• With the ongoing vaccine rollouts, many are starting to look at taking vacations again, including families.
• Expectations are high when it comes to family vacations and picking a hotel to please all isn't easy.
• These US hotels feature spacious rooms and family-friendly perks, such as water parks and kids' activities.

With vaccine rollouts happening around the country, many people are beginning to plan vacations again. Families especially may need a getaway after kids have spent months cooped up at home and parents are worn thin from acting as teacher, playmate, and caretaker all wrapped up into one.

With many schools still virtual and plenty of parents continuing to work from home, family vacations aren't necessarily as limited to summer and school breaks as usual. Some families are even eyeing long-term Airbnb rentals and work-from-hotel stays for an extended change of scenery.

However, it's important to know that there's still no guarantee for safety when traveling right now. We talked to experts to weigh in on travel risks from flying to staying at hotels, but you should also consider your own family's risk factors and always follow guidelines from places like the CDC and WHO. Handwashing, wearing a mask in public areas, and practicing safe social distancing are all measures that should be taken no matter where you plan to go. And, don't forget to check state guidelines and regulations before booking any travel. 

If after weighing the risks you do opt for a family vacation, choosing a hotel is no easy task. There's a lot of pressure to please a range of personalities, from young children who need safe play areas to teens who want their own space, and parents seeking relaxation.

And that's not all. A great family vacation hotel needs to hit the right blend of on-site activities to keep kids busy, while still offering a vacation parents and perhaps even grandparents will appreciate, too. And of course, rooms should be spacious, or better yet, come with multi-bedroom options. Plus, parents now need to consider new health and safety policies to make sure everyone in the family will be as safe as possible.

I've spent several years covering family travel as a writer and editor and as such, I've combed through, stayed at, and compared hundreds of hotels across the country. I know that it takes a lot more than a basement kids' club or a dinky playground slide to impress.

I've carefully selected the best family vacation hotels based on the following criteria:

1. I've used my own extensive experiences and knowledge of the family travel space to choose these hotels, but I've also ensured that all hotels have excellent reviews and rankings on sites such as Trip Advisor and Booking.com. Each is 4 out of 5 stars on the former and a minimum of 8 out of 10 on the latter.
2. Each one of these hotels goes above and beyond to deliver strong family offerings, whether that means unique kids' programming, large rooms with full kitchens, or incredible amenities such as sprawling waterparks and VIP theme park access.
3. I've kept affordability in mind, but also chosen properties at a range of price points to suit various tastes and needs. Most of the hotels start under $400, with the cheapest option starting at just $159 per night. But there are a few options for those looking to splurge too.

Read on for the best family vacation hotels in the US, sorted by price from low to high.

The Magic Castle Hotel - Los Angeles, California

Book The Magic Castle Hotel starting at $159 per night

The Magic Castle Hotel is not officially associated with its exclusive neighbor, the Magic Castle Club, but staying here provides access to the iconic landmark that has served as the headquarters of the Academy of Magical Arts for over 50 years. It bills itself as the "most unusual private club in the world," and is a famous gathering spot for magicians and magic enthusiasts. 

At the hotel, budget-friendly apartment-style suites sleep up to six guests and come with full kitchens, and include breakfast. The rooms are extremely basic, and could generally use a refresh, but the hotel makes up for it with perks like a free snack bar, free daily ice cream, and a magical popsicle hotline that kids will surely get a kick out of using.

The property is also conveniently located just a few minutes from Universal Studios, and there's a heated on-site pool with a few scattered lounge chairs. Laundry service is also free, which means families can pack lighter.  

Trip Advisor Ranking: 8 of 398 hotels in Los Angeles

Booking.com Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: A budget-friendly stay near Universal Studios with great family perks like apartment-style rooms, free snacks, breakfast included, and complimentary laundry service. 

Cons: The rooms are very basic and could use a refresh.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. Updated policies include:

• Optional contactless check-in/check-out.
• Plexiglass barriers at the front desk.
• Masks required for all staff. Guests are required to wear masks at all times while in public areas.
• Masks and hand sanitizer provided in each room.
• In-room hard surfaces treated with UV light.
• See more info here.

Kingsmill Resort - Williamsburg, Virginia

Book Kingsmill Resort starting at $169 per night

In Colonial Williamsburg, kids and families can learn about the foundations of our country in a thrilling way thanks to a living-history museum with interactive simulations and fascinating artifacts. After a day of strolling through the past, retreat to Kingsmill Resort, a hotel firmly rooted in the present with a host of great family amenities. 

Set on hundreds of acres along the James River, Kingsmill was founded by the Busch Family, as in Budweiser Beer and Busch Gardens amusement park (which is not far away). The sprawling property has plenty of water features (lazy river, waterslide, outdoor pool, indoor pool, hot tubs, and more), plus two 18-hole golf courses (including family golf), tennis courts, miles of biking paths, and more. There's also a full-service marina where guests can rent jet skis, pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boards. 

The resort offers basic guest rooms, as well as one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos. If you really want to stretch out, splurge on the four-bedroom estate that was once the private mansion for the Busch Family with its own private chef and custom golf carts for getting around.

Trip Advisor ranking: 13 of 71 hotels in Williamsburg

Booking.com rating: 9 out of 10

Pros: A large resort conveniently located by Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens Williamsburg (with free shuttle service), and Water Country USA water park. There are plenty of restaurants and activities on-site, so you never really need to leave the property.

Cons: Condo buildings do not feature elevators, and the daily mandatory resort fees that start at $22 do not include all activities.

COVID status and policies: The hotel is currently open with new procedures including:

• Implementing the American Hotel & Lodging Association's Safe Stay industry-wide initiative, developed under the guidance of an Advisory Council.
• Resort guests and employees will be required to wear a face mask in all indoor settings.
• The game room is currently closed until further notice.
• The spa is open by online appointment requests only.
• The River Pool is open under Phase III mandates and protocols.
• Find more health and safety information here.

Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa - San Antonio, Texas

Book the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa starting at $203 per night

The Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa is 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio and makes a strong case for staying outside the center with sprawling grounds and a curated slate of programming and activities.

The standard rooms are fairly simple when it comes to decor and amenities, but rustic details like wood panel art and leather armchairs add charm. Rooms with two beds only come with Double beds, not Queens, so parents will have to squeeze or opt for two rooms, or a suite.

Family-friendly activities include making s'mores at fire pits, outdoor movies on the lawn, and ranger-led nature walks. The hotel even has its own mascot, Sammy the Squirrel, who will pose for photos with the kids for a souvenir. Like most Hyatt properties, Camp Hyatt is available for kids ages 4 to 10. During popular times like spring break, the hotel offers additional activities like organized water balloon tosses, animal encounters, and flag football tournaments.   

But the best kid-friendly feature by far is the whopping 5-acre water park with a lazy river surrounded by oak trees. It even looks and feels like a true natural body of water. Kids can also take a turn on the two-story waterslide and FlowRider wave machine, while parents go for a dip in the adults-only pool.

Trip Advisor ranking: 35 of 377 hotels in San Antonio

Booking.com rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: A Hyatt property with a plethora of organized activities for kids, plus a massive 5-acre waterpark.

Cons: While there are six different dining spots to choose from, the on-site food is mediocre. Luckily there are plenty of delicious barbeque options and other restaurants nearby.

COVID status and policies: The hotel is open but has noted there is limited service available and frequent changes to food service, bar service, housekeeping, and the fitness center and pool area. As a Hyatt property, this hotel will follow Hyatt's Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment, which includes:

• Detailed training at hotels with internal and third-party audits.
• Facemasks required in all public areas.
•  Trusted medical experts and leading industry professionals from organizations like Georgetown University Medical Center, American Airlines, Ecolab, the Global Wellness Institute, and hygiene managers appointed at every Hyatt hotel by September 2020.
• Learn more about Hyatt's Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment program here.

The Limelight Hotel Snowmass - Snowmass, Colorado

Book The Limelight Hotel Snowmass starting at $206 per night

Aspen Snowmass is a popular mountain destination for families seeking a ski vacation and The Limelight Hotel Snowmass is the mountain's newest hotel built with kids in mind. It has an open-concept plan with a courtyard area for games in the summer, which turns into an ice rink during winter. The on-site game room, two large swimming pools, and 55-foot climbing wall run by Aspen Skiing Company is free for hotel guests keeps active kids busy. 

The rooms have simple but cozy decor, and families needing more space can book multi-bedroom residence condos with kitchens and slope views. The hotel is ski-in/ski-out in winter so there's no need to haul equipment at the end of the day. It's also an excellent summer destination with hiking outside the front door, and the nearby Breathtaker Alpine Coaster does just what its name implies.  

Trip Advisor ranking: 5 of 18 hotels in Snowmass

Booking.com rating: 9.3 out of 10

Pros: A new ski-in/ski-out hotel with plenty of activities and programming to keep kids active, including a climbing wall, swimming pools, game room, and more.

Cons: During the most popular winter months prices can soar into the $500s.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is open with new policies in place including:

• All staff required to wear masks.
• Social distancing carefully monitored in common areas and public hand-sanitizer stations will be prevalent.
• The format of the daily signature breakfast has been modified to ensure safety.
• Housekeeping uses rigorous protocols for guest room cleaning (including the use of hospital-level disinfectants) and electrostatic sprayers used throughout the hotel to sanitize surfaces.
• See more information on the new policies here.

JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa - Aventura, Florida

Book the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa starting at $233 per night

Located in Aventura, an enclave in North Miami Beach roughly 30 minutes from downtown Miami, this idyllic property with ocean views has an inviting resort-style feel.

Standard rooms are spacious and suites with kitchenettes are available, too. But the real reason families love the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa is the new on-site water park, Tidal Cove. The park features seven epic water slides, a lazy river, a lagoon pool, and a FlowRider surf simulator where kids can catch the perfect wave every time. The cabanas lining the area are an ideal spot to take a break from the Florida sun.

The property also sits on two championship golf courses. Kids and parents can work on their swing with private lessons and kids under 15 can play for free every afternoon. The hotel also offers engaging activities like scavenger hunts, cooking classes, and complimentary family photoshoots. 

Trip Advisor ranking: 4 of 11 hotels in Aventura

Booking.com rating: 8.0 out of 10

Pros: Tidal Cove, the new on-site waterpark, is an outstanding family amenity with everything from tubing water slides to a surf simulator.

Cons: It's about a 30-minute drive from downtown Miami so you're not right in the city, if that's something you seek.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open though which facilities are available to guests is subject to change. As a Marriott property, this hotel is following Marriott's new guidelines that include:

• Elevated and rigorous protocols to thoroughly clean guest rooms with hospital-grade disinfectants and placing disinfecting wipes in each room.
• Hand sanitizing stations installed at hotel entrances, front desks, and elevator banks.
• Enhanced technologies including electrostatic sprayers to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel.
• Find more information on Marriott's policies here.

Congress Hall - Cape May, New Jersey

Book Congress Hall starting at $249 per night

Overlooking Cape May's wide beach on the southern New Jersey Shore, Congress Hall is one of the most historic hotels in America, dating back to 1816. The property was opened by a developer named Thomas Hughes, who thought Americans would like to have a vacation getaway by the ocean. He was right: Over the years, Congress Hall has hosted plenty of families in search of sun, fun, and relaxation, as well as five presidents. It even used to be called the Summer White House.

The L-shaped yellow brick hotel has a wide porch lined with rocking chairs, a sprawling lawn, two pools (one is adults-only), as well as classic Adirondack chairs. Families love the varied programming, including bonfires with s'mores, croquet on the lawn, wilderness adventures, sock hops, and more. There are also several places to eat, including the buzzing Blue Pig Tavern, the Boiler Room (a basement pizza parlor), Tommy's Folly Café for light bites, and the poolside cafe. 

In the summer, rent a cabana on the beach and watch dolphins frolic in the waves. Guests may also take excursions to Beach Plum Farm, a 62-acre working farm that supplies many of the ingredients for the hotel's restaurants.

Trip Advisor ranking: 13 of 37 hotels in Cape May

Booking.com rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: This historic hotel is conveniently located just a few steps to the beach in one direction and downtown Cape May in the other, so you don't need a car when staying here.

Cons: Rooms overlooking the porch may experience noise carrying from guests talking downstairs. The hotel's restaurants are popular with locals and can book up fast; make reservations in advance.

COVID status and policies: Congress Hall is currently open with the following new policies in place:

• Updated the public space HVAC systems with Ionizers and added air purifiers to guest room cleaning.
• Staff will be deep cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day, with a focus on high-touch areas.
• Guest rooms will be sanitized using a combination of UV-light technology, air purifiers, and EPA-approved cleaning products. Additionally, guests will receive in-room amenities including alcohol wipes and personal size bottles of hand sanitizer.
• All guests and staff required to wear a face mask.
• See more information here.

Legoland Castle Hotel - Carlsbad, California

Book the Legoland Castle Hotel starting at $250 per night

Kids who love playing make-believe can take it to the next level here with themed adventure rooms inspired by what else, Legos. Lego woodland creatures await in the Princess rooms, dragons and potions are found in the Knight and Wizard rooms, and extra Legos are always supplied for playing. 

The Lego theme continues outside the rooms too, from the Lego wizard who greets guests in the entranceway to the more than 2,000 models found throughout the property built by Master Model Builders, and the royal-themed Lego restaurant. Building stations throughout the hotel give kids a chance to make their own creations, and Legoland characters make appearances to bring the fun to life. Families can cool off at the on-site pool with interactive water features, or at an open-air movie screening.

The hotel is located right next to Legoland resort in California, but park admission isn't included in the room price unless you upgrade and book a special package. 

Trip Advisor ranking: 16 of 42 hotels in Carlsbad

Booking.com rating: 8.8 out of 10

Pros: Well-located right next to Legoland resort, and little Lego fanatics can let their imaginations run wild in the royally-themed rooms and at building stations. 

Cons: Legoland resort park admission isn't included and will cost extra. 

COVID status and policies: This hotel has recently reopened with new policies in place, including:

• Advanced reservations or pre-booked tickets are required for all guests.
• All staff and guests over age 2 are required to wear masks.
• All on-site payments must be with a credit or debit card. No cash will be accepted.
• All guests will participate in non-invasive temperature checks as a condition of entry.
• The park and hotel has reduced capacity and certain areas of the park may be closed entirely.
• See more info here.

Inn by the Sea - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Book Inn by the Sea starting at $252 per night

A charming Northeastern coastal getaway is found at Inn by the Sea, a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Portland. Upon arrival in this scenic spot, you'll likely feel more like you're staying at your own beach house than a large hotel.

The spacious, multi-bedroom Beach and Cove Suites are ideal for families with full kitchens, large living rooms, and balconies or patios overlooking the front lawn, where guests play games like cornhole or take part in family yoga. 

A short wooded path leads directly to a picturesque stretch of beach, and there's also a small on-site pool open seasonally. Special programs like art classes and gardening are offered, as well as Bug's Life, where children dress up like insects while learning about the ecosystem alongside a naturalist teacher. 

Even pets are pampered here. Not only does the delicious on-site restaurant have a special dog menu, but pooches enjoy their own turndown service, including homemade dog treats.

Trip Advisor ranking: 1 of 1 hotel in Cape Elizabeth 

Booking.com rating: 9.5 out of 10  

Pros: A coastal beach getaway with multi-bedroom suites ideal for families, direct beach access, and unique kids' programming options that take advantage of its natural setting.

Cons: During the busiest summer months of July and August, prices can surge into the mid-$400s.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. New policies include:

• Touchless curbside check-ins. 
• Expanded space between tables both indoors and outdoors at Sea Glass restaurant.
• All staff will be wearing face masks and receive training on COVID-19 safety and sanitation protocols.
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) items will be available for guests upon request.
• Housekeeping will operate with limited service and only upon request during guest stays.
• Find more information here.

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach - Clearwater, Florida

Book the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach starting at $311 per night

Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the US, aptly named for its truly crystal clear gulf. It's no surprise the area is a hit with families with its soft, white sands, calm waters, and the nearby Pier 60, where a beach playground, bait house, and sunset views can all be found. 

Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is a favorite beachfront hotel here that caters to families with colorful and lively decor, a large pool, and spacious rooms and suites. Most rooms come with a balcony or terrace that overlooks the ocean. 

Kids will especially love the Winter & Friends Bunk Rooms decked out with dolphin-themed decorations featuring Winter, the star of the movie "Dolphin Tale." Families can visit the real Winter down the road at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and a portion of the proceeds when booking this room go towards the care of rescued marine animals.

Trip Advisor ranking: 9 of 97 hotels in Clearwater

Booking.com rating: 9 out of 10 

Pros: A beachfront property located on one of the best beaches in the US. The dolphin-themed bunk rooms will be a hit with kids.

Cons: The pool and beach cabanas get very crowded during peak season and it can be tough to claim a spot.  

COVID status and policies: This hotel is now open with new procedures that include:

• Seating at the beach and pool allowing at least six feet of separation between groups of guests.
• Increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting with an emphasis on frequent contact areas.
• Appropriate PPE worn by all team members and all team members will receive COVID-19 safety and facility sanitation protocols training.
• See more new guidelines here.

The Phoenician - Scottsdale, Arizona

Book The Phoenician starting at $380 per night

A desert oasis in Scottsdale, Arizona, The Phoenician is part of Marriott's Luxury Collection, and is an excellent spot to earn or use Bonvoy points for a sophisticated stay ensconced in nature.

Families can choose from different levels of accommodations including the main resort, the Canyon Suites, and the Phoenician Residences. While the Residences come at a higher price, they include multiple bedrooms and full kitchens. However, even standard rooms at the main resort come with plenty of space and start at a generous 530 square feet.

Surrounded by 250 acres, the resort features serene mountain views reminiscent of Palm Springs, and a large outdoor pool complex dotted with palm trees. Lounge decks, cabanas, a nearly 200-foot water slide, and a Kid Zone with a suspension bridge and tree house can all be found at the impressive pool area. 

Daily activity options range from property sculpture tours to nature hikes and a round of golf. The Funicians Club is for kids ages 5-12 with fun half and full-day options like Cactus Garden tours, arts and crafts projects, and playing with the resident bearded dragon, but does incur an additional daily fee. Other amenities include tennis courts, bike rentals, a game room, as well as a peaceful spa and calmer adults-only rooftop pool.

There are eight different on-site dining options including a steakhouse, poolside Mediterranean casual spot, a grab-and-go market, and more. The resort also hosts seasonal culinary events.

Trip Advisor ranking: 15 of 85 hotels in Scottsdale

Booking.com rating: 9.3 out of 10     

Pros: A relaxing retreat in the desert with mountain views, multiple room categories, and everything from tennis and pool complexes to a kids' club and game room to keep younger guests entertained. A spa and adults-only pool means grownups can have fun, too. 

Cons: Paying for food, the kids' club, and the resort fee, on top of the room rate, can quickly add up.

COVID status and policies: This hotel has reopened and is accepting reservations. New policies include:

• Introduction of electrostatic sprayers and the highest classification of disinfectant products recommended by the CDC and WHO.
• Disinfection of all guest touchpoints repeatedly throughout the day.
• Deep cleaning of all guest rooms and disinfection of all housekeeping and service tools used to clean guest rooms and public areas.
• Hand-sanitizer stations at all high-traffic public spaces and back-of-house areas and disinfecting wipes in all guest rooms.
• Temperature checks for all employees before shifts.
• Installation of plexiglass shields in select locations.
• See the full new policies and procedures here.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - Farmington, Pennsylvania

Book Nemacolin Woodlands Resort starting at $399 per night

Set on 2,000 acres in Western Pennsylvania, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is one giant playground for children with an adventure center offering everything from bungee jumping to ziplining. 

The resort also features two golf courses, a bowling alley, and a Wildlife Academy where kids can learn about lions, billy goats, and wolves through interactive educational programs. For an additional fee, head out on a Safari Tour of the area for up-close encounters and feedings with the safer animals. Pony rides and backwood trail rides are also available.

Despite the emphasis on kids' activities, there's plenty for parents to appreciate, including elegant room decor, the luxurious Woodlands Spa, and the Holistic Healing Center. In fact, the resort was recently featured as the filming location of Matt James' season of "The Bachelor." Rooms range from the stately Chateau Lafayette to the more casual Lodge, or even larger Townhomes. 

Off property, Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Fallingwater House is just minutes away. Plus, the entire city of Pittsburgh is ready for exploration an hour and a half drive away.    

Trip Advisor ranking: 1 of 4 in Farmington

Booking.com rating: 8.9 out of 10 

Pros: The expansive property and grounds make for one giant playground for kids, while the elegant rooms and upscale spa will keep parents and adults happy.

Cons: It's an hour and a half drive from the closest airport, so queue up a road trip playlist.

COVID status and policies: This hotel is currently open. New cleaning policies include:

• Points of entry will be limited to allow the security team to conduct noninvasive, thermal temperature checks.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers, touchless whenever possible, will be placed at key guest and associate entrances and contact areas.
• All associates will receive training on COVID-19 safety and disinfection protocols.
• Industry-leading cleaning and disinfecting protocols are used to clean guest rooms, with particular attention paid to high-touch items. The frequency of cleaning and disinfecting has also been increased in all public spaces.
• For more information see here. 

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa - Orlando, Florida

Book Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa starting at $519 per night

There's no getting around the fact that this hotel is the most expensive in Walt Disney World. However, it makes the case for spending the extra cash given the location right next to Magic Kingdom and perks like early park entry and VIP airport access. 

There's plenty to entertain younger guests, including the Alice in Wonderland water playground, and kid-friendly pools with water slides. But unlike the other hotels, The Grand Floridian sets itself apart with strong offerings for parents. Disney can be a frenzied vacation spot focused on all things kids, and parents can return frazzled and in need of their own vacation. Not so here. 

Inspired by the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, this regal resort brings a sophistication factor adults will appreciate with a white-sand beach, high-end dining, pool bar, boat rentals, and a spa.     

Trip Advisor ranking: 9 of 403 hotels in Orlando

Hotels.com rating: 9 out of 10 

Pros: This Disney hotel not only comes with great park perks but also allows parents to enjoy their own relaxed vacation despite the frenzied park experience.

Cons: It's the most expensive hotel in Walt Disney World and even standard rooms start at a high price point.

COVID status and policies: This Disney resort is open with new policies that include:

• Face coverings are required for all staff and guests in public areas.
• Temperature screenings are required for entry to some locations.
• Dining reservations at required at some locations and only contactless, cashless payment forms are accepted.
• Water taxis are not available from this Disney Resort hotel to Magic Kingdom park.
• See more info here.

Read our full review of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

Montage Palmetto Bluff - Bluffton, South Carolina

Book Montage Palmetto Bluff starting at $595 per night

In South Carolina's Lowcountry, families will find a peaceful haven on the banks of the May River. In addition to rooms at the main inn, on-site cottages, suites, and entire homes are available. The five-bedroom homes can even fit up to 16 people, so multi-gen travelers, family reunion planners, and multiple families vacationing together can all find plenty of space here.

Bikes and tricycles can be rented, and pedaling around the massive property is a great way to get outdoors, including exploring two big tree houses complete with wooden boardwalks, rope ladders, and slides that kids will love. There's an incredible amount of on-site activities available, including tennis, kayaking, golf, horseback riding, archery, three pools, a maritime forest, and more. Particularly unique excursions include Dolphin Discovery Tours sailing through local hidden creeks and spotting bottlenose dolphins, and tubing excursions just for teens.  

Young visitors can challenge themselves to earn Montage Merit Badges for triumphs like catching a fish, and everyone in the family will enjoy playing with the property's canine ambassadors. In warmer months, family's can stomp their feet to bluegrass, Southern rock, and jazz at the hotel's summer concert series.

Trip Advisor ranking: 2 of 6 hotels in Bluffton

Booking.com rating: 9.1 out of 10 

Pros: A quieter southern getaway where there's so much to do on property kids can't possibly be bored. Dolphin Discovery tours, kayaking, tennis, and more are all right on-property.

Cons: The hotel is located between Savannah and Hilton Head Island, but both are about a 30-minute drive away, so this is best for families looking to mainly stay on property.

COVID status and policies: Montage Palmetto Bluff is now open for resort guests, but is not reopen to the general public yet. When they do reopen, they will be following new policies as part of their Peace of Mind Commitment, which can be found here.

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa - Oahu, Hawaii

Book Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa starting at $741 per night

Hawaii is one of those destinations that's on the top of every family's bucket list, and Aulani goes all-in on family fun in typical Disney fashion, but without overloading on Disney paraphernalia. 

Situated on 21 acres on the western side of the island of Oahu in the area of Ko Olina, Disney has encapsulated Hawaiian culture in every inch of this resort, including the lobby designed to resemble the inside of a canoe house. They even consulted with the local cultural center to get the details just right. 

A central pool area is equipped with a lazy river, two adult pools, a snorkeling grotto teeming with fish, and two infinity-edge jacuzzis overlooking the ocean. There's also a pristine beach reserved just for guests and the neighboring Four Seasons. Disney provides boogie boards, lounge chairs, and umbrellas for free, and the kids' club, called Auntie's Beach House, is also complimentary. Choose from a range of daily free activities such as sunrise yoga, hula lessons, and hearing traditional Hawaiian legends around the fire pit. 

Two towers shaped like canoes house various rooms ranging from standard one-bedroom accommodations to huge Grand Villas suites. Some suites come with eat-in kitchens and washer/dryers, adding extra convenience. The rooms are thoughtfully decorated by Hawaiian artisans from the fabric of the duvets to artwork on the walls. 

Trip Advisor ranking: 4 of 6 hotels in Kapolei

Hotels.com rating: 8.8 out of 10 

Pros: The nightly hotel rate might seem expensive but offers strong value given the fact that it includes kids club admission, family activities, nighttime entertainment, pools, beach activities and more. 

Cons: That being said, on-site dining options all cost extra and can be expensive. There is a grocery store across from the resort so paying extra for a room with a kitchen could help off-set costs. 

COVID status and policies: Aulani has started a phased reopening. New policies include:

• Rooms, experiences, restaurants, amenities and other offerings may be modified or unavailable, limited in capacity and subject to limited availability or closure.
• Cleaning procedures are enhanced throughout Aulani Resort. Extra attention is given to high-traffic areas and hand sanitizers are located throughout the resort.
• Social distancing is enforced and physical barriers have been added in select locations where it is difficult to maintain strict physical distancing guidelines.
• Cast Members are trained to engage with Guests and promote physical distancing guidelines in common areas.
• Housekeeping services have been modified to include thorough cleaning of your room prior to arrival and light cleaning during your stay to help reduce contact.
• Read more info here.

• Here is a comparison of nine popular online mattress companies like Casper, Leesa, Bear, and more.
• All of the online mattresses listed below offer a 90- or 100-night risk-free trial, free shipping and returns, and a 10-year warranty.
• Some are changing their delivery policies to offering contactless options and amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
• Learn more about the best mattresses, the best sheets, and pillows you can buy.

The fact that buying a new mattress no longer requires driving to a showroom and then spending a few hours testing different options under fluorescent lights is a perk of modern life. 

The explosion of online mattress startups means we can try out beds in the comfort of our homes, without hovering attendants, and skip the prices that accompany brick-and-mortar stores. What used to be a tedious afternoon has been simplified to a click.

But the proliferation of options in a vast online marketplace where most mattresses look the same can make the buying process more convoluted than it should be. The products are cheaper, more convenient, and often better — but it can be impossible to distinguish which retailers' mattresses will suit your needs. 

Keeping that in mind, we aimed to streamline the comparison process for you. Below are nine popular online mattress retailers and a cheat sheet comparing what each one's products are known for, to save you time.

All nine mattress retailers offer:

• A 10-year warranty
• Free shipping and easy returns
• A generous 90- or 100-night sleep trial (Tempur-Pedic offers 90, most offer 100)

Once you settle on a mattress, you can treat yourself to a new set of sheets for a job well done.

Leesa

Types of mattresses: Leesa has four mattresses, which we've reviewed here. The Original has three layers of premium foam, the Hybrid has foam and one layer of springs, and the Legend has foam and two layers of springs. The most recent is Studio, which is the brand's most value-oriented mattress and has three layers of foam.

We like that the hybrids combine the support of traditional springs and the comfort of foam for the best of both worlds, though at a higher price point. We named Leesa's mid-tier Hybrid mattress as the top hybrid mattress in our buying guide for the best mattresses online.

Price range:$599-$2,099 depending on the type and size of the mattress.

Delivery: Leesa is doing contact-free deliveries. 

Special features: Its mattresses are produced with 100% American-made materials. Leesa is also a certified B Corp and was named to B Lab's Best For The World list in 2019. 

Current discounts:

• Save 20% off Hybrid and Legend mattresses with code 'INSIDER' at checkout
• Take up to $400 off all other mattresses and 20% off bundles

Learn more about Leesa from Insider Reviews:

Casper

Types of mattresses: Casper has eight mattresses, five of which are sold on its site and three that are sold exclusively at retailers like Target and Zola; we reviewed the five most popular ones here. There are all-foam and hybrid versions of the Original and Wave, and the Snug, cost-effective Element, and super-soft Nova, which also comes as an all-foam or hybrid. The Essential was dropped and renamed to the Element. 

We named the Original the best all-foam mattress you can buy online. 

Price range: $595-$2,995 depending on the type and size of the mattress. 

Delivery: Casper offers free no-contact delivery.

Special features: Casper utilizes recycled bottles in its covers — from 57 to 121 bottles per mattress.

Current discounts:

• Use our code 'INSIDER' to save $100 on the Original Mattress or $200 on the Nova or Wave mattresses
• 15% off mattresses and 10% off other items, including pillows, sheets, and duvets

Learn more about Casper from Insider Reviews:

• The best mattresses
• Casper mattress review
• Casper adjustable bed frame review

Casper Original Mattress (Queen)

Bear

Types of mattresses: Bear makes three types of mattresses: the Original, the Pro, and the Hybrid. The Original is medium-firm and has 10 inches of graphite memory foam. The Pro is medium-firm and includes 12 inches of both copper and gel memory foam. The Hybrid is medium-firm and 14 inches high, made from the company's Serene foam as well as coils.

Price range: $595-$1,995 depending on the type and size of the mattress

Delivery: Bear offers contactless delivery. 

Special features: Bear claims its premium graphite gel memory foam was engineered specifically for optimal cooling, comfort, and muscle recovery, so if you want to decrease your chances of waking up sore after a workout, this might be worth considering. Plus, Bear has donated over $150,000 and more than 2,700 pieces of equipment to local youth sports programs in Jersey City through Good Sports Charity.

Current discounts:

• $500 off any size Bear Hybrid Mattress with code 'INSIDER'— a best of web offer
• Up to $300 off and get two free Cloud Pillows with other mattress purchases
• Year-round discounts for healthcare professionals, members of the military, and first responders 

Learn more about Bear from Insider Reviews:

Purple

Types of mattresses: Purple has three mattresses: an original Purple mattress, Purple Hybrid, and Purple Hybrid Premiere. The original Purple mattress offers balanced support with its signature Purple Grid layer. The Hybrid has dynamic support with its Purple Grid and coils. The Hybrid Premiere is an extra inch thick, with coils and 50% more Purple Grid than the Hybrid.

Price range: $649-$3,798 depending on the type and size of the mattress.

Delivery: Deliveries are still ongoing, but might be delayed. 

Special features: The Purple Mattress is billed as the world's first No-Pressure Mattress, or, in other words, it supports the body without creating any painful pressure points or pockets of heat. The company's Purple Grid facilitates airflow and was built to eliminate pressure points altogether. 

Current discounts:

• Get free sheets and two pillows free with select mattress purchases
• Year-round discounts for healthcare professionals, members of the military, first responders, truckers, and educators 

Learn more about Purple from Insider Reviews:

Tuft & Needle

Types of mattresses:Tuft & Needle makes three mattresses: the Original, the Mint, and the Hybrid. The Original has 10 inches of Adaptive Foam, the Mint has 12 inches of Enhanced Adaptive Foam, and the Hybrid has 12 inches of Adaptive Foam and springs.

Price range: $350-$1,745 depending on the type and size of the mattress.

Delivery: Standard shipping is available in the contiguous US, white glove delivery is available for $150.

Special features: The T&N foam is meant to adapt to every individual's body; the more pressure you apply, the more it supports you. 

Current discounts:

• Use code 'INSIDER15' for 15% off the Mint and Original mattresses
• 10% off sitewide and 15% off bed frames

Learn more about Tuft & Needle from Insider Reviews:

Helix

Eight Sleep

Type of mattress: Eight Sleep makes one temperature-regulating mattress, and two with more high-tech sleep-tracking features. The Pod can adjust the temperature of your bed to be cooler or hotter while The Pod Pro and The Pod Pro Max has sensors to monitor your health and heart rate and technology to help you wake up more gently. 

Price: Starting at $2,295 for a Full 

Delivery: Free shipping and free returns. Eight doesn't offer white glove delivery or mattress removal. 

Special features: It uses warm or cool liquid in its Active Grid Tech cover to keep you at your ideal temperature — regulating each side of the bed from 55 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It also includes sensors that track your individual biometrics on each side of the bed, including sleep stages, sleep time, tosses and turns, heart rate, and more. You can control settings and access sleep reports and insights via an app. You can also set your Pod temperature remotely from outside the house. 

Current discounts:

• Take up to $150 off the Pod Pro at checkout
• Year-round discounts for members of the military, students, first responders, and more

Learn more about Eight from Insider Reviews:

Tempur-pedic

Type of mattress: Tempur-Pedic makes five different mattresses: the Tempur-Cloud, Temper-Adapt, Tempur-PROAdapt, Tempur-LuxeAdapt, and the Tempur-Breeze (which you can get in a Luxe or Pro version). All of them are meant to offer great motion separation and pressure point relief, and you can choose your level of firmness for most of them. 

The Tempur-Cloud is the cheapest in its signature Tempur material, the Tempur-Adapt has the addition of a cool-to-the-touch cover, and the Tempur-PROAdapt has 20% more pressure relief thanks to its Tempur-APR material and an added washable, zip-off cooling cover.

The Tempur-Luxe has two different iterations (Luxe and Pro) and is 30% more body-conforming than the Tempur-PROAdapt. Both the Luxe and Pro versions use the same Tempur-CM material with great breathability, but the LuxeBreeze also has built-in ventilation channels. The LuxeBreeze can help you sleep up to 8 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at night, and the PRObreeze can manage 3 degrees cooler. We named the Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze the best mattress for hot sleepers.

Price range: $1,699-$8,398 for a Twin to Split King.

Delivery: In-home delivery and installation services are paused temporarily. There is an additional option for curbside delivery.

Current discounts:

• Use our exclusive code 'BI30' to get 30% off the Tempur-Cloud mattress
• 40% off Tempur-Toppers, 30% off Tempur-Breeze mattresses, and 25% off select bedding 
• $300 in free accessories with select mattress and base purchases

Learn more about Tempur-Pedic from Insider Reviews:

• The best mattresses
• Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze mattress review
• Tempur-Pedic Cloud mattress review

Tempur-Pedic PRObreeze Mattress (Queen)

Allswell

Types of mattresses: Allswell makes three mattresses: the Allswell, Luxe, and Supreme. The original Allswell is a hybrid made with memory foam and coil. The Luxe is also a hybrid foam and coil mattress, with the addition of cooling gel swirl foam. The Supreme is a hybrid foam and coil mattress with extra padding and a temperature-regulating foam layer.

Price range: $265-$1,245 

Delivery: There's free ground shipping in the contiguous US over $35. The $149 white glove delivery and $199 white glove plus mattress removal options are temporarily paused.

Special features: Allswell is one of the cheapest hybrid foam and coil mattresses on the market. 

Current discounts: 

• 15% off sidewide with code '15INSIDER' 

Learn more about Allswell from Insider Reviews:

• • Allswell mattress review
  • Allswell Hybrid mattress review

Allswell Supreme Hybrid Mattress (Queen)

Looking for more of the best sleep products?

• We compared dozens of products to find the best dog food brands and formulas for all life stages.
• The foods in this guide have nutritional profiles and ingredients that are appropriate for the unique needs of different dogs.
• Orijen makes the best dog food you can buy with fresh locally sourced ingredients. 

Not all dog foods are created equal. The quality of pet food products varies greatly from one manufacturer to another, and it can be hard to determine what the best dog food is for your furry friend.

The quality of your dog's diet is directly related to their health, so don't settle for mediocre food, treats, or supplements. Dog food is not regulated to the degree that human foods are, so if you want to find a quality product, you'll have to do some digging. 

All dogs have the same basic nutritional needs, so it's possible to evaluate the quality of one product compared to another in terms of how well each one meets those nutritional needs. In order to make such a comparison, however, you need to have an understanding of your dog's nutritional requirements and some knowledge of how to read a pet food label.

These things can take time and practice, but we've done the research so you don't have to. We have scoured the reviews on sites like Dog Food Advisor and Whole Dog Journal and compared dozens of products to find the top dog food brands in different categories.

Editor's Note: The FDA has released a report naming 16 dog food brands that may be linked to heart disease in dogs. So far, there has not been a recall of dog food from these brands, and the FDA is continuing to investigate. You can read more details in this New York Times report. Several of the brands' grain-free formulas are included in this guide; here's the full list: Acana, Zignature, Taste of the Wild, 4Health, Earthborn Holistic, Blue Buffalo, Nature's Domain, Fromm, Merrick, California Natural, Natural Balance, Orijen, Nature's Variety, NutriSource, Nutro, and Rachael Ray Nutrish.

These are the best dog foods:

• Best dog food overall: Orijen
• Best dry dog food: Canidae
• Best wet dog food: Blue Buffalo
• Best fresh dog food delivery service: The Farmer's Dog
• Best grain-free dog food: Taste of the Wild
• Best freeze-dried dog food: Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets
• Best affordable dog food: Whole Earth Farms
• Best dog food for puppies: Taste of the Wild
• Best dog food for senior dogs: Wellness
• Best dog food for small toy breeds: Merrick Lil' Plates
• Best dog food for large breeds: Blue Buffalo

The best dog food overall

Orijen's dog food is naturally grain-free and designed to mimic the natural biological diet your dog is evolved to follow. 

Pros: Made in the United States and Canada, biologically appropriate diets, high-protein formulas, carbohydrate-limited and low-glycemic, formulated for different life stages, minimum 38% crude protein, traditional kibble and freeze-dried options, all grain-free recipes

Cons: No wet food products currently available, some recipes may contain plant proteins like peas and dried alfalfa, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, beef, and fish)

Though all dogs have the same basic nutritional requirements, what makes a certain product the best choice for your dog may vary according to their age, activity level, and specific dietary needs. For a brand that offers dog food designed to suit your dog's natural biological needs, our top choice is Orijen. This brand creates pet foods that nourish your dog's body just as nature intended, and it uses only locally sourced fresh and raw meats in an assortment of formulas catered to dogs in all life stages from puppy to senior.

Each of Orijen's dog foods is designed to mirror the type of natural diet your dog should follow based on their wild ancestry. Orijen dog foods are rich in meat and proteins. Each product contains up to 90% meat, which is is more than three times the amount used in conventional dog food. Furthermore, each recipe contains a guaranteed minimum of 38% crude protein by volume.

While a dog's diet should consist primarily of animal products, dogs do have a limited ability to digest plant materials, so digestible grain-free carbohydrates like fresh fruits and vegetables can be a valuable addition. Orijen dog foods contain no more than 20% carbohydrates and only low-glycemic, highly digestible carbs like lentils, pumpkin, leafy greens, and fresh fruits. 

Orijen only sells dry dog foods at this time, but it offers an assortment of kibbles and freeze-dried dog foods for puppies, adults, and senior dogs as well as a selection of treats made with 100% fresh meat ingredients.

The best dry dog food

Canidae uses premium proteins and digestible carbohydrates in each of its formulas to suit dogs in all life stages and those with unique dietary needs.

Pros: US-based company, independent and family-owned, company-owned manufacturing facilities, fresh regional ingredients, wide variety of high-quality recipes, life stages formulas for puppies through senior dogs, grain-free and limited ingredient formulas for dogs with food allergies, separate brand for dog owners on a budget, recipes for small breed dogs

Cons: Company had one recall affecting four products in 2012, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, rice, and fish)

If you're looking for a brand of dry dog food that offers a wide selection of high-quality recipes, our top choice is Canidae. An independent and family-owned company, Canidae sources its ingredients from other family-owned businesses throughout the US, and the company produces every one of its nutritionally dense formulas in company-owned-and-operated facilities. This brand offers traditional life stages formulas as well as grain-free and limited-ingredient recipes.

The Life Stages line of products features seven unique recipes made with premium proteins and digestible carbohydrates. In addition to three "all life stages" formulas, there are recipes for senior dogs, puppies, and large-breed dogs.

The Canidae Grain-Free PURE lineup includes nine grain-free formulas made with premium proteins such as duck, wild boar, and fresh lamb. Each of these recipes is made with a limited number of ingredients to reduce the risk for food allergies. There are also three recipes specially formulated for small breed dogs.

Another thing that makes Canidae our top choice for dry dog food is the fact that it has an entirely separate brand that is designed to be affordable. The Under the Sun brand is still made by Canidae with its farm-fresh ingredients, but it is available at a more affordable price point for dog owners on a budget.

In the company's 20-year history, Canidae has had only had one recall, in 2012, and it was a voluntary recall issued due to a concern for potential salmonella contamination.

The best wet dog food

Blue Buffalo offers tons of great recipes for both wet and dry dog food, and its formulas are full of natural ingredients.

Pros: US-based company, wide variety of product choices, every recipe starts with high-quality animal protein, all-natural ingredients with no artificial additives, recipes designed with a holistic approach to nutrition, every formula contains LifeSource Bits for a boost of nutrition and flavor

Cons: Numerous recalls in brand history, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, rice, and fish), recent changes in recipe may cause digestive upset in some dogs

If you are looking for high-quality wet dog food, we recommend the Blue Buffalo dog food brand. Not only is Blue Buffalo one of the top manufacturers of natural dog food in general, but it offers four distinct product lines so you can choose the wet food formula that best suits your dog's needs and preferences.

The Blue Buffalo uses high-quality natural ingredients in each of its recipes. Blue Buffalo follows a holistic approach to pet nutrition, choosing each of its ingredients carefully to ensure complete and balanced nutrition without the use of any by-products, fillers, or artificial additives. Every recipe goes above and beyond your dog's minimum nutritional requirements.

In terms of variety, few brands offer as many choices as Blue Buffalo. The Freedom line of grain-free formulas contains 10 recipes and the Basics line of limited ingredient formulas contains nine. There are more than 30 recipes in the Wilderness line of meat-rich formulas and 45 in the Life Protection Formula lineup.

One thing you should be aware of with the Blue Buffalo brand is that it's had several product recalls in its history. This isn't terribly surprising, however, for a brand that was founded more than two decades ago and that manufactures hundreds of products. It is worth noting that, according to Petful, many of the brand's recalls were issued voluntarily as a precautionary measure.

The best fresh dog food delivery

The Farmer's Dog is a fresh dog food delivery service that provides unprocessed meals customized to your dog's nutritional needs.

Pros: High-quality unprocessed food, customized, prepared in USDA-certified kitchens, recipes developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, complies with AAFCO standards, 50% off first two weeks

Cons: Limited protein options, may not be appropriate for dogs with food allergies, must be thawed, food may go bad if not eaten immediately upon serving, expensive

The Farmer's Dog has led the pack in fresh dog food delivery for more than five years. Its custom recipes are developed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and comply with AAFCO standards, meaning they are complete and balanced.

What we love most about The Farmer's Dog is that the fresh food plans are customized to your dog's sex, age, breed, and unique health concerns and preportioned by day according to their caloric needs. There are three protein options (turkey, beef, and pork), which could pose an issue for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities, however.

The food is unprocessed, prepared in USDA-certified kitchens, and cooked within days of shipping. It's delivered frozen every two weeks, but the flat packs fit neatly in most freezers. While it's pricey, with plans starting at $2 per day for smaller dogs and as high as $11 per day for large dogs, the quality of the food is worth it if your budget allows.

Read our full review of The Farmer's Dog.

The best grain-free dog food

Taste of the Wild brand makes great grain-free dog food with nutritionally-dense formulas that reduce the risk for food allergies and sensitivities.

Pros: Each recipe features real roasted meat, highly digestible grain-free carbohydrates, multiple proteins in every formula, supplemented with antioxidants for strong immunity, probiotic supplements for healthy digestion, chelated minerals for maximum absorption

Cons: More limited selection of products than some brands, no formulas for large-breed dogs, recipes may be higher in calories than the typical dog food

Though many dogs can digest whole-grain carbohydrates, grains have the potential to trigger food allergies or sensitivities in some dogs. A grain-free dog food should be made with digestible carbohydrates like legumes, fruits, and vegetables, though the focus should always be on high-quality sources of protein. Taste of the Wild offers nine dry food and five wet food formulas, all of which are protein-rich and grain-free.

Taste of the Wild understands that dogs crave natural flavor, which is why each of its recipes is formulated around real roasted meats like venison, bison, and lamb. Real meat is the first ingredient in every recipe, though most recipes contain multiple sources of animal protein. All of this brand's products are also supplemented with highly digestible carbohydrates for energy and fiber, dried fermentation products for probiotic support, and chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption.

What really sets this brand apart is its use of novel proteins like bison and venison, which are less likely to trigger food allergies in dogs and are a leaner source of protein than commercially raised meats.

The best raw dog food

Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets dog food tops the charts for quality with the freshest, 100% human-grade ingredients.

Pros: Made with 100% human-grade ingredients, antibiotic- and steroid-free proteins, certified organic produce and supplements, products retain more of their natural nutritional integrity, assortment of raw frozen and freeze-dried products as well as mixes and supplements

Cons: Raw food must be kept frozen or refrigerated, risk for food-borne illness will improper handling, some dogs don't like the texture of raw food, very expensive compared to traditional kibble, calculations required to determine proper feeding amount

Traditional dog foods are cooked at high temperatures in a process that may destroy a significant portion of the original nutritional content of the raw ingredients. Raw dog food is uncooked, which means that your dog gets all of the nutrients he requires without the need for a long list of supplements. Though raw foods need to be kept refrigerated or frozen, no other type of dog food can compare to their quality or nutritional integrity and Primal is our top choice for raw dog food.

Primal offers nine different recipes for raw frozen dog food, each featuring a premium animal protein that is free from antibiotics, steroids, and hormones. Each recipe is made with 100% human-grade ingredients, including certified organic produce. Because the recipes are frozen fresh to retain their nutritional integrity, you won't find a long list of synthetic supplements. This brand also offers freeze-dried formulas using many of the same high-quality ingredients which can be rehydrated to create a nutritious, moisture-rich meal for your dog.

Though Primal's raw food is significantly more expensive than most dog foods on the market, it offers a significantly higher degree of quality as well. You can choose from a selection of raw frozen formulas or freeze-dried recipes or use one of the brand's raw frozen mixes to create your own homemade dog food.  

The best affordable dog food

Whole Earth Farms pet foods are naturally nutritious and cooked in the US, but they're surprisingly affordable.

Pros: Ideal combination of quality and affordability, no low-quality fillers or by-products, no artificial additives, made in the USA, designed to support healthy digestion, made with high-quality animal proteins, formulas for different life stages and breed sizes, wide variety of dry foods and wet foods

Cons: Some recipes could be higher in animal protein, many recipes contain common proteins and other ingredients that may trigger allergies in some dogs (like chicken, rice, and fish)

When shopping for dog food it is important not to shop by price alone because low-priced dog foods are also typically low in quality. This doesn't mean, however, that affordable brands of high-quality dog food aren't out there. Whole Earth Farms, for example, offers quality nutrition at a more affordable price point than most comparable pet food brands.

The Whole Earth Farms brand is manufactured in the U.S. by the Merrick Pet Care Company with fresh, natural ingredients to support your dog's digestion while also boosting their energy levels and improving the health of their skin and coat. Each recipe starts with a quality animal protein and is supplemented with digestible carbohydrates, probiotics, and chelated minerals for maximum nutrient absorption.

Not only is this brand affordable, but it doesn't use any corn, wheat, or soy in its products, and all recipes are free from by-products and artificial additives. 

In terms of its product offerings, this brand sells 11 dry food recipes and 15 canned foods. Whole Earth Farms offers an assortment of original and grain-free products, including formulas developed for specific life stages and breed sizes so you can choose the product that best suits your dog.

The best dog food for puppies

Taste of the Wild Puppy Food is loaded with animal proteins and free from gluten, grains, and artificial additives, making it ideal for puppies.

Pros: Made with novel protein sources, includes fresh meat and meat meals, grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables for nutrients, dried fermentation products for probiotic support, supplemented with DHA for brain development, chelated minerals for maximum absorption

Cons: Somewhat pricey compared to other brands, only two puppy formulas to choose from, includes some plant-based protein

Choosing the right dog food for your puppy is extremely important because it will impact their growth and development during the first year of his life. Puppies require a higher concentration of protein than adult dogs with healthy fats for energy as well as essential vitamins and minerals. In addition to meeting your puppy's nutritional needs, a high-quality puppy food should be easily digestible, and it should come in small, bite-size kibbles.

Our top pick for the best dog food for puppies is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food. Made with a variety of novel animal proteins like buffalo and roasted venison, this puppy food comes with a low risk for triggering food allergies.

It features grain-free, digestible carbohydrates like sweet potato with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables to provide sources for essential vitamins and minerals. With several fish ingredients, this recipe has an irresistible flavor and provides plenty of healthy fats to support your puppy's skin and coat health.

The best dog food for senior dogs

Loaded with high-quality animal proteins, digestible whole grains, and joint-supporting nutrients, Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food is just what your old pup needs.

Pros: Made with fresh chicken and chicken meal, includes whole grains for digestibility, fresh fruits and veggies for natural sources of vitamins and minerals, supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics, free from meat by-products and artificial additives, added sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, supports healthy skin and coat

Cons: May trigger allergies in dogs sensitive to grains, some dogs are allergic to chicken, some dogs developed gas or upset stomach

As your dog gets older, they'll start to slow down. Because senior dogs are less active, they require fewer calories than younger dogs, but they still need a blend of protein and healthy fats in their diet. Joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin become particularly important for dogs in their old age and increased fiber levels will help support gastrointestinal health. Our top pick for the best dog food for senior dogs is Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food.

Available in original and small-breed formulas, Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food features high-quality proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables to deliver complete and balanced nutrition optimized for senior dogs.

This formula contains fresh deboned chicken as well as concentrated chicken meal, both of which are natural sources of the joint-supporting nutrients glucosamine and chondroitin. The recipe is also supplemented with chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption and probiotics for healthy digestion.

The best dog food for small toy breeds

Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food is great for toy and small breeds because it comes in seven grain-free formulas that are made with high-quality proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and healthy supplements.

Pros: Available in seven flavors (two with raw bites), high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient, gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables for natural sources of vitamins and minerals, supplemented with chelated minerals and probiotics, small kibble size, made in the USA with USA-sourced ingredients, no artificial additives or fillers, crunchy to clean teeth

Cons: Some dogs developed digestive upset, high protein content not recommended for dogs with liver or kidney issues, somewhat pricey compared to other brands

Many dog owners make the mistake of thinking that small-breed dogs need fewer calories than large breeds when, in fact, the opposite is true. Small-breed dogs have very fast metabolisms so, while they may need a lower number of total calories, they actually require a higher concentration of calories per pound of bodyweight.

Small-breed dog food formulas are rich in protein with higher levels of fat to meet a smaller dog's high-energy needs. Our top pick for the best small/toy breed dog food is Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food.

While you might think that wet food is easier for a small dog to eat, most veterinarians agree that dry food is better. Eating kibble helps prevent plaque buildup, reducing the risk for dental disease, which is a common problem in small and toy breeds. Not only is Merrick Lil' Plates Grain-Free Dog Food ideally sized for smaller dogs and designed to promote dental health, but it comes in seven different recipes.

This Merrick dog food uses high-quality, animal-based proteins like chicken, salmon, lamb, and beef with grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potato for fiber. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide natural sources for key nutrients while supplements like probiotics support healthy and regular digestion. Kibbles are properly sized for small mouths, and they have a satisfying crunch that helps keep your dog's teeth clean.

The best dog food for large breeds

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food comes in three flavors, all of which contain high concentrations of protein to keep big dogs happy.

Pros: Fresh meat is the first ingredient, three meat-rich flavors to choose from, whole grains for digestibility and nutrition, fresh fruits and vegetables for natural sources of key nutrients, LifeSource Bits supplement for nutritional balance, chelated minerals and probiotics, no artificial additives

Cons: Some dogs are sensitive to grain ingredients, somewhat pricey compared to other brands, kibbles may be too small for some dogs

Large-breed dogs need an average of 20 to 30 calories per pound of body weight to meet their energy requirements without gaining weight. When choosing a large-breed dog food formula, it is important to make sure you meet your dog's need for protein without going overboard on fat — too much fat typically means too many calories.

Large-breed dogs also require a careful blend of calcium and phosphorus to prevent orthopedic disease and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. Our top pick for the best dog food for large and giant breeds is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food.

Available in three meat-rich flavors, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Dog Food is designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of larger dogs. Each recipe is made with high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient with whole grains, fresh fruits, and veggies for nutritional support.

There are no meat by-products or artificial additives, plus each formula is supplemented with Blue Buffalo's exclusive LifeSource Bits. LifeSource Bits contain a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

What we're looking forward to

We are currently testing dog foods for an update to this guide, including the following:

• Blue Buffalo Life Protection
• Bravo Homestyle Complete Dog Food
• Canidae Grain-Free Pure Real
• Evanger's Classic Recipes
• Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain
• Go! Solutions Senior Recipe
• Grandma Lucy's Pureformance Freeze-Dried Dog Food
• Halo Wet Food
• Holistic Select Adult Health Grain Free
• Instinct Original
• JustFoodForDogs
• Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy
• Nature's Logic Canine Beef Meal Feast
• Nom Nom
• Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Puppy Food
• Nulo Freestyle Senior Dry Dog Food
• Ollie
• Orijen Fit & Trim Dry Dog Food
• Orijen Puppy Large Dry Dog Food
• Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
• Taste of the Wild Ancient Stream with Ancient Grains
• Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy
• Whole Earth Farms Dry Dog Food

Check out our other buying guides for the best dog gear and supplies

• The best dog treats

• The best nail clippers for dogs

• The best flea prevention and treatment for dogs

• The best dog dewormers

• The best dog shampoos

• The best medicated dog shampoos

• The best dog harnesses

• The best no-pull dog harnesses

• The best dog collars

• The best puppy gear to make your new dog feel at home

• The best puppy potty-training gear

• The best muzzles

• The best snow jackets for dogs

• The best raincoats for dogs

President Joe Biden signed into law his nearly $1.9 trillion relief package, clearing the way for most Americans to receive $1,400 stimulus checks. 

People who make as much as $75,000, or couples earning up to $150,000, qualify for the full $1,400 per person. 

For people who want to get entrepreneurial with their stimulus, there are a handful of businesses you can start with $1,400 or less. As long as you have some backyard space, extra clothes in your closet, or an idea for a book you can create a thriving new career. 

SEE ALSO: How a woman turned her backyard into an urban farm that sells to restaurants and hosts events

DON'T MISS: An Amazon self-published author built an audience from scratch and made $9,000 last month. Here are her 9 steps to your first book.

Launch a pop-up bakery

If you've been loving the show "The Great British Bake Off" throughout the pandemic, a pop-up bakery may be the ideal business for you. 

Before putting your croissants in the oven, consider where you want to sell goods. Laws around selling prepared goods vary state-by-state, but generally stipulate that homemade food can be sold at events like farmers markets but not at venues like grocery stores or coffee shops. 

If you want to showcase cupcakes and cookies at a local coffee shop, you may be required to make inventory in a commercial kitchen. That will drive your costs further, since most commercial kitchens require a security deposit or lease on top of hourly rates. 

Become a self-published author on Amazon

If you have an idea for a book, consider publishing it on Amazon's platform, Kindle Direct Publishing. While Amazon's platform is free to use, your time is a valuable resource: Consider your writing speed and the length of your book as potential cost factors. The good news is, e-books don't have to be long; Sally Miller, who's published 15 books on Amazon, writes around 20,000 to 35,000 words for each.

Your costs will increase if you hire a copyeditor or cover designer. However, those are not requirements to publish your work. 

What may be the best use of your money is paid advertising. Miller will buy paid advertising on Amazon for her work, budgeting about $2,500 a month for Amazon ads. She only has to pay for an ad if someone clicks on it and it directs customers to her author page. 

To be sure, Miller is booking $9,000 a month in royalties, so consider what's in your budget when starting out.

Build an urban farm in your backyard

After Joanna Bassi left her career in Hollywood, she transformed her 150 feet by 75 feet backyard into an urban garden that could grow fresh produce for local restaurants and farmers markets. 

Bassi focused on microgreens — very young vegetable greens  — and started selling at farmers markets to learn about her customers and build a reputation within the community. 

Costs for urban farmers can range depending on what you're growing and your irrigation system entails, for example, but there are also tricks to cutting costs, Bassi said. 

She used free community resources, like "zoo poo," free compost material made from animal poop at the nearby LA Zoo. She also snagged some mulch, made from recycled Christmas trees, from LA's Griffith Park.

Open an e-commerce resale shop

As Millennials and Gen Zers continue to seek out recycled and reused clothes, entrepreneurial hopefuls can turn their unwanted garments into inventory for an e-commerce shop. 

The overall secondhand market is expected to reach $51 billion by 2023, with resale encompassing $23 billion, according to a 2019 report by ThredUp. 

One of the more popular platforms is Poshmark, which provides a free shipping label and takes 20% of sales $15 or more. Other apps include Vinted, TheRealReal, and ThredUp.

Build an online following around your passion

Carleigh Bodrug started off wanting to share the benefits of her plant-based diet with her followers on Instagram and Facebook. The passion project grew into a thriving business when she saw there was a demand for her weekly vegan meal plans. 

As Bodrug's following grew, she invested $1,000 of her savings into creating a website. Plant You features her recipes and offers a membership to paid subscribers. Today, she has 474,000 followers on Instagram. 

Others have found success with business coaching, teaching yoga, and sharing tips on caring for plants.       

• Commuter bikes offer a cost-effective and fitness- and environmentally-friendly way to run errands or get around town.
• The best are comfortable to ride, handle a variety of casual terrain, and hold up in an array of weather and road conditions.
• Our top pick, Brooklyn Bicycle Co.'s Franklin 3, has a comfortable, upright design and features high-quality components.

Editor's note: Due to fluctuating stock, some of the recommendations on this list are either temporarily out of stock or currently back-ordered. We will update this piece with new information when we can. 

Working from home, I miss having the opportunity to commute to work. Depending on the weather, I used to roller skate or bike the roughly 13-mile trek each day. Sure, it took a bit longer than driving but I started the day on a positive, energetic note and was in the best shape of my life.

More cities are now encouraging their residents to commute by bike, creating bike-only lanes in urban areas. Therefore, now is the best time to use a bike to get around town, run errands, or just enjoy some time outside.

But it seems as though just about every bike brand offers not just one, but multiple versions of something dubbed a "commuter." To help, I've tested a number of the top commuter bikes from companies like Brooklyn Bicycle Co., Priority Bicycles, and Schwinn to find the best currently available. 

At the bottom of this guide, I've also included some tips on how to best shop for a commuter bike, as well as the testing methodology I used in narrowing down which bikes ultimately made the cut. 

Here are the best commuter bikes:

• Best commuter bike overall: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3
• Best commuter bike for beginners: Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Bike
• Best electric commuter bike: Priority Current
• Best commuter bike under $300: Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike
• Best full-featured commuter bike: State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike

Best overall

If you want a comfortable, attractive commuter bike that comes fully assembled, the Brooklyn Bicycle Co. Franklin 3 is a smart solution that's built to last.

Pros: Assembly is included in the price, beautiful design, durable construction, comfortable to ride

Cons: Only three speeds

Brooklyn Bicycle Co. focuses on building bikes that are designed for durability, comfort, and style. This focus is apparent in the Franklin 3. The step-through frame makes mounting your bike effortless regardless of what you're wearing, and it's made of lightweight steel so you can easily carry the approximately 33-pound bike up and downstairs.

The rear hub and shifter are made by Shimano, one of the top names in the industry. And, the bike comes with puncture-resistant tires. Both the saddle and grips are made of vegan leather for maximum comfort.

The Franklin 3 is a three-speed bike, but there are also single-speed and seven-speed options. The bike comes in small/medium or large. And, it's available in five colors: ivory, matte coral, gloss black, sea glass, and cardinal red. If you'd prefer a top tube that is closer to parallel with the ground rather than the step-through frame, check out the Bedford 3.

Editor's note: Brooklyn Bicycle Co. says that it plans to restock the Franklin via its website in late Spring. 

Best for beginners

The Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 offers a smooth ride, excellent maneuverability, and is light enough to store in your walk-up apartment.

Pros: Comfortable seat, easy for novices to operate, locking front suspension fork, excellent customer service

Cons: Expensive

After a hiatus from the bicycle space, REI launched Co-op Cycles in 2017 with the goal of providing fun and freedom on two wheels. As the name suggests, the CTY 2.1 is specifically designed to be used in the city.

Several of the parts come from top names in the industry, too. The crankset, shifters, derailleurs, rear cogs, hydraulic disc brakes, and brake levers are Shimano. The hubs are Joytech. And, the chain is KMC Z8.

The suspension fork features a locking mechanism so you aren't bouncing around while riding on smooth surfaces. And, there's 360-degree reflectivity to keep you visible both day and night, though you'll still want lights.

This is the main bike I use for fitness and when tooling around town. From the moment I picked it up to test, I was blown away by REI's customer service. I had to drive about an hour away to get to the closest store, and they were insistent on making sure it fit me correctly.

The CTY 2.1 is also incredibly responsive. On one ride, the brakes reacted quickly, saving me from crashing into a car that pulled out of a drive without looking. And, I have no problem handling the windy trails in my city. The biggest negative for me is that the pedal reflectors fell off after 400 miles.

Best electric

The Priority Current is a low maintenance e-bike that delivers a smooth, easy ride, and its 50-mile electric range 

Pros: Can handle a variety of terrain, has a 50-mile range when fully charged, rides smoothly and doesn't feel like it's jolting you when first pedaling, requires very little maintenance

Cons: E-bikes are expensive, the fenders can rub on the tires if nudged out of place

If you're often commuting long distances or live somewhere near a number of hills, I highly recommend considering an e-bike. The pedal-assistance native to e-bikes makes biking, be it to work, the store, or just around town, a much more pleasant experience (plus, who doesn't like showing up to where they intend to go not covered in sweat?). 

My favorite e-commuter is Priority's Current, which also happens to be Insider Reviews' top choice for all e-bikes in general. The Current offers 50 miles of range on a fully charged battery, handles a variety of terrain with ease, and is just an all-around joy to ride. The fact it needs essentially no routine maintenance makes it an even more attractive option. 

The bike itself is a Bosch-heavy setup, featuring a Bosch motor, battery, and head unit — and its reliance on one brand for these components is a huge reason why maintenance is so simple. It has five different pedal-assist modes, so I'm always able to easily customize exactly how much oomph I want it to provide, and it has a top speed of 28 mph of assisted speed which always seemed like more than enough. 

Perhaps the biggest drawback of the Current is its price — though e-bikes hardly ever fall into the range of "budget." But it's more than just a simple commuter and can be something you're able to reliably ride for a long time. -- Rick Stella, health & fitness editor for Insider Reviews

Best under $300

The Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike is a great entry-level alternative if you want to give bicycle commuting a try without spending a lot of money.

Pros: Affordable, relatively easy to assemble, attractive, comes with fenders and rear rack, lifetime limited warranty

Cons: Several of the parts come from no-name manufacturers

For under $300, you get a lot with the Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike. The bike comes partially assembled and finishing the job is easy enough for a novice, so you may not need to spend extra for expert help.

There are both back and front fenders to protect you from the grime the tires might kick up. And, you can carry your work items using the included rear rack. The frame is made of steel and features a cool retro urban style. The spring seat provides a comfortable, upright ride. Schwinn backs the quality of this bike with a lifetime limited warranty.

Best full-featured

The State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike comes with everything you need to commute in all types of weather so you don't have to worry about purchasing extras a la carte.

Pros: Attractive appearance, comes with all you need to start commuting to work, handles an array of road conditions

Cons: Hard to assemble, complaints about flimsy parts

The State Bicycle Deluxe 3 Speed City Bike comes with a rear rack, a front basket with drink holder, fenders, and a chainguard. These features all help get you and your work gear from point A to point B while protecting you from debris and water your tires may kick up. Like our top pick, the Franklin 3, this is a Dutch-style bike, which means you ride in a more upright position for greater comfort and visibility.

There are three styles of the City Bike: The Keansburg, The Elliston, and The Rylee. The main differences are the colors, though The Rylee's frame has a step-through geometry, while The Elliston and The Keansburg have top tubes that are more parallel to the ground.

How to shop for a commuter bike

The most important consideration when buying a commuter bike is comfort. If riding a bicycle isn't enjoyable, then you're never going to keep at it and it'll just collect dust. Fortunately, when you purchase a bike online, retailers often work with local shops to assemble the bike and provide the necessary final tweaks to ensure the fit a proper fit.

Online purchases also give you the option of assembling the bike on your own. In my experience, it's worth the extra money to have a professional do it. The experts have the right tools, plenty of experience, and will likely finish the job in a fraction of the time it'll take you.

If you're looking to spend more, we recommend considering an electric bicycle. With e-bikes, you can get as much or as little help as you want on your commute. This is especially helpful if you encounter hills on your route or you just want to get home quickly after an exhausting day. Don't be confused: An e-bike provides powered assistance but you still need to pedal.

How we test commuter bikes

In our testing of commuter bikes, we chose to focus on affordable entry-level bicycles. This means that each option in this guide is non-electric and costs less than $700. We also wanted to make sure that, within those parameters, each bike was able to perform well across these four categories: Ride experience, maintenance demands, comfort, and value.

Here's how each category contributed to which bikes ultimately made it into the guide:

Ride experience: A commuter bike isn't going to wow you with its off-road prowess or on-road speed, but it should still be fun to ride. This means looking at how well it handles city riding as much as cruising through the park or taking a ride through your neighborhood. We also looked at how each bike's handling affected its ride style, and if it's something we actually looked forward to riding, no matter if we wanted to go to the store or break a quick sweat.

Maintenance demands: Recurring maintenance costs are inevitable but it'd be nice not to have to get something fixed on your bike every other month. Though commuter bikes may not be pushed to their limits while simply riding to a local coffee shop, we still pushed the tested models to their limits to see if any components were unnecessarily stressed or showing signs of wear and tear. 

Comfort: Perhaps the most important aspect of a commuter bike (and most bikes, in general) is how comfortable it is. If it's not something that's pleasant to ride, you're not likely going to want to ride it very much. Comfort also extends not just to the seat but the handlebar shape and type of material used on the grips. 

Value: A combination of the categories before it, value looks not just at how much a commuter bike is but if it's truly worth the sticker price. It's always better to spend more for quality and durability once than to spend less more often. 

• A USB microphone is a simple accessory to pair with your computer for enhanced audio quality.
• We tested some of the top USB mics and spoke with professional podcasters and streamers for this guide.
• The Elgato Wave 3 is our favorite because of its crisp sound that deafens background noise well.

Though some of the top tech on the market is Bluetooth these days, a quality USB microphone is a great investment. Whether it's for producing a podcast, starting a streaming channel, or enhancing the audio quality of your Zoom calls, the wide diversity of specs makes each microphone unique for the type of sound you're after.

I've worked with much audio equipment throughout my college minor in interactive multimedia, but I always seemed (quite literally) to have my wires crossed when it came to which microphones would effectively pick up the appropriate sound. It was about time to do some testing.

We tested six mics to determine the clarity and depth of the audio, how well they picked up individual and multiple voices, and if any background noise was present.Podcast and streaming experts also weighed in to help us understand what to look for and how to effectively use USB mics, all while unpacking technical audio language for clarity.

The recommended USB mics below both met the criteria established by our experts and performed well in our various tests, so you'll no longer be plagued by choppy, muddy, or distorted audio.

Here are the best USB microphones of 2021

• Best USB microphone overall: Elgato Wave 3
• Best USB microphone for streaming: HyperX QuadCast S
• Best USB microphone for podcasting: Blue Microphones Yeti
• Best budget USB microphone: Blue Microphones iCE Snowball

Best USB microphone overall

The Elgato Wave 3 is unmatched for its crystal-clear sound that works just as well if there's more than one person in the room. 

Pros: Slim and sturdy design, simple control of gain levels, adjustable for an ideal angle, unidirectional, captures precise speech, built-in headphone jack, two-year limited warranty

Cons: None

When I unboxed the Elgato Wave 3, my first thought was, "It looks basic but seems like it should get the job done." And, after testing, I noticed it did just that and more with its easy plug-and-go, unidirectional functionality that captures your voice in a pronounced, precise way.

This microphone was our top performer across all of our tests and especially stood out for enhancing my natural voice without distortion, thanks to its unique Clipguard technology coupled with a premium condenser capsule. What's more, its well-architectured steel grille encases the speaker for a smooth, diffused sound.

The Wave 3 has wonderful gain controls (how loud the audio is, input-wise) and even has a complementary Wave Link app to control the USB microphone recording. While it's great for professional recording, I noticed this microphone worked well, without taking up too much space on my desk, for my online conference calls, too — a versatile tech product to capture your voice.  

And, in case anything goes wrong with your microphone, Elgato offers a two-year limited warranty.

The best USB microphone for streaming

The HyperX QuadCast S is an impressive microphone especially fit for streamers with its modern controls, RGB lighting, and outstanding audio pickup for game wins and losses alike.

Pros: Anti-vibration shock mount, customizable RGB lighting, easy tap controls, four polar patterns to adjust input levels, included mount adapter, built-in headphone jack

Cons: Not as simple to plug the cord in because of the attached circular structure

If you're looking for a USB microphone, you likely have other tech equipment, especially if you're a streamer; a gaming chair and a ring light are two of many tools in your arsenal. To generate high-quality audio, the HyperX QuadCast S is versatile with four audio patterns, including fit-for-streaming cardioid. 

Not only is this microphone professional-grade quality but its dynamic lighting effects add an exciting touch to your next recording — especially if the mic is visible in your stream. And, not only does the light make this microphone stand out, but it's Discord- and TeamSpeak-certified, so you know you're getting broadcast-level quality.

If you're immersed in your game, the simple tap-to-mute and power functions make audio adjustments easy. HyperX's anti-vibration shock mount with a built-in pop filter will help mitigate unwanted noise, and with all of its key controls, you'll have a customized gaming experience. HyperX's one downside is hardware-related — because of its circular structure design, it's a little tough to plug in. 

HyperX offers a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturing defects.

The best USB microphone for podcasting

Blue Microphones' Yeti is a classic audio staple that produces a warm, clear sound and effectively mutes background noise — perfect for podcasters.

Pros: Broadcast-quality sound, four pickup patterns, included studio controls, two-year manufacturer warranty

Cons: The microphone stand may awkwardly pivot, takes a bit of a learning curve

Even though I listen to podcasts of all different genres, one thing remains the same, for the most part: Blue Microphones' Yeti is a podcaster's tried-and-true go-to. The podcast duo of Pretty Basic swears by it, and Michelle Reed, host of her But, What's Next? podcast declared the Yeti as her favorite in an Instagram exchange. And, they're certainly not the only two fans.

I appreciated the sturdy speaker head that's connected to its large cylindrical base; it provides a good grip if you decide to take it off the stand and hold it. Speaking of, I tested the Yeti on the brand's Yeticaster stand and, while I thought a production-level stand was unnecessary given I'm not a podcaster or radio show host, it really adds to the experience. It's quick to assemble (it clamps to the front frame of your desktop) and its non-intrusive swivel doesn't leave you with cumbersome tech equipment getting in the way of your workspace. I used the microphone while standing behind my desk chair for a public speaking class and it delivered audio with impressive warmth and clarity.

Though high-quality, the Yeti takes a bit of a learning curve to operate. It was difficult for me to tell if the microphone was on because the power and mute buttons are the same. Just make sure you hold the button down to get it going and check your computer's audio controls to see the audio range visibly shifting. That said, it's a far better microphone than the brand's Yeti X, which was harder to plug in and gave us some audio difficulties.

The best budget USB microphone

Blue Microphones' iCE Snowball delivers noticeable sound quality with its unique tri-center base design — a practical piece of tech equipment that enhances your natural voice.

Pros: HD audio, large and round speaker for sound pickup, stays in place on a desk with its tri-tiered base

Cons: Average multiple-sound pickup; the sound is more noise-cancelling and muffled than our other picks

I've had Blue Microphones' iCE Snowball for more than a year now and it's the perfect budget-friendly microphone for recording basic audio or enhancing your voice for a video call. And, as the only microphone in this price range to completely soundproof background noise in our testing, there's no surprise it's our best budget option.

What I love most about the Snowball is its large spherical speaker and three steel legs that sturdily set the microphone on your desk. The unique base is equally as convenient for folding together to form a handle for on-the-go recording sessions. I used this microphone to record a few podcast episodes for a class project, and the quality was similar to the brand's Yeti, working well for more than one voice. Do note, however, that playing an audio recording for the Snowball doesn't capture as true a sound.

What else we tested

During our testing process, there were two that didn't quite make the cut:

• Blue Microphones Yeti X: Compared to the classic Yeti, the X produced a fuller, deeper sound with great sound pickup and background noise cancellation, but it wasn't as crisp or precise. We also ran into many technical issues and, for USB microphones that are supposed to be plug-and-go, it fell short.
• Razer Seiren X: This is a great miniature option that rotates on its base, but we found it muddled my natural speaking voice while testing. That said, it is pretty good at picking up multiple voices and mitigating background noise, but the overall sound quality wasn't as great compared to our top picks.

What we're testing next

We are always reviewing and updating our guides, and here's one we are looking forward to testing once it becomes available for us:

Audio-Technica AT2005: As a miniature USB microphone manufactured by one of our favorite inexpensive yet well-made brands, we're curious to see if this XLR-style microphone passes all of our tests.

How we tested USB microphones

After weeks of testing each microphone on different audio and video platforms like QuickTime Player, Google Hangout, and Zoom, we noticed the latter consistently provided the weakest results. Keep in mind that the platform in which you record may have a slight impact on quality. Here's what we looked for when assessing each mic:

• Sound quality: Since audio takes center stage, I hopped on video conferencing platforms with Insider Reviews senior tech editor Joe Osborne to assess the quality of each microphone, using the built-in MacBook Air microphone as a control. He noted if the sound was crisp, warm, or muffled, and paid special attention to how it picked up other sounds like keyboard typing and mouth noises between speaking.
• Effectiveness with multiple sounds: Some users may be recording with multiple people or playing recorded audio into the mic, so we had an audio-based translator app help us out. After I said a sentence, we played an audio recording on my iPhone in front of the speaker to assess if it sounded natural or speakerphone-like.
• Background noise pickup: We played tropical chime music on YouTube in the background of the video call at low-to-medium volume as I spoke over it. We took note of how well the mic filtered out the background noise.
• Ease of use: A good USB microphone should be plug-and-play without complicated setups or software downloads. I took note of how simple each mic was to get up and running.

What to look for in a podcasting microphone (& how to produce a successful show)

Whether you're researching how to jumpstart your podcast passion project or simply want to upgrade your current setup, audio is first and foremost the most important. "Podcasting is an audio-based medium and it's important for a show's success to have high-quality audio and to be pleasing for the listener to hear," said Michelle Harrison, Head of Production at Dear Media.

She shared a cheat sheet with Insider Reviews on what to specifically keep in mind while shopping for a podcasting USB microphone:

• Unidirectional microphones: This means that the microphone only captures the incoming signal from one direction instead of from around your room, helping to eliminate background noise.
• Microphones that can slightly compress your audio: Podcasters typically don't need a built-in processing microphone to immediately release audio because they often self-edit after recording. A mic that can slightly compress and equalize the incoming signal to ensure a level volume is all you need. All other tweaks can be made in post-production.
• Adjustable incoming signal controls: Some podcasters intentionally inflect their voices, while others have naturally soft or loud voices. To accentuate volume, look for a microphone with which you can increase or decrease signals during parts of your episode. This comes in handy especially for podcast duos or group recording sessions.

Don't fret if it takes you a few trial runs; USB microphones can have somewhat of a learning curve. Alisha Marie, co-host of Pretty Basic, and her YouTube videographer, Taylor King, shared some tips on audio and recording style to produce a successful, quality podcast:

• Record like you're talking to your best friend: In Alisha's case, her co-host Remi Cruzis her best friend, but whether your podcast is lighthearted or informative, maintaining a conversational speaking style will keep listeners engaged. 
• Keep an eye on battery life: "The most expensive microphone is not necessarily the best," Alisha said. "You want something that will last for your entire podcast because if your microphone dies and you're halfway through with a guest, you can't get that back. If I had to give up quality, I would if that meant it would be seamless and wouldn't turn off." None of the mics we recommend died while I was using them, even in two-hour-long calls.
• Convenience is crucial: Podcasters are creators, yet some audio creators also produce content on YouTube and social media, like Alisha. She says above all, look for a microphone that will plug in and record just like that, and is especially versatile for recording voiceovers for video content or hopping on a professional call.

"On a less technical standpoint, I look for a microphone that's going to capture someone's voice the best, just because the cool thing about a podcast is that it's so personal," King added. "Being able to understand the difference between someone's voice compared to yours is important, as well as picking up inflections in voice."

What to look for in a streaming microphone

Streamers are in a class all their own: they rely on a USB microphone for live audio transmission that picks up their gaming loop and inevitable excitement (for game wins) and frustrations (for irrevocable losses). We spoke to Marcus Graham, Head of Creator Development at Twitch, to share the specifications unique to streaming USB microphones:

• Versatility: As Alisha mentioned with podcast microphones, Graham also emphasized finding one that can serve multiple purposes (i.e. work meetings, side projects).
• Digital signal processing (DSP): This feature alters the input provided by a USB microphone to enhance the incoming signal once you're recording, without the need for other equipment. Technically speaking, Graham says it takes an analog signal and turns it into a digital one. "By having a microphone with DSP (or other audio components), you have much more freedom and flexibility over what you can do with your sound," he said. "Take voice changing, for example — a fun way for streamers to add some variety to their stream or transform into another character."
• Cardioid capabilities: "A cardioid pattern tends to be a 'heart-shaped' pattern that focuses on picking up sound from the front while limiting or ignoring the sound coming in from the side or back of the microphone," Graham explained. If you are strict on limiting background noise, this is important, but some microphones can switch between different patterns (like omnidirectional), for emphasis on game audio or other effects.

Check out our other audio guides and roundups

• The best noise-cancelling headphones
• The best over-ear headphones
• The best true wireless earbuds
• The best audiobook platforms, including Audible, Scribd, and Libby
• How to improve your audio quality on Zoom

Instagram influencers often rely on brand deals as their main source of income.

With a variety of monetizable features on Instagram — like in-feed posts, Stories, Reels, IGTV, and Lives — influencers can offer advertisers a range of content types.

Brands are set to spend up to $15 billion on influencer marketing by 2022, according to Business Insider Intelligence. And they're hiring creators with big and small audiences across a wide range of categories.

"Micro" influencers (who generally have fewer than 100,000 followers) have become a high priority for many brands. Micro influencers — and even some "nano" influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers — have turned their social-media hobbies into paid side hustles by working with brands.

To get these deals, influencers often use media kits to showcase their value to a company, providing audience metrics and listing the advertisers they've worked with. Some kits also include pay rates. 

"I update my media kit probably monthly because it's literally your resume or your portfolio that you're sending into brands," Macy Mariano, an Instagram influencer, told Insider in December.

Here are seven examples of real media kits that influencers use to land brand deals on Instagram (ordered from least followers to most):

This post has been updated to add more media kits.

Kayla Compton: about 1,900 Instagram followers

Kayla Compton, 23, is a part-time influencer based in San Diego. She has about 1,900 followers on Instagram and about 3,400 subscribers on YouTube. 

While YouTube is Compton's primary social-media platform, her Instagram plays an important role in her brand sponsorships.

Compton told Insider in March that her starting rate for a brand sponsorship package (which usually includes a YouTube video, Instagram post, and a few Stories) was $250. 

"A lot of people might think, 'Oh, if you have a thousand followers, no one's going to pay you for that,'" Compton said. "But if you have a very engaged audience and you can target people really well and have a good connection with your audience, brands will pay for that."

In Compton's media kit, she highlights that she has a 5.6% engagement rate on Instagram. 

Check out the full media kit here (obtained in March 2021):

A YouTube nano influencer shares the exact 8-page media kit she uses to get brand deals

Jen Lauren: about 3,000 Instagram followers

Jen Lauren is a 24-year-old nano lifestyle influencer on Instagram and YouTube with 1,000 to 3,000 followers on each platform.

Lauren has started to make money by partnering with brands on sponsorships, she told Insider in November. 

Lauren is considered a "nano" influencer on YouTube and Instagram. Nano influencers often specialize in a specific niche, with a small and engaged community. They generally have fewer than 5,000 subscribers on YouTube and between 2,500 and 10,000 followers on Instagram. 

Check out the full media kit here (obtained in November 2020):

A YouTube and Instagram nano influencer shares the simple 3-page media kit that helped land her first brand deal — and how much she gets paid

Laur DeMartino: about 5,000 Instagram followers

Laur DeMartino, 19, is a college student who's also a part-time lifestyle content creator. She told Business Insider that she treats her content as a "mini internship." 

DeMartino is a nano influencer, and while she has a larger audience on Instagram (5,200 followers) and TikTok (4,200 followers), she primarily focuses on YouTube, where she had about 3,300 subscribers as of November. 

In 2020, she secured a brand deal worth $4,000, which included a $1,000 gift card to purchase the product. The deal included deliverables across all three of her primary social-media platforms, she said.

Her media kit highlights her previous brand partnerships and audience demographics.

Check out the full media kit here (obtained in November 2020):

Here's the exact 9-page media kit a YouTube and Instagram nano influencer uses to get brand sponsorships

Jade Darmawangsa: about 51,000 Instagram followers

Jade Darmawangsa is a YouTube creator (380,000 subscribers) and Instagram influencer (51,000 followers) who's developed a full-time business through brand sponsorships and collaborations.

On average, she charges between $500 and $2,000 for a sponsored Instagram post, she told Insider in October. 

In her media kit, Darmawangsa details her Instagram demographics and analytics. Her account has a total reach of 118,899,860, which is a compilation of the full following of all her followers and shows the total potential reach her page has.

The Los Angeles-based creator launched her YouTube channel in 2015. 

Check out the full media kit here (obtained in October 2020):

A YouTube creator with about 380,000 subscribers shares the exact 4-page media kit she uses to land brand deals and how much money she charges

Macy Mariano: about 111,000 Instagram followers

Travel and style influencer Macy Mariano is an Instagram creator who has worked with brands like Lululemon, Champs Sports, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Mariano said many advertisers will ask to see her media kit when negotiating terms for a sponsored content deal.

"I think it's super important if you want to take this seriously," Mariano told Insider in 2020. "I send them now to everyone I get in touch with. It's just a good way to express who you are and what you've done so they can see your past and current work." 

Mariano had 105,000 Instagram followers when Insider obtained the media kit in February. Today, she has 111,000 followers.

Check out the full media kit here (obtained in February 2020):

An Instagram influencer with 100,000 followers shares the 9-page media kit she uses to pitch brands, which includes how much money she charges

Marina Mogilko: about 720,000 Instagram followers

Entrepreneur and creator Marina Mogilko has worked with brands like Audible and Skillshare on sponsored videos. She lives in San Francisco and is the cofounder of a travel agency, LinguaTrip. 

Her media kit includes case studies of past campaigns and her audience analytics. It begins with her channel categories: business, education, languages, life in Silicon Valley, and personal development.

It also lists the audience demographics for her language channel: Her audience is 18 to 44 years old, 52% male and 48% female. Her top sources of viewers are the US, UK, Canada, Russia, and India.

Check out the full media kit here (obtained in May 2020):

A YouTube creator with 2 million subscribers shares the exact 24-page media kit she uses to get brand sponsorships

Alexa Collins: about 1.2 million Instagram followers

Alexa Collins is a Miami-based influencer with 1.2 million Instagram followers.

Since kicking off her Instagram account in March 2016, Collins has posted a stream of swimsuit and dog photos, clothing (and occasionally tax accounting) promotions, and product placements that provide the 25-year-old with a steady income. 

"I started this a while ago, and it takes a really long time to build a following on an app," Collins said. "I work with a lot of clothing and swimwear and makeup and hair brands — a lot of girly stuff."

Collins now works with the talent management agency Johnson Sports Entertainment, which also represents NFL players and professional golfers, to secure brand deals. She also pitches advertisers directly using an 8-page media kit.

Check out the full media kit here (obtained in November 2020):

An Instagram influencer with 1 million followers breaks down how much money she charges for sponsored content and the 8-page media kit she sends to brands

• Gym bags allow you to comfortably and easily carry workout apparel and gear to and from the gym. 
• The best gym bags keep clothing and accessories organized, making for easy access and efficient storage.
• Our top pick, the Adidas Defender II, holds plenty of gear, is highly durable, and stays comfortable slung over a shoulder. 

If you regularly work out at a gym or play a sport, you'll want to own a gym bag to help transport your gear. A dedicated gym bag lets you establish a routine that makes preparing for a workout more convenient and your time at the gym more efficient. It also makes any post-exercise transport, laundering, and storage of fitness apparel and gear easier and more hygienic.

A proper gym bag should have multiple compartments that can be used to create your own organizational system. You can appoint one or two pockets to store soiled, sweaty garments and shoes, while dedicating another for clean clothing. Other compartments store water, energy bars, snacks, or supplements and you'll want to stash your phone, keys, and wallet somewhere safe, as well.

There's certainly no shortage of gym bags available to purchase, too, as almost every athletic brand offers its own version. But they're not all created equal. To help, we've tested a number of bags from top brands like Adidas, Under Armour, and Thule to find the best worth owning. 

At the end of this guide, we've also included some insight into how to shop for a gym bag and what to keep in mind when picking one out, as well as the testing methods we used in deciding which made the cut. 

Here are the best gym bags:

• Best gym bag overall: Adidas Defender II Duffel Bag
• Best gym bag on a budget: Everest Gym Bag
• Best backpack gym bag: Under Armour UA Hustle 3.0 Backpack
• Best leather gym bag: Komal's Passion Leather KPL Vintage Leather Gym Duffel
• Best water-resistant gym bag: Thule Chasm
• Best rolling gym bag: Olympia Luggage Rolling Duffel Bag

Best overall

The Adidas Defender II Duffel Bag is well made and refreshingly simple with a few compartments and two ways to carry it.

Pros: Lasts for years of heavy use, simple intuitive design, comes in multiple colors

Cons: Medium and large sizes too big for many people

The Adidas Defender II Duffel Bag has one large main compartment with enough room for a change of clothes and a towel, a water bottle, deodorant and shampoo, and whatever other workout gear you prefer.

Within the main chamber is a smaller zippered pouch perfect for a wallet, keys, phone, and other small valuables. Each end of the bag has a compartment that can fit shoes, sweaty garments, and anything else you want to keep separate. The base is padded to keep your gear safe and the fabric is rip- and puncture-resistant. There's also both a shoulder strap and handles to allow for comfortable and easy transport. 

And that's it. But hey, that's really all you need out of gym bag. So why does this bag cost almost twice as much as other options on our list? Simple. It's remarkably well made. Adidas even offers a lifetime warranty. And when you think about it, that's an impressive amount of faith Adidas is putting in this gym bag. Adidas knows the thing is going to be hauled back and forth to the fitness center, to the track, the field, and everywhere else such luggage gets lugged.

It doesn't hurt that the Defender II comes in nearly two dozen different color patterns, so you can easily find one that not only matches your needs but that matches your personal sense of style, too.

Best on a budget

The Everest Gym Bag's dedicated water bottle sleeve, versatile front pouches, and adjustable, padded shoulder strap make it a great budget-friendly gym bag.

Pros: Great low price, dedicated water bottle pocket, keeps gear and sundries organized

Cons: Occasional issues with side pocket tearing, longevity questionable

The Everest Gym Bag may be our pick for the best budget bag but it's far from something that should be considered cheap. For starters, it's manufactured out of durable 600D polyester that resists scratches and tears, and is even water-resistant. Of course, you don't want to submerge it in a bathtub while your smartphone is inside or anything, but don't worry about some drizzle as you jog from the subway to the gym.

The bag features a large primary compartment with plenty of room for shoes, clothes, showering accessories, and more, and its twin front pouches are perfect for a phone, wallet, some energy bars, or other smaller sundries. A central water bottle sleeve handles most water bottle sizes, too.

On one side of the bag, you will find a zippered mesh pouch, and on the other, there is a closed compartment. Both can be extended into the main area of the bag, allowing you to stash sweaty clothes or muddy shoes away from the rest of your gear.

The only real drawback with this bag is that the side pockets in which you can store soiled gear must take up room in the main compartment to be sufficiently spacious, so it can be tricky to tell exactly how much room you will use in each area after a workout. After a few trips to the gym, though, you should have the balance down and can pack and plan accordingly.

Best backpack

The Under Armour UA Hustle 3.0 Backpack has enough space to carry a pair of shoes, a change of clothes, a full-sized laptop, and a few accessories, and it distributes the weight of all your gear evenly across your torso.

Pros: Distributes weight evenly, water-resistant exterior, padded laptop sleeve

Cons: Capacity is too small for some athletes

Now yes, we just mentioned a lot of stuff that you can fit into a UA Hustle 3.0 Backpack, but to be clear, if you put a pair of sneakers, your gym apparel, a computer, and your wallet, phone, and keys in this bag, it would then be just about full. But that's just fine, because what else do you need to carry with you as you travel from the office to the gym and then home?

And unlike with traditional gym bags that must be slung over one shoulder or carried in your hand, this backpack distributes that weight evenly across your shoulders and down through your core, meaning you can transport all that stuff for miles and miles in comfort if need be.

Anyone with a long trip between the gym and the home or office should consider this gym backpack. Its padded laptop sleeve keeps that invaluable computer safe while the brand's UA Storm technology-treated exterior resists rain, sleet, or snow, keeping your stuff safely dry within. The bottom panel is abrasion-resistant and the entire backpack is rip-stop and puncture-resistant.

And also, the UA Hustle 3.0 Backpack comes in colors ranging from black to blue to pink to orange and more.

Best leather bag

If you love the timeless styling of luggage from generations past, then this Komal's Passion Leather KPL Vintage Leather Gym Duffel is the gym bag for you.

Pros: Beautiful vintage style, multiple compartments and pockets, versatile

Cons: Requires care and maintenance

Don't worry, you don't have to be a bare-knuckle boxer or 19th Century strongman to appreciate the Komal's Passion Leather KPL Vintage Leather Gym Duffel. While this leather duffel may have the look of a vintage piece of equipment, it's actually brand new and manufactured to modern standards and with modern apparel and accessories in mind.

There is a front pocket perfect for your smartphone and keys, there are side pockets that can accommodate shoes or sweaty gear, and there is a large main compartment perfect for a change of clothes, hygiene products, snacks, or whatever else you need to have on-the-go.

This durable leather duffel is the perfect size for use as a gym bag, but it's also great for the traveler. The bag is suitable for carry-on use and will easily fit in overhead compartments and will even fit under the seat aboard many aircraft. And it's hard to mistake this unique, handsome duffel with another traveler's luggage.

While of course there are drawbacks to using a leather duffel, such as the need to avoid heavy precipitation and the more complicated cleaning procedures, these mild issues are greatly outweighed by the KPL Vintage Leather Gym Duffel's classic charm for those who truly value style. And for a leather bag, it's reasonably priced.

Best water-resistant

The Thule Chasm is a water-resistant duffel that protects your gear from the elements. It's also a great travel bag, and it can convert into a backpack for easier hauling.

Pros: Water-resistant, converts from duffel to backpack, large opening, padded bottom

Cons: Expensive, no laptop compartment

Having gone through a good number of bags for the gym, I've grown to appreciate the ones with large openings. It not only makes it easier to pack, but it also lets me get to things much quicker. Which is the reason why I like the Chasm from Thule. The 40-liter version (also available in 70, 90, and 130 liters) is the right size for the gym or a weekend trip, and it has a big opening that I can easily shove workout clothes, shoes, and other gym gear into it.

But there's so much more to this bag. Don't feel like carrying it or slinging it over your shoulder? The Thule Chasm converts into a backpack, making it easy to haul. For me, the versatility is a plus because some days I feel like using a backpack, while other days I prefer a duffel.

The Thule Chasm is made with a water-resistant material, and the bottom is padded to offer some protection. There are mesh pockets on the inner part of the lid for storing dirties. And, you can lock the zippers to prevent theft, which is handy for when you use a gym locker room. The only thing I wish this bag offers is a laptop compartment, which would allow me to carry just one bag from home to office to gym.

Thule products are very well made. I also use Thule bags to carry my camera equipment, so you can rest assure that this bag will protect your gym gear. It is quite expensive for a bag, but if you want to invest in something that offers flexibility and longevity, this is a good option.

If you're looking for a water-resistant duffel, you should also consider two options from Eagle Creek: the Cargo Hauler Duffel 45L and Migrate Duffel 40L. Like the Thule Chasm, both Eagle Creek bags can convert into backpacks. The Cargo Hauler is expandable for when you need more room, while the Migrate Duffel can be packed down for easy storage. I find Eagle Creek bags to be well made, but also affordable. — Les Shu

Best rolling bag

Anyone with joint or shoulder injuries or issues shouldn't carry a gym bag by hand, so the Olympia Luggage Rolling Duffel Bag is just right for them.

Pros: Rolling design takes strain off your body, multiple pockets for easy organization, great price

Cons: Does not stand up straight, lacks sufficiently large compartments for some users' preferences

Gym bags can get heavy quickly, what with all the gear most of us lug along to our workouts. There are shoes, changes of clothes, water bottles, energy bars, shampoo and a towel, and so on.

If you have strength or grip issues in your hands, shoulders, lower back, or really anywhere else, you should not be carrying a heavy gym bag, nor should you sling one over a shoulder. Doing so can throw of your center of balance and/or put undue strain on the sensitive area. With the Olympia Luggage Rolling Duffel, you can tote along all the fitness apparel and gear you want and then some while letting the wheels do most of the work.

At 22 by 12 by 12 inches this gym bag offers plenty of room to stash shoes and clothes, snacks and water, accessories, personal items, and more, but it's not so large that you can't easily bring it on the subway or bus and stash it under your desk at work. As the duffel has no fewer than eight pockets, it's easy to keep all of your stuff organized, not to mention keeping soiled gear separate from clean stuff.

When needed, such as when you encounter stairs or uneven terrain, the Olympia Luggage Rolling Duffel can be picked up by its handles and carried along. But the recessed, in-line skate style wheels — which turn smoothly thanks to metal ball bearings — and the retractable pull handle are what set this bag apart from the rest. Also, it costs only about thirty-two bucks.

How to shop for a gym bag

When choosing the right gym bag for you, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about what you'll be carrying to the gym and then find options that can accommodate it all.

Next, consider when and where you'll have the bag. Do you need to bring it with you on the subway or on a bus? If so, a smaller bag is like a good idea. If you have a long walk or prefer to jog to the gym, then a backpack might be your best bet.

Finally, don't dismiss style as an important element. You'll have your gym bag on you often, so choose the one you'll be proud to have over your shoulder and on display.

How we test gym bags

When compiling a list of the best gym bags, we only considered those with multi-compartment designs. Wel also looked at the materials used, well aware that while one person might value performance and durability, someone else might value style — thus, we included a leather gym duffel.

We heavily weighed the cost, too. Bags can get expensive but unless it's truly unique, we don't think a gym bag needs to cost a fortune. Finally, we looked for special features that set these bags apart from the competition. There are so many currently on the market and while most are quite similar, the bags we chose each have at least one unique factor that earned them a spot.

More great Insider Reviews workout guides

The best yoga mats

Before starting in on any yoga routine or practice, you'll want to make sure you have the right gear and that starts with getting a proper yoga mat. Here are our top picks.

The best at-home dumbbells

Dumbbells are a great fitness tool for building and maintaining strength, perfect either on their own or as a complementary addition to a home gym setup. Check out our favorites.

The best resistance bands

Resistance bands are simple pieces of elastic that create constant tension to stimulate muscle growth and increase the value of your workout. Here are the best ones to buy.

• Some say a clean car drives better — but at the very least it looks better.
• As spring nears, everyday drivers and collectors work to keep their cars free of dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and other debris.
• As a car collector, these are the products I use and recommend, like soaps, waxes, leather conditioners, and microfiber cloths.

During winter, the extent of cleaning your car probably consists of removing snow and salt so you can actually see where you're going — but during warmer seasons it's all about attention to detail.

Dirt, pollen, tree sap, bird droppings, and normal road build-up are just some of the many things that can prevent your ride from looking its best.

Instead of constantly spending money at the car wash, you can piece together an arsenal of products designed to keep your car in pristine condition — and in the long run, you'll save a lot of money.

I own three classic BMWs: a 1991 325i convertible, a 1991 318is, and a 1993 525i wagon. With each of them being more than 25 years old, I do my very best to maintain and preserve their appearance and these are the products I use every year.

Whether you're a meticulous enthusiast preparing for a car show or an average person trying to care for your car, these are the products you'll also want at your disposal. You'll find everything from car wash soaps and waxes to leather cleaners and microfiber cloths — plus a few other unexpected picks.

Here are the best car cleaning and detailing products:

Chemical Guys Snow Foam Car Wash

Product Embed:
Product Name: Chemical Guys Snow Foam Car Wash
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e694a0854f25c1a0a4eb2b6&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

If your at-home car washes include using liquid dish soap from the kitchen, you're doing it all wrong. Chemical Guys' car wash eliminates dirt and grime with a pH-neutral formula that's safe on all surfaces of your car. It has a foaming agent for maximum suds and a fresh honeydew scent.

Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash Mitt

Product Embed:
Product Name: Chemical Guys Microfiber Wash Mitt
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a543484159f59bd6850e5&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

To go along with the right car wash soap, you need the right cleaning tool. The Chemical Wash mitt easily cleans your car without scratching your paint. Its made of an extra-plush, soft, and absorbent microfiber material, and is easier to control than a towel. 

303 Touchless Sealant (wax alternative)

Product Embed:
Product Name: 303 Touchless Sealant
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a549c84159f5a676f98f2&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

Waxing your car with traditional paste wax can be a long and tedious process. If you want the protection and shine of wax within minutes, 303 Touchless can provide it. The spray uses a SiO₂ (silicon dioxide) base to create a hydrophobic and UV barrier on paint, and it's also safe to use on windows and wheels. It made my car shiny, smooth, and repelled water longer than other waxes I've used.

Read my full review here. 

SuperClean Degreaser

Product Embed:
Product Name: SuperClean Degreaser
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a55ec84159f5ca42ba532&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

SuperClean Degreaser has a multitude of cleaning uses, so it comes in handy for many of your car detailing needs. I wouldn't recommend using it at full strength on your paint, but it works wonders cleaning built-up oil, grime, or dirt on your engine bay, under-body, or exhaust pipes. When diluted, it does a great job at cleaning carpets, floor mats, and chrome pieces as well.

Brush Hero

Product Embed:
Product Name: Brush Hero Wheel Brush
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a564484159f5d3d64b313&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

Described as "the ultimate detail brush," the Brush Hero is perfect for cleaning car parts — most specifically tough to reach areas like wheels. It features a rotating brush head that is powered entirely by water pressure from a standard garden hose. I recently had the opportunity to try it out and experienced amazing results.

Read my full review here.

Mother's California Gold Clay Kit

Product Embed:
Product Name: Mothers California Gold Clay Kit
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a56d8e4f9fe5aa21005e2&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

Even after washing your car meticulously, there's still dirt and debris that you just can't get off. That's where claying your car comes into play. The Mother's California Gold Clay Kit comes with two clay bars, Instant Detailer spray, and a microfiber cloth. Simply spray a liberal amount of detailer on the car and use the clay in a sweeping motion.

At first, you'll feel some resistance (that's all the fine dirt and debris). Once it's all clean, your paint will be looking and feeling like glass. Whether your car is relatively new or decades old, you'll definitely notice a difference.

Turtle Wax Microfiber Towels

Product Embed:
Product Name: Turtle Wax Microfiber Towels
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a576354f25c49dd124ab5&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

If you thought using old t-shirts and bath towels as rags was an ok idea, it's really not. Although you may not be able to see it immediately, it can scratch the surface of your paint. Microfiber cloths are a safe and effective way to detail your car without creating damage. Instead of using the same dirty cloth over and over, this 12-pack ensures you'll have a bunch of clean cloths at your disposal.

Zymöl Cleaner Wax

Product Embed:
Product Name: Zymöl Cleaner Wax
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a57b9e4f9fe5bfb5b92da&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

One of the most important, but often-skipped, steps to having an immaculately clean car is a decent coat of wax. Unlike thick waxes that take a lot of time to apply, Zymöl Cleaner Wax goes on easy and it works exceptionally well. Derived from a 120-year-old German formula, the wax cleans your paint (though not as a full car wash replacement) and is gentle and safe.

For as long as I can remember, I've seen my dad use Zymöl on his cars. I've tried several other waxes for my own, but this is the one I've consistently come back to.

Armor All Extreme Tire Shine Gel and Applicator

Product Embed:
Product Name: Armor All Extreme Tire Shine Gel and Applicator
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a589854f25c4b857c1844&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

While most tire shines dry up and wear away after a day or so, Armor All Extreme Tire Shine lasts for weeks. The gel formula adheres to your tires to create a durable shield from the elements. It's also a great way to avoid messy over-spray on your wheels and fenders that you'd expect from a traditional tire shine.

Turtle Wax Headlight Cleaner & Sealant

Product Embed:
Product Name: Turtle Wax Headlight Cleaner & Scrub Daddy Restoration Kit
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a591ee4f9fe5df638d762&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

Almost all modern cars have plastic headlight covers that get dull over time. Not only do they start to look bad, but they can also drastically reduce your headlight output. The Turtle Wax Headlight Cleaner & Scrub Daddy Restoration Kit can bring your plastic lenses to like-new condition — improving your car's appearance and your visibility.

California Car Duster

Product Embed:
Product Name: California Car Duster
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a5a71e4f9fe604a5f7662&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

If you've ever washed your car only to find it covered pollen the next morning, you know how frustrating it can be. Instead of having to clean your car all over again or let your fresh wash go to waste, use the California Car Duster. It effectively lifts dust with one pass and there's no need to use any water or cleaners. 

Black & Decker Dustbuster Auto Vacuum

Product Embed:
Product Name: Black & Decker Dustbuster Auto Vacuum
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a7ccb54f25c06061077f7&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

Cleaning the inside of your car is just as important as cleaning the outside. With a cordless design and multiple attachments, the Black & Decker Dustbuster Auto Vacuum is perfect for reaching every part of your interior. Its compact design makes it easy to store in your trunk, too.

Leather Honey

Product Embed:
Product Name: Leather Honey Leather Conditioner
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a5bd854f25c50f024ea62&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

If you have a leather interior, simply vacuuming isn't the only detailing step you should take. Leather Honey deeply penetrates into the pores of leather to protect new leather and rejuvenate old leather. In the long run, this conditioner can prevent cracks and tears associated with worn-out leather.

CleanTools Absorber

Product Embed:
Product Name: CleanTools Absorber
Card Type: button
https://produktor.businessinsider.com/productCardService?id=5e6a5c7a54f25c51c442a572&type=button&live=true
Width: 100%
Height: 150%

To prevent streaks or watermarks, it's always a good idea to hand dry your car after giving it a wash. If you've ever used a normal towel for this, you know how ineffective it becomes once it's soaking wet.

The CleanTools Absorber is more absorbent than a towel makes drying anything faster and easier. Just wring the water out when you're done and put it back in the included storage tube.

• Sony's 2021 lineup of 4K and 8K TVs range in size from 50 inches to 100 inches.
• The collection is led by a new flagship 8K LED and a new 4K OLED with improved brightness.
• Preorders are now available for select models, and some are already rolling out to stores nationwide.

Sony revealed its flagship collection of new Bravia XR 4K and 8K TVs at CES 2021 in January. The lineup features a mix of LED and OLED models, with screen sizes as big as 100 inches. Select models are available for purchase right now through retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.

For 2021, Sony's displays make the jump from the Android TV platform to the new and improved Google TV system. The upgraded smart TV interface offers a more modern design with an emphasis on content, making it easier to jump right to your favorite streaming shows and movies.

The new TVs also make use of Sony's latest picture processing technology, with the brand-new Cognitive Processor XR. This advanced system is able to intelligently optimize the picture by analyzing different elements and emphasizing the focal point. Unlike other AI picture processing systems, Sony says this method is able to better understand how people actually see images.

All of the Bravia XR models also come equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports for advanced gaming features, like 4K 120Hz support and variable refresh rate. With that said, some of these features may require a firmware update later in the year. For added convenience, most of the new TVs will also allow buyers to choose between three different stand positions, allowing you to place the feet in a narrow, standard, or high position to suit your setup. 

Pricing is still unknown for some of Sony's 2021 TVs, but the A90J OLED is already available for purchase. Below, we've broken down all the details we know so far. 

Sony 4K OLED TVs

The Sony A90J 4K OLED TV is designed to provide better brightness than previous OLED displays.

OLED remains my favorite consumer TV technology, and Sony's OLEDs are known for their incredibly accurate image. In fact, the 2020 Sony A8H is our pick for the best OLED TV for picture quality. The new 2021 A90J is designed to carry over that impressive performance while addressing one of the few areas where OLEDs have lagged behind other TV options: brightness.

Like other OLED TVs, the A90J features pixel-level contrast with true black levels. But unlike older models, the new A90J adds an aluminum sheet to the panel laminate. This allows the screen to disperse heat better. The TV is also able to employ WRGB light emission rather than just use white light.

What all that technical jargon should translate to is a higher peak brightness than we're used to seeing on an OLED TV. Higher peak brightness will make highlights pop more realistically for an even more impressive sense of contrast and depth. Low brightness was one of the only drawbacks for Sony's 2020 OLED models, so we're excited to see the improvements the A90J offers.

With that said, those picture improvements don't come cheap. The 65-inch A90J is listed at $4,000 while the 55-inch model is $3,000. Those high prices are not unexpected, however, as OLED remains a premium display technology and any new advancements will always cost a pretty penny.

For buyers who would rather pay less for an OLED without higher brightness, Sony is also offering a new A80J model which will have brightness levels more on par with last year's models. Both OLEDs will also feature Sony's Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology. This tech allows the screen itself to become the speaker.

Sony hasn't revealed pricing for the A80J models yet, but last year's 65-inch Sony A8H OLED is currently on sale for $2,000. 

Sony Master Series A90J 4K OLED TV

• Sony Master Series A90J 55-inch 4K OLED TV, $2,998
• Sony Master Series A90J 83-inch 4K OLED TV, price TBA

Sony Master Series A80J 4K OLED TV

• Sony A80J 77-inch 4K OLED TV, price TBA
• Sony A80J 65-inch 4K OLED TV, price TBA
• Sony A80J 55-inch 4K OLED TV, price TBA

Sony 4K LED TVs

Sony's flagship 4K LED TVs range in size from 50 inches to a massive 100 inches.

Not to be forgotten among the company's more buzzworthy 8K or OLED TV offerings are Sony's new high-end 4K LED TVs. The X95J and X90J are both shaping up to be impressive options in 2021.

Both models use full-array local dimming for better contrast and black levels than a typical LED screen. That said, unlike Samsung, Sony isn't jumping on the Mini LED bandwagon just yet. Mini LED could end up giving Samsung's Neo QLED TVs an edge over Sony's LED TVs, but we'll have to wait to get hands-on with both to know for sure. 

Still, even without Mini LEDs, the X95J and X90J both feature impressive specifications on paper. The X95J will offer higher brightness and better contrast than the X90J, but both should provide strong HDR performance for movie-watching, streaming, and gaming. And unlike last year's X900H, the new X90J will use the same advanced processor as the more expensive models in the lineup.

Pricing for the 2021 TVs hasn't been detailed yet, but the 2020 X900H Sony 4K TV currently starts at $1,000 for the 55-inch model and goes up to $2,600 for the 85-inch model. 

Sony X95J 85-inch 4K LED TV, price TBA

Sony X95J 75-inch 4K LED TV, price TBA

Sony X95J 65-inch 4K LED TV, price TBA

Sony X90J 100-inch LED TV, price TBA

Sony X90J 75-inch LED TV, price TBA

Sony X90J 65-inch LED TV, price TBA

Sony X90J 55-inch LED TV, price TBA

Sony X90J 50-inch LED TV, price TBA

Sony 8K LED TV

Sony's new Z9J 8K LED TV is sure to be a stunner, but the higher resolution is only a small part of what makes it so impressive.

Major TV manufacturers continue to push 8K resolution in their flagship models, and Sony is no different. That said, what makes the upcoming Z9J 8K TV so impressive has less to do with its resolution and more to do with its incredible brightness and contrast capabilities.

In addition to a native 8K panel, the TV boasts advanced local dimming. This allows the screen to dim and brighten across specific portions of the display for deep black levels and punchy highlights. Last year's Z8H model was capable of exceeding 2,000 nits, and we expect the new Z9J to offer similar if not better performance.

This means that the TV will be able to show off all the benefits of HDR streaming titles from services like Netflix and Disney Plus, as well as 4K Blu-ray discs. It will also offer a bright picture even if you watch TV in a room that lets in a lot of light. 

Though the benefits of an 8K panel over a 4K screen remain hard to see from typical viewing distances, the TV's advanced upscaling should offer some visible improvements, especially at an 85-inch screen size. That said, I still don't recommend buying any 8K TV purely for its higher resolution. Actual 8K movies and shows are virtually nonexistent, and it's really this TV's HDR performance that makes it so special.  

Though pricing hasn't been announced yet, buyers can expect the Z9J to be very expensive when it launches later this year. Last year's 85-inch Z8H 8K TV is currently listed for $9,000 and the 75-inch model still sells for $4,500. In other words, these 8K sets are really only geared toward big home theater fans with deep pockets. 

Sony Master Series Z9J 85-inch 8K LED TV, price TBA

Sony Master Series Z9J 75-inch 8K LED TV, price TBA

• If your skin looks and feels dull, a facial exfoliator might be just what your skin is craving. 
• We spoke with two experts to figure out what to pay attention to when picking a good exfoliator. 
• We also asked our experts and the Insider Reviews team to highlight their go-to face exfoliants.

There are so many potential steps in a skincare routine — cleansing, moisturizing, masking, and pretty much everything under the sun — though, not all steps are mandatory. It really depends on your skin type, tone, and needs, but one step that can really take your complexion to the next level is exfoliation. 

It's no lie that face exfoliators get a bad rep for seemingly being too abrasive, but perhaps you just haven't found the right product for your unique skin. That's why we've consulted two experts to help simplify this product category and how it can actually benefit your skin more than you may think. Dr. Jeanine Downie, board-certified dermatologist of Image Dermatology, and Joshua Ross, celebrity aesthetician of SkinLab, explain all you need to know about face exfoliators in a frequently-asked questions section at the bottom of the guide. You can keep reading to discover the Insider Reviews team's ten favorite products, as well.

Click to jump to the best facial exfoliators in 2021:

• Best facial exfoliators for dry skin 
• Best facial exfoliators for sensitive skin
• Best facial exfoliators for oily skin
• Best facial exfoliators for acne-prone skin
• Best facial exfoliators for mature skin
• Frequently-asked questions

SEE ALSO: The best hairbrushes you can buy

The best face exfoliators for dry skin

SeSpring So Polished Sugar Scrub

So Polished Sugar Scrub (small)

An example of a physical exfoliant, this sugar scrub sloughs off dead skin and then brings a radiance and smoothness to the skin.  "The So Polished Sugar Scrub is great for dry skin types because it provides thorough exfoliation while still being gentle. The key plant-based ingredients, camellia and lotus, hydrate, nourish, and balance the skin. The formula is clean (and verified by the Environmental Working Group), vegan, and the ingredients are responsibly sourced," says Ross. Lavender extract, tea tree extract, peony, waterlily, centella, purslane, and olive oil also help to freshen up the skin. 

Peter Thomas Roth Potent-C Power Scrub

Potent-C Power Scrub (small)

My skin has a tendency to get very dry and dull in the winter, thanks to the steam heat in my apartment. But this scrub from Peter Thomas Roth addresses both of those concerns, thanks to brightening vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid, and hydrating cocoa butter beads. The formula is gentle, and just a touch of pressure in circular motions is enough to leave my skin feeling soft and looking bright. My hydrating serums and moisturizers seem to melt into my skin after using this scrub, which is a bonus for my chapped winter skin. — Maria Del Russo, style and beauty guides editor

The best face exfoliators for sensitive skin

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Daily Microfoliant (small)

This exfoliant is unique because it starts as a powder, but turns into a paste upon interaction with water. Papain, salicylic acid, rice enzymes, and phytic acid derived from rice bran, white tea, and licorice join forces to buff dead skin cells and evens the skin. "For sensitive skin types, I recommend Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant because it's gentle enough to use daily and uses enzymes to exfoliate, which will gently help dissolve skin without being harsh,"Ross says. Colloidal oatmeal and allantoin are the main soothing ingredients, and are compatible with sensitive skin.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

Lactic Acid 10% + HA (small)

This is the chemical exfoliant that made me believe I could use them on my dry, sensitive skin and also got me to ditch physical exfoliants. It's super affordable and has no added ingredients that would irritate my skin. There's a 5% concentration formula too that I started out with to wean myself onto using it, which I'd recommend doing if you're new to acids. It leaves my skin more even-toned and less clogged without any flaking. — Kyle Kerchaert, senior video producer, beauty and style

The best face exfoliators for oily skin

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (small)

This chemical exfoliator comes widely recommended by popular estheticians on social media. After finding it on sale, I decided to finally give it a try and it did not disappoint. This exfoliant brightens and clears my skin and my blackheads. As with all exfoliants, I would recommend patch testing this product before using and starting with use two to three times a week max before increasing to the everyday use listed in the product instructions. — Maliah West, home & kitchen reviews fellow

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

10% Azelaic Acid Booster (small)

This product marries azelaic acid and salicylic acid in order to smooth skin texture, brighten, deal with blemishes, and fade spots. It has an oil-free cream-gel consistency and can be worn alone once or twice a day, or mixed into a moisturizer or serum. "For dark skin types, I recommend the Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster because azelaic acid has been proven safe and effective for helping to brighten darker skin, without risking pigmentation issues that can occur with other acids,"Ross says. 

The best face exfoliators for acne-prone skin

iS Clinical Active Serum

Active Serum (small)

Though this product doesn't take on the typical format of a traditional exfoliator, it does contain plenty of exfoliating ingredients. White willow bark extract, bilberry extract, and sugarcane extract all work together to gently exfoliate and clean the pores for a much brighter and moisturized complexion. "I recommend the Active Serum from iS Clinical for acne-prone skin because it's very effective yet safe to use nightly and you can also spot treat when you have a breakout,"Ross says. 

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (small)

This chemical exfoliator's iconic blood-red color initially made me timid about trying it out, but I knew it had to have some merit after all of the hype. I'm glad I caved in because it has definitely improved my skin texture and pore congestion. Following the first application, my skin felt soft and squeaky clean. One spot, in particular, had even flattened out. If you have sensitive skin, though, you might find this product too abrasive. And if this is your first rodeo with the product or chemical peels in general, it's a good idea to do a patch test beforehand. Regardless, what I found helpful was starting with five minutes of keeping this peel on and then working my way up to the full recommended ten minutes. I treat myself to this exfoliator twice a week (as the brand suggests), skip out on toner and retinol those nights, and remember to pack on the SPF the next morning. You can read a more thorough breakdown of the product here. — Katie Decker-Jacoby, style & beauty reviews fellow

The best face exfoliators for mature skin

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask

T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask (small)

This mask can give you that "glow factor" Dr. Downie mentioned earlier, thanks to the formula's blend of AHAs (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric), salicylic acid (a BHA), and chickpea flour. Clogged pores, rough texture, and dullness begone with the use of this exfoliating product. "The T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial AHA+ BHA Mask is great for mature skin types because it addresses all signs of aging with one gentle product," says Ross.

Dermalogica Multi-vitamin Thermafoliant

Multi-Vitamin Thermafoliant (small)

I have been using this exfoliant for over a year and use it faithfully once a week. I like that it becomes warm when mixed with water, which makes it feel like it's working harder. My skin looks and feels smooth after each use. It's a little on the pricey side but you don't need to use a lot each time, so one tube lasts a long time. — Roselle Schjong, executive director, research & insights

Frequently-asked questions

What should an exfoliator do? 

According to Dr. Downie, if you want to improve your skin's "glow factor," use an exfoliator. To elaborate on this "glow factor," Ross says, "A good exfoliator should gently slough off dead skin without harming the skin in the process. When skin doesn't get sufficient exfoliation, it will appear dull and feel dry." Exfoliation enables your skin to soak up all of the ingredients' benefits as well as stay properly hydrated, too. 

Who should exfoliate and how often? 

You may be wondering if your skin type and exfoliation make a good match. Truth is, people of all skin types and tones can exfoliate. However, it should be noted that those with very dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis should generally stay away from exfoliators due to a higher chance of irritation. Folks with mature skin can join in on this step, but with decreased frequency and an extra gentle touch, according to Dr. Downie. 

There is such a thing as exfoliating too much, which can cause irritation, redness, or weakening of the skin microbiome. So, be sure to exfoliate only two to three times a week, as suggested by our two experts. And if you find your skin is sensitive to an exfoliator, you can try reducing the frequency of use or scout out a different one. 

What are the differences between physical exfoliants and chemical exfoliants? 

The first thing to understand is that there are two kinds of exfoliants: physical and chemical. The former has — you've guessed it — physical particles such as walnut shells, sand, and microbeads that use your manual efforts to buff away dead skin cells. You might want to dodge exfoliators with larger, harder, sharper bits in them and instead opt for ones with finer, granier pieces. According to Dr. Downie, the formulas with bigger physical particles could potentially cause hyperpigmentation or micro-tears on the outermost layer of your skin. For this reason, Dr. Downie tends to recommend chemical exfoliants over physical ones. 

As for chemical exfoliators, these are acid-based products like peels, which slough off dead skin cells and show a fresh layer of skin underneath. Ross says, "The amount of skin removed is determined by the type of acid, concentration percentage, and duration the acid is left on the skin." You can look for glycolic acid and salicylic acid in exfoliants to improve skin texture and tone. Salicylic acid, in particular, is great for those with oily, acne-prone skin, since it can decrease inflammation and swelling, and also sweep away dead skin that prompts breakouts, according to Ross. 

Which ingredients should I look for in exfoliators?   

There's a lot to decipher when it comes to ingredients that appear in exfoliators. More specifically, there are two key groups of ingredients for chemical exfoliants: alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). Kate Watson for Insider Reviews jumps into all of the particulars here.

March Madness is back!

For the few days, college basketball fans all across the country will be filling out their brackets and hoping they don't go bust. It's one of the most enthralling traditions in all of sports.

While there's no wrong way to fill out your bracket, there are some trends that seem to happen year after year and surprise us all the same.

I've gone through the past 28 years of bracket data with a fine-toothed comb to help bring you a few tips while filling out your bracket.

Take a look at our bracket tips below.

No. 12 vs. No. 5 upsets are a always discussed, but don't go too crazy with them.

The No. 12 vs. No 5 upset is always discussed at length in the build up to the first weekend of March Madness, and rightfully so — in 13 of the past 28 years, at least two No. 12 teams had an upset in the first round. Additionally, the No. 12 vs. No. 5 upset is a fairly safe one to make, as in most cases, the eventual winner will be set to lose to the top seed in the region in the Sweet 16.

In the past 108 No. 12 vs. No. 5 matchups, the lower seed has prevailed 41 times. Projecting that number out into this year, you're probably safe to pick one or two upsets in this matchup if you think you found the right team.

One helpful hint — sometimes the 12-seed won't even be the underdog. Check Las Vegas odds on these matchups and you might find the lower seed favored, usually a pretty good signal of upset potential.

There is almost always a top-seeded team that goes down in the first round.

While the 12-5 upsets usually get the most press, in 24 of the past 28 years a team seeded 2-4 has also fallen in the first round to their lower seeded counterpart. In 14 of the past 28 years, it has happened at least twice.

In 2018, we even saw the first ever No. 1 seed lose in the first round, with UMBC upsetting Virginia and busting brackets across the country.

The most difficult aspect of picking these dramatic upsets is finding the right team — with 12 teams seeded 13-15, you really have to hit the bullseye on your pick for the Cinderella team. That said, if you can call the next Lehigh over Duke upset, you get bragging rights in your league for life — a fair trade-off of risk and reward in my humble opinion.

You'll find the right team with a combination of feel and luck — look for the champion of a smaller conference that has uniforms you like and are going against a team you hate in the first round. It's fun to root for!

If you want to play these safe, that's understandable, and might the be more logical move in terms of coming out on top of your league. But don't be shocked to see your favorite No. 3 team toppled in the first round.

Don't be too shy about putting a double-digit team through to the Sweet 16.

Another tip toward filling out your bracket that might make you pull back a bit at first — don't be afraid to put a double-digit seed through to the Sweet 16. Just twice in the past 28 years have all the teams that advanced to the second weekend of the tournament been seeded ninth or higher.

In fact, in that time, the tournament has averaged a little over two teams seeded No. 10 or lower making it past the first two rounds. In 2018, No. 11 Loyola-Chicago took their impressive run all the way to the Final Four.

If there is a spicy team seeded 10th or 11th that you have been watching this year, have faith in them, especially if they have players and coaches with tournament experience, or are sporting a young crop of players that are growing into their own.

Perfect regions are extremely rare.

Somewhat related to the fact that there is usually at least two spoilers playing in the Sweet 16, it is also extremely rare for a region to advance the top four seeds without a misstep. The top four seeds in a given region have all made it to the second weekend just 12 times in the past 28 years.

If you're a casual bracket fan that likes to play it safe, keep this in mind when working your way to the middle rounds — you don't have to pick any wild upsets, but it might be prudent to slip a No. 6 past a No. 3 team just to keep a little chaos alive in your bracket.

In March Madness, chaos is currency.

Not every No. 1 makes the Final Four.

Here is another tip for the more cautious of bracket builders — don't pick all the 1-seeds to make it to the Final Four. Just once in tournament history have all four top seeds made it out of their region.

Instead, find a balance. In the past 28 years, 44 1-seeds have made it to the final weekend of the tournament — by far the most of any seed, but still only one or two in most years.

A healthy way to reach a plausible Final Four without sticking strictly with favorites is to work off of averages. Over the past 28 years, the average sum of the Final Four seeds has hovered around 11. That can translate to two top seeds, a No. 3 and a No. 6, or any other number of combinations.

Obviously you can pick a lower sum total to work towards if you want to play a bit more conservatively with your bracket, but the numbers don't lie. If your Final Four teams add up to seven or less, you probably have room to get a little riskier.

When picking a national champion, it's usually best to stick with the top teams.

While it's good to add a bit of variance to your Final Four, when it comes to picking a champion, it's probably best for your bracket to pick your favorite of the top four teams in the field. Since 1993, 19 of the 27 national champions have come into the tournament as a 1-seed.

If you feel like there is a lower seed absolutely calling to you, make sure it's one that has at least had some success. Of the eight teams that weren't top seeds and went on to win the tournament, six of them had won either their conference title or conference tournament on their way to March Madness.

There is no wrong way to fill out your bracket — every pick is a personal journey that's yours and yours alone. But with the right information on hand and a little bit of luck, you can hopefully find yourself the winner of bragging rights and a little bit of cash by the end of the month.

• Lively outdoor dining, entertainment, and activities make Atlanta an attractive place to visit.
• Nature enthusiasts will also find rivers, trails, and parks to explore in the "City in a Forest."
• We've chosen well-located Airbnbs in the city and just beyond, ranging from $75 to $169 a night.

The historically busiest airport in all of America may be a little less so these days due to the ongoing pandemic, and Atlanta's famous nightlife is a little more subdued due to related restrictions in place, but that doesn't mean the Big A's asleep. There's no mistaking that the vibrant capital of Georgia is still hot, and heating up even further alongside the weather. 

The city's gorgeous climate means mild, short winters and lots of sunshine, which makes it especially appealing thanks to a longer season for COVID-conscious outdoor dining and activities. Miles of green space, like city parks, playgrounds, raw and paved trails like the BeltLine and Silver Comet, and the wide, chill- or thrilled-filled (depending on your chosen activity) Chattahoochee River ensure you don't forget that this bustling destination is also known as "The City in the Forest." Not to mention the architectural gems that take visitors on a time-traveling tour of design and innovation, despite the city's infamous torching amidst the Civil War.

All of these provide crowd-free alternatives to the traditional nightlife allure of Atlanta. And another smart way to stay socially distant is to book a private Airbnb, which the CDC and experts have confirmed is a safer option compared to hotel stays. To provide yet greater peace of mind, Airbnb requires all hosts to adhere to their new, stringent Enhanced Clean Protocol guidelines. 

So if you're ready to see why so many Fortune 500 companies, studios, and startups are being drawn to the dazzle of the "Hollywood of the South" and want to explore why it's become the fourth fastest-growing region in America, we have you covered on where to stay. 

We rounded up the best Airbnbs in Atlanta based on the following criteria:

1. We only included entire homes or standalone guesthouses with private entrances, per current expert recommendations. 
2. All are highly rated with a 4.6 score or higher, with the exception of a couple brand-new listings that are not yet rated.
3. Some listings are technically in neighborhoods OTP (Outside the Perimeter), but in ones with their own attractions and that are still relatively convenient to the city's center. I not only used my own knowledge as a local, but also consulted with Atlanta native and top realtor, Ariel Baverman of Keller Williams First Atlanta to ensure all listings are in desirable areas, from long-time downtown favorites to up-and-coming gems.
4. We've kept affordability in mind, but chosen a range of rentals to suit various price points from $75 to $169 per night to start.
5. Every property is a standout in either design, location, history, amenities, or uniqueness.

Here are the best Airbnbs in Atlanta, sorted by price from low to high.

Private guesthouse near historic Marietta Square, $75

Book this private guesthouse starting from $75 per night 

Like a stay at grandma's house, this guesthouse feels homey, comfortable, and familiar, with simple but fun accents from the yellow bed quilt and floral ottoman to the antique pinball machine in the living area. The home also has a private patio that overlooks the main house, which was built during WWII for the nearby Lockheed airplane factory — a great example of working-class housing during that time. 

Be aware that this guesthouse is located on the same property as the host's main home, but it is entirely separate and has its own private entrance. The grassy lawn provides a nice area to play or enjoy a picnic, and an extra Twin rollaway bed makes this a nice option for small families.

Located just six blocks from Marietta Square, which you might recognize from "Dumb and Dumber To" and the upcoming Aretha Franklin documentary, "Genius: Aretha," this area less than half an hour from Midtown Atlanta is rife with charm. Its picturesque square is surrounded by trendy and traditional eateries, shops, and even breweries, and offers events both big and small, such as Taste of Marietta and Tuesday night bluegrass.

On the other side of the square, by the Marietta Museum of History, is the Marietta Square Market, an urban-style food hall with some of the best affordable, casual dining in Atlanta. Its parking lot turns into a bustling farmer's market on weekends that's ideal for grabbing some snacks before or after a self-led tour of the many uniquely designed historic homes that line nearby Cherokee, Whitlock, and Church Streets.

Book your stay from May onwards; it's fully reserved until then.

Vinings loft with air hockey table near Truist Park, $79

Book this loft starting from $79 per night 

Just across the 'Hootch from the Paces division in upscale Buckhead, this unique neighborhood is among the city's most desired. It's here that the walkable Vinings Jubilee shopping center is located, with specialty stores and restaurants inlaid in a village-like design. This area is home to the historic Old Vinings Inn and the iconic Canoe restaurant, as well as residential neighborhoods with homes set to stun. Closer still is Truist Park, where the Braves and local residents play, and Cumberland Mall, the first four-anchor mall built in Georgia. 

Vinings also puts you right at the foot of some great trails along the river, but staying at this loft, you needn't go too far to get your workout in. Located within a development, there's a walking trail right on property, along with shared tennis courts, and a resort-style pool. Not to mention the fitness center and on-site studio great for yoga, spin, pilates, or barre workouts. 

This listing boasts steel cable-strung stairs that lead to a roomy loft bedroom, with sunlight streaming in from a row of windows at the base of the dramatically high ceilings. Below, you'll find a blue velvet couch, a four-person dining table, and a full kitchen with granite countertops. There's even an air hockey table for those who want a little friendly competition.

For the best outdoor views, head to the patio around the lake in the complex. There, bistro tables give guests a spot to take a deep breath and enjoy some sunshine. 

The calendar is wide open for this new listing, so stake your claim now.

Creekside studio with an indoor spa, $88

Book this creekside studio starting from $88 per night 

The Chattahoochee Plantation neighborhood is unique not just for its architecturally diverse mega-mansions and its many entrances to the nature preserves along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, but also for its stubborn history. For years, this tiny, ten-foot by seven-mile city was the only thing standing between the city of Atlanta creeping into the boundaries of Cobb County just north of Sandy Springs.

This studio is on the Atlanta side of the river to its obstinate neighbors on gawp-able Paper Mill Road, Columns Drive, and Atlanta Country Club Drive, but gives you plenty to go ga-ga over right on the grounds. Attached to a huge contemporary home overlooking a scenic wooded creek, it has its own private entrance. Just inside, you'll find an absolutely spectacular indoor pool and hot tub. 

Under soaring ceilings held up with exposed beams are walls of windows and a posh seating area with cabana curtains for privacy, creating an experience not unlike an oversized hydrotherapy room in an upscale resort spa. From there, a back deck and outdoor grill are at guest disposal to better enjoy Marsh Creek views. 

This home has good availability over the next few months.

Backyard treehouse-style cabin, $96

Book this backyard cabin starting from $96 per night 

For anybody who ever wanted a tree house as a child and now wants style and character as an adult, this novel rental is just the ticket. Half an hour out from Midtown Atlanta in the suburb of Kennesaw, near the mountain, battlefield, and university of that same name, is this charmer with its own private driveway. Once parked, follow the outdoor string lights to find a handcrafted staircase the leads to a vintage front door. 

The exterior is all rough, raw wood, but the inside is a quintessential example of the rustic-chic farmhouse aestehtic. Tall ceilings soar up to a high peak over a stained glass window, while additional floor-to-ceiling windows lend light and airiness to the space. Hardwood flooring, stunningly distressed, contrasts with clean-whitewashed wood plank walls, and a country chandelier hanging over the bed. Antique-style accents like a reading chair, handmade bench, and 100-year-old cabinet are offset by modern amenities like an electric fireplace, heating, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. 

Outside are two rocking chairs, set on a porch that overlooks a backyard meadow. Steps from there is a surprisingly nice outhouse with a composting toilet and a sink powered by a manual water dispenser. Guests staying for two or more nights get use of a basement shower just 30 steps away.

Stays are available as soon as you're ready; dates are widely open.

Luxurious all-glass apartment in Midtown, $97

Book this luxury apartment starting from $97 per night 

This stunning space in Midtown is everything city-lovers imagine in an upscale urban high-rise, including its prime location. Eye-level with the skyline, you can plan your day just by looking down and out and pointing where next to explore. Floor-to-ceiling windows make up the walls of the bedroom, spacious living room, and even the marble kitchen — a massive benefit of a corner unit. 

Another perk is the large wraparound balcony that boasts it is "large enough for a morning workout." But if you need more space than that, there's an all-glass-view gym in the building too, complete with a workout studio, plus a heated outdoor pool and working spaces, just in case you play too hard and feel like you ought to make up for it.

After all, in this location, it's not difficult to have too much fun. Midtown, the "heart of the arts," is where all the city's action really is. Public transportation via the MARTA is more accessible here than almost anywhere else in the city, but if you're driving in and taking advantage of the included secure parking of this home, everywhere you might want to visit is only minutes away.

Over 150 restaurants, clubs, and bars are scattered throughout this neighborhood, and Piedmont Park and the BeltLine are only steps away from this high-rise. Follow that paved trail to find tiny doors and the Ponce City Market, the city's largest adaptive reuse project with shops and an incredible food hall of chef-led innovation.

Despite being new to Airbnb, this unique serviced apartment isn't available until July, so book early.

Urban chic condo in Atlantic Station, $97

Book this chic condo starting from $97 per night 

The trendy Atlantic Station neighborhood is perhaps one of the best examples of what it means to live/work/play, all in one luxurious and well-appointed bubble. On the west side of the city, this strategically developed area was built to house 50 shops, a Central Park with live outdoor shows, BODIES The Exhibition, and a movie theatre in a streetscape-like setting. And when the temperatures drop, there's outdoor ice skating during the short winter season, which ends around mid-February.

Close to Atlantic Station's big-brand stores, sidewalk cafes, and boutique hotel is this lovely apartment with a modern-eclectic energy thanks to a dynamic mix of patterns and materials, from a green velvet couch to a zebra rug. The balcony offers views of a resort-style saltwater pool that's enchantingly lit up at night in soothing aqua blues. By day, this pool area is a prime spot to luxuriate under a warm Georgian sun, giving the rooftop with its city views some stiff competition for vacation-luxury vibes. 

This bird's eye view puts into context just how close this location is to some of Atlanta's biggest attractions, like the High Art Museum and Tony Award-winning Alliance Theatre. It's due north of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium — home of the Falcons— and State Farm Arena, and due south of Buckhead, just on the other side of the highway from buzzy Midtown.

This home has good availability over the next few months.

Modern tiny home in Old Fourth Ward, $99

Book this tiny home starting from $99 per night 

The Old Fourth Ward, affectionately abbreviated to O4W, is one of central Atlanta's most happening neighborhoods. Just east of Downtown and south of Midtown, it's now an intriguing combination of new, trendy developments and design right alongside historic sites like Martin Luther King, Jr.'s home. Atlantans love this neighborhood for its miles-long, paved, and elevated BeltLine Trail and the myriad of attractions sprung up around it, like the amazing Ponce City Market.

A block away is where you'll find this upscale Nordic-style tiny home, whose minimalistic style and plush fur-trimmed accent decor create a sense of Scandinavian simplicity and peace. Every precious inch of this space is used well and Instagram-ready, from the Brazilian hardwood shower that recalls a spa sauna to a lofted bed with skylight window to the small desk that overlooks a rock creek right outside. Also outside is a 125-year-old American sycamore tree in the private yard, and a fenced space that offers a smokeless fire pit and two lounge chairs facing the tiny home's little patio. 

You'll be walking distance to trails, shops, and restaurants, but should you want to stay in, there's a UHD Smart TV that's Netflix-ready, and a kitchenette that comes complete with an induction cooktop, microwave, and a retro-style fridge.

It's available starting now, with plenty of weekend dates open through early summer.

Posh apartment in Buckhead, $110

Book this posh apartment starting from $110 per night 

Buckhead is a posh address shared by the Governor, and this one-bedroom apartment puts you right in the center of it. It's only a few walkable blocks to Lenox Square, a premium shopping mall with 250 stores spread across nearly 1.6 million square feet. As if that weren't enough, Phipps Plaza is also only steps away, impressive with its mahogany walls, marble floors, chandeliers, and grand staircase.

But Buckhead isn't just primed for commerce — it's good for art and action, too. Around Miami Circle and Bennet Street are clusters of independent art galleries, and the young, affluent professionals that live in this neighborhood frequent the bars, clubs, and chic restaurants along Peachtree and Roswell Roads.

You can prep for a glamorous night out in this light, bright, and spacious apartment, channeling the elegant decor of the apartment. In the bedroom, an upholstered bed is furnished with a memory foam mattress under a trey ceiling, and a minibar stocked with small bottles of liquor and wine offers a pre-gaming amenity. The spacious living area is decked out in a soothing cream and blue color palette, and the modern kitchen includes all-white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and grey tiling.

During the day, take advantage of the on-site gym and the rooftop pool. The latter overlooks the city skyline, magical any time. Garage parking for one means you can linger as you like. 

Availability is immediate for this new addition to Airbnb, with dates open well into summer.

Loft in Virginia Highlands, $113

Book this loft starting from $113 per night 

Just east of Midtown, Virginia Highlands has been recognized by "Southern Living" as the fourth best neighborhood in all the South — and it's no wonder. Its tree-lined streets shade beautiful homes and over 75 restaurants, shops, and bars, including Atlanta's oldest continually licensed tavern, Atkins Park. It's host to Summerfest in the (you guessed it!) summer and Tour of Homes for looky-loos in the winter; and puts you within steps of the BeltLine, Piedmont Park, and Atlanta's Botanical Garden.

Homes here are traditionally the beautiful bungalow-style of the '20s and '30s, with high ceilings in the pre-war build. This brand-new loft guesthouse is right off the main strip.

Arrive to a gorgeous Craftsman-style entrance with a rose-strewn portico at the entrance, just off the parking area that's overhung by the loft's balcony. Once inside, you'll be hard-pressed to decide which of the two bedrooms you'd rather have: the ground level one with French doors, plantation shutters, and an outside entrance, or the novelty of the loft suspended over the living space and bounded by steel cables. A soothing palette of blues, creams, and natural woods dominates the aesthetic, creating a cool contrast to the rich brick and brown of the exterior. 

There are plenty of open dates over the next few months.

High-rise, hotel-style living near Edgewood, $139

Book this high-rise apartment starting from $139 per night 

Right on the border of quirky, accessible Edgewood and just south of Inman Park and bohemian Little Five Points, this hotel-style resort apartment is at the crossroads of artsy and independent city culture. 

The creative vibe of its location makes it into the decor of a gorgeous common area lounge. It's stylish and posh, and sexy besides, with splashes of deep reds, rich purples, and bright oranges. The expansive common area also has an oversized shared worktable space with pop-up plugs to keep your gear fully juiced, and a wet bar, dining tables, and TVs to channel more of that city-life workspace feeling. A spiffy gym, also decked out in bold colors, is yours to enjoy during your stay. The apartment has a full modern kitchen, but this close to the Krog Street Market, a world-class and famous food hall, you likely won't make much use of it. 

Outdoors, though, is where visitors find their R&R. The building's resort-style pool has private cabanas and tanning areas around it, as well as firepits to gather your group of up to four around.

Availability begins in May.

Historic creekside cottage, $130

Book this historic cottage starting from $130 per night 

In a city rife with verdant green space, to say that Chastain Park is one of its best is a serious statement. Nonetheless, it's said by passionate Buckhead and Sandy Springs residents, who love where they live thanks to this outdoor attraction that gives locals and visitors alike easy access to outdoor concerts, walking trails, golf courses, art galleries, stables, and more. It's also just 15 to 20 minutes to Midtown. 

But because Atlanta's attractions are spread out across various suburban neighborhoods, you need not stray too far from this 1940s cottage on a creek to find activity. A sunny dining area attached to the spacious, well-lit kitchen is just the spot to enjoy a home-cooked meal or takeout from the numerous nearby eateries. There are windows on every wall, all the better to enjoy views of the sprawling parklike grounds. Bedrooms are simple but large, and the host even leaves out spa-like bathrobes to take lounging to the next level.

Across the brook, over the bridge, is a meadow with wild berries and trees, and flowers when in season. Don't forget to bring your Tesla if you're lucky enough to have one. There's a fast, free charging station. 

This home has availability starting in May.

Carriage house in Chastain Park, $150

Book this carriage house from $150 per night 

This carriage house may be less than a mile away from Chastain Park, but it almost feels like your own private preserve. Its long meandering driveway takes you to the wooded property before dropping you off at your new doorstep. Once inside, you'll find a modern, cool aesthetic that includes a new kitchen with granite counters and gray cabinets, and a spacious, bright marble-pattern bathroom. All around are windows with views of the trees beyond and your closest neighbors will be a barred owl and whatever birds happen to visit the feeder.

As nice as these digs are, outside is actually where the greatest attractions for this property lie. The carriage house opens up to its own deck, which then leads to a charming brick path on a sloped hillside. Head toward the hammock to get to the lovely in-ground pool, which even has fountains spouting into it. Between dips, grill up a meal and enjoy it on various premium loungers, the bar table, or the seats around the fire pit. But if you want a fire pit closer to nature, make your way to the treehouse and the large swing beside it. There's a more rustic fire pit with tree stump seating there.

Reservations don't open up until July, but that's also because local COVID restrictions for Sandy Springs has imposed a minimum stay rule of 30 days. 

Three-story tree house on the mountain, $156

Book this tree house starting from $156 per night 

Granted, you're half an hour or so away from the heart of the action in Atlanta's Midtown out here in suburban Kennesaw, but that seems like a small price to pay to stay in such a fantastical setting. This true tree house, built into the canopy and in one part, around an actual tree is a self-contained adventure. It even has an escape room-type treasure hunt challenge built into your stay. 

Comprised of three floors total across two independent structures connected by a rope bridge lit by fairy lights, the first building features vaulted ceilings with pine beams and a tin roof for rain to gently pitter-patter down. Its walls are made of knotty bamboo walls whose patterns are broken up by a stained glass window and French doors that open wide. Through those doors, access a wraparound porch that leads to the other building, which has a screened-in area with tables and chairs for dining or relaxation, and a ladder fastened against the central tree's trunk that leads up to a crow's nest observatory.

Like the rest of the home, the bamboo it's made of comes from only a few miles away, making it not only a sustainable material, but local to boot. Other local and personal touches include handmade lamps, a cypress and blue resin water pitcher table made with love by the owner, a cedar plank writing desk, and a bucket and pulley system in the crow's nest. A manmade stream runs beneath, complete with mini waterfalls, a bridge, and hammocks ripe for taking naps to the tune of the gentle gurgle.

A stay here also provides plenty of creature comforts, including a full bathroom with a marble shower and handmade soap just yards from the front steps. 

Availability begins in mid-April and for scattered days in the months thereafter.

Colorful apartment in Edgewood, $169

Book this colorful apartment starting from $169 per night

Developed during the Reconstruction-era, Edgewood has long been a neighborhood with its own character and identity. Since its annexation across the county line from Fulton to DeKalb, it's done a glow-up of its working-class roots and new construction over the past few years has added architectural diversity to its traditional craftsman bungalow blocks.

This bright and pretty mid-rise apartment is right on the border of this area, close to vintage stores, natural food markets, street performers, edgy art, and many quirks to love. Plus, it's near a MARTA station, which gets you quickly to in-town neighborhoods like Midtown. Though there's a secure garage parking available for those with their own car.

Featuring cheery white, yellow, and cerulean decor this property has a Miami resort feel. The shared pool area, with modern takes on Acapulco loungers, add to the sunny vacation vibes. Chic details like a tiered glass coffee table, big ATL letters decorating the walls, and a roomy walk-in shower give this spot an upscale feel. A shared game room, colorful lounge area, and gym round out the on-site amenities.

Availability starts as soon as April.

There are few parts of Alphabet more fascinating than its futuristic research lab, X. From drones to driverless cars, the top-secret, free-ranging division has birthed some of the Google parent company's biggest "moonshot" projects.

Some of those, such as self-driving car company Waymo, have "graduated" into their own entities housed under Alphabet. Others, like energy-storage company Malta, have spun off into independent businesses outside the Google family entirely.

Some fail entirely. In February, Alphabet announced it was grounding its internet balloon business, Loon. Last year, it shuttered its energy kite company, Makani.

But the group still has bold ambitions to launch the next big Alphabet business. That could be an industrial robotics company, or the mobility project SmartyPants. It could also be a project focused on solving the climate crisis, something that has become an increasing point of focus for the lab.

We've rounded up some of the more promising projects happening inside X right now, based on Insider's and other outlets' reporting.

Got a tip on another interesting X project? You can contact this reporter securely using the encrypted messaging apps Signal and Telegram (+1-628-228-1836) or via encrypted email (hslangley@protonmail.com). Reach out using a nonwork device.

SEE ALSO: Alphabet's top-secret X moonshot lab revealed one of its recent project failures was a lip-reading device that made too many mistakes

Mineral

In 2018, Alphabet's X said it was exploring new ways to use artificial intelligence in food production. In October, it revealed that that research was continuing under a project called Mineral.

Mineral has set out to change farming using what it calls "computational agriculture." Put more simply, it's finding innovative ways to use technology to give farmers better insight into what's happening in their field.

The company says that by tracking how plants are developing, growers can better predict the size and yield of the crop, which can then help them make better yield projections.

Leading the project is Elliot Grant, who was formerly CEO of HarvestMark, a platform for tracing foods to their farming source.

One of the central elements of Mineral is solar-powered electric buggies that can travel across a field and capture data on crops using cameras and other sensors. It would then combine that with satellite imagery, as well as soil and weather data, to identify patterns and give farmers a better understanding of how their crops are growing.

The team said it is currently working with breeders and growers in Argentina, Canada, the United States, and South Africa.

"Just as the microscope led to a transformation in how diseases are detected and managed, we hope that better tools will enable the agriculture industry to transform how food is grown," project lead Elliott Grant wrote in a blog post.

Everyday Robot Project

Once upon a time, Google had a real thing for robots. So much so that in 2013 it went on a spending spree for robotics companies, including Boston Dynamics. But those dreams fell apart, and in 2017 it sold Boston Dynamics to the Japan-based tech conglomerate SoftBank.

Now, the company's robot aspirations may be reigniting, but with a twist. In 2019, X announced the Everyday Robot Project, an initiative to build robots that can be "taught" rather than simply coded.

The project is being overseen by general manager Hans Peter Brondmo.

"It's possible for robots to learn how to perform new tasks in the real world just through practice, rather than having engineers 'hand code' every new task, exception, or improvement," Brondmo wrote in a blog post announcing the project.

The team say they are building these robots to work in "unstructured" environments. "In order for robots to be useful day to day, they need to understand and make sense of the spaces where we live and work, and adapt to them as they gain experience. This requires new forms of machine intelligence," the team wrote on its website.

The project is testing its robots in workplace environments in Northern California, and say the initial results are "encouraging," with the bots performing tasks such as recycling (rather slowly, the team notes).

In time, the Everyday Robotics Project could make Alphabet competitive with Amazon's own robotics initiative.

Wolverine

X is actively working on several wearables projects, but sources have told Insider that one of the most promising is an augmented-reality device focused on the future of hearing.

It's codenamed Wolverine, a reference to the mutant's heightened senses (and one of the project lead's favorite characters, one source said). The Wolverine team began work on the project in 2018, and sources say much work has been focused on iterating a device that would give wearers enhanced hearing abilities.

One of the initial "features" the team have been working to solve is speech segregation, letting the wearer focus on one particular speaker in a group setting with overlapping conversations.

However, like other X projects, the ultimate goal would be to build this into a business, not just one device or a single technology. Wolverine is being led by Jason Rugolo, a former ARPA-E director who joined X in 2017.

It's still in the early stages, but sources say Wolverine has gathered momentum and brought aboard some notable names, including Simon Carlile, a former VP of Starkey Hearing Technologies, as tech lead. 

Tidal

Tidal is X's ocean conservation project aimed at making fish farming more sustainable.

It's in some ways similar to Mineral. The initiative uses cameras and "machine perception tools" to monitor and interpret fish behavior not visible to the human eye. Over time, this data can help fish farmers manage their pens more efficiently.

"We can't protect what we don't understand," wrote Tidal general manager Neil Davé in a blog post last year announcing the project.

"Pollution and unsustainable fishing practices mean that there will soon be more plastic than fish in the sea, while rapid acidification is killing corals and sea creatures."

Although the project was first publicly revealed in March 2020, the Financial Times reported that it had been already running for three years.

Unnamed industrial robotics project

Everyday isn't the only robotics project inside X. Last December, The Information reported on the existence of an industrial robotics project that plans to automate certain types of factories.

That project is reportedly being overseen by Wendy Tan White, who joined X in 2019, according to the report. White, who is a vice president at X and a "moonshot mentor," took over the project from Dean Banks, who left his position at X to become the CEO of Tyson Foods.

A source told The Information that the project is likely to become a standalone Alphabet subsidiary this year. 

An X spokeswoman did not comment on the specifics of the project, but confirmed that there are other robotics projects outside of Everyday.

Taara

Bringing high-speed internet to the world has long been an interest for Alphabet. It has tried new forms of high-speed internet through Google Fiber and, until recently, Loon.

X's Taara project is a way to potentially supersede Fiber altogether, transmitting large amounts of data at high speeds using light beams instead of physical wires.

"Planning and digging trenches to lay lines can be time-consuming and costly, and tough terrain can pose physical challenges that make expansion nearly impossible," the team wrote on the project website.

The idea was actually born out of Loon, the Alphabet initiative that set out to deliver internet access to rural locations using high-altitude balloons, and which was shuttered in February. The team began working on the tech in 2017 as an offshoot of Loon, and Taara was officially announced as a standalone project in November 2020.

Mahesh Krishnaswamy, previously head of manufacturing and supply chain for Loon, is now the team lead on Taara.

With a clear line of sight, Taara's light technology (named Free Space Optical Communication or FSOC) can wirelessly transmit data at high speeds of up to 20 Gbps, the team says.

They're currently working on delivering those speeds over distances of 20km or more, while also making it easier for partners to deploy the units.

Smartypants

SmartyPants is a project that X isn't yet ready to say too much about, but it's dropped a few clues here and there.

So far, we know it's literally a pair of pants that can improve mobility for people who have difficulty walking, using a combination of robotics, AI, machine learning, and fabric.

"The space of ageing in general hasn't had enough investment," Kathryn Zealand, project lead on SmartyPants, told Wired during a demo last year. "The demographics mean it's going to be a big thing in the future."

The pants "see" their surroundings using a combination of sensors and machine learning, helping the wearer to move safely.

Some job postings for the projects also reveal clues about the project.

"The team is multi-disciplinary, bringing together expertise in machine learning, biomechanics, robotics and soft goods," notes one ad, which a spokesperson confirmed was for a job on SmartyPants.

"The project will be in a prototyping phase, rapidly iterating and implementing ideas to progressively de-risk the idea from a technical perspective."

SmartyPants also made a cameo in an official video the company published last year that delvied into X's prototyping lab.

Before the pandemic, Lilian Rincon woke up at 5:30 a.m. every weekday to fit in a quick workout before dropping off her kids at school and driving to her office at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California. 

As the senior director of product management for the Google Assistant, Rincon managed a team of 20 people, and each day was packed with up to 12 meetings. Back in 2018, Rincon shared a look into her daily routine with Insider. Nearly two-and-a-half years later, we caught up with her to see how her day-to-day has changed because of the pandemic. 

Like many other workers who are able to do their job remotely, Rincon has been working from home for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She lives in the Portola Valley area of California with her husband, Nik, and their two children, Hudson, 7, and Bela, 4. Google extended its employee work-from-home option to September 2021, so Rincon will keep working from home until there are further updates, she said. Now, she leads a team of more than 30.

Here's a look at her new daily routine, from fitting in a morning Peloton workout in the garage to helping her kids with their online schooling.

SEE ALSO: A day in the life of a Google senior director, who gets up at 5:30 a.m., attends up to 12 meetings a day, and has a 'no screens' rule with her family

DON'T MISS: Inside the daily routine of a Deutsche Bank managing director, who used to travel 10 days a month for work and moved from Manhattan to upstate New York during the pandemic

Lilian Rincon is the senior director of product management for the Google Assistant, managing a team of more than 30 people.

While other teams handle the speakers and hardware aspects of the Assistant, Rincon's team thinks about what types of things the Assistant should be able to do. 

In 2018, Rincon gave Insider a peek into her daily routine. She would wake up at 5:30 a.m. to fit in a workout before dropping off her kids at school and driving herself to work. At Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, she would get her morning almond milk latté at the free employee cafe, attend up to 12 meetings a day, and sometimes take a slide down to a lower level instead of the stairs.

Now, like many others, Rincon has been working from home for a year, and her daily routine looks different in almost every way.

She lives in California with her husband, Nik, and their two children, Hudson, 7, and Bela, 4.

Like many other families, Rincon and her family relocated during the pandemic. Rincon said they had considered remodeling their current home but found that remodeling prices had doubled, so they found a new home that fit their needs instead.

They moved from San Carlos to the Portola Valley area. Both towns are roughly 15 miles from Google's headquarters in Mountain View.

As she did pre-pandemic, Rincon starts her day with some exercise. But now, she gets a bit more sleep and gets up at 6:00 a.m rather than 5:30.

"To help me show up as my best self both at work and with family, most mornings I take some time to work out — often with a little yoga," Rincon told Insider.

She also does workout videos like this cardio kickboxing video.

Other days, Rincon's morning workout is cycling on her Peloton bike.

She converted her garage into a workout space during the pandemic. 

During the pandemic, as more people have stayed home and commuted less, Rincon said her team has seen more people using the Google Assistant for things like their morning routines.

She has her own Google Assistant set up to turn on her kitchen lights, read out her calendar for the day, and play the news after she says, "Hey Google, good morning."

Before the pandemic, Rincon typically picked up her coffee from the free employee café at Google's Mountain View campus. Now, Rincon has her coffee at home and sometimes drinks it outside while watering the plants.

"One of the many things I've learned is that the slower pace in the morning has made a difference in my productivity and sense of well-being," Rincon said.

For breakfast, she usually has a pre-made smoothie or some eggs with fruit and toast.

On this particular day, she had avocado toast.

Rincon said she and her husband wake up their kids between 7:00 and 7:15 a.m. and "tag team" getting the kids dressed, fed, and their teeth brushed so they're ready for their online schooling.

"When I have trouble getting them moving, we play either the 'The Descendants Soundtrack' or the 'Kidz Bop' station to get them dancing and in a good mood for the day," Rincon said.

Rincon's children have oscillated between in-person and online schooling over the past year.

The new prevalence of online schooling inspired Rincon and her team to create a new Google Assistant feature called Family Bell, which allows parents to add bell reminders throughout the day that announce when it's time for a child to start an online class, take a break, or have a snack.

"I can't tell you how much Family Bell has kept the kids on track throughout the day and evening routines (and has helped my husband and I keep more sane)!" Rincon said.

When Rincon first started working from home, she often worked at the dining room table. But as it became clear she'd be working from home for an extended period, Rincon realized she needed a proper setup.

"I created my home office by first thinking about the type of environment I wanted: simple, calming, and uncluttered so I can focus on work," she said. "Then, I gathered inspiration online and bought furnishings like my desk and chair — along with a new rug to spruce things up."

She bought a ring light to create better lighting for her video calls.

Because Rincon and her husband both have jobs, they've worked out a system to balance their work and family lives.

In the early days of the pandemic, Rincon's husband took the morning shift with the kids, while Rincon looked after them in the afternoon. That meant she scheduled all of her work meetings in the morning.

Now, the family has a caregiver to help out with the kids, she said. When Hudson and Bela are doing in-person school, the caregiver looks after the kids in the afternoon through early evening. When the kids are schooling from home, the caregiver helps out in the morning through early afternoon.

"Not everyone has this privilege and we don't take it for granted," Rincon said.

As before the pandemic, Rincon spends most of her day in meetings — only now they're virtual.

"I try to block out some time on my calendar to pull myself out of the day-to-day and spend some time thinking about the bigger picture and product strategy," she said.

She said she's been able to slightly reduce her average number of meetings per day from 12 before the pandemic to eight to 10.

"Like so many families, working and having kids at home has forced major prioritization," she said.

Rincon said she keeps coloring books near her work space for the times when her daughter, Bela, interrupts her meetings.

"Like many parents working from home, this happens fairly often," Rincon said. "My team is very familiar with seeing her on our video chats."

Rincon said it took some time for her team to adjust to working from home. "But my team is now in a really good rhythm in terms of remote collaboration," she said.

Rincon shared two tips that have worked for her team:

1. They created a working document that enables them to do reviews for new features and updates offline — often making it possible to cancel meetings that not everyone can attend.  
2. Rincon schedules regular 15-minute, one-on-one meetings with her team members to stay informed of any important updates.

Rincon said her team has also been focused on making the Google Assistant more inclusive.

"For example, when tension was mounting around racial injustice last summer, we launched thoughtful responses to queries like 'Hey Google, do Black Lives Matter?' and 'Hey Google, do All Lives Matter?'"

Lunchtime is another part of Rincon's day that looks much different from before the pandemic. "One thing I greatly miss is having lunch with colleagues," she said. "The silver lining is I usually get to eat lunch with my family."

Rincon said they typically eat something that's quick and easy to make, like a salad or sandwiches. 

"This day we had one of my favorites — a homemade burger and fries," she said.

Rincon takes a break in the afternoon to review flashcards with her daughter, who's starting to read.

One of her daughter's daily lessons is going over the alphabet, so Rincon reviews flashcards with letters with her.

Rincon said she tries to be intentional about taking breaks, even though it can be hard to disconnect from work.

"Most days my family and I find something to do outside that allows us to expel some energy and get fresh air," she said.

"Whether it's playing tag in our backyard or going for a quick walk in the neighborhood, anything we can do to keep from going to stir crazy is welcomed."

A few times a week before dinner, the family video calls both sets of the kids' grandparents.

"It's special to connect with them regularly as we miss seeing them in person," she said, adding that "Bela is always the one making everyone laugh."

The family typically has dinner together around 5:30 p.m.

"Pre-quarantine, my husband did a lot of the cooking," Rincon said. "But since I no longer commute to and from work, I've been able to brush up my skills in the kitchen. It's almost meditative and allows me to get creative — that is, when I'm not rushing to get a meal on the table."

After the kids' bath time, it's story time for about 30 minutes before they go to bed around 8:00 p.m.

After the kids are in bed, Rincon often gets back online to follow up on any urgent items or give her team guidance for the following day.

Other evenings, she relaxes with her husband by watching a TV show on Netflix. (Naturally, they watch on a Google TV.)

"Over the past year, I've found myself needing more comedic relief than usual — so I love catching up on Schitt's Creek," Rincon said.

To wind down after a busy day, Rincon meditates with Headspace or pulls up a sleep meditation on YouTube.

"My routine has changed pretty drastically due to quarantine, but a couple of items have remained consistent: carving out time for family and mindful moments," Rincon said.

She goes to bed between 10:30 and 11:30 p.m.

"I'm grateful to have a few moments to center myself before getting my Zzzs."

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) hit the mainstream last week as the digital artist Mike Winkelmann, also known as Beeple, sold a piece called "Everydays" for $69 million at the legendary Christie's auction house.

Momentum has been building around NFTs in recent weeks. Each day brings a new sale of a digital image, gif or video for an eye-watering amount.

And more big name investors and creators are getting in on the space from Halsey to Damien Hirst, Kings of Leon, and Mark Cuban.

But before going any further, what exactly is an NFT?

By definition, an NFT is a cryptographic token that exists on the blockchain. It can represent a real-world asset such as art, collector items, real estate, and music.

Since the token is on the blockchain, creators can provide it directly to an audience. Each token is uniquely verifiable, and so this creates the potential for the NFT to surge in value if the creator becomes more popular or only a limited number of pieces are sold. 

For investors considering getting in on the NFT market, Insider breaks down the five most important things to know:

SEE ALSO: What you need to know about NFTs, the collectible digital tokens that are selling for millions online

1. Speculating or supporting?

There are two main discourses around why an individual might want to buy an NFT: to speculate or to support.

Take Kings of Leon, for example. They have just released their latest album"When You See Yourself" as an NFT. 

For two weeks, individuals can buy the token priced at $50 and receive an album package with vinyl as well as a digital download.

Music fans have traditionally purchased digital downloads and vinyls to support bands. NFTs are just another way to support creators that is direct and avoids various intermediaries.

However, the limited two-week time period provides speculation opportunities because it creates scarcity. 

Creators can control the scarcity and value of tokens. They can choose to drop tokens at a set price for a limited amount of time or sell only a few. This decision benefits buyers, who could resell the token at a later date potentially for a higher price.

But it's important to remember there are two different types of speculation in the NFT market.

The scarcity and value components of most NFTs creates natural speculation. Individuals are speculating and supporting a cultural trend, much like angel investing.

On the other hand, the intense interest in NFTs, combined with surging asset prices elsewhere, have created a different type of speculation where individuals are entering the market hoping to make money by flipping or because they fear missing out.

This has caused many to refer to the NFT market as a speculative bubbles waiting to burst with parallels drawn to the Beanie Baby bubble and other collectible boom-and-bust cycles.

Steven McClurg, a crypto bull and chief investment officer of digital assets firm Valkyrie Funds, thinks it's mostly speculative.

Despite McClurg's bullishness on bitcoin, he said most of the NFT market looks bubbly with mass speculation occurring because there is too much money in the market.

Whereas Matt Higgins, a venture capitalist and early investor in bitcoin and Coinbase, thinks NFTs are here to stay but acknowledges the speculative behavior.

"At the moment, we're in a slight period of irrationality, where just putting three letters on something means it's valuable and that defies common sense," Higgins said. "So long the space, short the froth at the moment."

2. Creator control

The various components of creator control are seen as some of the biggest benefits of NFTs and one of the reasons why people believe the NFT marketplace will boom in the coming years.

A creator can easily place NFTs on a variety of cryptocurrency platforms such as Nifty Gateway and SuperRare. Beeple described the process of launching an NFT on a recent podcast.

"It's really one of these things where you upload the artwork, you say the description, you pay the gas fee, and she's on the blockchain," Beeple said. "So it's not a super huge lift to kind of get it up there."

Even after the NFT is sold, the creator continues to benefit. The token can be designed so the creator is paid every time it changes hands on the secondary market.

The ability to tokenize essentially anything also means creators who gain popularity in the digital sphere, such as meme creators and digital artists, now have more monetization opportunities.

3. Legal risks

Despite the benefits of NFTs, there are also significant risks.

In a recent podcast, Beeple said it is likely that most NFTs end up with little value, similar to physical art.

But it's not just the risk of an NFT falling to zero: it's that the NFT market is not currently regulated, which means it's up to the investor to do due diligence.

In a recent interview with Insider, Nadya Ivanova, chief operating officer of L'Atelier BNP Paribas, an emerging-market research firm, said anybody can theoretically mint an NFT out of a file that doesn't belong to them and pass it off as their own to unsuspecting buyers.

There is very little consumer protection available to investors. 

Andrew Steinwold, a crypto investor, said in an Insider interview that if a startup which hosted NFTs were to go out of business, buyers could be left with tokens pointing to files that no longer exist.

There is also uncertainty around intellectual property law. DC Comics recently warned its freelance artists from using any of its intellectual property in non-fungible tokens.

Conflicts between corporations, creators, and token owners could arise around ownership and what can and can't be done with the asset that has been tokenized.

There are also concerns about tampering within the bidding process. Ivanova highlighted that wash trading — when someone artificially pumps up the price of an asset by opening multiple accounts and trading with themselves — has historically been common in NFTs. William O'Rorke, a partner at Paris-based law firm ORWL, reiterated this message in an interview with Wired.

"If you have 10 accounts, you can artificially increase the price of an NFT," O'Rorke said. "This kind of practice exists actually also on eBay, on all these kinds of services. But when people participate in the auction with anonymous cryptocurrency, it's much more complicated to find out." 

The ability to leverage fake accounts was demonstrated when Beeple sold 20 different pieces of artwork one weekend. A single investor bought up all 20 pieces and leveraged them for virtual art galleries. He then packaged the 20 pieces into a digital token called B20 as a way to share ownership through fractional shares. The token is currently valued at $133 million.

4. A recovery and bear market

NFTs have boomed at a time when risk assets, such as equities, are in a bull market and investors are at home under lockdown restrictions.

Many believe the interest in NFTs will subside as society reopens and investors can spend money on going out for meals and on vacations.

If investor sentiment changes towards risk, this could also impact NFT interest.

"We had a very similar moment in 2017," Billy Rennekamp, lead developer at blockchain software firm Cosmos, told CNBC. "Every gallery was considering an NFT. Every blue chip artist was considering it. But there was just too much risk when the market dropped and it was embarrassing to be involved in NFTs when the prices dropped."

Despite Beeple saying in a podcast that NFTs are in a bubble, he also sees long-term opportunities for them as an asset, particularly in a reopened environment following COVID-19.

"I think we've only scratched the surface of different mechanics for how these can work, different utility use cases because a lot of the utility use cases could be dependent on things that happen in the real world,"said Beeple on the podcast. "And right now the real world, everything's got a big asterisk around it because of COVID."

5. How to invest

The main platforms for investing in NFTs are Nifty Gateway, SuperRare, and OpenSea.

There are also niche sites such as NBA Top Shot and Axie Infinity, a site that sells cartoon characters that are created to fight.

A full breakdown of platforms can be found here.

In most cases, investors need to use cryptocurrencies to buy an NFT. Nifty Gateway and NBA Top Shot enable users to pay by credit card.

Beeple, on a recent podcast, said he would like to see credit cards across all platforms to enable widespread adoption.

"I'm pushing all of these motherf---ers to f--king accept credit cards, because I really strongly feel that making this as easy as possible to bring in new users is going to be key," Beeple said. "And the people who do that the best are the people we're going to have the most success [with] moving forward."

Although credit cards can make it easier to buy an NFT. Some describe a painful process trying to get their money out of some platforms. The Defiant documented the challenging process an online user named "DeFi Ted" faced trying to withdraw his money from the NBA Top Shot, which is still in beta testing stages. 

This issue was reiterated by the co-host of the Animal Spirits investing podcast, Ben Carlson, who spent several hundred dollars testing the platform and then wanted to withdraw his money.

"I am pretty sure my money is gone," Carlson said. "Getting your money off the platform is basically impossible. Getting your money on? Guess what, very easy."

The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the way white-collar workers work, with many sleeping, working, eating, and resting within the same four walls.

Workers have adapted surprisingly well. In an IBM study of 25,000 people, 54% of adults said they would opt to work from home most of the time after the pandemic.

That trend is similarly reflected at Google, which recently found that less than 10% of its employees wanted to return to the office full time post-pandemic. In the survey of more than 15,000 Googlers across its Europe, Middle East, and Africa offices, 60% of Googlers said they would like to work from their assigned office between one and four days a week.

With the white-collar workforce looking increasingly unlikely to return to a pre-2020 model, Insider sat down with Laura Mae Martin, Google's in-house executive productivity advisor, to hear her thoughts on maintaining — and increasing — productivity in the new hybrid world.

1. Know if you're running a sprint or a marathon.

"There are two broad groups in this whole situation," Martin said. "Some people stopped all travel, and it's just them at home and they feel like: 'Wow, I'm not commuting, I have more time than ever.'

"I call those people the marathoners, and they feel like, 'I wake up, I work, I decide when I'm done, I make dinner, and I go to bed.' There's not a lot of breaking up the day for those people." 

But for others, she said, it will be a lot harder to keep up a constant churn of work throughout the day. 

"We also have the opposite group: 'My kids are home all the time. I have never had less time in my life. I am trying to cram in my work in between naps or virtual school or whatever else.' And those are our sprinters. 

"If you're a sprinter, more than ever you need to know — during that two hours you have while your kids are in virtual school — what are you going to accomplish? It's not sitting at your desk, reading emails, trying to figure it out. The time is wasted very quickly.

"For marathoners, you can't just work all day. Think about what you plan to accomplish. It's not just about working but working on the right things. I think we've started to realize that we have both types in our working groups." 

2. Take time to decompress.

"At the outset of the pandemic, none of us knew how long this would last, and we kind of just threw our laptop on the kitchen table, and a couple of months in, we're like: 'Wow, I need to find a way to structure this for myself, and learn how to unplug,'" Martin said. 

She recommended that people introduce something like a "No Tech Tuesday," where you shut off all electronic screens after lunch and take time to focus on the smaller things.

"I think people are so invested in their devices that it can weigh up on you," she said. "I've had thousands of Googlers sign up to this challenge where they try and give themselves something else to do, whether it's cleaning or reading or board games or something you can do with your family.

"The No. 1 feedback from that is people say they sleep better and they feel more refreshed, just from taking a few hours off before bed."

3. In stormy times, fashion yourself an umbrella.

"We all have pressures from family or work or inefficiencies in our departments, but I think about it like an umbrella," Martin said. "No matter how treacherous the weather, and the pandemic has been a particularly big storm, how can I put up a little umbrella to slow the storm a bit?

"One thing I do working with executives is taking some of these principles, like finding balance within a team, is there a way of making sure we can block off one night a week that works for everyone in a team to meet, so everyone knows when to expect it? Or do we institute a 'no-meeting Friday'? These can all help make you feel like you've got a bit more control."

4. Employees want the recipe for success — why not use snack-size to-do lists?

"When I think about planning my day, I equate it to reading a book about healthy eating," Martin said. "You know, you start with these chapters at the beginning about the science around health and so on, but what do people flip to? The recipes. They want to know straight up: How do I implement this in my daily life?

"My worksheet is like that, it includes: my top three priorities for the next day, including how long they might take, as well as snack-size to-dos. These are things that take 10 minutes or less. The point of those is, if a meeting ends early or something, you just know you can make this quick phone call or send this email and just tick them off.

"A lot of people have a to-do list and suddenly they have a packed schedule, and it's all over the place."

5. Remember President Dwight Eisenhower's take on 'urgent' versus 'important' issues.

"Sometimes things come up out of nowhere, and then that becomes the main focus for the rest of the day," Martin said. "Dwight Eisenhower distinguished between 'urgent' versus 'important' matrix, and using language like that can help: Is it urgent? Is it important? If it's the former, then it's OK to blow out the rest of your day for it.

"One particular exec I met did this thing where he would block after lunch, between like 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., where he would deal with urgent matters. And if there wasn't anything urgent on the slate, then he'd already freed up some time." 

6. Step back and look at the bigger picture.

"I really think that managers, being responsible for checking in on employees and measuring their performance, should be thinking about wider macro goals that others aren't used to," she said. "Maybe there are days where an employee sends no emails, but there might be some where they send 100. There's not a lot of point in looking into daily performance if you're not stepping back and thinking about the bigger picture."

• Having the proper bathroom cleaning tools will prevent mold buildup and keep things sparkling. 
• Some of these products are effective against coronavirus, but not all, so check the EPA's full list of approved products. 

Let's face it: cleaning the bathroom is never going to be the highlight of your day. But bathrooms are exposed to plenty of germs on a daily basis, and they aren't going to clean themselves up.

With a regular cleaning schedule and the right products, however, you can get your bathroom clean quickly and easily so you can move on to activities that are more enjoyable.

We've researched and tested tons of cleaners to find the best bathroom cleaning products you can buy, including disinfecting wipes, a new scrub brush for the tub, an excellent shower cleaning spray, and an effective mop.

Here are the best bathroom cleaning products of 2021

• Best wipes: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes 
• Best toilet cleaner: Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System
• Best tub cleaner: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber
• Best scrub brush: OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Scrub Brush
• Best mold remover: Skylarlife Home Mold & Mildew
• Best shower cleaner: Method Daily Shower Spray
• Best squeegee: OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Squeegee
• Best all-purpose cleaner: Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner
• Best cleaning cloths: Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
• Best mop: Libman Spin Mop and Bucket

The best cleaning products for your toilet

With Clorox Disinfecting Wipes and the Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System, you'll have your toilet clean and sanitized in no time.

Cleaning the toilet is undeniably unpleasant, but it doesn't have to take long and or be difficult.

When it comes to cleaning the toilet, I'm a fan of use-and-toss products. I don't want germ-infested sponges or rags in my cleaning closet. That's why I love Clorox Disinfecting Wipes. They have a pleasing scent without being overwhelming, making quick work of wiping down the toilet from top to bottom, including underneath the seat.  

As for the inside of the bowl, with the Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System, all you have to do is click the disposable cleaning head into place, scrub around the inside of the toilet, toss the soiled cleaning head into the trash, and then store the reusable "wand" in the handy-dandy included caddy. And, voila, you have a clean and stain-free bowl. 

What to buy:

The best cleaning products for your tub and shower

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber and brushes from OXO Good Grips take the pain out of scrubbing the tub, while sprays from Skylarlife and Method keep your shower clean. A squeegee from OXO Good Grips keeps everything streak-free. 

For most of us, scrubbing the tub or the shower ranks only slightly above a visit to the dentist. If your shower or tub enclosure is looking a little worse because of grunge buildup on glass doors, tile walls, or the tub itself,  the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber will be your saving grace.

Just wet the melamine sponge and the rich foaming cleansing agents will be activated to tackle tough tub stains. And, with a sponge that's 30% larger than Mr. Clean's original Magic Eraser, it can even clean fiberglass and tile that border your bathtub, too. If your tub is really bad, though, you may need to lend a little elbow grease with the help of OXO's Good Grips All-Purpose Scrub Brush.

If mold and mildew creep into your bathroom, you're going to need to bust out the big guns. The Skylarlife Home Mold & Mildew is a whitening agent that will remove even the most obstinate black stains.

Once your tub or shower is clean, keep things fresh between cleanings with a daily spritz of the Method Daily Shower Spray on your tile, glass, and tub spout. The floral scent is fit for a bathroom, and the plant-based, all-natural cleaner helps prevent soap scum and mildew buildup, too.

If you feel really inspired, give the shower walls and glass doors a quick once-over with the OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Squeegee to routinely keep your tub or shower enclosure looking like new.

What to buy:

The best cleaning products for your sink, mirror, and counter

Clean your mirror, sink, and countertops quickly with Puracy's Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner and Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths.

While the counters and mirrors in your bathroom accumulate water spots, toothpaste flecks, makeup spills, and other yucky messes, they generally aren't as germy as the toilet or tub. You can get those surfaces clean, shiny, and streak-free with the plant-based Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner from Puracy.

Just mist it over your hard bathroom surfaces, let it sit for a minute or two, and then wipe it away with one of Zwipes' Microfiber Cleaning Cloths. No streaks, no lint, no muss, no fuss — just clean mirrors and counters.

What to buy:

The best cleaning products for your bathroom floor

A steam mop like the Libman Spin Mop and Bucket can get bathroom floors clean in a few minutes.

Bathroom floors can get pretty nasty, but with the right products, you won't have to fear entering your bathroom. 

The Libman Spin Mop and Bucket is an all-in-one cleaning bundle with an absorbent, deep-cleaning, microfiber mop head and a 360-degree spin chamber to target hard-to-reach places. It works just as effortlessly for other rooms in your home, too. 

What to buy:

Check out our other household cleaning guides

• Every article Insider Reviews has written or updated about coronavirus cleaning supplies and work-from-home essentials
• A list of EPA-recommended household cleaning products
• The best hand sanitizers
• The best bathtub cleaners
• The best countertop cleaners
• The best reusable cleaning products
• The best dusters
• The best disinfecting cleaners
• How to disinfect every room in your house
• 11 top-rated bathroom cleaners and tools to help get rid of mold and grime

Instacart has big advertising ambitions that have grown during the pandemic.

The grocery delivery app has become red-hot as online shopping has taken off. It recently raised $200 million, valuing the company at $17.7 billion, and is rumored to be mulling an IPO.

Instacart plans to use some of that funding to grow its advertising business, which launched in earnest last year and lets brands buy ads on Instacart's platforms based on what people are looking for, similar to Amazon. Instacart said it's grown its base of advertisers in the past year by 5X to 1,000 packaged-goods makers, including Kraft Heinz, General Mills, Unilever, and P&G.

To build this business, Instacart is aggressively hiring tech and retail experts — including several big names from Amazon. Its careers page shows 33 open sales roles as well as ad-focused positions like a VP of product. Its leadership team includes three top advertising execs: Seth Dallaire, Ryan Mayward, and Vik Gupta.

"It's like they're building an adtech company instead of a grocery business," said Andrea Leigh, VP of strategy and insights at Ideoclick, an e-commerce agency that helps manufacturers and brands sell on online marketplaces.

It's not alone, of course — Amazon dominates the market, and big retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, and Target are also trying to get a piece $17.4 billion ad pie, as measured by eMarketer. 

Insider spoke with e-commerce advertisers, agencies, and tech firms to identify 14 Instacart execs, listed alphabetically below, leading its bet on advertising.

Nour Alkhatib, product manager of ads

Alkhatib's job is to build ads that reach lucrative grocery shoppers without annoying them. Her team talks with Instacart users to create advertising products, including its API, and develops new ad features and strategies.

After features launch, she measures their success and collects feedback. She also analyzes competitors' retail media networks. 

She joined Instacart in 2020 after working in product and engineering roles at Flipp and Oracle.

Sri Batchu, head of advertising of strategy and operations

The financial exec turned advertising exec pulls Instacart's product, operations, business development, engineering, finance and analytics teams together to develop advertising initiatives and identify Instacart's short- and long-term advertising ambitions.

Batchu joined Instacart in 2020 after serving as VP of operations at online real estate company Opendoor. He was also an investor and worked at The Invus Group, Universal Music, and Bain Capital.

Seth Dallaire, chief revenue officer

Dallaire helped build Amazon into an advertising powerhouse before joining Instacart in 2019 as its first CRO.

He's tasked with building out Instacart's non-subscription businesses including advertising and insights. He has expanded Instacart's ad business to include a self-serve platform for advertisers to buy and target ads on Instacart's mobile app and website.

Dallaire has also helped build Instacart's advertising team, poaching from Amazon, Google, and ad agencies.

Dallaire has also held top ad sales roles at Yahoo and Microsoft and currently serves on the board of directors for the Ad Council.

Sumit Garg, product lead

Garg joined Instacart in July 2020 after more than three years as a product manager at Google, and helps build ad products and ad sales strategy to help advertisers reach shoppers using user feedback and data.

At Google, according to Garg's LinkedIn profile, he worked on technology to show people relevant and personalized ads, which could hint at his plans for Instacart. He also has held product management roles at Bloomreach, eBay, and Microsoft.

Brian Gillis, insights director

Gillis' job is to arm advertisers with data about how people shop.

He works with Instacart's sales team to help measure ad and sales performance for big CPG brands and develops best practices for advertisers.

Advertisers get such data depending on their ad spend level; advertisers that spend more than 10% of sales on advertising get access to information like whether a shopper is new to Instacart and what items their first order contained.

Gillis is a longtime retail tech exec who previously worked at companies like retail insights firm Spins, Dunnhumby and General Mills.

Vik Gupta, VP of ads engineering

Gupta works on building the tech backbone of Instacart's advertising.

The former Google engineering exec, who joined Instacart in September 2020, leads its advertising engineering team, which is building out ad technology for Instacart's self-serve platform and managed services.

Gupta also is a member of the company's leadership team.

Abhi Jain, senior director of media analytics

Jain is an adtech and retail veteran who is building tools to help advertisers measure the performance of ads and understand consumer habits.

Performance is one way Instacart is working to differentiate its ad business from retailers like Walmart and Amazon.

Jain joined Instacart in August 2020 after spending three years at Criteo, most recently working on the adtech company's push into retail media. He previously worked at retail tech firm Dunnhumby.

Kasey Jamison, director of sales of large customer category

Jamison is a key example of the people with deep experience in advertising and e-commerce that Instacart is hiring.

She helps onboard big advertisers like Coca-Cola, General Mills, and Conagra, and helps them use tools like Instacart's self-serve platform that lets advertisers buy across multiple retail sites.

She joined Instacart in 2020 after nine years at Amazon, where she worked with big CPG companies as well as non-packaged goods advertisers like financial and entertainment companies.

Ryan Mayward, VP of ad sales

Mayward joined Instacart in March after playing a big role in Amazon's advertising ambitions.

He's part of Instacart's leadership team and is responsible for deepening its relationships with advertisers and ad agencies.

Mayward served in a top advertising role at Amazon, helping it form relationships with big ad holding companies like WPP and Publicis and pitch newer ad forms like streaming TV and programmatic advertising. 

Before Amazon, Mayward worked in sales at NBCUniversal.

Michelle McRae, director of ad sales capabilities and strategy

McRae runs sales operations, enablement, and product marketing for Instacart's ad business.

Her team works on problems like yield management, which adjusts the available ad space throughout the year to account for changes in advertisers' spend.

McRae also co-leads Instacart's internal resource group Women@Instacart group.

Before joining Instacart in 2015, McRae was a consultant at Bain & Company.

Kyle McWhirter, director of emerging

While big packaged goods brands are mainstays of grocery stores, McWhirter helps emerging brands advertise on Instacart's network of retailers — which delivers products from stores like Walgreens, Albertson's, and Kroger — helping them decide how much to spend and measure ad performance.

Before joining Instacart in 2020, McWhirter was the general manager of Ascential's arm called Spotlight that helps brands sell their products on marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart. He also was chief of staff of Amazon's advertising business, working with brands like Procter & Gamble.

Mona Mohanty, principal product manager

Mohanty is responsible for a product management team that focuses on growth and advertiser experiences.

She builds advertising products with engineers, data scientists and designers to make Instacart stand out among the growing number of retail media platforms that advertisers buy ads on.

The tech veteran previously held product management roles at Twitter, Facebook, eBay, and Microsoft.

Josh Rider, head of brand partnerships

Sources said one challenge Instacart has in growing its ad business is that it lacks leaders with strong CPG backgrounds who understand how brands structure sales deals with big retailers.

An exception is Rider, who leads ad sales for Instacart's brand partnership team and worked in retail roles at brands like General Mills, Total Wine & More, and retail tech firm Symphony Retail before joining Instacart in 2017.

Before working on the ad business, Rider also helped launch Instacart's retail partnerships and worked with retailers to negotiate contracts.

Rider helps advertisers navigate Instacart's growing ad platform as demand grows. On one day in the fourth quarter of 2020, Instacart had more clicks on ads than in all of 2019, for example.

"Brands need to make sure that their item can stand out on a mobile device when she's shopping across the largest digital grocery catalog in the world," Rider recently said on an episode of the CPG Guys podcast.

Suzanne Skop, director of agency sales

One of Instacart's challenges in building an advertising business is getting ad agencies on board.

Skor is tasked for growing Instacart's relationships with large advertising holding companies. As retail media gets more crowded with new platforms, part of her role is to prove to advertisers that Instacart can drive results.

Before joining Instacart in 2020, she worked in digital ad sales roles at Valassis, Bazaarvoice, and Microsoft.

• If you're looking for an affordable gift for her, here's a list of 59 options under $50.
• Whether for the holidays, a birthday, or just because, she'll love any of these thoughtful picks.
• Looking for more inspiration? Check out our full list of gift guides for all kinds of ideas.

Gift-giving isn't always easy, though it seems like it would be. Just buy them something that aligns with their interests, right? Eh, it's not always so simple. If she's interested in tech, there are a million options to choose from. Same goes for beauty products, kitchen gadgets, books, subscriptions, and so on. It also depends on who you're shopping for, whether it be your sister, mom, partner, or friend.

To make it easier, we've put together a list of over 59 great gifts under $50 that we think she'll love, no matter the occasion. And in case you're shopping for a last-minute gift, most of these items are available with expedited shipping, and some should arrive within a few days' time.

59 gift ideas for her, all under $50:

This list includes a Sponsored Product that has been suggested by Under Armour. It also meets our editorial criteria in terms of quality and value.*

A personalized watercolor pet print

Custom Pet Portrait, available at Etsy, starting $39

Is your mom's pet pretty much a member of the family? This custom, hand-painted portrait honors the family pet while meshing with your home decor. Send in a favorite photo and this Etsy store will transform it into high-quality watercolor artwork. 

The at-home blowout tool

Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush, available at Amazon, $41.99

This all-in-one hairdryer garnered a large following online and won the hearts of the Insider Reviews team. It rivals luxury hair tools at a fraction of the price. It's a gamechanger for cutting down on time and heat damage to your hair, without sacrificing your look. 

The ultimate diffuser set

Aromatherapy Diffuser & Essential Oil Set, available at Amazon, $39.95

Help her find her inner zen with this essential oil bundle, which includes, well, the essentials. The diffuser has seven ambient light modes and 10 oils that are perfect for creating an at-home spa. 

A wearable sherpa blanket

The Comfy Oversized Wearable Blanket, available at Amazon, $39.99

As seen on Shark Tank, this wearable blanket lets you take comfort wherever you go. The plush, fluffy lining will keep her warm and cozy while lounging, camping, and more. Choose from 17 fun colors and opt for the original hoodie style or the quarter zip. Its large, oversized design is one size fits all.

A DIY birth month flower kit

Birth Month Flower Grow Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $34

For a twist on the traditional bouquet of flowers, give her this flower kit that's an easy and fun project. She'll appreciate the personal touch of choosing her birth month flower, whether it be a sunflower, daisy, or marigold.

A box of chocolate bars from Madagascar

Chocolate from Madagascar Flight, available at The Little Market, $34

The chocolate connoisseur in your life will savor this gift box of four dark chocolate bars from Madagascar. She can indulge in flavors like Salted Almond, 80% Dark, Toasted Coconut, and Sea Salt, but you can also opt out of specific flavors to fit her taste preferences.

A reusable tote bag for trips to the market

Shopping Tote - Market Finds, available at The Little Market, $24

Nothing compares to strolling through a farmer's market with a sturdy tote instead of numerous plastic bags. This tote is both a convenient and eco-friendly choice for the avid shopper. Not to mention, it's handmade and supports artisan women in rural Bangladeshi communities.

A painting kit for beginners

Springtime Paint-by-Number Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $35

If she's artistic — or strives to be — she'll appreciate this painting kit that anyone can follow with ease. Creating her work of art will take between three and five hours, but she'll end up with a frame-worthy masterpiece.

A Kindle case that looks like her favorite book

KleverCase Kindle Paperwhite Case, available at Amazon, $29.95

You'll find many classic book covers cleverly printed onto Kindle cases, along with one that looks like an unmarked leather-bound book. All she has to do is pop it on her e-reader.

An all-purpose tote with a detachable wristlet

Street Level Reversible Faux Leather Tote and Wristlet, available at Nordstrom, $49

Your first thought may be that a plain tote is sort of a boring gift — but hear us out! This one is reversible and features a detachable wristlet, which basically means you're getting three different bags for $50. It's a utilitarian gift with a fashion-friendly twist.

A workout tee for all seasons

Women's UA Tech Twist V-Neck, available at Under Armour, $14.99

This bestselling workout shirt from Under Armour will keep them moving, dry, and cool with four-way stretch construction and quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabric. Its looser fit encourages comfort during workouts, and it comes in 20 colors. It's a solid, dependable choice for apparel, but if they're in the market for accessories or gear instead, check out Under Armour's gift guide.

*Sponsored by Under Armour

An exceptionally useful set of silicone container lids

Five Two Airtight Silicone Lids, available at Food52, $40

If she enjoys cooking, chances are she's probably spent a good amount of time battling with her Tupperware drawer to find the right container and lid for her leftovers. These silicone lids have saved me over and over again and I recommend them to everyone — all you have to do is pop one over a bowl or baking dish and you get an airtight seal for easy storage in the fridge.

A portable charger that also lights up the bottom of her bag

SOI Smart Handbag Light and Charger, available at Uncommon Goods, $35.95

No more frantically searching for gum or lip balm at the bottom of her giant tote bag — this little light can be attached to her keychain or even a zipper on her bag so she can easily see everything in its depths. It can also charge her phone.

A relaxing Himalayan salt lamp

Himalayan Glow Large Salt Lamp, available at Amazon, from $16.30

There's nothing quite as calming as the warm glow of a pink salt lamp. This sits on my list of all-time best gifts I've ever received — turning it on each night creates a relaxing vibe in my living room and helps me let go of the day's stress.

A clever attachment that holds her AirPods

Elago AirPods Wrist Fit Adapter, available at Amazon, $8.49

The frustrating thing about using AirPods is figuring out where to store them. This small attachment goes around any watch's wristband and features two grippy holes that hold each AirPod.

A subscription to Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime gift subscription, three months, $39

Amazon Prime opens up a whole new world of access, be it to fast two-day shipping or any of the other 25-plus perks you'll get with a membership. If you know she doesn't have one yet, this is a smart gift — but in the case she does, she'll get to use the $39 on anything she wants or needs from the site.

An Alexa-enabled smart plug

Alexa-Enabled Smart Plug, available at Amazon, $24.99

This voice-controlled smart plug allows her to control lights, chargers, and whatever else she wants through Alexa simply by plugging her devices into these outlets. She can also just use the Alexa app to turn the outlets on and off if she doesn't have an Echo or want to use her voice.

A highly coveted candle

Diptyque Baies Candle, available at Bloomingdales, $38

Diptyque candles are about as chic and beloved as they come among candle lovers. The Baies scent is the company's signature, with warming and sophisticated notes of rose and blackcurrant. This candle is best gifted to partners or very good friends. 

An inexpensive accessory for her phone

PopSockets, available at Amazon, from $10

PopSocket Grips are an inexpensive but extremely useful gift she'll be happy to have. She can pop them on the back of her phone, Kindle, iPad, or any other device to create a comfortable grip that allows her to hold her device one-handed.

A monthly book subscription

Book of the Month, three months, starting at $49.99

Each month, this service curates five book choices — some of them early release — from which she'll choose her favorite. The service will send the book directly to her, and she can also skip a month if she's behind on her reading.

An adjustable rolling pin

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin, available at Amazon, from $15.99

Anyone who loves to bake will appreciate this adjustable rolling pin that allows for more precision in the thickness of dough. All she'll have to do is remove or add the different sized rings and let them guide her.

Really nice socks she's bound to want more of

Bombas Quarter Socks 4-pack, available at Bombas, $45.60

Bombas makes the best socks out there. Yes, they're pricey, but you don't know how worth it nice socks are until you try a pair yourself. There are no uncomfortable toe seams to give her blisters, and the special honeycomb stitching around the middle of the foot actually provides a bit of arch support.

A letter board she can leave notes or cute phrases on

Felt Like Sharing Felt Letter Board, available at Amazon, from $20.95

Sporting events, holidays, parties — there are a ton of occasions during which these come in handy, but she'll love being able to play around with it day to day at home with her favorite lyrics, phrases, or even messages to roommates. Choose from tons of felt colors (I'm partial to the light blue; it's the one I use at home!). 

A pretty place to keep her phone

Bedside Smartphone Vase, available at Uncommon Goods, $32

This bedside vase is a fun way to spruce up her night stand, whether with fresh or faux flowers. It also works beautifully in the kitchen if she likes to follow recipes using her phone.

A comfy tee that goes with everything

The Box Cut Pocket Tee, available at Everlane, $18

Skip the boring pajamas — get her something she'll want to wear every day. This cozy short-sleeve T-shirt from Everlane is as great for running errands as it is for wearing to work, depending on how she styles it. It also comes in a few other color options. 

The newest Amazon Echo Dot

Echo Dot (4rd Generation), available at Amazon, $49.99

If she loves to blast music, talk on the phone, and have control over the home, this Alexa-powered speaker could be just what she needs. The most recent iteration of Amazon's signature smart speaker has a new spherical shape that adds a modern feel to any room.

A wine saver for open bottles

Vacu Vin Wine Saver, available at Amazon, $11.89

Sometimes you just can't finish the bottle of wine. That's when the Vacu Vin comes in. It's a simple, small gadget that removes the oxygen from your open bottle and gives it an airtight seal to preserve the freshness and prevent oxidation.

A custom phone case with photos of you together

Custom Phone Case, available at Casetify, from $55

Upload all your favorite photos together (or choose any other sort of theme) to create the ultimate personalized gift. You can choose pretty much any model of phone, and organize the photos in a ton of different layouts.

A cold brew maker

Takeya Patented Deluxe Cold Brew Iced Coffee Maker, available at Amazon, $18.99

Caffeine lovers who can't get enough of their favorite drink tend to spend a lot of money at coffee shops to get their fix. Make it easier for her to drink cold brew at home with this simple-to-use brewing pitcher. Read a full review here from one of our reporters who swears by this one.

A perfume subscription

Scentbird subscription, three months for $44

If she loves to switch up her scents, Scentbird is an affordable service that lets her choose a month's supply of perfume from thousands of well-known and new fragrances. With a three-month subscription, she can switch it up each month or stick to the ones she knows and loves.

A popular cookbook she's probably seen on Instagram

'Dessert Person' by Claire Saffitz, available at Target, $25.69

Whether she's new to the kitchen or it's her favorite room in the house, Claire Saffitz's new cookbook will guide her through tons of easy-to-make desserts.

The Insider Reviews team has also loved "Indian-ish: Recipes and Antics from a Modern American Family" by Priya Krishna, which is chock full of Indian-American and nontraditional recipes like Roti Pizza and Saag Feta.

A trendy candle she's probably already got her eyes on

Otherland Candles available at Otherland, $36

Otherland's candles make one of the best gifts you can give for any occasion, if you ask us. They come beautifully packaged, and they feature scents that are complex and rich.

A flexible herb garden for the home

Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden, available at Uncommon Goods, $20

These mason jar planters can be set up in so many ways — from the window sill to the kitchen counter. They're great for anyone who loves cooking with fresh herbs, especially if they live in cold climates where their outdoor herb gardens don't grow for half the year.

A way for her to share and pass down memories and traditions

My Life Story So Far, available at Uncommon Goods, $30

This book is sort of like a guided journal for her to record her memories, accomplishments, and experiences. No matter her age, it's something she'll undoubtedly enjoy keeping track of and sharing with others.

A natural body scrub

Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub, available at Sephora, $36

Pamper her with this coconut and rose infused body scrub that gently exfoliates. It'll leave her skin feeling soft and moisturized – not to mention she'll smell of coconut and roses wherever she goes.

A tablet for easy entertainment

Fire 7 Tablet with Alexa, available at Best Buy, $49.99

Great for traveling or lounging at home, the Amazon Fire 7 Tablet is an affordable way to stay connected to all her favorite apps, games, and streaming services on a larger screen than what her phone has to offer.

A plush, cozy throw

Bliss Plush Throw, available at Nordstrom, $39.50

There's nothing quite like wrapping yourself up in a warm, snuggly blanket on a cold night in. This plush throw comes in a ton of colors to match any decor.

A fashion-friendly belt bag

Herschel Belt Bag, available at Bloomingdales, from $31.99

Belt bags (aka fanny packs) are making a comeback, and we're not mad about it. They're convenient, practical, and a simple way to add a stylish pop to any outfit.

An excellent cookbook for entertainers

Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion, available at Amazon, $16.39

If having people over is more of a pleasure than a chore for her, she'll adore this cookbook full of clever recipe ideas for casual entertaining.

A smart way for her to stay organized while traveling

Travel Cord Roll, available at Uncommon Goods, $20

Frequent travelers need a way to keep all their cords and cables organized. This leather roll-up organizer has eight slots for cords and headphones plus a pouch where your charger base can fit.

A wireless and waterproof speaker

VicTsing Wireless Waterproof Speaker, available at Amazon, $22.98

A favorite of Amazon shoppers, this water-resistant, portable Bluetooth speaker works for everything from her daily shower concert to a trip to the beach.

A wintry candle in a reusable blown glass vessel

Lafco Feu de Bois candle, available at Bluemercury, $42

Lafco candles are some of the most intentionally designed and developed that you'll ever come across — from the hand-blown glass that makes up the reusable container, to the soy wax base that took the founder and his team years to perfect. Every scent Lafco makes is phenomenal, but the Feu de Bois (which smells warm and wintry like a burning fire) is a seasonal favorite. I highly recommend this one for in-laws and parents you'd like to impress.

A simple knitting kit for beginners

Braille Beanie Knitting Kit, available at We Are Knitters, $44

Whether she's new to knitting or a long-time pro, this crafty beanie kit has everything she needs — from the yarn, to the needles, and of course, the instructions.

A clever way to collect accomplishments and hopes

Birthstone Wishing Balls, available at Uncommon Goods, $32

These wishing balls come with a strip of paper for every week in the year on which she can write everything from her hopes and dreams to the things she's proud of accomplishing over the past seven days. You don't have to go for her birthstone — you could easily just choose her favorite color.

A comfy neck pillow for trains and planes

Trtl Neck Pillow, available at Amazon, $29.99

If she travels a lot (or has bad travel anxiety), the gift of comfort is one she'll undoubtedly appreciate. This is the one our team swears by — you can read a review here.

A guide full of inspiration for her future adventures

The Bucket List, available at Anthropologie and Amazon, from $27.79

This worldwide bucket list won't cure her wanderlust, but it'll definitely provide her inspiration and fodder for planning her travels.

A set of tinted lip balms

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment, available at Nordstrom, $24

If her beauty preferences tend to be more on the natural side, it's likely she loves a good tinted lip balm. Fresh makes some of the best — the color options are universally flattering and the easy, and the formula is smooth, hydrating, and buttery.

A dainty pair of hoops that are anything but average

Shooting Star Open Hoop Earrings, available at Maison Miru, $39

It seems like everyone on our team has a pair of these open hoops. Their horseshoe shape is just different enough to set them apart, while a tiny, twinkly cubic zirconia catches the light just enough to add a bit of sparkle.

A customizable box of candy for adults

Four-Piece Candy Bento Box, available at Sugarfina, $38

Satisfy her sweet tooth with a custom box of candy. Sugarfina's candies are distinctly "adult"— but she'll still feel like a kid when she digs into a box of rosé gummies.

An armband that holds her phone on runs or at the gym

Tribe Water-Resistant Arm Band, available at Amazon, $12.73

If she loves to run or spends a lot of time at the gym, this top-rated arm band will definitely be a lifesaver for her. Just make sure you know what model phone she carries as you may have to check different brands for different phone sizes. 

A makeup and skincare subscription

Birchbox three month gift subscription, $45

Birchbox is a skincare and makeup subscription that sends tons of beauty samples for her to test out and play around with. If she loves any of them, she can easily buy the full-sized version through the service. You can opt to give a longer subscription if you'd like. 

A picture frame for Instax Mini photos

Polaroid Cube Picture Frame, available at Urban Outfitters, $12

This cube picture frame is meant to hold photos from a Polaroid camera, but even if neither of you have one, it would still be a sweet gift to print out some photos of you together in the proper dimensions. 

A convenient yoga mat carrier

Manduka Go Play Yoga Mat Bag, available at Amazon, $32

If she's a fitness enthusiast who frequents local yoga classes, a carrying strap will make her life much easier (especially if she walks or takes the subway to her class).

A puzzle of her heroines

Nevertheless She Persisted Puzzle, available at Uncommon Goods, $18

This puzzle features illustrations of both prominent and lesser-known women who have shaped and changed the course of history.

A portable external battery

Anker PowerCore 10,000mAh External Battery, available at Amazon, $23.99

A good external battery is one of those practical gifts she probably needs but won't buy herself. Treat her to a good one that holds enough juice to charge her iPhone three times, or her Galaxy twice over.

A massager to melt away tension

Zyllion Shiatsu Massager, available at Amazon, $49.95

This shiatsu massager is, to date, one of the best things we've ever bought. It kneads away tension and stress in the back and shoulders, and can even be used on sore leg muscles after a workout. She'll be thanking you for years to come.

A personalized ring with a special meaning

Memoire Ring, available at GLDN, $51

A ring can signify many things like marriage, partnership, and friendship. You can commemorate your special bond with her by engraving this ring with an important date, name, initials, words, or even Roman numerals. 

A planner to help her stay organized

All-In-One Planner, available at Ivory Paper Co., $49

Working out your day, month, and year can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this planner makes life easier with its neat and straightforward layout. Plus, you can pick the start date and length of the planner and even add her name for a more personal touch. 

Reusable produce bags

Reusable mesh produce bags (5-pack), available at Amazon, $9.97

If she's an avid grocery shopper who opts for eco-friendly products, she'll appreciate this functional and sustainable set of mesh produce bags. The color-coded tags and drawstrings are an added bonus that'll help keep things organized.