Best Surface Cleaner

Homecourt Cece Surface Cleaner [5] ($26)

Actress and entrepreneur Courtney Cox launched Homecourt with the intention of creating beautiful, fragrant, and non-toxic yet effective homecare products. The brand works with talented perfumers and skincare chemists to create formulas that stand out from standard cleaning supplies. Our former shopping editor tested the surface cleaner and fell hard for its chic packaging and versatility. For more details, read our Homecourt Cece Surface Cleaner review [6].

Editor Quote: "What I like about Homecourt's Surface Cleaner is that it's safe to use on many surfaces, including finished wood, tile, sealed stone, stainless steel, and granite. It even works on glass and mirrors without leaving streaks. With just a few spritzes, I can tackle and clean up spills, dust, crumbs, and even smudges. It's great for cleaning up grease and oil spots on stoves as well, as long as you let it soak for a bit. The cleaning solution contains a coconut-derived degreaser to help dissolve grease and Mediterranean cypress oil to help purify. Another thing I appreciate about this surface cleaner is how the scent lingers for a while. Any time I walk by a wiped-down surface, I get a subtle waft of minty, earthy freshness." — Anvita Reddy, former assistant shopping editor

Best Eye Mask

Nodpod Sleep mask [7] ($38)

This innovative sleep mask doubles as a weighted blanket for your eyes. The gentle pressure helps to ease stress and anxiety while also blocking out light. Our editor tested it out and reports that after lending it to her husband for a night, they were both hooked. For more details, read our Nodpod Sleep mask review [8].

Editor Quote: "Trying to be a good wife, I let him borrow it. Big mistake. Despite poking fun at me for looking like a ninja a few days prior, Chris really ate his words. As soon as he woke up the following morning, he rolled over and said, 'Wow, this thing actually works.'

As much as I wanted to say, 'I told you so,' I let him use it for the next few days, given his illness. Once he was feeling better, however, he didn't want to give it back! Talk about a true testament to how effective the product is. Now we have a regular schedule for who gets to use the Nodpod because I'm told marriage is all about compromise." — Murphy Moroney, former associate family editor

Best Diffuser

Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser [9] ($50)

I love a luxe candle as much as the next person, but they can't hold a flame to the convenience of the Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser. It can be programmed through an app to release a stream of fragrance at scheduled times or steadily throughout the day. It's also easy to control the intensity level, so I don't have to worry about it smelling too strong. After testing one out, and I immediately bought two more to plug into my bedroom and guest room. For more details, read my Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser review [10].

Editor Quote: "Since our device is in our living room where my family spends the most time together, I've programmed it to diffuse a brighter, crisp scent in the mornings and a warm and soothing scent in the evenings, and then it shuts off during the day when we're all at work and school. If I'm expecting company, I'll schedule the diffuser to kick in just before they arrive so that our house smells amazing without me having to run around lighting candles. It's also a relief not to have to worry about fire hazards with my 3-year-old and 6-year-old running around — something I still get anxious about with candles.

Best of all, I can still capture the scent of some of my favorite candles with Pura's impressive selection. They have fragrances from brands like Studio McGee, Nest New York, Lafco, Brooklyn Candle Studio, and more. They even sell popular seasonal fragrances, like Thymes's bestselling Frasier Fir, which smells like a freshly cut Christmas tree." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor

Best Dish Rack

Yamazaki Tosca Dish Drainer Rack [11] ($98)

If you think all dish racks are automatic eyesores, you haven't met Yamazaki's Tosca Dish Drainer Rack yet. Minimal and stylish, the powder-coated steel rack and wood handles prove that this kitchen essential can be practical and pretty. I set it up in my own kitchen and was surprised by how many dishes it can handle. For more details, read my Yamazaki Tosca Dish Drainer Rack review [12].

Editor Quote: "While it's fairly petite in size, it can hold a surprising amount of dishes, thanks to the removable cutlery holder and strategically-molded steel frame. My favorite feature is the tall draining tray that doesn't need to be kept by the sink for overflow. Instead, I can tuck it back in a corner while dishes are drying or move it off of the counter entirely if I need more space. I was afraid that the water build-up would be annoying to have to constantly lift and dump every time the dishes dry, but the water that does accumulate tends to just evaporate. I simply wipe the tray down occasionally to keep it clean. Overall, the dish rack is surprisingly low maintenance." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor

Best Smart Garden

Click & Grow Smart Garden 3 Self Watering Indoor Garden [13] ($125)

This smart garden is the perfect gardening introduction for anyone with little space or time on their hands. It's self-watering and includes a timered LED lamp and a built-in reservoir that can hold up to a month's worth of water, so it's truly low maintenance. Our editor tested out the salad kit and wrote about her experience in this Click & Grow Smart Garden review [14].

Editor Quote: "For someone who doesn't own any plants, watching a plant "naturally" grow made me understand planters and garden enthusiasts. I found the Smart Garden to be inspiring. I realized I was actually checking the plants more often than I thought I would be capable of and peered into the little pods to watch even the slightest of growth and subtle changes. This actually made me feel competent and definitely boosted my mood daily." — Moná Thomas, living editor and content strategist

Best Towels

Nordstrom Organic Hydrocotton 6-Piece Towel Set [15] ($129)

Plush and incredibly absorbent, these towels and washcloths are made from organic cotton and are woven from untwisted cotton for a fluffier feel. They come in seven different colors, so it's easy to find a set that coordinates with your bathroom. I've owned the same set for nearly 10 years and have even given them as gifts.

Editor Quote: "I still can't believe how well these towels have held up over the years. They're plush and incredibly absorbent. After using them at my house, my sister added them to her Secret Santa wishlist and now we're both obsessed." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor

Best Blender

Beast Mighty 850 Blender [16] ($149)

If your budget and counter space are both tight, you'll love Beast's compact, high-powered blender. It has an 850-watt motor that can easily whip frozen fruit and ice into a creamy smoothie. The 26 oz. vessel means you can make multiple smoothies at a time, blend up rich sauces or salad dressings for dinner, and more. Extra perks, like an additional smaller-sized blending vessel, storage lids, and spill-proof drinking straws and lids add even more versatility. Our editors tested out the mini version and were thrilled with it's ease, power, and aesthetics. For more details, read their Beast Mini Blender review [17]. The Beast Mighty 850 Blender, which we have not reviewed, delivers an even stronger motor with a larger vessel option while still being compact enough for small kitchens.

Editor Quote: "While function is obviously a factor, I can't overstate how well designed and beautiful this little blender is. From the fluted vessel to the gorgeous color choices and coordinating cord, it might be the one kitchen appliance I don't hate to leave on my countertop.

Looks aside, it also works like a dream. I use it to blend smoothies almost daily and appreciate how it automatically slows down to allow for the frozen fruit and other ingredients to shift and settle before the automatic sensor revs up again.

While I've struggled with the lack of power on some of my previous compact blenders, this one has a small but mighty motor. In fact, it blends so well that I sometimes like to use the single button to pulse it instead of leaving it on the automatic blend feature to get more texture. I also use it to batch prep homemade salad dressing for the week, as well as cremas for tacos and other sauces. It's so easy to take apart and stick in the dishwasher when I'm finished. I honestly couldn't recommend it more." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor

Best Linen Sheets

Parachute Linen Sheet Set [18] ($156-$196, originally $319-$399)

If you consider yourself to be linen-bedding curious, you can't go wrong with Parachute's linen sheet set. Crafted from European flax and garment washed for extra softness, it's light, breathable, and elegant but unfussy. As someone who is obsessed with linen bedding (it's the only material I use now), I was dying to test this set out and couldn't get over how soft it felt on the very first night.

Editor Quote: "Linen bedding can sometimes have a breaking-in period where it can feel a little rough before it's washed several times. If you're switching from a sateen cotton weave or bamboo sheets it's especially noticeable, but Parachute's linen sheets feel great right out of the packaging. The first night I slept in them, they felt like I had owned them for months. Aside from their beautifully earthy aesthetic, they're also temperature-regulating. My hands and feet are always cold and my husband runs hot, but these sheets keep us both comfortable year-round." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor

Best Throw Blanket

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Rib Throw Blanket [19] ($165)

For a supersoft throw, you won't regret investing in this luxurious blanket by Barefoot Dreams. Beloved by celebrities and our editors alike, it's one of Joanna Gaines's favorite things [20] — in fact, she references it as her "adult baby blanket". Looking for a cuddly option to snuggle with on chilly fall nights, I tested it out and confirmed it's 100 percent worth the hype. For more details, read my Barefoot Dreams CozyChic™ Rib Throw Blanket review [21].

Editor Quote: "I expected it to be soft and warm since the brand is practically synonymous with all things cozy — the product name is "CozyChic" after all. That said, reading about how good it feels really doesn't do it justice. Like silk pajamas or a cashmere sweater, it's hard to justify the cost until you feel it against your skin. As soon as I took it out of the packaging, my 4- and 7-year-old boys dove for the couch to curl up with it and didn't want to get up. At 54 by 72 inches, it's also large enough for two people to comfortably share — no tug of war necessary.

As far as aesthetics are concerned, it looks even more elevated than I thought it would. I was worried that the fuzzy texture would look a little messy — like a I had a bathrobe draped on my sofa — but the ribbed option complements the subtle stripes on my throw pillows and actually looks pretty polished. I also appreciate that the throw comes in a range of beautiful neutral colors aside from just white and gray, like the sand option I chose. It's easy to find a color that blends with other decor elements, like your rug or throw pillows." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor

Best Air Fryer and Toaster Hybrid

Our Place Wonder Oven [22] ($185)

Cooking appliances that multitask are small-kitchen heroes, and our editors insist that Our Place's Wonder Oven can rescue rushed mornings and weeknight dinner prep. The compact size and minimal aesthetic is just where it starts. Read more about why this air fryer and toaster hybrid is a kitchen favorite in our Our Place Wonder Oven review [23].

Editor Quote: "Like all of Our Place's products, it's chic and aesthetically pleasing, but it also works wonders. It comes with a bunch of accessories that make cooking easy AF, and the nonstick surfaces make them super easy to clean — which is necessary since my apartment lacks a dishwasher. It preheats in five minutes flat, and it's essentially taken the place of my oven and my toaster (the latter which now lives in a drawer that I seldom open)." — Renee Rodriguez, beauty senior staff writer and social producer

Best Carry-On Roller

Béis The 21-Inch Carry-On Roller [24] ($268)

For a compact carry-on roller packed with clever organizational compartments and thoughtful details, I'm a huge fan of this option from Béis. It features a dual-compartment interior with zip pockets (including a plastic option to stow everything from damp swimsuits to toiletries), compression straps, two drawstring pouches, expandable gussets, 360-degree swivel wheels, a TSA-friendly lock, and a side handle with a weight indicator. I've traveled with it for multiple flights and can't get over how well designed it is. For more details, read my Béis The 21-Inch Carry-On Roller review [25].

Editor Quote: "This compact carry-on has just the right amount of compartments to help me stay organized — even if I skip the packing cubes. I can cram a surprising amount, thanks to the expansion gusset that gives me an extra two inches. For me, that means being able to pack a few slightly bulkier creature comforts, like my Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus so that I don't have to rely on a hotel blow dryer. The two interior zip pockets are another favorite feature because I can use the plastic one for holding extra travel toiletries, flip flops, or even a damp bathing suit if I don't have time to let it dry before my return flight. All of the interior compartments make it possible for me to travel with fewer zippered pouches, which ultimately saves space." — Angela Elias, contributing shopping editor