Technology

It's one of those March mornings where dark rainclouds keep chasing the sun away. I'd rather not leave my remote work sanctum. But there's a quick errand to run in my car, and my mood brightens at one thought: that the drive will be just long enough for me to do a five-minute breath meditation via my Apple Watch.

That's right — strange as it may sound to some, I meditate while driving, and have done so for years. When I step behind the wheel solo, I don't call a friend or fire up a playlist or a podcast or an audiobook, even though there's invariably one of each I want to do at any given time. Nor do I listen to any kind of voice-guided meditation (which, as I wrote, is very much not for me.)

The breath-guiding I'm hooked on has nothing to do with my smartphone, which is easily the most dangerously distracting device in my car. It is utterly, blissfully sound-free. It's the haptic feedback from the smartwatch on my wrist — the slowly-fading tapping sensation that tells me to breathe in for five seconds, the silence indicating I breathe out for the same length of time — that invests my drive with a surprising sense of peace.

SEE ALSO: No, you don't need a guide to meditate

Turns out I'm not the first to discover the soothing power of haptic-based meditation while driving. A 2018 study conducted by Stanford medical school, called "in-car interventions for guided slow breathing," offered a first-of-its kind vibrating seat that helped participants to inhale and exhale by vibrating their whole body, not just their wrists.

All but five of the 24 participants in the study preferred these in-car vibrations to meditative voice guidance. Their Heart Rate Variability (HRV) increased, suggesting they were becoming less stressed. "Slow breathing practices could transform the automobile commute from a depleting, mindless activity into a calming, mindful experience," the Stanford medics concluded.

I'm not about to recommend this to anyone without more on-road study (the Stanford team used simulators in both city and highway modes). Even if this sounds like a fit for you, you should check with your doctor before risking light-headedness by trying a new breathing exercise in an unfamiliar situation. But having run this experiment on myself for years, I believe haptic meditation has made my driving less distracted, and way less road-ragey.

Once I was the guy who headed for the fast lane and got mad at red lights. Now I'm the guy who waves to let you into my lane, or let you cross — and who treats red lights as a golden opportunity to just, y'know, appreciate whatever is happening in the world outside my windshield.

Distracted while driving? Just breathe.

Now, if you're the kind of person who associates meditation with distraction — who thinks that floating away or zoning out is an optimal result — car meditation may sound horrifying. But as this series has been saying for years, mindfulness isn't about escaping to somewhere else. It's about tuning in non-judgmentally to the reality all around you in this very moment: a vital skill if you're going to be safe behind the wheel.

And with April being Distracted Driving Month, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out all those widely-used methods to take drivers elsewhere in their minds — music, podcasts, audiobooks, calls — come with evidence that they make us worse drivers.

"Music in every mood reduces reaction time," concluded a 2023 study of studies about driving with music. "Driving and listening to music compete for the driver’s limited cognitive capacity." Listening at a lower volume does seem to lower drivers' speed, but even that raises their heart rates.

There's more mixed data when it comes to voices in your car. One 2018 study done in driving simulators found that participants' reaction times on simple traffic tests were faster while listening to audiobooks, but slower in complex driving situations. A 2024 study found that drivers were "more prone to making errors" when listening to radio conversations — even more so than music.

As for being on the phone, even if it's hands-free, forget about it. We've long known that phone calls make us more distracted. A 2022 meta-analysis of 83 studies concluded that being on a call while driving "negatively affects driving performance, exposing drivers to dangerous traffic situations." If you, like me, have a friend who keeps missing their freeway exits when they're talking to you, know that this is about the least damaging negative result of the chat.

In short, what you're doing behind the wheel matters — and we're all doing something. Distracted driving leads to more than 3,000 deaths a year in the U.S. alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That last meta-analysis also found that in literally any secondary task executed while driving, "the driver's cognitive, manual, visual, and auditory resources are all involved," meaning less attention is paid to the road.

So, go ahead if you wish; transport yourself to other places in your mind while hurtling around in a giant hunk of metal. I'll be over here with the multiple driving anxiety coaches who recommend various breathing exercises to stay calm behind the wheel.

And thanks to the Apple Watch's Breathe feature, where you set the length of your breaths in advance, I don't even have to distract myself by counting the seconds of each breath. My mind is alert, my diaphragm calmly expands and contracts, my foot is ready to tap the brake at any time.

Your move, world beyond the windshield.

Chris Taylor is Mashable's senior editor. This column reflects the opinions of the writer.

Want something to tickle your funny bone but don’t want to spend hours perusing your options? Picking a comedy to watch can be tricky, because humor is largely a matter of taste. But worry not.

Whether you’re hankering for a comedy classic or a modern hit, a feel-good crowd-pleaser or a poignant critical darling, a mainstream romp or an outrageous musical, a candy-colored fantasy or a time-travel buddy-comedy, we've got you covered.

Here are the best comedy movies now streaming on Max.

1. Singin' in the Rain Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor dance in rain slickers. Credit: Silver Screen Collection / Moviepix via Getty Images

Craving something that’ll not only make you laugh but also make you want to get up and dance? Then splash into the stupendous pleasures of this 1952 classic, co-directed by Stanley Donen and Hollywood legend Gene Kelly. The latter stars as a Vaudevillian who has worked his way up from stuntman to silent movie star. As the sound era shakes up the film industry, he hopes to make sweet music with an enchanting ingenue (a beaming Debbie Reynolds). However, his cantankerous leading lady (a ruthlessly silly Jean Hagen) won’t be sidelined without a fight! Full of meta jokes, charming banter, hysterical hijinks, and astonishing song numbers, Singin’ in the Rain is one of the best musical comedies that’s ever been made. Come for the jokes. Stay for the signature dance number that’s as astonishing now as it was decades ago. Then, let the romance of this feel-good film sweep you away. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

How to watch: Singin' in the Rain is streaming on Max.

2. Barbie Margot Robbie is Barbie in "Barbie." Credit: Warner Bros.

Frankly, the promotional journey for Barbie was so full of pink, so joyful, so fun, that would have been Kenough. The movie could have been a silly trifle, and we'd likely have been pleased. But writer/director Greta Gerwig brought us the universally heralded coming-of-age comedy Ladybird and then the rapturous reimagining of Little Women. Her Barbie wasn't going to stop at playful. Instead, it parodied the patriarchy with horses, Stallone-inspired fashion, and a rousing dream ballet fueled by an actual banger, "I'm Just Ken."

Margot Robbie was picture-perfect as a Barbie who realizes the world is much bigger than the dreamhouse-dotted Barbie Land. Ryan Gosling snagged the rare comedy Oscar nomination for his delightfully deranged take on the insecure man doll who couldn't cope, and so turned to conquering. (Napoleon relates!) While detractors have argued the film's girl-power messaging is simplistic, it's hard to deny that Gerwig did more with this IP than we could have dreamed. Sure, Barbie is a glossy toy commercial. But it's a glossy toy commercial that not only has something to say, but does so through spectacular filmmaking that folds in eye-popping practical effects, enthralling details, discontinued dolls, and jokes that were way outside the box. From Weird Barbie to that on-point Pride and Prejudice mini-series namedrop, Barbie had us so giddy that we felt like kids again.* — K.P.

How to watch: Barbie is now streaming on Max.

3. Dear White People Tessa Thompson and the cast of "Dear White People." Credit: Code Red / Duly Noted / Homegrown / Roadside Attractions / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Justin Simien's breakthrough 2014 hit, Dear White People, looks racial tension in the face and digs in. It's a sharp, funny, and fearless investigation into what it means to be a Black person in America today, shot with a distinct sense of style and structure. Ripping into code-switching, colorism, and more, Dear White People follows multiple students' movements at one Ivy League university — including a student activist (Tessa Thompson) who runs an edgy campus radio show called "Dear White People" — as things escalate, building up to a Halloween party no one will ever forget. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

How to watch: Dear White People is now streaming on Max.

4. 50/50

Adam's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) biggest concern in his late twenties is that his crass best friend (Seth Rogen) doesn't really like Adam's girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard). But it's no big deal — Adam's got his whole future ahead of him! Or so he thinks. When a doctor's visit reveals he has a tumor with a 50 percent survival rate, Adam must confront his mortality, all while he's still learning to be an adult. 50/50 is a sweet and moving dramedy that skillfully mines humor from tragedy. This 2011 hidden gem, which is loosely based on screenwriter Will Reiser's experience with cancer, is a sweet and captivating watch that will make you laugh while you cry. — K.G.

How to watch: 50/50 is now streaming on Max.

5. Problemista Tilda Swinton and Julio Torres play a compelling odd couple in "Problemista." Credit: A24

Is your favorite brand of comedy the bleak, existential kind? Then Julio Torres' Problemista is the surreal and fractured fairy tale for you. Torres (who also wrote and directed the film) stars as Alejandro, an imaginative toy designer trying to make it in New York City. But when he's fired from his job at a cryogenics facility, Alejandro needs to find a new visa sponsor or he'll be deported. Enter Tilda Swinton as Elizabeth, a temperamental, delusional harridan — and the wife of one of Alejandro's former frozen clients. Alejandro must figure out how to manage Elizabeth's ever-changing whims while navigating the labyrinthine U.S. immigration process and keeping his dream alive. — K.G.

How to watch: Problemista is now streaming on Max.

6. Lady Bird

Saoirse Ronan is completely captivating as the artsy Christine (aka Lady Bird), with dreams bigger than her Sacramento suburb will allow. She's constantly at odds with her mother (Laurie Metcalf) and is struggling to find her path. Will she get into her dream school on the East Coast? Could her family even afford it if she did? 

A coming-of-age dramedy about a teenager redefining her relationship with her parents and yearning to leave home, Greta Gerwig's Lady Bird is simply sublime. It's a fantastic encapsulation of adolescent angst, poking fun at the self-seriousness of 17-year-olds while maintaining empathy for even the moodiest of high school crushes (a perfectly cast Timothée Chalamet). — K.G.

How to watch: Lady Bird is now streaming on Max.

7. Modern Times Charlie Chaplin in a dinner scene in "Modern Times." Credit: Hulton Archive / Moviepix via Getty Images

Charlie Chaplin was a king of comedy in the silent film era, rolling his iconic Little Tramp into such side-splitters as City Lights, Gold Rush, and The Kid. These and many more Chaplin offerings are available on Max. Subscribers can easily look back at how American physical comedy was forged through set pieces silly and sensational. You really can’t go wrong when it comes to Chaplin, but we're highlighting Modern Times because even though it's set in 1936, its humor is truly timeless. Taking on a string of industrial jobs while romancing a charming gamin, Chaplin zips from one zany bit to another with a captivating waddle and a chipper twitch of his mustache, fearlessly throwing himself face-first into the wildest shenanigans. Plus, as this film includes some scenes with sound and dialogue, it's maybe the most accessible introduction to Chaplin's works. — K.P.

How to watch: Modern Times is streaming on Max.

8. Everything Everywhere All At Once

Want a movie with a little bit of everything? Then you can't beat the 2023 Oscar winner for Best Picture. Academy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh stars as a disgruntled laundromat owner who's at her wit's end between her obligations as a boss, wife, mother, and daughter. And just as she's braced to deal with a tax auditor with a surly attitude (Academy Award–winner Jamie Lee Curtis), a dashing version of her husband (Academy Award–winner Ke Huy Quan) bursts onto the scene from a parallel universe to loop her into a quest to save all existence. Packed with absolutely bonkers action, outrageous jokes, dizzying style, and performances as silly as they are deeply poignant, The Daniels' Everything Everywhere All at Once is the kind of movie that'll have you laughing, crying, gasping, and maybe even reconsidering your life up to now.* — K.P.

How to watch: Everything Everywhere All at Once is now streaming on Max.

9. Deadpool Ryan Reynolds stars as Deadpool. Credit: Moviestore / Shutterstock.com

When you look at the lineup of Marvel’s superheroes, Deadpool is not like the others. He's a fourth-wall-breaking, swearing, wisecracking ass who is well aware he's currently in an R-rated movie. Canadian mercenary Wade Wilson undergoes experimental cancer surgery that ends up awakening latent mutant genes. After healing from the surgery, he finds he has newly acquired accelerated healing powers — and he's now covered in growths that he finds grotesque. Shamed by his new appearance, Wade hides away from his former life, as well as his former love, Vanessa (played by a radiant Morena Baccarin). Until he can find a cure, he is no longer Wade Wilson. He is Deadpool. 

Though Deadpool’s main power is supposedly regeneration, his true superpower is being played by Ryan Reynolds. The motor-mouthed merc is peak Reynolds, who has been instrumental in getting the Deadpool franchise off the ground since the beginning. No one else has the swagger for this offbeat, meta, and gleefully violent take on the superhero flick! — K.G.

How to watch: Deadpool is now streaming on Max.

10. Unpregnant

Many excellent films about the hardships this country forces women to undergo in order to receive an abortion are fittingly stirring and sobering. 2020's Unpregnant, on the other hand, is a ridiculous road trip/buddy comedy about abortion that seems like it shouldn't work, but it does. And we love it! 

Haley Lu Richardson (White Lotus) is Veronica, an over-achieving 17-year-old in Missouri who needs a “procedure.” But the closest place a minor can get an abortion without parental consent (and Veronica's parents are very religious) is over a thousand miles away in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She seeks the help of her former best friend, high school misfit Bailey (Barbie Ferreira), for a ride. A charming look on modern female friendship, a wacky road trip misadventure, and a thoughtful take on reproductive rights, all wrapped into one! And don't miss an unexpectedly laugh-out-loud cameo from Giancarlo Esposito. — K.G.

How to watch: Unpregnant is now streaming on Max.

11. Dicks: The Musical The ensemble cast of "Dicks: The Musical" looks down. Credit: Justin Lubin / A24

Sometimes a movie comes along that is so completely outrageous that it feels like a miracle it exists at all. Dicks: The Musical is such a treasure. Writers/actors/homosexuals Josh Sharp and Aaron Jackson translated Fucking Identical Twins, a two-man comedy musical once staged in the basement of a Gristedes, into a movie musical that is not only beyond bonkers but also features such big stars as Nathan Lane, Megan Mullally, and Megan Thee Stallion.

Imagine The Parent Trap as a scorching satire of queer culture and homophobic fears, and you'll get some idea of what's in store. It's not just musical numbers about the joys of putting alpha males in their place, or the madcap chaos of Mullally's ad-libs, or even national treasure Lane spitting ham at his beloved Sewer Boys. It's also got Bowen Yang as God, and a finale number that is as joyous as it is absolutely iconoclastic. In a year peppered with superb comedies, nothing made us laugh as hard or loud or long as Dicks: The Musical.* — K.P.

How to watch: Dicks: The Musical is now streaming on Max.

12. Keanu Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele co-star in "Keanu." Credit: Warner Bros / Everett / Shutterstock.com

Long before Jordan Peele became Hollywood's foremost horror auteur, he was doing ridiculous and boundary-pushing comedy alongside Keegan-Michael Key. Their magnum opus? 2016's absurd buddy action/adventure Keanu. Rell and Clarence are normal, if somewhat boring, cousins who find themselves embroiled in a drug-smuggling scheme when Rell's kitten, Keanu, goes missing. When Rell adopted the little ball of fur, he had no idea Keanu previously belonged to a cartel boss. Now that it seems Keanu has been cat-napped, Clarence and Rell will stop at nothing to get him back. Keanu is a fun, fast-paced, and ludicrous ride starring two infectiously watchable comedians at the top of their game — and a criminally cute kitten! — K.G.

How to watch: Keanu is streaming on Max.

13. Tampopo "Tampopo" is all about the love of food. Credit: Apic / Moviepix via Getty Images

A spirited spoof tipping its hat to the Spaghetti Western, this 1985 Japanese comedy was promoted as a "ramen Western." Its central story is about a cowboy hat-wearing truck driver (Tsutomu Yamazaki) who comes across a humble ramen shop where the food is truly "terrible." Damsel-in-distress Tampopo (Nobuko Miyamoto) begs this hardened hero to save her family's business by teaching her to do right by ramen. So of course, he rounds up a posse to perfect her recipe. Full of physical comedy, giddy silliness, quirky characters, and charming performances, this film is a delectable delight. But writer/director Jûzô Itami brings even more to the table, spicing up this culinary tale with fantastical vignettes about the love of food. Though often ridiculous — and sometimes salacious — none of the laughs are lost in translation. But be warned: This funny film will make you hungry. The loving shots of ramen and the various speeches about its richness and wonders are ruthlessly mouth-watering. Maybe order dinner before digging in. — K.P.

How to watch: Tampopo is streaming on Max.

14. Bridget Jones's Diary Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget Jones. Credit: Alex Bailey / Miramax / Universal / Kobal / Shutterstock.com

Bridget Jones's Diary is a perfect movie, and we're not hearing any opinions to the contrary, thank you! Renée Zellweger gained 20 pounds to snag the role of Bridget, already a beloved character in the UK thanks to Helen Fielding's wildly popular Bridget Jones novels. The Brits were in an uproar about an American being cast as in a role that was archetypally British, but Zellweger's performance (and accent!) were so spot-on, the complaints quickly gave way to rave reviews.

The start of a film franchise and the best movie of the lot, Bridget Jones’s Diary introduces us to an ordinary thirtysomething woman in London who, after turning 32 alone, vows to lose weight, quit smoking, stop drinking, and find love. Enter Hugh Grant as Bridget's preternaturally charming boss, and, because this is a Pride and Prejudice adaptation, Colin Firth as the man who couldn't seem more wrong for Bridget (his name is literally Mr. Darcy!!!). Even if you know where this funny and grounded rom-com is going, you're sure to have a blast along the way. — K.G.

How to watch: Bridget Jones’s Diary is streaming on Max.

15. Mamma Mia: The Movie!

Is there a more fun movie than Mamma Mia? We're not sure there is! Adapted in 2008 from the insanely popular jukebox stage musical, Mamma Mia is a bubbly, pre-wedding romp stuffed with ABBA songs and storied actors who may or may not have been drunk throughout the entire course of filming. This is the height of cinema, people!

Amanda Seyfried is enchanting as Sophie, a young bride-to-be who finds her mother's journal from the year she was conceived and discovers three possible candidates for her birth father. Does she talk to her mom (a glowing Meryl Streep) about this? No! She invites them all to her wedding on the remote Greek island where she and her mom live, in the hopes she'll figure out which is her biological father before it's time to walk down the aisle. 

Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, Dominic Cooper, and Christine Baranski fill out the charismatic cast of this most spectacularly cheerful film, guaranteed to leave you smiling. — K.G.

How to watch: Mamma Mia: The Movie! is now streaming on Max.

16. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Michael Cera fall in love in "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World." Credit: Big Talk Productions / Kobal / Shutterstock,com

A romantic comedy/action/comic book/adventure mashup, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a simply fantastic movie through and through. More than a decade after its release, a fun, new rewatching bonus is seeing current Hollywood heavyweights (Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Kieran Culkin, and more) having fun and being silly at the start of their careers. These stars enjoyed working on the film so much, they all agreed to come back for Netflix's 2023 animated reimagining, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. 

Michael Cera is iconic as the soft-spoken Scott Pilgrim, a bass player in an unsuccessful indie band who becomes enamored with delivery girl Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). Unfortunately for Scott, to date Ramona, he’ll have to defeat her seven evil exes first! Uh oh! Good thing this movie also pulls some of its visual style from video games! That’s right, Scott Pilgrim has it all! — K.G.

How to watch: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is now streaming on Max.

17. Shazam! 

Billy Batson is a 14-year-old living in a group home who can’t seem to stay out of trouble. But when he’s mysteriously transported to a mythical cave called the Rock of Eternity, a wizard grants him the power to transform into Shazam, an adult superhero. So what would a 14-year-old do if he could instantly look like a grown-up and had superstrength? Make viral videos, of course! 

Shazam! is a fun and welcome twist on the classic superhero flick. Zachary Levi is pitch-perfect as a 14-year-old in an adult’s body, and Mark Strong is deliciously evil as the villain trying to steal Shazam’s powers for himself.* — K.G.

How to watch: Shazam! is now streaming on Max.

18. The Hangover

If you're looking for comedy of the dude variety, no film franchise is as bro-y, as raunchy, or as crude as The Hangover. In this archetypal 2000s party flick, Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis are taking Justin Bartha out for an epic Las Vegas bachelor party two days before his wedding. And when they wake up the next morning in a destroyed hotel room that is missing the groom-to-be but now contains a tiger (!!!), they must piece together the clues of their insane, blacked-out night to find Bartha and save his wedding. The Hangover is an adrenaline comedy, mixing gross-out humor with dumb stunts, car chases, and an excellent Mike Tyson cameo.

How to watch: The Hangover is streaming on Max.

19. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

Coming out 36 years since Tim Burton's Beetlejuice first delighted audiences with is madcap and macabre tale of the "ghost with the most," this sequel did what seemed impossible: It was a hell of a good time! Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara reprise their roles as Beetlejuice, his could-have-been child bride Lydia Deetz, and her savagely chic stepmother Delia. Jenna Ortega joins the cast as Lydia's rebellious daughter Astrid, whose surprise trip to the Netherworld sends the Deetzes into an uneasy alliance with their old enemy.

SEE ALSO: 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' star Winona Ryder reveals Lydia Deetz's full character arc leading up to the sequel

Filled with Burton's classically creepy yet enchanting character designs, oddball musical numbers, and visual gags that had audiences drop-jawed in demented glee, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a sequel true to the spirit of the original, while making fresh fun with freaky new characters, played by Willem Dafoe, Monica Bellucci, and Arthur Conti. Don't miss the fun. — K.P.

How to watch: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is now streaming on Max.

20. Wonka

A prequel to 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory seemed an idea so preposterously cash-grabby that fans of the Gene Wilder-fronted original and Roald Dahl's children's books scoffed ahead of Wonka's release. Even the trailer got naysayers tittering about Timothée Chalamet's performance. But once this movie musical finally was shown to critics, it was determined sweet, charmingly, and scrumdiddlyumptious!

Chalamet stars as the famous chocolatier years before his factory was built. A pauper with a case of curious ingredients and a dream to make divine candy, Wonka instantly earns the ire of a nefarious chocolate cartel and a ruthless con artist played by Academy Award winner Olivia Colman. But with a bit of ingenuity, the help of his motley crew of friends, and some pure imagination, Wonka will manifest a sweet life. Watching it happen, and listening to the jaunty tunes along the way, is a pure pleasure. But we'd expect nothing else from Paddington 1&2 writers Paul King and Simon Farnaby. — K.P.

How to watch: Wonka is now streaming on Max.

UPDATE: Mar. 28, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT This article was originally published September 3, 2021. It has been updated to reflect the current selection on Max.

Back in January, Nintendo did us all a solid and told us that the Switch 2 is real and we would hear more about it soon. "Soon" is now.

Nintendo is holding a Nintendo Direct livestream at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 2 to tell us (presumably) everything we want to know about Switch 2. You will be able to watch it live on Nintendo's YouTube channel. Unfortunately, Nintendo hasn't yet said how long the Direct will be, as it generally does when announcing these things. Given that Nintendo Directs are usually about 40 minutes long when there isn't a new console to show, one could reasonably assume that this one will be longer than that.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 launch lineup: Every game we predict will be available at launch

As for what to expect from the Switch 2 Direct, all we can do is speculate. It would be shocking if Nintendo didn't at least reveal the price and release date of the console during this stream. There will also be a bunch of trailers for upcoming Switch 2 games, as well as some idea of which ones will be available at launch.

Aside from the new Mario Kart title that was shown briefly during the Switch 2 reveal video in January, though, it's nearly impossible to say what else will be shown during this Direct.

Either way, the time is almost upon us. Get ready, folks.

The macOS Sequoia 15.4 update has arrived, bringing a few noteworthy features to the Mac operating system.

This is the fourth major update since macOS Sequoia launched last September. Previous macOS Sequoia updates brought Apple Intelligence features like ChatGPT support, AI-generated images and editing with Image Playground, an updated Siri, AI-powered Writing Tools, and AI-generated emoji called Genmoji. Additionally, Apple updated the Photos, Safari, and the Weather app and introduced notification summaries in Messages and Mail.

This update builds on some of these existing features and introduces some new stuff too (insert "Face with Bags Under Eyes" emoji). Let's dive in on new macOS Sequoia 15.4 features to know about.

Mail app redesign

One of the features Apple highlighted with the macOS Sequoia 15.4 update is the redesigned Mail app, which was already deployed to the iPhone with iOS 18.2. Now, emails are automatically sorted into four categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. Sorting your emails this way is designed to help users "prioritize the most important messages," according to the Apple support page. It also makes it super easy to batch delete the unimportant emails.

If you don't like the new look, you can always revert back to the traditional interface by disabling the automated mail categorization.

Some minor Apple Intelligence updates

It wouldn't be a macOS Sequoia update without some Apple Intelligence news. But this time around, the updates are pretty minor. The ability to make those Memory movies in the Photos app on an iPhone is now available on Macs too. And in Image Playground, you can now choose a "Sketch" style option in addition to Animation and Illustration styles.

Lastly, with the macOS Sequoia 15.4 update, Apple Intelligence has been expanded to new languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified).

New emoji

The update we're most excited about is the introduction of eight new emoji, which are also available on iPhones with the iOS 18.4 update.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Feast your eyes upon these beauties:

• Face with Bags Under Eyes

• Fingerprint

• Splatter

• Root vegetable

• Leafless tree

• Harp

• Shovel

• The Sark flag

We have a feeling Face with Bags Under Eyes is going to get a lot of use.

It's almost been a year since Apple announced macOS Sequoia, which means the next generation of macOS is right around the corner at WWDC on June 9. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for what's rumored to come next.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, April 2, 2025:

AcrossSource of Monopoly money

• The answer is Bank.

Pizzeria fixtures

• The answer is Ovens.

With 8-Across, magical substance that enables flight in "Peter Pan"

• The answer is Pixie.

See 7-Across

• The answer is Dust.

"Keep it down!"

• The answer is Shh.

DownWhack on the head

• The answer is Bop.

Fervent

• The answer is Avid.

Connection point

• The answer is Nexus.

Potato-filled pastry

• The answer is Knish.

Mr. Milchick's first name on "Severance"

• The answer is Seth.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $60: As of April 2, Sony PULSE Elite headset for PS5 is available in open-box fair condition at Best Buy for $89.99. That’s $60 off its usual $149.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PULSE Elite (Open Box) $89.99 at Best Buy
$149.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

I don’t usually look twice at open-box gear unless I’m feeling brave or broke. But $89.99 for Sony’s PULSE Elite wireless headset at Best Buy? That’s a risk I’m more than willing to take. Brand new, this thing goes for $149.99. For $60 less, I’ll deal with a few cosmetic scuffs if it still sounds like a dream and plays nice with my PS5.

I think what makes this headset a standout is the combo of planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link tech. It delivers that low-latency, high-fidelity audio that makes every game sound like it was mixed in a studio instead of a broom closet. Explosions rumble, footsteps whisper, and every in-game insult hits just a bit harder. It’s immersive in the best, most distracting way.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

The mic is retractable and powered by AI-enhanced noise rejection. I’ve used plenty of headsets that made me sound like I was phoning in from a submarine. This one? Clear, crisp, and natural. And thanks to the dual device connectivity, I can take a call mid-session without pausing the game or unplugging anything. Not that I want to take calls, but the option’s there.

• Price: $89.99 $149.99

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Condition: Open-box fair

• Compatibility: PS5, PC, Mac, PlayStation Portal

• Drivers: Planar magnetic

• Wireless tech: PlayStation Link

• Microphone: Retractable, AI-powered noise rejection

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, dual device

• Battery life: Up to 30 hours

• Quick charge: 10 minutes for 2 hours

• Accessories: Charging hanger included (condition-dependent)

• Comfort: Plush ear cups, headband strap suspension

Battery life is a non-issue. It lasts up to 30 hours, and if you forget to charge it (which I always do), a 10-minute quick charge gives you two hours of juice. Also, the included charging hanger keeps it off your desk and looking less like an e-waste graveyard.

It’s technically listed as “Fair” condition, so yeah, it might have a couple dents or be missing an accessory. But the core experience? Still very much intact. And for under 90 bucks, I think it’s a gamble that pays off. Especially if you’ve been eyeing a premium headset without the premium price.

SAVE $50: As of April 2, UGREEN Nexode 25000mAh 200W power bank is available for $79.99 at Amazon. That’s a 38 percent discount from its regular price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: UGREEN UGREEN Nexode 25000mAh 200W $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

I don’t typically get excited about battery packs, but the UGREEN Nexode is one of those rare exceptions. It’s not just that it has 200 watts of fast charging power or that it holds 25000mAh of juice. It’s that it makes every other power bank I own feel like a sad pocket warmer in comparison. And right now, it’s on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That’s $50 off. Which, for something this functional and overachieving, feels like robbery. Again, legal.

I think what sold me was the TFT smart display. It shows battery percentage, output, input, voltage, current—basically everything you need. Compared to most LCD readouts, this one actually looks nice and, dare I say, modern.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

Functionally, it’s a beast. I’ve used it to charge my MacBook Pro, my phone, and a tablet all at the same time. No sparks, no overheating, no tantrums. It just works. The 200W output is overkill in the best way. If you travel for work, shoot video, edit on the go, or just live with someone who never charges their phone, this thing is a dream.

• Price: $79.99 $129.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Battery capacity: 25000mAh

• Output: Up to 200W

• Ports: 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A

• Special features: TFT smart display, PD 3.1 fast charging, real-time power data

• Charging capacity: iPhone 15 up to 5.2 times

• Color: Black

• Durability: Retains 80 percent capacity after 1000 cycles

• Safety: Real-time temperature monitoring and fast heat dissipation

It’s also surprisingly durable. Even after a thousand charging cycles, it keeps over 80 percent of its original capacity. It charges quickly, cools itself efficiently, and doesn’t scream for attention with flashing lights or obnoxious branding.

For long travel days, power outages, or just a backup that can actually do more than revive a dying phone once, this is the one I’d recommend. Especially while it’s still under 80 bucks.

SAVE $23: As of April 2, Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on sale for $36 at Amazon. That’s $23 off the usual $59.99 price — about a 40% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $36 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $23.99 Get Deal

I picked up Sony WH-CH520 headphones because I was tired of babying my battery-drained earbuds. For $36, I figured if they even lasted a week of commuting, I’d call it a win. Turns out, these things can go for 50 hours on a single charge, which is more stamina than I can claim on most weekdays.

They’re not flashy, they’re not fancy, but they do the job without complaining. The sound quality is what you’d expect from Sony: reliable, clean, and fully adjustable through the brand’s app if you feel like messing with EQ settings. I didn’t, because I like things that work out of the box, and these did.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

I’ve worn them for a full day of work and they didn’t pinch or press. Lightweight is putting it mildly. They feel like a whisper on your head, which I didn’t know I wanted from headphones until I had it. They also fold flat, which makes tossing them into a bag feel less like Tetris and more like a casual flex.

• Price: $36 $59.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Ear placement: On-ear

• Form factor: On-ear

• Battery life: Up to 50 hours

• Charging: USB-C

• Bluetooth: Yes, with multipoint connection

• Microphone: Built-in

• Color: Black

• App support: Sony Headphones Connect

• Extra features: DSEE audio enhancement, Fast Pair, Swift Pair

The fact that they pair to two devices at once is a blessing. I can swap between Zoom calls and my phone without pausing to unpair or re-pair. I’m sure there are more expensive headphones that do this, but I don’t need them. I just need these.

For anyone who wants a budget pair to leave in their work bag, keep by the couch, or survive travel without tears, this is the kind of deal that makes you feel like you’re getting away with something. At $36, I think it’s hard to justify not getting them.

U.S. security officials have reportedly been using their personal Gmail accounts to conduct government business — including sharing sensitive information about military positions. And yes, national security advisor and Signalgate protagonist Michael Waltz was involved.

If we could please go a full five business days without discovering a new breach of tech security by the Trump administration, that would be great.

SEE ALSO: U.S. security officials' passwords found online, including people in Signal chat

The Washington Post reports that members of the U.S. National Security Council (NSC) used Google's email service Gmail to correspond with the official email accounts of colleagues from other federal agencies. As such, potentially sensitive government information has ended up in their personal Gmail inboxes, which are much less secure than official federal communication channels.

Specifically, The Washington Post reports that Waltz had work documents and information on his schedule sent to his Gmail account. This alone is already a questionable security practice. However, a senior aide to Waltz also allegedly used Gmail to share more sensitive information, The Washington Post reporting that it viewed emails involving "highly technical conversations with colleagues at other government agencies involving sensitive military positions and powerful weapons systems relating to an ongoing conflict."

As highlighted by the Signal chat room scandal revealed last Monday, keeping military plans under wraps is a critical security issue. Depending on the information being discussed, officials more typically share sensitive information either in person or on the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet), the U.S. government's secured computer network system. Discussing U.S. military positions via Gmail is not a great security practice.

While schedule information may not be as critically sensitive as detailed plans for imminent international military operations, the proper handling of such data is a security concern as well. It isn't difficult to imagine that bad actors could cause significant harm were they to know where and when U.S. national security officials plan to be.

Unsurprisingly, the NSC has refuted The Washington Post's report. Though NSC spokesman Brian Hughes acknowledged that Waltz might have occasionally received work-related information to his personal account, he claimed that the national security advisor copies in his government email so that it's on the official federal records. Of course, this doesn't fix information being in his personal inbox in the first place.

"Waltz didn’t and wouldn’t send classified information on an open account," Hughes told The Washington Post.

Despite the NSC's statement, this is far from the first time Waltz's digital security habits have been called into question. This report is just the latest in a string of tech security breaches by the Trump administration revealed within the past week, all of which involved the national security advisor. Further, sources reportedly told The Washington Post that Waltz was known to copy and paste information directly from his schedule into Signal.

Waltz was a central figure in the Signal chat room scandal, having been the one to add The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to the group chat in which U.S. officials were planning to bomb Yemen. Later that week, Waltz was among several officials involved in the chat whose private contact details and passwords were found online. His Venmo contact list was also discovered in the wake of Signalgate, revealing a list of over 300 of Waltz's associates.

In light of this previous insight into Waltz's digital habits and security, these new allegations regarding his Gmail usage aren't entirely surprising. 

Even so, it doesn't seem as though Waltz is facing any serious consequences for his arguably lax digital security standards. The White House has stood by Waltz amidst the security scandals, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that the "case has been closed" regarding Signalgate. President Donald Trump further said that he didn't think Waltz needed to apologise, and that he believes the national security advisor is "doing his best."

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Often made of logs.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

CABIN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A deep interior.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 2, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BOWEL

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An open position.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 2 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

STEAD

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To prepare.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 2 Hurdle Word 4 answer

EQUIP

Final Hurdle hint

A military trainee.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

CADET

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Kids aren't the only ones who get excited about birthday gifts. You can be a full-grown adult and still lose your shit when you open up the gift that topped your wish list. But as you get older, it does become a little more difficult to come up with a list of birthday gift ideas. You can't just ask for all the coolest new toys anymore. Well, you can if you want — we're not going to stop you.

SEE ALSO: Try Gift Lab: Our interactive gift guide

If your birthday is coming up and you're struggling to think of what you want, don't sweat it. We compiled the ultimate birthday wish list, with gifts ranging from tech to outdoor essentials to home goods. To make your search easier, we've separated our gift ideas into categories: Our current favorite birthday gifts, gifts under $25, gifts under $50, gifts $50 to $150, and gifts $150+.

Read on for some birthday inspo and start casually dropping hints to your friends and family. And hey, happy birthday!

Our top picksColor-changing smart light bulbs Credit: Philips

Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern here. I have put a Hue light bulb in every lamp in my apartment, and it's so rare that I use the Big Light now. These color-changing bulbs let me dim the lights when I want to relax or emit fun colors while I'm watching a movie. And the best part is, I don't have to get out of bed to turn the lights off at night.

Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Bulbs $99.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now A digital camera that captures film-style photos Credit: Camp Snap

I love taking and having film photos, but 1) film is expensive, and 2) all of the film cameras I have are chunky. The Camp Snap camera is an amazing alternative. It's digital and incredibly lightweight — and the pictures truly do look like they were taken on film. They're clear yet stylized enough to give that vintage feel. And you can take multiple versions of the same shot without feeling like you're wasting film.

Opens in a new window Credit: Camp Snap Camp Snap camera $65 at Camp Snap
Shop Now Coffee from around the world Credit: Atlas Coffee Club

I personally don't drink coffee, but my dad is a big coffee guy. I got him and his wife a three-month subscription to Atlas Coffee Club for Christmas and they freakin' loved it. They sent me a text every month to let me know where their coffee came from, and they love trying new roasts from around the world. Each month you get coffee beans and a postcard from different countries, so you get to try beans you can't get from your grocery store. You can select from whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods. Subscriptions can be three, six, or 12 months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Atlas Coffee Club Atlas Coffee Club gift subscription Starting at $55 Shop Now A new Kindle Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Listen, I used to be such a physical books-only kind of person. Then I bought a Kindle Paperwhite and it changed my reading game for good. I'm able to easily take the e-reader on the plane, to the beach, or even in the bathtub (shoutout to the Paperwhite being waterproof). Plus, I can read library books for free from the Libby app. If you're a reader, trust me when I say a Kindle should be at the top of your birthday list this year. (P.s. A new Kindle Paperwhite was released in October 2024.)

Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $159.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A gorgeous TV that doubles as art Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Samsung's The Frame TV made waves when it came out a few years ago, but the price is just not attainable for everyone. The Hisense CanvasTV is an amazing, budget-friendly (well, friendlier) alternative if you want an art TV for your birthday. The Google TV interface is amazing, and the TV truly does blend in with your art and decor. This is a bougie birthday ask, but one that's worth it.

Hisense CanvasTV (55-inch, QLED) $762.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $237 Shop Now Birthday gifts under $25Elevate your cooking game Credit: TrendPlain

This 2-in-1 oil dispenser pours and sprays so you won't have to buy separate olive oil and Pam cooking spray. This is a practical gift to put on your list whether you're a home chef or use an air fryer for every meal.

Oil dispenser and sprayer $9.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Learn something new Credit: Coursehorse

You’ve successfully completed one more trip around the sun, so to celebrate, develop a new skill or indulge a passion by taking an IRL class on the subject of your choice. Coursehorse partners with real-world instructors and schools in major cities to offer nearly 70,000 classes in subjects such as art, language, music, cooking, self-defense, gardening, and anything else you could possibly want.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coursehorse Coursehorse Gift Card Starting at $5 at Coursehorse Shop Now A tiny bag Credit: Nanobag

Nanobag is a tote bag that can fold up into a pocket-sized ball. It's great for keeping in the car or your bag for those unplanned grocery or Target stops. The standard size starts at $13.95 and comes in 10 different colors and patterns.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nanobag Nanobag $13.95 at Nanobag
Shop Now Simple Lego flowers Credit: Lego

Lego sets can be pretty freakin' expensive, but if you're looking for some more budget-friendly building kits for your birthday list, we've found a fun one. It includes two buildable roses that you can display after you've put them together. Wilting not included!

Lego Roses building kit $11.29 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $3.70 Shop Now A delicious-smelling candle Credit: Bonita Fierce

Candles are a timeless gift that you can ask for at every single gift-giving opportunity (and will likely receive anyway if you don't specify what you actually want). We are firm believers that you can never have too many candles. Add some sweet scents from Bonita Fierce, a Latina-owned small business, to your b-day wish list this year and every year. Candles start at $16. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Bonita Fierce Bonita Fierce candle Starting at $16 at Bonita Fierce Shop Now A puzzle with a few tricks up its sleeve Credit: Magic Puzzle Company

Magic Puzzle Company makes incredibly fun 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzles that have a secret envelope for you to open when you're done. This surprise envelope unlocks a "magical twist ending," so placing that final piece will be even more exciting. The intricate designs feature tons of little Easter eggs, like puzzle pieces in the shape of items in the scene. The Big Rock City puzzle has a hot dog-shaped piece and music note-shaped piece to name a couple.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic Puzzle Company Magic Puzzle Company (Big Rock City puzzle) $22.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Somewhere to put your headphones Credit: Coreminded

Rather than laying your headphones throughout your home or having them clutter up your desk, ask for a universal headphone stand for your birthday. This one is compatible with almost any pair of over-ear headphones or gaming headsets — and it has a pretty sleek look, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: coreminded Universal headphone stand $24.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A stylish candle warmer lamp Credit: Geezo

Big candle fan? Then a candle warmer should be on your birthday list. It helps your candle last longer and you don't need an open flame burning in your home. And if you're going to ask for a candle warmer, make it a cute one. With a glass lamp shade, this warmer blends seamlessly into your home decor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Geezo Candle warmer lamp $24.99
Shop Now Backup battery for your phone Credit: Anker

This portable charger from Anker is great for travel or being out on the town all day. It has enough juice to recharge your phone a couple of times, and it comes in four colors.

Anker portable charger $12.94 at Amazon
$25.99 Save $13.05 See It Cold hard cash Credit: Pixabay

You really can't beat the gift of cold, hard cash — or a gift card. A Visa card is a perfect birthday gift because you can spend it on literally whatever you want; buy yourself something fun or get some help with groceries. Best of all, you don't need to decide exactly what you want before your birthday. The gift card starts at $10.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Gift card Starting at $10 at Giftcards.com Shop Now New reading materials Credit: Getty Images / iStock / Extreme-Photographer

Support independent bookstores from around the country with a gift card to Bookshop. Starting at $10, the gift cards can either be used to buy books from a specific shop you love, or the purchase can feed the site’s profit-sharing pool to benefit all of Bookshop's partner stores. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Bookshop.org Bookshop.org Gift Cards Starting at $10 at Bookshop Shop Now Gifts $25 to $50A way to keep track of your keys Credit: Apple

In our opinion, the first thing you add to your keyring should be an AirTag. You can monitor where they are in Apple's Find My app, and you'll get an alert on your phone if you ever leave them behind somewhere.

Apple AirTag $24 at Amazon
$29 Save $5 Shop Now A cookie cutter of your pet Credit: FormaCookieCutters

Celebrate your favorite furry creature by eating their face — in a good way. Send in a photo of your best pet friend to this Etsy store and get a four-inch-wide, food-safe PLA cookie cutter of their likeness in return. Whether you’re taking care of the baking or you’re leaving the prep work for the recipient, you’re going to be hailed as an absolute gift-giving wizard. Order these custom birthday gifts for $30 from Etsy seller the FormaCookieCutters.

Opens in a new window Credit: FormaCookieCutters Custom Pet Portrait Cookie Cutter $30 at Etsy
Shop Now Elegant chopsticks Credit: Pingto

Step up your take-out game and do right by the environment with a set of elegant, reusable chopsticks. The bundle of six bamboo chopsticks is available in two color palettes and retails for $32.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pingto Pingto Bamboo Chopstick Sets $32 at Amazon
Shop Now A personalized Yeti mug Credit: Yeti

This Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug is a great size for both true coffee lovers and beer drinkers. It can also hold two Moscow mules, according to Yeti, if that's more your speed. The Rambler is available in an array of fun and neutral colors. Plus, you can customize it with an etched design or monogram. For just $6 to $10, you can choose designs from Yeti's library or upload your own file. (Mashable's review editor owns the king crab orange mug with a cowboy boot and flowers etched on the side, pictured below.)

Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 24-ounce mug $35 at Yeti
Shop Now A one-of-a-kind planner Credit: Papier

Are you a proud Type A over-planner and over-thinker? Or maybe your meticulously organized BFF is having a birthday soon? This spiral-bound planner can be customized with the recipient's name and three personal photos.

Opens in a new window Credit: Papier Personalized Photo Strip 2025 Planner $36 at Papier
Shop Now An app for exploring Credit: AllTrails

Love to be outside, but can’t fold a map to save your life? Enter AllTrails+, the app designed to get you off your phone and into the wild. Featuring over 400,000 curated trails all over the world, the app allows you to download maps in case of a poor signal, record your hikes, create your own trails, and more. A yearly subscription costs $35.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: AllTrails AllTrails yearly subscription $35.99 at AllTrails
Shop Now Mini zodiac cupcakes Credit: Baked by Melissa

Birthday cake is the standard, but might we suggest this fun alternative: mini cupcakes selected by an astrologer specifically for your zodiac sign. This Baked by Melissa offering comes with 25 cupcakes and the flavors vary depending on your sign — though there are some fan-favorites that show up in each zodiac variation. These also make for a great last-minute ask if you're in Manhattan or Boston, as there's same-day delivery for select locations.

Opens in a new window Credit: Baked by Melissa Baked by Melissa zodiac cupcakes $37
Shop Now A custom pet portrait Credit: LeFlore Studio

Sometimes, the best birthday gifts are the ones made just for you. If you're obsessed with your pet, these custom pet portraits need to be on your birthday list. There are many different styles to choose from, each one super freakin' adorable. Prices vary depending on size.

Opens in a new window Credit: LeFlore Studio Custom pet portrait Prices vary at LaFlore Studio on Etsy Shop Now An inconspicuous fanny pack Credit: FlipBelt

Whether you’re going for a run or heading to a music festival, keep your necessities at the ready with a FlipBelt Zipper pack. This handy belt can hold your phone, money, credit card, keys, and all sorts of everyday necessities. Coming in multiple sizes, the FlipBelt doesn’t bounce or chafe and is machine washable.

Opens in a new window Credit: FlipBelt FlipBelt Zipper Running Belt $39 at Amazon
Shop Now A cast iron skillet Credit: Lodge

A cast-iron skillet is the true sign that you're graduating from cheap nonstick cookware and all mismatched plates. It's something you probably want, but don't particularly want to spend the money on. Lodge has different sizes depending on what you want to cook.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lodge Lodge cast iron skillet $40.75 at Amazon
Shop Now Authentic chai Credit: Kolkata Chai

Not satisfied with supermarket-bought chai? Get the real thing from New York-based chai-preneurs at Kolkata Chai. This small business will send authentic chai straight to your door with the Chai Trio Variety Pack ($62) or the Chai Starter Kit ($45). For devoted chai drinkers, Kolkata Chai offers subscription packages to keep that tea coming.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kolkata Chai Kolkata Chai Starting at $45 at Kolkata Chai Shop Now A reusable water bottle Credit: Hydroflask

It's always a good time to get more serious about hydration. A HydroFlask is a great way to make sure you have a cool (or hot) beverage on hand, and they're super durable during outdoorsy activities.

Opens in a new window Credit: HydroFlask Hydroflask $44.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A Lego set that doubles as decor Credit: LEGO

One of our favorite gifts under $50 is this Lego Orchid that's fun to build and adds a nice touch of greenery to your space that feels more unique than a plastic plant. This set is part of the Lego Icons line, which also features succulents, a bonsai tree, and a bouquet, in case orchids aren't your thing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Orchid $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A smart speaker Credit: Amazon

If you don't have a smart speaker by now, it's time to make a change. The Echo Dot is an affordable voice-controlled companion that'll keep you in the loop on the weather and current events and keep track of your most important reminders. Also, they're great for playing music.

Echo Dot smart speaker $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10 Shop Now A media streaming stick Credit: Amazon

The Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is one of the best streaming devices we've tested, and it's also one of our favorite birthday gift ideas. If you don't already have a smart TV but want to access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, and all the other streaming apps directly from your TV, ask for a Fire TV Stick for your b-day. Amazon's streaming stick has better voice control than similar products from Roku, and the 4K version normally goes for $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now The delicious scent without the fire hazard Credit: Pura

If candles are a no-go, opt for a Bluetooth-enabled diffuser to make any room in your home smell divine. The Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser ($49.99) holds two fragrances and is controlled entirely through the app. Schedule one smell to wake up to and one to fall asleep to with the in-app calendar feature. Pura collaborates with brands like NEST, Anthropologie, Disney, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to source their scents, so whatever the occasion calls for, they’ve got your back.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pura Pura Smart Fragrance Diffuser $49.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Gifts $50 to $150Local flavors delivered Credit: Goldbelly

Speaking of take-out: if you’ve maxed out your city’s culinary offerings, see what’s available from the rest of the country. Goldbelly makes it possible to order meals and gifts from restaurants around the United States. No matter your craving, a Goldbelly gift card at any price point is bound to satisfy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Goldbelly Goldbelly gift card starting at $50 at Goldbelly Shop Now A custom neon sign Credit: GITM Store

Pick out a funny phrase, inside joke, or a family name and get a custom sign in as little as one week. It might sound too good to be true, but Mashable editors have ordered from this Amazon storefront before and had a great experience. In fact, this is one of our favorite undiscovered gems on Amazon, and you can buy signs for as little as $53.96.

Opens in a new window Credit: GITM Store Custom Neon Sign $53.96 at Amazon
Shop Now Coffee from around the world Credit: Atlas Coffee Club

Atlas Coffee Club is a coffee subscription that sends you coffee beans and postcards from a different country each month. So, you get to try roasts you probably can't get from your grocery store and you get to learn about a new place — and maybe get some travel inspo. You can select from whole beans, grounds, Keurig pods, and Nespresso pods. Subscriptions can be three, six, or 12 months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Atlas Coffee Club Atlas Coffee Club gift subscription Starting at $55 Shop Now A personal blender for smoothies Credit: Nutribullet

Make smoothies in your own kitchen with a NutriBullet personal blender — it's fast and easy. The NutriBullet Nutrient Extractor comes with the 600W motor base, blender blade, 24-ounce blending cup, travel lid, and lip ring, plus a recipe book if you're sick of the same old smoothies.

Opens in a new window Credit: NutriBullet NutriBullet $58 at Walmart
Shop Now An endless supply of veggies and herbs Credit: AeroGarden

Whether you're an enthusiastic home chef, like a bit of greenery, or simply can't stand running to the grocery store every time a recipe calls for some cilantro, a hydroponic garden is a great way to keep veggies and herbs on hand, even if you don't have a green thumb. We're fans of AeroGarden, which has gardens that start at $60.75.

Opens in a new window Credit: AeroGarden AeroGarden Sprout $60.75 at Amazon
Shop Now A weighted blanket Credit: Quilty

For what seems like an extraneous expense, an extra-heavy blanket can be a total game-changer. Besides providing all the comfort of a partner without the snoring, a weighted blanket can reduce tossing and turning and keep you extra warm. This one at Amazon comes in a bunch of colors, sizes, and weights.

Opens in a new window Credit: quilty Quilty weighted blanket Starting at $63.99 Shop Now Film vibes from a digital camera Credit: Camp Snap

Film photos are back in a big way, but not all of us have the patience to fill up an entire roll and then wait for it to get developed. Camp Snap is a really neat camera that takes film-esque photos and stores them on an SD card so you can pull them to your computer or phone and post them immediately. It's super lightweight and has a pretty low profile compared to film cameras, making it easy to slip into your purse or pocket on a night out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Camp Snap Camp Snap camera $65 at Camp Snap
Shop Now A necessary Nintendo Switch upgrade Credit: Nintendo

It's never too late to upgrade your Switch set up, and the Pro controller can help you do just that. This controller is perfect for when you connect your device to a larger display, and it has the added bonus of zero Joy-Con drift.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Pro Controller $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A tea and coffee lover's best friend Credit: Cosori

There's a certain electric gooseneck kettle that's beloved by design nerds, but that's also a tad overpriced (more than a tad, really). Instead, make the smart choice and opt for the infinitely more practical Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle. It still has plenty of charm — not to mention pre-set buttons for tea, coffee, and boiling water.

Opens in a new window Credit: Cosori Cosori Electric Gooseneck Kettle $69.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A pack of disposable cameras Credit: Fujifilm

We have a couple of camera options on this list, but sometimes you really just want that classic disposable camera experience. You'll capture some fun, in-the-moment memories with no do-overs. A three-pack of disposable cameras costs $79.99 (these have become kind of expensive since the invention of digital/phone cameras).

Opens in a new window Credit: Fujifilm Fujifilm disposable cameras $53.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $26.00 Shop Now Affordable no-worry earbuds Credit: Anker

Worried your earbuds will fall out of your ears and be lost forever? Get peace of mind with the affordable Soundcore Sport X10 wireless earbuds. Designed for athletes but great for anyone, these headphones hook around your ears and stay put no matter how sweaty or active you get (a fact we can personally attest to). Keep them in their case for on-the-go charging.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds $79.99 at Amazon
Shop Now Fancy olive oils Credit: Brightland

This is one of our favorite gifts to give someone who's difficult to shop for, so it also makes a great gift to ask for when you aren't sure what you want. Brightland makes infused olive oils that come in super cute bottles. This set includes four mini bottles of chili, garlic, lemon, and basil-flavored olive oils. Your kitchen will feel elevated with these on display and in your cooking rotation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Brightland Brightland olive oil Mini Artist Series $85 at Brightland
Shop Now Color-changing smart light bulbs Credit: Philips

Turn your bedroom into a party with these color-changing smart light bulbs. You can control the lights from your phone and set whatever mood you're feeling. This kit includes two smart Bluetooth bulbs for $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Philips Philips Hue Smart Bulbs $99.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now A year of ad-free music Credit: Spotify

Maybe a Spotify Premium membership isn't in your budget this year, or maybe it's a monthly bill you'd just rather have someone else foot for you. Whatever the case, add a 12-month Spotify subscription gift card to your bday list. It's especially great if you've got someone shopping for you who notoriously waits until the last minute to buy gifts since it can be delivered via email or text.

Spotify Premium 12-month subscriotoin e-gift card $99 at Amazon
Shop Now Something to make your life a little more eco-friendly Credit: Stasher

Whether you're packing your lunch or storing leftovers, using plastic bags should be your last resort. Heck, you should be trying to stay away from all single-use plastics if you're able to. But, if you want to start small, these Stasher bags are a great option to make your daily life more eco-friendly. These silicone bags are secure and completely reusable — either wash them by hand or stuff them in the dishwasher. Grab a starter pack for $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Stasher Stasher Bags starter kit $99.99 at Stasher
Shop Now A beginner-friendly sewing machine Credit: Singer

Sewing has become a popular hobby amongst TikTokkers, and whether you've never touched a sewing machine in your life or you're just in need of a new one, the Singer M1150 is a solid machine for sewists of all levels. It hits all your basics at a reasonable price point.

Opens in a new window Credit: Singer Singer M1150 sewing machine $119.98 at Amazon
Shop Now The smart temperature-controlled mug Credit: Ember

There's a lot of debate about what makes a good gift, but getting something that is a) practical and b) something just extravagant enough that you'd never get it for yourself may be the infallibly perfect combo. We think for coffee and tea drinkers, that combo is found in the Ember Mug 2, which retails for $129.95. This temperature-controlled mug may be unnecessary (and expensive), but boy does it feel good to take a hot sip of coffee after forgetting you poured it an hour ago.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ember Ember Mug 2 $129.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A photo printer Credit: Canon

Have some photos on your phone or Instagram that you want to pin to your fridge? Ask for the Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer. This sleek gadget connects to your Android or iPhone through WiFi, SD card, or USB stick and prints out your favorite pics in a layout design of your choosing. The printing isn’t instant (the color ink layers print one at a time), but the quality of the final product makes it worth the wait.

Opens in a new window Credit: Canon Canon SELPHY CP1500 Compact Photo Printer $139.99 at Amazon
Shop Now The gift of clean air Credit: Levoit

We know, we know, an air purifier is not the sexiest gift, but it is a practical one. The Levoit Core 300S is a smart air purifier with a companion app that lets you control the device and see real-time stats about your home's air quality. It's suitable for spaces up to 1,095 square feet.

Levoit Core 300S smart air purifier $149.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A portable, waterproof speaker Credit: Bose

Beach days and outdoor adventures are made complete with your favorite playlist. The Bose SoundLink Flex is a portable speaker that can handle the elements while still providing stellar sound quality. It's waterproof, rust- and drop-resistant, and even floats. Plus, it comes in five fun colors. For even bigger sound, try the Bose SoundLink Max.

Bose SoundLink Flex $149 at Amazon
Shop Now Gifts $150+A new Kindle Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

The Mashable team has tested every Kindle e-reader, and we think the Kindle Paperwhite is the right e-reader for most people. Instead of asking for a book, ask for a Kindle for your birthday and save yourself money and space. Sure, it doesn't smell the same as a new book, but now you'll have no excuses for not keeping up with your yearly reading resolutions. (P.s. A new Kindle Paperwhite was released in October 2024.)

Kindle Paperwhite (2024) $159.99 at Amazon
Shop Now The viral Hatch alarm clock Credit: Hatch

Intrigued by sleepmaxxing? The Hatch Restore 3 sunrise alarm clock could help you get a better night's rest. It's designed to help you create a bedtime routine to help you fall asleep easier. It's packed with different sleep sounds and light levels to ease you in and out of sleep.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hatch Hatch Restore 3 sunrise alarm clock $169.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A desk you can take anywhere Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

If you work remotely, you gotta get this portable desk from Logitech. The Casa Pop-Up Desk includes a wireless keyboard, wireless trackpad, and a desk stand that doubles as a discreet and stylish carrying case. It comes in three colors so you can match your aesthetic. This is an especially great tool if you like working from coffee shops or moving around while you work.

Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk $179.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A new comforter Credit: Buffy

Comforters, like a mattress, shouldn't be an item you cheap out on. They're supposed to last you a while, so why not have something a little more luxurious? The Buffy Cloud comforter is a sustainable comforter made from recycled fiber and eucalyptus. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart reviewed it, calling it "the first piece of bedding I've used that actually feels kind of dreamy." Snag a full/queen size comforter for $195 at Buffy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Buffy Buffy Comforter $195 at Buffy
Shop Now Sony's latest bass-heavy headphones Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Sony released its new ULT Power Sound lineup in April, and we adore the headphones. The ULT Wears have Sony's impressive sound quality and noise cancellation and are made even more impressive by the addition of the ULT button, which punches up the bass two additional levels. These headphones are booming, and the best part is they're relatively budget-friendly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Sony ULT Wear headphones $198 at Amazon
Shop Now A new kind of jump rope Credit: Crossrope

Turn traditional jump roping on its head with Crossrope. The weighted jump rope (available in 1/4, 1/2, one, and two-pound weight options) and associated app keep you on your toes and strengthen your entire body through guided workouts. For those with downstairs neighbors or curious pets, the weighted ropeless option provides a silent solution for an otherwise noisy activity. Upgrade to the Bluetooth-connected AMP handles for a more individualized experience.

Opens in a new window Credit: Crossrope AMP Jump Rope Set $199 at Crossrope
Shop Now A pressure cooker and air fryer in one Credit: Instant Pot

Maybe not quite as heavy duty as a cast-iron skillet but just as useful: a pressure cooker that can air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, slow cook, prepare rice, steam, sauté, and more. Impress guests with your culinary skills (that are in fact just throwing all the ingredients listed in the recipe into this thing and then waiting a few hours). The Instant Pot 11-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker will cost your gift-giver $199.99, but they can reap the rewards when you cook for them with it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Pot Duo Crisp $199.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A trusty pet camera Credit: Furbo

If you're anything like us, you view your pet like it's your actual child. We support that. Now, you can up your pet parent game by picking up a Furbo pet camera. Not only does it livestream what your pet is up to while you aren't home straight to your phone, but it also has the ability to toss treats and produce two-way audio for quick check-ins.

Opens in a new window Credit: Furbo Furbo pet camera $129 at Amazon
$210 Save $81 Shop Now Design-friendly humidifier Credit: Vitruvi

There's something to be said for a product that can marry form and function, and this Vitruvi humidifier does just that. Admittedly, $229 is probably a hefty price for a humidifier you're buying for yourself, but it's a great splurge gift if you prefer your household appliances not be eyesores.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vitruvi Vitruvi Cloud Humidifier $229 at Amazon
Shop Now Your own personal ice cream maker Credit: Ninja

If you're as chronically online as we are, you've likely seen people whipping up frozen treat concoctions with the Ninja Creami. The countertop ice cream maker has presets for gelato, ice cream, sorbet, smoothie bowls, milkshakes, and mix-ins if you want to channel your inner Dairy Queen. You do need to freeze your ingredients beforehand, so it's not an instantaneous sweet treat fix, but you have creative freedom to try out whichever flavors your sweet tooth desires.

Ninja Creami $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30 Shop Now A portable, smokeless fire pit Credit: Solo Stove

Whether you're a hardcore camper or you just like unwinding with a few beers by the fire, Solo Stove's Ranger fire pit is a fantastic gift to ask for. It's designed to be smokeless and portable, making it great for balconies, backyards, beach hangs, or camping trips. Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel reviewed the larger Solo Stove Bonfire and wrote that it burns "beautiful, clean fires when conditions are right." The best part? The Ranger is typically on sale for $199.99, so whoever gifts it has 30 extra dollars to spend on your birthday.

Opens in a new window Credit: Solo Stove Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 $199.99 at Solo Stove
$229.99 Save $30 Shop Now A Bluetooth record player Credit: Sony

Are your Spotify playlists just not cutting it anymore? Switch it up and go retro with a vinyl music collection. This turntable connects to Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or you can hook it up to a traditional sound system using cords.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony Turntable $248 at Amazon
Shop Now A pair of AirPods Pro Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

When you already own a pair of earbuds, it can be hard to justify splurging on a new pair — even if you really, really want to. And that's why the new AirPods Pro (Gen 2) earbuds are an ideal birthday present. For people still using lightning cables, the new USB-C version will be a welcome upgrade. Apple stepped up its audio game with these buds, which feature improved sound quality and active noise cancellation. For a cheaper alternative, ask for the latest 4th Gen AirPods, which are $129 without ANC or $179 with ANC.

AirPods Pro 2 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50 Shop Now A robot vacuum Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Stop manually vacuuming your house every day and let a robot vacuum clean your floors for you. The Shark RV2300 is budget-friendly and tough on dirt. Our robot vacuum expert called it "the most reliable cheap robot vacuum that I've tested."

Shark Matrix RV2300 $245 at Walmart
$249 Save $4 Shop Now A cool drone with a 12MP camera Credit: DJI

This drone is small and super lightweight, but it takes stunning photos and videos. It's great for traveling or for use at home. DJI is one of the top names in drones and the Mini 2 SE costs $279 with a remote control.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Magic Mini 2 SE $279 at Amazon
Shop Now A massage gun Credit: TheraGun

Whether you're working at a desk all day, running around, or just inexplicably tense, a massage gun will get you limber and relaxed again. What better gift than the gift of painless movement? Our best recommendation? Go for the TheraGun. The Prime model costs $299, but if that's not quite in your budget, then check out our gadget gift guide for more gifting inspiration.

Opens in a new window Credit: Theragun TheraGun $299 at Amazon
Shop Now Five hair tools in one Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Instead of asking for the $600 Dyson Airwrap, you can get a product that performs nearly identically for half the price in the Shark FlexStyle (trust us, we tested them head to head). Pick up a version for textured hair or straighter hair for $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $299.99 at Amazon
Shop Now A portable projector The portable projector fits in the palm of your hands. Credit: Anker

All of your friends will start calling your home the "cool house" if movie nights involve this mini portable projector. Use it to play movies, shows, or games outside on a screen or indoors on a blank wall. The Anker Nebula Capsule in black costs $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule Projector $299.99 at Amazon
Shop Now An Apple Watch Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

An Apple Watch lets you access smartphone features conveniently on your wrist. You can control your music, send and receive texts, monitor your health, and tons more.

Apple Watch Series 10 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Shop Now Year-round spa days Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

You can ask for a day at the spa, or you can ask for the gift of getting a facial whenever you want and from the comfort of your home. In her review of the device, Mashable's Deputy Shopping and Reviews Editor Miller Kern wrote the TheraFace Pro is "a hell of a lot cheaper than getting regular professional facials, and I truly feel like I've received a spa treatment every time I use [it]."

Opens in a new window Credit: TheraGun TheraFace Pro $399 at Therabody
Shop Now The newest iPad mini Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Our reviewer called the iPad mini 7 the "best choice" if you want a compact tablet, and said it looks better and is a lot more powerful than previous-generation iPad minis. It supports the Apple Pencil Pro and we named it the best tablet for reading.

Apple iPad mini (2024, 7th generation, A17 Pro chip) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Shop Now A fancy desk chair Credit: Branch

Our favorite type of birthday gift is something you want to buy yourself but just can't justify spending your own money on. The Verve chair is a prime example of that. It's super comfy and ergonomic, and it comes in really cute colors, but it's definitely on the luxury end of pricing. If you work from home or just spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, put this at the top of your birthday wish list.

Opens in a new window Credit: Branch Verve Chair $549 at Branch
Shop Now A new bike Credit: Schwinn

Head outdoors with this hybrid bike designed for both leisure and more adventurous rides. It comes in different colors and a couple of different styles for men and women. The 18-inch Schwinn GTX 2.0 bike normally goes for $549.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Schwinn Schwinn GTX bike $549.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A camera to rival your phone Credit: Nikon

When giving your friends and family birthday gift ideas, it's usually best to look for gifts under $50. But if you have a partner or parent who really loves you, then it's okay to dream big.

An easy-to-use mirrorless camera designed with creators in mind, the Nikon Z 30 boasts video, camera, and live streaming capabilities at an affordable price. The camera body can be purchased alone or with one or two kit lenses. There’s also the creators’ accessory bundle which comes with a mic, tripod grip, and Bluetooth remote.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nikon Nikon Z 30 Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera Bundle $696.95 at Amazon
Shop Now A handheld gaming console that's not a Switch Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry described the Lenovo Legion Go as "beefier and more powerful" than the Nintendo Switch. It has a huge display, solid performance, and all-around great specs. It's not a one-to-one competitor of the Switch, but rather a portable way into PC gaming that's "really good at running all kinds of games."

Opens in a new window Credit: Lenovo Lenovo Legion Go $699.99 at Best Buy
Shop Now A new phone Credit: Apple

Thinking of upgrading from an iPhone that has a Lightning port? Don't spend your own money on an expensive phone — have someone who loves you spend their money! The new iPhone 16 starts at $799 while the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $999. (Group gift, anyone?)

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 16 Starting at $799 at Best Buy Shop Now A robot vacuum that also mops Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Senior Shopping Reporter Leah Stodart called the Eufy X10 Pro Omni the catchall answer to the question, "Which robot vacuum should I get?" It vacuums and mops — and empties its own dust bin, refills its water tank, and washes and dries its mop pads. The Eufy is a true hands-off cleaning device.

Eufy X10 Pro Omni $549.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $250 Shop Now A TV that blends into your decor Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Samsung's The Frame TV made waves when it came out a few years ago, but the price is just not attainable for everyone. The Hisense CanvasTV is an amazing, budget-friendly (well, friendlier) alternative if you want an art TV for your birthday. The Google TV interface is amazing and the TV truly does blend in with your art and decor. This is a bougie birthday ask, but one that's worth it.

Hisense CanvasTV (55-inch, QLED) $762.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $237 Shop Now A MacBook Air Credit: Apple

MacBook Airs are super nice computers, but they can definitely be a bit pricey... which is what makes them such a great addition to a birthday wish list. Someone who loves you can drop the big bucks for you! A 13.6-inch MacBook Air M2 with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD goes for $1,099 at Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Air $1,099 at Best Buy
Shop Now

FREE STREAMING ALERT: Through April 29, Target Circle members can still score three free months of Peacock Premium. That's $7.99 per month or $23.97 total in savings. Not a Target Circle member? Sign up for free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium free for 3 months via Target Circle Get Deal

Between consistent price hikes and password sharing crackdowns, the streaming era is becoming kind of a bummer. That's why it's such a delight to see any kind of streaming deal pop up. Bonus points if the deal costs you zero dollars.

Through April 29, Target Circle members can still score three months of Peacock Premium for free. That's $7.99 per month in savings or a total of $23.97. The deal originally popped up ahead of its Circle Week event. Although the sitewide sale is over, the partnership deal with Peacock remains through the end of the month. The only fine print is that you must be a Target Circle member and must not be a current Peacock subscriber.

Not a Target Circe member? No worries. It's free and easy to join. Simply head to Target.com/circle and choose "Create account." Enter your full name, email address, and phone number, then choose whether to use a password or passkey (fingerprint, face ID, or pin) to sign in. Select "Create account" and voila! You are now a Target Circle member and can take advantage of the free Peacock deal.

Peacock is the exclusive home of Universal Pictures (and Focus Features) films like Wicked, Conclave and Nosferatu. You'll also find popular NBC shows like The Office, New Girl, and Yellowstone, plus reality TV faves from Bravo and Peacock Originals like Poker Face and Mrs. Davis. Peacock Premium is the streamer's lowest tier, which means you will have to put up with some ads during shows and movies. But it's hard to complain when you aren't paying a cent.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for only A$87 until 27 April at the Mashable Shop.

Subscriptions are great — until they start piling up on you. If you’re tired of recurring fees, this lifetime license bundle for Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro lets you own the tools you need to stay productive without breaking the bank. Through 27 April at the Mashable Shop, you can get both tools with a one-time purchase of for A$87.

With Microsoft Office 2021, you’ll get lifetime access to essential apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. Perfect for handling everything from detailed reports to creative presentations, MS Office offers powerful tools and a user-friendly ribbon interface to simplify your workflow. Whether you’re formatting documents or analyzing data, this suite is built for modern professionals.

On the OS front, Windows 11 Pro offers a sleek, efficient platform packed with features. Snap layouts and virtual desktops make multitasking a breeze, while advanced security tools like BitLocker help keep your data safe. But what really stands out is Copilot, Windows 11’s built-in AI assistant. Copilot helps you with tasks like generating ideas, summarizing web pages, or adjusting settings — all with a simple prompt. It’s like having a personal productivity partner built into your system.

Whether you’re optimizing your work setup or upgrading your personal tech, this deal has everything you need to get ahead.

For just A$87, this bundle of Microsoft Office 2021 Professional and Windows 11 Pro gives you lifetime ownership of two essential tools, freeing you from the hassle of subscriptions.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle AU$87
AU$663 Save AU$576 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC with a one-time purchase of A$206 (reg. A$238) through 27 April 27 — no subscription required.

What can you expect from your one-time purchase of Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC?

• Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote for essential productivity

• One-time purchase with no recurring fees for lifetime use on one device

• Redesigned ribbon for quick access to tools based on what you’re working on

• Co-authoring features let multiple users collaborate in real-time

• Smarter AI suggestions for text, formatting, and data visualization

• Optimized for Mac Ventura, Sonoma, and Sequoia operating systems, as well as Windows 10 or 11 operating systems

• Create, collaborate, and organize your projects without ongoing subscriptions

Boost your productivity with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC, now just A$206 until 27 April at 11:59 p.m. PT — no monthly fees, just essential tools you can count on.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: InterPlein Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC: One-Time Purchase AU$206
AU$238 Save AU$32 Get Deal

SAVE $334.95: As of April 1, get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $664.05 at Target, down from its usual price of $999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Google Pixel 9 Pro $999 at Target
Get Deal

Ready to add a new smartphone to your tech arsenal? You have more options beyond an iPhone or the latest and greatest Samsung offering. There are tons of great phones out there, in fact, and many of them are much more affordable than the flagships out there from the biggest names in phones. For instance, you might consider trying a Pixel phone, part of Google's lineup. And right now is an especially good time to do so, thanks to this Target deal.

As of April 1, get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $664.05 at Target, down from its usual price of $999. That's a discount of $334.95.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is a formidable smartphone in just about every category. It's affordable, made even more so by this Target deal, and powerful enough to handle whatever you need it for in your day to day life. It features the Google Tensor G4 processor with 16GB of RAM, with a crisp screen that offers 120Hz so you can scroll and game all you want with extra smoothness.

All of this and the phone is fully equipped and ready for all the AI tasks you might want to use (or edit photos with) for Google Gemini. Thanks to its triple camera array and powerful photo tools, you can get some great pictures and video that might even rival your current favorite phone.

If it's time for a hefty smartphone upgrade, this is the time to do it, and you might end up pleasantly surprised with your new Google Pixel.

EARN DOUBLE POINTS: On April 1, enjoy double rewards on all Kindle book purchases. Shop deals and new releases to spend while you save.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Earn double Kindle Rewards points on every store Get 6 points for ever $1 spent. Get Deal

Still in its beta phase, Kindle Rewards is a loyalty program, where you can earn points on every Kindle book purchase. For every 300 points earned, you get $3 back to use on your next purchase in the Kindle store. Typically, you earn three points for every dollar spent, but on April 1, you earn double points on every purchase. That means you earn 6 points per dollar. If you're itching for that $3 reward, if you spend $50 today, you'll accumulate those 300 points fast.

Double points is coming at a good time. Best-selling romance author Abby Jimenez just released her latest novel, Say You'll Remember Me. Or you can maximize your savings and shop deals on Kindle books. Or you can grab The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware, which is soon-to-be a Netflix original, and is discounted to just $2.99.

Explore all the Kindle book deals now and earn double points.

Kindle book deals

• The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton — $1.99 $17.99 (save $16)

• The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand — $1.99 $19.99 (save $18)

• The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey — $1.99 $15.50 (save $13.51)

• The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell — $2.99 $28.99 (save $26)

• Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See — $2.99 $28 (save $25.01)

• Shark Heart by Emily Habeck — $2.99 $18.99 (save $16)

• The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware — $2.99 $18.99 (save $16)

• Me, Early and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews — $3.99 $17.99 (save $14)

• Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion — $3.99 $18 (save $14.01)

• The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker — $3.99 $17.99 (save $14)

• Tibetan Peach Pie by Tom Robbins — $4.99 $23.99 (save $19)

ChatGPT's image generation tool rolled out to free users this week — which means pretty much everyone can now use OpenAI's tool to create images.

There are, obviously, endless things you can do with the tool. It all comes down to the prompts you feed into ChatGPT. The new image generator, part of ChatGPT's 4o model, is apparently quite impressive. Folks have been playing around with ways to use the image generator, but here are four wild use cases we've seen thus far.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Receipts

This one, well, doesn't seem great. As TechCrunch reported, users online have been using ChatGPT to create real-looking receipts. At face value, that doesn't seem too wild — but consider all the potential for fraud or scams. You can certainly imagine scammers trying to get reimbursed for things that didn't buy.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Design ideas

This use case is certainly less harmful than fake receipts: ChatGPT could help you design your home. Tech journalist Kevin Roose posted an example. He took screenshots of a bunch of furniture and had ChatGPT compose those images into a room design. That could prove to be a helpful tool in designing your home — and saving you the trouble of buying a couch that won't look good.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Advertisements

Lots of folks online have posted examples of using ChatGPT's image generation tool to create ads. In general — like most AI — the ads typically copy the style of real ads. But they do look pretty compelling.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Animation

You can turn pretty much anything into animation with ChatGPT's image creation. X user @BennettWaisbren, for instance, posted Severance characters in different animation styles.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

With all users now having access to ChatGPT's image tool, there will likely be lots of new use cases to come. And, as always, be careful out there and look out for bad actors creating AI images.

UPDATE: Apr. 1, 2025, 12:00 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with the TV deals still live the day after Amazon's Big Spring Sale ended.

A quick look at the best TV deals leftover from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best 55-inch TV deal Hisense 55-inch U7 QLED 4K TV $499.99 at Amazon (save $298.01) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal TCL 65-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV $399.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch QD7 QLED 4K TV $548 at Amazon (save $201.99) Get Deal

Black Friday and the NFL playoffs aren't the only good times of year to buy a TV on sale. Another solid TV deal window sprouts in the spring — this is when the previous year's models often go on sale to make room for 2025 TVs finally hitting shelves.

For those eyeing a new flat screen on the cheaper side, the leftover pickings from Amazon's Big Spring Sale are still hot. The event officially ran from March 25 to 31, with several new record-low sale prices popping up — and sticking around on the first day of April.

They're in line with the types of TV deals we usually see from Amazon: noteworthy discounts on all sizes of LED and QLED models from solid budget-friendly brands like TCL and Hisense, plus the expected Fire TV selection. (Granted, Amazon does have a few deals on recent LG and Samsung options peppered in there.)

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (March 28, 2025)

We're tracking all of the worthwhile Amazon TV deals still live below, organized by size and then by price. All TVs chosen below have 4K resolution and LED backlighting at the least. If any model bumps up to 8K resolution or QLED or OLED lighting, we'll note it specifically. Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV $399.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $150 Get Deal Why we like it

Any old living room TV that hasn't been upgraded to QLED yet should be scared right now — it doesn't stand a chance against a 65-inch QLED on sale for less than $400. It'll get noticeably brighter and more colorful than regular LED because of its use of quantum dots, or an extra layer of nanoparticles between the screen and LED panel.

This 65-inch version of TCL's lower-tier Q6 QLED is sitting at a new record-low price at Amazon, and it's likely the cheapest 65-inch QLED you'll find until Prime Day in July. For some perspective, the 2023 version of the 65-inch Q6 was on sale for $498 during last year's Big Spring Sale.

43-inch to 50-inch TV deals

• Hisense 43-inch A7 4K Fire TV — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Hisense 50-inch A7 4K Fire TV — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• TCL 50-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV — $278 $399.99 (save $121.99)

• Samsung 50-inch The Frame 4K QLED TV (LS03D) — $847.99 $1,279.99 (save $450)

55-inch TV deals

• Roku 55-inch QLED 4K TV — $348 $499.99 (save $151.99)

• Hisense 55-inch U7 QLED 4K TV — $499.99 $798 (save $298.01)

• Hisense 55-inch S7N Canvas QLED 4K TV — $797.99 $999.99 (save $202)

• Hisense 55-inch U8 QLED 4K TV — $698 $1,099.99 (save $401.99)

• Samsung 55-inch The Frame 4K QLED TV (LS03D) — $1,097.99 $1,497.99 (save $400)

65-inch and 70-inch TV deals

• Insignia 65-inch F50 4K Fire TV — $299.99 $449.99 (save $150) 🔥

• Toshiba 65-inch C350 4K TV — $339.99 $419.99 (save $80)

• Hisense 65-inch A7 4K Fire TV — $349.95 $449.99 (save $100.04) 🔥

• Hisense 65-inch U6 QLED 4K TV — $498 $734.04 (save $236.04)

• Samsung 65-inch Q60D QLED 4K TV — $597.99 $897.99 (save $300)

• Hisense 65-inch U7 QLED 4K TV — $679.99 $998 (save $318.01)

• TCL 65-inch QM6K QLED 4K TV — $798 $999.99 (save $201.99)

• Sony 65-inch K65XR70 QLED 4K TV — $1,198 $1,999.99 (save $801.99) 🔥

• Samsung 65-inch The Frame 4K QLED TV (LS03D) — $1,297.99 $1,997.99 (save $700) 🔥

75-inch and 77-inch TV deals

• Hisense 75-inch QD7 QLED 4K TV — $548 $749.99 (save $201.99)

• Samsung 75-inch DU8000 4K TV — $697.99 $897.99 (save $200)

• Hisense 75-inch U7 QLED 4K TV — $898 $1,499.98 (save $600)

• Samsung 75-inch Q80D QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $1,997.99 (save $500)

• Samsung 75-inch The Frame 4K QLED TV (LS03D) — $1,797.99 $2,997.99 (save $1,100) 🔥

85-inch and up TV deals

• Samsung 85-inch DU7200 4K TV — $749.99 $1,097.99 (save $348) 🔥

• Hisense 85-inch QD7 QLED 4K TV — $798 $1,098 (save $300) 🔥

• Sony 85-inch X77L 4K TV — $998 $1,498 (save $500) 🔥

• Hisense 85-inch U7 QLED 4K TV — $1,297.96 $2,199.99 (save $902.02) 🔥

• TCL 98-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV — $1,497.99 $2,999.99 (save $1,502) 🔥

• Samsung 85-inch The Frame 4K QLED TV (LS03D) — $2,497.99 $4,297.99 (save $1,800) 🔥

GET UP TO $401 OFF: As of April 1st, JBL is offering savings up to 33% off on headphones and speakers.

The best JBL deals live after the Amazon Big Spring Sale Best JBL speaker deal JBL Go 3 $29.95 (Save $10) Get Deal Best JBL headphone deal JBL Tune 510BT $29.95 (Save $10) Get Deal JBL Bar 9.1 Best JBL soundbar deal $799.00 (Save $400.95) Get Deal

JBL is known far and wide for bass that can follow you into the outdoors as well as hi-fi sound that enhances movies and more.

Right now, JBL savings are still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Get up to 33% off on headphones, speakers, and sound bars like the JBL Tune 510BT on-ear headphones.

Here are the JBL deals we're eyeing:

Best JBL Speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL Go 3 is a speaker that's meant to move. Easy to clip onto a bag or throw in a pack, this weatherproof speaker is for days in the park, picnics by the shore, and rooftop celebrations. It has outsized bass for its size. Bluetooth connectivity ensures it connects to your smart phone, so you can share your playlist with the world whether they want it or not.

As of now, the JBL Go 3 is on sale for 25% off, get it for $29.95 and save $10. It's right in time for outdoor season.

More speaker deals

• JBL Go 4 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)

  SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Last chance to save on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches

Best JBL headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 510BT $29.95 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

JBL Tune 510BT headphones are meant to go with you. These on-ear headphones connect to your phone wirelessly offering strong bass and clear sound. Touting "JBL Pure Bass," these headphones prioritize a full-bodied sound profile. They're not just for listening however, they also feature a microphone, so you can take calls from your headphones. With up to 40 hours of battery life, they're built to bring your music with you.

Right now, the JBL Tune 510BT headphones are on sale for 25% off, get them for $29.95 and save $10.

More JBL headphone deals

• JBL Vibe Beam — $44.95 $49.95 (save $5)

Best JBL Soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Bar 9.1 $799 at Amazon
$1,199.95 Save $400.95 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're considering suping up your in home entertainment system, now's a good time to buy, with the JBL Bar 9.1 steeply discounted. This soundbar hits with 9 channels and a subwoofer, for multi-directional audio that's thrown around the room to envelop and immerse you. With 820 watts, the Bar is loud, delivering the sonic booms and crunch that bring out the best in blockbusters and the fidelity you'll want to watch orchestral performances.

Currently, the JBL Bar 9.1 is on sale for 54%. Get it now for $799.00 and save $401.

BOOK ONE-WAY FLIGHTS FOR AS LOW AS $49: Launched today, JetBlue's "Spring Into Summer Sale" has flights for as little as $49 each way for travel between April 22 and July 30. The sale ends on April 3 and some date restrictions apply.

Opens in a new window Credit: JetBlue Spring Into Summer Sale Flights as low as $49 for travel between April 22 and July 30 Get Deal

Summer flights are notoriously expensive. Since demand is high during summer vacation, it can be a struggle to book flights that fall into an affordable category. But while many of us are still in spring break mode, JetBlue is encouraging us to book summer vacation by offering airfare that feels more like low season pricing.

Between April 1 and April 3, book with the JetBlue Spring Into Summer Sale to score flights as low as $49 each way, with departures between April 22 and July 30. Sale prices offered apply to select flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

JetBlue knows how to host a sale, offering us some great prices to desirable destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, and all over the continental U.S. This sale brings the price of flights between New York (LGA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to just $49 or Orlando (MCO) to Montego Bay (MBJ) for $99 each way. New York (JFK) to Atlanta (ATL) start at just $69, which means you could experience peach season in-person this year. For those who live near Los Angeles, snag $124 flights each way from LAX to Fort Lauderdale or fly to New York (JFK) for $129.

SEE ALSO: The Arlo Video Doorbell is still 54% off after the Amazon Big Spring Sale

The JetBlue sale is the perfect reason to get a few friends together and head off for an extra long weekend away, or make that trip home to family you've been meaning to book. JetBlue's route map also works great if you'll be heading off on a summer cruise, since the carrier can get you to major ports like San Diego, Seattle, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.

Get excited for spring and summer travel thanks to great prices during the JetBlue Spring into Summer Sale. Be sure to travel on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to get the best price. And you'll want to get vacation sorted out quickly, since the sale ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on April 3.