Team Screen or not, these screen-free toys are fun for all the kiddos on your list
We don’t have an issue with screen time. After all, devices are entertaining, sure, but they also offer educational and convenience benefits. But regardless of your stance on the subject, everyone needs time away from screens and devices (grown-ups included). It can be so easy to forget to look up from our digital lives. That’s where our work, communication, entertainment, banking, researching, and, well, really most things throughout our days. We don’t think there’s anything wrong with that…until we forget to take in our surroundings. That’s why we also make sure to focus on screen-free toys around the holidays.
While there are some hot high-tech gifts this year, we think it’s a great idea to include some screen-free toys in the mix. And they’re really anything but boring. Creativity, relaxation, and imagination are all nudged when we aren’t looking at our screens. They’re great for flexing little ones’ minds, and they also prevent them from becoming a little too reliant on their iPads. There are a lot of fantastic screen-free gifts out there, and these are some of the absolute best that are definitely on our “Buy” and “Give” lists.
Slice & Bake Cookie Set
Includes 12 sliceable cookies, 12 toppings, knife, spatula, cookie sheet, and kitchen mitt, plus a storage cookie tube.
For kiddos who need something a little different from the classic playhouse, this rocket includes all the tools and activities they need to explore outer space.
Screen-free fun is erupting in this schleich® play set where dinosaurs roam the land. Featuring molten lava, volcanic ash, and action-packed play functions, like glowing lava, cool vapor, realistic tremors, and a ground-shaking eruption, kids will get lost in their imagination for hours on end.
Rody Horse is smooth, bouncy, and designed to stay sturdy while your little one hops. Rody can be inflated and deflated to adjust as kids grow, and can support up to 100lbs. Comes in multiple colors.
Gator tweezers, a water dropper, scooper, cup tweezers, and plastic fine-tip tweezers give little ones the tools to play with sand, water, pom poms, different foods, and all sorts of other objects (with parent supervision, of course).
What's better than their favorite stuffy? Warmies are fully microwavable to provide hours coziness. They're scented with real dried French lavender and perfectly weighted, too. Choose from so, so many different loveable characters.
A life-sized construction set makes for literally years of fun. Kids can create forts, cars, playhouses, castles, jungle gyms...the list goes on and on.
Slumberkins Shine Bright Kin & 'Bigfoot Shares His Gift' Board Book
Slumberkins
Slumberkins is a Tinybeans fave. Each sweet 'Kin' and book combination helps kiddos learn social and emotional skills (confidence, positive self talk, and healthy relationships), plus they're adorable and include an affirmation card for littles to help remember the most important messaging. This season, Bigfoot is sharing his gift and learning self-acceptance.
No one loves a good sticker decoration activity like kids, and this terrarium gets decorated and also includes potting mix, decorative gravel, plant mister and quick-grow chia seeds.
Meet Hork. He's a shark-horse hybrid, along with his friends Zangaroo, Seadog, Squiger, and more. Randimals are designed to remind little ones that 'what makes us different, makes all the difference'.
Who wants to spend time and money buying maternity clothes you’ll only wear for a few months? Nobody, that’s who. And who wants to do a ton of mall shopping with a growing belly? Not us. Whether you’re figuring out your pregnancy style or looking to stay fashionable by renting cute maternity clothes you can send back when they no longer fit, maternity subscription boxes and rental services are a smart and affordable option. It’s like a fashionable twist on the classic baby shower. Instead of receiving a mountain of onesies and tiny socks, you can indulge in a rotating wardrobe that grows with your belly. Say goodbye to the days of sacrificing style for comfort. This is a whole new world of chic maternity wear that’s so beyond leggings and tees (unless that’s what you want!).
From the moment that little plus sign appears on the pregnancy test, we’ve all found ourselves thinking about finding clothes that accommodate our changing body shapes. It’s totally natural. We promise. Especially when you’re adjusting to all the evolving your bod goes through during this time, wondering how you’re going to dress it is something we’ve all dealt with. Whether you’re a trendy fashionista or a minimalist mama, these services have got you covered (literally). We’ve made sure there’s something for everyone.
Armoire
Armoire
With fashions categorized by maternity, bump-friendly, and nursing, you're sure to find fashions that cater to your needs throughout your pregnancy and beyond.
What you get: 4, 6 or 7 items, depending on your subscription plan How it works: Take a style quiz and make your selections from a curated list. When you're ready for new clothes, choose your next fashions. Keep your current items until your new clothes arrive Best for: All stages of your pregnancy, plus postpartum Cost: Subscriptions start at $79/first month for 4 items Check it out: Here
Motherhood Rental
Motherhood Rental
Motherhood Maternity and A Pea in the Pod are behind this new subscription service, giving you an easy, fun way to get your hands on their large assortment of new releases, best sellers and seasonal fashions.
What you get: Three items with each order from pieces you've saved as favorites How it works: Shoppers choose at least eight styles and prioritize them as a must-have or something to save for later in pregnancy. Motherhood Rental sends three items that you have the option to purchase or return in the prepaid bag and swap out for other fashions. Swap items as often as you like or need to, to accommodate your bump. Once returned, clothes are wet-cleaned and dry-cleaned and sent through a high-heat steam tunnel, and no dyes or perfumes are used in the cleaning process Best for: All pregnancy stages and occasions, from special occasion outfits to designer denim and leggings Cost: $69/month Check it out: Here
Le Tote
Le Tote
Le Tote does “fashion rental for everyday style,” and anyone can go back and forth from the classic to maternity versions of the service. Fill out a style profile, and then a stylist chooses clothes and accessories for you. You can say “yea” or “nay” to these items before they’re ever sent. Payment is for membership, not per item. Keep anything you like.
What you get: Maternity clothing items and accessories How it works: Fill out a style profile to have a stylist choose clothes and accessories for you. Choose which you like and replace any you don't. You'll then get a tote with clothes and accessories based on your current needs and fashion preferences. When you’re ready to change it up, return the items (or buy them to keep them permanently) and get a new tote Best for: Moms who need a little office wear and a little weekend wear Cost: Membership plans start at $59/month Check it out:Here
Stitch Fix
Stitch Fix
With Stitch Fix, there's no subscription required. Fill out a profile about your style preferences, price requirements, and measurements, and a professional stylist will hand-pick five fashion pieces to be delivered to your door. Order on demand or get a monthly box. Leave notes and requests for your stylist and exchange pieces you need a different size in for free. For women in sizes 0-16 and XS-XXL, Stitch Fix provides fashions for all three trimesters and post-baby. For sizes 1X-3X and 14W-24W, they offer maternity-friendly tops through your second trimester and post-baby.
What you get: 5 hand-selected pieces per delivery How it works: Keep what you like, send back the rest. Shipping is free both ways Best for: Moms-to-be that are feeling hopelessly style-less now that they're pregnant and looking to build on basics Cost: $20 styling fee per delivery, which is credited toward items you purchase, and then pay only for what you keep Check it out:Here
Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway
This rental service offers maternity pieces and bump-friendly non-maternity styles. Rent the Runway also has maternity-wear stylists on call that you can contact for free. Ask them fit and style questions or general questions about what you're getting. Talk about fancy.
What you get: Five pieces at a time How it works: Enter your due date to see styles that match where you are in your pregnancy or skip that and view all the offerings Best for: Moms seeking stylish designer pieces Cost: Membership plans start at $94/month Check it out: Here
Nuuly Rental
Nuuly Rental
Subscribe and rent any 6 styles, every month. They're all yours for the next month. Don't worry about laundry or repairs—it's included in the plan. If you fall in love with something, buy it. Send back the rest by your billing date and repeat. There are no late fees or damage fees, either.
What you get: You choose what you borrow; 6 styles from multiple categories How it works: It’s just like shopping online, but you're renting (with the option to purchase) Best for: The "cool mom", who really doesn't want to sacrifice her personal style in favor of maternity clothes that fit Cost: $98/month Check it out:Here
La Belle Bump
La Belle Bump
With La Belle Bump, you get higher-end clothes that they actually like (yay!) without the investment of buying. Popular items include all kinds of cute shorts for the summer, like the pair pictured above. You'll also like getting stylish outfits that aren’t the “cookie-cutter” looks you see everywhere else. The service provides nursing-friendly outfits and special-occasion rentals, too.
What you get: 3 or 5 maternity pieces at a time How it works: Fill out a style questionnaire, and get items delivered to you. When you send something back (because you don’t like it, or you’re just ready for something new), you’ll get the same number of new items. Clothes available in maternity 0-14 Best for: Formal wear, working women, stylish mamas seeking unique dresses Cost: $79/month for 3 items; $109/month for 5 items. Free shipping Check it out:Here
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
If you’re anything like us, your younger years were filled with “jeans and a cute top” when faced with the “what are you wearing tonight?” text. Jeans were the default. Of course, you may still rely on jeans every day, but in the age of work-from-home being the norm, it’s more likely you’re either wearing leggings, or yoga pants or if you have to go into the office or to a job site, business-casual or a uniform. But, hear us out. Jeans have come a long way, and they’re not all stiff and skinny anymore. There are lots of options for mom jeans, and celebrities are offering a ton of inspiration.
It’s possible it’s been a hot minute since you shopped for jeans. No problem. We’re going to give you a little run-down of what to consider when you’re shopping for denim (especially online):
Inseam — The length from the base of the zipper to the leg opening. Especially for women’s styles, inseams vary by silhouette (skinny, cropped/capri, bootcut/flare/wide, boyfriend/mom jeans)
Women’s Inseam Guide
Naturally, this is just a guide. Your body shape, personal preferences, and, above all, what you feel best in will impact what your ideal inseam is. But it’s a handy reference and a great place to start. Also, check on fabrication details when you’re shopping online for denim. The amount of stretch (usually Spandex) jeans are made with will make a difference to how they look and feel.
Above all, though, your level of comfort comes first. So check out a few of our favorites inspired by some of our most-loved celeb moms and the wallet-friendly swaps we’ve rounded up below.
Although Hailey isn't a mom (yet—she's talked about having a family with hubby Justin and pregnancy rumors are circulating constantly!), these deep green jeans are perfect for the fall and winter. Add a cozy sweater, or a button-down and booties!
If the "crop" part is giving you pause, don't worry. These beauties aren't just for summer. You can easily channel Reese all year long in this soft pair. Add some ankle booties or sneakers for the cooler months. A tee and a boyfriend blazer or cozy cardigan pull it all together.
Totally Reasonable Alternative: Banana Republic The Straight Jean
Banana Republic
One of our favorite oh-so-relatable celeb moms, Jennifer Garner showed up for her dad this past Father's Day, even though it meant wearing jeans (she might not have if her luggage had shown up, too) to church. Even if they weren't her first choice for the occasion, a varsity cardigan, v-neck, white court sneakers, and adorable glasses make these slouchy straight-leg jeans a whole outfit that, of course, looks great on her.
Chrissy Teigen scooped up these AGOLDE jeans on a shopping trip we wish we could've gone on with her this summer. Even though we weren't, Chrissy once again reminds us that moms can still be ultra-cool. These comfy thigh-split jeans are a little edgy while still feeling chic enough to wear to school pickup or a family dinner.
Totally Reasonable Alternative: AG Jeans High-Rise Ultra Wide-Leg Jeans
AG Jeans
Wide-leg jeans are back, friends, and you don't have to own a skateboard to rock them. Obviously, Queen B couldn't look bad in anything if she tried, but these way oversized jeans look anything but sloppy when paired with a form-fitting top to balance it all out.
Blake Lively is known for being super casual (which makes her so easy to relate to), and her Puppy Bowl celebration this year was no exception to her fashion rule. A pair of classic jeans with a little bit of extra oomph thanks to the raw hem can be dressed up or down in a snap. We think there's a good chance you'll reach for these over and over.
We seriously can't think of a decade that denim was loved more, so it's no shock 90s silhouettes are trending. Luckily, they also happen to be more relaxed and ultra-comfy. Ashley Graham is making it look easy in a tee and heels (plus, she's a mom who prefers to keep pics of her 3 kiddos' faces private—may we suggest the Tinybeans app, Ashley? We love privacy around here, too.)
nuuly lets you subscribe and rent any 6 pieces, every month, for $98.00. Fast, free shipping and returns, plus no hidden fees. If you love something? Buy it. Send back the rest by your billing date and don't even sweat cleaning or repairs. It's all included. Use code TINYBEANS25 for exclusive savings at nuuly!
Leave it to Halle Berry to wear distressed jeans and look absolutely amazing. We're loving her hooded shacket and loafers, too. Try these in place of those black leggings (not all the time; just to shake things up).
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Teacher discounts are not just a perk; they’re a necessity
As parents, we know the importance of teachers and think it’s pretty awesome that tons of companies and organizations offer freebies and discounts as a thank you. We know just trying to organize the school year is a huge task for our favorite educators, so we’ve put together a list of some of the best teacher discounts out there. Whether you’re a teacher yourself or want to share this list with your kiddo’s school, these are some great options for saving money. It’s the least we can do for our teachers, right?
Bed Bath & Beyond/Overstock: Teachers can get a free Club O Membership. Membership includes benefits like free shipping and early sales access. (Note: Overstock and Bed Bath and Beyond have merged!)
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
We spend all day online shopping as our jobs, so when we say these are our ultimate favorite gifts, we mean it!
Any product, item, or service we recommend is something we’ve hand-picked, a brand we know, or a product we’ve reviewed. We straight up refuse to lead you astray, so you can rest assured when we say something is a favorite, it absolutely is. These gifts are the best-of-the-best, creme de la creme of goodies that we’ve been obsessing over for days. Or weeks. Possibly months. Just know we’ve been obsessed. There’s a reason we say they’re our ultimate favorite gifts.
Whether you’re buying for family, friends, coworkers, teachers, or anyone, we think you’ll be able to find something on our ultimate favorite gifts list that’s sure to please. We’ve considered just about everyone, kiddos included. Think of us as E-Commerce Elves. Retail Reindeer. Sales-Savvy Santas. We’re committed to only bringing you top-tier treats, so check out our shopping editors’ ultimate favorite gifts list and get ready to watch them unwrap the “wow!”.
Overnight Brightening Face Mask
Fake 8 hours of sleep? It's totally possible with Pipette's Overnight Brightening Mask!
This is a favorite because you just can't go wrong with a professionally painted portrait from Paint Your Life. Select the painting technique you'd like used (oil, charcoal, watercolor, and more!), choose an artist from Paint Your Life's team of talent, and upload the photo you’d like used. You can even upload multiple photos to be combined into one portrait!
We're all for year-round glitz, so we can't get over these fabulous earrings from Boden created with just the kind of sparkle we need to amp up everyday outfits all year long!
Maisonette's character duvet set offerings from Snurk allow your little one to get a jump on their dreams by imagining themselves as a fairy, astronaut, dinosaur, and more!
Sure, a larger-than-average cookie sheet will come in handy from the holidays to school bake sales to hosting dinner, but the real secret? This one from 360 Cookware is such a valuable investment because of the multi-layer design that means no other cookie sheet cooks as evenly or efficiently. We absolutely won't bake without it!
25% Off Sitewide with Code TINYBEANS—through 12/31
Gift parents a Dreambaby® Mayfair Converta® 3-in-1 Play-Pen Gate. It is designed to be used as a play area, a fireplace guard, as a room divider or as a multi-panel gate! Oh, did we mention it helps with our pets, too? It does.
Whether you're someone who practices sobriety as a lifestyle, is taking a break, is pregnant, or just looking for more options this holiday season, Raising the Bar has to be your first stop. Their incredible alcohol-free subscription service is the perfect way to explore zero-proof cocktails. Each box features a drink of the month recipe card, all the ingredients needed to create it, and one or two extras, like a garnish or bar tool.
With alcohol-free spirits and teas, syrups, bitters, and tonics, and juices, mixes, and carbonation, Raising the Bar has created fun, sophisticated, and super yummy cocktails that are so good, you won't miss the booze. Each month is something new, so although RTB offers a month-to-month subscription option, we highly recommend their 3, 6, or 12 month options!
We're really big fans of inventive ways to make learning fun, so we love Osmo. They make hands-on learning games that allow players use objects in the real world to interact with the digital world shown on their iPad or Fire tablets! They'll be able to explore STEM games on their own or with the family through this Starter Kit!
Regardless of whether or not you're going through an extremely difficult situation, or could use someone just to lend an ear, Talkspace is the online therapy resource that we swear by. We'll never stop talking about the convenience, professional matching abilities, and budget-friendliness of this service that creates a space for us to focus on our mental health. And that makes us better for ourselves and everyone in our lives!
Create lasting memories using Mixbook's intuitive editing tool that puts you in control as a designer! They offer a ton of templates and more personalization options, so you'll feel like a pro, both at graphic design and gift giving.
Have we talked about the Letterfolk Tile Mat constantly for the last few months? Why yes. Yes we have. And we stand by that. Or we stand on them. We love them.
15% Off with Code TINY15—Valid 10/20 through 12/31
Babies and kiddos require a lot of stuff. Like, a lot. So when holiday traveling comes along, all of that gear has to come along, too. Unless they use BabyQuip! BabyQuip is the baby gear rental service that delivers everything from strollers to cribs to car seats and toys right to your destination (including hotels, Airbnb, private residences, and more!), sets them up for you, then picks it all up when you're done. This is one that's sure to be appreciated all throughout the year!
Slumberkins was invented by a therapist who wanted to help kiddos learn emotional and social skills. Each Slumberkins set comes with a board book, a Kin plush, and an affirmation card! For example, this Alpaca is learning stress relief. We'll take a destressing Alpaca any day!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Cozy is what it’s all about this season, and these cozy gifts will get everyone in a snuggling mood
Whether you live where it’s been snowing since September or in a milder climate, everyone loves to be cozy. The holidays invoke cuddly-crackling-fireplace-hot-cocoa-wool-socks vibes and that’s exactly the mood we’re in as we bring you these cozy gifts! Sure, we’re fully back in the social game this holiday season with parties and dinners and school recitals, but the introverted among us still appreciate nesting, and you don’t have to be an introvert to love snuggling up.
Cozy gifts are the kind that encourage relaxation, that encourage self-care, reflection, and the all-important slowing down. During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. That’s completely fine and we encourage living your best festive life! We just also want to gift our loved ones with the reminder that taking it easy every so often is truly good for the soul. From physically warm to just warm vibes, these cozy gifts are some of the best we’ve found!
UGG Cozy Faux-Shearling Slippers
For around the house or even if you have to step outside, these sweater-knit slippers are the height of cozy! Available in 4 colors.
From our friends over at Brooklinen, the Marlow pillow is the three-in-one customizable pillow that took 8 years to perfect (so you know this is no ordinary pillow!). If you're a side-sleeper, the NASA-supported memory foam filling is perfect, and staying cool? You bet!
This gorgeous wrap has been a White + Warren best seller for over 20 years! It's a must-have for celebs and influencers, but beyond that, it's an actual investment piece. Versatile, lightweight, and can be used as a wrap, scarf, shawl, or blanket, this is one for the books!
The Slumberkins collection is designed by a therapist to help teach kiddos social and emotional skills. Each set comes with a book, affirmation card, and plush "Kin" or lovey! We seriously want them all.
We can't think of anything cozier than having your little close by! The Solly Baby Wrap is our pick for keeping them snug as bugs (and you as comfortable as possible). With even weight distribution and a customizable fit, this is pretty much as cozy as it gets.
Tovala is redefining meal delivery! How? With the Tovala oven. This baby is a 6-in-1 steam + air fry oven that's specially designed to create the meals Tovala delivers. Scan the QR code and you're off. Or, scan the barcode of your favorite groceries, pantry staples, and frozen foods, for quick delicious results. When you feel like cooking, keep it simple. Follow a few prep steps in the app, then press “cook” to a make a chef-perfected side dish, brunch, or lunch. When they say "smart oven", they mean it!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
One of our favorite times of the week is when we share our roundup of the best sales we can find! We bet it’s yours, too
Phew! After the Prime Early Access Sale last week, we’re so tired of saving money!…said no one, ever. Sales are still going strong this week, and, as always, we’ve made sure to find some of the best out there. These are our favorite sales of the week, ranging from pre-holiday to day-to-day savings. Money-saving Monday is here!
Target is not messing around this holiday season! They're launching their Black Friday Deals now, with new deals added weekly. You'll want to keep an eye out all season (or, better yet, let us keep an eye out for you!).
There are so many cute options from Sugar & Jade, and these discounts mean you can snag the essentials for the season and get some holiday shopping done, too!
bareMinerals is a makeup drawer favorite, especially because their clean beauty products are so fast and easy to use. Their Friends & Family Sale only happens twice a year, so don't miss it!
Not only is Hanna Andersson known for their incredibly cute matching family pajamas, their whole collection is out-of-this-world darling. You won't want to stop scrolling their site (but you'll obviously have to go to Checkout eventually to take advantage of that 40% off!).
Maisonette features some of the most on-trend, boutique baby, kids, and women's apparel and accessories (this dress is just the tip of the iceberg!). Trust us, it's not hard to get to $75.00.
We will never stop singing YETI's praises (and we won't have to, since our ice water stays cold for hours to keep our hydration levels up), and customized YETI drinkware and dog bowls make awesome gifts!
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
We couldn’t be happier to see daffodils pop out of the ground, longer days and the return of outdoor play that doesn’t require countless layers. Once spring has sprung, we have a lot to look forward to: Spring Break, Easter, spring gardening and Mother’s Day, to name a few. We’ve already started filling our online shopping carts with a few items we can’t wait to use over the coming months, and thanks to Microsoft Edge, we know how to get the best deals on our favorite finds!
Microsoft Edge is a browser that has built-in shopping tools to make saving money a breeze. Coupon finder? Check. Price comparison with other websites? Check. Price tracker to know if you’re getting a deal or paying a premium? Check! Keep reading to see what our editors have in their carts this spring and how Edge helped them score the best price.
Blippi My First Science Kit
The Deal: Karly found this kit on Amazon, but Microsoft Edge's price comparison tool found it for $2.47 less on another site.
"A must for Blippi fans! Learn about primary and secondary colors through kid-safe fizzy tablets, test tubes, droppers and more." -Karly, Social Media Editor
The Deal: There wasn't a coupon for this particular camera, but the Microsoft Edge price tracking tool let Lauren know that the current price on this camera is stable.
"Sure, it makes a fun gift for kids, too, but I'm in the mood to make—and capture—tons of memories now that the outdoors are way more inviting." -Lauren, Head of Editorial
The Deal: Edge compares prices from other retailers—including other Amazon retailers. During checkout, Microsoft Edge flagged Gabby that another Amazon seller has the same planter for $10.80 less!
"This mid-century planter fits with all kinds of design styles and and will give your home a much needed boost after the winter months." -Gabby, Senior National Editor
Microsoft Edge saves you time and money while online shopping! Learn more.
Prism Designs Zenith 5 Kite
The Deal: Thanks to price comparison, Microsoft Edge let Kate know that Amazon had the best price on this kite!
"With more warm days on the horizon, get out and enjoy the springtime air with this easy-to-fly kite that the whole family will love." -Kate, Managing Editor
The Deal: Microsoft Edge's price comparison tool found this exact same set for nearly $16 less on eBay.
"Kids can get outside and explore with all of the fun tools like the magnifying glass, flashlight, bug container and binoculars." -Taylor, Calendar & Updates Editor
One of our editors, Jamie Aderski, took Microsoft Edge, a browser loaded with shopping tools, for a test run for her holiday shopping. Here’s what she found:
Online shopping is always my go-to: No screaming kids, no lines, just enjoying spending my hard-earned money on things I need (let’s be real—want). Shopping on my laptop saves me a trip IRL, but does it really save me time, not to mention money—especially during the holiday season when sales are hitting me up from everywhere… but which is the best? You could spend hours just searching for the best deal on one toy! Who has that kind of time, energy, patience? Not me. I’ve got holiday cookies to bake… err, eat.
Well, my Christmas miracle came early, with Microsoft Edge. ‘Tis the giving season and the generous elves at Microsoft were kind enough to gift me $250 to give Microsoft Edge a try! This browser scours the internet for deals, so I don’t have to—but wait, there’s more! Keep reading for all the juicy details…
P.S. Enter for your own chance to win $250 for your holiday shopping at the bottom of this article!
How It Works
Once you download the Microsoft Edge browser, you can automatically use the shopping features, since they are built in. Go to any website and BOOM! An icon appears with all the coupons available on that site—it’s like Christmas, people! Just pop some items into your cart, and Microsoft Edge will automatically try every possible coupon to get you the best deal. First effort, I was on the hunt for something cute and cozy for my sister-in-law and BAMN! Microsoft Edge found a coupon that got me 25% off at Kohl's and free shipping on the perfect cardi for her!
Original Price: $36.00
Price with Microsoft Edge: $24.99 + Free Shipping ($8.95 value)
Savings: $19.96 (!!)
But it’s not just coupons… here’s what else I loved about it:
Freedom from FOMO
Not only does it find you every deal possible before you buy, but it also lets you know if it’s a good time to buy; if the price is “stable,” meaning it isn’t likely to be cheaper any time soon, or it is, and in that case, you should wait, FOMO free—ahhh, the freedom! Who doesn’t hate paying too much? That feeling when you buy that thing and then it goes on sale—I have a pit in my stomach just thinking about it. No more! Thanks to Microsoft Edge.
Microsoft Edge found a coupon for $15 off any Amazon purchase with the purchase of a $100 Apple Gift Card (perfect for my hubs because he’s hard to shop for). That’s 15% off Apple! And their stuff never goes on sale! How do I know? Microsoft Edge's price comparison tool, of course!
Original Price: $100
Price with Microsoft Edge: $100 + $15 Amazon Gift Card for FREE
Shop Smarter—Not Harder
Have your eyes on a prize…? You can use Microsoft Edge's price comparison feature. Just click on the price ticket icon, and it will compare prices across the web so you know this deal is tops, even when you can't get a coupon.
My son wants Paw Patrol's Transforming City Fire Truck. I've been holding off because it's like 50 bucks. Let's get to work, Microsoft Edge! I got lucky and found a sale price on Target, but no coupons were available. I used the handy dandy comparison shopping tool, and nope! My new bestie Microsoft Edge let me know no store could beat this price, so I bought it!
Regular Price: $49.99
Price with Microsoft Edge: $40.49
Savings: I saved almost $10 and my sanity, knowing I snagged the best price.
Instant Reviews You Don’t Have to Search For
Okay, clearly, you are a smart shopper—you're reading this article! With Microsoft Edge, there is zero time wasted searching high and low for reviews to make sure you're getting what you pay for—there's an Microsoft Edge icon for that! That's right, just click, and without leaving the page, you'll see ratings and reviews from multiple sources in the know.
Checkout Speed: Lightning!
All of the above makes for a quicker, simpler and more satisfying shopping experience. Microsoft Edge gets extra credit, too, for allowing you to autofill your checkout details. Who's tired of entering their address into the "field"? Me, I am. And probably you, too.
I was looking for what my daughter calls "ballerina dresses" for Christmas, and Carter's had some adorable ones. Microsoft Edge found me a coupon for 10% off Carter's! Original price: $75 New total: $67.50. Saving: $7.50! Real talk: Shopping online for clothes is probably my least favorite, but I've found it to be the best option, rather than dragging my kids to a store. And now that I'm co-shopping with Microsoft Edge, my autofill checkout info was ready, so I can be done and move on with my life... err, eating holiday cookies, in a flash!
Original Price: $75
Price with Microsoft Edge: $67.50
Savings: $7.50
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During the pandemic, single-use items reigned supreme as families doubled down on sanitation to protect themselves from the virus. With a little planning, we can still be planet superheroes while keeping ourselves safe and protecting our planet against the massive deluge of pollution stemming from the needless use of disposable masks, gloves, wipes and other trashy plastic items.
Small things we do every day can make the planet a greener and cleaner place for people and animals today and for future generations. Check out these 4 easy actions to give a KA-POW! to plastic pollution during a pandemic.
1. Villain: Pitiful Plastic Polluter / Superhero Action: Pick it up
If you see a face mask fluttering by in a park, washed up in a gutter or lost in a parking lot, you can safely help dispose of it so it doesn’t wash into our waterways and pollute our planet. Blue face masks and many other face coverings are made from plastic textiles like polyester. They don’t biodegrade. Don’t touch the waste with your bare hands to protect yourself from potential viral contamination. Instead have on hand a reusable garden glove, kitchen glove, trash picking stick or something else to take it safely to the trash for disposal. Follow the same steps for any other trash you see lost in the environment! Plastic trash isn’t just ugly, it’s also dangerous to wildlife who commonly mistake garbage for food.
2. Villain: Gross Garbage Gyre / Superhero Action: Pack a litter-less lunch
It’s time to reboot your lunch! For many of us, school and work have been happening at home, so we’ve fallen out of the habit of packing food to go. Remember to prevent plastic pollution in the first place by reducing or eliminating it from your daily routine. A perfect place to start is lunchtime. Pack reusable containers that are designed to be easy to use and easy on the environment. Packing your own containers to school every day can prevent more than a thousand pieces of trash.
3. Villain: Trashy Takeout / Superhero Action: Refuse Single Use Takeout Items
When you purchase takeout, make sure you leave a note in the online ordering portal or with the telephone order taker specifying that you do not want any single-use extras packed with your meal. Say goodbye to making single-use plastic cutlery, single-serving ketchup and other condiment packets, and disposable napkins the new normal. You can go even further and ask restaurant managers to stop automatically including these single-use throw-aways with orders and provide them only upon customer request. Recommend biodegradable birch or bamboo utensils in lieu of throw-away plastic cutlery.
4. Villain: Ugly Online Orders / Superhero Action: Choose Plastic-Free Shipments
When shopping online, choose companies with planet-centric shipping practices that carbon offset shipments by packing all orders plastic-free (kraft tape instead of plastic, recycled dunnage paper instead of peanuts and plastic pillows, recyclable cardboard boxes instead of trashy padded plastic envelopes).
Insider Tip: If you’re buying from Amazon, go to amazon.com main search bar and enter keywords “Amazon Customer Service,” select chat, and request that you want your account flagged to receive plastic-free shipments. (Note: Requesting may or may not result in plastic-free shipments depending on your service area, but at least you’re sending a message to Amazon that you don’t want plastic waste in your shipments.) For other stores, add a customer note at checkout requesting a plastic-free, carbon offset shipment or send an email to the company.
Sandra Ann Harris is the author of "Say Goodbye To Plastic: A Survival Guide For Plastic-Free Living" and the founder of ECOlunchbox, a mission-based consumer products company. Her passion is protecting the oceans by reducing people's dependence on plastics. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.