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All you need to know about Samoa – The good, the bad, and the ugly

Zi @Craving Adventure

  • February 16, 2020
  • Oceania , Samoa

Samoa is a place where piglets roam freely, where everyone smiles and waves as you pass by and where island time is the only time. It is a country full of the most welcoming people, gorgeous palm tree-lined beaches and incredible nature.

At first glance, Samoa is a true tropical paradise. But Samoa is also a country where conservative tribes have a lot of power, the church demands big chunks of the people’s income and there is a serious stray dog problem.

In this blog post, we’ll try to paint you an unclouded picture of Samoa so you can be well informed before you decide to go there yourself.

JUMP TO: - Where is SamoaSamoan CultureThe GoodThe BadThe UglySamoa FAQ

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Where is Samoa?

Samoan culture.

Samoa is an independent located in the South of the Pacific Ocean in the Western part of Polynesia, just west of American Samoa and North-East of Fiji, or about half way between New Zealand and Hawaii. Samoa is a 4 hour flight from Auckland, New Zealand or a 5.5 hour flight from Sydney, Australia.

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The archipelago of Samoa consist of two big main islands, and several smaller islands for a total land area of 2842 square kilometres.

The first big island is called Upolu . Upolu is where the capital city Apia lies and where most of the population lives. This is also the island that gets most of the tourism as Samoa’s international airport is based here.

The other big island is called Savai’i, and while it is bigger than Upolu, a lot less people live on Savai’i . This island is a lot more untouched and less influenced by tourism. Samoans often refer to Savai’i as the real Samoa.

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Samoan culture is of Polynesian heritage and is based on Fa’a Samoa which roughly translates as The Samoan Way. The culture of Samoa is heavily focused on family, community and church.

Samoans have a very strong sense of community. Caring and providing for their extended family or tribe is their number one priority as well as contributing to the church. Samoans are very religious.

Samoans are also very proud people. Samoan people are especially proud of their heritage, culture, and traditions, and they love showing it to others. Especially when you venture outside of the populated areas you’ll find the locals to be very generous and lighthearted.

This all comes together on Fiafia nights. Fiafia means gathering or celebration, and a celebration is exactly what it is. If you get the chance to attend one, don’t hesitate to do so and prepare for an evening full of traditionally cooked food, music, dance, and acrobatic fire shows.

Food is a big part of most cultures, and in Samoa this is no different. Many accommodations are run by local families and will include breakfast and dinner. This means that everyone joins the family and sits around long tables to enjoy a home cooked meal, often including at least some fish, taro (a root that somewhat resembles a potato) and dishes with coconut milk.

On Fiafia nights you might be offered a traditional umu meal. The umu is the samoan version of the famous Polynesian ground oven.

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Fale is the Samoan word for ‘house’ and a traditional Samoan fale is a small oval structure with a thatched roof on wooden poles.

A fale has no permanent walls but instead has blinds that you can roll down to provide extra shelter. Sleeping in a fale might sound primitive, but nothing compares to waking up to the soft sound of the waves rolling onto the beach with a light breeze blowing through, to then take a swim in the warm water, not even five steps away from your bed.

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Tattoos are also a part of Samoan culture. Traditionally a Tatau is a symbol of status and a rite of passage from adolescence into adulthood and is done with wooden tools, not a tattoo gun.

There is also a strong emphasis on traditional arts and crafts in Samoa like wood carving, weaving, siapo – the traditional Samoan tapa cloth and tattooing.

The tattoo or Tatau has to be earned. The most honourable tattoo for men is called Pe’a and covers the area from the waist to the knees. The female version of it is called malu and covers the thighs.

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The people of Samoa

When we think about what is good about Samoa, the first thing that comes to mind are the people. Samoans, like most Polynesians, are big, not just in stature but also in the size of their heart.

Samoan people will smile and wave at you as you pass, they will offer help when they see someone in need, they will freely share their food with you, even if they don’t have much, and don’t be surprised if you’re invited into their home.

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The beauty of Samoa

Samoa is a truly pristine piece of nature full of jaw-dropping sights that are still largely undiscovered by the wider public. Imagine looking out of the airplane window and seeing winding coastlines that go from perfect golden sand beaches to rugged volcanic cliffs and then back to beaches again. This is just a little appetiser of what is Samoa really like.

You might already have seen pictures of the To Sua Ocean Trench , one of the coolest and most unique swimming holes in the world, but this is just one of the many awesome things to put on your Samoa itinerary.

 Best things to do in Samoa, 10-day itinerary >>  READ NOW

In Samoa you can walk over massive lava fields where water blasts up 30 meters into the air through blowholes (Zi got soaked and Tom couldn’t stop laughing). Or how about overlooking half of Samoa from the top of an active volcano and exploring the underground lava tubes that go underneath?

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The life filled waters of Samoa

You can also go hiking over luscious green and jungle-covered hills that suddenly make your gaze drop as you see water cascading down a massive waterfall. Swim with wild sea turtles in crystal clear, warm turquoise water that is also brimming with other marine wildlife that made its home in the colourful reefs surrounding the coastline. This isn’t just a fantasy world, this is a reality in Samoa.

Definitely bring your snorkeling gear as Samoa’s underwater world might even be more impressive than what’s above the surface. An underwater world feature that unexpectedly blew our minds was swimming in between hundreds of colourful giant clams the size of armchairs. Or if you fear you might lose a foot or a finger to a giant clam that snaps shut as you swim by, maybe spending the day on a private island sounds better?

  Read next:   Why you must travel to Samoa ASAP

Around Samoa’s two main islands Upolu and Savai’i, you can find a few small islands that are privately owned and that you can do a day- or overnight trip to. They are said to be the absolute best spots for snorkeling with sea turtles and exotic tropical fish. There is no better way to feel like you’re in a scene out of a tropical paradise movie like The Beach! (the part of the movie before shit hits the fan of course 😉 ).

And if you’re a surfer, don’t forget to bring your surfboard as the south coast offers some epic surf.

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So far everything we’ve told you is great, right?! Living in Samoa might sound like a dream but to keep it fair to the rest of the world there are also a few things that aren’t so great about Samoa.

Until 2014, Samoa was considered an underdeveloped country, meaning that is only recently started to develop towards the technical and economical standards that we’re used to in the Western world.

Poor reception & wi-fi

One of the areas where this is very noticeable is in the poor mobile internet reception. Samoa does have a 4G network, but outside of the capital Apia, coverage is poor and reception weak, resulting in slow internet speed or no connection at all. The more expensive accommodations often do have Wi-Fi, but they usually don’t offer it for free and the data bundles that you get are very small.

Food is monotone

Now of course taste is subjective, and we did have some delicious meals as well, but let us explain why we’re still putting the food down as a bad thing.

As we mentioned earlier, Samoans are very traditional people, and this also reflects in their food. Their main ingredients for every meal are fish, taro (a root that somewhat resembles a potato) and coconut milk.

We do highly recommend trying a traditional umu meal (cooked in a ground oven), but after eating taro and dishes with coconut milk a few days in a row you’ll want something else, and other than fried chicken and rice there isn’t much else to choose from. If on top of that you really don’t like coconut milk (like Zi), your choices for food are very limited.

Extreme island time

Lastly, nothing in Samoa runs on time. Life in Samoa is slow and Island time is a real thing in the Pacific, and it feels like the Samoans have completely surrendered to it.

This won’t matter and might even add to the chilled vibe if you’re just there to enjoy a relaxing holiday, but when you actually need to get something done it can get quite bothersome. Imagine trying to get to the airport by bus only to find out that no bus driver cares about the official bus schedule so he shows up 45 minutes late and then takes a massive detour as well.

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When you’re only in a country for a short period of time, you won’t notice much of what goes on beneath the surface. This is usually a good thing because this way you’ll stay in your happy holiday bubble.

We were in Samoa long enough to uncover some of the uglier traits as well. While we’re not trying to burst your happy holiday bubble we do feel like we need to mention these things so that you have a better understanding of what goes on in the country.

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Tribal influence

Tribes play a very important part in Samoan culture and tribal chiefs hold a lot of power over its members and decide on a lot of the major decisions that concern the tribe and their villages.

While this doesn’t apply to every chief, their pride and sometimes conservative traditional beliefs limit their vision to only what is good for themselves in the short term. What is good for the rest of the country or what will help the future hardly gets considered, leading to severe deforestation, exhaustion of the land, overfishing and the destruction of reefs and lagoons.

Some of the most conservative tribes enforce a daily curfew on its members during which the whole village needs to be inside for evening prayers and family time. And while that’s not a bad reason to spend some time at home, breaking the curfew leads to serious fines that most people can’t pay by themselves, meaning that the whole family needs to chip in. If a person can’t pay the fine, even with the help of the family, then that person can get expelled from the village, bringing shame to the whole family.

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Church influence

With 98% of the population being Christian, Samoa is a very religious country. Sunday is a holy day and on this day everyone dresses in their Sunday best and goes to church, but the church’s influence reaches much deeper.

Apart from high social pressure to participate in church services, in some villages, the chiefs force their members to be part of the church, with fines or even banishment as a consequence for violation.

When you drive through Samoa you’ll be astounded by the number of churches you’ll see. Even in the smallest and poorest villages consisting of a few small wooden houses, you’ll find a massive church made out of stone. The building and maintenance of these churches, as well as the pastor’s salary and church projects, are financed by the members of the church. Often the contribution that the church asks for totals more than 30% of the family income.

Dogs in Samoa

Sounds cute right? We’re big dog lovers so that’s what we thought when we heard that there are a lot of dogs in Samoa, but the dogs here aren’t the cuddly type of furry friends that you’re hoping to find. To most of the people in Samoa, dogs aren’t seen or treated as pets. Most of the dogs are stray dogs and they are very territorial and can get quite agressive. They usually come out after dark and roam in packs, so be on guard if you go out after dark, especially in the more rural areas.

Measles outbreak in Samoa

When we were in Samoa at the end of 2019 the country was in the grasp of a massive measles outbreak. Due to conservative beliefs, politics, and an accident that caused the death of some babies because a vaccine was wrongly administered, a large portion of the population had no trust in vaccinations, resulting in many kids not being vaccinated for measles.

Even when the epidemic was raging in full force, a state of emergency was declared and the government obligated people to get vaccinated, some people still refused to do so. This lead to thousands of people contracting measles over a period of 4 months, and the disease taking 83 lives.

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Is Samoa expensive to travel?

The Pacific Islands have a reputation for being expensive but Samoa didn’t hit our wallets too hard and it’s definitely doable on a budget too. Obviously, their prices can’t compete with South-East Asia, but Samoa is still less expensive than Australia, New Zealand, America, and Western Europe so it is not just for luxury travellers.

When it comes to accommodation in Samoa you can pick anything ranging from little open beach shacks (fales) that have breakfast and dinner included in the price to luxury resorts with spas and boardwalks leading to over-the-water-villas.

Even if you can afford the sheer luxury, we still recommend going for the beach shacks at least once. These beach shacks are called fales and staying in them is a unique and authentically Samoan experience.

Traditional food at fales (which usually act as restaurants too) is cheap at 10-20 tala per meal, a beer is 5-7 tala and soft drinks are in the 2.5-3.5 range. Western food and barista coffee are more costly.

Read next: Where to stay in Samoa – The best accommodation

What language is spoken in Samoa?

There are two official languages in Samoa – English and Samoan. While most educated people and those in customer care positions speak English fluently that is generally not the case in the smaller villages.

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Is Samoa safe to visit?

Samoa is very safe and the crime rate is low. The people are very friendly and kind, and the strong traditions and the communal culture of Samoa keep the crime rate low and the country safe.

What is the best time of year to go to Samoa?

Samoa has two distinct seasons, dry and wet. You’ll want to visit Samoa in the dry season which runs May to mid November, with high season being July – September.

The best time to visit is at the very beginning (May to mid-June) or very end (October to mid-November) of the dry season.

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How many days do you need in Samoa?

You need 7 to 10 days to visit both islands in Samoa. This will give you enough time to visit the main attractions as well as spend some time on the beach.

Read next: The best Samoa itinerary – 10 days in paradise  

Does it get cold in Samoa?

It doesn’t really get cold in Samoa. Because of the tropical climate, Samoa is hot and humid year round.

Does Samoa have Internet?

Samoa does have internet but wi-fi is usually on the slow and expensive side. The mobile reception and data access to the internet are very patchy too.

Is Samoan food spicy?

No, Samoan food is not spicy.

Is Samoa worth it?

Most definitely! We loved every second of our stay in Samoa and would go back in a heartbeat. Samoa is a true jewel of the Pacific and you can’t go wrong here for a unique, tropical holiday. We’re sure that if you choose to go to Samoa, it will become your new favourite travel destination!

Best things to do in Samoa, 10-day itinerary

Top things to do on Savai’i – Samoa

Top things to do on Upolu – Samoa

Have you been to Samoa? Would you like to go? Drop your questions and thoughts in the comments bellow!

Know someone who’d love to visit samoa.

Share this with them!

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief behind Craving Adventure.

23 Comments

Religions or more traditional beliefs should never have a say in the way people live. Most countries free themselves from the influence of religion, and I believe it’s a good thing!

We totally agree with you on that! Religion should always be a choice and people shouldn’t be oppressed into associating themselves with a religion, or any group or belief for that matter.

Yeah you’re right. I think it was the way of keeping people from committing crimes that’s why they forced people to go to church. I’m telling you, growing up in Samoa, it was the most beautiful thing ever, not to be able to see people walking around. There were two days of worship in Samoan then. Sunday and Saturday. Everyone respected that cos punishment was a serious business 😁. Too serious. The evening worship like they mentioned, some villages do it, some don’t. In my village, most people live near the ocean it’s called tai, we lived near the main road going around Savai’i like a little far away from the ocean and it’s called uta. So tai, that rule was strict for them they blow the horn (shell) and everyone except for the young men guarding should be in their houses worshiping. Uta, was not, but we do worship every evening. It was a good thing for us Samoans growing up, now we’re older, and its something that stays in us. So matter where we live in this world, morning and evening worship at home is a daily thing for us.

It’s definitely an interesting destination. Great tips.

Thank you! It is such an incredible country!

WOW looks so stunning! really informative will definitely remember this for when we visit!

Thank you so much Emma! Samoa is such a hidden gem

Samoa is on my bucket list so this post is really helpful. Your photos are stunning. I totally remember hearing about the measles situation.

That’s awesome Disha! Samoa often gets overlooked when it comes to holiday destinations in the Pacific, but it totally exceeded our expectations!

I’m glad you covered good and bad, it’s too easy to sometimes just focus on what you loved. Speaking of things I love: taro. I got used to it in Asia and absolutely love it, so I might do ok with the food here.

Glad you agree Emma! And if you like taro you’ll love the food in Samoa haha!

I would definitely love to go here someday! This is incredibly informative. It’s always good to share more than just what’s perfect about a place ? thanks for the post!

Thank you Jen! We truly love Samoa, but feel like it is better to paint a realistic picture so people really know what to expect, than to just blow up all the good aspects, neglect the downsides and have people come back from their trip dissappointed.

This is so interesting! I love your balanced approach – makes a lovely change to see somebody being honest about the downsides of a place as well as the upsides!

Thank you Dani! Glad you like it! We feel it is important to share the whole picture, not just the good stuff 🙂

As a Samoan. When the Missionaries came we embraced them and took Christianity, Lotu Patipati, Methodist, Catholic as a way for a better life. So that is why we are so religious.

How positive of you to find Samoa nice & friendly! Of course they’re nice & sweet to papalagis (white people), but to their own, NOT. Women are subjugated & beaten; children are treated as servants & beaten; men are at war w/ each other & beaten. Suicide is preferred to living in their tyrannical families of servitude, Christian fundamentalism & incest. Their culture is based on war, violence, competition, mockery, fear & sexual dominance. Yes, have fun in Samoa, palagis! It’s not in your blood to live in despair & accept it (like Samoans do). Fa soifua!

my husband and I would love to visit it sounds like paradise.

There’s always that one kaepusi. Kalofa e. As a Samoan, I’m proud of my culture. Not sure where you come from and what nationality are you and where you get your info from but let me say this. You are right. Women were beaten by their husbands in Samoa. In America, I see other people do the same to their wives or vise versa. Not all Samoan men are abusers, there were tons (like my father) who was so loving. I married a Samoan man and he is so gentle, so loving, so humble, he never beat me. Children being abused. I kinda agree on that part because of the way some parents beat their children. But our people were raised that way. Two things a Samoan child carries around wherever she/he goes and those things are the reasons why every Samoan parent is on their children’s butt. First, your name, second, your family’s name. No one wants their name to be known for something stupid, that’s what our parents taught us. Humiliation is not on any Samoan parents list. Also, If one person commit a crime, the whole family will pay. Most Samoans I know including myself are grateful and thankful to our parents for the way they raised us. Because if they didn’t teach us from wrong to right, we would’ve been out here committing crimes, disrespect other. Respectful is our first lesson. Respect our elders, between sisters&brothers, men and women and other people. So if beating kids is your meaning of abuse, the bible says. Discipline your children they won’t die if you spank them. I’m grateful for the beating and disciplining. I didn’t like it back then but now I’m older, I’m glad they did what they did. Forever grateful for my parents. Otherwise I’m in prison or probably dead. No one is perfect under the sun, suicide is common in every nation, every culture, every nationality. In Samoa, yes it happen. No matter how many times a Samoan person goes to church, that will never stop him/her from committing suicide. Its all about self control. If you have the Spirit of God to control you and if you’re able to control your emotions and won’t give two shykes to what anyone thinks or say, then you can win that battle. I really don’t know where you came from with our culture based on war. Our culture is our culture. I actually love my culture. It based on respect, showing love and kindness. Sometimes too much love and kindness showing. Every nation went to war with other nations, even people fight left and right. That’s how the world is because we’re living in a sinful world. If you want to find a country or place that is without war or fights, maybe Mars is perfect for you.

Ps. If you’re Samoan, I pray that God will help you with whatever you’re going thru. If you’re not, I pray God will help you with whatever hatred you have in your heart for my people. And if you’re not and you experienced something in my country, I. Apologize and hopefully you will get to meet some other Samoans besides the people you met. But if you are and you feel that way about Samoans, It’s time to heal, not for anyone but for yourself. Hatred is from the devil

Thanks, a proud Samoan.

How do you know?

Hi, I wish to relocate to samoa to work and live there. Pls I will appreciate any vital advice on how to go about it. Thanks.

Hi Sanni, that’s great, I’m sure you’ll love Samoa! Perhaps you can get in touch with http://www.samoa.travel for more info on relocating

I will love to visit Samoa with my family

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Small islands with big flavours await you: A guide to Samoan food and culture

It might be a nation of small islands but there’s something for everyone to enjoy in samoa, and with so much to see and do, you really can create your own adventure here. naturally, though, there’s probably no better place to start your samoan escape while getting a feel for what the islands are all about than one of samoa’s idyllic white sandy beaches..

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As you might expect from a warm tropical island surrounded by sea, Samoan food is about as fresh as it gets. Delicious seafood is caught every day in Samoa thanks to its thriving local fishing industry, while tropical fruit and vegetable plantations enriched by fertile volcanic soil are scattered throughout the countryside. 

Whether it’s caught or hand-picked, all Samoa’s fresh produce is used to inspire and create naturally wholesome dishes packed with flavour and goodness. Whether it’s traditional cuisine from recipes thousands old years old or international flavours, the food in Samoa will always be a highlight of your visit.

Must try dishes in Samoa

Umu is a traditional above ground oven created by laying hot volcanic stones (heated in fire) on the ground. In Samoa, seafood, pork, chicken, lamb, taro, bananas, and vegetables are all cooked using the umu method with each ingredient usually wrapped in banana leaves or coconut fronds. Banana leaves cover the oven to seal in the heat, so the meat, seafood, or vegetables are allowed to cook gently while becoming infused with smoky flavours. 

Making the most of Samoa’s fresh seafood, oka is raw fish (usually tuna) served in a generous amount of coconut cream and lemon juice. Oka often comes garnished with spring onions, parsley, chilli, and coriander. 

Vaisalo  

You can’t let a visit to Samoa pass by without trying vaisalo – a cold coconut porridge that is a popular comfort food among Samoans thanks to its sweet coconutty flavour. Vaisalo combines tapioca, coconut cream and coconut milk, sugar, coconut flesh, and lemon juice to create an enjoyable and wholesome natural treat.   

Sua fa’i

Arguably one of the most traditional drinks you’ll taste in Samoa, sua fa’i is a banana smoothie-like beverage which combines banana with tapioca, coconut milk, and sugar before being boiled in water to soften and release the sweetness. 

Fa’ausi

Usually eaten as a snack or treat, fa’ausi are cubes of dense coconut bread which have been dipped in a coconut milk and caramel sauce. It’s a simple dish, but the perfect marriage of caramel and coconut flavours with its moist texture will almost certainly leave you wanting more.  

A traditional Samoan seafood dish, vaisu is created by cooking whole fresh fish over charcoal before being left to simmer in coconut cream. Traditionally, coconut rounds would be used to simmer the fish, intensifying the flavours while making it incredibly impressive to watch being created. 

Another popular sweet treat among Samoans, panikeke is either a plain or banana pancake (served as round balls) that has been deep fried like a fritter. And you won’t have to look hard for panikeke in Samoa – you’ll find it being sold all over the islands by local street vendors. 

Faiai Fe’e 

Octopus are in plentiful supply around the shores of Samoa, so it’s no surprise they are a popular feature of many Samoan seafood dishes. Traditionally done, faiai Fe’e is a dish of octopus meat simmered in coconut cream in a half coconut shell. The dish makes the best of the fresh coconut and octopus flavours while preserving the meat’s succulent texture. 

Cultural foodie experiences

Food and culture tours

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Samoa’s food culture is to join one of the island’s many local tour guides who can take you to all the best foodie hotspots while sharing local knowledge and insights. Designed to experience Samoa’s fun and relaxing environment, you’ll experience the buzz of local markets and stalls while learning more about the flavours, how they’re created, and where they come from.

To’onai

To’onai is a Sunday lunch that traditionally brings friends and family together – not just to eat a meal, but to prepare it too. Throughout the islands, you’ll find plenty of resorts and tourism operators offering traditional To’onai feasts, either as part of their packages or as a standalone cultural experience. To’onai feasts usually include huge range of traditional Samoan dishes such as the popular umu, as well as some of the many others described above.  

Hotels and resorts offering To’onai feasts in Samoa include: 

  • Taumeasina Island Resort
  • Saletoga Sands Resort and Spa
  • Return to Paradise Resort and Spa
  • Orator Hotel
  • Le Uaina Beach Resort and Spa
  • Insel Fehmarn Hotel
  • St Therese Retreat and Accommodation
  • Faimafili Village Resort
  • Sataoa Beach Fales
  • Va-i-moana Seaside Lodge

Plantation tours 

Bananas, coconuts, cocoa, taro, pineapple, sweet potato, cassava, yams, sugarcane, and breadfruit are some of the many things you’ll find growing on Samoa’s plantations. So, if you’re a foodie who enjoys learning about the journey your food takes from plantation to plate, you can experience one of Samoa’s popular plantation tours where you’ll get to try the produce and experience how it is grown, harvested and most importantly, prepared for eating. 

Cooking classes 

If you’re keen to take a piece of Samoa home with you that’s a bit different to the usual souvenir, why not learn a few traditional recipes you can recreate yourself. Select resorts and independent operators regularly invite visitors to join cooking classes where you’ll learn to cook how the locals do using locally sourced Samoan produce. Classes are usually scheduled or can be arranged on request.  

Explore the market stalls and tastes of Samoa’s harbour capital of Apia

Bursting with beautiful gardens, shops, bars, and restaurants serving anything from traditional local cuisine to international dishes, Apia is an incredibly vibrant, happening capital for a small island nation. While Apia is well-known for its gourmet seafood restaurants – many offering views over Apia Bay – in amongst the charming colonial style buildings, you’ll also discover some of Samoa’s busiest and most popular food markets and roadside stalls. 

Apia’s must-see markets include the Organic Night Market on the Samoa Cultural Village grounds, Apia Fish Market, Fugalei Fresh Produce Market, and Savalalo Flea Market. Apia’s markets give you the chance to browse and try all kinds of local flavours at leisure from fresh produce like mango, guava, and fresh cocoa to Samoan pork buns and aromatic baked breadfruit.  

Samoa’s restaurant and bar scene

Despite its small size and strong traditional food culture, Samoa has a diverse food scene which makes it an ideal destination for international visitors looking for a range of experiences during their stay. While Samoa offers cuisines from all around the world, visitors will find anything from budget family friendly options and fine dining to traditional Samoan cultural food experiences and a huge choice of top bars serving beers, wines, and amazing cocktails. 

You can find out more about what’s on offer here .     

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The insurance policy cover applies to all domestic and international business travel on behalf of the State authority. It applies during the entire period of absence from the place of employment or home or other place where the business journey begins or ends. In the event of an international business journey, it also applies during interruptions of travel due to vacations or leaves of absence at a place other than the insured person's regular place of activity. For such a break to be deemed an interruption of business travel and not an independent activity, the break may not exceed a period longer than the period of the business journey otherwise. The break shall not be longer than 14 days. For holidays lasting longer than 14 days, a private insurance policy must be taken out for the entire holiday period. A private insurance is normally a home insurance and an accident insurance. 

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He biked from Spain to Singapore. The kindness of strangers kept him going.

Andrew mortensen’s cycling trip through europe and asia represented the last leg of a worldwide ride.

“Let’s see if we can get this light,” Andrew Mortensen said as he cycled toward Eastern Avenue, the northeast border of Washington and Maryland.

Mortensen had recently completed a 10,538-mile bike journey from Spain to Singapore — and, by his estimate, the last section of a ride around the world that began four years ago. Yet he was enthusiastic about the unremarkable crossing: “No way! This is a new state biking for me.”

There were no waits (he made the light) or passport checks on that sunny Saturday in February. It was a stark contrast to the many questions, and occasional delays, Mortensen faced at some of the 26 national borders he crossed on his ride from Europe to Asia. Many people picked up cycling to provide some relief from pandemic lockdowns. But Mortensen, feeling caged, took his hobby to an extreme.

In August 2020, he began a bike journey that eventually touched four continents. First, he rode east across the width of the United States, then south as far as roads can take you in South America and, finally, across the Eurasian landmass.

According to the popular fitness-tracking app Strava, he typically logged 100-plus miles in the saddle per day, propelled by a deep-rooted curiosity to explore. He had a long-held goal to pedal around the world, but that wasn’t the source of his motivation.

“It’s still crazy to me to think about,” he said in an interview during the bike ride to Maryland. “At no point was it me riding around the world — it was ‘Tomorrow I’m going to go to wherever, and cross the border into India.’ Only in retrospect does it really dawn on you.”

The generally accepted distance necessary for a round-the-world ride is 18,000 miles. Including his earlier rides in the Americas, Mortensen had logged more than 27,000.

And Mortensen accomplished this rare feat with an extra wrinkle: As an openly gay cyclist, he wasn’t sure how he’d be received in hostile parts of the world. He was “pretty freaked out” when he started. But the people he met consistently proved him wrong with their warmth and hospitality.

From Washington state to Singapore

The 32-year-old Austin resident’s transcontinental ride was the last leg in a pandemic-spanning tour that began on a cold beach in Neah Bay, Wash. After taking a voluntary exit package from his job at United Airlines and feeling, as he put it in a 2022 TEDx Talk , that his “wings were clipped,” Mortensen decided to bike across America.

The ride east, which he completed in Yorktown, Va., in October 2020, was followed shortly thereafter by one south. First to Key West, Fla., and from there to Texas and then down to the literal end of the road on Chile’s Route 7 . He completed the Pan-American portion of his trip around Villa O’Higgins in April 2021 after some 16,912 miles in the saddle.

But Mortensen was not done. After a break for business school at the University of Texas at Austin, he resumed his journey last July in Pamplona, Spain, with a goal of making it to Croatia.

Six months later, after cycling beyond Europe into the likes of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Pakistan and Nepal, his parents set up a warm welcome for him as he rode into Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands resort.

He did take breaks off the bike. He spent a week with his boyfriend after the European portion of his ride. He took two weeks with family for his grandfather’s funeral. And then 10 days off at Christmas for family time — and needed bike repairs.

Rounding the corner into Marina Bay after his last 23.9 miles from Malaysia, Mortensen felt sad that his journey was at an end. But also “hopeful for our world. And happy to give my bum a rest.”

‘Sublime’ landscapes and ‘big hearts’

Cycling through suburban Maryland presents few opportunities for grand vistas or big “cols,” French for mountain pass.

The highest point on Mortensen’s long ride? Circling the base of Kongur Tagh at 13,467 feet in the Pamir Mountains of western China.

He pedaled “over to this little cliff, and there before me is this massive glacier on the left, open plains in front of it — absolutely just stunning,” Mortensen said. “It was like ‘Oh my gosh, this is just sublime.’”

The photos he posted to Strava offer a tour of amazing peaks, expansive vistas , and UNESCO World Heritage sites (His advice: Go to the ones the tours don’t). In France, Mortensen wrote of cycling through “a landscape that builds from stony, arid coast into a crescendo of soaring peaks, wild topography, and lush colors.” Two months later, he rode across the arid Ustyurt Plateau in Uzbekistan on a road with no turns for more than 100 miles.

His photos also show lots of friendly people.

“Borders are pretty subjective,” he said. “Unless there’s a river or mountain range, when they draw a squiggly line between two countries — a lot of the time [people] are still culturally and ethnically the same, and then there’s just a line.”

In a digital diary he kept on Strava, Mortensen noted cycling along one disputed Central Asian border where there was only a fence, and often not even that. At times, he could only guess which country he was in.

“Though the landscape on my route at this point might not be jaw-dropping, the big hearts are,” he wrote on Strava one night in Central Asia. “I talk a lot about these people because it feels so wildly different from the world we see in the news right now. Their continued grace towards this complete stranger is a powerful reminder of that common refrain — there's a lot more that connects us, than divides us.”

Conflict dominated the headlines as Mortensen rode. The war in Ukraine . The Hamas attack on Israel. The Israel-Gaza war . Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Mortensen kept riding. He recounted the numerous invites to tea he received. Conversations via Google Translate. Crowds eager for a picture with the lone cyclist.

“People were so excited to see me,” he said.

The excitement was also exhausting. A self-described introvert, Mortensen would end his days exhausted from the physical exertion of cycling and the many social interactions along the way. He spent 24 nights of his five months on the road in people’s homes, and the rest in hostels and inns, to “unwind.”

Of the many people he met along the way, one that stood out was a welcoming Uzbek who, after they spent hours together at a border crossing, invited him to his sister’s wedding.

“This guy was just the nicest person ever,” Mortensen said. “He just invited a stranger into one of the most [important] moments for his family just like that, on a lark. It made me realize that maybe I don’t have to worry about all these people around me.”

Food, a necessity for any endurance athlete, was often less than glamorous. Grab-and-go options, cookies, chips , and the occasional ice cream were staples of his days. But when he spied the golden arches on a dusty road outside of Amritsar, India, he wrote of being “overjoyed” to stop for a veggie burger, fries and a shake.

Risks for a gay cyclist

Cycling past Maryland’s Lake Artemesia, Mortensen relayed an experience he had with a clerk at a pit stop in an Eastern Mediterranean country. After chatting for a few moments, the clerk added him on Instagram and, “when that happens, it’s pretty clear right away who I am and what I stand for.”

Mortensen’s Instagram profile includes links to his advocacy for The Trevor Project , a nonprofit that works to prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, as well as other references to his sexuality and advocacy.

Many countries where he rode in the Middle East and Central Asia explicitly outlaw same-sex relations, according to Human Rights Watch . And, even in those where it is not illegal, it is not necessarily welcome. Turkey, for example, does not bar same-sex relations, but its president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is an outspoken critic of LGBTQ+ people.

The clerk realized Mortensen was gay. Instead of the negative response the cyclist feared, the clerk told him that he, too, was gay.

Such was the disconnect Mortensen found between national politics and laws, and the hospitable treatment he received throughout his journey.

“Someone who sees you outside and it’s cold, or it’s late, or there’s no food for 50 miles, that overrides any beliefs about who you are, where you’re from,” he said.

Mortensen was aware of the risks. LGBTQ+ events have faced violent protests , and individuals have been jailed or killed in some of the countries along his route. He did not publicly advertise he was gay. There was no Pride flag on his bike. He never mentioned his sexuality or boyfriend in his public Strava posts.

French students Jacques de Maistre and Joseph Serdet, who met and cycled with Mortensen in Uzbekistan and again in Malaysia on their way to a business school course in Singapore, said they only became aware of his sexuality and advocacy when they looked him up online.

“I think he was right,” de Maistre said. “You never know the direction of people.”

Was Mortensen the first openly gay person to bike around the world? That’s difficult to judge. If an LGBTQ+ individual has done it, they have not made a point of publicly sharing their sexuality.

Lael Wilcox , a well-known ultra endurance cyclist who is a lesbian, said in an email that she does not know of any other LGBTQ+ individuals who have completed an around-the-world ride.

Wilcox is planning her own global circumnavigation ride this summer, when she attempts to set a new women’s record, of 110 days.

“I feel that it’s important for our community to have visibility — to have people that are out there doing the same things that everyone else can do,” Mortensen said.

A record in spirit

An around-the-world ride, to the Guinness World Records and other official record keepers, is more than just cycling 18,000 miles.

Other criteria include traveling in a continuous direction, crossing two “antipodes,” or opposite points on the Earth, and beginning and ending at the same point. Mortensen’s ride meets all but the last, as he began and ended on the edge of the Pacific Ocean — in Washington state, and ended in Singapore.

Mortensen, however, does not seek an official Guinness or other record. It was really just about the ride itself.

“Bike travel can be arduous, scary, sometimes even monotonous, but the excitement of encountering the totally unexpected makes it worth every minute,” he wrote on Strava. “And the best part? You can dismount any moment to soak it up.”

Photo captions in an earlier version of this article misidentified images of Mortensen in Göreme, Turkey; Dasu, Pakistan; Nepal; and the Pakistan-India border. The article has been corrected.

Where to go

Our favorite destinations: These 12 destinations are at the top of our wish list for where to go this year, without crowds. In 2023, we explored an Alaskan bear paradise, Brooklyn’s famous pizzerias and a hidden gem in Italy, among other highlights ..

Travel like a local: Residents share their favorite places in our top city guides: New Orleans , Rome , Tokyo and Mexico City .

National parks: This comprehensive guide has details on all 63 U.S. national parks. For a deep dive into five of the most well-known, you can listen to the Field Trip podcast . Then explore tips from locals for visiting Yosemite , Glacier and Everglades .

Tales from the road: Dolly Parton has opened a new resort at her theme park complex in Tennessee, while “Fixer Upper” stars Chip and Joanna Gaines have a new hotel in Waco . Road-trippers may be just as excited to see the cartoon beaver at Buc-ee’s , and bargain-hunters should consider a stop at the Unclaimed Baggage store in Scottsboro, Ala.

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What to buy from Amazon’s Big Spring Sale: Save big on tech, beauty and more

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is underway, and if you want to take advantage of the markdowns, the retailer is offering deals on tech, vacuums, beauty products and kitchen essentials during its seasonal savings event. Unlike its Prime Days sales, the deals are not exclusive to Prime members , which means anyone can access the discounts on home goods , electronics and more.

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select Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here — get discounts on home essentials from Dyson, Roomba and more

Although both Prime and non-Prime members can take advantage of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale event — which runs until March 25, 2024 — those with a membership will get exclusive deals, so if you don’t have a Prime account, this might be the moment to sign up . The retailer will drop even more deals as the sale unfolds, so keep an eye out for more discounts in the coming days. We’ll continue updating this list with new savings opportunities; keep in mind that prices and availability are subject to change.

Selected. Our top picks

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The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals

To help you make the most of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale and identify what’s actually worth buying, we poured through hundreds of discounted items to narrow down the best deals that we think you should know about. All of our recommendations are based on our previous coverage and reporting. Every item is also highly rated with at least a four-star average rating from Amazon shoppers. 

Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen

Colgate Optic White Overnight Teeth Whitening Pen

3.8-star average rating from 55,522 reviews on Amazon

This portable pen is one of our go-to at-home teeth whitening treatments . The brush-tip applicator dispenses the hydrogen peroxide gel, which is safe for those with teeth sensitivity, according to the brand. Just brush it onto clean teeth and leave it overnight. One pen has enough for 35 treatments.

Revlon One Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

Revlon One Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

4.6-star average rating from 477,231 reviews on Amazon

This hot tool from Revlon — the brand behind some of our favorite hair dryers — combines the heat and airflow of a blow dryer with the styling abilities of a round brush. This comes with four heat settings and a detachable head for easy storage, and its oval-shaped, 2.4-inch brush head can create soft waves or bouncy curls, according to the brand.

Cosrx Acne Pimple Patch Absorbing Hydrocolloid Original 3 Size Patches

Cosrx Acne Pimple Patch Absorbing Hydrocolloid Original 3 Size Patches

4.4-star average rating from 51,992 reviews on Amazon

One of the best pimple patches worth buying, Cosrx pimple patches come in various sizes, giving you options to cover up and heal every type of pimple. They only have hydrocolloid gel in them to accelerate post-pimple recovery and minimize the risk of scarring, according to the brand — that makes them great for sensitive skin.

Bissell Little Green Multi-Purpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Bissell Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

4.5-star average rating from 76,572 reviews on Amazon

One of the best carpet cleaners to have on hand, this portable, handheld device is ideal for stairs, upholstery and spot cleaning (which means it’s great if you have pets). The tank holds 48 ounces of water and has a handle for easy maneuvering, while the hose has different attachments to scrub stains and dispense the cleaning formula. Its suction is also powerful enough to tackle both dirt and moisture, according to the brand.

Bagsmart 6 Set Compression Travel Cubes

Bagsmart 6 Set Compression Travel Cubes

4.6-star average rating from 8,304 reviews on Amazon

Save space when you travel with these packing cubes . This six-piece set has three sizes to fit an array of clothing (in addition to a bag for shoes) and each cube has an extra zipper that helps compress it, according to the brand. There’s an ID pocket on the outside of each one too so you can quickly see what’s inside without having to open each one.

Cosrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Coxrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

Coxrx Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence

4.8-star average rating from 52,381 reviews on Amazon

This popular snail mucin essence, like its name suggests, is packed with snail slime, an ingredient that can hydrate and plump skin. This formula also has hyaluronic acid for hydration as well as allantoin and panthenol, which can help soothe redness, according to the brand. Use it in between cleansing and moisturizing skin.

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser

4.6-star average rating from 71,524 reviews on Amazon

This brand has a few water flossers accepted by the American Dental Association, including this model. It comes with a one-minute timer and has 10 pressure settings and seven tips, which can accommodate multiple users and circumstances like braces, according to the brand. It also has a 22-ounce water reservoir to minimize refills.

Furbo 360° Rotating Smart Dog Camera Treat Dispenser

Furbo 360° Rotating Smart Dog Camera Treat Dispenser

4.5-star average rating from 37,212 reviews on Amazon

We think this is one of the best pet cameras out there, and for good reason: It has a rotating base (hence the “360” in the name) that allows you to scan your space for your pet so you can track them while you’re away. You can take photos and videos from afar, and use two-way communication to speak to and listen to your pet, too. Plus, it functions as a treat dispenser — it can store up to 100 treats, which you can control and toss to your pet via the accompanying smartphone app.  

Crest 3D Teeth Whitening Strip Kit

Crest 3D Teeth Whitening Strip Kit

4.6-star average rating from 84,249 reviews on Amazon

These at-home whitening strips use a hydrogen peroxide gel to remove stains from teeth without harming enamel, according to Crest. With this set you’ll get two 1-hour treatments, as well as 20 30-minute treatments.

Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier

Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier

4.7-star average rating from 99,371 reviews on Amazon

This air purifier uses a pre-filter, carbon filter and HEPA filter to remove contaminants like smoke and dust from indoor air. In fact, it can purify 1,095 square feet of space in an hour, according to the brand. “It’s also pretty quiet — I keep it in my bedroom and can barely hear it throughout the day while working,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio . 

Fullstar Vegetable Chopper

Fullstar Vegetable Chopper

4.5-star average rating from 101,406 reviews on Amazon

An NBC Select-staff favorite, this multitasking, dishwasher-safe vegetable chopper makes meal prep easy. It comes with four blades so you can dice, julienne and spiralize vegetables and a catch tray that sits below the chopper. You’ll also get a cleaning brush, two scrapers and a finger guard, too.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Bioderma - Sensibio - H2O Micellar Water - Makeup Remover

Bioderma - Sensibio - H2O Micellar Water - Makeup Remover

4.7-star average rating from 49,631 reviews on Amazon

This no-rinse formula is a staple in dermatologists’ skin care routines since it can remove face and eye makeup while also gently washing away dirt, pollution and grime, according to the brand. It’s also free of fragrances, oil and alcohol. “This is my go-to for taking off makeup,” says NBC Select editor Lindsay Schneider . “It’s nonabrasive, which my sensitive skin appreciates, and I’ve never had a bad reaction to it. The bottle also lasts forever — a little goes a long way.” 

PopSockets Phone Grip

PopSockets MagSafe Compatible Phone Grip

PopSockets MagSafe Compatible Phone Grip

4.6-star average rating from 74,328 reviews on Amazon

This grip attachment, which magnetically attaches to MagSafe phone cases, makes it more comfortable to hold your smartphone. It also comes with an adapter ring that allows it to adhere to any phone case and model and doubles as a stand you can stream from or scroll on. Plus, you can also quickly pop it off for wireless charging, according to the brand.

Belkin Wireless Charger

Belkin Wireless Charger for MagSafe, 15W Fast Charging Pad

Belkin Wireless Charger for MagSafe, 15W Fast Charging Pad

4.3-star average rating from 2,285 reviews on Amazon

Compatible with Apple iPhone 12 models and later — and certified MagSafe cases — this wireless charging pad has a 6.6-foot-long cable and a kickstand so you can keep your phone at an angle while it charges. (It also works with Qi-enabled devices, like AirPods Pro, according to the brand). 

Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

Crest 3D White Brilliance Luminous Purple Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

4.4-star average rating from 1,458 reviews on Amazon

With this distinct purple color, this toothpaste removes surface stains and protects against future discoloration, according to the brand. It has fluoride to repair enamel and can protect against cavities, too, according to the brand.

Crz Yoga Women’s Butterluxe Workout Capri Leggings

Crz Yoga Womens Butterluxe Workout Capri Leggings with Pockets

Crz Yoga Womens Butterluxe Workout Capri Leggings with Pockets

4.6-star average rating from 495 reviews on Amazon

These high-rise leggings have a 21-inch inseam and two side pockets to store keys, credit cards and your phone. They’re made of the brand’s soft, lightweight Butterluxe fabric, have four-way stretch and offer gentle compression, according to the brand.

Chamberlain Smart Control Garage

Chamberlain Smart Garage Control

Chamberlain Smart Garage Control

4.3-star average rating from 98,084 reviews on Amazon

Control your garage from afar with this hub, which connects your garage door to an app that allows you to open or close your garage in real time from any location. It works with most brands of garage door openers manufactured after 1993, and you can also pair it with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery so your packages can be safely delivered, according to the brand.

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

4.3-star average rating from 2,189 reviews on Amazon

Dyson vacuums have long been synonymous with quality construction and easy maneuverability. This lightweight option is designed for homes with pets — it has a screw tool that removes pet hair from carpets and upholstery, plus it can convert to a handheld vacuum when you need to get to hard-to-reach spots. The chord-free cleaner can run up to 40 minutes on one charge, too, according to the brand. 

Anker Magnetic Portable Charger

Anker Magnetic Portable Charger

4.3-star average rating from 2,766 reviews on Amazon

This slim charging device snaps onto your phone via a magnet, so you don’t have to deal with cords while restoring your battery life. It works with iPhone 12 models and later, and you can recharge it via a USB-C cable (which comes included).

Instant Pot Duo Plus

Instant Pot Duo Plus

4.7-star average rating from 35,641 reviews on Amazon

With nine one-touch settings, this Instant Pot can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, saute, sous vide, cook rice , make yogurt, bake cake and warm food. The food-grade stainless steel pot is dishwasher-safe and has a tri-ply bottom for better insulation and cooks up to 8 quarts of food at once, according to the brand.

Embark Breed Identification Kit

Embark Breed Identification Kit

4.6-star average rating from 17,147 reviews on Amazon

If you want to know everything about your pet, this DNA test for dogs can help. Once you swab your dog’s cheek and mail in the sample, Embark will screen it for over 350 breeds, providing a breakdown of your dog’s genetic makeup and identifying relatives. You can also see your dog’s family tree as far back as great-grandparents, according to the brand.

Cosori Mini Air Fryer 2.1 Qt

Cosori Mini Air Fryer

Cosori Mini Air Fryer

4.6-star average rating from 4,005 reviews on Amazon

With a 2.1-quart capacity, this compact air fryer is ideal for small spaces and tiny countertops; it measures just 8.31 inches wide by 10.5 inches high by 10 inches deep. It has four cooking functions, including air dry, roast, bake or reheat, and the basket is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup, too. It’s also the quietest model among Cosori’s products, according to the brand.

Canopy Bedside Humidifier

Canopy Bedside Humidifier, White Humidifier

Canopy Bedside Humidifier, White Humidifier

4.2-star average rating from 267 reviews on Amazon

The best humidifiers add moisture to your space and can alleviate dry skin , chapped lips and nosebleeds. This Canopy option can run up to 36 hours and can hydrate rooms up to 500 square feet, according to the brand. The humidifier also has a built-in diffuser. Included in the bundle is a bottle of the brand’s Unwind Aroma.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Scrub

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Face Scrub

4.6-star average rating from 11,257 reviews on Amazon

This Neutrogena face scrub has 2% salicylic acid in its formula to help exfoliate skin and clear out clogged pores , making it a great option for those with acne, according to the brand. Plus, it’s oil-free and gentle enough for everyday use, according to the brand.

Fujifilm Instax Square Smartphone Printer

Fujifilm Instax Square Link Smartphone Printer

Fujifilm Instax Square Link Smartphone Printer

4.7-star average rating from 199 reviews on Amazon

If you or someone in your life is big on photography or the Polaroid-print aesthetic, this printer is a must. It connects to your phone and allows you to instantly print photos on the spot. It’s a great gift for weddings and graduation parties and its small and lightweight packaging makes it portable and easy to bring with you virtually everywhere. The printer is compatible with Instax Square film .

Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

Soundcore by Anker Life Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.5-star average rating from 65,332 reviews on Amazon

We love these noise-canceling headphones since they offer a great listening experience at a budget friendly price point compared to other competitors on the market. They come with three noise-cancellation modes, memory-foam padding around the ears and up to 40 hours of battery life, according to the brand.

Simplehuman Sensor Soap Dispenser

Simplehuman Sensor Soap Dispenser

4.3-star average rating from 22,077 reviews on Amazon

Wash your hands without any mess with this automatic soap dispenser, which uses a sensor to release soap or sanitizer. The touch-free device is rechargeable and lasts up to three months on a single charge, according to the brand. It also has a clog-proof pump, a funnel-shaped opening for easy refilling and a drip-resistant dispenser valve, according to the brand.

Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

Trtl Travel Pillow for Neck Support

4.0-star average rating from 34,922 reviews on Amazon

This one of the best travel pillows on the market — its unique shape swaps the typical U-shaped pillow for support that goes around the neck. It has an inner, adjustable support that can hold your head, neck and jaw at any position you prefer, and the soft fleece exterior is comfortable and machine washable.

Amazon Echo Pop

Amazon Echo Pop

4.7-star average rating from 36,113 reviews

This smart speaker is a great companion for your bedroom or any small space in your home. The compact, easy-to-use device is  programmed with Alexa and is bluetooth compatible so you can  stream your favorite music , podcasts and more. It’s available in four colorways, including white and lavender . NBC Select associates update editor Zoe Malin uses it to control her smart lights , ask Alexa questions about the weather and more.

Levoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Levoit Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

4.3-star average rating from 718 reviews on Amazon

This cordless vacuum is designed for homes with pets — it has a five-stage filtration system, anti-tangle roller bar and a dusting brush for hard-to-reach places. Plus, it can run for up to 50 minutes on its lowest setting, according to Levoit. It weighs under 7 pounds for portability, lays flat to reach under furniture and has built-in LED lights so you can see dust easily, too.

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag Travel Bag

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag Travel Bag

This toiletry bag unfolds to reveal four separate compartments, each with zippers and pockets. The inner pockets have elastic straps to hold bottles in place, and the pockets themselves are transparent so you can view what’s inside. In addition to a carry handle, it also has a convenient rotating hook to hang it from a door knob or towel rack.

Blink Video Doorbell

Blink Video Doorbell

4.3-star average rating from 133,506 reviews on Amazon

Available in both wired and wireless options, this video doorbell has a 1080-pixel video, infrared night video and two-way audio so you can track and communicate with visitors at your door. It’s WiFi-enabled to send motion sensor alerts and visuals to your phone via the Blink app, and since the brand is owned by Amazon, you can pair it with Alexa devices, too.

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

4.7-star average rating from 31,040 reviews on Amazon

Bose is known as a leader in the audio and speaker space — and this waterproof speaker is no exception. It has a tear-resistant silicone strap that makes it helpful for securing to backpacks , coolers or beach bags , and is designed to resist drops and scratches, making it especially great for those who want to use it outdoors, according to the brand. It can play up to six hours of music, plus you can take a call directly from the device.

Carote 16-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

Carote 16-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set

4.6-star average rating from 1,587 reviews on Amazon

Stock your kitchen with this lightweight 16-piece pot and pan set, made from nonstick and aluminum material that makes cleanup easy, according to the brand. This taupe-colored collection comes with pans for frying, grilling and sauteing dishes as well as preparing sauces. Its also comes with silicone tools, including a spoon and tongs.

Joseph Joseph 10-Piece Nest Lock Storage Container Set

Joseph Joseph 10-Piece Nest Lock Storage Container Set

4.7-star average rating from 6,746 reviews on Amazon

This space-saving, multicolor food storage set is great for meal prep The pieces range in size from 8 oz (great for storing a couple servings of trail mix) to 3 liters (to help store leftovers or bring baked goods into the workplace). These BPA-free lids are lockable and leakproof, and are freezer- and microwave-safe, too, according to the brand. To store, simply fit and snap the containers together to help organize your kitchen space better.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum with Vitamin E & SPF 60+

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum with Vitamin E & SPF 60+

4.6-star average rating from 4,519 reviews on Amazon

This lightweight face serum doubles as a face sunscreen with SPF 60 to moisturize and protect your skin. It has vitamin E , which can help calm the  skin while also addressing wrinkles, inflammation and discoloration. This sheer formula is also fragrance-free, which is great for dry skin .

JBL Live 460NC Wireless On-Ear Noise-Canceling Headphones

JBL Live 460NC - Wireless On-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

JBL Live 460NC - Wireless On-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones

4.4-star average rating from 5,908 reviews on Amazon

These noise-canceling headphones minimize any outside noises while you listen to your favorite music or take calls, according to the brand. They have up to 50 hours of battery life and are foldable, making them a great companion for travel and day-to-day use.

Cuisinart Coffee Grinder

Cuisinart Coffee Grinder

This coffee grinder lets you choose from 18 grind levels, ranging from ultra-fine to extra-coarse. It holds enough ground coffee for 32 cups and has an electric timer that shuts off the machine when grinding is complete. The bean hopper and grind chamber are removable for easy cleaning, according to the brand, and it comes with a scoop and cleaning brush, too.

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select Ulta’s Semi-Annual Beauty Event is happening now — these are the best deals

Why trust nbc select.

Deanna Pai is a New York-based freelance writer and editor who focuses on beauty, health and other topics and has covered sales events for NBC Select for two years. To round up the best Amazon Big Spring Sale, she found the best deals on beauty products, home essentials, tech and more.

Catch up on Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Deanna Pai is a freelance writer and editor at NBC Select.

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The 31 Best Tech Deals in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale — Including Apple, Beats, Dyson, and More Up to 77% Off

A longtime tech editor shares the deals no traveler should miss, from Apple AirPods to portable chargers.

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Anlmz iphone charging station, best apple tech deals.

  • Best Beats & Bose Tech Deals

Best Travel Tech Accessory Deals

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is here, and with it come tons of tech deals no traveler should pass up. Trust me, as a longtime tech editor who’s always looking for the latest and greatest in tablets, headphones, and game-changing gadgets, I know a big deal when I see one. And good news: I found popular brands like Apple, Bose, Beats, Dyson, Roomba, and more accessories are massively discounted right now, up to 77 percent off . Plus, this top-rated iPhone charging station is just $12 right now.

Whether you've been eyeing up an iPad but haven't quite made the leap, looking for a fresh set of headphones to play tunes during flights, or wanting a cordless vacuum to give your home a spring makeover, these Amazon tech picks have got you covered. My top picks include Beats Solo3 Headphones for 50 percent off, a best-selling portable charger for 70 percent off, and Apple watches , AirTags , and AirPods Pro for a rare 28 percent off. 

My advice? Don't wait until the sale is over on Monday, March 25 to upgrade your tech for travel or home — snag these 30 epic Amazon Spring Sale deals before they sell out.

One of the best deals we've seen on tech all week is on this highly rated iPhone charging station , which is 56 percent off plus a 35 percent off coupon — bringing it down to just $12. Not to mention Apple AirPods Pro earbuds for 28 percent off; they provide unparalleled sound quality and noise cancellation. Apple’s iPad 9th Gen is also on rare sale for 24 percent off. For music lovers on the go, Bose's compact Soudlink Bluetooth speaker is a must-have, offering durability, waterproofing, and fantastic audio quality for just $99. For those who prefer an over-ear experience, these high-performance Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones are 50 percent off. And for fast charging on the go, consider this portable iPhone charger that’s a whopping 70 percent off.

  • Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Ear Buds, $180 (originally $249)
  • Anlmz iPhone Charging Station , $12 (originally $43)
  • Apple iPad 9th Generation , $249 (originally $329)
  • Bose Soundlink Micro Bluetooth Speaker , $99 (originally $119)
  • Beats Solo3 Wireless On-ear Headphones , $99 (originally $199)
  • Dyson V11 Plus Cordless Vacuum Cleaner , $461 (originally $719)
  • Jejill Portable Charger for iPhone , $18 (originally $60)
  • Levoit Air Purifier , $190 (originally $220)

Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Ear Buds

Apple deals are a tech lovers' dream, as the coveted gadgets rarely see discounts. Take, for instance, the Apple iPad 9th Gen , featuring a stunning 10.2-inch Retina display and an impressive 24 percent off, making it the ultimate travel companion. The Apple Watch SE , equipped with Fitness & Sleep Tracker and Heart Rate Monitor, helps you stay on top of your health goals, especially as the days get brighter. With a 20 percent discount, it's a deal not to be missed. And let's not forget the lifesaving AirTags ! These little wonders end lost luggage nightmares with a simple setup that syncs seamlessly with your Apple devices. At just $24 each, it's a small price for peace of mind on all your travels.

  • Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Ear Buds, $189 (originally $249)
  • Apple AirTag 4-pack, $83 (originally $99)
  • Apple Watch SE Smartwatch, $199 (originally $249)
  • Apple iPad 10.2 Inch 9th Gen 64GB with A13 chip , $249 (originally $329)
  • Apple EarPods Headphones , $17 (originally $19)
  • Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Chip , $1,649 (originally $1,799)

Apple AirTag 4-pack

Best beats & bose tech deals.

As a music enthusiast, I know having great audio gear is an absolute must, and Beats hits the mark with Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones for 50 percent off. Plus, Bose is offering Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Earbuds for $50 off, boasting spatial audio for fantastic sound and personalized noise cancellation. Planning outdoor gatherings or simply chilling at home? The Bose SoundLink Revolve portable Bluetooth speaker pumps out impressive sound and is now 27 percent off. 

  • Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds , $249 (originally $299)
  • Bose SoundLink Revolve Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $159 (originally $219)
  • Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones , $299 (originally $329)
  • Beats Solo3 Wireless On-ear Headphones , $114 (originally $199)
  • Beats Studio Buds , $99 (originally $149)
  • Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones , $199 (originally $349)

Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones

Best dyson, roomba, & more vacuum deals.

We travelers can’t be on the road all the time. To tackle spring cleaning in between trips and make your home shine like that boutique hotel you love, you’ll want to pick up the Dyson V8 is a top-notch vacuum that effortlessly handles carpets and hard floors with its de-tangling motorbar and hair removal vanes- ideal for pet owners. Or consider the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen 1 , now $45 off, to trap pollutants like pet dander and pollen, ensuring your home's air is fresh and clean. When it comes to automated cleaning, The Roomba 694 , now 22 percent off, effortlessly tackles daily dirt, dust, and debris, all with the convenience of the iRobot Home app or voice commands. 

  • Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, $375 (originally $469)
  • Dyson Air Purifier Cool Gen 1 , $429 (originally $475)
  • iRobot Roomba 694 Vacuum , $208 (originally $274)
  • iRobot Roomba Combo i5 Self-Emptying Vacuum and Mop, $421 (originally $549)
  • iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Self-Emptying Vacuum and Mop , $579 (originally $799)
  • Labigo Electric Spin Scrubber , $45 (originally $68)
  • Bissell Little Green Multi-purpose Portable Carpet Cleaner , $98 (originally $124)
  • Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum , $150 (originally $220)
  • Fykee Lightweight Cordless Vacuum Cleaner , $110 (originally $600)

Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

When traveling, it's often the tiny gadgets that prove the most overlooked yet handy. This portable iPhone charger is small but effective, charging your phone in just half an hour. Oh, and it’s 70 percent off right now! For a compact yet versatile charging solution, the 3-in-1 Charging Station for Apple Multiple Devices folds into a conveniently small circle and boasts nearly 5,000 five-star ratings, all at just $29. The Anker MagSafe Charger Stand provides a 3-in-1 solution for your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods in a robust charging hub, all at $129. 

  • Lurbon Portable Charger Power Bank and Battery Pack , $32 (originally $59)
  • Anker Power Bank , $55 (originally $66)
  • 3 in 1 Folding Charging Station for Apple Devices , $29 (originally $39)
  • Epicka Universal International Travel Adapter , $19 (originally $24)
  • KTGEE Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds , $23 (originally $80)

Hicober 3 in 1 Charging Station for Apple Devices

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The 70+ Best Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale (And Across the Internet) This Week

collage of digital picture frame, apple watch, and bluetooth speaker

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale kicked off yesterday and lasts through Monday, March 25.

The introduction of yet another Amazon-manufactured sale event sees the online retail giant promising savings on cleaning gear, outdoor essentials, electronics, clothing, and home goods.

But does the sale live up to the hype? We’ve assessed the deals on offer (so far). Most didn’t make the grade, so we dug in to find those that are truly worth the spend.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best deals from Amazon and other retailers offering competing sales, including REI, to find you only the best spring deals on our expert-approved picks.

The best deals on:

Deal spotlight: gracula garlic crusher, deal spotlight: govee outdoor string lights (96 feet), deal spotlight: a.l.c. renzo pleated midi dress, lawn and garden, outdoor, camping, and hiking, kitchen and appliance, tech, laptops, and tv, spring clothing and shoes, home and furniture.

The Ototo Gracula Garlic Crusher is featured in a kitchen, next to garlic bread, a tomato, and peppers.

Gracula Garlic Crusher — Gift Pick Amazon deal price: $15 ; street price: $25

What we like: A Dracula-inspired kitchen gadget recommended in multiple Wirecutter gift guides. Any cooking-inclined classic horror fan, kid, or year-round Halloween celebrant would vant this a gift. Plop a few cloves into the base (his cape), pop on the top (his head), and twist at the neck to mince.

Other things to know: Make sure to remove chopped garlic quickly—vampires can’t tolerate garlic for long (plus it's a nightmare to clean when dried).

Read our review of the best valentine’s day gifts under $25 .

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Govee Outdoor String Lights (96 Feet) — Another Good Option Amazon deal price: $65 ; street price: $90

What we like: Another good string light in our guide to the best smart outdoor lighting. Affordably priced and available in a 48-foot set and a 96-foot set. They provide far more special-effects options than our sting light pick.

Other things to know: Very overwhelming app. The strands have fewer bulbs per foot than our string-lights pick, and they don’t feel as sturdy. Frosted bulbs. Deal is for the 96-foot length; be sure to clip the on-page coupon.

Read our review of the best smart outdoor lighting for backyards pathways and more .

The A.L.C. Renzo Pleated Midi Dress, shown on a model.

A.L.C. Renzo Pleated Midi Dress — Our Pick Bloomingdale's deal price: $446 ; street price: $595

What we like: Our pick for the ultimate little black cocktail dress. Delicate pleats, a high neck, and exposed shoulders make this a refined choice for an evening out. Breathable polyester felt softer and more luxurious than many silk dresses we tested.

Other things to know: The priciest dress we recommend, but worth the investment. Designed to hit midcalf, but may hit closer to ankle level if under 5-foot-5. Sold in sizes 00 to 14.

Read our review of the best little black dresses .

Dyson V8 Origin+ Stick Vacuum

Dyson V8 Origin+ Stick Vacuum (Refurbished) — Another Good Option Ebay deal price: $170 ; street price: $300

What we like: Another good option when considering Dyson model stick vacuums. Less powerful than the V12 Detect Slim and the V15 Detect, but it’s still a great value. Its bin capacity lies between that of the other two models, and it comes with many useful attachments. Provides 40 minutes of power on full charge. Dyson is a reliable brand with a well-earned (if particularly devoted) following.

Other things to know: Equipped with docking station, Motorbar cleaner head, combination tool, and crevice tool. Certified refurbished and sold by the Dyson eBay storefront; includes a six-month warranty.

Read our review of the best cordless stick vacuums .

Roborock Q5+ Robot Vacuum — Our Pick Roborock deal price: $370 ; street price: $550

What we like: Our self-emptying robot vacuum pick. Better battery life, app navigation, mapping, and voice command response to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant than other bots. Large bin. Excels at cleaning hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets.

Other things to know: Comes with a charging station that empties debris into a disposable bag. Like nearly all bots we tested, it struggles with debris near thresholds and baseboards. A new low price, but not by much. Use coupon code ROBOROCKS.

Read our review of the best robot vacuums .

Roborock Q5 Robot Vacuum — Our Pick Roborock deal price: $210 ; street price: $430

What we like: Our pick for the best robot vacuum. Offers better mapping, easier app navigation, a longer battery life, and more reliable voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant than other models we tested. Excels on low and medium-pile carpet and hard floors.

Other things to know: Doesn't come with a self-emptying charging station like the "plus" model. Like almost all bots we tested, struggles with debris near thresholds and baseboards. One-year warranty, but few replacement parts. New low price, but not by much. Use coupon code ROBOROCKS.

Our pick for the best string trimmer, the Ego ST1511T Power+ 15″ Powerload String Trimmer, shown lying on a grassy area.

Ego ST1511T Power+ 15″ Powerload String Trimmer — Top Pick Lowe’s deal price: $180 ; street price: $220 Amazon deal price: $180 ; street price: $220

What we like: Our top pick for the best string trimmer. Outperformed the other brands’ trimmers in run time and power in testing. Telescoping shaft and handle are easy to adjust and make the tool comfortable to use.

Other things to know: The charger can deliver a full battery in about 40 minutes.

Read our review of the best string trimmers .

Eley 5/8-inch Polyurethane Garden Hose (50 Feet) — Upgrade Pick Eley deal price: $103 ; street price: $122

What we like: Our upgrade garden hose pick. Much lighter, easier to loop, more durable, and resists folding or kinking compared to other options. Large brass fittings at the ends are easy to tighten by hand or wrench. Absolutely hosetastic—the best we’ve ever tested.

Other things to know: Pricey—even when on sale—but if you want a hose that's better in every way and are willing to pay for it, this is the one to get. 10-year warranty. Deal price is for the 50-foot length.

Read our review of the best garden hose and hose reel .

Ego LM2135SP Power+ 21″ Select Cut Lawn Mower with extra battery — Runner-Up Lowe’s deal price: $600 with store pickup ; street price: $950 Amazon deal price: $600 ; street price: $950

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best lawn mower, bundled with an extra Ego battery. Battery-powered self-propelled mower can run for about an hour on a single battery charge. No need for gas, oil checks, or fuel storage, and no noxious emissions. Considerably quieter than gas mowers.

Other things to know: First deal we’ve seen since Black Friday. Minimal maintenance compared with gas models. A little less powerful and shorter run time than our top pick, but additional battery easily makes up for primary battery’s capacity. Extra Ego BA2800T battery has 56-volt, 5 Ah, 280 Wh capacity, usually between $200 and $300 when purchased separately.

Read our review of the best lawn mower .

The Thermacell EX90 Mosquito Repeller, our also great pick for the best mosquito repelling gear.

Thermacell EX90 Mosquito Repellent — Also Great Deal price: $40 with single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $50

What we like: Our more rugged spatial mosquito repellent pick for camping or other outdoor activities. Odorlessly kept a bedroom-size area mosquito-free. Same nine-hour battery life and repellent qualities as our top pick with a more compact design, rubbery grip areas on the sides, a lanyard and carabiner, and a locking lid.

Other things to know: Wind can drastically affect performance. Works only against mosquitos. Takes about 15 minutes to protect an area. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.

Read our review of the best mosquito-control gear for your patio or yard .

The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (2023) — Upgrade Pick REI deal price: $350 ; street price: $500

What we like: Our upgrade pick camping tent. Dome-style with nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a single mudroom-sized vestibule. Straightforward to pitch, and made with sturdy, light materials.

Other things to know: Expensive, but you get value for your money. The Wawona 6’s footprint, or protective groundsheet, is sold separately. We recommend setting up with two people, but one person can manage in about 15 minutes. Limited lifetime warranty. Available in green/gray or orange/tan. Deal ends March 25.

Read our review of the best camping tents .

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Carry-On Travel Backpack — Our Pick Deal price: $160 with single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $200

What we like: Our pick for the best small carry-on travel backpack for most situations. Easy-to-pack clamshell design and highly adjustable straps. Has handles on all four sides. Protected by a full lifetime warranty and has the build quality to back that up. Made with 1,680-denier ballistic nylon and includes a rain fly.

Other things to know: Minimal amount of administrative organization. We’d love to see a permanent all-nylon alternative to the TPU-lined front panel, which can flake over time. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.

Read our review of the best carry-on travel backpacks .

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L — Also Great Deal price: $240 with single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $300

What we like: Our pick for the best large carry-on travel backpack. Features easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and an elegant way of expanding and contracting. It’s adjustable and customizable, and if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers, it’s an almost-perfect system for photographers and gearheads.

Other things to know: Comes with a lifetime warranty. Committing to the entire system of packing and camera cubes adds extra cost to an already expensive bag. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24. Not the absolute best sale we’ve seen.

NiteRider Swift 300 Bike Light — Budget Pick Deal price: $24 with single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $30

What we like: Our headlight budget pick for the best commuter bike light is small and sturdy, with a swiveling strap and decent side visibility. Can emit 300 lumens for up to two hours and flash for 12. Adjusts to fit most sizes and shapes of handlebars.

Other things to know: Not suited to longer or darker routes. Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, one-year warranty on its rechargeable battery cells. Already affordable but rarely sees discounts. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.

Read our review of the best commuter bike lights .

Yeti Tundra Haul Hard Cooler — Our Pick Deal price: $340 with single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $425

What we like: Our pick for the best cooler with wheels. Easy to haul across long distances. Durable wheels. Thick-gauge welded aluminum handle doesn’t strain or bend. Feels similar to wheeling around high-end luggage.

Other things to know: No internal divider. Contents may shuffle a bit when it’s tipped at an angle. Available in five colors. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.

Read our review of the best coolers .

Blundstone Original 500 Series Boot — Staff Favorite Deal price: $168 with single-use promo code MEMBER24, REI membership required ; street price: $210

What we like: A casual leather boot loved by Wirecutter staff and many others around the world. Pull-on, ankle-high, with an elastic panel. Comfortable, durable rubber sole. Uppers made of extra-thick leather. Ergonomically engineered to reduce fatigue. Can last for years with daily wear.

Other things to know: Exceptionally light for a pair of boots, about 14 ounces per pair. Unisex. Best price and size availability is for the stout brown color. On sale for REI members with single-use promo code MEMBER24.

Read our ode to the Blundstone boots .

Panel Sound USAPA Approved Fiberglass Pickleball Paddles — Staff Favorite Deal price: $20 in select colors ; street price: $35

What we like: A staff-favorite pickleball paddle set. Lightweight and comfortable to hold. Grippy handles and rubbery faces absorb some of the ball’s velocity. Good for beginners.

Other things to know: Set includes two paddles, four indoor balls, a carrying case, and two cooling towels. Deal is for the red paddle set.

Read our review of the best pickleball equipment for playing at home .

Thermos Funtainer Food Jar (Blue)

Thermos Funtainer Food Jar (10 ounce, 2-pack) — Also Great Amazon deal price: $16 ; street price: $22

What we like: A two-pack of our kids pick for best food thermos. Durable and easy for small hands to open. Never leaked in our tests, and the lid never cracked during drop tests.

Other things to know: 10-ounce container is best for kids (or for a small adult lunch). Doesn't retain heat for as long as our top pick (130 °F after 6 hours, vs 144 °F for our top pick). Best suited for keeping foods hot, not great for keeping foods cold.

Read our review of the best food thermos .

Tramontina Gourmet Tri-Ply Clad 12-Inch Fry Pan — Runner-Up Amazon deal price: $38 ; street price: $50

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best skillet. Allows moisture to evaporate quickly, browns chicken skin as well as pans costing almost twice the price, and is a comfortable weight with a rounded, ergonomically shaped stick handle. Cooked-on food released easily in our tests.

Other things to know: Has slightly steeper sides than our top pick. Developed some discoloration on the surface and underside that was almost impossible to clean.

Read our review of the best skillet .

Simple Modern Trek Tumbler (40 ounce) — Staff Favorite Amazon deal price: $24 ; street price: $30

What we like: Our favorite high-quality, budget-friendly Stanley tumbler dupe. Performed just as well as its costlier competitors. Kept ice frozen for over 24 hours and stopping leaks with its screw-top lid. Available in over 20 colors and patterns, more than the competition offers.

Other things to know: Most Trek tumblers are dishwasher-safe, though some of the patterned options are hand-wash-only to preserve their design. On sale in a few multi-color options.

Read our review of the best Stanley dupes .

Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt-Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker (ICE-21) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $56 ; street price: $60

What we like: Our top ice cream maker pick. Made some of the smoothest and most delicious ice cream in our tests. More affordable than a compressor model. Churns ice cream faster than the competition.

Other things to know: Bowl insert must be pre-frozen overnight, which requires planning. Extra freezer bowls, required to make multiple batches in a row, sold separately.

Read our review of the best ice cream maker .

Atlas Coffee Club 2-Bag Subscription — Gift Pick Atlas Coffee Club deal price: $14 ; street price: $28

What we like: A coffee subscription service we recommend in multiple gift guides. Atlas Coffee Club delivers satisfying coffee at a low price, with plenty of customization, and you always have something new to try. Sources beans from countries all over the world. Each bag of coffee includes a postcard with fun facts about the country’s coffee industry.

Other things to know: The subscription is highly customizable. New subscribers can use code WCMARCH50 for 50% off their first two-bag subscription. Matches the best previous pricing we've posted.

Read our review of the best gifts for coffee lovers .

Hamilton Beach Temp Tracker 6 Quart Slow Cooker — Also Great Deal price: $50 for Costco members ; street price: $70

What we like: Our slow cooker pick for longer cook times. Similar to our top pick but offers more precise temperature control. 24-hour timer instead of 14 hours. More built-in slots for a probe thermometer. Settings include high, medium, low, and warm.

Other things to know: Ran a little hotter than our top pick in our tests, and we’re not convinced that everyone needs the extras. Costco membership required. Price includes shipping.

Read our review of the best slow cooker .

Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toaster — Top Pick Deal price: $24 ; street price: $30

What we like: Our longtime top pick for the best two-slot toaster. Produced the most evenly browned bread in our testing. Wide range of settings and easy-to-use controls. Wide slots for thick-cut bagels.

Other things to know: Three-year warranty. Available in white. Plastic body and levers don’t look quite as nice as a metal finish. Heating-element wires of modern toasters are subject to corrosion over time.

Read our review of the best toaster .

Gracula Garlic Crusher — Gift Pick Deal price: $15 ; street price: $25

What we like: A Dracula-inspired kitchen gadget recommended in multiple Wirecutter gift guides. Any cooking-inclined classic-horror fan, kid, or year-round Halloween celebrant would “vant” this as a gift. Plop a few cloves into the base (his cape), pop on the top (his head), and twist at the neck to mince.

Other things to know: Make sure to remove chopped garlic quickly—vampires can’t tolerate garlic for long (plus, it’s a nightmare to clean when dried).

Read our review of the best Valentine’s Day gifts under $25 .

YouCopia StoraLid Lid Organizer (Large) — Staff Favorite Deal price: $16 ; street price: $20

What we like: A staff-favorite lid organizer we like for keeping things tidy in the cabinet. Keeps food-storage container lids organized and easily accessible with minimal human effort. Adjustable tabbed dividers for separating lid sizes.

Other things to know: Only as useful as your willingness to use it and organize. Needs large empty space to fit into a cabinet. Deal for the large size, recurring sale price.

Read our review of how this $20 lid organizer has tamed the chaos inside one writer’s kitchen cabinets .

Philips GoZero Sparkling Water Maker — Budget Pick Deal price: $54 ; street price: $64

What we like: Our budget soda maker pick has a sleek and attractive no-frills look. Makes good-tasting seltzer with lively bubbles. Surprisingly good quality for the price.

Other things to know: Assembly can be a pain. CO 2 cylinder is sold separately for around $30. If you have empty cylinders, you can exchange them for a discount.

Read our review of the best soda maker .

YouCopia Storemore Expandable Adjustable Pan and Lid Rack — Our Pick Deal price: $18 ; street price: $30

What we like: A variant of our adjustable bakeware rack pick. We recommend the bakeware rack in several of our articles on kitchen organization; this pan-and-lid rack has a similar design but extends up to 22 inches, and the wire dividers are shaped to account for lid handles. Easy way to organize a variety of kitchen items.

Other things to know: Comes with 10 adjustable dividers. At 13 inches wide without expanding, it’s not as compact as our recommended bakeware rack. Additional and replacement dividers are sold separately by the merchant.

Read our review of the best small-kitchen ideas to create more space .

OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker — Another Good Option Deal price: $140 ; street price: $180

What we like: A speedy drip coffee maker we like that can make pour-over-quality single servings in addition to full pots. Small footprint and simple design. Brews coffee with well-rounded flavor. Can brew directly into the thermal carafe or a mug.

Other things to know: Lacks auto-brew function, clock, and timer.

Read our review of the best drip coffee maker .

A pair of Soundcore Space A40 earbuds, one bud laying outside of the case and one nestled in its compartment.

Anker Soundcore Space A40 Earbuds — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $50 ; street price: $80

What we like: Our top pick for best wireless Bluetooth earbuds. Solid sound quality, great battery life, and active noise cancellation. Each earbud can be used independently. Dual-device connectivity. Should fit most ears comfortably.

Other things to know: Does not support voice-activated assistants like Alexa and Siri. IPX4 water-resistance. 18-month warranty. Limited touch controls. This deal lacks the $5 gift card we typically see bundled with these earbuds.

Read our review of the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds .

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation, Cellular, 44mm, Aluminum Case, Sport Loop) — Budget Pick Amazon deal price: $207 ; street price: $280

What we like: Our budget pick for the best smartwatch for iPhone owners. Performs most of the same Apple Watch-y functions as more expensive models, including push notifications, heart-rate monitoring, and crash detection. Water-resistant up to 50 meters.

Other things to know: Slightly smaller screen wakes only when you tap it or raise your wrist. Lack temperature sensors, ECG feature, and blood-oxygen measurements. Deal is for the GPS and cellular-enabled model in Starlight with 44 mm face size, Aluminum case, and Sport Loop.

Read our review of the best smartwatch for iPhone owners .

Nebula Mars 3 Air Portable Mini Projector — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $450 ; street price: $600

What we like: Our top pick for the best portable mini projector. 1080p projector that offers good image brightness and contrast with above-average sound and easy setup. Runs off an internal battery for true portability (up to 3.5 hours of runtime in our tests). Uses the Google TV streaming platform, which is our favorite.

Other things to know: Main downsides include the lack of a USB-C port and the awkwardly designed underside, which limits the tripods and mounts it can attach to. Clip the on-page coupon to get the deal.

Read our review of the best portable mini projector .

Apple Watch Series 9 (41 mm Stainless Steel Case, Cellular) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $451 ; street price: $600

What we like: Our top pick for the best smartwatch for iPhone owners. Offers the best combination of style, health and fitness features, app selection, battery life, and price of any smartwatch for any platform. Large active screen area and more premium features than previous models.

Other things to know: Battery easily lasts for a day on a charge, but if you’re doing anything demanding you may find your watch in Power Reserve mode by the end of the day. On sale for the 41 mm silver stainless steel case and S/M storm blue Sport Band (the M/L Sport Band is about $12 more). GPS and cellular enabled. Not the lowest price we've ever seen, but it's still a good value—and some people may see an additional on-page coupon.

Apple Watch Series 9 (41 mm, Cellular, Aluminum Case, Sport Band) — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $300 ; street price: $420

Other things to know: Battery easily lasts for a day on a charge, but if you’re doing anything demanding you may find your watch in Power Reserve mode by the end of the day. Deal for the 41-mm Aluminum Case with M/L Sport Band in red. GPS and cellular enabled.

Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD) — Budget Pick (For Now) Walmart deal price: $700 ; street price: $750

What we like: Our soon-to-be-replaced budget pick from our guide to the best MacBooks. Still enough memory and storage for most day-to-day work. Approximately 14-hour battery life. Lightweight with solid construction, a comfortable keyboard, and industry-leading customer support. M1 processor still good enough for everyday tasks, non-power users.

Other things to know: M3 processor is finally out and the M1 is starting to show its age after three years. Still a worthwhile everyday laptop, but we will likely see better deals in the future as M3 adoption becomes more widespread. Comes with 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, 13.3-inch Retina display, one 3.5mm jack, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. Available in select finishes. $30 below the previous lowest price.

Read our review of the best MacBooks .

Vantrue N4 Dash Cam — Top Pick Vantrue deal price: $175 ; street price: $220

What we like: Our top pick for best dash cam. Crisp, super-high-resolution footage day and night. Front-facing, interior, and rear-facing cameras. 24-hour parked-car monitoring. Compact and relatively unobtrusive. Includes 12-volt car charger.

Other things to know: Performance suffers in temperatures below 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Lacks app connectivity to remotely view and download video. Use code WIREVAN4 for deal from Vantrue. Matches low.

Read our review of the best dash cam .

Apple AirTag Bluetooth Tracker — Our Pick Deal price: $24 ; street price: $29

What we like: Our pick for the best Bluetooth tracker for iOS users leverages Apple’s huge network of devices to find lost goods. Impressively accurate. Replaceable coin battery. If you lose an AirTag (or an item containing or attached to one), you can use the Find My app to see its location or ask Siri to trigger an audible alert.

Other things to know: Doesn’t have any way to ring your phone. No built-in method of attaching to anything. Solid deal for an individual tracker but sales for sets of four typically offer a better price per tracker.

Read our review of the best Bluetooth tracker .

Google Pixel 8 (128 GB, Unlocked) — Top Pick Deal price: $500 ; street price: $620

What we like: Our top pick for the best Android smartphone offers the best version of Android with guaranteed security updates through fall 2030. Has one of the best smartphone cameras we’ve tested. Excellent build quality. Crisp 6.2-inch OLED display and solid wrap-around aluminum frame.

Other things to know: More expensive than previous models. Videos can often look a little grainy but have good color reproduction. Deal is for an unlocked phone with 128 GB of internal storage.

Read our review of the best Android phones .

Soundcore Space One Noise-Cancelling Headphones — Budget Pick Deal price: $80 ; street price: $100

What we like: Our budget pick for the best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones offer impressive noise cancellation and good sound for less than $100. Comfortable and lightweight. 40-hour battery life with ANC on. Offers dual-device connectivity, hear-through mode, and quick-charge feature.

Other things to know: The three noise-reducing microphones can make voices sound compressed and somewhat distant to callers. Sound is customizable via the Soundcore app.

Read our review of the best noise-cancelling headphones .

Garmin Forerunner 255S GPS Running Watch — Runner-Up Deal price: $250 ; street price: $350

What we like: One of our runner-up picks for the best GPS running watch. One of the most feature-packed, top-performing models we’ve tested. Accurate distance and route tracking. Solid heart-rate monitoring. Multiband GPS.

Other things to know: Decent battery life (about 14 days), but much shorter than that of our top pick. No touchscreen. Not quite as accurate at tracking road runs as our top pick. One-year warranty.

Read our review of the best GPS running watches .

Garmin Forerunner 255S Music GPS Running Watch — Runner-Up Deal price: $300 ; street price: $380

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best GPS running watch if listening to music is important for your workouts. Still one of the most feature-packed, top-performing GPS running watches we’ve tested. Includes music streaming and storage capabilities.

Other things to know: Accurate distance and route tracking. Solid heart-rate monitoring. Multiband GPS. Decent battery life, about 14 days. Lacks touchscreen. Much shorter battery life than our top pick. In tracking road runs, it’s not quite as accurate as our top pick. One-year warranty.

Soundcore Motion 300 Bluetooth Speaker — Runner-Up Deal price: $64 ; street price: $80

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best portable Bluetooth speaker. Good sound quality comparable to that of our top pick but with an emphasis on instruments over vocals. Offers IPX7 waterproofing and had 12 hours of battery life during our tests. USB-C charging.

Other things to know: Larger than our top pick but slimmer. Not as ruggedly built as our top pick. Bluetooth range is shorter than we’d like (60 feet during tests), which is adequate but not impressive these days.

Read our review of the best portable Bluetooth speaker .

Cricut Explore 3 Electronic Cutting Machine — Top Pick Deal price: $250 ; street price: $300

What we like: The top pick in our guide to the best electronic cutting machines from Cricut and Silhouette. Intuitive and easy-to-use software is great for beginners. Superior selection of images and ready-to-make projects.

Other things to know: Faster than other cutting machines but significantly louder. Doesn’t come with a cutting mat and can only cut materials that are 6 inches or longer. Only the second deal we’ve posted on the Explore 3 so far.

Read our review of the best electronic cutting machines .

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5 Smartwatch — Our Pick Deal price: $262 ; street price: $350

What we like: Our pick for a long-lasting Android smartwatch. Compact, comfortable design. Runs nearly seven days between recharges. Low-power mode maintains basic functionality for weeks. Dual-layer display. Fast, powerful Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 processor.

Other things to know: Uses an older version of Wear OS. Phone app is clunky. Amazon Alexa is the only voice-assistant option.

Read our review of the best smartwatch for Android phones .

Brother P-Touch Cube Label Maker — Budget Pick Deal price: $45 ; street price: $60

What we like: Our budget pick for the best label maker. Easy to use. Good for occasional label making. Produces the same high-quality labels and uses the same great design suite as our top pick.

Other things to know: A stripped-down version of our top pick. Lacks automatic cutter and built-in rechargeable battery. Recurring deal price, but rarely drops lower.

Read our review of the best label makers .

Aura Carver Mat Digital Photo Frame — Pick Variant Deal price: $143 ; street price: $180

What we like: A variant of our top digital photo frame pick. Offers easy setup, vivid display, pleasing design, and near-zero pillarboxing. Loading photos and videos remotely is a breeze. Features two frame layers that give the look of a mat picture frame.

Other things to know: The 16:10 aspect ratio isn’t our preferred 4:3. Free Aura app works with iOS and Android phones. Available in black or clay color with white mat.

Read our review of the best digital photo frame .

Smartish Gripmunk with MagSafe for iPhone 15 Case — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $15 ; street price: $20

What we like: Our pick for the best basic phone case for the iPhone 15. A one-piece case made of soft, rubber-like plastic (TPU, or thermoplastic polyurethane), and provides more than adequate coverage and protection. Easy to install but won't stretch out. Affordable but doesn’t feel cheap.

Other things to know: Has been our pick for the best basic iPhone case for years now and continues to maintain that spot, but is a plain case with not much going on. Clip the on-page coupon, select colors on sale. The iPhone 15 Plus, Pro, and Pro Max versions are also on sale in a few colors.

Read our review of the best iPhone cases .

Sungait Vintage Round Sunglasses (Polarized Lenses, 2-Pack) — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $15 ; street price: $18

What we like: Our cheap round sunglasses pick. Also recommended in gift guides and outdoor guides. Comfortable and sturdy. Complements a variety of face shapes. Keyhole nose bridge. Mini screwdriver provided with purchase. Logo-free and unisex.

Other things to know: Lifetime warranty (rare at this price). Some Sungait pairs sold on Amazon don't have polarized lenses, double-check before buying. Deal is for a 2-pack in select frame colors. Clip on-page coupon to get deal for some colors.

Read our review of the best cheap sunglasses .

Paige Cindy Jeans — Top Pick Paige deal price: $164 ; street price: $219

What we like: Our decadently soft and stretchy women's jeans pick. Straight-leg, high-rise style, fitted through the waist and hips. Body-conscious yet totally lounge-able. Testers of different sizes and shapes found these jeans flattering and wildly comfortable.

Other things to know: Stretchier denim tends to (you guessed it) stretch out over time. 28-inch inseam may be too short for some. Destroyed hem isn't for everyone. Run slightly large; we recommend sizing down if between sizes. Use code PAIGEFAMILY2024. Doesn't quite compare to deals we saw over Black Friday, but still a good value.

Read our review of the best women's jeans .

Nike Blazer Mid '77 Vintage Sneakers (Men's) — Staff Favorite Nike deal price: $72 ; street price: $105

What we like: A staff favorite alternative to Nike Air Force 1s. Versatile mid-height sneakers with a vintage feel. Sleek, leather upper with suede details. Solid rubber sole provides strong foot support and traction.

Other things to know: Free Nike membership required to use coupon code SPRING and for free shipping. Several colors are on sale, but the tan option offers a wide range of sizes for a neutral color.

Read our review of the Nike sneakers our experts prefer over Air Force Ones .

Nike Air Force 1 '07 Low (Women's) — Our Pick Dick's Sporting Goods deal price: $59 ; street price: $100

What we like: The crisp upper. The bright white. The striking lines. Our streetwear and sneakerhead staple pick in our guide to the best white sneakers. Super comfortable.

Other things to know: Style might seem bulky if you prefer slim shoes. Deal price is for the bronze brown trim. Ships free with Dick's ScoreCard membership (free to join).

Read our review of the best white sneakers .

Universal Standard Next-to-Naked Legging — Our Pick Universal Standard deal price: $15 with code WIRECUTTER, new customers only, limit one per customer ; street price: $96

What we like: Our lightweight leggings pick for layering (or to replace your everyday pants). Soft, stretchy, and comfortable enough to wear all day. Thinner than most pairs we tried. Waistband didn’t pinch and stayed put for all of our testers. Good for lounging about or even working out.

Other things to know: Formerly known as the Core Legging. Sizing conversions don’t follow standard conventions—please refer to on-page chart to ensure you get the correct size. Use code WIRECUTTER (for new customers only). On sale in all sizes, colors, and styles. Limit one per customer.

Read our review of the best leggings .

Crocs Dylan Clog — Gift Pick Amazon deal price: $40 ; street price: $55

What we like: A more sophisticated pair of Crocs we recommend in several of our gift guides. Belies the brand's ugly reputation. Textured to look like full-grain leather. Clean profile with a notably unperforated toe box.

Other things to know: Easy to wash thanks to proprietary resin construction. On sale in select colors in women's and men's sizes.

Read our review of the best gifts for boyfriends (that are great for anyone) .

Tocess Big Claw Clips — Our Pick Deal price: $7 ; street price: $10

What we like: Our pick that’s great for wrangling curly and unruly hair. Stays put even during sleep. Extremely durable and sturdy.

Other things to know: Includes eight clips in multiple colors and two styles. Clips are about 4 inches long and open to 3.54 inches. Made from soft matte plastic.

Read our review of our favorite hair ties, scrunchies, bows, and clips .

Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $89 ; street price: $129

What we like: Our pick for a durable, water-repellent polyester laptop tote bag. Tough yet polished. Transitions perfectly from the coffee shop to the conference room. Thoughtfully designed, with features like internal popout bottle pockets and leakproof zippers.

Other things to know: Fabric shell is abrasive and may make some sweaters and blouses pill. The weave also attracts pet hair like a magnet. Available in black, bronze, and ranger green. Lowest price we've seen so far.

Read our review of the best laptop tote bags .

Bonobos Soft Everyday Tee (add two) — Our Pick Deal price: $50 when you add two to cart ; street price: $70

What we like: Our boxier, more relaxed white T-shirt pick. Extremely soft with some stretch and sturdily constructed. Especially loved by our plus-size testers for quality, fit, and comfort. 100% cotton.

Other things to know: Generous fit may not work for people with smaller frames. Available in a variety of colors and sizes. Choose between crew neck or V-neck and slim or standard cut. Add two to your cart to get the deal price.

Read our review of the best men’s white T-shirts .

What we like: A casual leather boot loved by Wirecutter staff and many others around the world. Pull-on, ankle-high, with an elastic panel. Comfortable, durable rubber sole. Uppers made of extra-thick leather. Ergonomically engineered to reduce fatigue. They can last for years with daily wear.

Etsfmoa Unisex Beanie with Light — Gift Pick Deal price: $13 ; street price: $15

What we like: A combination beanie and headlamp recommended in multiple Wirecutter gift guides. A bright, rechargeable light embedded in a soft, warm hat. Light charges in about two hours via USB port and has three brightness settings. Beanie comes in 24 different colors and patterns.

Other things to know: Great for walking the dog after dark or staying hands-free during house projects (also makes a good Father’s Day gift). The black and gray hats, the typical colors we see on sale, are both down to $13.

Read our review of the best gifts under $25 .

Idegg No Show Socks (Unisex, Six Pairs) — Our Pick Deal price: $12 ; street price: $15

What we like: Our thin and inexpensive no-show socks pick. Made from a lightweight and breathable cotton blend. Terrific value, especially when on sale. Great for wearing with snug-fitting shoes. Won’t slip or bunch.

Other things to know: Thin material doesn’t provide much padding or support. Not as soft and smooth as our other no-show sock picks. Deal is for a medium six-pack combination of black, gray, and whites (add $1 for large).

Read our review of the best no-show socks .

The Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, our upgrade pick, next to its three attachments.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (Refurbished) — Upgrade Pick Walmart deal price: $220 ; street price: $300

What we like: Our longtime upgrade hair dryer pick. Unique design makes for an extraordinarily pleasant user experience. No vibration whatsoever. Simple-to-switch magnetic attachments make styling a breeze. Consistently our favorite hair dryer to use since we first tested it in 2016.

Other things to know: Pricey, and doesn’t make your hair look any different than cheaper options. Available in the select finishes. Manufacturer refurbished. One-year Dyson warranty and 30-day returns.

Read our review of the best hair dryer .

GoYouth 2 in 1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill — Also Great Amazon deal price: $240 ; street price: $340

What we like: Our better-warranty under-desk treadmill pick. Easy to set up. Offers a smooth ride, a deck screen with Bluetooth speaker, and a belt size mirroring that of our top pick. Comes with a one-year warranty, which is substantially better than tour top pick's 90-day warranty.

Other things to know: Walking pad tops out at 3.7 mph. Can only support up to 220 pounds. In our testing, its belt started to fray after just a few weeks of use—damage that isn’t covered by the warranty. The red and blue colors are down to $240 with the clipped on-page coupon.

Read our review of the best under-desk treadmills .

Glocusent LED Neck Reading Light — Top Pick Amazon deal price: $17 ; street price: $22

What we like: Our wearable reading light pick is bright and easy to use, with adjustable arms that angle the light at the page just how we wanted. It never felt heavy or uncomfortable on our necks during testing.

Other things to know: Fewer brightness and temperature settings than our clip-on pick, but removes the need to adjust a traditional clip-on reading light. Deal available with clipped on-page coupon for the gray and purple colors.

Read our review of the best reading light .

Lutron Caséta Wireless In-Wall Smart Dimmer Switch (2-Count Kit) — Another Good Option Amazon deal price: $136 ; street price: $170

What we like: A good smart light dimmer switch if you don’t have great Wi-Fi. Easy-to-use keypad for dimming and powering lights manually. Easy to install. Works reliably with many smart-home devices. A pick when we started this guide, and we will continue to sing its praises.

Other things to know: Includes two switches, required Lutron Caséta Smart Bridge, and two wireless remotes. Uses ClearConnect wireless. Neutral wire required (which may be an issue in homes with old wiring).

Read our review of the best in-wall smart light switch and dimmer .

Sonos Move Speaker (First Gen) — Our Pick Costco deal price: $280 ; street price: $400

What we like: Our pick for a portable smart speaker for your outdoor space. High-quality and wireless. Sounds good. All the benefits of the Sonos system. Supports Airplay 2, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. IP56-rated water resistance. Solid 10-hour battery life.

Other things to know: Audio is notably directional, with a dead spot directly behind it. The charging base is not waterproof. No stereo separation. Sonos released the second generation model last year. Available in black for Costco members.

Read our review of the best smart devices for making the most of your backyard and garden .

Akron Street Mysa Bed (Queen) — Our Pick Akron Street deal price: $1,166 ; street price: $1,295

What we like: Our pick for a no-frills, all-oak modern bed. Supremely simple, clean aesthetic with a low profile. Solid white oak construction. Supported by 15 acacia pine slats. Easy-to-assemble. Built to last. Works especially well with tall mattresses and small bedrooms.

Other things to know: Has 11.5-inch height, with an under-bed clearance of 6.8 inches. No warranty. Price reflects in-cart or use code TOTHETRADE. Standard shipping is free.

Read our review of the best modern bed frames to dress up your bedroom .

Homeasy Fabric Shaver — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $22 ; street price: $25

What we like: Our favorite electric fabric shaver. Features six sharp blades, a wide head, and intuitive controls. Very effective at getting rid of fuzz during our tests. Quiet and comfortable to hold. USB-rechargeable. Other thing to know: Three to six hour battery life on a full charge. Includes two replacement blades. About $2 higher than the lowest sale price we've seen, but still a good value.

Read our review of the best laundry aides to help your clothes look better and last longer .

Eufy Security Video Doorbell S220 (Battery-Powered) — Our Pick Amazon deal price: $100 ; street price: $180

What we like: Our pick for the best battery-operated smart doorbell camera. Solid performance with exceptional battery life. Sharp 2K image with local or cloud storage options. (Cloud offers 30 days of history for $3 per month or $30 per year, per camera.)

Other things to know: Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Recordings are limited to 60 seconds. Gaps between recordings can last around 8 seconds. Includes Eufy HomeBase. Make sure to clip the on-page coupon to get the deal price.

Read our review of the best smart doorbell camera .

Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier — Also Great Deal price: $128 ; street price: $150

What we like: An exceptional air purifier with a brutalist (or, if you prefer, minimalist) design. Venerable model with years of proven reliability. Performs similarly to the top-pick Coway Mighty and usually costs less up front.

Other things to know: No display shutoff except in lowest-purification sleep mode. Slightly elevated electrical use and larger visual footprint compared with our top pick.

Read our review of the best air purifier .

Revival Rugs - 25% Off Jute Area Rugs — Our Pick Deal price: $219 ; street price: $290

What we like: Our pick for a natural-fiber rug that comes in several colors. Flexible and finely woven, giving it a more delicate, flat appearance. Feels soft underfoot and barely sheds. Easy to vacuum and lightweight enough to shake out outside.

Other things to know: Best for dining rooms, kitchens, hallways, or layering in living rooms or bedrooms. Spot-clean only, as jute is very susceptible to water and humidity. Use code WCJUTE25 to save 25% on all jute rugs. Deal price is for the 5-by-8-foot size, but pricing varies depending on total cost; no minimum spend.

Read our review of the best area rugs .

Read our review of the best small kitchen ideas to create more space .

Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser — Runner-Up Deal price: $58 ; street price: $80

What we like: Our runner-up pick for the best water flosser is just as effective as our top pick and comes with a similar three-year warranty. Easy to use and clean. Ten pressure settings, including a “massage” setting that emits pulses of water.

Other things to know: This is a corded model and requires a power outlet during use. Takes up more counter space than our top pick. Recurring deal price; $10 more than the deal we saw during Cyber Week.

Read our review of the best water flossers .

A cat lying on a blanket next to the Black+Decker Pet Hair Remover.

Black+Decker Pet Hair Remover — Staff Favorite Walmart deal price: $10 ; street price: $16

What we like: A lint roller for pet hair recommended by the Wirecutter staff. Reusable and tape-free. Effectively catches stray fur on fabric surfaces. The brush is made of velvet and silicone that grips the fur and traps it in a bin behind the roller. Works great on bedding.

Other things to know: Roll it back and forth on your bedding, couch, or clothing to pick up hair, and press the button to empty it once the bin is full. Opt for store pickup to avoid shipping fees or add to a combined order over $35 for free shipping.

Read our review of the best pet hair removers .

PetKit Eversweet Solo 2 Water Fountain — Upcoming Pick Amazon deal price: $40 ; street price: $50

What we like: An upcoming pick in our guide to the best water fountains for cats and dogs. Only five main parts to keep track of. The easiest fountain to take apart and clean in testing. Wireless pump is nearly silent and has a convenient auto shut-off feature so it doesn’t burn out when the water level gets too low.

Other things to know: Also comes with a companion app, which lets you set up cleaning and refill reminders, but it has a limited feature set.

Read our review of the best water fountain for cats and dogs .

Potaroma Flopping Fish Toy — Gift Pick Deal price: $10 ; street price: $14

What we like: A rechargeable motorized fish toy recommended in our guide to the best gifts for cats (and the humans they tolerate). Built-in motor has a motion sensor; as soon as you touch it, the fish wiggles around. Comes with a little bag of catnip.

Other things to know: A padded fabric toy. Charges via included USB cable. Several fish patterns are on sale for $10.

Read our review of the best gifts for cats .

PetFusion Jumbo Cat Scratcher Lounge — Upgrade Pick Deal price: $68 ; street price: $80

What we like: Our pick for the best cat bed for multicat households, this doubles as a scratcher, too. Both the largest bed we tested and the nicest scratcher we found. Big enough to sleep four cats comfortably. You can flip it over and use the underside when the top side shows wear and tear, prolonging its lifespan.

Other things to know: Large, about 39 by 14 inches. Cardboard may be too densely packed for some cats to comfortably scratch.

Read our review of the best cat beds (according to our cats) .

Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.

This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.

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