About the Author

Alison Barretta

Alison is an Editor at 9to5Toys. Her hobbies include figuring out that perfect 10-step Korean skincare routine, traveling to new locales (and eating all of their food),  resisting the urge to hug every cat she sees, and learning the way of two martial arts (Tang Soo Do and Hapkido). She brings 10 years of online retail experience and a lifetime of lukewarm puns to the 9to5Toys team. Alison is based out of Philadelphia, home of the Super Bowl LII Champion Eagles. Send her tips / wholesome memes at alison@9to5mac.com.

Amazon will be the exclusive home of Lady Gaga’s Haus Laboratories beauty line

haus laboratories lady gagas beauty line amazon

Earlier this year, Amazon introduced its first in-house skincare collection, Belei. Now the online retail giant is teaming up with superstar Lady Gaga to release a cruelty-free vegan cosmetics line called Haus Laboratories, which will be available for pre-order on Prime Day. Head below for more details on this highly-anticipated collaboration.

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Amazon’s Prime Day Concert 2019 is intriguing, stars Taylor Swift and others

Amazon’s 5th annual Prime Day is shaping up to be its largest yet. For one, it will be spanning two full days with a side of pre-event offers to be had, as well. While it’ll be chock-full of exclusive offers like in past years, Amazon Prime Day 2019 is also going to be headlined by a concert featuring Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and other top musical acts. Head below for more.

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Amazon features early Prime Day savings on its in-house groceries at 20% off

As one of its early Prime Day savings, Amazon takes 20% off a selection of its private label groceries. Discount is reflected at checkout and is for Prime members only. Even better, it stacks with any ongoing Subscribe & Save offers for an additional 5% off. Free shipping applies on all orders. Notable here is the 100-count Solimo Dark Roast Coffee Pods for $21.74 after all applicable discounts. Regularly as much as $34, this is the lowest price we’ve tracked for this flavor. This dark roast contains a blend of coffees from Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia. Over 4,000 shoppers have come together to rate it 4.4/5 stars. Head below for more from this Amazon early Prime Day savings event.

Don’t fly anywhere without these essential travel skincare products from $3

Vacation is a time to break away from routine. While this can be a good thing, it can also be disruptive, at least as far as skincare is concerned. This is doubly so if you’re flying long-haul to your next destination. How are you supposed to keep your face looking fresh when you’re crammed in an airplane seat? Fortunately, you don’t need to bring a whole lot with you at all when it comes to essential travel skincare products. Head below for some travel-friendly items you can bring so you can put your best face forward no matter where you go.

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Keep your pets cool this summer with these helpful items for $40 or less

We already know of ways to keep ourselves cool when temperatures rise, but how about our furry friends? Yes, cats and dogs, especially, need reprieve from the heat. Our pets may not be able to vocalize their discomfort like we humans can, nor do they sweat the way we do when it’s hot, but there are certainly ways to make them more comfortable. We’ve rounded up some of the best products you can buy that’ll aid in keeping your pet cool throughout the summer.

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Don’t get burned this summer w/ these well-rated sun protection items at Amazon

Summer is here, which means you’ll likely be spending more time outdoors. Although you should be doing it regardless of the time of year, you should remember to wear a good sunscreen. However, there are other measures you can take to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Below, we’ve rounded up some of Amazon’s best-selling sun protection items that you can score from $11.

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Make a splash with your summer pool parties thanks to these must-haves under $40

We’re approaching the unofficial start of summer. If you’re fortunate enough to have a swimming pool in your backyard, chances are you’re itching to throw a party or few over the next several months. But are you prepared? Below, we’ve rounded up the items that’ll wow your guests and make your summer pool parties unforgettable.

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The 5 best books for new college grads to read after they receive their diploma

This month, many men and women across the nation will be walking across the stage to receive their hard-earned college degree. While you may have spent years with your nose buried in the books, those were likely all related to your field of study and electives you either loved or loathed. Sure you may have had that one professor who imparted sage wisdom a’la Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society, but beyond that, how well-prepared are you for post-university life? Below are five of the best books new college grads can glean to help get ready for the world ahead.

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Make sure you bring these essential travel accessories on your next long overseas flight

Have any long-haul flights coming up this summer? That’s awesome! But how prepared are you for hours of air travel? Often, we’re so wrapped up in pre-flight rituals and arrival protocols that we tend to neglect how to best take care of ourselves while we’re thousands of miles above ground. Below, we’ve rounded up a selection of the best travel accessories for long flights so you can enjoy the journey as well as the destination.

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Amazon Handmade’s Spring Refresh offers crafts that would make great gifts for the home

Amazon Handmade is the retail giant’s answer to Etsy. It boasts a wide variety of handcrafted goods from “Artisans around the world.” Currently, the Amazon Handmade Spring Refresh section features over 100 items that would look great in any garden, living space, or kitchen. Whether you need to find the perfect Mother’s Day gift or want to add minor touches to your home, this collection of seasonal crafts will have what you’re looking for. Head below to see some of our favorite spring-themed Amazon Handmade gifts.

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Amazon’s private label furniture collections feature variety, reasonable prices & free returns

From groceries to pet food, Amazon continues to expand its portfolio of private labels. Here, we’ll be taking a look at the its home collections: Ravenna, Rivet, and Stone & Beam. Whether you’re seeking traditional designs, bold colors, or casual comfort, you’ll come across something that suits your tastes at a reasonable price. Head below to learn more about Amazon’s private label furniture brands and what they have to offer.

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Everspring is Target’s new sustainable household essentials line, but can it save you money?

This week, Target launched a new household essentials brand called Everspring. Sustainability is the core objective here, with an added focus on better prices versus comparable green products. Head below to find out more about Target’s newest private label.

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Kohl’s stores nationwide will take Amazon returns off your hands starting in July

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Today, Kohl’s announced that starting in July, all of its retail locations will be accepting Amazon returns. This is a move from which both parties — and consumers — can benefit. Head below for more details on this recent development, as well as the Kohl’s-Amazon partnership at large.

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The Amazon Mother’s Day Shop is now open featuring crafts, flowers, and many other gift ideas

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Mother’s Day is less than a month away. (It falls on May 12th this year, to be exact.) If you’re stumped on what to get your dear mom for the occasion, don’t fret. The Amazon Mother’s Day Shop is now open and features a wide range of gift ideas for you to peruse. Head below for a look at the key categories within plus some of our favorite items.

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These Korean beauty brands have Amazon storefronts, complete with deals & Prime shipping

Finding Korean beauty on Amazon is incredibly easy these days. However, many of these products are sold by third-parties that may be pushing counterfeit merchandise. Fortunately, several K-beauty companies have been opening up their own Amazon storefronts to help guide consumers towards legitimate goods at reasonable prices. In many cases, Amazon fulfills orders from these brand-owned marketplace stores, which means there’s no hassle with delivery as they’ll be coming from right within the United States instead of overseas. Head below to see which Korean beauty brands have Amazon storefronts you can browse right now.

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What you need to know about Wag, Amazon’s private label pet food brand

Among the nearly 140 Amazon private labels we’ve covered so far, we’ve focused on home goods and groceries. Now we’re going to take a closer look at Wag, a pet food brand that is owned and distributed by Amazon. While the online retail giant’s Solimo label also produces food for canines and felines, Wag is the lone Amazon-owned entity that is solely focused on feeding pets across the country. Head below to learn more about Wag.

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Enjoy a greener office with these eco-friendly office supplies for $25 or less

April is Earth Month. Which makes sense — it’s also the month when Earth Day occurs. As the population of our planet continues to expand at over 7 billion people, we need to be more mindful of the resources we take from it. Fortunately, making small changes in the products we use everyday is a great place to start. This is especially true for office supplies. Think of how many pens, legal pads, and other necessities we go through every year. Paper production is leading to deforestation while the manufacturing of plastic goods leaves a significant carbon footprint. Fortunately, alternatives exist that’ll remove some of the burden from Mother Earth. We’ve rounded up a selection of eco-friendly office supplies for you to check out down below.

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Exploring Amazon’s private label grocery brands: Wickedly Prime, AmazonFresh, Happy Belly, more

Amazon now has nearly 140 private labels to its name. We recently explored the lesser-known household brands that are owned and sold by the online retail giant. Now we’re going to shift the focus to food and drink. Truth be told, Amazon’s private label grocery brands are perhaps among the most likely to be easily associated with the retailer, with names such as Wickedly Prime and AmazonFresh. Of course, we’d be remiss if we left out Whole Foods, which was acquired by Amazon in 2017. Head after the jump for a closer look at Amazon’s private label groceries and what they have to offer.

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Relax yourself (and your wallet) by creating an at-home spa with these items for $50 or less

A trip to the spa is a wonderful way to unwind after a long day, week, or month. However, we understand that it’s not always feasible to fit that expense in, especially on a regular basis. If you find yourself struggling to attain some well-deserved R&R, you can cultivate the ultimate spa experience in the comfort of your own home and on a budget. We’ve rounded up some of the best items for your at-home spa — and they all cost $50 or less.

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Meet the lesser-known Amazon private label household brands: Presto!, Pinzon, more

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As of this writing, Amazon has over 130 private labels to its name and they span a wide range of categories. Here, we’ll be focusing on Amazon’s foray into the household goods space. We already took a look at its grocery brand Solimo, and the vast AmazonBasics line has been featured quite a bit on 9to5Toys already. Head below to learn what the other Amazon private label household brands have available for your perusal.

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This $13 Ouija Board Game has all the answers you seek and then some (Reg. $20, Amazon low), more

Amazon offers the Hasbro Ouija Board Game for $12.88 Prime shipped. Same at Walmart with in-store pickup, while Best Buy has it for $17. Regularly around $20 at Amazon, this is the lowest price we’ve tracked there. Ask the spirits, if you dare, all of those burning questions to which you’re desperately seeking answers. Just don’t make like several unfortunate Amazon shoppers and accidentally summon demons (or worse). By the way, it’s rated 3.9/5 stars.

Oh, Solimo: Our guide to Amazon’s in-house grocery label and how it can save you money

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As Amazon continues to grow, so does its portfolio of in-house brands. It makes sense, after all, for one of the largest retailers in the world to seek more ways to further entrench itself in the everyday lives of consumers. Amazon has obviously made its presence felt in the grocery space with its AmazonFresh delivery service, ownership of the Whole Foods supermarket chain, and regular Subscribe & Save offers that often undercut brick-and-mortar deals. Here, however, we’re going to take a closer look at one of Amazon’s lesser-known endeavors, the Solimo brand, which includes everything from coffee and flavored drinks, to body soap and laundry detergent.

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9to5Toys Gift Guide: Alison’s favorite beauty buys for under $20 will make you glow head to toe

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December is a hectic month. Amidst all of the cookie-baking, gift-wrapping, and obligatory party-attending, it’s easy to forget to look out for number one. This year, give the gift of self-care by procuring an at-home spa kit full of products that’ll leave your recipient glowing for the new year. Best of all, this is something you can easily do on a budget. Head after the jump to see my selection of favorite beauty gifts for less than $20.

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Bed Bath & Beyond Black Friday ad has discounts on Instant Pot, Dyson, and other name brands

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With only a week to go before the biggest shopping event of the year, Bed Bath & Beyond has released an ad for what it’s calling (wait for it) Bed, Bath & Black Friday. Now that we got that out of the way, head below for more information on store hours and what you can expect to find in the Bed Bath & Beyond Black Friday ad.

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If you have an Instant Pot, then you must download this FREE cookbook & how-to guide

Amazon offers downloads of the Instant Pot Cookbook: The Ultimate Guide Plus 101 Delicious Recipes Kindle eBook for FREE. Same at Barnes & Noble for NOOK. That’s $9 under buying the paperback edition. Whether you already own this popular cooking device or plan on snagging one during Black Friday sales, you should download this eBook to your library. Not only does it contain over 100 recipes, it also features handy tips on making the most of your Instant Pot. Rated 4.1/5 stars.

Revamped Kohl’s Rewards includes a Black Friday preview & other perks

Kohl’s is known for its generous cardholder discounts, consistent coupon offers, and regular Kohl’s Cash promotions. However, its Kohl’s Yes2You Rewards program is often overlooked, and for good reason: it’s lacking. Kohl’s must have realized this, as back in May it rolled out its All New Kohl’s Rewards program. Head after the jump to find out about this revamp, and which fortunate markets get to take advantage of it first.

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Kmart Black Friday ad: All-day doorbusters, 100% cashback, toys, more

Kmart retail stores may be vanishing but that doesn’t mean its remaining brick-and-mortars and online storefront will be absent from this year’s Black Friday festivities. We now have our hands on the 12-page Kmart Black Friday ad. Head after the jump for all of the details.

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Target REDCard holders get first dibs on Black Friday specials one day early

As we revealed last week, the Target Black Friday Sale will be live at its stores starting at 5 PM local time on Thanksgiving. However, Target REDcard holders will have first dibs on several of these highly-anticipated deals. On November 21, the day before Thanksgiving, Target will feature a selection of early access Black Friday offers exclusively for customers with a Target REDcard. Head below for more details.

Kohl’s Holiday Gift Guide features thousands of gift ideas for under $100

The Kohl’s Holiday Gift Guide is here, and it is massive. Fortunately, Kohl’s has taken the liberty of breaking down its giant list of must-have items into various price ranges. After the jump, we’ll take a look at some of the best buys at your desired price point, as well as additional ways you’ll be able to save at Kohl’s during the holiday season.

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PetSmart Black Friday ad: Membership perks, multi-buy discounts, price matching, more

Attention all pet parents: the PetSmart Black Friday ad is now available. Head after the jump to see when the sale will start, what sort of discounts you can expect to find, and other ways you can maximize your savings this holiday season.

Old Navy Black Friday ad: 50% off sitewide, cardholder benefits, $1 socks, more

We now have our hands on the Old Navy Black Friday ad. This year, the Gap-owned retailer is providing a series of significant online and in-store discounts in the days leading up to the big day itself. And, as we detailed in our preview guide, Old Navy cardholders will be reaping many of the most appealing benefits. Head after the jump for all the details.

Macy’s Gift Guide can satisfy all budgets and tastes, with ideas from under $25

‘Tis the season for holiday gift guides. Macy’s has now released its own Gift Guide to help you prepare for the busiest shopping time of the year. Whether you’re on a tight budget or money is no object to you, Macy’s has got you covered. Head after the jump as we break down the key categories in the Macy’s Gift Guide.

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Browse the B&N Gift Guide for books, toys, collectibles, and other goodies

Amidst the wave of Black Friday ads that were unveiled today, Barnes & Noble rolled out its B&N Gift Guide. This carefully-curated resource is organized in a way that’ll make it easy to shop for that certain someone. While there aren’t any Black Friday-tier offers to be found within, this buying guide isn’t completely void of deals, either. Find more details after the jump.

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The 9to5Toys Guide to Black Friday Free Shipping

Welcome to Black Friday season! Yes, what once was limited to a single day or a long weekend has become an all-out event that kicks off at the end of October and lasts throughout November. In addition to deep discounts, online shoppers will also be seeking stores that offer fast and free delivery. After the jump, we’ll be taking a look at which retailers will be providing free shipping plus other delivery perks throughout this busy shopping time.

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Happy National Cat Day: Best ways to treat your feline friends from $10

October 29 is National Cat Day. While many cat parents may balk and say they celebrate this occasion every day, this holiday in particular was created to raise awareness of the many cats and kittens that are currently in shelters, waiting for their forever homes. Of course, the day is meant to celebrate all cats, especially your own. Hit the jump for ways you can treat your feline friends on National Cat Day and beyond.

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The Shark Tank products Amazon customers love: Drop Stop, Squatty Potty, more

Amazon recently became the official retailer of Shark Tank-backed products. When you visit Amazon LaunchPad, you’ll find over 70 items that have been featured on the hit ABC reality show, with more being added every week.

If you’re anything like me, you often wonder if the products that Sharks choose to throw their money at are any good, let alone successful. There’s no doubt that just being featured on Shark Tank provides plenty of exposure for budding businesses and entrepreneurs. But out of the inventions the Sharks themselves like enough to invest in, which ones do the consumers prefer? Below, we’ve rounded up five of the best-rated products with over 900 reviews in Amazon Launch Pad’s Shark Tank Collection.

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Barnes & Noble Black Friday 2018: Membership perks, toys & games, NOOK, more

Barnes & Noble is expected to make a return to the Black Friday festivities this year. What discounts may we see from the book giant this season? (Hint: It won’t just be books.) Take a peek at our Barnes & Noble Black Friday Sale guide before the official ad leak rolls out for a preview on how (and when) you’ll be able to take advantage of these savings.

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Macy’s Black Friday 2018: Weekend-long doorbusters, exclusive app savings, more

Macy’s is a popular name come Thanksgiving and Black Friday. It hosts a famous Thanksgiving Day parade, then follows up that performance with a wave of limited-time doorbusters at its stores. What else can you expect during this year’s Macy’s Black Friday Sale? Head below for more details (hint: you may want to keep your smartphone handy)…

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Costco Black Friday 2018: Member-exclusive deals, free shipping on many items, more

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Update: The Costco Black Friday 2018 ad is now available!

It certainly pays to be a Costco member, especially in November. Despite their retail locations being closed on Thanksgiving Day, the Costco Black Friday sale is expected to be full of outstanding tech deals, especially for its members. More details below on how you can best take advantage:

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Kohl’s Black Friday 2018: Kohl’s Cash, coupons, Thanksgiving doorbusters, more

Update: Kohl’s Black Friday Ad 2018: Latest Echo Dot $24, Google Home Hub $99, doorbusters, more

If you’re a frequent Kohl’s shopper, then you won’t want to miss Kohl’s Black Friday Sale. Between generous Kohl’s Cash amounts and exclusive cardholder savings, you could very well score doorbusters and other deals at incredible prices. Head below to learn more about what you can expect from Kohl’s this Black Friday season:

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Cookbooks for Kindle you can buy under $3: Giada De Laurentiis, Jim Lahey, more

There’s something about fall that motivates us to gather ’round the warmth of a stove. Perhaps it’s the crisp autumn air that urges us to find a respite, or the myriad end-of year holidays that call for hearty meals and baked treats. Whatever the case, if you want to change up your culinary repertoire, Amazon has been serving up amazing discounts on best-selling cookbooks for Kindle. Many of these well-reviewed titles are at or near all-time lows. Below, we have nine of the best cookbooks you can download this fall for under $3.

If you lack a Kindle device, don’t fret — Google Play matches most of these prices (or, you can find yourself a deal on a Kindle).

Quirky kitchen gadgets that’ll liven up any home for under $20

The kitchen is one of the most vital rooms in any home. It’s where we seek nourishment (like coffee!). However, if you find your kitchen is lacking a certain je ne sais quoi, you don’t need to call upon the Kitchen Crashers team to completely demolish and rebuild your cooking space. Start small! Add slight touches that will breathe some life into your meal prep. Below, we’ve rounded up 10 quirky kitchen gadgets you can find at Amazon for under $20.

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How to host a paint night at home & channel your inner Bob Ross

Paint nights have become a popular pastime over the last several years. It’s easy to see why: just grab your favorite bottle of booze and a few good friends with whom you can spend the next two to three hours creating a masterpiece (via the assistance of a trained artist). It doesn’t matter if you’ve never graduated past fingerpainting in kindergarten — at paint night, everyone is a skilled artist. Great, right?

If you’re more of a homebody, however, that may not sound like much fun for you. Fortunately, it’s easy to recreate a paint night in the confines of your own home. You can invite whoever you want (even if that’s nobody), work at your own pace without fear of shutting the studio down, and have refreshments on hand in your kitchen already.

Below are three things you’ll need to set up the ultimate at-home paint night experience:

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Five fall skincare tips to keep you looking fresh this season

Fall has arrived, which means it’s time to break out the layers. I don’t just mean cardigans and scarves. You’ll also need to make sure your skin is adequately layered with products that will protect you from the elements. Transitioning to a fall skincare routine can be overwhelming, especially if you’re a skincare newbie. Below are five recommendations for easing your skin into a new season.

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