shopping Archives

See when your gift list items hit the lowest price

I love shopping online. I don’t have to leave the house. I don’t have to be nice to anyone. I don’t have to put on a bra (guys, same thing for you and pants!). There are already Christmas, Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales on every site now, but finding what you want at the lowest price is tricky. Fear not! I’m here to save you from all the clicks, countdowns and wasted money.

🐝 Truth bee told, it’s the best

I use Honey for anything I buy online. To get started, download the Honey extension for your browser. It automatically scans websites for promo codes. Nice. But it goes a step further — you can also make Honey tell you when the price drops on something you’re watching.

When you’re on a site, click on Honey’s orange “h” icon, then click Watch for Price Drops. If an item has multiple options (size, colors, condition, etc.), pick one, and click Save Item. Honey will now track that product.

Here are steps for how to install and use Honey.

💰 Shop smarter, not harder

Capital One Shopping works the same way as Honey. Install the browser extension, and it gets to work, automatically searching for coupon codes and better prices on the items you’re shopping for.

🐪 Try Camelcamelcamel for Amazon deals

What a name, right? Camelcamelcamel exists solely to track Amazon deals. It’s particularly helpful this time of year, when you can see something just got marked up so they could put it on sale.

I like the website version best. Paste any Amazon product link into the search box at the top to see how its price has fluctuated over time.

You need to make an account if you want to follow the price and get alerts if the item you have your eye on goes on sale.

Let me shop for you

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Winter essentials to grab before they sell out

Don’t wait for the holiday chaos to hit. The best shopping trick this season isn’t about gifts — it’s about stocking up on essentials now. Beat the rush, avoid packed stores and snag better prices while you still can. This will save you time, stress and money. Get it done today and make your winter easier.

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Useful gifts under $20

🤑 Because who doesn’t love lots of bang for the buck?

The first aid kit they’ll actually use. Slip one into every stocking. Hopefully, they’ll never have to use it.
Pimple patches are all the rage. These look like little stars and come with a mirror compact. The teen in your life wants this but is embarrassed to tell you.
A suction phone case mount (under $15!) sticks to walls and mirrors for prime picture-taking. Get it for the butterfingers in your life!
Two words: Jar openers. They’re under $10 and so helpful, it doesn’t even matter they’re a little boring.
Cooks can never have enough stovetop spoon rests (under $15 and 30% off!). This one looks like a little crab. It made me LOL!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

For the [fill-in-the-blank] on your list

🫡 I’m a good gifter, here to help you check those hard-to-please folks off your list all week long.

Cook: They have fancy salts, pans and oil. What about a nice chef-style apron? Great colors and works for guys and gals.
Health nut: The Oura ring (22% off) tracks sleep, movement and workouts. If you want fall detection, get an Apple Watch instead.
Camper: Make their backyard way more fun with a Solo Stove firepit (20% off).
Scatterbrain: AirTags are amazing. I have at least a dozen. A four-pack is on sale (26% off), which doesn’t happen often.
Gen Zer: Cameras are back in. This retro Kodak for around $40 is easy to use and takes way better pics than a disposable.

✅ Hit my Amazon storefront for more gift ideas. I’m adding new ones every day!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Holiday cooking is already on my mind: An inexpensive cookbook holder will keep your tablet out of the mess of flour, stock and butter. This one is gorgeous if you have a bit more to spend.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Shop smarter: Try this Google Lens upgrade next time you’re shopping at a store. On Android or iOS, open the Google app, snap a picture of an item on the shelf, and voila! You’ll see product details, customer reviews, stock and price comparisons (online and nearby), and similar products in the same store. Fun times!

'I bought a house on Amazon'

A YouTuber bought a $39,000 house on Amazon and made this unboxing video, which just hit 7.5 million views. The 26-year-old was not pleased when he realized he couldn’t plug in anything. You guessed it: He didn’t read the entire product description. “Please hire an electrician for American standard wiring.” D’oh.

5,000% jump

In Google searches for “tonies set.” They’re the hot Christmas gift for little ones. Tonieboxes are $99 screen-free wireless speakers. To start a story, pop a Tonie doll on top (that costs extra). The starter set with Disney princesses is $154, dang. How do I get a Kim Komando Toniebox?

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

6 holiday scams you need to know about

Whoa, we blinked and it’s mid-November! The days are shorter, your to-do list is longer, and scammers are ready to catch you off guard. Luckily, you’ve got me on your side with the top holiday scams.

Criminals and AI voice bots are calling, emailing and texting, claiming to be Amazon employees. Oh, no, your account is on hold! Or there’s been suspicious activity you need to deal with now. They’ll ask you for your payment info — that’s a glaring red flag.

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Secret to trying a laptop out at home

Here’s a tech-savvy tip most people overlook: Just like returning clothes that don’t fit, you can often return a laptop if it’s not the right fit for you. The key is understanding the seller’s return policy. I’ll break it down so you don’t end up with an expensive doorstop.

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Banks are closing down safe deposit boxes

Don’t hit the panic button. There are plenty of options to keep your stuff safe at home:

This compact safe is a tough but flexible option under $200. Open it with your fingerprint, a passcode or a key. Heads-up: It’s not fireproof.
This budget-friendly pick ($114) has solid fire protection for important docs. Just know it’s not built for heavy-duty theft protection.
This one’s ($397) disaster-proof against fire and water and bolts down so no one can grab it and zip outta there.
If you don’t have a lot to spend but want water and fire protection, this $64 box has your back. It’s portable, too.
This one’s a little different: It looks like a dictionary but is actually a mini security box that’s great for storing jewelry and cash. The best part? It’s under $15.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Slam-dunk gifts under $20

🤫 Good enough to grab one for them, one for you. I won’t tell.

For foodies obsessed with the perfect smashed burger, this steel press is the key.
Hoodies like these cozy Hanes cotton ones work for any age and any style. They come in a ton of good colors, each for $14!
Mr. Fix-It will be thrilled with a pair of flashlight gloves so he can see under the sink, car or wherever.
Wood and metal brainteaser puzzles (10% off) make a good family gift and they’re perfect for that person who can never keep their hands still.
Bath bombs are so 2021. Grab a six-pack of shower steamers (19% off) to stuff into stockings or give to your favorite person who could use an at-home spa day.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Traveling is hard enough

✈️ These stress savers are worth it and make great gifts for the travel lover in your life, too.

Stop letting your loved ones touch the icky airplane seat pockets. A seat-back organizer ($30) rocks.
A $12 travel cup holder frees up your hands for when you’re late and running through the airport … because a preflight Starbucks run is non-negotiable.
Don’t use those gross airline-provided headphones. A wireless audio transmitter ($55) connects to any Bluetooth headphones.
Twist this travel pillow ($22) to whatever shape you need to get comfy on road trips and long-haul flights.
Airplane foot hammocks are going viral online, and I get it. Attach it to the tray table and never lose feeling in your legs again — for under 20 bucks!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

💸 Amazon’s new budget battleground: Say hello to Amazon Haul, their latest venture geared toward selling ultra-cheap items (think under $20). Why? Because Shein and Temu are mopping the floor with Amazon. With Haul, expect to find items like $2 earrings, $10 blenders and, yes, even a $20 wedding dress. (Pro tip: Don’t walk down the aisle in that!) Don’t expect Prime’s speedy shipping, either; your order will take one or two weeks since it’s coming from China. Heads-up: You can only shop Amazon Haul through the Amazon app for now.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

The internet made me buy it

🎄 These viral products are exactly what you’re missing. They make excellent, really practical gifts, too, just sayin’.

Electric lighters (38% off) work when it’s windy out and never need stinky lighter fluid.
Pick up a rapid egg cooker (under $20), whip up some deviled eggs and be the most popular person at the holiday party.
Make your own cappuccinos with a milk frothing wand, on sale for $8. Slam-dunk stocking stuffer!
Stop drinking warm wine you left sitting for too long. Get a personal wineglass chiller.
A light therapy lamp will have you dreaming of summer. Get $10 off if you click the coupon box.
There’s never enough room when you’re cooking. Add a magnetic stove shelf (13% off) for oil and seasonings.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Find the hidden gems: The next time you search for deals on Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp or another site, type in the name of a brand you really like. Say I want an outdoor couch. I might type “Restoration Hardware outdoor” instead of scrolling endlessly through junky old stuff.

🖊️ Ever write checks? Use a pen (4-pack for $10) with specially formulated ink that gets trapped in paper, helping to prevent criminal check washing and other document alteration.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Productivity life hacks

🫡 These will help you get your shlife together.

Ever heard of “text neck?” Staring at a computer can cause it, too. Get a monitor stand riser and fix your posture.
The sun is off partying in Cabo for the winter. Use a sunrise lamp (18% off) to help you wake up.
This cube timer is gravity-sensing so you can just flip it over to start it. How cool is that?
Save some trees and get a reusable notebook (15% off). Take a damp cloth to the pages and it’s like nothing ever happened.
Pop these mop slippers on and clean your floors “Risky Business”-style.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Great goodies to check out

🏁 Here are some things I bought recently you might like, too!

The other day, I set my curling iron down on a tube of toothpaste. A hair tool organizer would’ve saved me from that disaster.
Stop rooting around in the junk drawer and get a battery organizer.
Life hack: Hang up holiday wreaths using a cord bundler (a 6-pack is $11).
Cheapo sweaters don’t age well. Try $50 cashmere you can toss in the washer.* Don’t tell Ian, but I’m getting him a cashmere hoodie for Christmas.
A desktop vacuum cleaner (25% off) erases all evidence of your scarfing down three granola bars at your desk. It’s under $12, too.
You know you need a Tupperware organizer. ‘Nuff said.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

eBay trick: Whether it’s a baseball card or a used car, there’s an excellent tool to determine its worth. Search for an item on eBay. After getting your search results, go to Filter and scroll to Sold Items. Tap or check the box to enable this filter. Now, you’ll only see listings for items that actually sold.