by Furnishly | Nov 12, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
We know we’re not the only ones who feel blindsided by the end of 2021. The holiday season is here, and since shipping delays are very real these days, there’s no time to waste when it comes to gift shopping. If you haven’t started or don’t know where to begin, don’t panic — our team of editors has been testing for the best of the best for everything from comforters to bath towels. So, we’ve already got the recommendations on deck and also happen to know where to get them the fastest. While we can’t make guarantees on behalf of the postal service, consider this list your ultimate time-saver when it comes to finding the perfect gifts for everyone you know and getting them delivered ASAP.
The Best Editor-Tested Gifts
The Best Editor-Tested Gifts
For those who could use a little extra R&R, a silk eye mask is an intentional gift that’s functional and luxe. In our hunt for the best eye mask, we sought out those that treat our skin (and hair, for that matter) well, totally block out light, and add slight, comforting pressure. This delicate mask has a silk outer shell and is filled with flaxseed and lavender herbs that work in tandem to help you float away on a cloud of relaxation. It feels smooth and lush against the skin, and does an excellent job of blocking light so you get the most restful sleep possible. It’s so effective that it turned our sleep mask-avoidant commerce writer Sarah into a believer. “After moving into an apartment with lots of natural light that was waking me up hours before my alarm clock, I knew I needed to bite the bullet and find the right sleep mask,” she said. “The pressure this one provides is perfect and the aroma is just the thing I need to lull me to sleep.” Sarah loved the mask’s fit — the fully adjustable strap ensures it won’t slip off in the middle of the night, and the mask has a zippered opening that lets you add or remove as much of the filling as you’d like. “I never thought I’d be a mask girl,” said Sarah, “but here I am, doing my best Holly Golightly impression and loving every minute of it.”
Who It’s Best For: Those who deserve an easily accessible spa-like experience; those who want to treat someone without spending too big.
Good to Know: This mask comes with an additional gel eye mask that you can freeze and apply to your face to reduce the appearance of puffy or tired eyes. Also, for an extra $10, you can get the sleep tight kit, which includes a lavender and chamomile spray.
As airports and city centers gain traction and many book travel into 2022, more and more people are on the hunt for quality travel gear to replace their old go-tos. If you’re looking for the best gift for a loved one who’s been eager to get back on the road or in the air, the best carry-on suitcase is one that’ll serve them immediately and for years (and years) to come. For us, the best overall carry-on has to be reliable, durable, sturdy without being bulky, spacious without being heavy, and something you’d be proud to pluck from the baggage carousel. Meet: The Platinum Elite Hardside Spinner from Travelpro, the founding brand behind roll-aboard luggage. It includes portable USB charging, lets you pack more while somehow staying in regulation (it fits more than any other hardside carry-on we tried), and glides smoothly and quietly. The handle and zippers never get stuck (no matter what we put it through), and its appearance is classic — not too youthful, not too antiquated. Stickers peel off without residue, and scuffs buff away with just a cloth and some water. We’ve even used this carry-on as a step stool during pandemic lockdowns when we rearranged our apartments (OK, that was me), and now it’s zipping and rolling as smoothly as ever. Travelpro has our trust and we couldn’t recommend it more.
Who It’s Best For: Those who travel frequently and want a single carry-on to last years; those who want utility and style.
Good to Know: Usually around $650 to $750, this Travelpro suitcase is worth catching when it goes on sale, so keep your eyes on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
*Honorable Mention: If you’re looking to gift a traveler who already has their favorite suitcase, opt for Lo & Sons’ O.G. 2, a do-it-all carryall that’s an AT editor favorite and will last them through years of exploration.
For those who take special care and pride in their home decor and cozy, curated atmosphere, an aroma diffuser that can run with or without them present is a great gift. With its ability to keep fragrance afloat across 500 square feet and look elegant while doing it, the Vitruvi Stone Diffuser is our winner of the best diffuser for large spaces. It uses ultrasonic vibration to combine oil and water within its BPS-free plastic reservoir and diffuse a scented mist evenly throughout a larger area. The diffuser’s porcelain exterior allows it to double as decor, making it a discreet — yet visually pleasing when noticed — addition to your home’s design.
Who It’s Best For: Those who want a versatile diffuser; those who want to use their own aroma or essential oils; those who want something with a long diffusion time.
Good to Know: When gifting, pair the diffuser with the luxurious fragrances Vitruvi also has to offer, like editor-favorite Retreat, an uplifting blend of grapefruit and eucalyptus.
Coffee lovers typically own everything they need to brew the perfect cup, so whatever you give them has to top anything already in their arsenal. And while it feels a bit impossible to declare any coffee maker the “best overall,” the Technivorm Moccamaster comes the closest. It’s an automatic drip machine that’s certified by the ECBC and the SCA for superior coffee brewing, plus comes with a longer warranty than most machines. It also features a manual drip-stop that lets you adjust brewing, so you can make a half pot, full pot, or just one cup. A copper lining on the spray arm ensures consistent water temperature throughout the brewing process, while an energy-efficient hot plate keeps brewed coffee at an ideal temperature. AT director of development Andrew has the Moccamaster, and says: “I love how easy and consistent it is. I get a great cup of coffee every time, and it works just as well when I make a small or big batch. It’s quick too.” With a 5-year warranty and a reliable brewing process, this is a machine you’ll have (and enjoy) for a long time. It’s definitely on the expensive end but worth it for the durability and long-term consistency.
Who It’s Good For: Those who could benefit from the convenience of an automatic drip machine without the risk of burning the coffee; those who make coffee for multiple people often.
Good to Know: The Moccamaster also comes in a cool, retro style for those with more specific kitchen decor.
For those always on the go, gifting a tool that takes things off of their plate is optimal. A robot vacuum, especially one controlled by smartphone app, helps to make sure the house is tidy whether or not its owner is around. In our search for the best, we looked for one robot vacuum that did it all, from working on multiple surfaces to being app-controlled and smart home compatible, without costing a month’s rent. The Roomba 675, best overall robot vacuum winner for the second year in a row, has all the bells and whistles at a surprisingly low price. It’s got the patented iRobot dual-roller cleaning system all Roombas have, which makes the brand unparalleled when it comes to cleaning carpets and rolling over multiple surfaces. This model can be controlled via the iRobot app or your Alexa or Google Assistant smart home devices and automatically re-docks and recharges when its battery is low. It even has a full suite of sensors, making it reactive to furniture and barriers before it comes in contact with them. This robot vacuum is also lightweight and easy to clean out and get reset for the cleaning jobs ahead. For all these reasons, the Roomba 675 is exceptional for its price point, but even if you are willing to shell out extra dough, you need not look further unless smart mapping or extra debris storage is necessary for the recipient’s home size and lifestyle.
Who It’s Best For: Those who need something to help them keep up with at-home chores; those who want something hands free.
Good to Know: Your giftee won’t be the only one who loves it — more than 40,000 Amazon reviewers also give it all the stars.
Give the gift of warmth this winter with a set of gorgeous, organic flannel sheets. Warm and weighty, Coyuchi’s simply amazing Cloud Brushed flannel sheets are our best overall pick. They’re cozy without being stuffy, come in a range of beautiful colors and prints, and rival the most expensive flannel sheets we tried when it comes to softness, weight, and quality. They’re also organic and consciously made. The velvety finish is smooth and pill-resistant, and you have seven different colors to choose from, ranging from a fresh spring white to an autumnal ginger, so they’ll work all year round. AT shopping editor Blair says, “I’ve only owned one pair of flannel sheets in my life, which I did like a lot, but I admittedly had nothing else to compare them to — that is, until I got Coyuchi’s version, and I’ll never look at my prior set the same. I love Coyuchi’s because, yes, they add an extra layer of warmth to my bed, as all flannel sheets do, but their unparalleled softness really makes them superbly next-level. What’s fascinating, too, is that they’re fairly thick but still feel especially breathable — which, as a habitual hot sleeper, I SO appreciate.”
Who It’s Best For: Those who want to give the softest sheets around; those who want to stay warm; those who are picky about color; those who prefer something organic.
Good to Know: Even the packaging is eco-friendly — all sheets come in a reusable organic cloth bag.
by Furnishly | Nov 10, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Safe to say, Bluetooth headphones are pretty much standard for everyday listening right now. Whether you’re commuting with a podcast, exercising with a playlist, or just trying to make a phone call, it’s easy to enjoy the physical flexibility of wireless headphones. If you’re an iPhone user, your device doesn’t even have a headphone jack anymore (quelle horreur!), so wireless is really your only option these days.
Audiophiles lament the loss of sound quality that happens when you switch away from wired headphones, but most listeners probably won’t notice the difference. And the convenience is well worth the imperceptible drop in quality, in my opinion. You can walk anywhere and do anything, tangle free, from across the room or with your phone safely secured in a pocket.
If you’re concerned about air travel, you should know that the FAA allows for short-range Bluetooth to be used on flights, and your smartphone probably keeps Bluetooth connectivity activated even in airplane mode. Still, most of the bigger on-ear and over-ear headphone styles on this list also come with headphone cords that plug into the cups to make your wireless headphones wired (which extends the battery life, too). It’s also worth mentioning that almost every headphone on the list — from the tiniest earbuds to the big over-ear cans — comes with a protective carrying case. In fact, I found that among each type of headphone, most models have strikingly similar features across brands.
Your decision should come down mostly to comfort, style, and the all-important (if subjective) “do these sound good to me?” test. Even to an untrained ear, sound definitely gets better and richer when you’re willing to spend a little more. But each of the headphones below wins our seal of approval.
Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
Taryn Williford
Lifestyle Director
Taryn is a homebody from Atlanta. She writes about cleaning and living well as the Lifestyle Director at Apartment Therapy. She might have helped you declutter your apartment through the magic of a well-paced email newsletter. Or maybe you know her from The Pickle Factory Loft on Instagram.
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by Furnishly | Nov 8, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Winter is almost here, and your skin is probably in the midst of a bitter protest against the dry, cold air. Chapped lips, dry skin, and overall redness are all the telltale signs of very unhappy cold-weather skin, although dry skin can be a year-round battle depending on location, indoor climate control, or just genetics. When lathering up on moisture isn’t enough (and moving to a tropical climate isn’t feasible), there’s an inexpensive, effective strategy we love: a personal humidifier. Beyond adding moisture to the air around you, humidifiers can also help ease congestion and coughing, making them perfect in cold and flu season, or even for relieving some seasonal allergy symptoms.
Humidifiers come in two varieties: warm mist and cool mist. Warm mist humidifiers heat up the water used and release hot steam that kills off bacteria and provides the highest level of moisture saturation. Cool mist is considered the safer option, especially in households with children. These models don’t use heat, meaning there’s no risk of burns from spilled hot water. They are also especially helpful when fighting congestion.
While large-scale humidifiers are useful for home, personal humidifiers are definitely more convenient and have the added benefit of a smaller footprint. You can keep one on your desk during the day, or place it on your nightstand when you sleep. There are also USB-charged models that can be used in your car and even packed on carry-ons for trips. No matter what your needs are, we’ve found the best personal humidifiers so you can soothe your dry skin anytime, anywhere.
Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
Nicole Lund
Commerce Editor
Nicole writes about shopping and products for Apartment Therapy, but her specialities are candles, bedding, bath, and pretty much anything homebody-friendly. She has been writing for AT for three years.
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by Furnishly | Nov 4, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
With cold weather already at our doorstep, it’s time to start thinking about our plans for a successful winter hibernation. Aside from the usual suspects (blankets, candles, books, etc.), a surefire way to turn your bedroom into a cozy den is to invest in flannel sheets, which are typically heavier, definitely warmer, and much softer than your average cotton bedding. But which ones are worth buying? To answer this question, I’ve enlisted the help of our pro shopping editors and writers at Apartment Therapy to do the hard work of sleeping on all these flannel sheets and determining which are the best of the best. Read on to see our tried-and-true picks for flannel sheets, and get ready to bundle up and stay that way until March.
What to Consider Before Buying Flannel Sheets
First of all, let’s talk about what exactly flannel is. Flannel is a fabric that has a napped finish due to either a special brushing technique or from its loosely spun weave. While older versions of flannel were made with wool, nowadays pretty much all flannel is made from cotton, although there are less expensive options made from polyester (also known as micro flannel). Flannel is known for its plush softness and heavier weight, making it an ideal choice for colder weather. It also tends to come in patterns, particularly nostalgic plaid.
If you’re a hot sleeper, you might be inclined to avoid flannel altogether — but thanks to manufacturing technology and modern textile design, you don’t have to. While cotton flannel is more breathable than micro flannel, the fuzzy surface is designed to trap heat, so “cooling” and flannel don’t really exist in tandem. That said, some flannel sheets come thinner or even more loosely woven and are actually breathable.
If you tend to get chilly or really want to embrace that cozy life, make sure your flannel sheets are made of 100 percent cotton and have a lighter weight, or are between 120 to 170 GSM (grams per square meter). Unless you’re in a cabin or without sufficient heating, ditch your comforter and opt for a light quilt. You could, alternatively, invest in just a flannel duvet cover or blanket to achieve the flannel effect without going all in. Most of our flannel sheet winners also come in duvet covers.
Flannel is easy to take care of, but you do have to follow a few rules. Historically, pilling has been just a fact of life with flannel bedding, but there are now modern processes brands use to prevent it, and there are steps you can take at home to minimize the issue further. Make sure you wash your sheets in cold or warm water on a gentle setting, and dry on low heat (you’ll want to avoid high heat on all accounts). Also note that flannel is prone to some initial shrinking, so many brands will purposely add extra fabric to their sizes to account for it.
The main certification that’s important to this list is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means the bedding is free of harmful synthetics and dyes. Another you’ll see mentioned in our list is GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), which certifies the ecological and social responsibility with which textile products are made.
What We Look For in Flannel Sheets
We tested a wide range of cotton flannel sheets, judging them on the following criteria:
Warm and weighty, Coyuchi’s simply amazing Cloud Brushed flannel sheets are our best overall pick. They’re cozy without being stuffy, come in a range of beautiful colors and prints, and rival the most expensive flannel sheets we tried when it comes to softness, weight, and quality. They’re also organic and consciously made. The velvety finish is smooth and pill-resistant, and you have seven different colors to choose from, ranging from a fresh spring white to an autumnal ginger, so they’ll work all year round. Apartment Therapy shopping editor Blair says, “I’ve only owned one pair of flannel sheets in my life, which I did like a lot, but I admittedly had nothing else to compare them to — that is, until I got Coyuchi’s version, and I’ll never look at my prior set the same. I love Coyuchi’s because, yes, they add an extra layer of warmth to my bed, as all flannel sheets do, but their unparalleled softness really makes them superbly next-level. What’s fascinating, too, is that they’re fairly thick but still feel especially breathable — which, as a habitual hot sleeper, I SO appreciate.”
Who It’s Best For: Those looking for the softest sheets around; those who want something breathable; those who are picky about color; those who want something organic.
Good to Know: Even the packaging is eco-friendly — all sheets come in a reusable organic cloth bag.
*Honorable mention: Kassatex’s new flannel sheets sold out pretty immediately, but in anticipation of a restock, we have to share that our commerce director Mark touts them as “silky soft” and noted that they “didn’t cause me to overheat, unlike other sheets I tested. I usually stick to white sheets but the heather grey added a sophisticated touch to my bedding. Highly recommend.”
When the cold sneaks up on us and we need to grab a good set of cozy sheets ASAP without spending over $100 on a set, the G.H. Bass Cotton Flannel sheet set is our hero. Printed in festive plaid or our favorite wintry moose trail, these festive sheets are perfectly weighted, 100 percent cotton, and easily machine washable. AT strategist Pari says they’re “extremely breathable and heavyweight, which I absolutely love.” Having already been a fan of flannel sheets, Pari was surprised to discover the quality look, feel, and construction of the G.H. Bass sheets and quickly made them her go-to for winter. “I’m officially a convert. These are honestly the best sheets I’ve ever used!!”
Who It’s Best For: Those who don’t want to spend too much for a solid set of cozy sheets; those who want sheets as holiday season decor.
Luxury sheets do the most without cutting any corners for the sake of price point. If you’re in the market (or even just the mood) for the ultimate investment in long-term self care, these Garnet Hill Hemstitched Supima flannel sheets are your best choice. Available in a range of colors that work seasonally and year-round, these sheets are a welcoming and beautiful addition to your bedroom decor. The unique American-grown Supima cotton flannel material makes it the softest and warmest we tried while also being organic, sustainable, and traceable as it’s crafted by a family-run mill in Portugal. “THESE SHEETS ARE RIDICULOUS. They are SO amazing!” AT partnerships director Camey, a hot sleeper who previously had yet to find flannel sheets that worked for her, raves about this set. “First, the fabric is SO soft. I actually tested them while staying with my parents, who own a lot of flannel bedding from a variety of brands. We compared them against the Garnet Hill sheets and the Garnet Hill ones were by far the nicest and softest. In addition to being incredibly soft, they are also very lightweight. The part about these sheets that I liked the most was that they were so breathable. I am a very hot sleeper (sometimes waking from night sweats), and I didn’t experience any overheating at all, so that is a HUGE win. Also, the flannel pillow cases are a game changer — so soft on my face.”
Who It’s Best For: Those who want plenty of color options; those who sleep hot but love the softness of flannel; those who prefer to purchase sheets individually vs. as a set.
Good to Know: Supima is “superior pima” condensed, and it’s known as the cashmere of cotton. Garnet Hill treats their Supima with a velvet finishing process, turning the cashmere of cotton into the cashmere of flannel. Could there even be anything softer?
Out of the packaging, Casper’s flannel sheets don’t seem like your typical flannel. They’re thicker than classic cotton sheets, of course, but almost thin compared to traditional flannel sheets. At first look and touch, they almost seem like a luxe set of seriously soft cotton sheets. But don’t be fooled — these are flannel sheets designed to insulate heat and keep you warm all night long, they just don’t add the extra bulk under your duvet to do so. So, for those who sleep cold and love to be swaddled in insulation without the risk of overheating, this set is the best bet. As a cold sleeper myself, I found these sheets to be extremely cozy. With the addition of the Casper weighted blanket, I sleep still and soundly through the night…so well, in fact, that I almost don’t want to get up in the morning. Commerce director Mark, who was new to flannel sheets before testing the Casper set, notes that while flannel sheets are heavier than the cotton and linen ones he’s used to, it “gives them an extra cozy factor. They’re also soft and feel good against the skin, and the extra weight of the sheets somehow makes my bed feel a little more comfortable and inviting.” He does sleep hot, though, and prefers another one of our winners. So, if you’re like Mark, take a peek at our next winner below. If you’re like me and tend to get cold at night or use lots of covers, it’s Casper all the way.
Who It’s Best For: Those who want insulation; those who want something organic.
Good to Know: You can use non-chlorine bleach on Casper’s flannel sheets, but only if necessary.
If you’re not totally sure about flannel or haven’t considered it simply because you already sleep hot, Riley Home’s flannel sheets are a great place to start your flannel journey. Apartment Therapy news and culture director Tara describes them as “almost crisp,” with a lighter weight that feels closer to regular cotton sheets than others on this list. They’re still soft and cozy, of course, and they’re also reversible for a more versatile style. Another bonus? The fitted sheet has deep pockets and those helpful tags on the side that say “side” so you know which is the long way. Brand planning manager Billy also tested these as someone who tends to heat up during the night. He says, “I tend to get hot when sleeping, but these flannel sheets are great for a cold fall night. Excited for the winter months ahead! The material seems to be very high quality — I have a feeling they will stand the test of time.”
Who It’s Best For: Those who want something versatile and lightweight; those who sleep hot; those who are new to flannel sheets.
Good to Know: While it lasts, you can get an extra 20% off Riley Home’s already reduced Last Chance prices with code LAST20 at checkout.
Boll & Branch’s sheets are truly luxurious, with an impressively soft, weighted feel. They’re also totally breathable and resistant to pilling, two features you should expect when the price is this steep. Boll & Branch uses traditional weaving and processing methods to perfect their flannel, making it velvety soft without being stuffy. Made with Fair Trade cotton, these have earned certifications from some of the top judges of organic and non-toxic textiles. Luxurious and consciously crafted, they’re the perfect flannel sheets for those whose definition of “the best”includes environmental consideration. AT partnerships director Laina calls these “the perfect fall sheets. I love the feel of flannel sheets but not too thick and hot,” she continues. “These are perfect combination of lightweight and breathable with that favorite flannel feel. Just the first touch of them make you get so excited about getting inside. They stayed the same perfect soft touch after washing them.”
Who It’s Best For: The eco-conscious; those looking for something luxurious; those looking for unusual sizes.
Good to Know: These sheets are available in unique sizes like Split King and Twin XL.
*Honorable Mention: The organic flannel sheets from West Elm are an extremely close runner up, being supremely warm as well as eco-friendly. Apartment Therapy special projects manager Diane calls them “incredibly soft to the touch and even softer after the first wash! They are pretty heavyweight and extremely insulating.”
by Furnishly | Oct 27, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
With many of us spending more time indoors than ever before and winter bringing shorter days, you may find that the lack of light exposure has you feeling a bit off. The decrease in sunlight impacts people in different ways, with some developing a form of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to the American Psychological Association, SAD comes with many of the same symptoms as depression: fatigue, lack of interest, sleep difficulty (or, on the other hand, excessive sleeping), and feelings of hopelessness and despair. Thankfully, there are several ways you can manage SAD, but one popular method is light therapy. And if you want to see if light therapy is the right option for you, there are plenty of high-quality and affordable options out there.
How Light Therapy Lamps Work
Since SAD is largely related to a lack of sunlight, light therapy is a method of getting your body — and your mental health — back on track. Light therapy lamps, or light boxes, typically provide 10,000 lux (a measure of light intensity) and can help restore your body to a normal circadian rhythm to keep SAD symptoms at bay, according to Harvard Medical School’s health blog. Generally, you would use your light therapy lamp by sitting close to it with your eyes open, but not looking directly at it, for 30 minutes a day. It’s best if you do so early in the day, when you first wake up.
To make sure you’re getting the most out of your light therapy lamp, HuffPost has a roundup of helpful tips.
Note: Light therapy may not work the same for everyone and can have side effects, so it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before trying it.
Nicole Lund and Sarah M. Vazquez also contributed to reporting.
Brittney Morgan
Contributor
Brittney is Apartment Therapy’s Assistant Lifestyle Editor and an avid tweeter with a passion for carbs and lipstick. She believes in mermaids and owns way too many throw pillows.
