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Tag: deals

  • Where to pre-order Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond expansion for Magic the Gathering

    Where to pre-order Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond expansion for Magic the Gathering

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    Assassin’s Creed is the latest Universes Beyond expansion for Magic: The Gathering, and will be popping out of an unsuspecting haystack near you starting on July 5. The new set features a total of 100 mechanically unique cards inspired by the stealthy, stabby franchise.

    While these new cards won’t include characters or settings from the recently announced Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you can expect appearances from virtually every other corner of the Assassin’s Creed universe, including Altair, Ezio, Eivor, and more. If you’d like to add any of these new cards to your existing collection, the new expansion is available to pre-order in a variety of formats from Amazon and GameStop, which we’ve linked out to below, along with a list of their contents.


    Image: Wizards of the Coast

    The Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond Starter Kit is the fastest way to start playing with the new cards introduced in this set. Each box comes packaged with a pair of pre-constructed 60-card decks, which both feature a pair of Mythic Rare cards in addition to eight rares and a storage box for each deck, and a Learn-to-Play guide. Both decks are constructed exclusively with the new cards introduced with the new expansion. The Starter Kit is currently available to pre-order from Amazon or GameStop for $19.

    A stock photo of the Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond booster box for Magic: The Gathering

    Image: Wizards of the Coast

    The Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond set is introducing a slightly different take on the classic Booster Pack format with Beyond Boosters. These seven-card packs can include up to four rare cards, in addition to at least one foil art card and borderless art card. Each box comes with a total of 27 Beyond Boosters, and can be pre-ordered for around $131 from Amazon or from GameStop for $179.99. Individual Beyond Boosters are also available from GameStop for $7.99 each.

    Stock photo of the Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond bundle for Magic: The Gathering

    Image: Wizards of the Coast

    If you’re looking to supplement your existing MTG collection with cards from this new set, the Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond Bundle is the quickest way to do it. Each bundle is packaged with nine Beyond Boosters from the new set in addition to 40 lands (20 of which are foil cards). Each box also features a single exclusive alternate-art foil card and an Assassin’s Creed-themed spindown life counter. The $65 Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond Bundle is available to pre-order from Amazon and GameStop.

    A stock photo of the Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond Collector Boosters box for Magic: The Gathering

    Image: Wizards of the Coast

    The Assassin’s Creed Universes Beyond set will also launch with Collector Booster Packs, perfect for scooping up all the tastiest foil and alternate-art cards introduced with this expansion. Each Collector Booster contains ten rare cards with at least one extended art and borderless art card in addition to at least two foil-etched cards. A box of 12 Collector Boosters can be pre-ordered from GameStop for $279.99 or from Amazon for around $308. Collector Boosters can also be pre-ordered piecemeal from GameStop for $27.99.

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    Alice Jovanée

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  • Home and backyard must-haves up to 50% off from Wayfair’s anniversary sale

    Home and backyard must-haves up to 50% off from Wayfair’s anniversary sale

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    As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below*

    Wayfair’s massive anniversary has returned. If you are looking to spruce up your home or backyard, now is the perfect time. In celebration of Wayfair’s anniversary sale, you can save some big bucks on all your home and outdoor furniture. Right now bedroom furniture is up to 50% off, living furniture is up to 55% off, kitchen and dining furniture is up to 45% and outdoor furniture is up to 55% off. We’ve listed our favorite picks from the sale below. Whether you’re a minimalist or love some colorful decor we have something for everybody in this list.

    P.S. check back often, as we’ll be updating with flash sale options daily.

    Bedroom

    Nora14” Plush Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress with Cooling Cover

    All Season Goose Down Comforter

    Double-Sided Cooling Comforter for Night Sweats Hot Sleepers

    Cooling Down Alternative Gel Fiber Pillows (Set of 2)

    Milianna Nightstand with 4 Drawers & Outlet, LED Lights

    Bathroom

    Lundberg Memory Foam Bath Rug (Set of 2)

    Striped Single Shower Curtain

    Adhesive Shower Caddy (Set of 4)

    Hovey 4 Piece Bathroom Accessory Set

    Livingroom

    Perdue Velvet Square Arm Convertible Sofa

    Eoghan Lift Top Coffee Table with 2 Drawers

    Sonam Velvet Round Storage Ottoman

    Pamplona Modern Upholstered Barrel Chair and Ottoman

    Kitchen & Dining Room

    Hambrook Bar & Counter Stool (Set of 4)

    Outdoor

    Meredydd Outdoor Deep Seating Cushion Set

    Hayler Wood Burning Outdoor Fire Pit Table with Lid

    Elgin Outdoor Patio Dining Set

    * By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave Localish.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these products with you, Localish is not endorsing these products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

    Copyright © 2024 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

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    KGO

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  • How to Shop Like a Pro During Amazon Prime Day

    How to Shop Like a Pro During Amazon Prime Day

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    Amazon Prime Day is arguably one of the most confusing shopping holidays in existence. It’s not even a “day”—the members-only event spans 48 hours. Amazon also promises “millions of deals,” but the displayed discounts are often misleading—or outright false. Some deals are actually available to people who don’t subscribe to Prime. Add in the frenzy of limited-time Lightning Deals and you’ve got a recipe perfect for spending too much money.

    Fear not! We’re here to help. WIRED’s Gear team is familiar with common shopping pitfalls, and I’ve been a deals writer for nearly a decade. What time do sales start and end? How do you tell whether a deal is actually a deal? We pooled our collective knowledge to get you prepared for Amazon Prime Day.

    Updated June 2024: We’ve updated this story with additional details about Prime Day, which is set for sometime in July 2024.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    When Is Amazon Prime Day?

    Amazon has officially announced that Prime Day will be held in July. We believe, based on past sales, that Prime Day 2024 will take place on a Tuesday and Wednesday sometime in the middle of the month.

    When Do Prime Day Deals Start?

    The event officially begins at 3 am Eastern time and runs for 48 hours. WIRED will cover the best Prime Day deals from both Amazon and retailers that have competing sales. Some deals and sales will begin ahead of the official start time. (We’ll be covering those too.)

    Are Prime Day Deals Only for Prime Members?

    Officially, yes. You must be an Amazon Prime member to shop for Amazon’s Prime Day deals. There is a free 30-day trial available for new accounts. (Prime membership comes with a lot of perks, and we’ve rounded up all of them here.) The trial will let you get in on the sale—just remember to cancel your membership to avoid any subsequent renewal charges.

    There are some discounts available if you’re not a subscriber (those deals might not be that great). But other major retailers like Best Buy and Target usually hold concurrent sales during Prime-exclusive sales events. Their prices are often close to what Amazon is offering on the same products, and sometimes they match the price. This is a good way to take part in the Prime Day Sale if you don’t want to support Amazon.

    Walmart is launching a rival Walmart+ Plus Week sales event for members, running June 17–23, 2024. Like Amazon Prime, Walmart+ gives you free express delivery and some other perks, but costs just $98 per year. The deals include 20 cents off a gallon of gas at Exxon & Mobil stations nationwide, so you could pay off your entire annual Walmart+ membership by buying just 490 gallons of gas!

    Is Prime Day Worth It?

    It depends. For some items, Prime member-exclusive event prices tend to be some of the lowest we see all year. That’s especially true for Amazon hardware, like Kindles, Fire Tablets, Fire TV Sticks, and Echo devices, but there are other factors to consider. Prices fluctuate throughout the year, and some products are discounted quite often. Even if the price is good, a deal on a product that goes on sale all the time diminishes the overall quality of that deal.

    The sheer volume of deals promoted by Amazon during sales like Prime Day is a blessing and a curse. The truly good discounts can be difficult to pinpoint—there’s so much stuff on sale that the overall selection can feel overwhelming. But there’s a good chance that the item you want will be on sale. We’ve seen some fantastic Prime-exclusive discounts in the past, ranging from dirt-cheap Kindles to elusive price drops on the Nintendo Switch. The tricky part is to find the diamonds in the rough.

    WIRED covers legitimately good deals all year long, including during the Prime Day event. Our tips below will help you find those great discounts on your own.

    How Do I Know Whether a Deal Is Good?

    ABC: Always be checking (prices, that is). Researching an item’s price is the most important aspect of determining the quality of a discount. Don’t fall prey to deceptive marketing language and inflated MSRP prices—our tips only take a few moments. The easiest step is to take a second to Google the items you’re considering so you can see the price across multiple stores.

    One tool we like to use is Camelcamelcamel, which tracks Amazon’s prices over time. Paste the Amazon link or ASIN (found in the Product Information section on the Amazon product page) into Camelcamelcamel’s search bar and you’ll be able to see an item’s lowest recorded price, its average price, and how frequently the price fluctuates. Some deals, such as Lightning Deals, are excluded from the pricing history, but it’s useful to see what an item has sold for in the past. We also like Keepa, which has an extension (available for multiple browsers) that shows the recent price history for products directly on the Amazon page so you don’t have to open a new tab.

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    Louryn Strampe

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  • Our Favorite Cameras, Lenses, and Photo Accessories Are on Sale Now at Moment

    Our Favorite Cameras, Lenses, and Photo Accessories Are on Sale Now at Moment

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    The photography fanatics over at Moment are having what they call a warehouse sale right now. There are some good deals on camera gear, Moment’s signature mobile lenses, bags, slings, organizers, and more. We’ve sifted through the deals to find the best prices on all the WIRED-tested gear on sale. Have a look!

    Don’t miss our guides to the Best Camera Gear for Your Smartphone, Best Camera Bags, Best Mirrorless Cameras, Best Home Video Gear, and How to Buy a Camera for more.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    WIRED Featured Deals

    Camera and Mobile Lens Deals

    Moment made its name with its add-on lenses for mobile devices, which turn your phone into a more serious camera. Using professional-grade optics, Moment lenses greatly expand your phone camera’s capabilities, adding everything from portrait lenses to 10X macro lenses.

    Moment 18-mm Wide Mobile Lens

    Photograph: Moment 

    This is an open-box deal, which means it was a return, but never used. It does mean it’s not returnable though. The M-Series lenses are for iPhone 14, Pixel 7, and earlier generations. If you have a newer phone you’ll want the T-Series lens, which is not on sale. You will need a Moment case and drop-in mount for the system to work.

    This is not an open-box deal. If you want better portraits from your phone, this is the lens you want. This is again an M-Series lens for the iPhone 14, Pixel 7, and earlier generations. Don’t forget to grab the case and the drop-in mount!

    Another open-box deal, this is the M-Series anamorphic lens. Moment says this one was inspired by J.J. Abrams films, giving you that bright, slightly blue-tinged flame when shooting into headlights, street lights, or the Starship Enterprise as it lifts off. If you’ve got an iPhone 14, Pixel 7, or earlier device, this is a pretty sweet deal. As with all these mobile lenses, you’ll need a case and drop-in mount to install it over your phone’s lenses.

    moment lens on an iphone

    Moment Anamorphic 1.55X

    Photograph: Moment

    If the above lens mimics J.J. Abrams, I would call this the Steven Spielberg look, with a nice golden flare and the wider, more cinematic 1.55X look. As with the others, this is an M-Series lens.

    This is also not an open-box deal, but it’s a good one on my favorite of Moment’s mobile lenses: the 10X macro. This lens will turn your older phone into a powerful close-up camera.

    Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 camera

    Instax Mini 12

    Photograph: Fujifilm

    We’ve seen the Mini 12 occasionally dip about $10 lower, but this is still a solid deal on our favorite budget Instax camera. It’s a capable, easy-to-use camera wrapped in a colorful, bubbly design. The Mini 12 uses a two-element plastic lens, and there’s no focusing. Everything is auto-exposure. If this camera had a motto it would be “Keep it simple.” One thing you’ll find here that’s missing even on more expensive models is parallax correction. That means you don’t have to guess where the center of the frame is for close-up subjects.

    Camera Bag Deals

    While the camera gearheads probably disagree, the real challenge in photography is finding the right bag. We’ve tested more than 70 bags to help whittle down the choices, and some of our favorites are on sale right now. Here are the best deals we’ve found on our favorite bags.

    Wandrd Roam camera bag

    Wandrd Rogue Sling

    Photograph: Wandrd

    Wandrd is having its own sale right now too, and you can save a few bones on our favorite everyday camera sling. The Rogue can be carried as a sling, messenger, or waist pack, and thanks to plentiful padding, it’s comfy to wear for long periods. There’s plenty of space for cameras, lenses, and other accessories, including tripods which can be cinched to the bottom with included straps. You can choose between three sizes.

    Moment’s Rugged Sling is one of our favorite camera slings. It has a nice modular organization system inside, and the weatherproof fabric is made from recycled sails. The clever magnetic clip system works great and the larger, 10-liter size (also on sale for $130) will work for carrying around a drone.

    We like the stealth aspect of the Everyday Backpack Zip, which doesn’t scream “camera bag” and therefore isn’t as tempting to thieves. You can access your camera by slinging the backpack around your shoulder to the front. A Peak Design Travel Tripod fits nicely in the side pocket, and the straps keep it secure.

    Wandrd Prvke 2

    Wandrd Prvke Camera Bag V2

    Photograph: Wandrd

    We’ve called the Prvke V2 (pronounced “provoke”) the perfect camera bag. There’s a V3 out, but this deal is on the V2. It’s well padded and nicely cushioned to protect your gear, and the exterior waterproof tarpaulin and Robic 1680-denier ballistic nylon materials have held up extremely well over time. We like the 31-liter version linked here, which can swallow a considerable amount of gear, but the 21 liter is also on sale for $131 ($96 off), and the 41-liter version can be had for $207 ($50 off).

    The Monterey is one of our favorite small slings, great for when you’re out with a point-and-shoot or action camera setup. You can wear it as a sling, cross-body, or fanny pack, and it’s comfy in all three modes. The main compartment has a thin sleeve to store an item alongside your camera, and over on the front are two pockets with room for spare batteries or keys.

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    Scott Gilbertson

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  • 9 Great Deals on Our Favorite Grovemade Desk Accessories

    9 Great Deals on Our Favorite Grovemade Desk Accessories

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    Grovemade makes beautiful desk accessories, from laptop stands to pen cups—many of which we’ve tested at WIRED and recommend in our home-office buying guides. These are typically made from wood with metal and felt accents and are crafted completely by hand in Portland, Oregon. That also means these accessories are pricey. So we’re glad to see Grovemade celebrating its 15th anniversary with a sale. It runs through June 9, but a separate retirement sale takes 20 percent off some of our favorites that are being phased out at the end of the month.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    The Best Grovemade Deals

    Read our Best Laptop Stands and Everything You Need to Work From Home guides for more recommendations.

    Grovemade Walnut Laptop Stand

    Photograph: Grovemade; Getty Images

    This stand is simple, beautifully shaped wood (walnut or maple) and a piece of stainless steel with leather to keep your laptop from sliding off. We recommend adding a separate keyboard and mouse for the most ergonomic setup. It supports up to 200 pounds, should your PC be made of granite. Given its design and size, it’s a great option to elevate your laptop off to the side when paired with an external monitor, giving you a nice two-screen setup. Grovemade has a similar stand for a monitor for $128 ($32 off) in case you need to elevate your big screen.

    The laptop riser takes up a small footprint on your desk, whether you work directly on your laptop or need it angled to the side to work on a separate monitor. It’s more metal than wood, but it looks sophisticated and has a felt pad for where your laptop rests. It’s 10.5 inches wide, and it fits my 13-inch Macbook comfortably. It comes in walnut, oak, and maple. There’s also blackened walnut, but that one isn’t discounted.

    Simple twotier wooden shelf on a desk with a computer monitor on top and additional accessories surrounding it such as...

    Grovemade’s Walnut Desk Shelf

    Photograph: Grovemade

    Grovemade’s desk shelf comes in four sizes, from 18.5 inches (small) to 58 inches wide (extra large) and there’s a small compartment for a tablet or notebook. There’s a desk tray add-on to turn that compartment into an organized, merino-wool-lined drawer, but it’s a steep $144 more. The $192 price is for the walnut model, but oak and maple are cheaper, along with the plywood options and colors.

    A desk pad keeps the surface of your desk clean and scratch-free. This one has a cork bottom to keep it from sliding around. We tried the extra-large version, and it covered our entire desk setup, including a second monitor, but there are four other sizes. This linoleum pad comes in 10 pretty colors, and there are leather and wool pads available. To clean it, use a damp cloth.

    This is designed specifically for the iPad Pro, but it’s made to hold most tablets at a 20-degree angle. You can place your tablet vertically or horizontally whether you’re working or streaming your favorite show. A hole in the back lets you thread a charger through it.

    More Accessories on Sale

    Simple two tier wooden shelf with a computer monitor on top and 3 wooden containers holding paperclips scissors and...

    Photograph: Grovemade

    We tried some—not all—of these accessories. They’re great desk accessories.

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    Medea Giordano

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  • 14 Great Deals From the Sony Days of Play Sale

    14 Great Deals From the Sony Days of Play Sale

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    What better way to kick off summer than to spend your time indoors, grinding through levels and battling epic bosses? The Sony Days of Play Sale has arrived, bringing with it discounts on games, consoles, PlayStation Plus subscriptions, and more. These deals last through June 12, though individual discounts may expire as stock is depleted. We’ve rounded up our favorite price drops below.

    Be sure to check out our lists of the Best PS5 Games, the Best PSVR 2 Games, and the Best PS5 Accessories for additional recommendations and helpful tips.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    Console and Accessory Deals

    Photograph: Amazon

    This is one of the best outright discounts we’ve seen for the Sony PlayStation 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends). We reviewed the original version; this discount is for the Slim version, which has more storage and a slightly different design than the original. The console is fantastic overall, with incredible graphics and a DualSense controller that helps make gaming experiences more immersive. For $50 less, you can get the PS5 Digital Edition (on sale for $400). This may be a better pick if your gaming library is largely digital. You can always add on an external disc drive for around $80, though we think it’s worth shelling out the extra $50 for the included disc drive version—it’ll save you money in the long run, as opposed to buying the drive separately. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that if you purchase through Sony directly, you’ll get 12 months of Netflix Premium for free.

    The Sony PSVR 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with some sticker shock, considering the fact that it costs as much as a new console. But this is one of the best deals we’ve seen for the headset, and if you’re into virtual reality gaming, this is an excellent option. It’s easy to use and comfortable to wear, and the games library is always expanding. Check out our Best PlayStation VR Games guide for a list of our favorites. Note that for $50 more, you can get the Sony PSVR 2 bundled with Horizon Call of the Mountain—it’s a fun flagship with many immersive elements. Note that if you purchase through Sony directly, you’ll get a year of Netflix Premium for free.

    Add some razzle-dazzle to your console with these discounted covers. The deal isn’t all that incredible, but the color selection sure is. Installation is easy—just pop off the white panel that came with your console and slot in the new one. Our list of the Best PS5 Accessories has more picks.

    Game and Subscription Deals

    Screenshot from the game Marvel's SpiderMan 2 featuring SpiderMan fighting a villain

    Courtesy of Sony

    This is one of the Best PlayStation 5 Games you can play. You’ll get to fight baddies as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales (though not simultaneously). Combat is fluid, and the graphics are downright cinematic. Read more about the game in our glowing review, and be sure to check out our list of tips before you start slinging and swinging.

    By now, you’ve probably played The Last of Us: Part II (WIRED Review). If you haven’t, first of all, what are you doing with your life, and second of all, now’s the time—it’s on sale for $40, a $20 discount. If you haven’t yet played the sequel, you can also pick it up for cheaper than usual. It follows in the original’s footsteps—sometimes well, sometimes poorly—and takes place four years after the first game ends. It’s gruesome and gratuitously violent. We still think it’s worth playing.

    This excellent title dives deeper into narrative details than previous games in the series, resulting in what we think is a better and more well-rounded experience. God of War: Ragnarök also has more than 60 accessibility options. It’s a game well worth your time, especially if you’ve played others in the series, and especially at this price.

    Screenshot of Horizon Forbidden West featuring character walking on mountain ridge in front of small town

    Horizon Forbidden West keeps players involved in the narrative for a few hours before setting them loose in its open world. Courtesy of Sony

    More Game Deals:

    Note that you may need to sign in to see these deals. Sony is offering tiered discounts on 12-month PlayStation Plus memberships. You can save 20 percent on PlayStation Plus Essential ($64), 25 percent on PlayStation Plus Extra ($101), and 30 percent on PlayStation Plus Premium ($112). All of these memberships will be set to automatically renew, so set a reminder to cancel if you don’t want to pay full price next year. Learn more about the tiers and their differences in our PlayStation Plus guide.

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    Louryn Strampe

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  • Dyson’s Airstrait and Airwrap Hair Tools Are $100 Off Right Now

    Dyson’s Airstrait and Airwrap Hair Tools Are $100 Off Right Now

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    Summer might mean pool days and wet hair—but also vacations and nights out at beach bars. For those times, you want hair tools that work quickly for effortless styles that defy humidity. Some of our favorites, including Dyson’s pricey Airstrait and Airwrap, are currently on sale.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    Hair Straightener Deals

    Read our Best Hair Straighteners and Best Hair Dryers guides for more recommendations.

    Dyson Airstrait

    Photograph: Dyson

    Dyson’s Airstrait (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a favorite of some folks on the WIRED staff. Using high-velocity downward blades of air, it dries and straightens hair without you having to clamp hair between hot plates. Like most Dyson tools, it styles without singeing hair so you can have more good hair days and less breakage. Depending on your hair type, you may need to use the wet mode first until the hair is dry, and then switch to the dry mode to smooth out any puffiness. You may have to play around to figure out whether your hair should be damper or drier—it did straighten my coarse curls quite impressively, but it took longer than my preferred method.

    It still has a hefty price, but if you’ve been coveting this blowout tool, it might be worth it. The Airwrap Complete (8/10, WIRED Recommends) comes with a curling barrel for long hair (and it switches directions so you won’t need two), a diffuser, a wide-tooth comb, and two brush attachments, plus the impressive smoothing dryer attachment that truly eliminates flyaways.

    If the GHD is more in your budget, it has a similar concept as the Dyson Airstrait but uses traditional plates. Hot air vents down the center of the plates dry your hair first. Depending on the hair type and the style desired, that could be enough. If not, turn on the plates and straighten your hair as usual.

    Image may contain Electrical Device Microphone Pen and Lamp

    BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Prima 3100 Flat Iron

    This is one of the best flat irons I’ve used on my coarse, stubborn hair. My curls didn’t stand a chance against this, and it didn’t pull or fry it to get it straight. The outer stainless steel house also heats up for easier curling if you struggle with that. However, I hate where the temperature buttons are placed. I was constantly changing settings while styling.

    GHD has other hair tools we like, like the Chronos. This flat iron has a new technology to more evenly distribute heat and keep it at 365 degrees Fahrenheit—GHD tools only have one temperature setting, which is enough for a lot of hair to be styled without damage, but I have always needed higher heat. The Chronos has a rounded shape which helps make easier curls.

    A vibrating iron! It seems overkill, but somehow it creates perfect tension, allowing you to get straight hair in fewer passes without ripping your hair out. Our tester straightened one side of her head with the vibration and one without. She said it was noticeably shinier and took only a single pass per section with vibrations, rather than two to three passes on the other side.

    One WIRED writer says this is the best hair dryer she’s used, giving her smooth, shiny blowouts without overheating. It’s not super heavy either, which is nice when you have a lot of hair to get through. It comes with two air concentrator nozzles, but no diffuser; you have to purchase that separately. Be aware of the speed and heat control buttons, as they’re right where your hand goes.

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    Medea Giordano

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  • These Charlotte businesses are offering freebies to military members, vets on Memorial Day

    These Charlotte businesses are offering freebies to military members, vets on Memorial Day

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    Carowinds will open for the summer this weekend. But this weekend’s weather could create challenges.

    Carowinds will open for the summer this weekend. But this weekend’s weather could create challenges.

    Recognized as a federal holiday for more than half a century, Memorial Day is a time when Americans honor the soldiers who died while serving our country.

    Some Charlotte businesses are commemorating the holiday by offering free food, services and discounts to active military personnel and veterans, including coffee, car washes and admission to a few of Charlotte’s best attractions.

    If you are a service member, here are some deals you and your family can take advantage of during Memorial Day weekend.

    Americanos at CLUTCH Coffee Bar

    Where: CLUTCH Coffee Bar

    Rock Hill: 2027 Celanese Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732

    Mooresville: 356 Williamson Rd., Mooresville, NC 28117

    Mooresville: 154 W Plaza Dr., Mooresville, NC 28117

    When: All day May 27

    What to know: To commemorate Memorial Day, CLUTCH Coffee is giving out free americanos to past and present service members all day long. Veterans and active duty service members can visit any location to pick up their free coffee. Former and current service members also receive a 10% discount on all menu items all year.

    Car washes at Whistle Express

    Where: Whistle Express, 9121 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC 28273

    When: All day May 27

    What to know: Whistle Express is showing its support to the military community by offering a free car wash for all veterans and active military personnel. Anyone with a military ID can participate in the promotion at any Whistle Express location.

    Free admission to Carowinds

    Where: Carowinds, 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28277

    When: May 24-27

    What to know: Carowinds is honoring military personnel by offering free admission with a valid military ID to the theme park during its Military Days event. Military members can also purchase up to six discounted tickets for $39.99 each.

    Burgers from Keith Clinic and StarMed

    Where: Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic, 4016 Triangle Dr., Charlotte, NC 28208

    When: May 27, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

    What to know: Keith Clinic and StarMed are giving out 1,000 reusable lunch bags with a bacon double cheeseburger, bag of chips, and a chocolate chip cookie. Guests will receive one bag per person and bags will be distributed on a first-come first-served basis until supplies last. The event will be drive-through, so no walk-ups will be allowed.

    Visit Discovery Place

    Where: Discovery Place Science, 168 W. 6th St., Charlotte, NC 28202

    When: May 25-27

    What to know: During Discovery Place’s Military Appreciation Weekend, active military members and USAA members can receive up to four complimentary admission tickets to the museum and four free IMAX tickets. Valid military IDs or USAA membership cards are required for the promotion.

    This story was originally published May 24, 2024, 11:55 AM.

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    Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.

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  • The 22 Best Memorial Day Sales on TVs, Office Chairs, and Ebikes

    The 22 Best Memorial Day Sales on TVs, Office Chairs, and Ebikes

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    Memorial Day sales are like other big sale events—huge, confusing, and often misleading. But there are some excellent discounts if you know how to find them (and since you’re reading this, clearly you know what you’re doing.) We’re spending our long weekend sleuthing for discounts that are worth your time and money, with legitimate price drops and helpful context. Keep reading for good deals on gear tested and recommended by WIRED experts.

    Don’t miss our roundups of the Best Mattress Deals and Best Outdoor Deals for more discounts.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    WIRED Featured Deals

    Tech and Home Office Deals

    Hisense U8N

    Photograph: Amazon

    The Hisense U8N (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is super-bright. Sometimes too bright. (Luckily there’s a setting to help prevent automatic adjustment of the levels, which can reach over 3,000 nits.) It has great contrast and deep black levels, plus excellent, vibrant colors thanks to the quantum dot technology. It also boasts a handy array of ports, a sleek pedestal stand, and an intuitive interface. This price is the best we’ve tracked.

    This is the lowest price we’ve seen all year for our favorite streaming stick and the best Roku out of the company’s extensive lineup. I recently switched from Amazon’s Fire TV system to a Roku streaming device, and I’m annoyed I didn’t do it sooner. Roku has an excellent interface, an intuitive remote, and 350 free channels you can watch. (I recently rewatched all of How It’s Made for the millionth time.)

    Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max next to a bowl of popcorn

    Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max

    Photograph: Amazon

    If you’re a huge fan of Amazon’s Prime Video content, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max might be a good streaming stick choice. It’s tailored heavily toward Amazon-owned media, such as Prime Video and Freevee, though you can still access other popular services like Netflix or Hulu. The device also works with smart home devices—like turning on your front porch lights so your food delivery driver can see what they’re doing.

    This is our top Amazon Fire Tablet recommendation and it falls to this price regularly. But if you’re in the market, now’s a good time to buy. It has a faster processor than previous versions, plus an upgraded 1080p display. This price is for the 32-GB model, with the 64-GB version costing just a tad more. In any case, you can beef up the storage with a microSD card. Our Best Amazon Fire Tablets guide has additional recommendations.

    Steelcase Gesture desk chair

    Steelcase Gesture

    Photograph: Steelcase

    The Steelcase Gesture is our top upgrade pick in our Best Office Chairs guide. It’s comfortable no matter how you’re sitting, and there’s a wide range of adjustments for further support and comfort. There are many different fabrics to choose from. These chairs are backed by a 12-year warranty.

    I use the Mavix M7 regularly. It has held up well over years of use, but similarly to the X-Chair X2, be aware that the seat is bulky. The armrests and seat angles are adjustable, and the locking wheels keep you firmly in place during sweaty Hades II runs. I like the mesh construction as well, which stays cool and breathable all day. Check our Office Chairs guide for more picks.

    X Chair X2 office chair

    X-Chair X2 K-Sport

    Photograph: X-Chair 

    Mavix and X-Chair are owned by the same company, hence the similar designs (and free Elemax, a massaging, heating, and cooling accessory). This chair used to be our top mesh pick, and it still holds up as an honorable mention in our buying guide. The chair is superbly comfortable—editor Julian Chokkattu likened it to lounging in a hammock—but your body will remain well-supported. Nearly every aspect of the chair is adjustable. Just be aware that it’s pretty bulky. Your purchase includes a free Elemax unit ($129 value) that has heating, cooling, and massaging capabilities; we didn’t think it was worth it so don’t let it factor into your decision.

    I like Casely’s cute, protective phone cases. The company also makes cases for Airpods, suction-cup grips and screen protectors, and a few other accessories. One standout is the MagSafe-compatible Power Pod for $39 ($21 off). It’s a little power bank that can wirelessly charge compatible devices. We haven’t tested it, but the reviews are positive, and the color selection is huge. Our MagSafe Power Bank buying guide has additional recommendations.

    Home and Outdoors Deals

    Head on over to our list of the Best Outdoor Memorial Day Deals for additional discounts on WIRED-approved gear.

    BioLite BaseCharge 1500

    BioLite BaseCharge 1500

    Photograph: BioLite

    We think this is the best medium-capacity portable power station. It weighs 29 pounds, has a 1,520-watt-hour capacity, and has recessed handles for easier carrying. There are handy ports and buttons on the front, plus a wireless charging pad on top. Note that the battery itself takes a long time to charge—around 14 hours via AC charging, or around 8 hours if you stack AC charging with a USB-C input. You can read more about it in our buying guide.

    Right now, this backyard fire pit costs just $5 more than we saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday last year. We tested and liked the larger Solo Stove Yukon (7/10, WIRED Review), which is also on sale for $400 ($100 off). The Bonfire is a smaller version that would work better in most backyards. It’s smokeless, burns wood quickly, is durable, and is easy to light. You’ll get a carrying case to lug it around (it weighs just over 23 pounds). There’s also a removable base plate included for easier cleanup.

    This is our favorite sleeping bag for car camping. It’s made of recycled polyester, and its 20-degree rating means it’s good for three seasons. It has a hood, plus a full-length zipper so it can be converted into a quilt. There’s a second zipper for extra airflow. And if you have a sleeping buddy, you can zip two Siestas together. This deal is featured in our giant list of the Best Outdoor Memorial Day and REI Anniversary Sale Deals. Be sure to check that post out for more discounts.

    WIRED associate reviews editor Adrienne So liked this kayak when she tested it a few years ago. It has a neat, origami-inspired folding design that packs into a compact, 41-pound package. If you don’t have the space to store a traditional kayak, you’ll have the space to store the Oru Haven. It can be used in single or tandem mode, and there are built-in rails for holding your various accessories, like fishing poles or coolers.

    Ignik Hand Warmers

    Ignik 24-Hour XL Warmers

    Photograph: Ignik

    I love these giant warmers. They work just like Hot Hands, but are oversized, so they’re nice to place in the bottom of a heating pad or the inner pocket of a coat. They’re also 98 percent biodegradable—the warmer pouch needs to be thrown away, but the insides can be composted. They can take a little while to heat up compared to other hand warmers I’ve used, but they last longer.

    WIRED reviewer and resident outdoorsman Scott Gilbertson raves about this growler in our Best Camping Stoves buying guide. The Ignik gas growler is better for the environment than those green disposable propane bottles you’ve been using. This Deluxe version comes with a padded, insulated sleeve as well as a carrying strap. These growlers are available in 3-, 5-, and 10-pound options.

    The discount will show up automatically in your cart. I use this table nearly every time I go camping. It packs into a tiny lightweight package, and once assembled, it’s sturdy. There are built-in cupholders and the surface of the table dries quickly. Because it’s so lightweight, you’ll want to keep it weighted down on windy days, and the legs can be tricky to muscle into place during assembly. But I think it’s worth adding to your kit if you have the room to spare. This deal is part of a larger sale that gets you 25 percent off nearly everything at Helinox.

    Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe Hybrid

    Photograph: Helix Sleep

    This is a solid deal on our very favorite mattress. There are multiple firmness levels to choose from. The individually wrapped springs offer extra support in areas that you’ll need it, and the plush top layer keeps you cozy no matter how you like to sleep. Make sure to check out our dedicated roundup of the Best Memorial Day Mattress Deals for additional discounted options.

    Brooklinen makes one of the best weighted blankets. It has a delightful, cozy texture and cleans up easily in the washing machine. The 12-pound blanket is available in a few colors to complement your home decor.

    We recommend this silk pillowcase in our Best Bedsheets guide. It’s a small discount, but Sleep Number products tend to be pricey, and this one is worth the money. It’s lightweight and has a zipper enclosure to keep your pillow inside the case. This deal is part of a larger sale on Sleep Number bedding (up to 20 percent off), pillows (buy one, get one 50 percent off), and sheets (buy one, get one 50 percent off). I like these pricey TrueTemp sheets for regulating my body temperature.

    This is a solid deal on an excellent carpet cleaner. It went viral a while back, and it’s worth the hype. It works well, it’s portable, and it’s small enough that you shouldn’t have too much trouble storing it. It does fluctuate in price around shopping holidays, but this price comes within $10 of what we saw during Black Friday last year.

    Rad Power Bikes RadRover 6 Plus electric bike

    Rad Power RadRover 6 Plus

    Photograph: Rad Power Bikes

    We’ve recommended Rad Power ebikes a few times at WIRED, including in our Best Cheap Ebikes guide. The RadRover 6 Plus performs reliably, though it might be overkill if you want a commuter bike. If you frequently traverse rough terrain, those chunky tires keep you cruising. This deal is part of a larger Rad Power ebike sale. Check out our Best Ebikes and Best Electric Cargo Bikes guides for additional recommendations.

    The Lectric XP 3.0 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is heavy and bulky, and it has its quirks—for example, the key is at the bottom of the frame. But it offers a generally reliable, comfortable, and (relatively) affordable experience. This deal is a little confusing because technically, the ebike costs around $999. But the kicker is the free accessories included with your purchase. You get the long-range version of the bike with a bigger battery, a spare battery, a cargo package (a front rack, a small basket, and a large basket), and a comfort package, which includes a giant seat and a suspension seat post. You’ll have more range, more storage, and a more comfortable ride. Our Best Ebikes guide has more picks.

    This bag is one of our favorite laptop totes. It’s made from super-thin nylon stuffed with scrap yarn, a sustainable effort resulting in a unique color scheme. Verloop is offering 25 percent off site-wide with code SUMMER. We also recommend the company’s goods in our Recycled Clothing and Best Recycled Bags guides.

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    Louryn Strampe

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  • The 29 Best Outdoor Summer Deals From the REI Anniversary Sale

    The 29 Best Outdoor Summer Deals From the REI Anniversary Sale

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    It’s Every outdoor fanatic’s favorite time of year. Snow is melting, birds are migrating, and REI is holding its biggest sale of the year, the annual REI anniversary sale. This year’s event ends on May 27, which is Memorial Day. Many items are up to 30 percent off, but REI Co-op members save up to 20 percent off any full-price item of their choice and an extra 20 percent off any REI Outlet item. To get the discount, add the promo code ANNIV24 at checkout.

    Several other retailers have also launched early Memorial Day sales, including Backcountry and Public Lands, along with some of our favorite smaller retailers like Zenbivy, Big Agnes, Cascade Designs, and Marmot. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite deals on gear we’ve loved over our years of testing. There’s something for nearly all our favorite summer activities—tents, stoves, sleeping bags, and plenty of outdoor apparel. Be sure to look at our guides to outdoor gear, like the Best Tents, Best Sleeping Bags, Best Sleeping Pads, Best Rain Jackets, Best Merino Wool, and Best Binoculars.

    Updated May 22, 2024: We removed sold-out deals and added new ones, including the Zenbivy bed system, Mountain Hardware’s Bishop Pass sleeping bag, the Goal Zero Yeti 500 power station, the Ignik gas growler, and more.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    WIRED Featured Deals

    Tent Deals

    Check out our Best Tents guide for more WIRED-tested recommendations.

    REI Half Dome SL 2+

    Photograph: REI

    Our pick for Best Two-Person Backpacking Tent, REI’s Half Dome is rugged and lightweight (4 pounds), and offers generous living space for two with gear. The tent body is made of 40-denier ripstop nylon for durability at the base and on the floor, with 20-denier nylon mesh (both fabrics are Bluesign-approved, which means it has been independently certified to meet strict environmental and manufacturing requirements). It also comes with a footprint, which is a rarity these days. The tent poles are aluminum and interchangeable, which makes them easy to set up and take down.

    The Big Agnes Copper Spur series is the king of ultralight tents. I’ve used both the two-person and four-person models over the years, and Big Agnes has continually refined the design to the point that I have nothing left to complain about. This is a high-quality, well-designed tent. It’s lightweight, easy to set up, and stable even in strong winds. The Copper Spur is also very livable, with steep sidewalls to maximize interior space. The ingenious “awning” design makes getting in and out a snap. OK, the only complaint I have is the price, but on sale, it’s a little easier to handle.

    Most people do not need the Trango 2, but if you are headed into harsh, 4-season, alpine conditions, this is one of the best, most bombproof tents I’ve ever used. It’s heavy (almost 9 pounds for the two-person model), and a pain to set up, but it’s built to withstand high winds and hard weather, and it does just that. If you’re anticipating bad weather at high altitudes, this is the tent you want.

    Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3 Bikepack tent

    Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL3

    Photograph: Big Agnes

    Are you bikepacking yet? I’m in the early stages myself, but this is the tent my fellow WIRED bikepacking experts recommend. Big Agnes’ bikepacking tents have shorter pole lengths, enabling them to fit between drop handlebars, or in panniers. The superlight, super-premium Copper Spur HV UL3 weighs just 3 pounds and 11 ounces, and it has enough space for two (a squeeze for three). It’s also available in lighter, smaller, one- and two-person options, all with twin vestibules and doors, hidden helmet storage, and external webbing for hanging out wet clothes. And yes, if you’re wondering, it works great for backpacking too.

    Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Deals

    Confused by the options? Check out our guides to the Best Sleeping Bags and the Best Sleeping Pads.

    Grey sleeping bag on top of light blue inflatable sleeping pad both laying in the grass

    REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    REI Co-Op’s Magma 15 is our favorite bag for shoulder season trips when the temps might drop more than expected. It has an excellent draft collar that’s very good at keeping out the chill. The outside is a 15-denier nylon ripstop (Bluesign-approved, with a non-fluorinated DWR coating to keep moisture at bay). Baffles are variably spaced and not stitched through, which helps the fill stay put and minimizes cold spots. The Magma doesn’t have a lot of frills; it just gets the job done.

    Our favorite summertime car-camping sleeping bag, the REI Siesta Hooded 20 is plenty warm and affordable. It’s also not a mummy bag, because you’re not climbing Denali; why cramp yourself if you don’t have to? The Siesta’s rectangular cut makes for a much roomier, more comfortable bag. The Siesta’s 20-degree rating makes it enough for three-season trips, and unlike most rectangular bags, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on those cold nights.

    Nemo’s Forte 20 is a 20-degree synthetic-fill sleeping bag, but the comfort rating is 30 degrees. In my testing, this feels more like where you’d want to stay temperature-wise with this bag. The outer shell uses a 30-denier recycled polyester ripstop with an inside liner made from 20-denier recycled polyester taffeta. It does a good job of holding back the moisture that often forms inside a tent, which I discovered after one very soggy night of testing. The fill is what Nemo calls Zerofiber insulation, which is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled content fibers. The Zerofiber packs down remarkably small—this is the most compact synthetic-fill bag I’ve tested in this temp range—and retains its ability to trap warmth even when wet.

    Long blue sleeping bag with yellow interior laid out on top of tan gravel surface

    Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 15

    Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

    Our favorite backpacking sleeping bag, the Bishop Pass offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio while also managing to pack down small and not be too expensive. It isn’t perfect, but it strikes the best compromise for most backpackers. I have slept in this bag for more than two weeks, with nighttime temps ranging from 28 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and, yes, it was too much in the heat, but on those warmer nights, I unzipped it and covered myself like a warm blanket. It’s a versatile bag.

    The Zenbivy Bed 25 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is hands down the most comfortable backcountry sleeping experience I’ve ever had. It wouldn’t be my top pick for extreme situations, but so long as your expected temperatures fit in Zenbivy’s range (the comfort rating is 35°F), it doesn’t get more comfortable than this. The Zenbivy isn’t just a sleeping bag though. It’s a sheet, hood, and quilt-style bag that can be combined in various ways depending on what you want. Zenbivy has a 25 percent off sale on almost everything on its site too.

    Inflatable sleeping pad with white top and red bottom

    Nemo Tensor All-Season Sleeping Pad

    Photograph: Nemo

    Nemo new 2024 Tensor-insulated sleeping pads (8/10, WIRED Recommends) have the best R-value-to-weight ratio of anything I’ve tested. The Tensor All-Season featured here sports an R-value of 5.4 and weighs 18.2 ounces. That alone is impressive, but what I love about the Tensor is that it’s thick, comfortable, and most importantly, nearly silent. The slightly lighter Trail model is also on sale, as is the Extreme Conditions pad, which is the lightest, warmest sleeping pad on the market.

    This minimal pad isn’t the most comfortable I’ve used (that would be the Nemo above), but it gets the job done and is considerably cheaper. It has an R-value of 4.9, and the 30-denier ripstop polyester with TPU lamination has held up well through years of testing. I also like that this pad is relatively wide and roomy—even the “regular” model (I have not tested the wide, but that’s also an option).

    This is the beefy, ultra-luxury pad that started the trend of huge car-camping pads. And for that we thank Exped. The MegaMat is one of our favorite sleeping pads, and has slightly better insulation than our top pick in that guide, making it a better choice if you sleep cold or are headed out in the shoulder seasons where colder temps are possible.

    Backpack Deals

    Don’t forget to check out our guides to the Best Laptop Backpacks and the Best Travel Bags.

    Tall blue backpack with 2 shoulder straps and a waist strap

    REI Co-op Flash 22

    Photograph: REI

    The Flash 22 is possibly the best value day pack on the market, especially on sale. I was surprised by how comfortable this thing is, despite the lightweight straps and minimal padding. It carries loads up to 15 pounds without straining the shoulders, and the side stash pockets are fabulously large—big enough for a Nalgene bottle or rain jacket.

    The ultralight cousin to the Flash 22, the Flash 18 lacks the hip belt, side stash pockets, and floating lid. What you’re left with is a stripped-down, bare-bones pack that’s great for traveling since you can stuff it down to almost nothing, stash it in your carry-on, and have a nice backpack whenever you need it. Don’t load it up with more than 8 pounds of gear though, and avoid anything with pointy bits as there’s no padding here.

    I spent several days in Michigan’s Porcupine Mountains with this pack, and I loved everything about it except the fit. The organization, the pockets, the lid—everything was fantastic, but it rode up on my hips. That doesn’t stop me from recommending it. Everyone is shaped differently. What didn’t work for me might be perfect for you. As with any pack, we suggest you head into an REI store and try them on if possible.

    Apparel Deals

    REI CoOp Rainier Rain Jacket

    REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

    Photograph: REI

    Every year, I (Adrienne) repurchase one of these rain jackets for each of my children. It’s hard to find rain jackets that are better value than REI’s. The kid’s version is a 2.5-layer shell with a nonfluorinated (read: PFAS-free) durable water-repellent (DWR) coating, taped seams, and an adjustable hood. These will last all year (at least, as long as your kid doesn’t lose theirs).

    This is wildly affordable compared to the other sun hoodies we tested for our Best Sun Protection Clothing guide. WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey found it super soft and breathable, with thumb holes to protect the back of your hands. It’s UPF 50, and it may be a lot easier to get your kids or sensitive family members to wear clothing instead of smearing sticky sunscreen all over their bodies.

    I (Adrienne) cannot tell a lie; I have been wearing Halle pants for almost 15 years, and as the nylon content has gone up, they have started pilling very quickly. Nevertheless, the fit is still dialed for women with straighter hips and, er, athletic thighs. ReZion fabric is UPF 50, will not wrinkle, and is light and breathable. This is a good, versatile summer travel pant that looks nice, can accommodate all sorts of activities, and won’t stifle you.

    Fitness Deals

    Don’t forget to check out our Best Fitness Trackers, Best Barefoot Shoes, Best Garmins, and Best Smartwatches guides.

    Electra Loft Go electric bicycle

    Photograph: Electra

    This lovely little step-through cruiser (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is one of our Best Electric Bikes and one of our Best Cheap Electric Bikes recommendations. Electra went with a new manufacturer of super lightweight systems, so this bike is almost 20 pounds lighter than the last one I tested. It’s simple, cheap, and the perfect easy-going summer ride.

    This is one of our favorite pairs of workout headphones. The around-the-neck band is comfortable and secure, and they fit under helmets. You listen to ambient sound when you’re biking or running, and when you want to concentrate on the music or podcast, stick in a pair of earplugs!

    Garmin Epix Pro fitness tracker

    Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)

    Photograph: Garmin

    Garmin’s two best outdoor sports watches—the Fenix and the Epix lines—are $200 off. The Epix Pro (Gen 2) (8/10, WIRED Recommends) now has much better battery life, a brighter touchscreen, and nifty features like an in-bezel flashlight for when the battery on all your devices has died and you need to find something in your dark tent. Plus there are more navigation features, like being able to find Points of Interest like a coffee shop while you’re on a long run. Can you also do this with an Apple Watch Ultra? Yes, but not if you have an Android phone.

    On the off-chance you’re even remotely interested in what I (Adrienne) am buying, these climbing shoes from La Sportiva are in my cart (all La Sportiva climbing shoes are 25 percent off). Summer climbing season is about to begin and I just wore off all the rubber on the rand on my current pair of La Sportiva, which is a legacy climbing brand. I like the crossing Velcro closures, which make it easy to get the shoe on and off quickly and still allow you to fine-tune the fit if you have high arches or narrow feet.

    My favorite running shoes are Altras, which have a zero heel-to-toe drop (there is no difference in the height between the toe and the heel) and a wide toebox so you don’t crunch your little tootsies. The Timp is the company’s latest trail running shoe, which I have been running in for the past two months. They feel stiffer and tighter than previous versions; I size up a full size from my street size to avoid getting crunched. However, I like the breathable mesh and the padding. The Lone Peaks are my usual shoes and are a whopping 40 percent off.

    Stove, Cookware, and Camp Deals

    Read our Best Camping Stoves and Best Portable Grills guides for more.

    Coleman Classic Propane Stove

    Coleman Cascade Classic Camp Stove

    Photograph: Coleman

    This is the fancy version of our favorite camp stove. Here you get electronic ignition and a nice pale green paint job. Is it worth the extra $25? That’s up to you. If it’s not, you can snag the less fancy version for $52 at Walmart.

    Jetboil’s camp stove packs up smaller than most car-camping stoves, making it ideal for you #vanlifers. It offers a spacious cook area when unpacked and I found it easy to get a simmer. What I don’t like is the lack of any windscreen, but provided you can keep it protected, this is a good if somewhat pricey stove. There’s also an all-in-one cook system version that works like Jetboil’s backpacking stove.

    Our favorite way to avoid the green propane bottles is this gas growler. This model gets you a 0.9-pound propane tank with a nice padded/insulated sleeve and a handy strap for carrying, and it makes your camp setup look much nicer than a bare tank. It also saves your shins during those inevitable run-ins with cold hard steel that come from lugging around a big propane tank. This size is the equivalent of four green propane bottles.

    Hydro Flask

    As we note in our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide, the Hydro Flask was the popular choice before the giant Stanley cup took over the internet. The standard 40-ounce is on sale, and it has double-walled insulation, a variety of lids, and lots of fun colors; it’s also not easy to damage. If you find you must simply have a similarly handled tumbler with a straw, Hydro Flask also has one.

    Nemo’s backpacking chair is lightweight—just 1 pound, 14 ounces—and surprisingly sturdy. I love the reclining aspect, and the mesh and poles have held up well in my testing.

    I’m still testing Goal Zero’s recently updated Yeti 500X, but so far I’m impressed. I’ve been able to draw down full capacity, and the new port covers are great for keeping out dust and stray splashes (it now has an IPX4 rating). It’s quick to charge (just under 1.5 hours when you use a wall socket), and there’s a 12V adapter so you can charge off your car (it also charges directly from Goal Zero’s solar panels).

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    Scott Gilbertson, Adrienne So

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  • The 20 Best Early Memorial Day Mattress Deals

    The 20 Best Early Memorial Day Mattress Deals

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    Mattresses and cars are two things you should never pay sticker price for, because sticker prices are inflated and therefore “deals” are usually the actual retail price. We can’t help you with cars, but we can help with getting a new comfortable bed. We track the prices of all our favorite mattresses so we can let you know when it’s a good time to buy them, and whether it’s cheaper than normal or just at its regular “sale” price. We’ve also included deals on our favorite sheets. All the prices listed here are for queen sizes unless noted.

    See all our mattress recommendations in our Best Mattresses, Best Organic Mattresses, and Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers guides. We’ve also compiled our favorite beds you can get directly from Amazon.

    Updated May 22, 2024: We’ve added deals on our favorite sheets and Casper discounts.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    WIRED Featured Deals

    Best Mattress Deals

    Helix Sleep Midnight Luxe Hybrid Mattress

    Photograph: Helix Sleep

    Be sure to use code MEMDAY30 at checkout for the full discount. As of this writing, 25 percent off is auto-applied in the cart, but the code gives you another 5 percent. This is our favorite mattress and it’s usually priced at $1,780, so it’s nice to see a discount, even if it’s small. There are multiple firmness levels available to choose from based on your preference and sleeping positions.

    Like with the Helix above, enter MEMDAY30 at checkout to get the full 30 percent off. I’m not sure we’ve ever seen a Helix mattress reach full price, but this is a pretty solid discount on a very pricey bed. Whichever firmness level you choose, this mattress comes in two heavy boxes so you’ll need to zip both pieces together to equal one thick bed that stays remarkably cool.

    Leesa Sapira mattress

    Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress

    Photograph: Leesa

    The Leesa Sapira is our runner-up for its soft yet supportive feel and cooling top layer. It might not be as nice as the Helix, but we kept going back to it during testing. This is the sale price we typically see.

    Avocado pretty much always has a 10 percent off code on its site, so this is $100 off rather than $300. Still, it’s more than we usually see on our favorite organic mattress. WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson says it was the only mattress he and his wife agreed on, somehow working for her preference for soft mattresses and his preference for firm ones. It’s made from organic latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. According to the company, it contains no polyurethane, fire retardants, memory foam, or chemical adhesives.

    Two people reading on a Birch Luxe mattress inside of a bedroom

    Birch Luxe Natural Hybrid Mattress

    Photograph: Cole Slutzky/Birch

    The Raymour & Flanigan price is the lowest we’ve tracked on this mattress, but Birch is also offering its lowest price if you prefer to buy directly (though it’s not discounted as much and you need to use the code MEMDAY25). Because it’s medium-firm, it should cater to most sleeping styles. A pillowy Euro top and an extra layer of blended cashmere make it exceptional at temperature regulation. It’s Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified organic and uses natural latex with no polyurethane-based foams.

    We’ve recommended Casper for years and the company recently revamped its line of mattresses. This one is soon to be added to our Best Mattresses buying guide. If you sleep hot, it’s a great option thanks to Casper’s cooling Phase Change Material alongside three patented HeatDelete bands that kept our tester sweat-free all night. Lots of beds say they’re cooling; this one delivered. Pocketed coils provide support for hips, waist, and lower back, so back and stomach sleepers should find it particularly pressure relieving.

    This is another new bed from Casper we’ve tested and will soon be added to our buying guide. It’s all-foam, so it’s more affordable than hybrid options, but it’s still a great medium-firm bed that cradles your hips. All-foam mattresses often get too hot, but not this one, thanks to the top layer of open-cell foam that Casper calls Breathe Flex Foam. It has better edge support than most foam beds, but it’s still not as good as the hybrids.

    More Mattress Deals

    Serta Perfect Sleeper Cobalt Mattress

    Serta Perfect Sleeper Plush Pillowtop Innerspring Mattress

    Photograph: Serta

    You need to select the ultimate level with a plush pillow top to get the version we tested. This isn’t a huge discount, but it’s one of the rare mattresses that isn’t on a constant “sale.” It’s a classic innerspring, so it won’t come rolled up in a box like foam beds do, but it strikes an excellent balance between soft and supportive.

    If you want an organic mattress for your kids, you probably don’t want to drop a thousand dollars or more. If they’re still OK sleeping on a twin-sized bed, we recommend the Kiwi mattress. It occasionally drops to $649, but this is still cheaper than the usual $719 sale price we see. It’s made using certified organic cotton, wool, and latex.

    Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

    Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

    Enter code MEMORIAL at checkout. This is the usual price we see the Bear Elite at, but it does go up to $1,614 and has occasionally reached its full price. It’s a great mattress we recommend most for side sleepers. It’s firmer than most, but it gave the right amount of sag to our tester’s hips and elbows while still supporting them on their side. The quilted pillowtop feels like a luxury you don’t normally see for this price.

    We recommend this bed in our Best Mattresses on Amazon guide, but it isn’t currently discounted at the retailer. Still, it’s a bed that oozes luxury for a not-so-luxurious price (in the mattress world anyway). There’s enough support for various sleeping positions and the gel top layer keeps it cool. However, our tester noted that the middle of the bed was slightly elevated than the sides even after the recommended air-out time.

    Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress on a bed frame

    Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

    Photograph: Amazon

    Zinus is a popular cheap mattress brand and this one has thick, high-density foam for pressure relief. We think it’s best for heavier people. Our tester didn’t sink into this mattress at all, so there was no back support. If you’re buying for a kid or you’re particularly lightweight, maybe consider another option.

    Super cheap mattresses aren’t usually the best long-term, unfortunately. But if you’re young with a back that doesn’t hurt yet, or you need to outfit a guest room, you won’t need to spend a fortune. The Best Price Mattress is very soft and we slept comfortably on it. We were also impressed by its 10-year warranty and that the foam is CertiPUR-US certified, so it’s made without formaldehyde or flame retardants. The price varies, but it hovers around $219 on Amazon.

    Best Sheet Deals

    For even more recommendations, read our Best Sheets guide.

    Brooklinen Organic Sheets

    Brooklinen Organic Cotton Core Sheet Set

    Photograph: Brooklinen

    These are our favorite organic sheets. They’re soft but not overly silky, and made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. They stay cool if you need a summer sheet or sleep hot all the time. We like more Brooklinen sheets too if you prefer linen, sateen, or cashmere.

    Enter code MDW24 at checkout to get this discount on our favorite flannel sheets. There are a few final sale colors available too that get an additional discount if they’re available in the size you need. These were cozy and warm in the winter and softened with every wash.

    These have dropped in price since we first tried them, which is a nice surprise. They’re soft and feel fantastic to sleep on. It’s flannel, so it’s still going to be warm, but they’re lighter than the Company Store set.

    Overhead view of crumpled beige bedsheets

    Buffy Breeze Sheet Set

    Photograph: Nena Farrell

    I love my Buffy sheets. They’re made from eucalyptus Tencel lyocell, and the result is light and airy, but still somehow warm and cozy without getting you sweaty. They’re also available in 34 colors, though many are out of stock in smaller sizes.

    Enter code MDW20 to apply this discount. Riley’s percale sheets are pricier than our favorite from Target, but they’re a bit softer. Percale is good if you tend to sleep hot because they’re cool and crispy.

    Stack of white sheets and pillow cases. Background. Purple chrome swirls.

    JCPenney Wrinkle Guard Sateen Sheet

    Photograph: JCPenney; Getty Images

    Use code SHEETS to get this discount. Our favorite sateen sheets are affordable already, typically at $90, and they’re discounted frequently. They’re soft, cool, and silky, and WIRED writer Nena Farrell said she can barely tell the difference between these and Brooklinen’s much more expensive sateen sheets.

    Cozy Earth sheets are very pricey even with this discount, but if you can splurge, they’re insanely soft to sleep on. While they’re cold to the touch, they warm up after you’ve been lying in bed a bit, but in a good way, as if they’ve melted around you.

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    Medea Giordano

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  • Amazon Is Hosting a Massive Book Sale

    Amazon Is Hosting a Massive Book Sale

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    Is there anything better than lounging in the sun, reading a fantastic book? I think not. Now is an excellent time to stock up on books for the summer, because Amazon has a huge book sale running through May 20. Ebook prices start at $1, while print books are going for as low as $5. Every genre you can think of is covered in the sale, from classics to children’s books to BookTok faves. We’ll list our favorites below, but you should check the whole thing out for yourself. Maybe you can finally put a dent in that massive “to be read” pile and start rebuilding.

    Be sure to check out our related guides, including the Best Kindles, the Best E-Readers, and the Best Ebook Subscription Services. Don’t forget that you can also frequently find discounts on Bookshop.org, or browse our coupons for Books-A-Million, if you’d rather not shop through Amazon.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    Amazon Book Sale Deals

    Photograph: Jaina Grey

    We’ve seen this deal before, but it still matches the best price we’ve tracked. The Kindle Scribe (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is expensive. This deal makes it a bit more accessible. It’s the Best Kindle for note-taking and annotation. It’s also the only Kindle that’s on sale right now.

    Usually Kindle Unlimited trials are a month long, but right now new subscribers can try the service out for two months longer. Keep in mind that the service will automatically renew at $12 per month once the trial is up, so set a reminder to cancel if you don’t want those subsequent charges. Kindle Unlimited is one of our favorite ebook subscription services. It helped me get back into reading as an adult.

    Neal Stephenson named the Metaverse. How much more WIRED can you get? This classic cyberpunk tale is worth every penny.

    Book cover with pink background and pieces of pink flower petals on the right

    Photograph: Amazon

    People have a lot of strong opinions about this author, but if you’re curious, you can save on one of her most popular titles. This tender romance novel is being made into a movie that’ll be released in August.

    This novel is arguably the perfect beach read. It’s romantic and glamorous, with a well-rounded cast of characters and the right level of intrigue to keep you turning the pages.

    I devoured this book in two days. I couldn’t put it down. If the thought of a badass heroine, talking dragons, a bully romance trope, and a quest to save the world gets your blood pumping, this one lives up to the hype.

    Book cover of a snowcovered narrow flat house in the distance with mounds of snow in the foreground

    Photograph: Amazon

    Books are almost always better than their movie adaptations. No shade to the wonderful Kathy Bates, but Misery is definitely one of those cases. I probably shouldn’t have read it when I was 13, but I did, and I still think about it. I think it’s one of King’s best works. If you’ve already read it, Fairy Tale—a newer King novel—is also on sale for $13 ($8 off).

    This memoir comes highly recommended by WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano. She said it “shattered her heart into a million pieces.” I’ll be buying a copy based on that recommendation alone, but if you need more convincing, just check out the thousands of 5-star reviews on Amazon.

    This memoir has been a New York Times bestseller for 80 weeks and counting. It explores McCurdy’s life as a child actor, complete with an overbearing mother, addiction, eating disorders, and more—but it ends on a good note, with themes of resilience and self-discovery. (I’ll be buying this one, too.)

    Book cover with green background fluffy white object in the corner and an illustrated yellow furry creature happily...

    Photograph: Amazon

    It’s a Dr. Seuss board book and it’s $3 and I guarantee the kids in your life will get a kick out of it (pun very much intended). They can lift the flaps and discover opposites. You can read the rhymes. It’s a win-win situation.

    I, for one, am fully here for Snoop Dogg’s culinary career. This cookbook was made in collaboration with E-40, who should need no further introduction. It contains more than 60 recipes that share a common theme—getting together with your loved ones and eating good food.

    Reviewer Scott Gilberton jokingly called this “light reading”, but despite its heaviness, it’s still worth reading. This novel sits with you long after you put it down. It’s gritty, it’s poignant, and despite its heady narrative, it isn’t too difficult to read. Most of all, though, it’ll stick with you—I recommend having a highlighter handy.

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  • The All-Clad Cookware Seconds Sale Is Back

    The All-Clad Cookware Seconds Sale Is Back

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    Not all cookware is created equal. Anyone who has purchased a cheap starter set of pots and pans will know—after a few years (sometimes months), the nonstick coating flakes off, the handles loosen, or the entire surface becomes warped and uneven. Buying cheap gear only to replace it is a waste of time and money. It may be some of the most expensive kitchenware you can buy, but All-Clad comes highly recommended by WIRED reviewers and culinary experts. They’re spendy, but these pots and pans are reliable and practically last forever. Like, forever forever.

    So how do you snag this coveted cookware at stomachable prices? One surefire way to save money on All-Clad is by shopping its Factory Seconds sale, which comes around every few months. We go into more detail and list our favorite discounts below. The current Factory Seconds sale is live now and ends on May 28 at 11:59 pm ET.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    What Are Factory Seconds?

    The Factory Seconds Sale is run by Home and Cook Sales, an authorized reseller for All-Clad and several other cookware brands. The items featured in the sale (usually) have minor imperfections, like a scuff on the pan, a misaligned name stamp, or merely a dented box. Every product on the website lists details about the imperfection. You’ll need to enter an email address to access the sale.

    While the blemishes may vary, the merchant says all of the cookware will perform as intended. Should any issue arise, nearly every All-Clad Factory Seconds product is backed by All-Clad’s limited lifetime warranty. (Electric items have a slightly different warranty; check individual product pages for details.) We’ve used a dozen Factory Seconds pots and pans, and they’ve all worked exactly as advertised. Just remember that all sales are final.


    The Best All-Clad Factory Seconds Deals

    Below, we’ve highlighted noteworthy discounts from the broader sale. The “before” prices are based on items in new condition. Also, check out our cooking buying guides, including the 7 Essentials for Every Kitchen, Best Chef’s Knives, Best Blenders, and Best Air Fryers.

    All-Clad D5 Essentials Pan

    Photograph: All-Clad

    The Essential is one of our favorite pans. It’s, ahem, essential in the kitchen. We like that it works well for all kinds of tasks. Its high walls prevent grease from splattering on your countertop, and it can double as a flat-bottomed wok or even be a Dutch oven substitute. It’s also dishwasher safe.

    If you tend to splash your sautéed vegetables out of the frying pan, a deeper sauté pan is just what you need. It’s got a large base to cook in, but tall sides to keep your ingredients inside the pan and off your stove. Plus, the sides are flat, so you can use them for leverage if you’re flipping something with a spatula.

    Everyone needs a good, large, stainless steel frying pan. It’s not nonstick, which does take some getting used to—make sure your grease or oil is hot before you add food—but once you get the hang of cooking on stainless you’ll never want nonstick again. Good quality stainless provides an even heat, with fewer hot spots, and makes cooking easier once you master it.

    All Clad 3Quart Saucepan

    Photograph: All-Clad

    All-Clad’s melding of copper, aluminum, and 18/10 stick-resistant stainless makes for one of the best heat-conducting pans WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson has used (aside from cast iron). He uses a smaller version for sauces, boiling potatoes, making bourbon-bacon bark, and countless other tasks. This is a kitchen workhorse. The included lid reduces evaporation (if you wish).

    This basket is awesome for grilling items like asparagus or fruit. The bottom has perforations to allow smoky, charcoal-y goodness to flavor your food, without the danger of losing items down the grate as they cook.

    AllClad Oval Bakers Pans

    Photograph: All-Clad

    These little oval-shaped dishes are great for portioning out side dishes or individual servings, but if you’re like me and you don’t own a microwave, they’re also fantastic for heating up leftovers on the stove or in the oven.

    A stockpot is a niche item, but sometimes you just need a gigantic cooking vessel. This is designed for that purpose. It includes a steamer basket and a colander, so you can prepare multiple ingredients at the same time. Pro tip: If you ever want to make a seafood boil at home, this pot is basically perfect.

    If you are in the market for a stockpot, this eight-quart vessel will be right up your alley. It’s got melding of copper, aluminum, and 18/10 stick-resistant stainless we love as a part of the D5 collection, and you’ll want great heat conduction with how much cooking volume it has.

    AllClad 5piece Measuring Cups Set

    Photograph: All-Clad

    These measuring cups are super durable. Your grandkids’ grandkids could probably get some use out of them. I like that they’re deep. When I’m pouring out a quarter-cup of oil for a recipe, I don’t have to worry about keeping my hand steady as much as I do with shallower, wider measuring cups.

    Since shipping costs $10, these wouldn’t be a great deal on their own, but they could make a solid add-on if you’re placing a larger order. It’s hard to say a lot about potholders. They either work or they don’t. These do, and they’re easy to clean.

    All-Clad makes great utensils. Cooking utensils are a strange category—the bad ones usually work fine, but you end up needing to replace them sooner. All-Clad utensils hold up over time. This set would make a good Father’s Day gift or addition to your camping gear. It includes tongs, a fork, a spatula, and a basting brush, plus a nifty, durable carrying case to pack them all up. If you don’t care about the carrying case, you can get just the tools for $50 instead.

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    Louryn Strampe

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  • TitanSpin: Revolutionizing the EDC Market | Trendy Gadget

    TitanSpin: Revolutionizing the EDC Market | Trendy Gadget

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    The Gadget On team has unveiled their latest innovation, TitanSpin, on Kickstarter. This groundbreaking gadget is setting new standards in the everyday carry (EDC) market, blending functionality, durability, and entertainment in an unprecedented way.

    One Spinner, Five Cards, Over 80 Tools

    TitanSpin is a pocket-sized, titanium EDC designed to offer quick fixes and endless fun. It promises to be more than just a tool—it’s a revolutionary experience.

    Unique Hybrid

    Fusion of Function and Fun: TitanSpin stands out as the world’s first fidget spinner that incorporates a comprehensive suite of over 80 tools. This innovative hybrid provides a seamless blend of entertainment and practicality, making it an essential companion for a wide range of activities.

    Precision and Quality

    CNC Machined Perfection: Each of TitanSpin’s five magnetic interlocking cards is crafted with CNC precision, ensuring exceptional quality and reliability. These cards are not merely tools; they are finely engineered pieces designed to deliver both utility and enjoyment.

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    Customizable and Compact

    Tailored for Every Need: TitanSpin includes five magnetic interlocking cards, each dedicated to specific uses—Daily, Outdoor, Tech, Survival, and Fishing. Whether users need to fix a bike, set up camp, or simply relieve stress, TitanSpin has a solution.

    Why TitanSpin Stands Out

    • Versatility and Convenience: TitanSpin combines the benefits of a toolbox, a survival kit, and a fidget spinner, all within a compact form factor. Its unique design and practical applications make it an invaluable addition to any EDC collection.
    • Durability and Style: Constructed from high-quality titanium, TitanSpin is built to last. Its sleek, modern design ensures it is not only functional but also a stylish accessory.

    Support TitanSpin on Kickstarter

    TitanSpin is now available on Kickstarter, where early backers can take advantage of exclusive deals and be among the first to own this innovative EDC gadget. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a revolutionary project that redefines the everyday carry experience.

    Explore TitanSpin on Kickstarter and discover why this multi-tool fidget spinner is becoming a must-have for EDC enthusiasts. TitanSpin is poised to enhance the EDC landscape, offering unparalleled versatility, durability, and style. Don’t miss the chance to get your hands on this game-changing gadget.

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    Al Hilal

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  • It’s International Masturbation Month! Here Are 9 Great Sex Toy Deals

    It’s International Masturbation Month! Here Are 9 Great Sex Toy Deals

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    May is the height of springtime, when the flowers are in full bloom and the summer sun is just starting to wake from its winter slumber. May is also International Masturbation Month, which is fitting, given spring’s human-history-spanning association with getting it on. This month, tons of our favorite sex-toy-makers are taking advantage of the ambient eroticism floating in the air and offering deals on sex toys and sex toy accessories.

    It can be tough to find the deals that are real deals though, so we’ve sifted through them to bring you the very best sex toy deals—on ones we have personally tested, vetted, and wholeheartedly recommend. Be sure to check out our other sex toy coverage for more recommendations on the Best Sex Toys, the Best Vibrators, the Best Clitoral Suction Toys, and the Best Lubes.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    Lovehoney Rose Suction Toy

    Photograph: Lovehoney

    The Rose is a great design for a suction toy. Lovehoney’s version provides robust, targeted stimulation to the clitoris, nipples, or frenulum. The shape makes it easy to use on yourself from a variety of positions and it can be easily maneuvered by just your fingertips. The broad size of its mouth area also makes it easy to modulate the intensity of the stimulation by rocking it forward or back, creating more or less distance between you and the toy.

    This is an absolute steal. Le Wand makes some of the best wand vibrators on the market, and they’re typically priced pretty high because of that. This one comes decked out with art from illustrator Kelly Malka and still features everything we love about Le Wand vibrators. We recently reviewed the Die Cast version (8/10 WIRED Recommends) and came away very impressed.

    Sometimes you need a plain, no frills, no vibration dildo. Lovehoney’s Liquid Silicone options are colorful, adorable, and shy away from the veiny anatomical intensity you often see on dildos. This smooth little guy is a modest width and is 6 inches long. It even has a flared base so it’s safe for butt stuff, and it fits into just about any strap harness.

    Lelo Hugo remote controlled prostate massager on rocks

    Lelo Hugo

    Photograph: Lelo

    Lelo’s Hugo butt plug isn’t the most beginner-friendly—it’s a little big if you’re fully new to butt stuff and about two to three fingers wide. But if you’re a little versed, it’s a great addition to any bedside drawer. It stays in place easily, and its vibration motor provides very targeted stimulation to the P-spot if you have one. It also comes with a remote control, which I always appreciate for any toy designed to stay in place. This one has been a mainstay of our Best Sex Tech guide for about four years now and for good reason.

    Strokers take themselves too seriously sometimes. These from Lovehoney have different textures and bumpy bits and come in bright fun colors. Plus, because they’re the smaller open-ended style of stroker, they lend themselves well to being a part of a whole suite of simultaneous phallic stimulation. They’re also stretchy, but default to a reasonable width so they’re fully functional for various phallus shapes and sizes.

    Lelo’s Dot is an interesting little vibrator. It’s a targeted vibrator, with a point about as wide as a felt-tip marker. The tapered tip directs its vibrations to a single point, creating intense and often overwhelming stimulation to any small erogenous zone. It’s a fun toy to use with a partner and very different if you’re looking for a unique addition to your bedside drawer. So getting one for free with a big purchase is a nice bonus, especially since it’s not cheap itself.

    Lelo Sila Cruise

    Lelo Sila

    Photograph: Amazon

    Lelo’s Sila suction toy is one of our favorites, and this deal includes the Sila and one of Lelo’s other vibrators, the Gigi 2, for an overall discounted price. The Sila is a compact suction toy that’s less intense overall than some of the other suction toys we’ve tested, but according to WIRED writer Louryn Strampe, the gentle stimulation helps build to a satisfying, full-body climax. The Gigi 2 on the other hand is a relatively simple-looking internal vibrator, but its shape is specially designed to reach the internal structures of the clitoris (the G-spot). The little bump on the end of it does a great job of channeling the vibrations directly where they need to go, and the buttons on the other end are positioned in such a way that they’re easy to use without looking.

    Lelo’s Hex condoms are a million times better than your average gas station prophylactic. They slip on with ease and the little hex design provides enough texture to be interesting for both parties. Whether you have it on a partner’s genitals or a sex toy, the little hex texture provides a nice bit of extra internal stimulation, while avoiding the “doctor’s exam glove” feeling that you can get from cheaper condoms.

    Lelo’s Enigma Cruise is a two-in-one suction toy and internal vibrator. The suction portion fits snugly against your clitoris and provides the deep stimulation and suction sensation you get from Lelo’s Sona 2 Cruise. The internal portion houses a powerful vibration motor that produces deep, rumbly vibrations that travel deep to the internal structures of the clitoris. Used together, the Enigma can help you build a satisfying, intense, full-body orgasm in a way that few other 2-in-1 toys can.

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    Jaina Grey

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  • Google’s Pixel 8A Is Coming, but Last Year’s Pixel 7A Is at Its Lowest Price Yet

    Google’s Pixel 8A Is Coming, but Last Year’s Pixel 7A Is at Its Lowest Price Yet

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    Google has historically launched its A-Series midrange Pixel smartphone around this time of year (usually at its Google I/O developer conference, which is set to take place on May 14 this year). Rumors abound about the new Pixel 8A—it might cost $499 again. If you’ve been hoping to join the Pixel hardware ecosystem, there’s good news! You don’t have to spend as much. Last year’s still-excellent Pixel 7A is on sale at its lowest price to date: $349. We’ve also found some good discounts on other Pixel gear, including the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Buds Pro, and Pixel Tablet.

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    The Google Pixel 7A is WIRED’s top Android smartphone recommendation for most people (8/10, WIRED Recommends). This handset’s MSRP is $499, and while it often fluctuates in price, this is the best deal we have ever tracked. It offers excellent performance, a great camera system, a wonderfully bright and sharp 90-Hz OLED display, plus wireless charging support. It’ll get two more Android OS upgrades and four more years of security updates. That’s a heck of a lot of phone for just $350, and I haven’t even mentioned many of the smart software features that make these Pixels so helpful to use, nor the great camera system.

    The Google Pixel Watch 2 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) makes several great improvements over the original Pixel Watch, and it’s a worthy consideration if you’re in the market for a new smartwatch (it works with any Android phone but not iPhones). This is the lowest price we have tracked. It runs Wear OS, which allows you to respond and delete notifications, control your smart home devices, stream music, and track your health and fitness. Speaking of, there’s reliable heart rate tracking, sleep tracking, an electrocardiogram, and fall detection. It also helps that it’s gorgeous—it’s one of the prettiest smartwatches you can buy right now.

    More Google Pixel Deals

    • Google Pixel Buds Pro for $140 ($60 off): The Google Pixel Buds Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) have punchy sound, an excellent fit, solid battery life, and great noise-canceling. There’s also Google Assistant built right in. This isn’t the lowest price we’ve seen, but it’s not far off. At this price, they’re great value.
    • Google Pixel Tablet 256 GB With Charging Dock for $499 ($100 off): The Google Pixel Tablet (7/10, WIRED Recommends) is a super-handy home tablet that doubles as a smart display. The 128-GB model typically sells for $499, so with this discount you’re getting double the storage. This includes the speaker dock—stick the Pixel Tablet magnetically on the dock and it’ll act like a smart display, with the ability to show your Google Photos albums, play music loud enough to fill a room, and answer your queries via Google Assistant. There’s multiuser support for up to eight fingerprint-locked profiles, so everyone in the house can use it.
    • Google Pixel 8 Android Smartphone for $549 ($150 off): This phone has dropped to $499 in the past, but this deal is still decent. The Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro (7/10, WIRED Recommends) are solid upgrades over the Pixel 7A. They’ve got nicer cameras, a more powerful processor, plus seven years of software upgrades.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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    Louryn Strampe

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  • Roborock’s Robot Vacuums—Including WIRED’s Top Pick—Are on Sale Right Now

    Roborock’s Robot Vacuums—Including WIRED’s Top Pick—Are on Sale Right Now

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    We’ve tested a lot of great robot vacuums here at WIRED, but the Roborock Q5 Pro+ has held the top spot in our Best Robot Vacuums guide for some time now. It fluctuates in price quite often, but currently it’s on sale for $480, matching the $220 discount we last saw during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2023. Just clip the on-page coupon to save. You can also snag the Roborock Q5+ (9/10, WIRED Recommends) for $380, a $320 discount. The pricier Pro+ model doubles as a mop—that’s the main difference between the two.

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    The Roborock Q5 Pro+ is a fantastic robot vacuum that doubles as a mop. Aside from the detachable mop pad, it has stronger suction, a longer run time, and a bigger dustbin than its cheaper Q5+ counterpart. Both robot vacs use lidar to route around your home, so you don’t have to worry about little cameras roaming over your floors. They’re fast and efficient—WIRED reviewer and editor Adrienne So says it took about 90 minutes to clean around 890 square feet. There’s a companion smartphone app where you can create maps and designate different cleaning zones. Overall, both robot vacuums are supremely reliable, a trait that’s hard to find in this space.

    If neither catch your eye, you can also save on the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum. It’s on sale for $300 ($300 off). It’s another great robot vacuum-and-mop combo. You can sign up for Shark’s marketing emails to get a coupon code for another 10 percent off (and then promptly unsubscribe).


    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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    Louryn Strampe

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  • There’s a Rare $25 Discount on the Nintendo Switch OLED Right Now

    There’s a Rare $25 Discount on the Nintendo Switch OLED Right Now

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    There’s a strong chance we will see Nintendo’s next-generation console in 2025, but if you just have been itching to play some Nintendo games, the Switch remains an excellent buy. You’re in luck because Amazon is offering $25 off when you clip the on-page coupon, dropping the price to $324. Not only is this a rare discount, but it’s also one of the best prices we’ve tracked on the console. The deal applies to both the White and Neon Red and Blue versions, and the Mario Red Edition is also on sale for $5 more (no coupon clipping required).

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    The Nintendo Switch OLED (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best handheld gaming console on the market right now. It has a much-improved kickstand over the original model, a built-in Ethernet port in the dock, plus a richer, brighter, and bigger screen. There’s also a higher base storage capacity, though we recommend purchasing a microSD card to bolster it even more. Check out our list of the Best Nintendo Switch Games for ideas on what to download first.

    The Joy-Cons and internal specs are still the same as what you’d get with the previous edition. It retains the nifty ability to swap between handheld mode and docked mode, and there are a ton of great accessories you can snag to enhance your gaming experience (we’ve rounded up our favorites here). Read our tips and tricks on everything else you can do with a Nintendo Switch.

    It’s worth noting that this promotion is part of a larger sale Amazon is running where you can save $25 when you spend $250 on select items. This includes other gaming gear, from PlayStation controllers to the Switch Pro Controller, and even some titles like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

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    Louryn Strampe

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  • Star Wars Outlaws pre-order guide

    Star Wars Outlaws pre-order guide

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    Star Wars Outlaws, the open-world adventure from Ubisoft and Massive Entertainment, launches Aug. 30 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Players will take on the role of smuggler Kay Vess as they attempt to seek their fortune across a variety of new and classic locations in the Star Wars universe.

    While Respawn Entertainment’s open-world Star Wars Jedi: Survivor puts forth an unforgiving melee combat system akin to Dark Souls, Outlaws seems to channel gameplay elements from the Uncharted franchise. This includes sneaking around, quickly resorting to shooting first if things go sideways, and of course, an ample supply of left hooks.

    Image: Ubisoft / Massive Entertainment

    There are a three versions of Star Wars Outlaws that are available for pre-order. In this post, we’ll dig into:

    • Every pre-order option available, how much they cost, and where you can buy them
    • What bonuses each edition of Star Wars Outlaws includes

    Star Wars Outlaws pre-order editions

    Star Wars Outlaws standard edition

    Image: Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Ltd.

    Pre-ordering the $69.99 standard edition of the game will get you access to the Kessel Runner Bonus Pack which grants exclusive cosmetics for your ship and speeder. The standard version of Star Wars Outlaws is available to pre-order through Ubisoft, PlayStation, Xbox, the Epic Games Store, and Best Buy. Like most recent Ubisoft launches, there’s no Steam version in sight.

    If you intend to play the game on PC via the Ubisoft Connect store, digital retailer Gamesplanet is offering a small discount on pre-orders. Normally $69.99, you can get Star Wars Outlaws for $62.99.


    Star Wars Outlaws Gold Edition

    Image: Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Ltd.

    If you want three days of early access to Star Wars Outlaws, you’ll need to pre-order the $109.99 Gold Edition. This version of the game also gets you access to the season pass, which is currently slated to include at least two pieces of post-launch DLC, in addition to the “Jabba’s Gambit” mission at launch. You can currently reserve this version of Star Wars Outlaws from Ubisoft, PlayStation, Xbox, the Epic Games Store, and Best Buy.


    Star Wars Outlaws Ultimate Edition

    An image showing what’s included with the Star Wars Outlaws ultimate edition that costs $129.99. Primarily, it gives gamers 3 days of early access, plus extra story content and an abundance of cosmetic DLC.

    Image: Ubisoft, Lucasfilm Ltd.

    The digital-exclusive Ultimate Edition costs $129.99 and comes packaged with everything included in the cheaper versions. Additionally, this premium version includes additional cosmetics in the form of the Rogue Infiltrator and Sabacc Shark bundles, as well as a digital art book with concepts and storyboards from the game. Currently, you can reserve this version of the game from Ubisoft, PlayStation, Xbox, and the Epic Games Store.

    Alternatively, if you want everything included with the Ultimate Edition but don’t want to pay the full price, you can subscribe to Ubisoft Plus for $17.99 a month. This plan grants you all the same benefits, including three-day early access, and is available on PC and consoles.

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    Alice Jovanée

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  • Target Is Having a Big Sale Right Now on iPads, Headphones, and Even a KitchenAid Stand Mixer

    Target Is Having a Big Sale Right Now on iPads, Headphones, and Even a KitchenAid Stand Mixer

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    No, it’s not Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, but Target is back with yet another Circle Week deals event running through Saturday, April 13. Amazon had a spring sale two weeks ago so it seems natural that Target would follow suit. The good news? Some of our favorite tablets, headphones, and kitchen items are discounted.

    There’s a caveat: you need to be a Target Circle member. However, it’s free to join and nets you some solid savings throughout the year. Unlike prior Circle Week deals events that required you to clip the deals to your account first, these should automatically apply as long as you’re signed into your Target account.

    Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

    If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more.

    Tablet and Laptop Deals

    Apple iPad Mini (2021, 6th Gen)

    Photograph: Apple

    We suspect a new line of iPads is coming out sometime in May, including a new Mini. If you want the newest, it’s worth waiting, but this model still works fine. The 2021 Mini (8/10, WIRED Recommends) got a makeover more akin to the iPad Pro with slim bezels. The 8.3-inch screen is great for portability and can still help you get work done thanks to the A15 Bionic processor inside, which is plenty fast and can handle most intensive apps and games.

    The 9th-gen iPad is cheaper at $250, but the 2022 base iPad received a facelift and USB-C support for charging, making it worthwhile, especially at this price. The rear camera has been upgraded to 12 megapixels instead of eight, and the front camera is in the center in landscape mode so you don’t have to readjust your position to take video calls. It also finally comes in fun colors instead of silver or Apple’s usually sad attempt at pink. (It still only supports the first-gen Apple Pencil.)

    2023 Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet

    Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023)

    Photograph: Best Buy

    This is our favorite tablet under $200, and this deal brings it down to under $100. It’s not our first choice—Amazon devices heavily push Prime services and apps, not every Android app is available, and you need a workaround to get the Google Play Store. But if you need a cheap tablet for playing games and watching movies, this will do the job. If you’re OK with a smaller screen that’s not as sharp, the 2022 Fire HD 8 is discounted to $65 ($35 off).

    Amazon has two versions of its kid tablets in multiple sizes, the regular and the Pro. This regular one is best for young kids around 3 to 7 years old. It’s the same as the standard version but it has added kid benefits like a rugged case, a two-year replacement guarantee, and a year of Amazon Kids+ for kid-friendly media. The Fire HD 10 Kids Pro is best for older kids, from 6 to 12 years old. That one is out of stock from Target but available on Amazon for $150 ($40 off). The 8 Pro is also discounted to $100 ($50 off).

    The older version of the Pro 9 is our pick for a laptop/tablet hybrid; this version has a faster processor. It runs Windows, so you can rely on it for more heavy work on its 13-inch screen. It has a built-in kickstand, but if you want a keyboard, you’ll need to purchase it separately.

    This is an older version of the Aspire 3 that we currently recommend as a great cheap laptop. The screen is a bit lackluster, but 12 gigabytes of RAM is plenty at this price. However, if you’re not strictly in Target shopping mode right now, the 12th-gen version is discounted to $359 from Walmart.

    Headphone Deals

    Beats Fit Pro wireless headphones in charging case

    Beats Fit Pro Bluetooth Earbuds

    Photograph: Beats

    The Beats Fit Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are some of the best-sounding buds we’ve tried for the price. They’re comfortable and stay put in nearly any workout scenario, with six hours of battery life if you have active noise canceling turned on. They also come in fun colors like neon yellow and coral.

    The AirPods Pro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) do occasionally reach their $249 list price, but they’re frequently discounted between $200 and $190, which makes this more in line with the regular price than a deal. Still, if you’ve been wanting new headphones, these are solid and feel much better in your ears than the regular AirPods. This model has the USB-C charging port on the case, so you don’t need that Lightning cable anymore.

    We typically see these earbuds at about $200, rather than the $250 MSRP. We loved the Powerbeats Bro (8/10, WIRED Recommends) when we reviewed them in 2019 because they sound great with nine hours of battery life and fit securely in your ears. They’re starting to get a bit old now and lack active noise cancelation, but they’re still good earbuds if you want the extra security.

    Kitchen and Home Deals

    5 Quart Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

    KitchenAid 5.5-Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer

    Photograph: Target

    There are several sizes and types of KitchenAid mixers, but as of right now, this is the only one discounted. It has 11 speed settings and the 5.5-quart bowl is still a good size for cookies and dough unless you’re baking for particularly large crowds. KitchenAids are investments, but they should last you forever.

    This isn’t an uncommon sale, but it’s a Keurig we generally recommend if you only need one cup. It’s narrow, so it fits well on cramped countertops or even on a desk. It usually comes in more fun colors, though most are out of stock from Target right now—you can still find them on Amazon.

    Dyson Ball Animal 3 Vacuum

    Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum

    Photograph: Dyson

    Dyson gets a lot of praise for its stick vacs—and we like a bunch of them—but this upright vacuum (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is great for cutting through pet hair. WIRED writer Jaina Grey said it was the only thing to stand up to her rabbit’s unruly hair. Neither the canister nor the roller head ever suffered a clog or tangle. And while not being tethered to an outlet is convenient, it’s also nice to not have to think about charging your vacuum mid-clean.

    We’re big fans of Target’s in-house home brand and these percale sheets are my personal favorite. They don’t go on sale often, so it’s a good time to grab a set if you’ve been in need. Percale is a type of cotton weave that generally results in cool, crisp sheets. I found that to be accurate here; they’re crisp without being stiff and I don’t heat up or itch all night while sleeping in between them. We also really like its linen sheet set, but only a few sizes are available right now. A bunch of other bedding is discounted by 30 percent too.

    If you already need to go shopping for things like laundry detergent, toilet paper, and other general cleaning and kitchen supplies, you can get $15 back to spend later.

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    Medea Giordano

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