These Smart Home Devices Can Enhance Independence for People With Disabilities and Mobility Needs

Smart-home devices can sometimes feel almost magical. They allow you to turn on lights without having to touch a switch, answer the front door from your bedroom (or a hotel room), and tweak your thermostat with a simple voice command. For many people, those capabilities are a convenience or a luxury. But for those who live with accessibility challenges, smart-home technology can be a powerful enabler, one that allows them to live a more independent and empowered life. Todd Stabelfeldt, CEO of C4 Database Management, is a quadriplegic and an avid smart-home user. As he puts it, “Convenience for you is independence for me.”

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-assistive-smart-home-technology-for-disabled/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The 19 Best Gifts for Your Mother-in-Law

Mothers-in-law can be hard to shop for, especially since everyone wants to make a good impression. Maybe you’ve known your mother-in-law for ages; maybe you’ve met only once. Or maybe the two of you are super close, but you’re still a little stumped on what to get. Whatever relationship you have, we’ve got a gift solution that’ll show your mother-in-law you appreciate her.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/gifts-for-mother-in-law/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best VR Headset

Virtual reality can be an arresting way to step into engaging virtual worlds, even if it’s still a new technology that remains far from being a “most people” purchase. We think the Meta (formerly Oculus) Quest 2 is the best headset for most people because it’s the easiest to use and offers access to the widest range of games and experiences. However, because Meta makes the Quest headsets, you’ll need a Facebook account to use a Quest 2.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-standalone-vr-headset/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Cat Litter

The stinky, sometimes sticky mess that cats leave in the litter box is easier to handle if you have the right cat litter. After two years of testing 17 cat litters, we think Dr. Elsey’s Ultra does the best job of making litter box chores a little easier, because it masks odors, clumps well, and keeps dust to a minimum. Plus, it’s cheaper than many other options—an important factor, considering this is something you’ll use a lot of in a cat’s lifetime.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-cat-litter/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The 27 Best Gifts for 2-Year-Olds

Keeping up with the developing skills and interests of a 2-year-old can feel like a sprint—at times literally—or a guessing game. “Play is how they start to understand the world,” said Heather Singh, associate director of school and gallery education at the Thinkery, a children’s museum in Austin, Texas.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-gifts-toys-for-2-year-olds/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Mechanical Keyboards

Every stroke of the keys on a well-made keyboard should bring a unique joy: Each clack provides your ideal tactile feedback, and each key is styled to match your aesthetic. If you spend most of your day typing, coding, or gaming, a mechanical keyboard can be a comfortable, customizable upgrade over the shallow, drab keyboard that came with your computer. After spending months testing the most promising mechanical keyboards, we like the Varmilo VA87M for its excellent build quality and its compact, minimalist design. It’s available with plenty of switch options and colorful high-quality keycaps to match your preference, too.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/our-favorite-mechanical-keyboards/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Nintendo Switch Sports Is Fun. But Make Sure to Tighten Those Wrist Straps.

There may be no better video game than Nintendo’s Switch Sports for upcoming summer vacations, cookouts, and family get-togethers. If you played and loved Wii Sports after its launch, back in 2006, this new version will feel like a comfortably familiar upgrade. And if you’re new to the series and the console, the Switch Sports collection of tennis, bowling, volleyball, badminton, soccer, and chambara swordplay could easily become your go-to group game, especially as in-person gatherings become increasingly common.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/nintendo-switch-sports/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Gaming Mouse

If you play a lot of PC games, a more comfortable mouse with fast response times, a precise sensor, more customizable buttons, and pretty lights can be a worthwhile upgrade over a regular ol’ mouse. We tested 31 gaming mice this year—in addition to the so, so many we’ve tested in past years—to find the best wired and wireless gaming mice for most hand sizes and most grip styles.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-wired-wireless-gaming-mouse/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

30 Gifts for People Who Have Everything

We all have that one person in our lives who’s nearly impossible to shop for: They own everything they could possibly want or need, they don’t like tangible gifts, or they’re hopelessly picky (that’s the worst!). Shopping for them can be a daunting task, but we’re here to make things a little easier. We’ve gathered our best recommendations—including consumable treats, subscriptions and gift cards, and small luxuries they may not splurge on themselves—that will surprise and delight even the hardest-to-please recipient.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/gifts-for-people-who-have-everything/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The 30 Best High School Graduation Gifts

The transition from high school to whatever pseudo-adult period that follows—college, trade school, a gap year, or working—is a time for celebration. But it’s also a time for preparation. Many items can make that next stage of life easier to navigate (or, at least, easier to navigate with more whimsy). Below, we’ve assembled the very best from our product research and firsthand testing to get your high school grad through their next adventure and for years beyond.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-high-school-graduation-gifts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

53 Wirecutter-Approved Gifts for College Graduates

Off comes the cap and gown and on comes the daunting task of being an adult. For the college graduate, that usually entails starting a job and moving into their own place. Help them celebrate this next stage and set them up for success with gifts that are both fun and useful.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/gifts-for-college-graduates/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Why We Love the OXO Coffee Maker

The OXO Brew coffee maker delivers coffee that tastes like it was fussily made, yet it requires only the push of a button.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/oxo-coffee-maker-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Four Tips to Help You Organize Your Shed or Garage

If you’ve ever tried to keep a garage, shed, basement, or storage unit in order, you probably know how quickly those spaces can spiral into utter chaos. Keeping the area organized is the best way to utilize your extra space—and the first step is decluttering. Garages, sheds, and storage units often become dumping grounds for the stuff you don’t use anymore, so take the time to thin out what you’ve collected over the years. Once you’ve done that, our staffers have some great ideas on how to keep that extra space clutter-free.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/tips-to-organize-shed-or-garage/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Nonalcoholic Drinks

An increasing variety of exciting nonalcoholic beverages are here to replace the Shirley Temple. We’ve tasted 69 of these balanced, complex drinks since 2021—including 35 new bottles and cans in 2022—to find the most unique, mature, and delicious ones for sipping and savoring. Below we list our 16 favorite bottles and single-serving options (as well as everything else we’ve tried), with detailed tasting notes to help you choose based on what you like and the experience you’re seeking. Whatever your preferences, these drinks are easy to serve and stunning to look at.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-non-alcoholic-drinks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Everything You Need to Know About Walmart+

Walmart’s paid membership program promises same-day delivery on more than 160,000 products the retail giant sells. But what makes the service, called Walmart+, different from similar programs like Amazon Prime and Target’s Same Day Delivery (shopped by Shipt)? And is it actually worth the yearly subscription fee? Here’s everything you need to know about Walmart’s new membership program, how it differs from the other same-day delivery services available to shoppers, and how to get the most out of a membership if you do choose to join.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/money/walmart-plus-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Buying a New TV This Year? Here’s What You Need to Know About OLED.

For 10 years, OLED TVs have been regarded by videophiles (and by us) as blue-ribbon investments that are worth their steep prices if you value the highest-quality movie or gaming experience. Yet we’d suspect that many casual TV shoppers might not know about OLED TVs or why they’re so highly regarded. The conditions are ripe for that to finally change in 2022. With more OLED TVs coming from more manufacturers in more screen sizes, this could be the year OLEDs begin to move away from videophile territory and become a viable option for more people.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/things-to-know-about-oled-tvs/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Mattresses for Back Pain

Contrary to popular belief, your aching back doesn’t need a firm-as-a-plank mattress. In fact, there is no specific mattress that’s best for back pain.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/mattresses-for-back-pain/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

10 Things Wirecutter Moms Love

In honor of Mother’s Day, on May 8, we asked several moms on staff to share their favorite items—the things that inject a bit of beauty into their busy days, that allow them to steal a quiet afternoon for themselves, or that make it easier to juggle everything it takes to be a parent.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/guides/things-wirecutter-moms-love/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The 15 Best Mother’s Day Gifts of 2022

It doesn’t matter if she’s your mom, your grandma, or your girlfriend. Whether she birthed you, raised you, or is simply the one who tells you, “Sweetheart, you really need to brush your hair,” you likely have at least one person in your life worth celebrating on Mother’s Day. Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite Mother’s Day gifts, including delights to eat, items to help Mom unwind, and trinkets to express your endless love.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-mothers-day-gifts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Smart Garage Door Opener Controller

If you’ve ever arrived home only to discover you left the garage door open all day, then you should get a smart garage-door opener controller. These small devices connect to your existing garage-door opener, and they allow you to open or close your garage door from anywhere, or to check on the door’s status, using an app or even a voice assistant like Amazon Alexa. The Tailwind iQ3 Smart Automatic Garage Controller has the best hardware of any controller we tested, and its unique location technology triggers it to securely open your door when you arrive home.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-smart-garage-door-controller/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Easy Way I Protect My Credit Cards Online and Keep Free Trials Free

Have you ever had to jump through hoops to cancel and replace credit cards after a data breach? If not, perhaps you—like me—have cringed while entering your credit card info into a sketchy website, or signed up for a free trial and forgotten to cancel it. I found myself wishing for a safer alternative, like a throwaway credit card number. For situations like these, I’ve started using Privacy, which provides exactly that.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/easy-online-protection-for-credit-cards/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The 31 Best Mother’s Day Gifts Under $50

If money were no object, I’m sure most of us would choose to buy our mothers castles, islands, or their dream homes. But, of course, money is an object, and a lot of us are in the position of having, well, not so much of it. But fret not, oh cash-strapped progeny! You can still show the mom in your life that you care, without breaking the bank. Below, we’ve rounded up our favorite gifts that are available for $50 or less.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/best-cheap-mothers-day-gifts/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

Leesa Mattress Review: An Honest Assessment

Leesa launched its bed-in-a-box business in 2014 with one supposedly perfect mattress (the all-foam Leesa Original). And it distinguished itself from other mattress companies by pledging to donate one mattress to families in need for every 10 mattresses purchased. Leesa still does all of this, but now it also offers multiple bed options. You can find the newer options at Leesa’s sites and showrooms, as well as at multiple retail partners nationwide, including Macy’s and West Elm.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/leesa-mattress/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

A Running List of Free and Discounted Services for Teachers

Molding the young minds of America is no easy feat. To thank teachers for their hard work and tireless dedication, many companies are offering free and discounted services to the educators who continuously put their students first. Whether it's a new pair of shoes, a less-expensive Costco membership, or a new way to connect with your students as you navigate remote and hybrid learning, these free and discounted services might help brighten your day and make your job a little easier to manage.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/free-services-for-teachers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The 25 Best Gifts for New Moms

Becoming a parent can be a wonderful and mixed bag of emotions. People experience the transition into parenthood in so many different ways, and the best gift for a new mom is one that’s tailored to the individual. You know the new mom in your life best, but if you’re looking for ways to celebrate her, pamper her, and lovingly help her through those strenuous early days, we’ve gathered suggestions from parents on our staff that we think will make this first Mother’s Day even more memorable.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/gifts/gifts-for-new-moms/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Pressure Washer

Watching years of mildew get blasted off a piece of patio furniture provides a unique form of satisfaction—a feeling attainable only with a pressure washer (also called power washers). After more than 80 hours of research and two weeks using eight pressure washer models to clean cars, outdoor chairs, and more, we found that the best pressure washer for most homeowners is the Ryobi RY142300 2300 PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer. All the electric washers we tested cleaned well, but the Ryobi has a durable motor, a longer hose, larger wheels for easier maneuvering, a better-designed cord, and lengthier warranty coverage than the competition.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-pressure-washer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed

The Best Computer Speakers

During this year when gamers are spending more time gaming, musicians are spending more time recording, and everybody else is just eager for good entertainment, anyone can use a great set of computer speakers. After extensively testing new models, we’ve selected the Mackie CR5-XBT pair as our favorite set of computer speakers because it sounds great, fits on most desktops, and can play bass-heavy music without threatening to self-destruct.

Dismiss

from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-computer-speakers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=RSS%20Feed