Latest news with #NikkiBrown
NBC News
08-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- NBC News
Everything our editors bought (so far) on Amazon Prime Day 2025
When Amazon Prime Day rolls around, we comb through thousands of deals to recommend the best ones that are actually worth buying. That also means we've been eyeing a few items ourselves — as shopping editors, we can't resist buying buzzy new products or restocking our favorites at a fraction of the price. Throughout our deal hunting, we've spent close to $1,090 (so far) in personal purchases. Below, I rounded up everything we bought during Prime Day so far, including restocks of our personal favorites, products we've tested and reviewed in the past, and deals that are too good to pass up on. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Nikki Brown, SEO editor Wipes are the ultimate travel beauty essential, in my opinion: they're not messy, take up little room and are easy to dispose of. I'm keeping a pack of these in my bag to stay fresh on the train in case the showers are icky. These wipes are infused with aloe vera, a godsend for my skin during heat waves. They're also synthetic fragrance-free, so the chances of it irritating my skin are low. Lindsay Schneider, commerce editor Protein powder isn't cheap, so I typically jump at any chance to stock up on my favorite one while it's on sale. Since summertime is smoothie season for me, I like to blend this powder with my go-to fruit mix for breakfast or lunch and I'll stay full for hours — much longer than I would have without it. The vanilla flavor is rather subtle so I mostly can't even taste it. It blends in completely (I never find weird clumps or unmixed bits) and importantly, it doesn't upset my stomach. From a health point of view, it doesn't have a lot of junk that other protein powders have (it's free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners and preservatives), and I like that it's made from organic plant-based protein. I can't quit these single-use face towels from Clean Skin Club. I first bought a few boxes when they were on sale during Prime Day and I've been a fan ever since. I'll either use one in lieu of a cotton round and apply micellar water to it to clean my face before cleansing, or I'll just use it in place of a standard reusable microfiber face towel to dab up any excess water after washing. I'm strategic with them, too — I'll sometimes cut them in half to make the box last longer since they're not always on sale. Jordan Bowman, commerce editor Every once in a while, you hear about a product that truly changes your routine. This L'Occitane hand cream is one of those products. This winter was especially cold and dry, and my hands felt like sandpaper. So, when I asked the NBC Select team to recommend some hand creams, they all pointed me in the direction of L'Occitane. It's been a complete game changer; it has a smooth viscosity that isn't too light, and you only need a small amount to hydrate your skin. These hybrid flip-flops are a bit wonky looking, but they are incredibly comfortable and I love the toe protection rubber tip. It's a great flip-flop if you want to keep your toes out in a busy city like New York. The footbed is gentle and the sole has added grip for when it rains, according to the brand. Keen water sandals are also machine-washable, just make sure you air dry them after — the dryer will probably cause some damage. Cory Fernandez, commerce editor I drink a lot of sparkling water, so I like to buy a ton at once. This lemon-flavored Spindrift is one of my all-time favorite sparkling waters, and the flavor tastes fresh and not artificial at all. With Amazon, I can order up to 24 cans at once instead of trying to shop for some myself at the store. Plus, they come in a cardboard case that holds them all in place in my fridge. Mili Godio, updates editor I'm a huge fan of Olipop's prebiotic sodas, particularly their fruit flavors (my favorite is the Strawberry Vanilla flavor). I've been trying to avoid having a can of sugary soda with every meal, and Olipop has helped me a ton — it tastes great and fulfills that craving with half the sugar. I feel so much healthier and more satisfied when I drink it. This is my absolute favorite makeup remover and double cleanser — I stock up on it every Prime Day. It immediately melts off my makeup and wipes off any other dirt or oil on my face almost entirely, plus it doesn't irritate my sensitive eyes and skin. Since I have very dry skin, I love that the oil-based balm actually hydrates my face and doesn't strip it of its natural oils. Best of all, it helps me avoid using makeup wipes, which tend to irritate my skin and make me look red and puffy. Harry Rabinowitz, reporter SD cards are essential for almost any digital camera. I've got a few, but not enough, and they are a little slow for some of the newer cameras I've been testing like the Nikon Z5 II. These SD cards from Lexar aren't the fastest you can buy, but they are close, and cost a fraction of the price (especially at 40% off at the time of writing).They are V60 UHS-II — basically, fast, especially for fast shooting and high-resolution video. Zoe Malin, reporter I've been taking Vital Proteins' Collagen Peptides Capsules every morning for about five years, and they've completely overhauled my hair and nails. Both grow faster, feel stronger, break less and finally look like what I'd define as 'healthy.' One bottle comes with 360 capsules, and since I take two a day, it lasts me about six months. I just ran out, so Prime Day is the perfect time to restock — the brand's products are always on sale. Now that I've been using this spray for about two years, I can't imagine doing my hair without it. I use it every day, so I always buy two bottles at a time. I spritz it onto my curls after applying Not Your Mother's Curl Talk Sculpting Gel, and then I scrunch everything together with my hands. Dream Coat helps define my curls, prevent frizz and add shine while keeping my hair feeling soft. It essentially works with the gel to lock my curls' shape into place whether I air dry or use a diffuser. Ashley Morris, associate SEO reporter For a long time, I was strictly into exfoliating cleansers because of the benefits for my acne-prone skin. However, I started using this cleanser in the winter and loved how moisturized my skin felt, even right after washing. It has a silky, gel texture that doesn't leave any residue (which is a huge no-no for me), and I love how it doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped and dry, which I've experienced with a lot of other cleansers. I hate spending money on essentials, so picking up my household necessities during big sales like Prime Day is a no-brainer for me. I came across these dryer balls almost two years ago after hearing multiple editors on the NBC Select team talk about them. I'm constantly doing laundry, so I love that these can just hang out in my dryer until I put in a load, rather than me having to add them in every time. They also last for a really long time — each ball can go for up to 1,000 loads, according to the brand. Rebecca Rodriguez, editorial projects manager I restock these face masks whenever there's a sale because I need to have at least one in my house at all times. I use this overnight mask at least twice a month, whenever I feel like my skin needs a reset. It feels so soothing and hydrating when I apply it, and leaves my skin taut and dewy the next morning. Everytime I put one on it feels like I'm treating myself to a spa day without breaking the bank. As someone with sensitive, rosacea-prone skin, I need a gentle cleanser. This one from La Roche-Posay has been my go-to for over two years and my face feels fresh after every use. It has ceramide-3, which helps retain moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier, according to the brand. I never feel like this cleanser strips my skin (which is helpful since I tend to lean on the drier side). It's great for removing light make-up, but if I have a full face on, I need to use a cleansing balm first. Jem Alabi, editorial projects associate As someone who is so keen on skin care, I naturally cycle through many products, but on the other side of the pendulum, my body considers itself lucky if I even slap a handful of lotion on at night. That being said, this summer, I will be working on creating a body care routine that involves addressing the scarring on my legs and arms. I've done some research and this brand has come up multiple times. Reviewers describe seeing progress after just one use, and the before and after photos from happy customers have convinced me to give this a try. It works well within my budget even when it's not on sale, so I'm very excited to purchase it come Prime Day. Andriana Kourkoumelis, NBC Select intern As someone who's always in a rush and can't go one morning without coffee, the AeroPress has been a lifesaver. This simple yet effective reimagining of the traditional French press allows you to use any ground espresso or coffee of your choice. I've made lattes, cold brews and recipes both hot and iced in the original AeroPress, and the results never disappoint. The AeroPress XL differs from the version I have because it makes two to four cups of coffee at a time (rather than one), plus this model guarantees a two-minute brew and clean time, according to the brand. Since I'm always hosting and my friends and family love coffee, investing in the XL version is a much needed upgrade. Pilot's G2 premium gel roller pen has been my writing utensil of choice since middle school. To this day, I still hand write everything from a simple to-do list to a long journal entry. This gel pen writes extremely smooth on all types of paper, which helps to control my messy handwriting when I'm taking notes quickly. I typically buy them in bulk and write with them till the ink is all gone and every pen is used, so it's time for a restock. The 12-pack is at its lowest price ever this Prime Day. Riley Atkinson, NBC Select page Home allergens and dust feel overwhelming in my tiny apartment, so I need an air purifier that removes pollutants and minimizes odor without taking up too much space. Levoit's mini air purifier is on my to-buy list because of its compact size, powerful filtration system and affordable price. I also love the option to add my favorite essential oils for a fresh and customizable scent. The NBC Select team reviewed the larger version and liked the strong filtration and quiet sleep mode. My hair is constantly frizzy and feels even more damaged than normal during the summer months. I purchased Olaplex's No. 7 bonding oil about a year ago, and now it's a critical part of my everyday hair routine. Just two drops of the oil controls flyaways, protects against heated hair tools and reduces breakage. I use the oil when my hair is wet before styling it with heat, and I also add a drop afterward to tone down frizz and add shine. One 30-milliliter container lasts me around six months, but I love stocking up when it's on sale. I've been on the hunt for an under-desk treadmill for a while, so I figured Prime Day would be the perfect time to buy one. This one has a 4.1 star-average rating on Amazon and over 5,000 reviews, so I figured it would be a good option to try out. It's less than 5 inches tall, so I can easily store it under my bed or another piece of furniture while I'm not using it. It also comes with a remote to conveniently turn on and off. One thing I'm worried about is the noise since I don't want to disturb anyone in my I'm definitely excited to try this out when it gets delivered. I've moved three times over the last four years, and these vacuum storage bags have been a lifesaver every single time. I'm moving again at the end of the month, so I'll definitely be using them again. These bags are great for storing clothing, jackets, blankets and even pillows. All you have to do is seal the bag and use a vacuum to suck out the air. Compared to boxes or bins, compression bags take up a fraction of space and store so much more. Why trust NBC Select? I am an editorial and production intern for NBC Select covering deals and sales for Amazon Prime Day. For this article, I asked NBC Select editors to highlight their favorite purchases during Prime Day.
NBC News
23-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
The best Memorial Day sales at Home Depot: Shop 34+ great deals on tools, tech, mattresses and more
Most of my big home improvement projects require a trip to Home Depot, and if you're in the same boat, now's a great time to save with Memorial Day sales in full swing. We're already seeing steep discounts on big ticket items like appliances and mattresses, in line with expert advice from our Memorial Day Shopping guide. I associate Home Depot with DIY, so I'll be personally eyeing the brand's discounted hand tools and paint supplies. And similar to Amazon's Memorial Day sales, you don't need any special membership to shop. As a reporter for NBC Select, I've covered sale events like Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day and daily deals for years. Below are the best Memorial Day deals I found on Home Depot. I'll update this list as prices and deals change. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. The best Home Depot Memorial Day 2025 deals to shop now All of our recommendations are based on previous coverage and reporting, with a mix of editor favorite, brand bestsellers and expert-recommended picks. I bought a Ryobi cordless drill nearly 10 years ago and it's proved a reliable and essential tool in all my household projects across multiple moves. This set includes a cordless drill and an impact driver, plus two batteries, a battery charger and a tool bag. Pair it with a Ryobi drive bit kit, and you can tackle all kinds of DIY tasks. This electric pellet grill uses wood pellets instead of gas or charcoal to create heat, and infuses a smoky, woody flavor to food. You can adjust the heat between a low and slow smoke mode and a high of up to 450 degree fahrenheit. It also has a meat probe built-in to the grill, which shows the internal temperature on a small screen on the outside of the grill. If you want a larger cooking area, the Traeger Pro 34 is also on sale. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown recommends Miracle-Gro fertilizer as a reliable all-purpose fertilizer. This smaller bag is best for in-ground flowers, annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees and shrubs, and can feed plants for up to three months, according to the brand. If you have an older TV that's running slowly or not loading smart TV apps anymore, you may be able to speed things up by plugging in a streaming device. This Fire TV Stick is the brand's fastest and latest model. You can download all your favorite apps and watch TV shows, sports and movies to your heart's content. NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin loves her Serta hybrid mattress, and this model is one of the most affordable from the brand. It has a cooling top cover and a mix of memory foam and coils inside the mattress. It's available in sizes from twin to California king. A leaf blower can help speed up outdoor yard cleaning, and this model from Milwaukee is compact, portable and convenient. It's powered by rechargeable batteries, and you can easily lock in to any power level with the slider on the handle. If you already have Milwaukee batteries and chargers, you can buy the Milwaukee M18 blower all on its own (on sale). Raised garden beds can be easier for beginners to use than planting in the ground. This model is a little over 32-inches high and has a planter that's about 8.6-inches deep. The bed is made of cedar wood and comes with a detachable fabric liner. You can use these genius little cleaning gadgets to spot or deep clean spaces, including walls, according to our experts. The best part is how easy they are to use: all you have to do is add water, squeeze out the excess, then go to work on stains and dirt. More Home Depot Memorial Day 2025 sales to shop now Best appliance sales Up to 40% off select washing machines Up to 40% off select dryers Up to 40% off select refrigerators Up to 30% off select ranges Up to 35% off select dishwashers Best outdoor sales Up to 25% off select blowers Up to 25% off select lawn mowers Up to 20% off select riding lawn mowers Up to 32% off select pressure washers Up to 42% off select string trimmers Up to 45% off select soils Up to 31% off select outdoor plants Up to 20% off select planters Best tool sales Up to 51% off select drills Up to 61% off select power tool batteries Up to 65% off select saws Up to 46% off select inflators Up to 51% off select sanders Best home and furniture sales Up to 25% off select bathtubs Up to 15% off select showers and shower doors Up to 25% off select toilets Up to 30% off select kitchen faucets Up to 30% off select bathroom faucets Up to 40% off select mattresses Up to 56% off select patio conversation sets Up to 30% off select patio dining sets Up to 39% off select indoor plants Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology, fitness and deals. To round up the best Memorial Day sales at Home Depot, I found discounted products and retailer sales across the web, including products and brands recommended from previous NBC Select coverage.
NBC News
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Gap Friends & Family sale: Save 40% on denim, dresses and more — just in time for summer
Spring's in full swing, and with summer quickly approaching, Gap is giving you the chance to refresh your wardrobe during its Friends & Family Sale. You can shop denim, T-shirts, skirts, shorts and more for a minimum of 40% off — so don't miss the chance to stock up on everything you need to get your summer staples in order. Cardmembers get an extra 10% off, too. Below, I rounded up some of the best deals to shop during Gap's sale. Keep in mind that many of these items are bestsellers and may sell out quickly, so be sure to shop while you still can. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Best deals from the Gap Friends & Family sale Below are the best deals from Gap's Friends and Family sale, including favorites from shopping experts and editors at NBC Select. Best women's deals Curvy High Rise Barrel Jeans These jeans are made from 100% cotton, and are designed with extra room in the hip and thigh areas for a curvier fit, according to Gap. They have a high rise, five pockets, and are available in petite, regular and tall fits, and in a range of washes, including dark, medium and light. Breathe Wireless Bra NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brow n loves bras from Gap for their comfort and support, which is exactly what you get with this wireless bra. It's made from a breathable, heather jersey knit with adjustable, convertible straps that unhook at the back, according to the brand. It's available in sizes ranging from 30A-40D. Modern Rib Tank Top A classic tank top is a wardrobe staple, and this ribbed option is made from a soft, breathable cotton blend, according to the brand. The fabric has enough stretch to give the top a flattering fit, and the halter neckline elevates the design enough so you can choose to dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. Best men's deals Pleated Khaki Shorts NBC Select editor Jordan Bowman recommends these shorts, which are made from a smooth, stretchy cotton that's ideal for hot summer days. They have a pleated front design for an extra touch of style, along with button closures, and pockets in the front and back, according to the brand. Denim Stripe Shirt Denim Stripe Shirt Bowman also suggests this airy button-up, which has a straight, classic fit and a front patch pocket for keeping small essentials like keys or lip balm. The shirt has an allover navy stripe design, and is made from a cotton-polyester blend, according to the brand. Baggy Jeans A good pair of jeans is necessary for any summer wardrobe rotation, and this pair is made from 100% cotton and has extra room around the hips and thighs, which allows for air to flow freely through. It also has a tapered leg that sits right over your shoes, and a classic, five-pocket style, according to the brand. Best kid's deals Kids Easy Skort This soft, cotton skort has a pair of inner shorts that make them ideal for both casual and more active occasions. The waist is elasticized, for an adjustable fit, and the skort comes in six vibrant summer colors. Kids Quick-Dry Lined Shorts If you're looking for the perfect pair of shorts to last your little ones all day, look no further — these shorts are made from a quick-dry polyester that they can wear both on the playground and in the pool, according to Gap. They have a stretchy fit and an adjustable waistband for added comfort, and also have pockets in the front and back. Baby First Favorites Bodysuit Made from a cotton, polyester and elastane blend, this soft bodysuit is an essential, everyday piece for your baby. It has a crewneck design with lapped shoulders that make it easier to go over the head, and snap-button closures at the inseam for quick and easy diaper changes, according to the brand. The bodysuit is available in sizes for babies up to 24 months old. More Gap deals to shop now 40% off Women's Organic Cotton Vintage T-Shirt 40% off Women's Linen-Blend Wide-Hem Pants 50% off Women's Mid Rise Denim Boxer Shorts 40% off Men's Original T-Shirt 40% off Men's Modern Khakis 40% off Gap Logo Denim Baseball Hat Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter for NBC Select who's been covering deals and sales for over a year. To find the best deals from the Gap Friends & Family sale, I rounded up highly rated, on-sale apparel, as well as pieces our NBC Select editors love.
NBC News
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
19+ Mother's Day gifts that go beyond spa days
Everyone believes that their mom is the best in the world, so as Mother's Day approaches on May 11, it's important to show her exactly how much you care. Along with the dinners, spa days and flower bouquets, picking out the perfect Mother's Day gift is a great way to show your mom how much you appreciate her and her interests. To help you wade through the avalanche of potential gifts, I rounded up some of the best Mother's Day gifts I think you should consider for this year's holiday, including flowers, tech, skin care, home decor and more. The best Mother's Day gift ideas in 2025 Below, I've rounded up the best Mother's Day gift ideas for every kind of mother, including products we've reviewed in the past along with some NBC Select staff favorites. Be sure to check shipping times to confirm that your gift will arrive on-time and avoid showing up to the celebrations empty handed. Gifts under $50 Taskrabbit Gift Card This Mother's Day, one of the best gifts you could give your mom is probably something she very much needs: a break. Taskrabbit is an online service marketplace that lets you choose freelance workers (called 'taskers') for tasks like cleaning, mounting, repairs and more, making it just what your mother may need to help alleviate any pressing to-dos from her plate. NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown, whose family has welcomed three new babies in the past year, loves gifting Taskrabbit services to the busy mothers in her life. 'What the mothers in my life have appreciated from me more than anything are money toward more practical experiences, like a cleaning service from Taskrabbit,' she says. She knows that motherhood can be busy, which is why she loves 'being able to help out in that way so they can have a couple of hours to relax.' You can purchase Taskrabbit gift cards in amounts from $25 and up — just be sure to check the app for a service cost estimate before buying. If your mother is a fan of the arts, or just looking for a new hobby to help her relax, this watercolor paint set from Kuretake is sure to be a hit. The colors are Gansai paints, which are traditional Japanese watercolors that are based on colors seen in nature, according to the brand. They have a smooth, slightly shiny finish and are held in pans that are larger than the usual watercolor trays, making them easy to use with small and large brushes. Each set includes 48 beautiful colors, along with a color chart and a sheet that acts as both a protective cover and a palette mixer. Everyone on the NBC Select staff knows that my Lego Botanicals set is one of my favorite purchases from last year — not only is it a fun way to pass time, but you're also left with a pretty piece of decor to display once it's over. This mini orchid kit has five peach-colored blooms, along with buds, leaves, a flowerpot and a stand to make it as lifelike as possible, according to the brand. The set has 274 pieces and includes instructions on how to assemble the flower (along with a link to a digital version in case your mom loses the printed version). Pura 4 Diffuser This diffuser was originally introduced to NBC Select associate reporter Bianca Alvarez by her mom, and she loves using it to keep her apartment smelling great, she says. It's a mixture of a classic diffuser and a scent plug-in — your mom can connect it to her phone via the app and control her settings, giving her a customized experience. She can make schedules, change scents, adjust the fragrance's intensity and more. Alvarez also loves that this diffuser helps give her a bit of peace of mind while scenting her home. 'Unlike candles, I don't have to remember to blow it out and I can easily turn it on and off from wherever I am,' she says. For the mothers who love to get sentimental, try going the personalized route with your gift-giving. This photo book from Artifact Uprising has a cutout softcover design with customizable, foil-printed lettering that both come in a range of colors for you to choose from, according to the brand. You can create your book using the layout templates provided, and can also choose from hardcover options and three different sizes, including 5.5 x 5.5 inches, 6 x 8 inches, and 8.5 x 8.5 inches. Naturium Glow All Out Body Bundle Naturium 's Glow Getter line is a favorite among NBC Select staff, including myself. Since I started using the body wash, my skin feels smoother and stays hydrated even when I'm fresh out of the shower and starting to dry off. This bundle includes full sizes of the Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash and the Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter, both of which have hydrating ingredients like squalane, botanical oils and glycerin to help keep your mom's skin moisturized both during and after her bath routine. Gifts under $100 The Sill Subscription The Sill is one of the best places to buy plants online, and any moms who have a green thumb will love the retailer's subscription service as a gift this Mother's Day. For $55 per month, your mom will get a new plant and ceramic planter delivered straight to her doorstep. This particular subscription includes smaller plants that are easy to care for, with the variety changing monthly to avoid duplicates. Each plant is also guaranteed to arrive in good condition — if not, your mom can submit a request for a replacement that'll be shipped to her right away. The mothers in my family are notorious for each having a serious sweet tooth, making a delicious treat a great gift to help feed their candy craze. These gourmet chocolates by Richart come in a double box with two types of chocolate. Your mom will get 16 Petits Richart chocolates, which each hold a different surprise filling inside, along with 16 Ultra-Fines, which are thin, square chocolates that come in an assortment of dark and milk chocolate, according to the brand. The Petits Richart fillings are designed to be adventurous, with flavors like licorice, yuzu, and even curry, making it a yummy and unique tasting experience for your mom. Pandora Moments Heart Bracelet I got my Pandora bracelet almost ten years ago, and it's truly the gift that keeps on giving — for every memory or milestone, my loved ones give me a charm to symbolize it, making my bracelet a portable collection of treasured moments. This bracelet has a snake chain and a heart-shaped clasp that's perfect for showing your mother just how much you love her. It comes in sizes ranging from 6.3 to 9 inches, and a range of finishes including sterling silver, 14k gold, 14k rose gold and mixed metal options. The Bouqs Co. Mom Goals Bouquet Flowers are a classic Mother's Day gift, and this year you can brighten your mom's day with this stunning bouquet from The Bouqs Co. Made from a mix of calla lilies, pink roses, snapdragon, eucalyptus and hypericum berries, the bouquet includes 24 mixed stems and arrives in a recyclable Bouqs gift box. 'I sent my mom a bouquet of flowers from Bouqs and she was so pleasantly surprised,' says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. 'I love that the brand has such carefully selected bouquets and that they have same-day delivery for certain cities.' This bouquet is also available in small and large sizes, and comes freshly picked and in bud form (the brand recommends allowing 2 to 3 days for the buds to fully bloom). Sometimes, a practical gift is the best way to go, which is exactly what makes this steamer such a great choice. It has a sleek, aesthetically-pleasing design and is lightweight and easy to pack, making it the perfect travel accessory for your mom's next trip. It has a one-button control and heats up in only 15 seconds, according to the brand, and also includes a wall mount bracket and a storage bag for on-the-go use. The steamer's head is also rotational, so you can use it in any position. We're big coffee lovers at NBC Select, and if your mom is anything like us then she'll love this adorable espresso maker from Bodum. It's made from stainless steel and has a nonreactive interior, meaning it keeps the coffee tasting fresh and clean without any metallic aftertaste, according to the brand. It can brew coffee in less than two minutes and is compatible with gas, electric and induction stovetops. The espresso maker also comes in vibrant colors that are sure to add some flair to your mother's kitchen counter. Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer Although Instagram is great, nothing beats the nostalgia of a physical photo, especially when it comes to preserving family memories. This photo printer from Canon is compact and pocket-sized, and uses dye-based crystals to print your photos out directly from your smartphone, according to the brand. Since it doesn't use ink, your mom won't need to purchase cartridge replacements, and can simply connect her phone to the printer via Bluetooth whenever she wants to use it. Gifts $100 & over Apple iPad (11th Gen) Tablets are the perfect multifunctional gift — they can act as an entertainment centre, a workstation, an organizational tool and more. Apple's iPads are some of our favorite tablets, and this 11th Generation model has a new, faster A16 processing chip, which means your mom will be able to browse the web, stream her favorite shows, or scroll through her go-to apps with faster connectivity than previous models, according to the brand. Fernandez loves his iPad and says he uses it more than he thought he would. 'It's the perfect travel accessory and prevents me from getting bored on long-haul flights,' he says. Plus, I love pairing it with a cover that doubles as a stand.' You can buy this iPad with either 128GB, 256 GB, or 512GB of storage, and in colors like blue, yellow, silver and more. For the crafting mother in your life, I suggest the Cricut Joy Xtra, which is a craft and print digital design machine that's perfect for her next creative project. When Fernandez tried the Cricut Joy Xtra, he loved how easy it was to use along with the machine's compact, space-conscious design. 'I'm always surprised by everything this machine can make,' he says. 'I love using it to make personalized greeting cards and apparel.' If your mom is a dedicated crafter or just in the market for a new hobby, she'll love the chance to use this machine for DIY projects like wall decals, decorations, personalized clothes and coffee mugs and more. Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote When it comes to stylish work totes, the Longchamp Le Pliage is a classic favorite of ours. Its minimal design pairs easily with outfits and looks across the board, and it comes in seven colors, including black, red and navy. NBC Select editorial operations associate Jem Alabi brought her mom to the Longchamp store and bought her this tote as a gift, and says it's one of her mom's favorite gifted possessions. This smart bird feeder is a step up for any nature-loving moms; it has a built-in camera that connects to your Wifi and streams footage directly to your phone via the linked app, according to the brand. The bird feeder can also take photos and videos of the birds to help you identify different types, and has a perch and a roof to prevent rainfall from ruining the seed. Boox Palma 2 NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman tested the Boox Palma 2 for over three weeks, and it quickly became his go-to reading device. However, this e-reader is for more than just books — your mom can use the Boox Palma 2 to browse the web, listen to music and more, according to the brand. It's designed to be a stirpped-down, black-ink version of an Android smartphone, meaning your mom can connect to the Google Play store to download her favorite reading and audiobook apps to keep with her while on-the-go. Fitbit Charge 6 Whether your mom is a fitness beginner or full-on fanatic, the Fitbit Charge 6 is a great choice for a fitness watch gift. It's small, so it doesn't weigh down or take up too much space on your wrist, and tracks metrics like heart rate, step count, calories burned, nightly sleep and more, according to the brand. It can also be paired with her smartphone to show notifications for text, calls and emails while wearing it, and can connect to other home gym equipment via Bluetooth. I tried this red light therapy face mask from Dr. Dennis Gross for three weeks, and I definitely recommend it for any moms who are serious skin care enthusiasts. It has three modes (red light, blue light and both) to address skin care concerns like fine lines and acne-causing bacteria, and each cycle only lasts for three minutes. It has an adjustable strap that gives it a close, customized fit, and the mask itself works well as a short but effective boost in any daily skin care routine. Why trust NBC Select? I'm an associate SEO reporter at NBC Select who has given dozens of gift ideas for a variety of holidays and occasions, including the best zodiac gifts, aesthetic gifts, and fun-size gifts. For this article, I researched products across shopping categories like home, tech, kitchen, wellness and more, including previously-covered NBC Select staff favorites, and compiled the best gifts for moms to consider this year.
NBC News
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Camp Snap Review: Is this $65 camera worth it?
I test a lot of tech gadgets at NBC Select. None of them caught the interest of my co-workers as fervently as the Camp Snap camera. This little colorful camera caused such a buzz in our office that 10 staffers wanted to test it for this review. Two weeks of testing later, I think I understand why. It turns out that a lot of us like the experience of snapping photos with friends and family with a camera, not our phones. What is the Camp Snap camera? Camp Snap Camera The Camp Snap camera is a pocketable digital camera that costs $65, a much lower-price than most competitors on the market. Despite being a digital camera, it is designed like a disposable film one — there is no screen on the back and no settings to change, you just point and shoot. The only controls are a flash switch (on, off, auto) and the shutter button. The camera can hold up to 2000 photos on its included micro-SD card. To transfer photos, simply plug the camera into a computer using the included USB-C cable. You can also download color filters on the Camp Snap website. Focal length: 35mm | Screen: None | Viewfinder: Yes | Built-in flash: Yes | Weight: 0.31 lbs. (140g) | Aperture: f/1.8 | Shutter speed: 1/30-1-250 sec. | ISO: 100-3,200 | Photo resolution: Up to 3264x2448 | Battery life: Up to 500 shots Our experience with the Camp Snap camera Ten staffers on team Select tried the Camp Snap camera for about two weeks after the brand sent us samples for review. The camera won our hearts, not with its stunning image quality (it's so-so) or high-tech features (it doesn't have any), but just by being a joy to carry around and take photos with. What we like Everyone loves using it Everywhere we took this camera, people wanted to use it. An outing with friends or family suddenly became an excuse for everyone to pass around the Camp Snap camera to take photos, says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin. 'Everyone wanted to do cute poses and asked me where to buy one — I can't say the same about taking pictures with my phone.' It's so compact, easy to pocket and simple to use that anyone can pick it up and snap some photos, similar to the approachability of a disposable camera (but without the cost of film development). It keeps you in the moment The lack of any screen or controls means that all our testers found themselves staying in the moment instead of trying to get the perfect photo, similar to shooting with a film camera. We felt less self-conscious about the photos we took, and didn't worry about whether we got 'the shot'. It's easy to view your photos when you are done We loved how simple it was to review photos — just plug the Camp Snap directly into a computer and two clicks later, you can see your photo library, says NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown. Many of our testers' laptops don't have SD card slots, and transferring photos over an app often leads to headaches, in my experience. At $65, it feels like a fun accessory, not an investment Many of the best point-and-shoot cameras are an investment, costing upwards of $1000. Most of our testers are not photographers, and would never pay that much for something they aren't sure they would use regularly. But at $65, the Camp Snap camera is a fun splurge and a great gift. Potential drawbacks to keep in mind Image quality isn't great (but that's sort of missing the point) None of us think the Camp Snap camera takes stunning images. That's not really the point — it's more about capturing a specific vibe. 'The images are reminiscent of Facebook era party photos — the focus tends to miss things and, without flash, the shots tend to be really grainy,' says NBC Select commerce editor Jordan Bowman. All our testers agreed that if you are looking for high quality photos with sharp details and vivid color, you are better off using your phone (or a more expensive point-and-shoot camera). But if you are looking for photos with an imperfect, vintage aesthetic, you may like the look of this camera's photos. Too many blurry shots While most of our team didn't mind the so-so image quality, what we did find annoying was how many shots came out blurry. When NBC Select social video producer Josh Rios looked at his shots, so many were blurry, dark or overly-green that he wanted to put them into Adobe Lightroom to fix them. He started to, then stopped, realizing that adjusting white balance in post-production is almost the opposite of what the Camp Snap camera is intended for. 'I was making this camera into something it wasn't,' says Rios. Who is the Camp Snap camera for? The Camp Snap camera is the epitome of a vibes camera. It's something to give to a friend to take pictures with and laugh about later, says Rios. It's an alternative to smartphone photos, something that lets you stay immersed in the real world while still being able to capture the moment, says NBC Select associate reporter Ashley Morris. And it's a camera you can gift to anyone, of any age, regardless of their photography skills. Just know that the Camp Snap camera is more about the joy of taking the photos rather than printing 'high-quality' pictures to frame and display in your home. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on point-and-shoot cameras, smartwatches, running shoes and more. For this story, ten NBC Select staffers tried out the Camp Snap camera for about two weeks after the brand sent us samples for review.
