Tech / Technology

Black Friday gaming laptop deals 2023: Acer, MSI, more

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The best Black Friday gaming laptop deals include discounts on the Razer Blade 14, the MSI GF63, and more.
Person using a Razer Blade 15 gaming laptop

UPDATE: Nov. 8, 2023, 4:00 p.m. EST This article has been updated with the latest gaming laptop deals from Black Friday 2023.

Best gaming laptop deals for Black Friday 2023:


PC gaming isn’t an easy hobby to get into. Complicated parts and big upfront costs create a pretty big barrier to entry for people looking to dip their toes into the medium. Thankfully, PC gaming laptops exist, and serve as a great introduction to PC gaming without requiring you to commit thousands of dollars to something you may not even end up liking. (Gaming laptops are also really good supplemental devices for already experienced PC gamers.

And with Black Friday around the corner, a ton of gaming laptops are discounted across a wide array of price ranges. If you were at all thinking about trying out a gaming laptop, now is the time to get one.

We scoured through all the gaming laptop deals we could find ahead of the big event, and put together a list of all our favorites for you. Check them out below, and keep checking back throughout the holiday season — we’ll be updating this page with new deals as they go live.

Black Friday gaming laptop deals

Why we like it

Razer’s line of gaming laptops contains some of the best portable PCs on the market. This 14-inch version packs a powerful punch with its AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti GPU combo, and it’s a whopping $1,500 off ahead of Black Friday. This is a steal, so snag yours before it jumps back up to $3,499.99.

Gaming laptops under $500

Gaming laptops under $1,000

Gaming laptops $1,000 and up

Tech / Technology

Best early Kohl’s Black Friday deals: Home and kitchen, toys, outdoor, and more

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Kohl’s has dropped some early Black Friday deals during its Black Friday Early Access Event from Nov. 3 through Nov. 9. Black Friday Week at Kohl’s officially begins Sunday, Nov. 19.
Barbie car, SodaStream Terra, Shark vacuum, and Blink camera with colorful background

A glimpse at the best early Kohl’s Black Friday deals:


BEST TOY DEAL

barbie fiat 500


BEST VACUUM DEAL

Shark Stratos upright vacuum

$299.99
(save $200)

Shark Stratos vacuum


Black Friday season is upon us. Retailers started rolling out plans for the annual shopping holiday as early as Oct. 27 (looking at you, Best Buy) and early deals have already begun flooding the online retail space. While Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy immediately come to mind as Cyber Week hotspots for saving money, don’t sleep on underdogs like Kohl’s.

Kohl’s Black Friday plans kicked off on Nov. 3 with its Black Friday Early Access Event, which runs through Nov. 9. During this pre-season sale, early birds can score discounts on gifts like toys and kitchen appliances. Not to mention you can take an extra 15% off qualifying items with the code YOUGET15 and get free shipping on all purchases over $25.

Besides its early Black Friday deals, Kohl’s has a secret weapon that makes it worth spending your money there as opposed to other retailers: Kohl’s Cash. On top of big savings, shoppers can also earn $10 of Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent from Nov. 4 through Nov. 9. You can stockpile that Kohl’s Cash and treat yourself to a little something between Nov. 10 and 16.

If you miss out on the early rush, don’t sweat it. Kohl’s has big plans for the entire Black Friday season, including:

  • Super Saturday events on Nov. 11 and Nov. 18, which will feature the same Kohl’s Cash rewards, plus an extra 20% off qualifying purchases (between Nov. 10 and Nov. 18) and $10 off $25 purchases on Nov. 10 and 11.

  • Black Friday Week from Nov. 19 through Nov. 24, which will feature deals on Amazon Smart Home gadgets, toys, and more, plus an extra 15% off qualifying purchases, $10 in Kohl’s Cash rewards for every $50 spent, and free shipping on orders over $25.

  • Black Friday Super Deals on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24, which includes Beats Studio Buds, Amazon Kindle, Barbie, Hot Wheels, Sky Rider GPS Drones, and more, plus $15 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent.

Below, we’ve compiled a running list of some of the best early Kohl’s Black Friday deals. Be sure to check back in regularly as we update it — Kohl’s has yet to reach its peak shining Black Friday moment.

Early Black Friday kitchen deals

Why we like it

A great gift idea for soda lovers or a solid addition to your own kitchen, the SodaStream Terra lets you make fresh sparkling water with the push of a button. It comes with a Quick Connect 60L CO2 cylinder and a 1-liter carbonating bottle for the very low price of $59.99 — that’s $40 off its usual cost and matches the lowest price we’ve seen.

More early Black Friday kitchen deals at Kohl’s

Early Black Friday toy deals

Why we like it

It’s no secret that Barbie is having a moment. If you’re looking for a great gift idea, this Barbie Fiat 500 set comes with a cute pink convertible with working doors and rolling wheels and a Barbie dressed in a lemon-print sundress — all for under 20 bucks. Save $20 for a limited time ahead of Black Friday.

More early Black Friday toy deals at Kohl’s

Early Black Friday vacuum deals

Why we like it

At its lowest price since Prime Day, the Shark Stratos is a steal at $299.99. It’s equipped with DuoClean PowerFins HairPro, a self-cleaning brushroll, and odor-neutralizing technology, which all work together to create a powerful cleaning experience — particularly for pet owners. The Stratos is Shark’s most advanced range of vacuums, so it’s no surprise that the regular price tag is pretty steep at nearly $500. But ahead of Black Friday, you can save $200 at Kohl’s and get $60 in Kohl’s Cash.

More early Black Friday vacuum deals at Kohl’s

Early Black Friday tech deals

Why we like it

Not only is the Blink wired floodlight security camera on sale for half off, but it’s also matching its lowest price ever. It’s currently sitting at full price on Amazon, so if you’re in the market for a smart and simple security system, snagging this deal at Kohl’s is the way to go. With 2600 lumens of LED lighting, enhanced motion detection, a built-in security siren, and two-way audio through the Blink app, you’ll essentially have another set of eyes outside your home at all times. For what it’s worth, you’ll also score $10 back in Kohl’s Cash with your purchase.

More early Black Friday tech deals at Kohl’s

Tech / Technology

Best Dyson deal: Get the V8 Origin for 42% off at Target

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Get the Dyson V8 Origin for $249.99 at Target, down from $429.99 as of Nov. 7. That’s a savings of $180, or 42%.
Dyson V8 Origin on purple abstract background

SAVE $180: As of Nov. 7, the Dyson V8 Origin Cordless Stick Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $180. That’s a savings of $180, or 42%.


The holidays are right around the corner, and that means you’ll have folks coming around your home soon enough. It can be difficult to keep things tidy without the right tools, so make cleanup a little easier on yourself this year with a new rechargeable vacuum that can handle all the heavy lifting without the mess of a bag or the frustration of a cord.

As of Nov. 7, the Dyson V8 Origin cordless stick vacuum is $249.99 at Target. That’s a savings of $180, or 42% off when you buy the vacuum online. You’ll also get a $25 Target GiftCard with purchase through Nov. 11, which will be added to your account when your vacuum ships or when you pick it up in-store. Essentially you’ll get the vacuum for just $224.99 with that in mind.

The Dyson V8 Origin boasts powerful suction that’s great for quick or deeper cleaning, all without having to worry about a cord. Thanks to its Detangling Motorbar head, it can get down into carpets and deep clean dirtier areas with more traffic as well as tile and other types of flooring.

It’s great for families with pets too, as it can handle dirt, pet hair, and other allergens that might be causing you and your family issues. You get up to 40 minutes of runtime per charge, and it can trap 99.99% of particles in the air. If you’ve got a lot of messes to clean up in a short amount of time or in a small space, this vacuum can be a lifesaver. At this price with a Target gift card, it’s definitely a no-brainer for all your holiday cleanup.

Tech / Technology

Alexa turns nine: Save with Amazon device deals

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Ring in nine years of Amazon Alexa with these deals on Amazon devices today, Nov. 3. at Amazon.
photo collage of amazon devices including Amazon Fire Max, Kindle Scribe, Amazon Fire TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Blink doorbell camera

Amazon is celebrating nine years of Amazon Alexa. To ring in the occasion, tons of Amazon devices are on sale for seriously competitive prices.

Best Amazon Alexa birthday celebration deals


Best Amazon Fire Tablet Deal

Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet

$149.99 at Amazon
(save $80)

Amaxon Fire Max 11 tablet


Best Amazon Echo Deal

Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

$39.99 at Amazon
(save $50)

Echo Show 5


Best Fire TV Deal

INSIGNIA 50-inch Fire TV

$199.99 at Amazon
(save $100)

INSIGNIA 50-inch Fire TV


Best Kindle Deal

Kindle Scribe


Best Home Security Deal

Blink Mini

$39.99 at Amazon
(save $60)

Set of three Blink Mini cameras

It’s been nearly a decade since Amazon’s Alexa came into our lives, streamlining our homes with hands-free voice command technology. To celebrate the occasion, the retailer has launched a sale on Amazon devices that work with Alexa, from Fire TVs to tablets, Kindles, and Echo devices. The sale launched today, Nov. 3, and will run until Alexa’s official birthday on Nov. 6.

Some of these deals match the prices we saw last month over Prime Day (we’ve marked these with a 💰), while others have dropped to new all-time lows (we’ve marked these with a 🔥). With Black Friday around the corner, we’ll likely see some of these deals (or very similar ones) pop back up after this sale is over. However, since many of these gadgets are at their record-low price, we recommend scooping up the ones you want sooner rather than later just to be safe.

Happy birthday, Alexa!

Best Bundle deal

Why we love it

As if our favorite Amazon Devices going on sale wasn’t cause for celebration enough, the sale also includes hard-to-top bundles, such as this one that includes an Amazon Fire TV stick and remote, plus a Blink video doorbell. Normally, this bundle retails for $119.98: it’s a fantastic deal for anyone who wants to integrate more smart-home technology into their lives without investing in a ton of new gear. With the Fire TV stick, you can access new worlds of streaming without having to invest in a new TV or a bunch of streaming subscriptions. Meanwhile, the Blink video doorbell increases your home’s security, and all you need is your smartphone to get it up and running.

More great Amazon bundle deals

Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) with free smart color bulb$39.99 $109.98 (save $69.99) 🔥

Blink Whole Home Bundle$101.98 $214.97 (save $112.99) 💰

Best Amazon Fire Tablet deal


Amazon Fire Max 11 Tablet

$149.99 at Amazon (save $80)



Why we love it

At $64.99, the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet is at back down to its lowest price on record, which we saw last month for Prime Day. With an 11-inch display screen, an octa-core processor, 64GB of storage, and a 14-hour battery life, this is Amazon’s most formidable tablet yet, proving itself a worthy alternative to the iPad. If you already use Alexa-controlled devices across your home, then this tablet is an even greater resource: it can connect with all of your Amazon smart home devices, acting as an efficient control hub that you can easily manipulate through voice commands. The cherry on top of the savings is that you also get three free months of Microsoft 365 Personal when you buy. (Just be sure to cancel before the trial is over if you don’t want to get charged!)

More great Amazon Fire Tablet deals

Amazon Fire Kids tablet $54.99 $109.99 (save $55)💰

Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet $74.99 $149.99 (save $75)💰

Amazon Fire HD Kids Pro tablet$119.99 $199.99 (save $80)💰

Amazon Fire HD 10 Plus tablet — $94.99 $179.99 (save $85)💰

Best Amazon Echo deal


Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen)

$39.99 at Amazon (save $50)



Why we love it

The Echo Show 5 (3rd Gen) has some new features, including totally revamped sound. It brings two times the bass, plus has enhanced vocal clarity. Streaming music from your Amazon devices has never sounded so good. With a display size of 5.5 inches, this is one of the smaller Echo Show models, making it favorable for those rooms in your house where you want the benefit of a smart entertainment hub without it taking over the space —like your home office or bedroom. At just $39.99, this price brings us right back to Prime Day.

More great Amazon Echo deals

Amazon Echo Show 8$59.99 $129.99 (save $70)💰

Amazon Echo Show 5 Kids$44.99 $99.99 (save $50)💰

Certified Refurbished Echo Studio$134.99 $179.99 (save $45)💰

Best Fire TV Deal


INSIGNIA 50-inch Fire TV

$199.99 at Amazon (save $100)



Why we love it

At a record-low price of $199.99, this INSIGNIA 50-inch Fire TV has beat even its Prime Day price. While the savings certainly draw us to this deal, it’s not the only reason we love this TV. With 4K HD, you can stream your favorite shows and movies with enhanced clarity and resolution, granting you an even more immersive experience. Plus, this TV’s sound is just as superb as its visuals. Thanks to a built-in audio enhancement suite, audio feels ultra-realistic and expands your room’s sense of space. Being a Fire TV, you can also take advantage of voice control and thousands of streaming apps and channels.

More great Amazon Fire TV deals

Toshiba 43-inch Amazon Fire TV$189.99 $279.99 (save $80)🔥

Amazon Fire TV 50-inch 4-series Fire TV$309.99 $449.99 (save $140)

Amazon Fire 65-inch Fire TV Omni Series 4K$599.99 $759.99 (save $160)

Best Kindle deal

Why we love it

Kindle Scribes aren’t cheap: new models are listed on Amazon for upwards of $360. If you’re in the market, we recommend shopping for Certified Refurbished: especially as today’s sale takes the price to under $250. The Kindle Scribe does it all: whether you want to download and read your favorite books, draw and sketch, or journal and take notes, this digital notebook is your hub for your creative endeavors. There have also been some pretty cool updates made, including more brush types, the ability to create folders and subfolders, and an import function that lets you send documents straight from Microsoft Word.

More great Amazon Kindle deals

Kindle Scribe (16 GB)$204.99 $284.99 (save $80)

Kindle Scribe (16 GB)$234.99 $309.99 (save $75)

Best home security deal


Blink Mini

$39.99 at Amazon 9save $60)



Why we love it

With Blink Mini, you not only get to glimpse what’s going on in your home when you’re not there, but it also lets you talk back and forth, just like you’re there. Whether you have pets, children, or guests, this can be a great way to stay in touch and have peace of mind while you’re away. This set comes with three indoor cameras, and when you take the savings into account, that comes out to just $13.33 per camera. The only other time we’ve seen the price this good was over Prime Day. If you’re curious about indoor home security, now is the time to give it a try.

More great home security deals

Blink Mini Pan-Tilt camera$29.99 $50.99 (save $30)💰

Blink Video Doorbell + 2 Outdoor (3rd Gen) camera system$119.98 $239.98 (save $120)🔥

Blink Outdoor 4 (4th Gen) — $134.99 $269.98 (save $135)💰

Tech / Technology

Best Black Friday robot vacuum deals 2023

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Many of the best robot vacuums will be on sale for Black Friday, and several mopping and self-emptying deals are already live. Get the 2023 Shark Matrix for $199 at Walmart or the Roomba Combo j5+ with obstacle avoidance for $499.99.
Shark robot vacuum and dark, iRobot Roomba, and Roborock robot vacuum, dock, and smartphone on white background with colorful graphics

UPDATE: Nov. 3, 2023, 3:00 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with the best early Black Friday robot vacuum deals including self-emptying robot vacuums, hybrid robot vacuums, and cheap standalone robot vacuums from iRobot, Shark, Roborock, and more.

An overview of the best early Black Friday robot vacuum deals:

Best standalone robot vacuum deal

Shark Matrix RV2300

$199 at Walmart
(save $100.99)

Gray Shark robot vacuum and smartphone with map of home on screen


Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal

Shark Matrix RV2310AE

$299.99 at Amazon
(save $200)

Black Shark robot vacuum with dock and smartphone with home map on screen


Best robot vacuum/mop hybrid deal

iRobot Roomba Combo j5+

$499.99 at iRobot
(save $300)

iRobot Roomba robot vacuum on auto empty dock beside separate water tank

Robot vacuums feel like they’re everywhere and nowhere all at once in the good year of 2023. Shopping holidays have gone hard in this category for years, but you still may not know anyone who actually has one. If you’re wondering if robot vacuums are actually worth it, your best bet is to scope out Black Friday robot vacuum deals to try one yourself, already.

By Black Friday, we mean the entire month of November. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Best Buy have all already cut the virtual ribbon on their Black Friday sales, so unless you’re waiting for a very specific premium robot vacuum deal (like the Roomba Combo j9+‘s first discount, if that even happens), there’s no real point in waiting until Black Friday — and denying yourself several weeks of one less chore — to buy a robot vacuum.

Below, we’re tracking the robot vacuum deals live ahead of Black Friday. Early deals are organized into three sections — standalone robot vacuums, self-emptying robot vacuums (that don’t mop), and robot vacuum/mop hybrids — and listed in order of price. We’ll update this list with more models as they go on sale ahead of Black Friday.

Early Black Friday standalone robot vacuum deals under $300

Why we like it

The limbo period between Amazon’s second Prime Day of the year and Black Friday is Shark’s time to shine, apparently. For a solid cheap Shark option, skip the outdated $129 Shark ION and opt for one from the newer Matrix line instead. For less than $200, the RV2300 model (without an auto-empty dock) secures LiDAR-powered smart home mapping and virtual boundaries, plus Shark’s Matrix technology, which tackles debris from multiple angles in a crosshatch pattern to grab anything that was missed on the first pass.

Shark itself claims that the Matrix dishes out 50% more suction power than the Roomba i3 — and when the Roomba i3 costs $100 more even on sale, we’d understand if that’s an experiment you’re willing to test.

More robot vacuums on sale for under $300

Early Black Friday self-emptying robot vacuum deals under $500

Why we like it

Shark released several iterations of its flagship robot vacuum in 2023. This chic black and silver RV2310AE model is on sale at Amazon for less than $300 — a 40% price cut and a record-low price (according to camelcamelcamel) by far. Home mapping and virtual boundaries guided by 360-degree LiDAR are present here, plus Shark’s newest claim to fame: its Matrix cleaning technique that vacuums in a crosshatch pattern to grab any debris missed from the first angle.

More self-emptying robot vacuums on sale for under $500

  • Roborock Q5+$449.99 $699.99 (save $250 with on-page coupon)

Early Black Friday self-emptying robot vacuum deals under $700


Our pick: iRobot Roomba s9+

$599.99 at iRobot (save $400)



Why we like it

The s9+ hasn’t been the latest or greatest Roomba since iRobot started rolling out its j Series robot vacs in 2021. But it should still be a serious contender if you have pets or lots of thick carpeting in your home — especially when on sale for $599.99, which is just $100 away from the $499.99 it hit during Prime Big Deal Days. For reference, the only Roombas with stronger suction power than the s9+ are the j9+ and Combo j9+, which go for $899.99 and $1,399.99, respectively.

More self-emptying robot vacuums on sale for under $700

Early Black Friday robot vacuum/mop hybrid deals

Why we like it

iRobot has also started pushing out Black Friday deals, but more quietly than the big retailers. One discount flying under the radar that needs to be called out is on the Roomba Combo j5+, which is one of five new Roombas just launched in September. At nearly 40% off, the Roomba Combo j5+ is sitting at $499.99 — the same sale price that the less-fancy Roomba Combo i5+ is currently seeing.

Both models mop and require you to be home to manually click the water tank on, and both can map your home and avoid (or tackle) carpeted rooms on command. But there’s one huge difference between the Combo i5 and Combo j5: The j5 Series are the cheapest Roombas that use iRobot’s obstacle avoidance tech to avoid eating phone chargers or smearing pet waste if the vacuum finds an accident before you do. This capability, which we first experienced when testing the Combo j7+, is an absolute game changer if your previous gripe with robot vacuums was that you had to clean up before sending them out to clean.

More robot vacuum/mop hybrids on sale

Tech / Technology

13 amazing holiday gifts for the person who already has it all

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Here are 13 perfect holiday gifts for that special someone who seems to already have everything. From smart tech gadgets to self-care products.
An illustration of wrapped presents.

This holiday season, don’t be daunted by the challenge of shopping for that friend or family member who appears to have everything. We’ve put together a list of thoughtful gifts that promise to delight even the most seasoned of shoppers. 

From a temperature-controlled mug to the latest portable Sonos speaker, our guide blends the elegance of modern technology with the charm of timeless self-care treasures, like face masks.

So if you’re having trouble picking a gift for someone, but want to take full advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, take a look through our product recommendations below.

ASUS ROG Ally 7″ Gaming Handheld Console

The ASUS ROG Ally 7" gaming console held in a person's hands.

The ASUS ROG Ally handheld gaming console comes with a 7″ LED screen.
Credit: ASUS

For PC gaming enthusiasts, the ASUS ROG Ally is the handheld console to have. With its 512GB SSD and microSD slot, they’ll be able to take all of their favorite games on the go. And thanks to its 7-inch LED touchscreen, AMD Radeon graphics card, and AMD Ryzen CPU, gameplay will be smooth with stunning graphics.

Glade PlugIns Plus Air Freshener

The Glade PlugIns Plus air freshener warmer plugged into a white outlet.

The Glade PlugIns Plus air fresener warmer has a refill indicator light that lets you know when it needs a refill.
Credit: Glade

A delightful stocking stuffer, this refillable plug-in air freshener will ensure their space always smells welcoming. It has adjustable fragrance settings — like auto rest mode for overnight — so they can conserve energy and their chosen scent. It will automatically shut off when it runs out of fragrance, and a refill indicator light will turn on. Consider pairing it with the warm notes of Glade’s Vanilla Caramel Twist, available at an additional $5.92 for a two-pack.

Sponsored | Microsoft Xbox Series X

Microsoft Xbox Series X


Credit: Microsoft

Meet the apex of gaming power — this console is renowned for being the fastest, most powerful Xbox ever. Dive into native 4K gaming at up to a blazing 120 frames per second, delivering sharper characters, vibrant realms, and an unmatched level of detail.


Microsoft Xbox Series X

Credit: Microsoft


Xbox Series X

$499.99 at Xbox.com



Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

The Ember Mug 2 in white on a kitchen counter.

The Ember Mug 2 has a light on the base that shows you when it’s charged or needs charging.
Credit: Ember

Elevate their beverage experience with this smart mug. Though not an essential, the Ember ensures every sip of their favorite beverage is at their ideal temperature — thanks to the mug’s built-in heating technology and app connectivity. It’s a seamless blend of form and function for those chilly winter mornings.

Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard

The Logitech MX Keys Mini Wireless Keyboard in Graphite.


Credit: Logitech

This wireless keyboard, with its durable and compact design, is perfect for both work and play on the go. It can connect to up to three devices at once via Bluetooth, with the user able to switch between each device by pressing one of the keys. It also has an impressive battery life of up to 10 days on a full charge — or up to 5 months with the backlighting turned off.

Luminara Pillar Candles – Set of 3

The set of three Luminara Pillar Candles with the remote.

The Luminara Pillar Candles in this set come in three different sizes — 4.5″, 5.5″, and 6.5″.
Credit: Luminara

These flameless battery-operated candles are made with 100 percent pure paraffin wax and mimic a real flame’s flicker. Without the mess of a real flame and the soot that comes with it, they make the perfect gift for households with pets or small children — or to introduce an element of romantic allure for intimate evenings in or if the power goes out.

Sonos Move 2 Speaker

The Sonos Move 2 speaker in white on a table.

The Move 2 uses its microphones to analyze its surroundings to continually optimize the sound.
Credit: Sonos

Whether your loved one is hosting a holiday soirée or enjoying a quiet evening, this portable speaker will ensure they have the best audio quality — including crisp vocals, deep bass, and full instrumentals. It’s rated IP56, so it’s both water and dust-resistant and connects to their device via Bluetooth or WiFi. They’ll be able to enjoy up to 24 hours of non-stop listening on a single charge thanks to the speaker’s long battery life.

Anker 3-in-1 Charger Cube with MagSafe

The Anker 3-in-1 charger cube in black, on a white background.

The Anker 3-in-1 15W MagSafe Charger comes with a 30W charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Credit: Anker

If your loved one is a fan of Apple devices, this 15W MagSafe charger ensures that their phone, watch, and earbuds are always charged up and ready to go. With its sleek design, it’s a stylish addition to any nightstand or desk. Or, thanks to its compact design, it’s a great addition for any upcoming travels they have planned. And as a bonus, they can use their phone in portrait or landscape mode while it charges.

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Face Mask & Facial Exfoliator

The Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Australian Pink Clay Porefining Face Mask on a pink background.

The Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Deep Pore Cleanser and Porefining Face Mask.
Credit: Sand & Sky

Indulge them in a spa-like experience with this face mask and exfoliator combo. Harnessing the purifying properties of Australian Pink Clay, this duo will have their skin feeling clean and soft in no time. Sand & Sky’s products are made with 100 percent natural ingredients and are cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free — so you can feel good about your gift.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat – 3rd Gen

A person's arm reaching out to a black Google Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Google Nest Learning Thermostat has a sleek and simple-to-use design.
Credit: Google

Combine aesthetics and efficiency with this smart thermostat. It not only adds a touch of modernity to any home but also learns their temperature preferences over time, ensuring optimal comfort while saving energy. The Google Nest Learning Thermostat is compatible with 95 percent of heating and cooling systems, so chances are they’ll be covered.

Philips Smart LED Light Bulb 2-Pack

The Philips WiZ LED Color Light Bulb 2-Pack with its packaging.

The Philips WiZ smart color light bulbs are dimmable, and offer millions of colors to choose from.
Credit: Philips

Light up their world with 16 million colors thanks to these smart LED bulbs — and also likely save them money on their energy bill. These bulbs connect to the Philips Hue app, so they can adjust the brightness and color, or turn the lights off no matter where they are. The bulbs are also compatible with Alexa and Google Home Assistant for the ultimate smart home setup.

Hatch Restore 2

The Hatch Restore 2 smart alarm clock in the putty color, on a white background.

The Hatch Restore 2 comes in three colors: putty (as shown), latte, and slate.
Credit: Hatch

Offering a unique blend of sleep and relaxation features, the Hatch Restore 2 is the perfect smart alarm clock for those who value their beauty sleep. Its range of soothing sounds and guided meditations will ensure they get a restful night’s sleep — and wake up slowly in the morning thanks to its sunrise light options.

Conair 2-in-1 Handheld Steamer and Iron

The Conair ExtremeSteam 2-in-1 in blue, on a white background.

The Conair 2-in-1 handheld steamer and iron also comes with Turbo mode for quicker results.
Credit: Conair

If your family member or friend is always traveling, this 2-in-1 device is the perfect addition to their arsenal. The steamer heats up in 40 seconds and can provide continuous steam for up to 15 minutes — so they’ll never have to worry about wrinkles on that business trip or at that wedding. And if they need something more heavy-duty, they can use the ironing mode with its non-stick soleplate to ensure their clothes are pressed exactly the way they like them.

With these holiday gift options, you’re sure to find the perfect present for that special someone who has a taste for the consumer lifestyle.

Tech / Technology

Best Advent calendars of 2023: Bonne Maman, LEGO, Barbie, Lovehoney, and more

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Many Advent calendars have sold out already at this point in the season, but if you hurry, you can still order one.
a collage of advent calendars available for 2023

Anyone who grew up in a Christian household knows two truths: One, you can learn a lot about biblical themes from a talking cucumber. And two, no holiday season is complete without an Advent calendar.

A religious custom that stems from 19th-century Lutherans in Germany, Advent calendars traditionally mark each day of (you guessed it) Advent — the hopeful season that spans four Sundays leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated on Dec. 25. They typically contain compartments or pockets that can be filled with tiny trinkets for kids, which are designed to be opened one at a time as a fun way of counting down the days until Christmas.

In a moderately blasphemous twist, recent adaptations by big-name brands have given Advent calendars secular appeal as a seasonal holiday indulgence for people (and even pets) of all ages. After hitting a mainstream stride in the mid-2010s, Google search interest for the phrase “advent calendar” reached an all-time high in late 2022. It’s on a similar upward swing as we head into the 2023 holiday season.

Much of Advent calendars’ modern popularity can be credited to TikTok, where they’ve starred in myriad unboxing videos that are suspenseful and addictive to watch (in a similar vein as fashion hauls). But it’s also because they’re easy ways for retailers to tempt cagey, inflation-weary consumers into sampling products they may not have purchased otherwise: everything from fancy French jams to LEGO sets. Advent calendars are a prime example of “needing a little treat” culture (treatcore? being treat-pilled?) at work.

Some Advent calendars have sold out already at this point in the season. (The brand-new Squishmallow calendar appears to be the most popular option so far.) But if you hurry, you can still order one before carolers start lining up on your doorstep. Keep reading for our curated list of the best Advent calendars for 2023.