue. 

The kettle does have a three-year limited warranty, which is better than you'll get from most companies, so if yours is defective, you should be able to get a refund or replacement. 

Pros: Six temperature settings, stainless steel, keeps water warm for 30 minutes, blue backlit water level window, 3-year limited warranty, 1.7-Liter capacity, sleep mode turns off after 5 minutes, boil-dry protection, and it's detachable from the heating base

Cons: Pricey and some users worry about durability



The best high-end electric kettle

The Smeg '50s Retro-Style Electric Kettle adds style to any kitchen with its fun old school look, and it'll heat your water quickly, too.

Who says that kettles have to be boring and ugly? Smeg's '50s Retro-Style Electric Kettle adds much-needed flair to the boring old kettle with its '50s color palette and fun design aesthetic. You can get it in multiple color options, including cream, blue, green, red, black, chrome, and pink.

The kettle is made of stainless steel that's powder-coated for added durability and protection from mineral buildup. Inside, there's a removable, stainless steel limescale filter that you'll need to clean every now and then to prevent too much of a deposit from building up. If you have hard water, you'll have to clean the filter more often. It also has a water level window so you can check how much water is inside. Plus, Smeg offers a one-year warranty.

Anyone who loves fashionable, well-designed appliances or has a retro-inspired kitchen filled with Smeg appliances will love this kettle. It's also recommended by reviewers on Apartment TherapyThe Independent, and Hughes, though they all point out you're paying a premium for the slick design. 

A trusted British friend of mine heartily recommends this kettle, and given how much tea he drinks on a daily basis, his recommendation carries a lot of weight. 

Pros: Fun '50s design, stainless steel, automatic shut off, removable stainless steel filter, water level indicator, and lots of lovely color options

Cons: Expensive



The best cheap electric kettle

The fast-heating Original Secura Stainless Steel Double Wall Electric Water Kettle is about the same price as plastic models, but it's completely BPA-free.

Sometimes you just want a no-frills appliance that works and comes at an affordable price point. The Original Secura Stainless Steel Double Wall Electric Water Kettle fits the bill as a budget-friendly stainless steel electric kettle that boils water quickly.

It may not have fancy features like variable temperature settings or a water gauge, but it does offer a full stainless steel unibody design and 1500 watts of heating power. The kettle turns off automatically so you don't boil a dry pot and damage the heating element.

Secura's kettle is about the same price as cheap plastic ones, but it is completely BPA free and no plastic touches your water. The stainless steel inside wall is easy to clean after each use, so you can avoid mineral buildup over time. It has a double-wall construction, so the outer layer of plastic stays cool to the touch even as the water boils inside.

Reviewers on Heavy, Best Kitchen Kit, and Best Electric Kettle all recommend the Secura kettle. As long as you don't need variable temperatures for tea or want to see the water level inside, the Secura kettle seems like a real winner — especially at this price point.

Pros: 100 percent stainless steel design, highly rated, fun colors, low price, keeps water warm, shuts off automatically, two-year warranty, and easy to clean

Cons: No water gauge to see how much is inside and no variable temperature settings



The best ceramic electric kettle

The BELLA Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle looks like a classic teapot, but it'll heat your water to a boil as quickly as any other electric kettle.

Tea time should be fun and kettles should be cute — those are the unwritten rules of tea drinking. The BELLA Electric Ceramic Tea Kettle has the look of a classic teapot with its sweet ceramic design, long gooseneck spout, and cute colorful patterns.

A 1200 watt heating element brings your water to a boil reasonably quickly even though it's not as high-powered as the other kettles on this list. The kettle also offers boil-dry protection and automatic shut-off for safety and durability. The ceramic pot detaches from the heating base so you can carry it over to your dinner table or countertop just like you would a normal teapot.

It's a simple kettle with an on/off switch and a single blue LED light that indicates when it's boiling your water and when it's off. The heating element is concealed, so all you have to do is clean out the pot every now and then to avoid buildup. Since the pot is entirely ceramic, you don't have to worry about a plasticky or metallic taste ruining your tea, either.

Negative customer reviews typically complain that it broke, chipped, or cracked after a short period of use. Others say the colorful designs fade, peel or crack due to poor quality control. However, these complaints appear to be rare.

Pros: Adorable ceramic design, automatic shutoff, no plastic or metal, detaches from the heating base, and gooseneck spout makes for easy pouring

Cons: Heavy, less powerful heating element, and some concerns over durability



The best giant electric kettle

The 4-Liter Zojirushi Hybrid Water Boiler and Warmer Electric Tea Kettle boils tons of water quickly and keeps it warm for hours.

If you work in an office or own a small restaurant, you may need an electric kettle that doubles as a water boiler and warmer. The 4-Liter Zojirushi Hybrid Water Boiler and Warmer Electric Tea Kettle is a giant tea kettle for anyone who needs tons of hot water on demand. It comes in 4 and 5-Liter capacities, and it'll keep your water hot all day without damaging the heating element. 

The Zojirushi has four keep-warm temperature settings so you can choose which one is right for your needs: 208 degrees Fahrenheit, 195 degrees Fahrenheit, 175 degrees Fahrenheit, and 160 - 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It also offers quick temp mode to bring the water to the perfect temperature without boiling it fully. 

Inside, it's all stainless steel, so it's easy to clean and it keeps your water warm without too much effort. It uses a vacuum-electric hybrid system to keep the water hot. Zojirushi's water boiler boasts a stainless steel double insulation wall with a layer of vacuum insulation. It's supposed to keep energy use down. Zojirushi offers a one-year warranty in case something goes wrong.

Pros: Large capacity is great for offices or restaurants, keeps large amounts of water warm, boils quickly

Cons: Expensive and not necessary unless you need an endless hot water supply



How to choose the right temperature for tea

High-end kettles tend to offer customizable temperature selections and some specify which settings are best for certain kinds of tea. As any tea aficionado knows, different types of tea leaves require different water temperatures to bring out all the flavors. 

Most experts agree that white and green teas should be brewed at temperatures between 160 and 185 degrees Fahrenheit, with white teas on the lower end of that range. Oolong teas should be brewed between 180 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit, while black and herbal teas need 212 degrees Fahrenheit to reach their peak.

In case there are coffee lovers reading along, coffee brews best between 200 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit.



How to take care of your kettle

Proper care and cleaning are the key to your kettle's longevity, and the experts at The Wirecutter point out that any appliance that heats water to a boil is bound to degrade over time.

In our research, we've noticed that even top-rated kettles have many negative reviews that mention rust or broken parts. User experiences tend to vary based on how well the kettle is cared for and whether the user follows the kettle's instructions.

We've used our Krups Savoy kettle for two years now and it shows no signs of rusting. To keep it in tip-top shape, we don't let water sit inside after we're done using it, and we let it dry out between uses.

Long story short, be good to your kettle, and your kettle will be good to you.



Check out our other guides for tea lovers

The best tea infusers

Tea leaves are far superior to tea bags, but things get messy without a proper tea infuser. The Finum Brewing Basket is the best tea infuser for most mugs and teapots with its roomy fine mesh basket design. Here are our top picks for the best tea infusers: 


The best tea kettles

The best traditional stovetop tea kettles are easy to fill and pour, quickly bring water to a boil, and can be washed without much effort. Here are the best ones you can buy: 



58 clever gifts under $25 that won't end up getting regifted

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

But the best gifts under $20 are hidden in a minefield of totally expendable knickknacks. To combat that, we've raked the internet and curated 58 of the best under-$25 gifts below for you to browse. All of them are things we have or would gladly buy and use in our daily lives.

The top 5 best gifts under $25:

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

Check out all 58 gifts under $25: 

A cult-favorite clay mask that basically vacuums out pores

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

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



Reusable straws that fold up on the go

Food52 Reusable Straw Set, available on Food52, from $25

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

 



A set of vegan serums and a facial massager

Versed Twice as Nice Serum Rolling Gift Set, available on Target, $16.99

The Versed Rolling Gift Set comes with two of Versed's best-selling vegan serums for brightening and firming and a facial massager to help improve blood and oxygen flow and de-puff the skin. 



Scentsicles that make fake trees smell like the real deal

Scentsicles Tree Ornament White Winter Fir Scented Sticks, available on Amazon, $12.95

This tube comes with six "scentsicles" which smell like a fresh-cut douglas fir to make false trees and wreaths smell indistinguishable from the real deal. Plus, they're designed especially for blending in. 

 



A holiday shave set from a popular startup

Holiday Shave Set, available on Flamingo, $16

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



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

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

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



A mini griddle that makes individual servings of breakfast foods

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

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



Their new favorite pair of socks

Women's Fair Isle Calf Socks, available on Bombas, $15

Men's Fair Isle Calf Socks, available on Bombas, $15

Bombas are one gift we find ourselves giving friends and family every year. They're the best socks we've ever tried, and they're a little more expensive than someone is likely to spend on sock themselves, making them a great gift. 

 



A lifetime REI membership

REI Membership, available on REI, $20

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



Silicone gloves that keep the other half of the avocado fresh

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

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

 



A healthy, happy houseplant

Maranta Plant, available on The Sill, from $18

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

 



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

PowerLix Milk Frother, available on Amazon, $13

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



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

Kasa Smart WiFi Plug Mini, available on Amazon, $14.99

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



A cheeky soap-bar stocking stuffer that smells like pine

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

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



A set of three silk hair scrunchies

Slipsilk Large Scrunchies, available on Sephora, $39

Silk is often used in products like headbands and pillowcases to reduce friction and breakage of hair, and these hair ties serve the same purpose. Designed to keep hair from catching, crimping, and pulling, these hair scrunchies are gentle on strands and around the wrist.



A popular skin-care product that combats blemishes overnight

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, available on Amazon, $14.45

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

 

 



A Disney+ subscription

Subscribe for $6.99/month or $69.99/year

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

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



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

"Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over" by Alison Roman, available on Amazon, $24.87

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

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

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

 



An indoor wireless smart home camera

Wyze Alexa-Enabled Indoor Wireless Smart Home Camera, available on Amazon, $23.99

The popular Wyze Indoor Camera is an inexpensive, Alexa- and Google Assistant-enabled smart home camera that lets you see inside your home from anywhere when using your mobile device. It also has night vision. 



Tickets to an event you know they'll appreciate

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

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

 



A cold brew coffee tool that makes a quart of liquid

Takeya Deluxe Cold Brew Coffee Maker, available on Amazon, $17.99

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



A spray that protects your shoes from stains

Jason Markk Repel Spray, available on Amazon, $17

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



Soft, cozy underwear that comes in holiday patterns

MeUndies Holiday Boxers, available on MeUndies, $24

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

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



Coasters made from reclaimed vinyl records

Upcycled Record Coasters, available on Uncommon Goods, $18

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



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

Hydro Flask 16-Ounce Wide Mouth Coffee Thermos, available on Urban Outfitters, $25

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



Playing cards that pay homage to musical giants

Genius Music Playing Cards, available on Amazon, $9.76

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



Fast-absorbing, moisturizing hand sanitizer

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

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



An eco-friendly utensil set for eating on the go

United by Blue Utensil Kit, available on United by Blue, $24

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

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

 



A protective case for your airpods

Incase Airpods Case, available on Incase, $29.95

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



A cult-favorite $15 cast iron skillet

Lodge 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet, available on Amazon, $14.88

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



A water bottle with a built-in filter system

Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle, available on Amazon, $18.69

The Brita water bottle has a built-in filter that can improve the taste of water by reducing its chlorine content and smell. It can replace an estimated 1,800 single-use plastic bottles each year.



A membership to unlimited reading

Scribd Membership, available on Scribd, $8.99/month

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



A cult-favorite fidget toy

Speks Classic Magnet Balls, available on Speks, $24.95

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



Spicy, fragrant cinnamon sticks

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

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



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

Invisibobble Hair Elastic Set, available on Ulta, $14

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



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

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

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

 



An advent calendar of 24 herbal teas

Pukka Advent Calendar, available on Amazon, $14.98

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



Charitable lottery tickets that donate money to a deserving organization

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

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



A set of travel-friendly perfumes

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

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



Lip gloss that's moisturizing and not sticky

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

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



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

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

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



Reusable beeswax sandwich wraps

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

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



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

Aquis Original Microfiber Hair Turban, available on Amazon, $20.99

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

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



Gourmet flavored syrups that are perfect for coffees and teas, and even cocktails

Monin Mini Coffee Syrup, available on Amazon, $21.21

Did anyone — anyone at all — say cocktails? Monin's coffee collection has everything needed for café-inspired drinks, be they cocktails, lattes, coffees, or teas. It includes five syrups ranging in flavors from amaretto to Irish cream. Plus, Monin has a recycling initiative that works to improve the health of bee populations. 



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

Tile Mate, available on Amazon, $18.99

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



Lavendar lotions and masks that help you relax

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

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



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

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, available on Sephora, $20

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



A reusable shopping bag that comes in tons of fun colors

Baggu Standard Reusable Shopping Bag, available on Amazon, $10.19

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



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

Tribe Cell Phone Armband, available on Amazon, from $10.98

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



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

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

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



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

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

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



One of the best new books of the year

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

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



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

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

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

 



A photo book with some of their best memories

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

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



Bath salts that are the perfect excuse for relaxation

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

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



The best hair mask you can buy

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

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



A cute, bunny-shaped loose-tea infuser

Fred & Friends Brew Bunny Tea Infuser, available on Amazon, $10.54

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



The makeup remover tourists stock up on in French pharmacies

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

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



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



You can't edit a comment on Instagram, but you can easily delete and repost a comment — here's how

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FILE PHOTO: Silhouettes of mobile users are seen next to a screen projection of Instagram logo in this picture illustration taken March 28, 2018.  REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Whether you want to show appreciation for a photo, have a question about a piece of content, or want to respond to a fellow Grammer's note, Instagram comments are a great way to interact with other users.

But what if you've noticed an egregious spelling error in a comment you posted? While the app does not allow users to edit comments, you can delete them and repost a new one.

Deleting a comment on Instagram is slightly different between mobile phones and desktop, but it's easy to do on both devices. Here's how.

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)

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

Lenovo IdeaPad 130 (From $299.99 at Best Buy)

How to delete and repost a comment on Instagram on mobile 

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

2. Locate the comment you would like to delete. Swipe left on the comment if you're on an iPhone or tap and hold the comment on an Android.

3. You will see two icons appear next to your comment, including a white trash bin against a red or blue background, depending on your mobile device. Tap the trash bin symbol.

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4. Your comment will be deleted instantly and a red banner will appear at the top of your screen confirming the action. You can also tap on the red banner to un-delete your comment. 

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5. To repost an amended comment, simply tap the text bubble at the bottom of the photo and type in the new text. Click "Post" once you have finished composing the comment. 

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How to delete and repost a comment on Instagram's website

1. Open up your preferred browser and go to Instagram.com on a Mac or PC.

2. If you're not already signed in, enter your account details and locate the comment you would like to delete.

3. Hover your mouse over the comment and click on the icon with a series of three dots that appears on the right side of the post. 

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4. A window will pop up on your screen showing three actionable options: "Report," "Delete," and "Cancel." Click "Delete."

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5. To repost an amended comment, type into the space that says "Add a comment…" at the bottom of the photo, add your text, and click "Post."

 

Related coverage from How To Do Everything: Tech:

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

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NOW WATCH: People are still debating the pink or grey sneaker, 2 years after it went viral. Here's the real color explained.

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