• San Francisco'sTreasure Island is not perfect.
• The ground of the island has been found to be contaminated by Cold War-era US Navy operations, it's sinking quickly as sea levels continue to rise, and it's not easy to get to.
• But the city needs housing, plain and simple, and the island has the space for it.
• A full-scale development of Treasure Island has been in the works for 25 years. In the meantime, the island has been used to house the formerly homeless and others in need of supportive housing.
• Some have made the peaceful landscape their home. But the $6 billion make-over is finally reaching its early stages, and luxury condos, upscale retailers, and thousands of high-earning workers are expected to move onto the island within the next decade.
• We spoke to two residents who have lived on the island for years, one of whom says she and her family have been personally affected by the island's radioactive leftovers.
• Here's what Treasure Island is all about — from its history to the present-day to its future — and how the two residents are grappling with the impending $6 billion change.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Treasure Island may be San Francisco's most unlikely neighborhood.

First off, it's an island, a small, man-made landmass that sits in the bay between San Francisco and Oakland, California. There are 2,000 residents, an overpriced grocery store, geese roaming sports fields, a few wineries, abandoned buildings, and not much else.

It's also peaceful and removed from the hectic hustle-and-bustle of San Francisco, with stunning million-dollar views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge.

"It was pretty — that was my first thought," Trelease Miller, who moved onto the island permanently in 2008, told Business Insider.

Treasure Island has had a few different lives in its 60 years, from the site of a World's Fair to a US Navy base. It's been given many names too, from Magic Isle to the Artificial Lily Pad.

Residents have lived here since the late 1990s, some of whom are low-income, formerly homeless, or in need of supportive housing. Some told us they've made a nice life for themselves on the beautiful and isolated island.

But a redevelopment plan that's been a long time coming is poised to finally disrupt the natural rhythms of the island and its inhabitants. It's already begun — construction crews at work on the island have resulted in the land looking even more like the setting of an apocalyptic movie.

"It's ugly out there," Mike Bartell, a formerly homeless war veteran and Treasure Island resident of three years, told Business Insider. "It looks like a war zone."

Eventually, over 8,000 homes, 500 hotel rooms, upscale retailers, office space, 300 acres of parks, and a ferry terminal will be built on the island in the coming years.

The project's developer also has had to shore up the island for seismic activity and for a rising sea level — the landmass was found to be sinking into the bay.

The majority of housing units will be priced at market rate, which by San Francisco standards is nowhere near affordable for the masses — meaning the island's future residents will likely be wealthy workers in tech or finance.

Since this redevelopment has been planned for over two decades, there are fixed financing plans in place, Sherry Williams, Executive Director of One Treasure Island — a coalition of homeless service and housing advocacy groups for the island — told Business Insider. And while new living units can be a welcome feat in the crowded city, what is more sorely needed is affordable housing. Twenty-seven percent of the new housing that is planned on the island is slated to be affordable, or below-market-rate.

Williams told Business Insider that it's not ideal, but it'll have to do.

"Would we want more? Of course we would want more," Williams said. "But is it realistic within the confines of what's available for financing both the project and the affordable housing component? I think yes."

Residents housed through One Treasure Island, like Bartell and Miller, are assured a home among the new units being built. But there are some residents living on the island in market-rate housing that are getting the boot, with only "advisory services" for relocating being offered to them.

Miller will go from a three-bedroom townhome with a back and front yard to a three-bedroom unit in a high-rise that has yet to be built. And Bartell will move into a one-bedroom unit in an apartment building.

"They're going to put our ass off here just as soon as the last nail is put in the building," Miller said.

Both of their homes will be knocked down, with the land at the north end of the island being turned into a park.

In 2019, the population was 2,000. By 2032, the population is expected to swell to 20,000.

And all of the island's occupants — current and future — will be residing atop what was once, and could still be, radioactive waste and contaminants from a US Navy operation that shuttered decades ago.

SEE ALSO: San Francisco’s housing market is so dire that tech workers are spending over $2,000 a month to rent rooms in vacant Victorian homes

Long before Treasure Island is what it is now, it served as the site for the 1939 World's Fair.

Source: Business Insider

The island was made specifically for the exposition in 1936 by stacking rocks on top of the shallow foundation of the landmass.

The World’s Fair celebrated the completion of San Francisco’s two newly-built bridges: The Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Source: Business Insider

Its name at the time was "Magic Isle." Years later, control of the island passed to the US Navy.

Source: Reuters

The Navy used the island in part as a training ground in the Cold War era, teaching Navy students how to decontaminate ships by having them practice cleaning a land-ridden vessel outfitted with deck markers.

Source: Reuters

The paint on the markers contained radium, a radioactive element used to make objects glow in the dark.

Source: Reuters and SF Curbed

Over the 30-year period that the Navy operated on the island, radioactive material seeped into the soil and contaminants were dumped into garbage pits dug deep into the ground.

Source: Reuters and The San Francisco Chronicle

Military families started living on the island starting in the 1960s. Daycare centers, homes, and schools were built.

Source: Reuters

In 1997, the military base was closed as part of a nationwide shuttering of hundreds of bases. They were offered up for civilian reuse.

Source: Reuters

And the city of San Francisco — in the midst of the tech boom of the 90s and already experiencing a housing crisis — leaped at the opportunity to build units on a fresh spate of land.

Source: Reuters

Another part of the reuse plan was to allocate a third of the land to house and assist the homeless.

Source: Reuters

And so in the late 1990s and early 2000s, some of the island's first new inhabitants were those exiting homelessness. They moved into the old military family units.

Source: Reuters

Miller didn't come from a homeless background, but health issues and other factors led her to seek supportive housing. She would eventually join the island community through One Treasure Island for a short time in 2006, and later permanently in 2008.

She moved into 1126 Reeves Court with her then-young daughters until scientists clad in hazmat suits came knocking.

"They were in there and out there and knocking on doors and taking samples with their Geiger counter readers or whatever," Miller said.

A report published around the time of the 1997 base closure described the waste embedded in the ground as harmless. City advisors found no serious issues with the waste.

 Source: Reuters

In the late 1990s, the Navy started testing and cleaning its way through the island, and in 2014, it started transferring what it claimed were clean chunks of it to the city of San Francisco as it went.

Source: Reuters

But some city officials and environmental groups claimed there has never been transparency in the Navy's findings. And, as Reuters reported, the Navy immediately started to discover abnormally high levels of contaminants like lead, dioxins, and DDT.

Source: SF Curbed and The San Francisco Chronicle and Reuters and NBC Bay Area

The US Navy finally labeled the housing area of the island as "radiologically impacted."

Source: Reuters

At the time of a Reuters investigation in January 2019, Navy contractors had unearthed 1,289 low-level radioactive objects in the ground beneath the Treasure Island neighborhood, some in areas it previously deemed to be clean of contaminants.

Source: Reuters

A US Navy report published in March 2019 stated that there was "no radiological health risk" posed to Treasure Island residents.

Source: US Navy

In September 2019, the Navy disclosed that it had unearthed a chunk of low-level radioactive dirt the size of a basketball that had previously gone undetected, which it also claimed posed no real threat.

Source: SF Curbed

But a September 2019 San Francisco Chronicle report revealed that the island was so hazardous it was once considered to be labeled as Superfund site, a classification given to the most polluted areas in the US.

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

Developers believe the island to be safely habitable, saying it's "flat wrong" to call the Navy-led cleanup and additional safety checks flawed.

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

Uncertainty regarding the exact nature of the island's contamination aside, there have been reports of thyroid issues, rashes, lumps, and hair loss in children, though no conclusive studies have determined there to be a link between them and Treasure Island contaminants.

Source: Reuters

Miller said one of her daughters would later develop hair loss and lumps as well, which she believes were caused by living on the island.

"They never should have allowed anyone to live there," Health Physicist Gaetano Taibi told Reuters in early 2019.

Source: Reuters

Miller lived in Sacramento for 30 years before moving onto Treasure Island. Miller said her life prior included criminal activity, and she turned to Community Housing Partnership, a housing advocacy group, for a behavior-modification program on the island.

"I was a pretty bad actor," Miller told Business Insider. "That's how I ended up coming here anyway."

But she moved onto the island with her two daughters and began work as a tattoo artist at a shop on Larkin Street. She had a stroke in 2016 that prevented her from continuing on with the trade, which requires a steady hand.

"It's been a long, long road," she said of the recovery.

After her home on Reeves Court was found to be on contaminated land, it was demolished. She moved to this new home two years ago.

It's a two-story house with three bedrooms, and it backs up to the waterfront.

She said her current home was closed for some time for the same reason as her previous house: suspicion of underground radioactive matter.

Miller said she has never felt sick like her 16-year-old daughter has. According to Miller, she was eight or nine years old when bald patches were found on her head and pus-filled bumps appeared on her body. Miller has been taking her to and from the doctor ever since.

And Miller said her daughter isn't the only child living on Treasure Island that has developed hair loss.

Bartell said he's never felt any effects of radiation. The 68-year-old served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1972 and lived in Concord, a city about 30 miles to the northeast, for 32 years. But when the 2008 recession hit, he lost his house.

"So when that fell through and I lost the job and everything, one thing led to another, and then I became homeless," Bartell said.

Police officers that he was friends with in Concord, convinced that he couldn't survive any longer on the streets, eventually connected him to Swords to Plowshares, a nonprofit housing formerly homeless veterans. He's lived on Treasure Island for three years now.

If he didn't have his current living situation, he said he'd "probably still be homeless or dead."

He volunteers at a food bank on the island and works as a dishwasher at Mersea, a restaurant and bar operating out of a shipping container along the waterfront.

Bartell doesn't know much about the property that he's moving into ("it's full of dirt right now") but he said he knows he'll have waterfront views and the rent will be $257 a month.

And his new building will be full of one-bedroom units, so he'll definitely have less space than what he has now.

But he said he's fine with the downsizing, and he's fine overall with the new changes that are looming over the island in the coming years.

"Worrying about things you have no control over is just a waste of time," Bartell said.

Miller's a bit more apprehensive. "I don't want to relocate," she said. "I want to be right here where I am, but since I can't be …"

Miller said she doesn't know where her new building will be, but she's seen the blueprints. She knows she's going to have to downsize quite a bit, which she's not happy about.

"Nobody wants to live in an apartment building," Miller said. "Especially when you've had yards."

And Miller said the building she'll be moving into will eventually resemble the projects. "That's how it's going to be," Miller said. "Whether it's a new building or not, that's what it's going to turn into once it gets up and going."

In early 2020, the first housing project is expected to break ground, and it will be in partnership with Swords to Plowshares, which is a part of One Treasure Island. One hundred units will be built.

Construction on 266 luxury condos has already begun on Yerba Buena, a naturally-formed landmass adjacent to Treasure Island.

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

Yerba Buena has a protected ecosystem of wildlife, so most of the new housing will be built on Treasure Island. But the Yerba Buena condo construction is still the first step of the master plan to transform the two islands into a new-and-improved neighborhood.

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

With the expected influx of people both residing on and visiting the island, improving transportation is high on the to-do list.

“We certainly anticipate that tourists would want to visit this neighborhood just like how they visit other San Francisco neighborhoods,” Eric Young, the director of communications for the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, told Business Insider.

Increased bus service is planned, as is a ferry terminal on the west side of the island that will connect it to downtown San Francisco.

And on and off-ramps are being added to the highway to accommodate an increase of all types of traffic.

The improved efficiency of transportation is something Bartell could get behind. He goes into the city for groceries, shopping, or to see a movie about three times a week.

"I refuse to buy a car because I don't want to drive in the city, so I take the bus," Bartell said. "But now they got this high-tech Lyft stuff."

Miller has a car and an assigned parking spot too at the moment, but when she’s moved to the new apartment building, she won’t have a designated spot to leave her vehicle.

She'll likely have to say goodbye to a lot of her things, like her barbecue grill and her prized holiday decorations.

"I don't look forward to all these adventures," she said of the incoming changes.

• This holiday season, Nordstrom has a great selection of gift sets and limited-edition beauty products. 
• We checked out all the gift sets and cherry-picked some of the best finds, so you don't have to.
• Keep reading for 21 great gift sets you can get at Nordstrom right now. Check out all of our 2019 holiday gift ideas here.

Whether it's for the holidays, a birthday, or just because, we love shopping at Nordstrom for all of our gifting needs. A great selection of products across all categories makes it an easy one-stop-shop to find gifts for everyone on your list. 

If you're looking to get a gift for a beauty lover in your life, or you want to just treat yourself to something new, Nordstrom has a well-curated variety of products, offering everything from high-end hair tools to everyday skin care. For something that's really special, check out the retailer's holiday limited edition beauty offerings. Nordstrom has tons of limited-edition beauty products and gift sets, some even wrapped up in festive holiday packaging, that make great gifts.

From luxury skin care to colorful makeup, we've picked out some of our favorites. Nordstrom beauty exclusives are known to sell out quickly, so we recommend checking them out now.

The top 5 best holiday limited-edition beauty sets at Nordstrom:

1. A duo of Lancôme's best-selling makeup removers
2. A Laura Mercier eyeshadow palette for everyday
3. A trio of travel-sized makeup essentials from Benefit
4. A set of L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Creams
5. Four unique unisex fragrances from Le Labo

Keep reading for 21 of our favorite holiday beauty exclusives from Nordstrom this year: 

Lancôme Bi-Facil Instant Makeup Remover Duo

Lancôme Bi-Facil Instant Makeup Remover Duo, $20 ($25 value)

Any beauty aficionado knows that taking off your makeup is just as important as putting it on. Lancôme's Bi-Facil makeup removers get the job done while still being gentle, leaving skin feeling fresh, clean, and ready for the rest of their skin-care routine. 

Mac Lucky Stars Lipstick Kit

Mac Lucky Stars Lipstick Kit, $22.13 ($44 value)

Three mini lipsticks packed in a glittery pouch makes a great gift for someone who loves testing out different lip colors. Choose from a neutral set filled with light pinks and nudes or a bolder trio with vibrant reds and purples. 

Jo Malone London Christmas Cracker Travel Size Set

Jo Malone London Christmas Cracker Travel Size Set, $48

Jo Malone's rich fragrances are timeless. Try three of the beauty brand's classic scents in this set that features a cologne, body wash, and cream. 

La Mer The Glowing Mini Miracles Set

La Mer The Glowing Mini Miracles Set, $90 ($140 value)

La Mer is notoriously pricey, but if you've been eyeing its skin-care products for yourself or to give as gifts, this value set is a great introduction that doesn't break the bank. While this set of minis is by no means cheap at $90, it's relatively affordable when compared to typical La Mer prices.

L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio

L'Occitane Hand Indulgence Hand Cream Trio, $29 ($36 value)

L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Cream keeps hands exceptionally soft. This set comes with three tubes, so you can keep ones at your desk, in your purse, in your car, or wherever you may need some moisturizer. 

Patchology No Makeup Day Skin Perfecting Set

Patchology No Makeup Day Skin Perfecting Set, $30 ($45 value)

Holiday travel can take its toll on skin. Whether they're on a plane, train, or laying in bed, they can treat their face (and feet) to hydration, illumination, and rejuvenation with this set of masks.

Kiehl's Nourishing Dream Team Set

Kiehl's Nourishing Dream Team Set, $18 ($21 value)

Use the rich, cult-favorite Crème de Corps to moisturize and keep your skin silky smooth, and the Lip Balm #1 will do the same for your lips. 

Static Nails Peony Reusable Manicure Set

Static Nails Peony Square Pop-Up Reusable Manicure Set, $14

Get the look of freshly manicured nails in a snap — and for less than you'd pay in the salon. This set comes with 30 reusable nails, as well as non-damaging nail glue, so you can easily pop these on (and take them off) when your nails need a refresh. You can even reshape them or paint them different colors. 

Laura Mercier Signature Eye Palette

Laura Mercier Signature Eye Palette, $59 ($135 value)

This Nordstrom-exclusive palette is filled with nine neutral shades that can be mixed and matched for endless eyeshadow looks. It even comes with a powder eyeliner to add even more definition to each look. 

Fresh Sugar Caramel Hydrating Lip Balm Set

Fresh Sugar Caramel Hydrating Lip Balm Set, $25 ($42 value)

Winter weather can quickly make lips uncomfortably chapped. Treat yourself to a trio of products that exfoliate, hydrate, and nourish dry lips. 

Nars Studio 54 Outshine Lip Gloss Set

Nars Studio 54 Outshine Lip Gloss Set, $45 ($78 value)

Inspired by New York's iconic Studio 54, these glamorous glosses come in a fun sequin pouch you can use to hold all sorts of things.  

Anastasia Beverly Hills Power Duo

Anastasia Beverly Hills Power Duo, $25 ($30 value)

A great brow can change your whole makeup look. Beauty lovers everywhere swear by the brow products from Anastasia Beverly Hills, like this duo that has everything you need to shape, fill, and define brows. 

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Gift Edition

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Gift Edition, $399 ($459 value)

The cult-favorite Dyson Supersonic hair dryer brings all the innovative, high-tech features you'd expect from a Dyson gadget to your hair-care routine. The dryer is lightweight, powerful, and gives you a sleek blow-dry fast. This gift edition comes in festive red and includes a matching travel case. 

Diptyque Travel Size Candle Set

Diptyque Floral Candle & Eau de Toilette Set, $72 ($105 value)

There may be no better gift than one of Diptyque's scented candles. This set of three mini candles, paired with their matching fragrances, will transport you with its refreshing, floral aromas.

Hourglass Travel Size Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow Set

Hourglass Travel Size Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow Set, $46 ($51 value)

Mix up your holiday makeup routine with some glittery eye shadows. This set from Hourglass features two bestselling hues, and a new, exclusive deep plum color. 

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara Trio

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara Trio, $25 ($33.50 value)

Make your lashes pop with Lancôme's voluminous, smudge-proof mascara. This set comes with a full- and travel-size Monsieur Big Mascara, plus a Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover to wash it all off at the end of the day. 

Becca Cosmetics Rose Glow Kit

Becca Cosmetics Rose Glow Kit, $48 ($90 value)

Give winter skin a healthy flush with this set of pink products from Becca. A highlighter, primer, lip gloss, and refreshing mist make for an effortless glow. 

Le Labo Santal 33 & AnOther 13 Set

Le Labo Fragrance Discovery Set, $85

Indulge in four of Le Labo's bestselling, unisex fragrances. The travel sizes make them perfect to take on the go. 

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Set

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Eau de Parfum Set, $165 ($253 value)

Anyone who loves floral perfume will appreciate this set of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb lotion and fragrances in a wintry, gift-ready set. 

Benefit Minis Van Travel Set

Benefit Minis Van Travel Set, $20 ($39 value)

Travel sizes of Benefit's beloved mascara, brow gel, and primer are perfect for makeup touch-ups on the go. 

Drybar The Four Pack

Drybar The Four Pack, $39 ($75 value)

Get ready for a season of holiday parties with great hair products that'll make styling easy. The set of dry shampoo, heat protectant spray, texturizer, and hair spray has everything you need to make any bad hair days go away. 

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

• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• 50 creative gift ideas under $25
• 50 thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• 76 clever gift ideas under $100
• 44 cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• 39 beauty gift sets that don't feel lazy
• 21 beauty from Sephora
• 21 Amazon gifts for teen girls
• 26 affordable tech gifts under $25
• 51 thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• 65 cool gifts for him on Amazon

• Marc Anthony's 120-foot long yacht caught fire and capsized Wednesday night in Miami.
• No one was harmed by the fire, which took two hours for firefighters to get under control.
• The yacht was worth an estimated $7 million, Yahoo reported.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Singer Marc Anthony's yacht caught fire Wednesday night in Miami and capsized.

At 7:30 p.m., Miami Fire Rescue responded to the fire, which was docked at a marina on Watson Island. Two fireboats initially arrived at the sight of the yacht already engulfed in flames.

The team worked to extinguish the fire before it could spread to other boats docked at the marina.

"Boat fires can quickly go from a small compartment fire into an unstoppable blaze in a matter of minutes because of the material found onboard these vessels," Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said in a statement.

The firefighters used an oil-absorbent to soak up oil on the surface of the water in order to decrease potential negative environmental impacts, according to Miami-Dade.

There were no reported injuries, although two crew members were aboard the yacht during the time of the fire.

Keep scrolling to see photos taken by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue of the yacht in flames:

SEE ALSO: 2 luxury yachts worth over $20 million were completely destroyed by a fire in Florida — here's what happened

The yacht was worth about $7 million, according to Yahoo.

Source: Yahoo

It was named "Andiamo", which translates to "let's go" in Italian.

Flames were under control in two hours with the help of more than 45 firefighters.

The yacht was 36.6 meters, about 120 feet, long, according to Boat International.

Source: Boat International

Andiamo has six passenger rooms, one master bedroom, five double rooms, and one twin room.

Source: Boat International

The Grammy-winning singer was not on board during the time of the fire, a representative told USA Today.

The cause of the fire has not yet been publicly announced.

• Descartes Labs uses artificial intelligence to detect wildfires, and they can correctly spot one in a record-breaking time of nine minutes.
• Devastating wildfires are occurring much more frequently than ever before. The earlier one can be detected, the better.
• Descartes Labs launched their wildfire detector on July 1, 2019, and helped the LA Times break news of the Kincade Fire.
• They leverage two satellites called GOES-16 and GOES-17 that hover above the western hemisphere and send thermal infrared images every five minutes.
• They are currently conducting a trial run with the New Mexico state government and hope to expand their services to all over the world.
• This article is part of our ongoing series on Better Capitalism.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Nine minutes. That's how fast Descartes Labs can spot a growing wildfire with artificial intelligence. It's the record speed, and the current one to beat.

Normally, the process of detecting wildfires can take hours or longer. In the past, wildfires have been reported by civilians, commercial pilots, or fire agencies, who use crumbling towers built more than a century ago to look for flares. More recently, fire managers have started conducting reconnaissance flights to search for potential fires. But, since these are incredibly costly, this option is only employed when the fire risk is high.

Even when fires are spotted using one of these methods, it can take a long time to determine precisely where it is and how to get there. And with wildfires, there's no time to spare. The faster it spreads, the more dangerous it becomes. The effects can be catastrophic.

SEE ALSO: How $132 billion brewery giant AB InBev is using AI to fight corruption and spot business fraud around the globe

The rise and impact of wildfires

Examples include the Camp Fire, which burned more than 153,000 acres in Butte County, CA and killed 85 people in November 2018, and the October 2017 Tubbs Fire in Northern California, which resulted in 22 deaths. The 2014 Carlton Complex Fire ravaged 250,000 acres in Washington State. Fortunately, no one lost their lives, but hundreds of people were displaced.

These are just a few of the many recent wildfires destroying homes and habitats across the US. Until about a decade ago, these devastating fires only occurred in California, for example, once every 10 years — or less. Now, thanks to climate change, they happen once, twice, even three times every single year.

The simple fact is, the more quickly a wildfire is discovered, the better. Fire managers have more courses of action to choose from with smaller fires. The bigger it gets, the harder it is to fight, and the harder it is to evacuate people in time.

What Descartes Labs is doing to help stop wildfires

That's where Descartes Labs comes in, a startup launched in 2014 as a spin off of the government-run Los Alamos National Lab, Descartes Labs has gone through five funding rounds since May 2015, successfully raising a total $58.3 million, with the most recent series B round securing $20 million in October 2019.

On July 1, 2019, Descartes Labs officially launched its wildfire detector, which leverages satellites and AI to spot these dangerous, life-threatening fires. 

The idea originated during the summer of 2018. That year, New Mexico was experiencing extreme drought conditions due to an uncharacteristically low level of snowfall the previous winter. As a result, wildfires popped up left and right.

"You really got the sense that [the fires] were bearing down on you," Clyde Wheeler, an applied scientist at Descartes Labs, told Business Insider.

Wheeler and some of his coworkers would often go running together in the mountains near their Santa Fe headquarters. One day, they came to the peak of a mountain and saw a huge blaze off in the horizon.

"That, I think, really got us moving," Wheeler shared. "We were already sitting on a whole bunch of satellite imagery, and we'd already developed this AI technology, so we decided to see what we could do to help. That ended up being this real-time wildfire detector."

Leveraging existing satellites

Descartes Labs' wildfire detector takes the images from two geostationary satellites, GOES-16 and GOES-17 (also known as GOES East and GOES West), launched by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in 2016 and 2018, respectively. GOES-16 and GOES-17 hover above Earth, providing a stream of high-resolution and infrared imagery every five minutes.

"These satellites see into the thermal infrared" — meaning they can show the Earth's temperature — "and since the fires are really hot, hotter than the surrounding area and hotter than any point in the recent past, they appear as really bright, distinct spots. They're going to stand out," Wheeler explained. 

"Once we get an image," Wheeler said, "we start doing detection on it, start looking for fires in them. It takes nine minutes, from the point of the satellite capturing the image in space to us sending out an alert" if there is indeed a wildfire detected.

Each satellite remains above the exact same point on Earth at all times, meaning the pictures they take will always be of the same geographical areas. While GOES-16 and GOES-17 are positioned over different regions, their coverage overlaps. Together, they capture what's going on from New Zealand to the western coast of Africa, and from the Antarctic Circle to close to the Arctic Circle.

How AI comes into play

In order to ensure this tool correctly identifies a wildfire — and not something else — they had to create several different AI algorithms to filter out false alarms, like flares from the oil and gas industry, controlled agricultural burning by farmers, or giant fireworks shows, such as the one they saw in Fort Worth, TX this past Fourth of July. 

The algorithms take into account a number of different factors: where big oil and gas refineries might be, the location of steel and copper mills, where wildfires typically start, the overall terrain, and more. They must all be in agreement that the bright spots they're detecting are, in fact, a wildfire. 

One example of a possible false alarm was the 2018 Queens power plant explosion. The lights at LaGuardia Airport went dark, the sky turned a bright neon blue, and people wondered if the world was ending. While the satellites didn't know the answer about the fate of the planet, they did confidently declare that this hot spot was not a wildfire.

"It was actually a cool test [for the detector]," says Wheeler. "You could see it in the imagery, but our algorithms didn't detect a wildfire. "When the tool does spot a wildfire, Descartes Labs immediately broadcasts an alert to the LA Times who, in turn, reports it on their wildfire map. The detector can provide the exact latitude and longitude of the fire, which is crucial to taking action. Just a few short months ago, they did exactly this when they detected what's now known as the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, CA, prompting the LA Times to release the first public notice about it.

The future of the Descartes Labs wildfire detector

So, what's next for Descartes Labs and their wildfire detector? In addition to alerting the LA Times, it's running a trial program with the New Mexico state government. Every time Descartes Labs detects a fire, the system sends a text alerting the state's fire managers, pinpointing the location and directions on how to get there.

The team wants to get this invaluable information into the hands of as many fire managers as possible, starting with the United States, then expanding to the entire area that GOES East and West cover. Eventually, they'd like to integrate images from other satellites, so they can help prevent incidents like the bushfires in Australia.

"It really is a project to do good," said Wheeler. "So we want to make sure that it's impact is maximized."

Wheeler rejects the view that AI has the potential to replace the human factor. The wildfire detector, he said, is here to, he said, "augment existing methods, to cast a better net that helps make sure fewer big fires slip through."

• While $200,000 is the average cost of a home in the US, that price will get you vastly different properties across the country.
• In Indianapolis, Indiana; Columbus, Ohio; and Kansas City, Missouri, you can buy a decent-sized, single-family house for $200,000. 
• In Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida, you can only get a condo for that price. 
• In cities like Boston, Massachusetts, and Brooklyn, New York, $200,000 will get you a fixer upper. 
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Homeowners across the US pay vastly different prices for their homes, but a recent study found that the average cost of a house is about $231,700.

In some parts of the country, $200,000 will get you a large, beautiful house, while in other areas, the same price will get you a small condo or a fixer upper. Insider studied listings on Realtor.com to find how far the average price tag will take you in different parts of the country. 

Keep reading to find out what you can get for $200,000 in a city near you.

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In Omaha, Nebraska, you can purchase this ranch-style home for $200,000.

This 2,817-square-foot house has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. While the interior has wood flooring, new carpeting, and new tiling, the outside has a deck, patio, porch, and a gazebo. 

Average listing price for Omaha in 2019:$328,582

You can get a three-bedroom, two-bathroom, single-story home for $200,000 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Located in Lakewood Heights, Atlanta, this World War II Craftsman is 1,072 square feet, and it has three bedrooms and two baths. The listing says the house also has a front porch, a large living room, and a master bedroom with a deck. 

Average listing price for Atlanta in 2019:$424,237

Two shotgun homes in New Orleans, Louisiana, cost $200,000.

This 6,850-square-foot home is actually two shotgun-style homes. Each side of the building has two bedrooms and one bath. The house has 12-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and exposed brick. 

Average listing price for New Orleans in 2019:$394,206

This pink bungalow in Austin, Texas, costs $200,000.

This 1,094-square-foot bungalow has three bedrooms and two baths. Notably, the interior and the exterior of the house is painted almost entirely in pink. 

Average listing price for Austin in 2019:$552,904

For $200,000, you can get a remodeled home in Chicago, Illinois.

This two-story, 2,000-square-foot brick house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The home has just been remodeled, so there are new windows, new heating and cooling systems, new appliances, new countertops, and a new deck. There's also a large finished basement and a two-car garage. 

Average listing price for Chicago in 2019:$448,705

In Kansas City, Missouri, you can get a large house for the same price.

Located in Highridge Manor, this 2,187-square-foot home has three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. On the second floor, you can find the master bedroom and two guest bedrooms. On the ground floor, there is a large family room with a fireplace. The basement is also finished. 

Average listing price for Kansas City in 2019:$373,139

A $200,000 home in Houston, Texas, is also on the larger side.

This three-bedroom, two and a half bathroom house measures 2,217 square feet. Inside the house, you can find a tile entryway, a game room, new carpets, hardwood flooring, and stainless steel appliances. 

Average listing price for Houston in 2019:$441,191

In Miami, Florida, you can buy a townhouse for that price tag.

One of these 1,030-square-foot condos in Miami is for sale. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a screened patio, crown molding, and an eat-in kitchen. 

Average listing price for Miami in 2019:$938,615

You can also purchase a townhouse in Phoenix, Arizona, for $200,000.

This two-bedroom, two-bath home is in a resort-style community, which includes a pool, two spas, and cabanas. The house — which is 973 square feet — has a fireplace, a patio, and wood laminate floors. 

Average listing price for Phoenix in 2019:$642,222

While in Columbus, Ohio, you can get a four-bedroom, two-story home for $200,000.

This single-family home is 2,086 square feet and dates back to 1967. There are four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large living room, a dining room, a breakfast nook, and a two-car garage. The home also has hardwood flooring throughout. 

Average listing price for Columbus in 2019:$350,252

You can get a quaint ranch in Raleigh, North Carolina, for the same price.

This 1,202-square-foot ranch has three bedrooms and two baths. The home also comes with a two-car garage, a patio, a fireplace, and a large yard. 

Average listing price for Raleigh in 2019:$444,412

This ranch in Des Moines, Iowa, costs $200,000.

This ranch-style house has three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, and is 988 square feet. Though on the smaller side, the house has a renovated kitchen, a large master bedroom, a two-car garage, and a garden shed.

Average listing price for Des Moines in 2019:$322,6006

The closest home to Los Angeles, California, for $200,000 is about 20 miles away.

According to Realtor.com, there are no homes for sale in the Los Angeles area that cost $200,000. In Long Beach, however, there is a condo for sale for that price. With one bedroom and one bath, the home is just 471 square feet. 

Average listing price for Los Angeles in 2019:$1,631,905

You can get a condo just outside Seattle, Washington, for the same price.

Similarly, there are no houses for sale in the metro Seattle area that cost $200,000, according to Realtor.com. But this 1,005-square-foot condo is in a community in Bremerton, Washington, just outside the city. It has two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The deck outside the master bedroom offers views of Mt. Rainier, and the community has a pool, a sports court, and a community center.

Average listing price for Seattle in 2019:$833,283

A house that may need some work in Brooklyn, New York, can cost $200,000.

This house in Brooklyn is 2,000 square feet and has three bedrooms with just one bathroom. The listing says the "property needs TLC."

Average listing price for New York City in 2019:$1,066,927

Similarly, you can buy a fixer upper near Boston, Massachusetts, for $200,000.

Currently, there are no houses for sale in the metro Boston area that cost $200,000, according to Realtor.com. However, in Revere, six miles from the center of Boston, there is a fixer upper that fits the price range. The 1,483-square-foot house has two bedrooms and one bath. 

Average listing price for Boston in 2019:$864,929

Row homes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, have a similar price tag.

Philadelphia is known for its row houses, and this one is $200,000. At just 708 square feet, this house has three bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths. The house is newly renovated with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a back patio.

Average listing price for Philadelphia in 2019:$430,796

This large house in Indianapolis, Indiana, costs just $200,000.

This 2,960-square-foot home in Indiana has four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. The kitchen has a breakfast bar, a center island, and a dining room. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, vaulted ceilings, double sinks, a tub, and a shower. 

Average listing price for Indianapolis in 2019:$326,128

This Colonial costs $200,000 in Detroit, Michigan.

This Colonial is 1,800 square feet with three bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths. The house also includes a gourmet kitchen, granite countertops, a deck, a fireplace, a formal dining room, and a tile foyer. 

Average listing price for Indianapolis in 2019:$358,972

In Nashville, Tennessee, you can get a three-bedroom home for the same price tag.

This 1,350-square-foot home has three bedrooms, 1 1/2 bathrooms, a large backyard, and a two-car garage.

Average listing price for Nashville in 2019:$545,819

• Read more:
• The average home price in every state — and what you get for that money
• Rents in cities across the US are more expensive than ever before. Here are 5 drastic measures people are taking to avoid rising housing costs.
• From Celine Dion's personal water park to Oprah's wine cave, these are the wildest features celebrities have in their homes
• Real estate agents reveal the hottest markets for the next 10 years

• Facebook's user-help forum has been overrun with scammers for months.
• There are hundreds upon hundreds of spam replies redirecting users to a hoax Facebook helpline, drowning out almost all legitimate posts.
• Business Insider called one and was instructed to purchase a $100 gift card for tech support.
• Many of the posts are as much as five months old, indicating a huge failure of moderation by Facebook.
• The issue means that some of Facebook's least technically literate and most vulnerable users risk being revictimized by scammers all over again while looking for help after being hacked or suffering other issues.
• Click here for more BI Prime stories.

Facebook's support forums have been overrun by scammers.

The Silicon Valley social-networking giant operates a Help Community forum that allows users to pose technical questions to other Facebook users and get help with account issues — but for months now, it has been swamped in a deluge of bots pretending to represent the social network in attempts to scam users in need of help, Business Insider has found.

There are seemingly thousands of posts redirecting users to a phony Facebook helpline phone number, with more comments appearing seemingly every minute, putting some of Facebook's most vulnerable users at greater risk and raising serious questions about the social network's ability to moderate its own services.

After more than two years of scrutiny around Facebook and its content-moderation efforts, the anarchy within the official user help forums illustrates how entire categories of dangerous content are still slipping through the cracks and threatening the social network's 2 billion users.

In an emailed statement, the Facebook spokesperson Drew Pusateri said the company was working to tackle the issue.

"In the last several years we've dramatically expanded our automated and human content moderation efforts on our platforms, in an effort to combat issues like election interference, child exploitation, and terrorist content. We haven't done enough to apply these improvements to combatting spam in our Help Community, and we know we need to do better," he wrote.

Facebook users having technical difficulties are generally first directed to the Help Center, a portal featuring a series of frequently asked questions relating to common issues with the social network and people's accounts — like, "What names are allowed on Facebook?" and, "Where can I find my Facebook settings?"

But for people who can't find an easy answer to the issue ailing them, they're invited to visit Help Community, a forum-style message board that promises to allow users to "get help from other people on Facebook with similar questions."

Its homepage features "top questions" that are particularly popular, like a complaint by a hacked user and a query about how to use search.

But there is little in the way of helpful answers.

Every popular thread has hundreds of replies directing users to an array of phony phone numbers claiming to be a helpline for the social network, drowning out almost all legitimate comments. And the only replies to many new threads are more spam comments directing users to call bogus helplines.

Some of these spam helpline messages are as old as five months, indicating a failure by Facebook to effectively moderate its help board for months.

Business Insider called one of the listed phone numbers and claimed we had been hacked and got through to someone who said they worked for Facebook and identified as "Misha."

They asked for information about our Facebook account, including name, email address, and date of birth, and asked us to buy a $100 prepaid card from Walmart to expedite their attempts to fix our technical problems.

They also said a "technician" would call us back to help further. We didn't provide our phone number, so it's not clear what additional info this "technician" would have asked for, but it seems possible they might have asked for our Facebook password as well.

When we called another one of the numbers, we got a series of automated spam "offer" messages, including promises of a free $100 shopping certificate (that required a $1.95 upfront payment), savings on car insurance, addiction services, and messages targeting people with poor eyesight.

Some of the other phone numbers failed to pick up.

Facebook's failure to moderate the Community Help board is particularly notable given its widely touted investments into safety and security initiatives over the past few years after repeated scandals over content on its platform.

The company has more than 35,000 people working on safety and security initiatives, including content moderation, and CEO Mark Zuckerberg has repeatedly said the company spends more on safety and security annually than its entire company revenues at the time of its 2011 initial public offering.

It's not clear why Facebook's automated spam filters or human moderators failed to catch the comments, which are often highly repetitive.

A Facebook spokesperson said the forum was moderated by a small team and that the company was working to improve the issue.

The people who turn to the Facebook Community Help forum are also some of the company's most vulnerable users.

The topic of many of the requests for help in Community Help are fairly basic — how to unfriend people, how to see a post, an issue with a photo tag, and so on — indicating that the users are likely inexperienced internet users and, as such, most at risk of being scammed. 

The lack of an official Facebook phone helpline is already a source of constant frustration for many less technically literate Facebook users (journalists who write about the company are frequently called by confused Facebook users looking for answers). Compounded with Facebook's moderation failures, this has created a perfect storm for scammers to step in.

Do you work at Facebook? Got a tip? Contact this reporter via encrypted messaging app Signal at (+1) 650-636-6268 using a nonwork device, email at rprice@businessinsider.com, Telegram or WeChat at robaeprice, or Twitter DM at @robaeprice. (PR pitches by email only, please.)

Read more:

• Instagram's lax privacy practices let a trusted partner track millions of users' physical locations, secretly save their stories, and flout its rules
• Mark Zuckerberg's personal security chief accused of sexual harassment and making racist remarks about Priscilla Chan by 2 former staffers
• Facebook says it 'unintentionally uploaded' 1.5 million people's email contacts without their consent
• Years of Mark Zuckerberg's old Facebook posts have vanished. The company says it 'mistakenly deleted' them.

Join the conversation about this story »

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

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

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

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

The 5 best stocking stuffers under $10:

1. A hydrating lip balm from Jack Black
2. A reusable shopping bag from Baggu
3. A 6-foot-long lightning cable from Anker that works on iPhones, iPods, and iPads
4. A tin of seasonal tea from Harney & Sons
5. A soothing face mask

Check out our full list of 33 affordable stocking stuffers:

Cable clips that keep all your cables organized

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

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

A stylish and reusable shopping bag

Baby Baggu, $10, available at Baggu

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

A funny laptop sticker

Pug Yoga Sticker by Huebucket, from $2.09, available at Society6

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

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

Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Earbuds RP-TCM120-K, $7.89, available at Amazon

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

A Disney+ subscription

Subscribe for $6.99/month

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

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

Reusable stainless steel straws

RSVP Endurance Stainless Steel Bent Drink Straws, 4-Count, $9.93, available at Amazon

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

A tin of soothing seasonal tea

Harney & Sons Herbal Tea, Peppermint, 20 Count, $5.79, available at Amazon

You can also choose from other warm and inviting flavors like chamomile and cinnamon spice. 

Scented erasers if they don't want actual tea

Kikkerland Tea Scented Erasers, Set of 5, $8.99, available at Amazon

The lightly scented erasers give the scents of various tea types so even if they can't drink tea in the library or classroom, they'll still feel relaxed. 

A long lightning cable

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

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

A pack of flattering sticky notes

Knock Knock Awesome Citation Nifty Note Pad, $8.35, available at Amazon

Help spread positivity with these funny and clever sticky notes that hand out citations such as "sunny disposition" and "blatant likeability." 

A hydrating lip balm

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

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

A small, beautiful candle

Japonica Yashioka Gardenia Decorative Tin Candle, $10, available at Nordstrom

Featuring notes of gardenia, tuberose and Tunisian clove, this candle brings the scents of a garden indoors and has an impressive 25-hour burn time. 

A mini Rubik's cube

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

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

Cute hair ties

Invisibobble Power Hair Ring, $6.99, available at Target

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

A soothing face mask

Sephora Collection Face Mask, $6, available at Sephora

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

A plant they'll immediately become fond of

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

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

Funky faux leather stickers

Icon Stickers, $5, available at Mark & Graham

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

An affordable phone accessory that really lives up to the hype

PopSockets Grip, $8.99, available at Amazon

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

A pack of double-ended colored pencils

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

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

A nice bottle opener

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

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

A personal mini fan

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

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

High-quality, matte prints of your favorite memories together

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

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

Indulgent gourmet caramels covered in dark chocolate

Sugarfina Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, $7.46, available at Paper Source

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

A fizzy bath bomb

Bath Bomb, $4.97, available at West Elm

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

A fast-charging power bank

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

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

A fast-paced party game for the whole family

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

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

Shoelaces made from recycled water bottles

Runner Lace Kit, $10, available at Allbirds

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

A mini silicone spatula that home cooks swear by

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

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

A monogrammed mug

Monogram Mug, $10, available at Anthropologie

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

Gel nail polish

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

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

Hot chocolate mix, complete with marshmallows

Mason Jar Cocoa Mix, from $8.99, available at Etsy

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

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

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

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

A simple leather bookmark

Bookmark, $12, available at Leatherology

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

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

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

• With a $100 budget, you can buy anything from a smart speaker to a fun cooking class. 
• These 85 gift ideas cover a wide range of interests and needs, so you can find something unique and thoughtful for everyone in your life. 
• If your budget changes, here are our guides to gifts under $25 and gifts under $50. Check out all of our 2019 holiday gift guides here.
• Don't wait too long to order your gifts, though, since shipping deadlines for delivery by Christmas Eve are coming up. 
• If you waited too long and the Christmas present you want to order won't arrive on time, this clever hack ensures they'll still have a gift to open.

If you want to set a budget for your holiday gift shopping list, $100 might just be your magic number.

For $100 or less, there is a world of gift options that includes the latest and greatest tech accessories, useful kitchen tools, cozy cold-weather essentials, luxury beauty and skin-care products, and unique just-for-fun goodies. 

The abundance of under-$100 gift ideas is both a blessing and a curse, so we've picked out 85 of our favorites, many of which we've personally tested or gifted ourselves. You'll find gifts suitable for friends, family, and maybe even your boss and co-workers.

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

The 5 best holiday gifts under $100: 

1. A Kindle ebook reader that's comfortable to read and hold
2. The coziest moccasins we've ever worn from L.L.Bean
3. Membership to REI's huge outdoor co-op
4. Milk Bar sweet treats they won't be able to stop eating
5. A stainless steel frying pan from Made In, a kitchen startup that professional cooks love

Shop more gift ideas by budget: 

• Clever gifts under $25 that won't end up getting regifted
• Thoughtful gifts under $50 for everyone on your list

Shop the 85 best under-$100 gift ideas below:

An ebook reader that's comfortable to read and hold

Kindle, available at Amazon, $69.99 on sale (originally $89.99) [you save $20]

The glare-free display and adjustable screen light on Amazon's most affordable Kindle device make reading anywhere an enjoyable experience. 

A pair of comfortable wool shoes

Wool Runners, available at Allbirds, $95

While Allbirds has hinted that it's on track to become more than just a shoe brand, we'll always be partial to its original sneakers made from merino wool. We've been wearing and loving the comfortable style for more than two years, and you can't go wrong gifting a pair of their shoes during the holidays. 

A complete set to better oral-care habits

Metal Must-Haves Bundle, available at Quip, $95

Help them revamp their oral-care routine with this set of sleek accessories — a metal electric toothbrush, metal refillable floss, and mint toothpaste — and a voucher that gets them three rounds of refills on these essential supplies. If you have extra dollars in your budget to spare, you can also add a silicone clamshell bag ($40) so they can take their new gift on the go. 

*Sponsored by Quip 

An insulated coffee mug

Hydro Flask 12 oz Travel Coffee Mug, available at Amazon, $29.95

This coffee mug is one of our favorite Hydro Flask products to carry around the office since it keeps our precious beverages warm or cold for hours and has a spout lid to prevent messy spills. It's not restricted to office use — your recipient can and should bring it outdoors to their backyard or a campfire gathering. 

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.

Cocottes inspired by their favorite droids

Le Creuset Mini Round Cocotte, Star Wars Droids (Set of 3), available at Williams Sonoma, $90

Le Creuset has released its highly anticipated collection of "Star Wars" cookware and we know that home cooks and "Star Wars" fans alike won't be able to resist these droid-inspired designs. 

A whole week's worth of sheet masks, each treating a different skin concern

Dr. Jart+ 7 Day Mask Experiment Kit, available at Sephora, $27.50 on sale (originally $39) [you save $11.50]

Each mask has a unique function, including hydrating, smoothing, and pore-minimizing. The set's especially useful for anyone with dry, red, or oily skin. 

A smart way to add Google Assistant to any room

Google Home Mini, available at Best Buy, $25 on sale (originally $49) [you save $29.01]

The convenience and utility of Google live in this small but mighty smart home device that lets them do everything from check their calendar to play music, all hands-free. 

Coffee from a different country, delivered every month

3 Month Gift Subscription, available at Atlas Coffee Club, $55 on sale (originally $60) [you save $5]

It's a worldwide coffee tour without the expense of airplane tickets. Atlas Coffee Club delivers single origin coffee and always includes a postcard from the country, brewing tips, and flavor notes with each month's shipment. 

A beautiful piece of handmade drinkware

Antique Silver Glass, available at JFR Glass, $40

Each handblown glass from JFR Glass is unique, and it comes in a few other distinctive colors and designs. The glasses aren't just pretty — they're also functional and sturdy. They're dishwasher-safe and UV-resistant, so your recipient can enjoy the pieces forever. 

A mask that repairs dry hair with organic honey

Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Honey Moisture Deep Conditioning Mask, available at Sephora, $36

Dry and damaged strands meet their match in this adorably packaged hair mask made by Briogeo, a brand that specializes in treating curly hair. In addition to honey, which retains moisture and strengthens hair, it contains frizz-controlling rosehip oil and protective algae extract. 

A stylish accessory with a hidden charger

Power Up Lightning to USB Tassel Keychain, available at Mark & Graham,$59

The leather keychain is as functional as it is attractive: it has an iPhone lightning input and USB stick so they can charge their phone in their bag. Some colors include free monogramming while others have a $10 monogram fee. 

A memorable date night option

Gift Card, available at Eatwith, $85

Eatwith offers cool dining experiences that bring together delicious menus, professional chefs, and interesting guests. Available in major cities like New York, Paris, and London, they're usually hosted in beautiful homes and rooftops so you can enjoy a cozy and intimate environment with your fellow diners. 

The coziest moccasins we've ever worn

Women's Wicked Good Moccasins, available at L.L.Bean, $79

Can you practically feel the soft fluffiness of these slippers through your screen? L.L. Bean supposedly sells a pair of these cushioned sheepskin shoes every 7 seconds during December. Procrastinate on buying them and they might sell out. 

A delicious and unique hot sauce

Truff White Truffle Hot Sauce, available at Amazon, $34.99

The limited-edition hot sauce is infused with white truffle, packing a sweet heat you'll want to add to burritos, pizza, wings, or any other dish you want to make a little more interesting. 

A sleek fitness tracker that includes heart rate monitoring

Fitbit Inspire HR, available at Amazon, $79 *Note: only available before Christmas in Lilac*

Fitbit's affordable Inspire HR tracker has no shortage of useful features to keep them informed about their physical activity. The heart rate monitor lets them be more strategic about their workouts by tracking calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones.

A silky hand cream

La Mer Hand Treatment, available at Nordstrom, $90

If there's any special occasion to gift La Mer's premium skin-care products, it's the holidays. The Hand Treatment is a brand favorite that heals dry hands. 

A cool and smooth pajama shirt

Bamboo Lyocell Sleep Shirt, available at Ettitude, $70

Luxury sheets will break your budget, but the next best thing to get them a good night's sleep is this comfortable and attractive PJ shirt. It's made from organic bamboo lyocell, which is breathable and moisture-wicking, not to mention more sustainable to produce than traditional cotton. 

A popular candle accessory that sells out every year

Diptyque Lucky Charm Candle Carousel, available at Nordstrom, $60

Diptyque Ambre Scented Candle, available at Nordstrom, $65

As their candle burns, the heat causes this limited-edition carousel to spin slowly, creating a beautiful and mesmerizing display. It fits on any 6.5-ounce Diptyque candle (sold separately). 

A gorgeous coffee table book that inspires them to travel

1,000 Places to See Before You Die (Deluxe Edition): The World as You've Never Seen It Before, available at Amazon, $35.17

Patricia Schultz's original "1,000 Places" captured imaginations with its compelling curation of experiences all over the world. The newly released deluxe edition features a beautiful gold-embellished cover and more than 1,000 new photographs. 

The internet's favorite olive oil

Awake Olive Oil, available for pre-order at 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. 

Soft and environmentally friendly socks made from hemp

SoftHemp Sock, available at United by Blue, $16

The cozy socks are also sustainably made and made from a hemp yarn that's four times more durable than cotton, a win-win all around. 

A simple but luxurious body wash

The Body Wash, available at Necessaire, $25

New startup Necessaire formulates its body care products with vitamins A, B3, C, E, and omega-6 and omega-9. The subtly scented Body Wash will leave their skin feeling clean, soft, and nourished. 

A music subscription for people who love vinyl records

3-Month Gift Membership, available at Vinyl Me, Please, from $99

Record lovers are always on the hunt for the next record to add to their collection. Vinyl Me, Please sends them one exclusively pressed LP, one bonus record, and plenty of fun and unique extras every month. It offers three categories of tracks: Essentials, Classics, and Rap & Hip Hop. 

A pair of sparkly hoops

Sapphire Hoops, available at Mejuri, $60

Traditional hoops get an embellishment of white sapphire in this affordable piece from Mejuri. 

A sleek knife block

The Stand, available at Material Kitchen, $75

We're big fans of Material Kitchen's minimalist approach to kitchen essentials— like this magnetic, angled knife block made from heavy-duty wood. 

A set of monogrammed hand towels

Stitched Edge Hand Towels, available at Weezie, $40

The extra time and thought put into a personalized gift is worth it. You can add custom embroidery (+$15 per towel) to Weezie's fluffy and absorbent towels. 

A kitchen gift that your family's resident baker doesn't already have

Pottery Avenue Embossing Rolling Pin, available at Food52, $52

The 10-inch beechwood pin instantly creates beautifully intricate and photo-worthy designs on their cookies and other pastries.   

A cooling weighted blanket

YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket, available at Amazon, $65.90

With the rest of a chilly winter ahead of them, they'll appreciate the excuse to stay snuggled in bed all weekend long. The weighted blanket comes in many different sizes and weights and is made with a bamboo fabric that prevents them from overheating. 

A solution to their back pain

Upright Go Original Posture Trainer and Corrector, available at Amazon, $49.95

This gift is for anyone who is always complaining about their back pain or poor posture. Upright Go is an innovative and discreet device that sticks to the top of their back and helps them improve their posture, day by day. 

A green plant that's nearly impossible to kill

Hoya Heart Plant, available at The Sill, $21

This sweet plant should be easy to take care of since it doesn't require frequent waterings. The Sill offers and delivers plenty of other indoor houseplants if this one isn't a fit for your recipient. 

A light and portable instant camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera, available at Amazon, $49.95

The fun battery-powered camera produces nostalgia-inducing photos in seconds. There are a variety of brightness settings, a selfie mirror, and a macro lens adapter. Remember to throw in a pack of film, too. 

An everyday stainless steel frying pan that professional cooks love

Frying Pan, available at Made In, $75

Pros like Tom Colicchio trust Made In's cookware to perform in some of the country's top kitchens, so rest assured it's good enough for your recipient. The quickly growing startup is behind a couple of our favorite pieces of cookware. 

Echo Show 5, available at Amazon, $59.99 on sale (originally $89.99) [you save $30]

The Echo Show 5 is for tech enthusiasts who prefer a visual element to their smart speaker experience. It has a clock face and video calling capabilities, as well as the ability to show song lyrics, step-by-step recipes, and news highlights. 

The newest Echo speaker

Echo (3rd Gen), available at Amazon, $79.99 *Note: May arrive after Christmas. You can get the Echo Dot ($24.99) as an Echo speaker alternative.

Amazon's flagship smart speaker features new Dolby-powered 360° audio and adjustable equalizer settings. 

A fun and educational cooking class

Gift Card, available at Cozymeal, from $10

Gifting experiences is on the rise. With a Cozymeal class, they'll learn how to make anything from fresh pasta to Argentinian staple dishes. In addition to cooking classes, Cozymeal offers food tours in various cities. 

A sparkly tote of mini bottles of prosecco

Ruffino Prosecco Holiday 6-Pack, available at ReserveBar, $100

The holidays are the time to be a little glamorous. This prosecco bundle comes packaged in a portable tote that they'll be able to reuse after they've enjoyed its contents. 

A cool drink accessory worth celebrating

BrüMate 12oz Insulated Champagne Flute, available at Amazon, $22.99

Brumate's insulated flute prevents the disappointment of bubbly that has gone warm and flat. It holds almost half a bottle of champagne and comes in 30 pretty colors.  

A card case that fits just the essentials

Albee Leather Zip Card Case, available at Italic, $50

Traveling light? The tiny leather card case fits five cards and a few bills so they don't have to lug around a bulky wallet. Italic works with manufacturers who produce for luxury designers, but you won't have to pay designer prices there. 

A whimsical candle from a new brand

Manor House Weekend Candle, available at Otherland, $36

As our candle-loving editor points out, "Does the world really need another fancy candle brand?" Otherland's candles are so creative and interesting that you won't be able to resist gifting at least a few this season. 

A travel-friendly vanity case

Mini See All Vanity Case, available at Paravel, $65

They can stop using unsightly and wasteful Ziploc bags once they have this stylish and structured case in their possession. The exterior material is resistant to water and stains, and the clear window lets them easily identify the case's contents. 

A gold bracelet that displays their zodiac sign

Zodiac Bracelet, available at Aurate, $70

The delicate gold vermeil bracelet is a piece they'll want to wear every day. Aurate's beautiful gold jewelry is not only more affordable than traditional fine jewelry, but it's also ethically sourced, representing a new wave of jewelry brands to know about. 

A soft cashmere sweater that boasts a smaller carbon footprint

The ReCashmere Crew, available at Everlane, $98

Wool, down, and shearling dominate cold-weather staples, but the list of warm and comfortable materials would be incomplete without cashmere. If you're looking for a less expensive iteration of the classic cashmere sweater, Everlane's ReCashmere is your best bet. Better yet, it's environmentally conscious and made with 60% recycled cashmere. 

Premium underwear that's worth every penny

Tommy John Men's Second Skin Boxer Brief 3-Pack, available at Amazon, $92

It's not an exaggeration to say Tommy John could be the most comfortable boxers your recipient has ever worn. The Second Skin, in particular, is a standout — smooth, soft, stretchy, and breathable. 

FanChest, available at FanChest, from $69

FanChest's gift boxes delight ride-or-die sports fans who will go to the ends of the world for their football, hockey, or college teams. The merch they'll find in their box might include a hat, throw, t-shirt, and many other surprises. 

A personalized pillow

Pluto Pillow, available at Pluto, $85

While most pillows out there are one-size-fits-all solutions, Pluto can make more than two dozen different iterations based off specific sleeping needs and preferences. 

A mini duffel crossbody with a distinctive look

Extra Small Landon Carryall, available at Dagne Dover, $95

Dagne Dover excels at making functional and versatile bags like work totes and this extra small version of its popular neoprene duffel. Inside, they'll find a compartment just large enough for the day's essentials, pockets to keep them organized, and a detachable key leash. 

A streaming stick that gives them access to more than 500,000 movies and TV episodes

Roku Streaming Stick +, available at Amazon, $44 on sale (originally $59.99) [you save $15.99]

Roku's Streaming Stick+ is exceptional for its 4K, HDR, and HD streaming, and long-range wireless receiver. Installing it is an easy process and starts by plugging the stick into his TV. 

Access to their own personal travel concierge

Gift Card, available at Journy, from $50

While travel concierge services have existed for years to help craft personalized experiences, they're prohibitively expensive and created with a luxury clientele in mind. Journy, on the other hand, is a personal travel planning service and mobile app that only costs $25 per day of the trip.

Your recipient will tell their concierge all the types of things they want to do, see, and eat, along with other travel preferences. Then, they can sit back as the concierge takes care of the nitty-gritty details of their itinerary, including restaurant reservations and hotel bookings. 

Ready-to-prepare meals that come in a cup to save them time

The 9-Cup Gift Card, available at Daily Harvest, $75

Your recipient will be able to fill a box with smoothies (including protein smoothies for gym rats), harvest bowls, soup, and more meals that are ready to take on the go. Daily Harvest's healthy offerings are perfect for the busy, wellness-minded people in your life. 

Comfortable and stylish baby moccasins

Freshly Picked Shearling Bow Moccasin, available at Nordstrom, $65

Shop all baby moccasins at Freshly Picked

"Shark Tank"  alum Freshly Picked is your source for all the baby shoes you'll ever want to gift. They're made from genuine leather and they come in tons of styles, from fierce animal prints to playful Disney-themed prints. 

Sweet treats they won't be able to stop eating

The Hallelu-yaahh Gift Box, available at Milk Bar, $62

Instead of the usual box of chocolates, gift some of the best-known and most delicious treats from NYC institution Milk Bar. The set contains 12 soft and chewy birthday cake truffles and 12 assorted cookies (including the famous everything-goes Compost Cookie). 

Smart plugs that let them control their appliances with their phone

Kasa Smart WiFi Plug (2-Pack), available at Amazon, $19.99

Through the corresponding app, they can schedule when their lights turn on and off, or use voice commands with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana. It's a suitable entry-level smart plug for someone looking to get into home automation. 

A full feast that includes steak, dessert, and wine

Best of Omaha Steaks & Tour de France Wine Set, available at Omaha Steaks, $109.99

They'll be able to feed the whole family with this array of delicious Omaha Steaks favorites: filet mignon, top sirloin, pork chops, jumbo franks, apple tartlets, and three bottles of red wine. 

Membership to a popular nationwide book club

6-Month Subscription, available at Book of the Month, $90

If they prefer the incomparable feel of a hardcover book, set them up with a Book of the Month membership. It offers five curated titles, mainly from up-and-coming authors, to choose from every month. 

A pair of blue light-blocking glasses that look good enough to wear outside of the house

Ingram Crystal Everscroll Glasses, available at MVMT, $75

Help them protect their eyes from harsh screens with a pair of blue light-blocking glasses. Their eyes won't feel as strained, and they might be able to drift off to sleep more quickly. 

Leather travel accessories

Deluxe Passport Cover and Luggage Tag Set, available at Leatherology, $85

It might be difficult to snag them an under-$100 plane ticket, but the next best things are classy accessories to hold their passport and luggage tag. The full-grain leather set comes in beautiful colors and textures, and you can monogram it for an extra $20 if you're willing to go slightly over your budget. 

A sturdy phone case with a built-in kickstand

Scooch Wingman iPhone Case, available at Amazon, $9.99

Scooch's rugged case incorporates a clever 3-in-1 design that gives them a grip, kickstand, or phone mount when they snap the back of the case. Instead of buying these accessories separately, simply gift them this useful all-in-one case. 

A box that lets them explore the exciting world of sake

Sake Gift Box, available at Tippsy, $59

While online wine clubs abound, Tippsy is quietly cultivating a community of sake lovers. It offers an abundance of knowledge and premium sake options to anyone who's interested in exploring this underrated alcohol further.  

Soft and smooth crib sheets from a top bedding startup

Crib Sheet Set, available at Brooklinen, $52

You might know Brooklinen as the online company that makes great sheets for adults. But it's not leaving kids out. Send a set of these durable and safe (OEKO-TEX certified) cotton sheets to a new parent this holiday season. 

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

Foreo Luna Facial Cleansing Brush, available at Foreo, $74.25 on sale (originally $99) [you save 24.75]

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 compact and lightweight hand mixer

Kitchenaid 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, available at Bed Bath & Beyond, $34.99

Not all baking tasks require a full stand mixer. KitchenAid's hand mixer doesn't take up a lot of space but gets a variety of jobs done by offering five speed options. You'll also have fun picking out a unique color for your recipient. 

Membership to a huge outdoor co-op

REI Membership, available at REI, $20

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.

Wireless headphones that boast a 25-hour battery life

Sennheiser Bluetooth Wireless Headphones, available at Amazon, $79.88 on sale (originally $99.95) [you save $20.07]

A good pair of over-ear headphones is comfortable, delivers outstanding sound quality, and has a long battery life. Sennheiser's HD 4.40 model accomplishes all this for just $80. 

A game that tests their penchant for puns

Pun Intended Game, available at Amazon, $25

It's a battle of who can devise the most clever puns in this family-friendly card game that requires a quick mind and even faster writing skills. Game on. 

A minimalist watch inspired by Danish design

Skagen 42 mm Signature Nylon Strap Watch, available at Nordstrom, $95

The quartz movement watch adds a pop of color to their everyday look. 

A custom map of a special location

Custom Map Poster, available at Grafomap, $49

Grafomap is the site where you can commemorate important places, be it their hometown, college town, or the city where you two met. The custom design function is easy to use and you can choose to get the final map poster framed or printed on canvas. 

A waterproof outdoor speaker

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom Speaker, available at Amazon, $69.99 on sale (originally $99.99) [you save $30]

The surprisingly powerful speaker fits in the palm of their hand and can go swimming with them in the pool or ocean. It's also dustproof and therefore suitable for hikes and other outdoor adventures. 

An electric toothbrush that won't want to hide away

Gold Electric Toothbrush, available at Goby, $80 (originally $95) [You save $15]

In addition to its sleek design, the Goby Toothbrush stands out for its soft brush head, normal and sensitive brushing speeds, and convenient USB charging shell. 

A beautiful photo calendar

Brass Easel & Calendar, available at Artifact Uprising, from $49

While many personal photo gifts are afflicted with unfortunately cheesy designs, Artifact Uprising manages to make theirs elegant and beautiful. Create a calendar with your 12 favorite photos together, which will sit on a shiny solid brass display. 

A reusable metal straw that comes with its own case

Final Straw Collapsible Stainless Steel Straw, available at Amazon, $24.95

Final Straw has a clever design that folds in on itself so they can bring their reusable straw anywhere. If your recipient is looking for ways to reduce their plastic consumption, using a metal straw is an easy first step. 

A reusable bag featuring a fun print

Standard Baggu, available at Baggu, $12

There are plenty of reusable nylon shopping bag options out there, but where Baggu really stands out from the crowd is its variety of quirky and colorful prints. The useful bags are stocking stuffers you can buy for everyone in your life. 

Elegant ceramic dinnerware

Big Bowls (4-Pack), available at Year & Day, $52

Year & Day's semi-matte, Portuguese-made bowls are as suitable for dinner parties as they are for reheating leftovers. Our favorite colors are the Daybreak blush and Midnight dark blue. 

The Lego version of a toy boat to mark the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse's first screen appearance

Lego Steamboat Willie, available at Lego, $89.99

This retro set commemorating the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse's first screen appearance in "Steamboat Willie" contains 751 pieces, requiring a steady hand and lots of patience. 

An at-home facial kit

Drunk Elephant Precious Cargo Kit, available at Sephora, $88

The kit includes some of Drunk Elephant's most coveted skin-care products, including the bestselling TLC Sukari Babyfacial. Together, they work to give your recipient soft and glowing skin that looks like it just emerged from a spa. 

A set of trackers for the absent-minded

Tile Pro (2-Pack), available at Amazon, 49.99 on sale (originally $59.99) [you save $10]

When they can't find their phone, all they have to do is click their Tile button to make their phone ring, even if it's on silent. 

A sleep mask made with high-quality mulberry silk

Slip Slipsilk Sleep Mask, available at Nordstrom, $50

Few things are more luxurious than sleeping with a silk mask. Thanks to its all silk construction, your recipient's face will feel cool all night long. 

A plush bathrobe

Classic Bathrobe, available at Parachute, $99

It's all too tempting to stay wrapped up in this Turkish cotton bathrobe long after they've stepped out of the shower. The thick robe is our pick for the best bathrobe you can buy. 

A chai sampler

Vadham Chai Tea Reserve Set, available at Amazon, $29.99

This set of loose-leaf teas made it into Oprah's Favorite Things back in 2018. It's filled with three variations of chai that any tea lover will appreciate. 

A cult-favorite fragrance

Le Labo AnOther 13 Eau de Parfum, available at Nordstrom, $82 

Le Labo is famous for its distinctive packaging and subtle yet inviting scents. The AnOther is musky and woodsy, but it's balanced out with ingredients like jasmine petals. 

The outdoor game you see everyone playing at the park

Spikeball Game Set, available at Amazon, $55.99

It's a gorgeous day out and you can't help but notice a few groups having fun while playing some kind of new ball game. Chances are it's Spikeball, the volleyball-esque game that your recipient can set up in any large outdoor space. It takes just 10 minutes to learn the rules. 

A hair towel that cuts drying time in half

Aquis Original Microfiber Hair Turban, available at 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 the hair experiences while in its weakest state. 

A case that sanitizes dirty phones

PhoneSoap Smartphone Sanitizer, available at Amazon, $79.95

Most of us carry our phones with us everywhere — and we mean, everywhere. PhoneSoap kills 99.9% of common household germs, including bacteria that leads to E.Coli, Salmonella, Staph, the flu, and the common cold. Germaphobes will love knowing that their phones are squeaky clean. 

An at-home raclette set

Raclette Party Set, available at Food52, $79

Enjoying delicious melted raclette at home is fun, entertaining, and easy with this set. It has eight mini pans that sit over tea lights, which will melt their raclette or another cheese of choice. It's ultra-satisfying to pour the melted cheese over potatoes, meat, and vegetables. 

Guitar picks made from quarters

Custom Repurposed Quarter Guitar Picks, available at UncommonGoods, $30

Coin guitar picks not only look cool but they also change the feel and sound of the music-playing experience. For this gift, you can choose one commemorative state quarter and one quarter minted during your choice of year. 

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

• Our master list of every gift guide you'll ever need
• 50 creative gift ideas under $25
• 50 thoughtful gift ideas under $50
• 39 beauty gift sets that don't feel lazy
• 44 cool stocking stuffers on Amazon
• 26 affordable tech gifts under $25
• 51 thoughtful gifts for her, all under $50
• 65 cool gifts for him on Amazon

• If your winter coat is lacking a hood or if you want an extra layer to keep your head warm, a good beanie is your best bet.

• The North Face Shinsky Beanie is the casual, warm, slouchy winter hat you've been waiting for. The best part? It's reversible, so it goes with everything in your wardrobe. You might not take it off until springtime.
  

I love beanies more than any other winter hat style. They give you that cool, casual hipster look sure, but most importantly they're usually pretty warm. Of course there is the issue of hat hair — a lot of beanies tend to be close-fitting so that they trap heat against your scalp and actually stay on your head.

But beanies are also stylish enough that you can just leave them on inside. Two birds, one stone, right?

The word "beanie" is kind of one of those catch-alls that encompasses a ton of different styles, from slouchy cuts to ultra-fitted ones with a variety of embellishments and fabric variations. The sheer number of options is overwhelming. After all, when you can buy a beanie anywhere, how do you narrow it down?

You could do a ton of research on the topic. Or you can read on for our top five favorite picks for men and women from around the Internet.

Here are the best beanies you can buy:

• Best beanie overall: The North Face Shinksy Beanie
• Best affordable beanie: Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat
• Best cashmere beanie: Naadam Signature Ribbed Cashmere Beanie
• Best pom-pom beanie: Patagonia Vintage Town Beanie
• Best high-tech beanie: Tenergy Wireless Bluetooth Beanie
• Best places to buy winter hats: Shop at Columbia, The North Face, J. Crew, Macy's, and Amazon

The best beanie overall

If you only buy one hat this winter, make it the Shinsky Beanie from The North Face. It's textured, reversible, and comes in tons of fun colors.

The North Face Shinksy Beanie is a winter hat you don't have to think about — attractive, warm, and reversible with two different knits on the exterior and interior sides. It has a hip, slouchy fit that looks good with just about every style of jacket from a puffer to a wool peacoat.

According to the brand's product description, this hat is "ideal for riding the park, or après at the lodge." Or, you know, commuting to work in below-freezing temperatures. Made of 100% acrylic, it's machine washable and comes with the brand's famous lifetime warranty attached.

The hat is highly rated by North Face shoppers, with a 4.8 out of 5 rating on the brand's website based on 276 reviews. "This hat is simply amazing. Very stylish and warm. I need to order myself about 3 more colors and I'll be set for winter. Definitely recommend," writes one reviewer.

"I can't think of anything negative to say about this beanie," says another. "It holds up well when washed, color did not fade, fits well, looks great on my head, keeps me warm."

Pros: Reversible, chunky knit, machine washable, slouchy fit, unisex

Cons: Might be too slouchy for smaller head sizes

The best affordable beanie

The Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat is your ideal simple beanie that comes in every color under the sun — and it's incredibly affordable.

Carhartt, a brand that has been around for over a century, was originally known for its workwear. It still is, but in the last several years it has experienced a resurgence among fashion's it crowd. These beanies are an affordable way to stay warm while looking cool.

If you're anything like me, you lose at least one hat per winter. It doesn't really make sense to invest a lot of money in a beanie that will inevitably end up left behind in the back seat of a cab or dropped from your pocket on a crowded street.

The Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat seems like a great compromise. I can definitely afford to buy one or two each season, and I wouldn't lose too much sleep if it happens to go missing. Which, let's face it, it probably will.

This fold-over beanie comes in just about every color under the sun, including plain black and driftwood green. A small Carhartt logo patch in the front center adds visual interest, giving the hat a vintage look.

Pros: Affordable, lots of color options, snug fit, unisex

Cons: Hand wash only

The best cashmere beanie

If you're looking for a luxurious winter hat, the Signature Ribbed Cashmere Beanie by the brand Naadam is the perfect investment. 

We're fans of Naadam's eco-friendly and affordable cashmere here at Insider Picks. The brand's Signature Ribbed Cashmere Beanie is the perfect luxury winter hat. Made of 100% Mongolian cashmere, it's medium-weight, soft, and breathable.

The hat is certainly an investment, but there are some special features that make the price tag seem more reasonable. It's wrinkle-free, odor-blocking (no more sweaty scalp smell collecting in the top of your hat), and designed for minimal pilling. You can fold it at the brim for a tighter fit or wear it loose.

The Signature Ribbed Cashmere Beanie comes in eight versatile colors and is one-size-fits-all, designed to fit both men and women. It boasts the same high-quality material as the brand's other wares and a "Heavenly Soft" designation. Gear Patrol rated it one of the best cashmere hats for men.

Pros: 100% Mongolian cashmere, eco-friendly, wrinkle-free and odor-resistant, unisex

Cons: Dry clean or hand wash only

The best pom-pom beanie

Patagonia is best known for high-performance outerwear staples, and the pom-pom-trimmed Vintage Town Beanie is no exception.

If you like your beanies with more visual interest, the Patagonia Vintage Town Beanie is a great pick. It has a cool oversized pom-pom detail on the top and comes in a selection of subdued vintage-y color options and striped patterns.

Made of a soft, eco-friendly recycled wool and nylon blend, this pick is both warm and stylish. It's also a great option for shoppers who value transparency. You can actually read about the suppliers that helped make your hat via Patagonia's Footprint Chronicles website feature. The brand also provides information about the fabrics used in the production of the beanie.

I also happen to think this is one of the coolest looking hats on this list, thanks to the quirky pom-pom detail and the unique color options. As with all Patagonia merchandise, the hat comes with an Ironclad Guarantee that allows you to return items or get them repaired.

Insider Picks writer Amir Ismael has previously recommended the Vintage Town Beanie in a round-up of winter hats for men, though I'd consider this style (and really most beanies) to be unisex.

Pros: Made of recycled wool and nylon, Ironclad Guarantee

Cons: Pricey 

The best high-tech beanie

The Tenergy Wireless Bluetooth Beanie Hat is not your average winter topper — inside the cable knit exterior is a Bluetooth headset that lets you make hands-free calls and listen to music.

The Tenergy Wireless Bluetooth Beanie Hat has a built-in Bluetooth headset that connects to your smartphone, so you can be that person who makes everyone on the street do a double-take trying to decide if you're talking on the phone or just talking.

The hat claims to have "a wireless range of up to 33 feet" and to run for up to six hours (you charge it with the USB cable that comes in every order), so you can make phone calls and listen to music on the go. It's also pretty stylish considering it houses headphones inside, with a chunky cable knit design that comes in six colors. The lining is polar fleece.

One of the cleverest details is the control panel, which takes the form of a leather patch on the brim of the hat. From a distance, it looks like any other vintage-look label, but up close you notice the volume buttons and play/pause button. Below that is the port for the USB charging cable.

Pros: Rechargeable, beanie is lined, comes with USB cable, 2-year extended warranty

Cons: Need to remove headphones before washing

Check out our other buying guides for cold weather gear

The best mittens you can buy

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves, so if it's cold where you live, work, or play, slip a pair on and keep the chill out. Here are the best mittens to keep you warm.

The best snow pants for men, women, and kids

Make the most of that winter wonderland this year by keeping yourself warm and dry with well-made snow pants when you're skiing, sledding, or generally romping about in the snow. Here are the best snow pants.

The best places to buy winter hats for men, women, and children

Your body loses a significant portion of its heat through your head, so keep yourself warm this winter with a great winter hat. The winter hat makers we're featuring offer hats in myriad styles, so once you've narrowed down the type of winter cap you need, you should be able to find several fine options from each brand. Here are the best places to buy winter hats.

The best places to buy scarves online

Your choice of scarf can make or break your comfort level in the wintertime. Opt for one that's wooly and warm and you'll be toasty. Choose a too-thin fabric and you, well, won't. Scarves are also a great opportunity to infuse a bit of personality into your winter wardrobe. And when you get bored with your outerwear, you can always pick a new scarf to mix things up. Here are the best places to buy scarves online.

The best thermal gloves

A good pair of thermal gloves can make all the difference on a cold winter day. We did the research to find the best thermal gloves you can buy to keep your hands nice and toasty for the rest of this winter and for many more winters to come. Here are our picks for the best thermal gloves.

The best winter boots for women

To test these boots, we dunked them in a tub filled with icy water and tried to make them slip on patches of ice. We wore them on cold days to see how warm they were and stepped into deep puddles on rainy days to test water resistance. We walked for miles on snowy stretches of sidewalk in New York City and waded through snowbanks in Central Park to vet these boots. Here are the best women's winter boots.

The best winter coats for men

A good winter coat will keep you warm and dry even when the snow is falling and the wind is howling. A great winter coat will keep you warm, dry, and looking good, too. Here are the best winter coats for men.

• Although a mattress topper isn't a must-have for your bed, it's one of the easiest ways to up your sleep quality and comfort.
• We researched dozens of mattress toppers and determined that the DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper is the one likeliest to send you off to dreamland with a smile on your face.

A mattress topper has the power to take your night's sleep from, "If only I had another hour," to "Wow, I feel refreshed and ready to rock!" Along with a layer of additional comfort, the right mattress topper also adds extra support, relief from pressure on your joints and spine, a new lease on life for an aging mattress, and customization of a mattress that is too firm or too soft for your liking.

While the terms "mattress topper" and "mattress pad" are often used interchangeably, they are actually slightly different. A mattress topper is purely for comfort, while a mattress protector is a thin covering that protects the mattress from fluids, dust mites, allergens, and other bed grungies. A mattress pad is somewhere between the two. It helps protect your mattress and also adds some comfort to the bed, but generally is not as thick or as dense as a mattress topper.

Because there are so many mattress toppers on the market, we've made buying one easier for you. We visited the top consumer websites, researched sleep and bedding sites, and listened to what actual mattress topper buyers had to say before narrowing down your choices to the four mattress toppers we feel are the best.

Here are the best mattress toppers you can buy:

• Best mattress topper overall: DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper
• Best featherbed mattress topper: Super Snooze Baffled Featherbed Set
• Best wool mattress topper: Denali Home Collection Lambswool Mattress Pad
• Best luxury mattress topper: Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Mattress Topper Set

Updated on 12/19/2019 by Caitlin Petreycik: Updated prices and links. 

SEE ALSO: The best pillows you can buy for your bed

The best mattress topper overall

You'll sleep like a baby on the DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper, thanks to its excellent support, soft comfort, and great price.

Memory foam was originally developed by NASA to protect astronauts from the rigors of re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. You're not hitting G-forces when you hit the hay, but you'll still benefit from the cushioning and support memory foam offers. It's an especially good choice if you have a hard time sleeping due to aches and pains in your hips, back, or upper body.

The DreamFoam Bedding Gel Swirl Memory Foam Mattress Topper is a two-inch-thick pad of gel-infused memory foam. The gel, which gives the mattress topper a tie-dyed appearance, helps prevent your body heat from building up in the memory foam. It's a welcome innovation, considering that "sleeping hot" is the number one complaint about memory foam bed products in general.

This isn't the densest memory foam on the market, but it's not super-soft, either. It's just right. It hits the sweet spot of just enough support to keep your spine, body, and pressure points comfortable, without too much of the "sinking in" feeling that can be a problem with overly soft memory foam.

The topper is made in the US, and has CertiPUR-US certification, meaning it doesn't contain harmful chemicals such as ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde, lead, or phthalates.

Pros: Great price, excellent support, not too hot, an extensive range of sizes

Cons: None to speak of, although a few buyers complained the topper was too soft

The best featherbed mattress topper

You'll feel like you're sleeping in the clouds with the dreamy-soft Super Snooze Baffled Featherbed Set.

The Super Snooze Baffled Featherbed Set is a lofty five inches thick and has baffles to help keep the feathers in place with no clumping or shifting. It's a thickly stuffed, heavy featherbed, so you'll sink in a bit more than you would with a lighter topper. The 100 percent cotton, 230-thread count shell is tightly woven, so a stray feather quill won't poke you, and the featherbed comes with an additional cover to protect it from body oils, moisture, and allergens.

Despite the name, a featherbed is not a bed. It's a mattress topper stuffed with feathers from ducks or geese. The downy filling gives the featherbed a billowy, cloud-like feel, but also means that you aren't going to get the firm support or cushioning for sore joints that memory foam provides.

Most people who love featherbeds simply enjoy the supreme softness, which can provide welcome relief from a mattress that is too firm. A featherbed is also a great choice for people who tend to sleep hot, as the topper is comfortably warm in the winter, yet remains cool in the summer. Keep in mind, however, that if you have feather allergies, this isn't the topper for you.

We did come across a few customer reviews complaining of the need to fluff the featherbed daily — or at least a few times per week — to keep the loft. This is a common issue with all featherbeds, however, not just this one. Some customers also mentioned the sound of feathers shifting inside the topper, and others felt the topper wasn't as thick or supportive as they had hoped for.  

Pros: Reasonable price, thickly stuffed with feathers, well baffled

Cons: Must be fluffed frequently, you'll need extra-deep sheets to fit over the featherbed

The best wool mattress topper

No more lying awake counting sheep when you're cozied up on this soft and comfortable Lambswool Mattress Pad.

Fleece mattress pads are not the easiest type to find, but for those who sleep hot, they are worth the search. Natural fleece is surprisingly cool to sleep on, as it has excellent breathability and doesn't hang onto your body heat the way memory foam or similar materials do. It's cozy, plush, and soft as well. But if lots of support is a must, this isn't the right type of mattress topper for you. While a wool topper offers more support than a featherbed, it's less supportive than memory foam.  

Overstock's Lambswool Mattress Pad is a very thick, soft, and high-quality mattress topper, with an inch-thick layer of oh-so-cozy wool atop a polyester backing. A poly/cotton skirt wraps securely around the sides of your mattress to keep the pad in place. The wool is thick enough to cradle you comfortably, but you won't experience the "sinking in" sensation you'd feel with foam or feathers. Instead, you'll have just enough light support for a good night's sleep, and a welcome addition of comfort to a mattress that's past its best days. The wool is safe for machine washing, as an additional bonus.

I owned and enjoyed this mattress pad for several years before finally switching to memory foam due to arthritic pain. The lambswool topper was indeed much cooler than traditional memory foam, and it added a very nice layer of comfort to my bed. On the downside, the wool flattened out under my body weight, and required a quick finger-fluff to restore the loft each time I changed the sheets.

Sleep Like the Dead rates this mattress topper highly, with 91 percent of buyers pleased with their purchase. 

Pros: Not as hot as other types of mattress topper, cozy, durable, is easy to cover with a fitted sheet

Cons: Requires periodic fluffing, slight wool odor initially, expensive

The best luxury mattress topper

The Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Mattress Topper Set doubles up the support and the softness with its two-for-one mattress topper set.

What if you could get a two-inch, gel-infused memory foam topper to provide heavenly support for your spine, joints, and upper body; plus a two-inch fiberfill topper for dreamy, soft comfort with just one click of a button? Well, now you can, because that's just what Sleep Innovations offers with its Dual Layer Mattress Topper Set.

First, you'll lay the gel-infused memory foam topper atop your mattress. The gel helps keep the memory foam from holding onto body heat, so you'll sleep cool and comfortable. As with all memory foam, the topper will mold slightly around your body's contours, giving you excellent support with a slight "sinking in" sensation.

Next, you cover the memory foam topper with a separate thick, fluffy fiberfill topper, which provides a cloud-like softness and a bit more support. The fiberfill topper's skirt wraps around the memory foam topper and tucks under the edges of your mattress, so no need to worry about the two toppers shifting or sliding during the night.

Of course, as with all products, there are a few naysayers. Some buyer reviews complain that the set is softer than they would like, or that it sleeps hot. 

While the Sleep Innovations Dual Layer Mattress Topper Set is a bit of a splurge, it's actually rather reasonable considering that you get two quality toppers for not much more than you would pay for one. Plus, isn't it worth it to enjoy a truly great night of sleep?

Pros: Two comfortable and supportive toppers, gel-infused memory foam stays reasonably cool

Cons: Expensive, may be softer than you'd like

Check out our other bedding guides

The best pillows

A good pillow means a good night's sleep. We reviewed dozens of pillows to narrow down the choices to the ones you'll love best. Here are our top picks:

• Best budget pillow: Le'vista Hotel Collection Pillow
• Best down pillow: Royal Hotel Goose Down Pillow
• Best buckwheat hull pillow: Zen Chi Buckwheat Hull Pillow
• Best memory foam pillow: Sleep Innovations Cool Contour Memory Foam Pillow
• Best bolster pillow: Half-Moon Bolster Pillow
• Best gel pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
• Best body pillow: Snuggle-Pedic Ultra-Luxury Full Body Pillow

The best duvet covers you can buy

Your cozy down-filled duvet needs a stylish cover to keep it clean and add some spice to your bedroom's décor. Here are our favorites:

• Best duvet cover overall: Brooklinen Classic Duvet Cover
• Best affordable duvet cover: HC Collection Duvet Cover Set
• Best zip-up duvet cover: Crane & Canopy's Nova Duvet Cover
• Best high-quality duvet cover: Casper Cool Supima
• Best kids duvet cover: Animal-print Reversible Duvet Cover set from Where the Polka Dots Roam

The best bed frames you can buy

Your bed is not only the highlight of your bedroom, it's the only furniture you spend 33% of your life on. Here are our top picks for the best bed frame: 

• Best overall: Zinus Upholstered Square Stitched Platform Bed Frame 
• Best for storage: Zinus 14 Inch SmartBase Platform Bed Frame
• Best faux leather frame: DHP Dakota Faux Leather Platform Bed
• Best canopy frame: DHP Rosedale Metal Canopy Bed Frame
• Best metal and wood frame: Zinus Sonoma Metal & Wood Platform Bed
• Best high-tech frame: Reverie 9T Adjustable Bed Base
• Best simple frame: Casper foundation and frame

• I asked a team of product journalists and reviewers to name the products and services they believe to be the most innovative and impactful of this decade. 
• For this list, we considered the personal and societal impact of a product or service, along with how innovative it was or continues to be.
• During the 2010s, we saw fitness in a new light thanks to ClassPass, invested in the rituals of skin-care and beauty with Soko Glam and Fenty Beauty, enjoyed the convenience of food delivered by Doordash and entertainment on Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite, and more. 

How do you define a decade? For a team of commerce reporters and editors, it's of course through retail products and services. 

After we rounded up the best products we tried in 2019, I asked my teammates to take an even bigger step back and think about the most important retail products of the decade. The products they chose span a range of industries and reflect the following: 

• Personal and societal impact (how did it change their life and/or the behavior of society as a whole?) 
• Product innovation ("newness," creativity) 
• A launch date between 2010 and 2019

During the 2010s, we saw fitness in a new light, invested in the rituals of skin-care and beauty, enjoyed food and entertainment more conveniently than ever, and more, all thanks to these 11 game-changing products.

With this being the era of direct-to-consumer startups, there is unsurprisingly high representation from newer brands such as Casper and Rent the Runway. However, longtime retail leaders like Amazon and Apple prove that they can still lead the pack in innovation and relevance with their new products. 

Our picks for the 11 most decade-defining products and services: 

Tile trackers (2012)

Tile Pro (2-Pack), available at Amazon, $50

When I was younger, I always wished there was some sort of tracking device I could put on my important items like my Nintendo DS or any jacket that I brought to school because I was always losing or misplacing things. I have yet to outgrow my talent for losing things, and to this day I am always forgetting where I put my keys or wallet.

I attach these Tile trackers to every important item that accompanies me on a daily basis. I love that the small tracking devices are easy to detach in case I want to slip them into any items I might have to leave unattended at events such as bags and coats.

Not only have I been able to track down items using the Tile app on my phone, but I've also been able to track down my phone after it was stolen when I was in Europe through my Tile account, which was somehow more accurate than the Find my Phone function on iCloud. Eight-year-old me would have been very grateful that these little tracking devices were finally invented. —Ciannah Gin, editorial fellow 

Kindle Paperwhite (2012)

Kindle Paperwhite, available at Amazon, $100

If I had to define my childhood by a single ritual, it'd be visiting my local library. My brother and I would wind the aisles of books, load up our tote bags with dozens of paperbacks, devour them anywhere we could, and then return a few weeks later to repeat the process. 

Since then, the means of diving into worlds both fictional and real has modernized: In 2007, Amazon introduced the Kindle e-reader to make reading more convenient, not to mention connect itself to its origins as an online bookstore. The first Kindle retailed for $399 but it's now only $90, and Kindle has expanded from a single device to a family of lightweight and high-performance e-readers. 

The Paperwhite was introduced in 2012 and is the most popular Kindle device in the series, featuring a 300 dpi, glare-free display that never strains your eyes, built-in adjustable light, large storage capacity, and long battery life, all for a reasonable price.

I felt like I was betraying my roots when I got my first Kindle Paperwhite, but I haven't looked back since. To my delight, I can still borrow books from the library, but I no longer have to weigh my bag down to do it. Though traditionalists may lament the physical detachment from the look, smell, and feel of a "real" book, Kindle devices ultimately serve to increase your book consumption, which I believe is and will continue to be a worthwhile trade-off. —Connie Chen, senior reporter 

ClassPass studio fitness classes (2013)

Start a 7-day trial with ClassPass

I wouldn't call myself a particularly fit person, but ClassPass has changed my outlook on fitness through the sheer variety of classes it offers, especially in New York.

At the start of the decade, workout classes were seldom seen outside of local gyms and community centers. Since then, boutique fitness classes like spinning, barre, and HIIT have become both increasingly popular and more costly. ClassPass flipped this industry on its head through its business model: One monthly fee affords members a certain number of credits that can be used toward a variety of workout classes in a variety of gyms, eliminating the need to commit to just one type or place. 

ClassPass credits can be used toward anything from boxing to barre at a tiered monthly fee, and almost all of the pricing options are cheaper than the average monthly gym membership. For the first time in my life, I look forward to working out, and I feel empowered when I leave a class (my favorites offered by ClassPass are Rumble and Y7). Most importantly, ClassPass has allowed me to build a stress reliever into my life. —Emily Hein, content production fellow   

Doordash food delivery (2013)

Order food from restaurants in your area with DoorDash

I can't remember a world before the advent of food delivery services — and I don't want to. Personally, I find services like DoorDash (along with Seamless, Grubhub, and more that were founded even earlier) come in handy all the time. When I have a sudden hankering for a slice of pizza, when I come back home to an empty fridge after a trip, if I have dinner plans but we collectively decide we'd rather eat on the couch than at a restaurant —  these are just a handful of such scenarios.

Food delivery services offer mass appeal because they're convenient and easy to use, but they also are fundamentally changing the way we eat. In the past, I think meals at restaurants were seen as more of a luxury, but the ability to order them and eat them in your home kind of changes that perspective. I'm interested to see how this sector continues to evolve. —Remi Rosmarin, reporter 

Bombas socks (2013)

Quarter Socks, available at Bombas, from $14

Bombas has, in my humble opinion, fundamentally changed the way we think about socks.

Once an item of clothing we happily purchased in bulk at Target, socks are now a thing we willingly invest in. But that shift didn't come because Marie Kondo told us all to only keep things in our lives that "spark joy," it came because someone made a better version of socks that people were excited to wear. 

Bombas makes what I believe to be the best socks in the world. They're designed to account for every annoyance of traditional socks — the uncomfortable toe seams, the slipping heels, the heel fabric wearing through — Bombas socks aren't plagued by any of those ills. Instead, they're exceptionally comfortable and supportive; foundational, if you will. I am happy to pay $14 for a pair of socks that I know I'll never have to think about once they're on. Ten years ago, you couldn't have convinced me there was any pair in the world worth that cost.

It's also worth mentioning that Bombas gives a pair to someone in need for every pair sold. In fact, the goal of providing socks for people experiencing homelessness is the whole reason the company started. It wasn't the first to invent this business model, but that doesn't make its mission any less powerful. —Sally Kaplan, editor 

DJI drones (2013)

DJI Mavic 2 Pro Quadcopter with Remote Controller, available at Best Buy, $1,380

DJI took drone photography from non-existent to a viable and fun choice for anyone. It completely changed how consumers and creatives are able to show off their vision of the world. Previously, unless you happened to have an extra helicopter lying around, you weren't shooting anything from the air.

Within a short few years of consumer drones being introduced, they went from huge and inconvenient enthusiast equipment to something small enough that you could toss in a backpack. Now, the image quality that perfectly captures whatever you want to see, and the devices are smart enough that you can set them to follow you automatically while you bike down a mountain. —Adam Burakowski, director of commerce 

Casper mattresses (2014)

The Casper Mattress (Queen), available at Casper and Amazon, $995

The explosion of the bed-in-a-box industry has been one of the greatest retail shakeups of the decade. Beds in a box are faster and more convenient than traditional showrooms, and incentives like free shipping and returns, 100-night sleep trials, and 10-year warranties make it easier for first-timers to justify.

From Tuft & Needle in 2012 to the slew of brands that launched in 2014 (Casper, Leesa, Bear, etc), we've seen the booming success of the industry, which shows so signs of slowing. But no company better represents this upward trend than Casper, with its $1.1 billion valuation in March 2019 and a reported $80 million annual marketing budget. Before 2014, no one had heard of it — now, it's almost impossible to ride the subway or listen to a podcast without interacting with an ad. —Mara Leighton, reporter 

The 10-step K-beauty routine (2015)

10-Step Korean Skincare Routine Set, available at Soko Glam, $199

The idea of skin-care as self-care has really taken hold in recent years. Alongside sheet masks, we also saw a popularization of the 10-step Korean skin-care routine thanks in part to the globalization of Korean beauty (Korea's exports of cosmetics in 2016 surged more than 40% on-year and beauty exports actually surpassed their imports).

The 10-step routine satisfies a craving for certainty and control; there's security in a deeply scientific and cult-friendly regime, and in having an ampoule or serum for virtually every skin problem. There's also certainty in a regime created specifically for you, by the experts. And it taps into the 2010s' preoccupation with self-improvement by conceptualizing skin-care as a personal investment. I tried a 10-step routine myself, and it felt so good to feel like I had all the answers to at least one big, important test. Plus, my skin looked better. —Mara Leighton, reporter 

Rent the Runway Unlimited (2016)

Unlimited Plan, available at Rent the Runway, $79 for your first 2 months, then $159/month

I remember renting a nice Prabal Gurung dress from Rent the Runway around 2011 back when it was still an occasion-based rental service and having such difficulty with it because sizes were always out or iffy and delivery was a gamble. The service has changed so much since then, and definitely for the better.

The Unlimited plan allows users to rent four items at a time, and those items can be swapped out at any time. That means you can keep one item, like a coat, for as many months as you want, while you rotate the other items at any time.

I have so many friends and co-workers who joke that the RTR Unlimited plan is their second closet. The service allows people to experiment with new styles they'd never otherwise buy, and for many, cuts down on clothing waste and unnecessary spending. I haven't bought much other than basics, loungewear, and shoes since I started using RTR Unlimited eight months ago, and most of my coworkers who use the service feel that this is its greatest perk. —Jada Wong, editor 

Fenty Beauty makeup (2017)

Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter, available at Fenty Beauty, $36

Over the past two years, we've witnessed Rihanna democratize the beauty industry with her now cult-status makeup brand, Fenty Beauty. It offers one of the widest ranges of shades for different skin tones, and features innovative and cleverly designed products and trailblazing campaigns that have impacted the ways in which we purchase, discuss, market, and consume makeup. 

Since the brand's inception, we've seen companies shift their advertising and, more notably, expand product offerings to compete with the level of inclusion that Fenty offered from the start. Fenty set the bar high and changed consumers' expectations of what a beauty brand can be and do. —Dominique McIntee, editorial fellow 

The iPhone 11 (2019)

iPhone 11, available at Apple and Best Buy, from $699

As much as I hate placing myself at the mercy of a megalithic tech corporation and catching myself mindlessly screen-gazing as a result, Apple won me (and the world at large) over with the iPhone this decade.

Today, we can use these little bricks to keep tabs on our health, stream and download from almost endless music catalogs, stay in contact with far-flung friends via any number of social platforms, navigate by both land and sea using GPS, take and store hundreds of gigabytes worth of photos, audio, and video, and yes, still send a text and make a phone call. Ten years ago, that all would have cost thousands of dollars and a heaping pile of electronics.

Sure, the iPhone's not the only smartphone, but it was one of the first, and I maintain that it's still one of the best, if only based on usability and streamlining of connectivity. It wasn't, and still isn't dauntingly technical to operate, like a lot of early smartphones were (and plenty of current ones still are). It's not just for an exclusive cadre of tech whizzes, but the ubiquitous, all-inclusive people's phone, which everyone from your grandmother to your three-year-old nephew can — and probably do — navigate. That alone is no small wonder. — Owen Burke, senior reporter

• Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves, so if it's cold where you live, work, or play, slip a pair on and keep the chill out.

• The Marmot Expedition Mittens are our top pick because these high-performance mittens were designed to meet the needs of mountaineers at high altitudes in the depths of winter, so they'll serve you just as well as you ski, sled, or shovel off the driveway.
  

As the winter chill sets in, don't hide out indoors and wait for the warmer weather. Get yourself some great cold-weather gear and get outside for some exercise and enjoyment. With a good hat, parka, snow pants, and boots, you'll be almost set to face the freeze.

Now you just have to worry about those hands of yours. While gloves are great, if you want the warmest hands possible during the coldest depths of winter, you'll need to get yourself a pair of mittens.

Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves by allowing your fingers to share their warmth, creating an insulated, cozy pocket for each hand. With a well-made pair of mittens, you can handle many cold-weather activities just as well as with gloves. You can wear mittens while skiing or snowboarding, shoveling snow, or even swiping through windows on your phone thanks to the touchscreen compatible materials used on many pairs.

Yes, you will lose a measure of dexterity when choosing mittens versus gloves. But you won't risk losing a finger to frostbite, or simply suffering from frigid digits, to be a bit less dramatic. We've lined up some of the best mittens on the market.

Here are the best mittens you can buy:

• Best mittens for babies: Stonz Infant/Baby Mittz
• Best mittens for kids: N'Ice Caps Kids Thinsulate Waterproof Reflector Mittens
• Best mittens for parents: 7 A.M. Enfant Polar Warmmuffs Stroller Hand Muffs

The best mittens overall

TheMarmot Expedition Mittens feature plentiful Primaloft synthetic insulation, keeping your hands warm even in temperatures well below zero.

The water-repelling patented Marmot MemBrain nylon exterior of the Marmot Expedition Mittens keeps your hand dry even as you romp about in the snow or rain, while the DriClime moisture-wicking liner helps draw away sweat from the inside. A long sleeve, wrist strap, and gauntlet drawcord help keep the cold and the precipitation out of the mittens.

But it's the insulation that truly sets these mittens apart. The mitts are filled with layers of Primaloft One insulation, a synthetic fill that provides unmatched heat retention yet weighs almost nothing.

Last year, I visited Primaloft's headquarters and got to test out the insulation in their main lab. At one point, an employee had me and several other writers line up, hold our hands out palm up, and close our eyes. He then laid a square of Primaloft in one of each of our hands, only telling us the stuff was there after a pause. Not one of us had felt it placed on our palms. But after another moment, he asked if either hand was starting to feel warmer. Every one of us raised the palm with the all-but-weightless square of insulation resting atop it.

In other words, this stuff is good. Which helps explain the price tag of the Expedition Mittens.

A writer from GearJunkie called the Marmot Expedition Mittens "wonderfully warm," though he noted that "the abundant insulation creates a mitt that lacks dexterity."

Pros: Fabulously warm, reliably waterproof, sweat-wicking liner

Cons: Rather expensive, limit dexterity

The best mittens for women

TheColumbia Whirlibird Mittens are sized perfectly for a woman's hand and were made for the woman who is headed far out into the backwoods in the depths of a cold winter.

Sometimes, it's the little things. Like the fact that the Columbia Women's Whirlibird Mittens has a shock cord on the hem that you can easily tighten with one hand. Or the nose wipe stitched onto the back of the thumb. Or the excellent grip of the synthetic leather palm. Or the Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining that radiates your body's heat right back at your skin.

Taken together, they're the makings of an excellent women's mitten — and one suitable for shoveling snow, trudging across town, or trekking up a high alpine peak. The mittens feature a three-point pre-curved articulated shape that allows for more comfort and better dexterity as you grip a ski pole, snow shovel, or ice axe.

Of course, the exterior of the Whirlibird Mitten is waterproof yet breathable, as you'd expect of any fine winter gear. Just consider sizing up, as many users did report them a bit narrow and snug.

Pros: Thermal reflective lining, articulated design, nose wipe on thumb

Cons: Sizing runs small

The best mittens for men

With a pair ofREI Co-Op Gauntlet GTX Mittens on, you will be ready for wind, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. 

The REI Co-OP Gauntlet GTX Mittens are ideal for heading out into the cold for an extended period of time. The Gore-Tex shell is completely waterproof and blocks the chill of the wind, yet still lets excess heat and built-up moisture out and away from your hands.

A synthetic leather palm resists abrasion and provides an excellent grip, ideal for holding trekking poles, an axe, a shovel, and so on. The touchscreen compatible thumb allows for use of more sensitive hardware, too.

The Gauntlet GTX Mittens have a long cuff with wrist straps and a drawcord hem, so keeping out the snow and the chill is easy, while a fleece lining and plenty of synthetic insulation keep your hands good and warm. And they're environmentally friendly, meeting the Bluesign criteria for sustainable production.

REI customers have given these mittens a four-star overall rating. One gentleman calls them "warm and very easy to keep on," while another loved that they were warm but "not too bulky." Many noted an acute lack of dexterity while wearing them, however.

Pros: Reliable wind- and waterproofing, touchscreen compatible, sustainably produced

Cons: Limit dexterity

The best mittens for babies

TheStonz Infant/Baby Mittz have two drawcords, one at the hem and one at the wrist, so you can keep warmth in and snow and cold air out, protecting those little fingers.

In case you didn't know this, you have to keep babies warm. And given the surface-to-mass ratio of their little bodies, it's not nearly as easy to do that as it is with an adult. Also, adults can say, "Hey, I'm cold. I think I'll do something about it." But don't keep your little one cooped up indoors all winter. Not when a pair of Stonz Mittz can keep those little paws nice and warm.

The Mittz feature a 150g fill of 3M Thinsulate insulation, providing plenty of warmth, while the 600D nylon exterior shell blocks the windchill and repels water. The mittens don't have a thumb, which is a bonus. The lack of the thumb compartment means even more warmth kept inside the main compartment, and also anyone who has ever tried to get a baby's individual fingers slipped into a glove will tell you it's just the worst thing ever.

Note that Stonz also makes mittens for bigger kids, as well as snow booties and boots for youngsters of varied size, too. This brand is all about beating the winter chill, basically.

A writer from TheKidProject called Stonz Mittz "the best kid mitten [she had] found," saying they were "durable, warm, and cute," too.

Pros: Dual drawcord design, 100% waterproof exterior, no thumb means more warmth and easier on and off

Cons: Pricey for something so soon outgrown

The best mittens for kids

Kids will love theN'Ice Caps Kids Thinsulate Waterproof Reflector Mittens because they'll keep their hands warm, and parents will love them because they're low priced.

It's important that your kid's hands are warm enough for them to safely enjoy playing outside during the winter, but it's a drag how much we parents have to spend on clothing our children will quickly outgrow, and often in a single season. That makes these affordable mittens from N'Ice Caps even more attractive, though of course the primary reason to consider them is quality.

A 3M Thinsulate insulation keeps plenty of warmth in, while a waterproof membrane on the exterior keeps water out. The N'Ice Caps Kids Thinsulate Waterproof Reflector Mittens have a large knit cuff that helps prevent cold air and snow from getting into the mitten and that slides into the sleeve of a coat to help create a warm seal. A broad reflective band on the back of the mitt keeps your kid safer when they're out after dark.

Several parents did report the sizing running a bit too big, however, so consider going a size down for a snug fit.

Pros: Great low price, reflector strip on back, available in many colors

Cons: Sizes run large

The best mittens for parents pushing strollers

The7 A.M. Enfant Polar Warmmuffs Stroller Hand Muffs can be affixed to your stroller's handle, allowing you to stay warm as you push the kids along.

Parenthood requires a lot of fast reactions, from stopping a spill to breaking a fall to covering a sneeze and so forth. But when you're wearing mittens, your hands aren't exactly ready to do anything that requires fast and dexterous action. That doesn't mean you're simply fated to cold fingers whenever you're out and about with your little one.

With the 7 A.M. Enfant Polar Warmmuffs Stroller Hand Muffs, you can enjoy the warmth of mittens as you push your stroller down the street, yet you can have uncovered hands the split second you need them, leaving the Warmmuffs attached to the stroller handle.

It's easy to whip your hand out of these unique mittens whenever needed, and equally easy to slip them back in. The Warmmuffs are easily attached to the stroller handle with velcro. And of course, they can also be worn to provide warmth when you're not pushing a stroller by cinching the front of the mitts closed more tightly, though the lack of a thumb means even less dexterity than with traditional mittens.

The 7 A.M. Enfant Polar Warmmuffs Stroller Hand Muffs are rated for use in temperatures down to -4º Fahrenheit, so even if you live in truly frigid climes, they'll keep your hands warm and at the ready as you and the kid roll down the street.

Pros: Keep hands at the ready, rated for sub-zero temps, machine washable

Cons: No thumb

Check out more of the best winter gear on Insider Picks

The best men's parkas

A parka is a wintertime essential for much of humankind. Without one, layering enough to stay warm can be a nuisance. Here are the best men's parkas you can buy.

The best winter coats for women

A good winter coat should keep you warm in cold weather without weighing you down.
Bonus points if it looks good, too. Here are the best women's winter coats you can buy.

The best beanies

The word "beanie" is a catch-all that encompasses a ton of different styles, from slouchy cuts to ultra-fitted ones with a variety of embellishments and fabric variations. The sheer number of options is overwhelming, so we did the work of narrowing it down. Here are the best beanies you can buy.

The best places to buy scarves online

Your choice of scarf can make or break your comfort level in the wintertime. Opt for one that's wooly and warm and you'll be toasty. Choose a too-thin fabric and you, well, won't. Scarves are also a great opportunity to infuse a bit of personality into your winter wardrobe. And when you get bored with your outerwear, you can always pick a new scarf to mix things up. Here are the best places to buy scarves online.

The best thermal gloves

A good pair of thermal gloves can make all the difference on a cold winter day. We did the research to find the best thermal gloves you can buy to keep your hands nice and toasty for the rest of this winter and for many more winters to come. Here are our picks for the best thermal gloves.

• Designed for climbing, technical apparel brand Foehn's Robson Down Hoody ($260) is a warm but lightweight top layer for heading into (and sleeping in) the cold.
• Made using Allied's Responsible Down Standard-certified down and two-way-stretch, matte-finished nylon, it's a versatile hoody for the hiking, climbing, camping, or just running errands.
• We wore it glamping this fall to try it out, and here are our thoughts.

There's no shortage of down jackets or cotton hoodies on the market, but a down hoody? That's pretty much unheard of, and something I never considered or imagined might serve me so well.

Then I heard about Foehn, a technical apparel brand started by a husband and wife duo who are dedicated to making high-quality performance clothing geared toward climbing. The brand's Robson Down Hoody came to my attention. I'm no climber, but I had been on the search for the perfect down jacket when I encountered this down hoody.

Weeks after receiving the Robson Down Hoody, I found myself heading out on a camping trip, when temperatures would be dipping into the high 30s. I had a sleeping bag fit for the job, but I thought, something like this, as opposed to a cotton hoody or a thick wool sweater, would probably be a lot more comfortable. And a heck of a lot warmer.

Of course, it's also a refreshingly simple piece for hiking and tinkering around the yard or running errands. It is, after all, an exceptionally stylish piece that would fare just as well in the street. There are no flashy sporty features like you'll see on most down jackets. You might even pull off wearing it in the office.

Specs and tech

There's not much in the way of detail on Foehn's Robson Down Hoody. Its beauty is in the quality and simplicity of its design. Loaded with 800-fill down, the two-way-stretch nylon is treated with a DWR matte finish and almost velvety to the touch. Apart from the side-entry zipper, two side zipper pockets and drawstrings at the hood and the waist make up the technical aspects of this pared-down piece of performancewear.

Again, while I found it to be a superior piece of loungewear, at least during cooler months, this is a performance piece at heart. If you do venture outdoors and find yourself wearing this hoody while climbing, hiking, or any engaging in any sort of strenuous activity, the laser-cut armpit vents will help cool you down and keep perspiration at bay.

And the last specification worth noting is that the 800-fill down, which is sourced from Allied Down & Feather, is about as traceable as it gets: 100% of the brand's down is certified by the Responsible Down Standard.

Notes from camp

The down puffer hasn't exactly been reimagined much. I'm sure this isn't the first down hoody to make its appearance on the market, but there's something about the particular fabric, the down quality and fill, that makes this an exceptionally comfortable piece of outerwear (or layering). It's airy but warm, and pillowy soft but not sticky in the way that some nylon is to the touch, especially when wet.

Okay, so I wasn't really in a tent, but a cabin with no heat. And it was plenty cold. Turning in for the night, the Robson Down Hoody felt like a mere extension of my sleeping bag, not some lumpy, coarse (in comparison) wool or cheap cotton that would more often than not end up in a lumpy, bunched-up mess. And even though I have a mummy sleeping bag, I find that more often than not, I wake up shivering with the hood off, my face on the cold hard ground.  Having the second, even more plush hood to sleep in was welcome reinforcement.

But what might be best about the hoody, apart from the warmth and comfort, is through both in sleeping and hiking, it didn't get sticky or grippy the way a lot of nylon sometimes does when you start to sweat. The stretchiness also helped a lot in that respect. Whether you're negotiating the North American Wall of El Capitan or the pages of a novel from the cushions of your couch, this is a feature not to go overlooked, and is a feat in its own right, to boot.

Bottom line

If you're a climber, the Robson Down Hoody is probably a great piece for you. It's lightweight, not liable to snag on anything, and the DWR finish on the nylon, usually used as a slight waterproofing treatment, also helps keep it from tearing.

While I'm no climber, I wholeheartedly enjoyed it as loungewear during the cooler months, or hanging around the campfire, just the same. I'd also wear it in moderate weather, be it to run errands or hike a trail. It's sort of like wearing a really high-end sleeping bag which I could never afford, and there are more than a few articles of clothing in my closet that it could soon be replacing.

Pros: Lightweight, high-quality, RDS-certified down; DWR-treated for light water and tear resistance

Cons: Pricier than your average hoody (but right in line with the cost of RDS-certified down)

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: I tried cooking an entire Thanksgiving dinner using Google Home Hub and found there are 2 major flaws with it

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

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

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

• Gifts under $25
• Gifts under $50
• Gifts under $100
• Stocking stuffers
• Gifts for her
• Gifts for him
• Tech gifts
• Unique gifts
• Home and kitchen gifts
• Food and drink gifts
• Gifts for hobbies and interests
• Gifts from your favorite stores
• Limited-edition gifts

If you're concerned about things like shipping deadlines, in-store pick-up, and how to pay for gifts, here are some helpful resources: 

• Amazon's holiday shipping deadlines that guarantee gifts will arrive in time for Christmas
• 15 online stores with free in-store pickup to save time and shipping fees
• Affirm lets you pay off large online purchases over time — here are 35 stores across home, fashion, and travel that accept it
• If you've ordered a Christmas present that won't arrive on time, this clever hack ensures they'll still have a gift to open

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

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

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

• 28 affordable tech gifts under $25

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

• 46 cool stocking stuffers on Amazon for under $20

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

• 28 unique stocking stuffer ideas — all under $10

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

• 25 beauty gifts under $25

Grab these beauty stocking stuffers from brands like Charlotte Tilbury, Guerlain, and Givenchy. 

• 50 gifts under $50 for everyone on your list

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

• 31 clever gifts from Amazon — all under $50

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

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

• 22 work-appropriate gifts for your boss — all under $50

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

• 55 hilarious White Elephant gifts under $50

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

• 51 gifts for her, all under $50

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

• 54 clever and practical gifts for Dad — all under $50

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

• 76 gift ideas for everyone on your list, all under $100

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

• 40 thoughtful and fun tech gifts under $100

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

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

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

• 30 thoughtful gifts for teachers to thank them for a great year

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

• 50 thoughtful gifts for mom under $50

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

• 82 cool and unique gifts for her

From classic cashmere sweaters to monthly wine subscriptions, you'll be able to find something no matter your budget.

• 51 gifts for her, all under $50

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

• 25 tech gifts for women that she'll love to get this holiday season

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

• 24 great gifts for your grandma

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

• 39 thoughtful gifts to give your girlfriend

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

• 50 thoughtful gifts to give your wife

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

• 23 beauty gifts from Nordstrom

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

• 82 unique gifts for him — at every budget

Find the perfect gift for the man in your life — boyfriend, husband, fiancé, or otherwise. 

• 65 cool gifts for him that you can buy on Amazon

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

• 50 gifts your dad actually wants

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

• 24 gifts your husband will appreciate

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

• 37 tech gifts that men will love

Cars, audio, fitness, games — the tech gift options are limitless, but we narrowed down the lot to the best 37. 

• 54 clever and practical gifts for dad under $50

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

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

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

• 21 gifts for the dad that loves to travel

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

• 18 gifts every Disney dad will love

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

• 25 skin-care gifts they'll use every day

If taking care of his skin is something he prioritizes, treat him to any of these gift ideas — and pay no mind to gendered marketing; skin-care is for everyone.

• 20 luxury gifts for dad this holiday season

Splurge on your dad with gifts like espresso machines, guitars, and limited-edition spirits.

• 25 hidden gems on Amazon

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

• 32 kitchen gifts from Williams Sonoma

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

• 21 unique kitchen gifts from Sur la Table

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

• 32 unique kitchen gifts from Food52's online shop

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

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

• 32 thoughtful gifts on Amazon that are Prime eligible

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

• 23 gift sets and limited-edition beauty gifts at Nordstrom

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

• YouTube star MrBeast launched a campaign in October to raise money to plant 20 million trees in honor of reaching 20 million subscribers on the video-sharing platform.
• The #TeamTrees campaign surpassed its goal in under two months, and raised $20 million (at a dollar a tree) with support from the Arbor Day Foundation and more than 600 influencers.
• Here are some of the biggest names in tech and YouTube who have donated to the cause, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, PewDiePie, and Jeffree Star.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

The organizing power of YouTube creators is on full display thanks to one YouTuber's effort to plant 20 million trees by the end of the year.

YouTuber MrBeast launched the #TeamTrees campaign in October after fans bombarded him with memes suggesting he commemorate reaching 20 million YouTube subscribers by planting 20 million trees. At $1 a tree, the cause's goal was ultimately to raise $20 million by January 1, 2020 to plant trees in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's reforestation program.

However, it took the campaign less time than anticipated to complete its goal. The organizers behind #TeamTrees announced Thursday that the cause had already achieved its goal for the end of the year, raising money to plant 20 million trees in less than two months.

The initial debut of the #TeamTrees campaign gathered the support of more than 600 influencers, who flooded social media and YouTube with videos and posts to raise awareness about the tree-planting effort. It seems that the mass-bombardment has been successful however: #TeamTrees has drawn donations upwards of tens of thousands of dollars from some of the most popular YouTube stars, and more than $1 million from two tech CEOs as well.

Here are all the big names in tech and YouTube that donated to the #TeamTrees campaign:

SEE ALSO: The incredible story of YouTube's early days and how it rose to become the world's most popular place to watch video

MrBeast is known on YouTube for his attention-grabbing stunts and thousands of dollars in donations. To kick off the #TeamTrees campaign, MrBeast (aka Jimmy Donaldson) donated $100,000. A day later, he gave an additional $100,002 to maintain the top-spot on the #TeamTrees' donation leaderboard.

Tweet Embed:
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.@IAmAlanWalker planted 100,001 trees and took @MrBeastYT's spot on top so @MrBeastYT planted an ADDITIONAL 100,002 trees!!!#goodyoutubedrama#teamtreespic.twitter.com/RvQWIrqoRB

NASA engineer-turned-YouTuber Mark Rober was part of the team behind the planning of the #TeamTrees movement, and contributed $50,000 to the cause.

Source: Mark Rober on Twitter

Makeup artist Jeffree Star has been quite busy launching his newest makeup collection with fellow YouTuber Shane Dawson, but he donated $50,000 to the cause.

Tweet Embed:
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This is fucking incredible! I just gave $50,000 to plant 50 thousand trees 💚 Spread the word and help our planet 🙏🏻https://t.co/X9118gn40R

Wildlife educator Coyote Peterson, the face of YouTube channel Brave Wilderness, recorded a video announcing the team's $1,000 donation to #TeamTrees.

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We're supporting #TEAMTREES by planting 1,000 trees! 🌲🌳Head to https://t.co/H5uNNNkG19 to plant 1 tree for $1! @MrBeastYT@YouTubepic.twitter.com/ip3iGm5VDn

YouTuber Alan Becker shared an animation blaming one of his well-known stick figures for making him donate $5,100.

Tweet Embed:
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The actual reason why I donated $5100 #TeamTreeshttps://t.co/qz0mWqHG5qpic.twitter.com/IpthyXrKKY

Odd 1s Out, aka James Rallison, participated earlier this year in a real-life Battle Royale game held by MrBeast. He gave back the earnings he won to the #TeamTrees campaign.

Tweet Embed:
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I found out what I'm gonna do with my YouTuber Royal money :) #TeamTreespic.twitter.com/eE8bStnwxu

Another YouTube animator, Jaiden Animations, donated $20,000 to #TeamTrees.

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Epic pic.twitter.com/gyuuk6yQPd

Gamer-turned-memer PewDiePie got help earlier this year from MrBeast during his attempt to keep his spot as the most-subscribed-to YouTuber, so it makes sense PewDiePie would help with #TeamTrees. In true PewDiePie fashion, his choice of donation amount was comedic — at $69,420 — as was the name he used.

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Boomer here who didnt realize you could leave a message. This is from the 9 year olds #TeamTreespic.twitter.com/y5BDOSAu6b

Read more:PewDiePie's war with T-Series hit the Super Bowl, as YouTuber Mr Beast turned up to the game with 'Sub 2 PewDiePie' shirts

Many of YouTube's popular sect of gamers have also contributed to #TeamTrees. LazarBeam, who has nearly 12 million subscribers, gave $10,000.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1187845340868644864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Wasnt able to get my video out today but doing my part. #teamtrees

Such a fucking awesome group effort. Good on ya @MrBeastYTpic.twitter.com/U3PsSWWb7F

Lachlan, a YouTuber known for his 'Fortnite' videos, donated $15,000.

Tweet Embed:
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Had to do my part for #teamtrees

Love to support something well put together, and for a good cause. Well done @MrBeastYT& @MarkRober!

Highly encourage everyone to help us reach 20 Million trees by donating at https://t.co/UX3IVg8Gok

Remember 1$ = 1 🌲pic.twitter.com/PHO5QadZk7

Professional gamer Ninja, who recently moved his livestreaming over to Mixer, teamed up with his wife Jessica Blevins to contribute $15,000.

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Thank you @Ninja and @JessicaBlevins for the 15,000 trees! #teamtrees#teamninja#OnePridepic.twitter.com/1h0vI4p1av

Arin Hanson — better known as Egoraptor — took time away from his web series "Game Grumps" to donate $12,345.

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I'm always down for something wholesome and good on my timeline!! Go help plant some trees! https://t.co/Clm5Ay3apN@MrBeastYTpic.twitter.com/Y7lup2k965

Members of the British YouTuber gaming squad Sidemen also pledged money to the cause. Vikkstar123 gave $10,000 and encouraged others to "show how powerful we are" by donating.

Tweet Embed:
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Doing my bit to support #teamtrees Head over to https://t.co/qHMIfumvr4& donate if you can.

Let's show how powerful we are if we band together!

Great stuff @MrBeastYT@MarkRoberpic.twitter.com/tNgLQM31ot

Another Sidemen member, Miniminter, contributed $10,010. Notably missing from the list of donations is fellow Sidemen member KSI, who's currently prepping for his upcoming boxing match against Logan Paul.

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https://t.co/myAWBeHQjFpic.twitter.com/Hb2LSjOynH

Some gamers hosted livestreams to encourage fans to watch and raise more money for #TeamTrees. On top of a $20,000 personal contribution, Jacksepticeye streamed to raise an additional $153,000.

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Said I would do a personal donation during my livestream 🌲❤️ #TeamTreespic.twitter.com/kRovMvF5MyTweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1188590403991359489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Thank you so much for the crazy stream! We ended up raising $153,000 for #TeamTrees Still a long way to go but every little helps! You guys are incredible and thanks for spending your Sunday with me ❤️

Roi Fabito, the name behind poplar YouTube channel Guava Juice, dolled out $10,009, after helping MrBeast to plant a tree earlier.

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RT if you breathe oxygen.

I planted a tree the other day and 10,009 more! Join @MrBeastYT, @MarkRober, and thousands of other creators as we save the earth! Donate $1 and a tree will be planted! #TeamTreespic.twitter.com/BCxnfnr45P

Canadian YouTuber AzzyLand didn't publicly announce her donation, but a #TeamTrees contribution bearing her name shows the YouTuber contributing $10,000.

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The list of those donating 10K or more trees is growing. @MrBeastYT holds the top spot at 100,000 trees donated and @MarkRober in 2nd with 50K. #teamtreespic.twitter.com/jKLfY19b2Y

Internet celebrity MD Dr. Mike donated $11,111 to "keep the world Happy & Healthy!"

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More than 4 million already!!! pic.twitter.com/LgCxqU6uEA

YouTube magician Chris Ramsay also donated $11,111.

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Thanks to @MrBeastYT 's initiative and the constant support on my channel, I was able to Help plant 11,111 Trees!! 🌲❤️ ##TeamTrees You can do your part by donating to https://t.co/SM4rPu03DVpic.twitter.com/86ikXZevy7

Cristine Rotenberg is the bonafide face of viral nail art as the person behind YouTube's Simply Nailogical channel. She donated $12,000 to the #TeamTrees campaign.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1188120746075344896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Trees > Gucci 🌲😇
Thanks to all of you who watch my videos for making it possible for me to donate this many trees!
Join or share #teamtrees to help the internet raise $20 million dollars to plant 20 million trees by 2020🌲: https://t.co/mH0x7GoDxIpic.twitter.com/Wpr3C9Mczt

Ethan Klein, one-half of comedy duo h3h3 Productions, announced a $1,000 donation from "your favorite boomer," a nod to how much older he is than the usual YouTuber.

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Your favorite boomer just donated 1000 trees to the blessed #TeamTrees - Thank you @MrBeastYT for making eco-responsibility cool, proud of ya!

I'm also pledging to have Ian plant an additional 1000 trees during his weekends over the next year 🙏

But YouTubers weren't the only group to get in on the donations. The #TeamTrees campaign reached the radar of tech executives too, and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey donated twice for a total of $350,000.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189885306260115458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Jack (CEO of twitter) just casually donated another 200,000 trees lol

Go Donate! - https://t.co/TGq0wXQnDYpic.twitter.com/Fyj877dL3U

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is known for his philanthropy toward environmental efforts, so it's not surprising he gave $900,000 to #TeamTrees.

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//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1192212026497601536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Marc Benioff just planted 900,000 trees and brought us over 14 million!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE SO CLOSE! pic.twitter.com/q0Lb4Sk8XJ

Patreon is a popular platform among creators and YouTubers to crowdfund money for projects and work. Its CEO, Jack Conte, shared a video on Twitter to announce his contribution of $10,000.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189718349992751104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Just planted 10,000 trees with #TeamTrees🌳 Nothing better than seeing the creator community rally together around a kickass cause. We challenge all creators to join in & add some more beauty to the world at https://t.co/nx1qY9hEoY@MrBeastYTpic.twitter.com/QxNig0AHjK

Verizon's division focused on sustainability efforts, called Green Team, donated $100,000 to the environmentally friendly fundraiser.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189925109194211329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
🌳Tree-rific!🌳We are excited to support #TeamTrees with a contribution of 100,000 trees toward the 20 million tree goal. Our contribution represents 3 trees for every #Verizon Green Team member in 50 countries around the world. #WorkGreenLiveGreen@arborday@MrBeastYT@MarkRoberpic.twitter.com/0Ivf5WgVnL

Tesla CEO Elon Musk took the top spot on the donation leaderboard after saying the cause seemed "legit," and donated $1 million. He went further by temporarily changing his Twitter display name to "Treelon" and his profile picture to a forest.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189293699659902976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Ok, sounds legit, will donate 1M trees

Read more: Elon Musk changed his username to 'Treelon' on Twitter after pledging to donate $1 million to a YouTuber's tree-planting cause

But Musk's lead didn't last long. Shortly after, Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke donated just one more tree than Musk to take the top spot "on behalf of 1,000,000 Shopify merchants and my own defunct snowboarding store."

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189572181501440001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Good idea. OK Boomers, on behalf of 1,000,000 Shopify merchants and my own defunct snowboarding store, I'll donate 1,000,001 trees. @MrBeastYT@elonmusk

Shopify's chief technology officer, Jean-Michel Lemieux, followed in his boss' footsteps with a donation of his own, although he capped his contribution at $100,000.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189618786703466496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
OK friends, remember "we are groot" 🌲. @tobi started a great initiative today. I'll donate one tree per RTs + Likes that this tweet gets. Deal?

Small print: max of 100k trees because I haven't told my wife about this yet! @Cybersole@whoasneaky@SyedSole@SudoShoe@Ciphorehttps://t.co/cBoOzWjqX2Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189935317979037696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
You did it team. Carbon offset for all those bots.

Thanks for the nudge and support. Go donate!

👟❤️🌳#TeamTrees@MrBeastYThttps://t.co/SxvYvuoeMHpic.twitter.com/sFaOfgYjTF

YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki has taken notice of the major fundraiser happening on her platform, and showed up to help the #TeamTrees team, both in person and with a $200,000 donation.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189629047229206528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Incredible to see the momentum of #TeamTrees and the power of the @YouTube creator community raising money for @arborday. I'm donating 200k trees to help #TeamTrees reach 20M trees 🌲Thanks to @MarkRober for your leadership! https://t.co/ecIYetjHQ1pic.twitter.com/SNDpdTbxgv

Since then, YouTube has also pledged on Twitter to match up to $1 million of donations that are given through YouTube's fundraising feature. YouTube has yet to say that the $1 million milestone has been reached, and has told Twitter users to "keep giving" and look out for YouTube's contribution.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1189331453777207298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Can confirm it's legit. And we'll match the next million to keep #TeamTrees growing🌲Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1192506188421713920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
it's a matching donation based on giving through YouTube. So keep giving and you'll see us on the leaderboard soon https://t.co/J9em9INyo8

The team behind video game "Plants vs. Zombies" announced in December that it would donate enough money to plant $500,000 trees.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1201622068460236800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Because more trees = less zombies 🌱🧟‍♀️
In the spirit of Feastivus, we're planting 500,000 trees with @teamtreesofficl #🎄🎄🧟‍♀️🎄🎄

Details: https://t.co/oVVrJOk6T7#PvZBfNpic.twitter.com/ByJPi0VZpQ

The #TeamTrees campaign has even made its way into the sports world. Detroit Lions player Tyrell Crosby will sport a pair of #TeamTrees-themed cleats in his upcoming NFL game as part of the league-wide initiative of players wearing personalized cleats to later be auctioned up for charity.

Tweet Embed:
//twitter.com/mims/statuses/1202351746447790081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Can't wait to represent @arborday with my #TeamTrees cleats this week vs. the Vikings! The cleats will be auctioned off with proceeds going towards planting more trees! #MyCleatsMyCause@MarkRoberpic.twitter.com/S56tbRzikX

• You don't have to spend a ton of money to give unique or useful gifts.
• Amazon has plenty of great stocking stuffers for less than $20 that friends or family will love to receive, and most of them also come with convenient two-day shipping.
• Below, find 48 options under $20 that we've handpicked for you from the labyrinth that is Amazon.
• You can find all of our 2019 holiday gift guides here.

Unless you won the lottery or lost a bet, not everyone in your life is expecting a brand new car from you for the holidays.

And for the many instances in which it's better to give a small gift, most of us would love to give something that's both inexpensive and impactful — more than just a token space filler in a stocking. For that, you'll probably have the best luck on Amazon. It's home to a ton of great, affordable products people actually want, and you get the added perks of easy, fast shipping and prices that are nearly always the lowest on the internet. 

The trade-off is that you need to be willing to invest the time, eye strain, and concentration wrinkles necessary for going through 30+ pages of product results. To save you the time, we curated a few of our all-time favorites and other great products from a wide range of interests below.  

If you're looking for something even more budget-friendly, we also have 30+ stocking stuffers you can get for under $10 here. 

The top 5 best gifts for stocking stuffers under $20 on Amazon:

1. A hot sauce made from peppers grown in community gardens
2. A bunch of Korean sheet masks
3. A Tile Mate to help them find lost belongings
4. A colorful, protective cover for their Airpod case
5. A little electric milk frother

Check out all 48 stocking stuffers under $20 below:

A mini, functional waffle maker that takes up minimal countertop space

Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $9.99 on sale (originally $14.99) [You save $5]

This small but mighty waffle maker takes up minimal counter and storage space, is easy to clean, and is perfect for when you're craving just one or two waffles and don't want to make a whole spread. 

A tracker for their valuable possessions

Tile Mate, $18.99

They can attach the Tile Mate to keys, luggage, a backpack, briefcase, or any other valuable possession to ensure they never lose that item again. If they misplace the object with a Tile tracker, they can just check the Tile app to see its location in seconds. 

The world's strongest coffee

Death Wish Ground Coffee, $19.96

Death Wish claims to be the world's strongest coffee, with about double the caffeine of your average cup. They attribute the added kick to a unique blend of Arabica and Robusta beans and a slow roasting process. It's Fair Trade, has no additives, and makes a pretty good cup of coffee. 

A stainless steel bar that removes strong smells from your hands after cooking

Amco Rub-A-Way Stainless Steel Odor Absorber, $7.99

This strange but useful stainless steel bar helps you remove the odor of onions, fish, and garlic from your hands after cooking. 

A protective cover for their AirPods case

PodSkinz AirPods Case Protective Silicone Cover, $7.95

Apple AirPods: They're incredibly convenient, but also incredibly easy to lose and scratch up. A silicone cover is a cheap and attractive way to protect their charging case that protects their beloved earbuds.

A $6 wash and stain bar that can revive even the most hopeless clothes

The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar, $5.38

This $6 bar is one of the first things we ever featured on Insider Picks. With a little bit of water, the mix of vegetable soap, borax, and essential oils removes the dirt and grime from clothes extremely well. VP of Commerce Breton Fischetti called it the "best thing [he'd] done" for his dress shirts. 

A pack of silicone people that lift lids so steam can escape from pots and pans

Lid Sid Pot Saucepan Lid Holder, 2-Pack, $12.95

These heat-resistant silicone lid lifts let steam escape from pots so they never boil over, and they come in funny shapes. There are also options that look like little farm animals.  

A velcro headband for washing their face at night

Spa Facial Headband, $7.89

Get them a cute and simple terry cloth headband that velcros on to keep hair out of their face during their nightly skin-care or morning makeup routine. 

A pair of $10 headphones with over 30,000 5-star reviews

Panasonic ErgoFit In-Ear Headphones, $9.01

These $10 in-ear headphones are sort of like finding diamonds in the rough. They have over 30,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and are one of few cheap tech products with universal praise. The best features include noise isolation, good sound, and staying put.

A cult-favorite clay mask

Aztec Secret Clay Mask, Version 2, $12.95

The Aztec Clay Mask is one of those cult-favorite skin-care products that's been plucked from obscurity and gone straight to the limelight of YouTube testimonials with over 4 million views. You can read a full review here, but suffice it to say the mask is very effective at cleaning the gunk out of pores and clearing up skin.

A small but mighty car mount for devices

TechMatte MagGrip Air Vent Holder, $7.99

The TechMatte car mount is another under-$10 diamond in the rough with over 9,500 reviews on Amazon. Its strong neodymium magnets allow it to be both compact and secure. 

A quirky loose-tea infuser shaped like the Loch Ness Monster

Loch Ness Monster Tea Infusers, Set of 2, $15.95

Make their tea time more fun with these cute loose tea infusers that look like a swimming Loch Ness Monster. 

A little electric milk frother for homemade treats

Handheld Electric Milk Frother, $7.91

This handheld electric milk frother makes it easy for them to treat themselves to something extra special more often. It's easy to use and clean, and does a reliable job with everything from coffee to matcha drinks. 

A five-year journal that tracks their answers to the same questions

One Question a Day: A Five-Year Journal, $15.29

Reusable stainless steel straws

SipWell Extra Long Stainless Steel Drinking Straws, Set of 4, $8.89

Most of us feel at least a little guilty using plastic straws given how bad they are for the environment. Reusable stainless steel straws that come with their own cleaning brush are a thoughtful (and impactful) gift most people will use often. If they're especially eco-friendly, check out other plastic replacements for spot-on gift ideas.

A little fan to deal with their unpredictable office temperatures

Fred & Friends Little Big USB Fan, $27.99

Office dwellers know how unpredictable temperatures can get. To save them when their office transitions from an ice box to a desert, gift them this little portable fan. It's small, portable, and plugs into any USB for a quick, cold breeze. 

A trio of chai tea that made it onto Oprah's Favorite Things list

Vahdam Rose Tea, $34.99

Vahdam Teas was featured on Oprah's Favorite Things in 2019, and if it's good enough for her, it's good enough for your giftee. We've actually tried some of Vahdam's teas and were particularly impressed by its beautiful packaging.

Cable clips that keep cords in place

Shintop Cable Clips, $7.69

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

Bargain computer glasses that remove strain from computer glare

Anti-Eyestrain Computer Glasses, $8.99

These $10 computer glasses are a fraction of what you'll find at competitors, but they do the job of reducing eye strain. They're reportedly 40% blue-light-blocking, and they come in a standard tortoiseshell pattern that works on pretty much everyone. They're also lightweight enough to feel like wearing nothing. We count them as one of the best things we've ever bought on Amazon for less than $25. 

Socks modeled after famous paintings

Chalier Famous Painting Socks, 4-5 Pairs, $15.99

Unique, informal, and more convenient than most of us even realize — socks are a great gift, especially if they can add some personality. 

A cult-favorite hair styling gel

American Crew Fiber, $10.19

As some reviews note, American Crew Fiber is a common recommendation for thick, curly hair. The cream thickens, texturizes, and adds fullness to hair without looking shiny or spiky. 

A warm Carhartt hat

Carhartt Men's Acrylic Watch Hat, $14.99

Grab a warm, comfortable hat from a trusted outdoors brand for less than $15 and in 30+ colors. 

The perfect spatula

GIR Silicone Spatula, $12.95

This is the kitchen hero product of many Insider Picks writers and editors for good reason. It's the result of a Kickstarter campaign aimed at making the perfect silicone spatula. Among other upgrades like a fiberglass core that keeps the handle cool, its most important feature is that it's made from a single piece of non-toxic, BPA-free silicone that prevents the top from becoming dislodged or hiding any unhygienic bits of food and ingredients.

A cult-favorite lip balm with SPF 25 and over 1,000 reviews

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25, $8

They'll thank you for this cult-favorite lip balm with SPF during the winter months when the multi-pack from CVS isn't cutting it. 

A wifi smart plug that lets them turn devices off remotely

Jeeo Smart Wi-Fi Plug, $19.89

Give them the gift of never needing to spend another night wondering if they turned off their heater or hair straightener before leaving the house. This smart WiFi plug works with Amazon Alexa, Google Home Assistant, and IFTTT. They can use voice commands, create schedules for lights and appliances, and turn things on and off when they're leaving home or nearby.  

The best hair mask you can buy for damaged hair

Argan Oil Hair Mask, $12.95

This super hydrating hair mask is made specifically to treat severely damaged and dry hair — and it's good at its job. We named it the best hair mask you can buy for damaged hair, and it has an Amazon Choice recommendation due to high ratings and over 3,000 five-star reviews. 

An extra-long charging cable, which is the closest you'll get to gifting never-ending convenience

Anker 10 ft Lightning Cable, $17.99

Organic bath bombs full of essential oil aromatherapy blends

Bath Bomb Gift Set, $21.99

For less than $15, you can grab six vegan bath bombs blended with natural essential oils that range from peppermint to sweet orange to eucalyptus and more. 

A water bottle that lets them naturally infuse water with fruit

Great Gear Fruit Infuser Water Bottle, $12.95

Turns out water tastes much better when it's naturally flavored with fruits and herbs. This is a nice way to do that naturally, minus all the sugar and additives of other drinks. 

A famous hot sauce made from peppers grown in community gardens across the US

Small Axe Peppers NYC Bronx Green Hot Sauce, $9.04

This all-natural, tangy hot sauce is best known for its part in the popular Youtube series "Hot Ones." It's made from peppers grown in community gardens throughout the nation. 

An extremely fun board game that made Kickstarter history

Exploding Kittens Card Game, $19.99

Exploding Kittens is basically a highly strategic version of Russian roulette with a cat theme. It was the most-backed project in Kickstarter history, and this version is family-friendly. 

A duo of Mario Badescu's beloved facial mists

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Rosewater & Facial Spray with Green Tea Duo, $14

Mario Badescu makes some of the most universally loved and affordable skin care products out there, and these facial sprays are the most recognizable. The Green Tea Spray hydrates, tones, and rejuvenates the skin. The Rosewater Spray is the real cult-favorite, and makes the skin look dewy and "glowy." 

Ever-functional Popsocket Grips for their phone

Popsockets: Collapsible Grip, $9.95

Popsocket Grips look gimmicky, but they're a legitimately helpful tool. They make it easier to hold a phone without straining your fingers, and it makes your phone feel more secure — like you're not going to twitch and accidentally throw it into the ocean. Even naysayers have been convinced. 

An adorable eye mask for some beauty sleep

Plush Rabbit Eye Mask, $16.99

Improving their sleep is a gift in itself. This eye mask will help them get some shut-eye, plus the bunny ears and plush fabric make it super cute and cozy.

Teeth-whitening charcoal powder with 13,000+ 5-star reviews

Active Wow Charcoal Teeth Whitening Powder, $19.89

This charcoal teeth whitening powder was the bestselling teeth whitener on Amazon for a long time. It has over 13,000 five-star reviews, and it whitens teeth naturally without the harsher peroxides that can be irritating for sensitive teeth. 

Ina Garten's newest cookbooks for her devotees

"Cook Like a Pro: Recipes and Tips for Home Cooks" by Ina Garten, $18.40

If they host or entertain frequently, chances are they've used an Ina Garten recipe before. Known for her elegant but laid-back style, Ina's new cookbook is full of the tips and tricks that bring a professional touch to simple, home-cooked dishes.

A popular reusable bag that folds up to the size of an envelope

Baggu Reusable Shopping Bag, $12

Baggu has a good reputation for its durable, super convenient, reusable bags. They're made from 100% rip-stop nylon so they're not likely to break, can carry up to 50 lbs, and fold up to the size of an envelope for easy storage. Plus, they come in a lot of colors and patterns. 

A wine aerator that doesn't take up a ton of space

Vinetto Wine Aerator, $12.99

Wine drinkers will almost certainly enjoy the benefits of this inexpensive tool that can improve the taste of even the cheapest bottle. All they need to do is pop the gadget into the top of the bottle and pour themselves a glass, then they can put the cork or a bottle stop back in to preserve it.

A set of more than a dozen Korean sheet masks

Dermal Korea Collagen Sheet Masks, Pack of 16, $9.99

The gift of 16 Korean sheet masks means at least 16 nights of relaxation. 

A pack of sticky notes to keep them on track

Knock Knock "To Accomplish" Sticky Notes, $12.37

For the friend who likes to keep it really organized, help them stay on track with this thoughtful set of sticky notes. With categories like "To Ponder", "To Remember", and "To Buy", they can keep track of everything they need to accomplish in the near future. 

A fruity hand cream that’ll look great on their counter

TonyMoly Peach Hand Cream, $12

This rich hand cream is made with shea butter and peach extract to moisturize seriously dry skin. We love the refreshing, light peach scent and the adorable container, which looks just like a peach. 

Pencils they won't be able to stop drumming on their desk

Suck UK Drumstick Pencils, $10.72 

These clever pencils are an easy stocking stuffer for budding and experienced drummers alike.

Reusable lunch bags that they’ll actually want to use

Diweiya Reusable Snack Bags, $11.99

Plastic bags are an unnecessary expense when you could just have reusable ones. Their environmentally-conscious and frugal sides will thank you for these sandwich and snack bags, which are dishwasher safe and BPA free. They'll save a ton of money and plastic waste by using these, plus the colorful patterns are much more fun than clear plastic. 

A cute and practical phone holder

Dinosaur Silicone Phone Holder, $12.99

This endearing little dino isn't just a piece of decor, it can actually can hold their phone. It comes in over ten colors, so you can find one in their favorite color.

A wireless charger

Yootech Wireless Charger, $13.99

This ultra-slim wireless charger makes charging easy at home or in the office. The company says it should work with most phone cases on, and the led light will turn off to keep your room dark while charging at night.

A 3-in-1 avocado slicer that makes bowls of guacamole easier and faster

OXO Good Grips Avocado Slicer, $9.99

The Avocado Slicer looks gimmicky, but it's really useful in real life. It has a plastic blade to halve the avocado safely, a pit remover, and a slicer to cut the avocado into perfect slices with one motion. 

A fun family game

Watch Ya Mouth, $15.99

Watch Ya Mouth is easily one of the most fun games to have come out in recent years, and it's especially great when playing with the family on a holiday morning. 

Smart LED light bulbs they can control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant

Aukora WiFi Smart Light Bulb, $14.99

Smart light bulbs usually fetch a far higher price since they often operate through an expensive hub, but these under-$20 options work without one. They're compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and have 16 million colors available. 

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

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

• Some Lyft users received a strange notification on Thursday informing them that their names violated company guidelines.
• Some of these people had names that could be mistaken as suggestive of inappropriate words.
• The company said in a response to a customer that the message was sent in error when it was trying to improve its systems.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. 

Some Lyft users received a message from the company on Thursday saying that their names violate the ride-hailing service's community guidelines.

In the notification, Lyft didn't provide a reason for flagging the account beyond saying that the name "doesn't align with its Community Guidelines." Many of the Lyft members who received the prompt have names that could be mistaken for inappropriate content, such as Nicole Cumming, Cara Dick, and Dick DeBartolo. The notification told users that they must change their name by December 21.

Lyft said in a statement to Business Insider that the prompt was sent in error.

"Some members of the Lyft community were using names that were either inaccurate, offensive or both. In trying to fix the problem, we cast too wide of a net," a company spokesperson said. "We were well-intentioned, but our response clearly led to errors that we are working to correct, and we apologize."

The company has also been responding to affected customers, as shown in a response that one person shared on Twitter. 

"This message was sent in error," Lyft's response to affected user Candace Poon read. "We were trying to improve our systems to create a safe and respectful community, and we missed the mark here. Rest assured, your name does not violate our Community Guidelines, and we're sorry that we sent you an email that communicated otherwise."

Regardless, the incident resulted in confusion and left some Lyft users unsure of how to proceed with the situation since they were being told that their legal name doesn't comply with its policies. 

SEE ALSO: Edit in Viking This slanted toilet was designed to increase productivity and decrease smartphone use by being painful to sit on for more than 5 minutes, and people are horrified

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Watch Elon Musk unveil his latest plan for conquering Mars

We rounded up the 13 best sales and deals happening online today, with savings on bedding at Boll & Branch, clothes and accessories at J.Crew, TIDAL streaming subscription plans, Cole Haan shoes, the Nintendo Switch, and more. 

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

The best sales and deals happening today at a glance:

• Save 20% on everything at Boll & Branch
• Save 30% on full-price styles at J.Crew
• Get five months of any TIDAL plan for $5*
• Save up to 65% on sale styles at Cole Haan
• Save big on stocking stuffer gifts at Best Buy
• Save up to 70% on toys and collectibles at eBay
• Save $60 on a CLEAR membership and get a $10 Amazon gift card
• Get a $30 gift card when you buy a Nintendo Switch at Target

Additional Business Insider-exclusive deals and longer-term sales going on now:

• Get $750 worth of travel points when you sign up for the Chase Sapphire Preferred and spend $4,000 in the first three months
• Buy a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer and get three free accessories
• Save 25% on Gravity Blankets and more
• Save up to $250 on Bear Mattresses and get two free pillows
• Save 15% on your order at Framebridge

Find the details of each sale below:

SEE ALSO: The best mattresses you can buy

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

1. Save 20% on everything at Boll & Branch

Shop the Boll & Branch sale now. 

The window to get gifts delivered in time for Christmas is slowly closing, but popular bedding startup Boll & Branch is still guaranteeing on-time delivery if your order today — and everything is on sale. Right now, you can automatically save 20% sitewide, so if you're looking for home and bedding gifts, you know where to go.

2. Save 30% on full-price styles at J.Crew

Shop the J.Crew sale now. 

Christmas is less than a week away, so it's crunch time as far as getting your gifts goes. Fortunately, J.Crew is having a big sale with options for everyone on your list. Right now, you can save 30% on full-price styles by using the promo code "SNOW" at checkout. You have until December 22 at 11:59 p.m. EST to get $10 overnight delivery in time for Christmas. 

3. Get 5 months of any TIDAL plan for $5

Get five months of TIDAL for $5 now. 

If you thought that all streaming services were more or less the same, TIDAL recently launched a new series of playlists called "Now Playing" that will separate it from the bunch. Now Playing consists of over 500 playlists that have been personally curated by your favorite artists — and now is the best time to take a listen. Until December 30, you can get five months of any TIDAL streaming plan for $5. After the 150-day period, your subscription will automatically renew for the full amount of the plan you choose (for reference, the individual plan is $9.99 per month). 

*This deal features Sponsored Products that have been suggested by TIDAL and that also meet our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.

4. Save up to 65% on sale styles at Cole Haan

Shop the Cole Haan sale now. 

Cole Haan is ending the holiday shopping rush with a huge sale. Right now, you can get up to 65% off sale items for men and women. The sale includes popular styles from the ZERØGRAND line, dress shoes, boots, and much more. Depending on where you live, it may not arrive in time for Christmas, but if you're going to give a late gift, at least make it a good one — and save some money on it. 

5. Save on last-minute gifts at Best Buy

Shop the 12 days of deals sale at Best Buy now. 

At this point, you should (hopefully) have the bulk of your holiday shopping done, but if you're a last-minute shopper, Best Buy's "12 days of deals" sale is a good place to look. Some of the best deals today include $90 off the Phillips Hue White & Color Ambiance LED Starter Kit, a $140 ECOVACS robot vacuum, and up to $300 off gaming laptops. Select items ship fast and free in time for Christmas, but you can choose in-store pickup to get them even faster.

6. Save up to 70% on toys and collectibles at eBay

Shop the eBay Toytopia sale now. 

Tech items like video game consoles and tablets are always safe bets as gifts for kids, but there's nothing like unwrapping a new toy during the holiday season. Right now, eBay is offering a new shopping experience called Toytopia. It includes a truly massive selection of toys — from the latest and most popular to vintage collectibles that you won't find anywhere else — at great prices. Right now, you can save up to 70% on select toys. 

7. Save $60 on a CLEAR membership and get a $10 Amazon gift card

Sign up for CLEAR now. 

CLEAR lets you skip the security line at the airport, making travel just a little less stressful. If you're traveling for the holidays or you have lots of travel plans for 2020, now is the best time to sign up for an annual membership. Until December 22, you can save $60 on a one-year membership and get a $10 Amazon gift card with the promo code "INSIDER60" or you can save $50 on one-year membership and get a $20 Amazon gift card with the promo code "INSIDER50". Originally priced at $179, either discount is a great deal. 

8. Get a $30 gift card when you buy a Nintendo Switch at Target

Nintendo Switch and $30 gift card, $299.99

With the ability to be played at home or on the go, the Nintendo Switch is one of the most popular and versatile gaming consoles out there. While you won't find it on sale anywhere, Target is offering a $30 gift card when you buy the Nintendo Switch. The gift card can be used towards games, accessories, or anything else available at Target during your next purchase.

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

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

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

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

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

10. Buy a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer and get three free accessories

Shop the Dyson sale now. 

The Dyson Supersonic is a state-of-the-art hair dyer designed to protect all hair types from heat damage. At $400, it's expensive, but Dyson is holding a limited-time offer that makes it a better value for the cost. In addition to the standard attachments that are included, Dyson is offering three additional accessories with the purchase of the Supersonic hairdryer. You can choose from the presentation case, Supersonic stand, storage bag, detangling comb, 1.4-inch round brush, or 1.8-inch round brush. The three accessories will add up to well over $100.

This is a great deal because you'll never really find the Supersonic at a discounted price unless you buy it refurbished.

11. Save 25% on Gravity Blankets and more

Shop the Gravity Blanket sale now. 

Weighted blankets are becoming an increasingly popular method for reducing stress and getting a good night's sleep — and the popular Gravity Blanket is on sale now. For a limited time, you can save 25% sitewide with the promo code "HOLIDAY2019" at checkout. In addition to the original Gravity Blanket, the sale also includes travel blankets, weighted sleep masks, aromatherapy pillows, and more. 

12. Save 25% on a Bear mattress, plus get two free pillows

Shop the Bear Mattress sale now. 

Named the best mattress for hot sleepers in our buying guide, Bear Mattresses are designed to keep you cool and comfortable at night. Additionally, the mattresses feature Celliant, a material that converts heat from the body into far infrared — a type of energy that's been proven to help rebuild cells. The technology can help you wake up feeling well-rested and free of aches and pains, plus you won't break a sweat in your sleep. You can get $150 off when you spend $700+ (code "WS150"), $200 off orders of $1,000+ (code "WS200"), $250 off orders of $1,300+ (code "WS250") along with two free pillows.

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Shop the Framebridge sale now. 

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

• There has been a resurgence of interest in flare jeans as of late, and retailers have taken notice and responded accordingly with new styles to feed the trend. 
• The combination of fitted and flared elements makes them universally flattering, plus the open leg tends to be really comfortable. After all, we could use a break from skinny jeans every now and then. 
• We rounded up some great pairs of flare jeans that work for just about every style, budget, and flare preference.
• Some of our favorites include the Free People Just Float On Flare Jeans, the Universal Standard Sava High Rise Flare, and the Levi's Ribcage Full Length Flare Women's Jeans. 

I don't know what it is about denim, but I've always felt most comfortable in a pair of jeans. Unless I'm on a road trip or an airplane, you'll probably find me in a pair. Luckily for me (and everyone else who loves denim), it's a great big world of style out there. With a plethora of fits, flares, washes, inseam lengths, and waist options, you'll never get bored of denim.

If you're looking to get in on the latest denim trend, you need a pair of flare jeans. Yep, the retro style is back. Whether it's a more modest cut or full-out flare, there are plenty of good pairs of flared jeans out there. Some pairs offer a more casual look, while others can be slightly more sophisticated. Keep reading for some of our favorite pairs, plus tips on how to style them. 

Here are the best flare jeans you can buy:

• Best size-inclusive flares: Universal Standard Sava High Rise Flare
• Best stretch flares: Free People Know Me Better Flare Jeans
• Best classic flares: Levi's Ribcage Full Length Flare Women's Jeans
• Best luxury flares: Agolde Vintage High Rise Flare
• Best budget flares: Free People Just Float On Flare Jeans
• Best high-rise flares: Citizens of Humanity Chloe High Waist Flare Jeans
• Best cuffed flares: Good American Good Flare Trouser Jeans
• Best black flares: Rag & Bone Jane Super High-Rise Flare

The best size-inclusive flares

Sava High Rise Flare Jeans, available at Universal Standard, $90

If you'd like a pair of flare jeans that you can stand, sit, and maybe even lunge in, you need Universal Standard's Sava Jeans. This is all to say that these jeans are exceptionally soft and stretchy, and they won't bag out on you like a pair of jeggings. If you're a skinny jean loyalist, this pair is a nice, unintimidating foray into flares. 

A few women on the Insider Picks team tried the Savas and loved them. With sizes ranging from 00 to 40, you can be sure you'll find a pair that fits you just right. Most shoppers do find the jeans run a tad big. If you want a slimmer fit, Universal Standard recommends going a size down. Additionally, many reviewers (myself included) find them to be on the longer side. 

The best stretch flares

We The Free Know Me Better Flare Jeans, available at Free People, $98

These exaggerated flares from Free People are accentuated with exposed seams for a cool and flattering look. The high-rise jeans are easy to slip on thanks to some really stretchy denim. There's no zipper or button, just a lot of stretch. If you like that clean look and a super soft feel, you'll probably love these. 

The best classic flares

Levi's Ribcage Full Length Flare Women's Jeans, available at Levi's, $98

We'd be remiss not to include a pair of Levi's on this list. The brand has been making high-quality denim for over 160 years, so it's safe to say they know a thing or two about what makes a great pair of jeans. A high-rise, roomy fit through the leg and semi-wide flare give these a cool, utilitarian look that's flattering and not too exaggerated.

The best luxury flares

Agolde Vintage High Rise Flare, available at Revolve, $188

Since launching a few years ago, Agolde has quickly become a need-to-know denim label. From celebrities to fashion editors and everyone in between, people are obsessed with the brand's premium, vintage-inspired denim. This pair of high-rise flares is made of 100% organic cotton for a durable jean that won't stretch. The pants fit slim through the thigh, then flare out to a modest 17 inches. The fading wash and distressed details make for a vintage, worn-in look that still feels fresh. Pair these with pointed-toe booties for a leg-lengthening, '70s inspired look that's still on-trend. 

The best budget flares

We The Free Just Float On Flare Jeans, available at Free People, $78

Free People is one of our favorite places to find flares, as they offer a wide variety of styles at affordable prices. This pair comes in over 15 washes, ranging from neutrals to fun colors, with a drastic flare for a retro look. Some styles also come in long and short inseams. 

The best high-waist flares

Citizens of Humanity Chloe High Waist Flare Jeans, available at Nordstrom, $238

High-rise, dramatic flare, and light wash that's faded in all the right places, this pair of jeans looks like it's straight from the '70s. If you want a fit that's casual and comfortable, this will do the trick — the denim has some stretch and a little extra room in the thigh. Pair this with slip-on sneakers and a T-shirt for a simple, everyday outfit or go retro with a pair of platform booties and a blousy top.

They're definitely a pricey pair, but Insider Picks editor Sally Kaplan has said that the brand's pairs are more than worth the money for how long they last.

The best cuffed flares

Good Flare Trouser Jeans, available at Nordstrom, $169

Good American makes size-inclusive denim with smart features to make you look and feel your best. A clean trouser hem on the flare makes these jeans feel a little more formal than other options. Reinforced belt loops let you tug on the pants without having to worry about being too aggressive, because sometimes you just have to squeeze in. The high rise is accompanied by a gap-proof waistband, so the pants will sit smoothly along your stomach. The jeans are offered in sizes 00 to 24, as well as a few more washes, on the Good American site. 

The best black flares

Jane Super High-Rise Flare, available at Rag & Bone, $255

A deep black wash that won't fade gives these jeans a more elevated look. The pair boasts Rag & Bone's highest rise yet and a wide flare. Fitted through the hip and leg, this pair creates a leg-lengthening look that flatters any height. While pricey, I think Rag & Bone jeans are worth it for the durable quality and timeless style that'll last a lifetime in your wardrobe. 

How to style flare jeans

To preface, I'm not a stylist, but here's my unsolicited advice. Flares are thought of by many as difficult to style, but as with anything fashion, you should just wear something you love and feel great in. With a combination of figure-hugging and wider, looser elements flare jeans are actually super flattering. A high-waist flare can make your legs look miles long, especially when paired with a heeled boot. For low or mid-rise flares, go for a cool sneaker or flat sandal for a casual, bohemian vibe. Because flares offer a lot of volume at the bottom, wearing a more fitted shirt on the top is always a safe bet. I love pairing flares with a long-sleeve bodysuit, a cropped sweater, or a blouse tucked into the waist to balance out the proportions. You really can't go wrong with this flattering style. So, for the unintimidated, just go for it. 

• During the Democratic Presidential Debate on Thursday night, Elizabeth Warren criticized Pete Buttigieg for attending a private fundraiser dinner in a Napa Valley wine cave owned by billionaires. 
• "Wine cave" is now trending on Twitter. Here's what you need to know about wine caves.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Democrats are debating wine caves.

At the Democratic Presidential Debate on Thursday night, Elizabeth Warren launched an attack on Pete Buttigieg, the 37-year-old mayor of South Bend, Indiana. "Billionaires in wine caves should not pick the next president of the United States," she said.

Warren was referring to the billionaire owners of Hall Rutherford winery in Napa Valley, where Buttigieg attended a private fundraiser with donors last weekend. The dinner reception took place in the winery's underground wine cave, which features a chandelier made from 1,500 Swarovski crystals. Guests enjoyed glasses of $900 Cabernet, the AP reported. 

Since the debate, #WineCave has gained traction on Twitter.

So, what exactly is a wine cave? 

A wine cave is basically a cellar.

"It is generally accepted that the perfect conditions for storing wine long-term are those found in an underground cave: around 55°F (13°C) and between 70 and 90 percent relative humidity," New Orleans-based sommelier Dan Davis told Eater.

Wine caves are nothing new. In the days before centralized air, caves shielded wine from its worst enemies: heat, vibration, and sunlight. The earliest known winery dates back 6,100 years and was discovered in an Armenian cave.

Today, most wine caves are manmade and vary greatly in their design. Some resemble actual caves, and others not so much. "The word 'cave' is sometimes thrown around as marketing to describe fancy brick-lined cellars that are distinctly un-cavernlike," Slate's Jordan Weissmann points out.

Beyond being ideal places to store wine, modern wine caves are an opportunity rake in tourist dollars. Dotto Estate Winery, for example, offers a 90-minute "cave experiences" that include six to eight barrel tastings for $75.

Napa wineries in particular go the extra mile when it comes to making caves desirable destinations for guided walks and tastings: Dotto modeled one of its wine caves after a Venetian palace; Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is home to one of only 50 Foucault pendulums in the world; and Jarvis Estate's cave features an underground waterfall.

SEE ALSO: Inside the 'Louvre of Wine' — a subterranean cave in France housing 40,000 bottles

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