Gear / Buying Guides

I have received many, many Star Wars gifts over the years. I spent the first Christmas day that I can remember flying Luke and his X-wing around the house. I met Darth Vader (David Prowse) when I was 6. I can still feel the shiver of fear as he strode …

Recommended With Reservations Mila Air 3 Critter Cuddler for $297: Mila makes seven bespoke filters that are designed specifically for moms-to-be, allergies, pet owners, etc. Add Mila’s built-in sensor and easy-to-use app dashboard, along with its wooden-legged modern box design, and the Mila is an immediate favorite. The more I …

Honorable Mentions We haven’t tried a vacuum yet that we absolutely hate. These ones below are solid vacuums, and in some cases are much cheaper than our top picks, but we didn’t like them as much. Dirt Devil Power Swerve Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum for $93: We previously recommended this …

Not all knives are created equal, and a chef’s knife is given that name for a reason. Like the proverbial dog to man, a chef needs their knife. Arguably the most important multipurpose tool you can find in a kitchen, it’s the chef’s main weapon—it can slice, dice, and chop …

Other Portable Chargers We Tested Photograph: Simon Hill There are so many portable chargers out there. Here are a few more we like that just missed out on a place above for one reason or another. OnePlus Slim Magnetic Power Bank for $70: Sleek in silver grey aluminum with a …

Other Scooters to Consider I’ve tested many scooters. Not all deserve a spot above, but some are still worth considering. Photograph: Julian Chokkattu Niu KQi 100P for $379: The KQi 100P is slightly lighter, cheaper, and faster than the Segway E2 Pro, my top budget recommendation, but I eked out …

The Best Cold brew coffee makers are a little like kindergarten art teachers for coffee. Cold brew mostly requires a whole lot of patience—and really the point is to let the coffee just express itself. The result is a refreshing and low-acidity brew that’s gentle on both the stomach and …

I love a paper planner, but I too often find that I also need a second notebook to keep the rest of my thoughts and to-do lists somewhere. That changed once I tried the Roterunner Purpose Planner. The wide B5 design has space for multiple lists, and even organizes them …

WIRED TIRED Great to run with. Solid hand brake. Folds pretty small for a jogger. Still pretty big, especially compared to other strollers. Heavy, too. Joggers are big, but the Thule does a good job of not being too big—or at least not as big as the competition. The Thule …

Securing a degree is always worth celebrating, but the past few graduating classes have overcome more than the standard all-nighters and strict professors. After dealing with an ongoing pandemic, remote learning, and the rising prices of everything from food to fuel, the graduates of 2024 have succeeded against all odds. …