Smarten up, buttercup

May 12, 2025

⚡ Here’s gear that puts everything at your fingertips (literally).

Control these LED lights (10% off) from your phone or just ask Alexa.
Schedule automatic on/off times with a four-pack of smart switches ($66).
Need a group photo? This bendy phone tripod (20% off) has your back.
Type anywhere with a foldable keyboard ($50) that fits in your bag.
Use an ergonomic mouse (43% off) to scroll and click with less strain.

🧠 More smart stuff: I count on these gadgets to simplify my life. They’ll make things easier for you, too.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Tags: easier, gadgets, keyboard, lights, Tripod

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Tech deals hiding in plain sight

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You made it through the week. Time to treat yourself! I dug through the sea of fake reviews and gimmicks for sweet savings on gadgets you’ll actually want. Let’s dive in.

🚘 Eyes on the road 24/7: Redtiger’s 4K dual dash cam ($118.99, 30% off) covers your ride from front to back, even when parked. Your protection is worth the investment.

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We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Gadget or gimmick? The truth behind viral tech products

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Oh, it’s Friday. Let’s lighten our tech brains and hearts.

Every week, some new gadget promises to make your life easier. There’s a fine line though between “tech that improves your life” and “tech that ends up in a junk drawer next to the USB lava lamp.”

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One app to rule them all: Amazon never wants you to leave their app. That’s why they’re testing a “Buy for Me” button that lets you shop other sites within their app. It uses AI to handle checkout securely. Amazon says they won’t take a cut of the purchases, but let’s be real, this undercuts their competition.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Fill ’er up: The free Upside app gives you cash back on gas, groceries and dining out. Download Upside and use promo code Kim to get an extra $0.25 back for every gallon on your first tank of gas.

Bin stores let you hit the jackpot

I hit up a bin store the other day. It’s where returned and overstock items find a second chance. I spotted a sealed 2-by-2-foot mystery box for 10 bucks. Naturally, I had to buy it. What was inside?

Four pairs of men’s black socks, a cat bell, two potato peelers, an iPhone stand and a women’s tee that said, “Cowboys in my veins. Jesus in my heart.”

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AirPods aren’t the only option: Check out Raycon. Their earbuds sound great, get a ton of battery life and are a fraction of the price.

I love it when things are functional … and mini. Mini is great, too.

A universal charging cable, complete with USB, USB-C, micro-USB and Apple Lightning adapters.
An emergency Advil stash (10% off).
A $9 seatbelt slicer and safety hammer for escaping a wrecked car.
An eyeglass repair kit under $5.
An Apple AirTag holder (30% off). Ta-da! Your keys are now unlosable.

I order supplements online: Mix two scoops of collagen* into your coffee or smoothie. I do this every morning to keep my skin, bones and joints happy. (Psst, it’s 45% off and you’ll get free shipping with my link.)

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

🚨 50% off alert: My home security pick, SimpliSafe, is having a massive sale. Get all the gear to lock down your home. You’ll sleep better at night.

💰 Want to snag a deal on eBay? Researchers found the longer it takes for a seller to reject you, the better shot you have at scoring a bargain. If it’s been a couple hours and they said “no way” to your lowball, go in with a slightly higher offer. You have ’em on the hook.

Amazon switcheroo: Starting Feb. 26, you can’t download Kindle books onto anything other than an Amazon device. So, right now, sign in to Amazon, click Accounts & Lists > Content Library > Books. On the one you want, hit More actions > Download & transfer via USB.