Kim’s picks under $50

I dug through the Prime Day treasure chest to find the best gadgets, home helpers and little luxuries, all under $50. And yep, some are even under $10. Let’s jump in.

 Fab finds under $50

  • Your show’s on: Amazon’s Echo Show 8 (17% off) has an adjustable stand. Perfect for video calls.
  • Goodnight, moon: Got a little one? They’ll love this color-changing night light (49% off).
  • Pillow talk: Chill out and sleep deep on these cooling memory foam pillows (30% off).
  • Solar + wireless: Fast-charge your phone with the sun using a waterproof power bank (20% off).
  • Backyard MVP: Crank this nine-foot outdoor umbrella (40% off) for instant UV protection.
  • My heart’s racing: A digital arm cuff (19% off) tracks your blood pressure. Plus, FSA/HSA eligible.
  • Junk in your trunk? Keep it all in place with a car trunk organizer (20% off). Great for groceries.
  • Slice ‘n dice: Finally, chop onions without tears using this kitchen vegetable chopper (22% off).
  • I scream, you scream: We all scream for an ice cream maker (30% off) that works in just 20 minutes. Delish.
  • Chaos, meet your match: This woven storage basket (23% off) actually blends in with your decor.

Smart picks for $25 (or less)

  • Hold the phone: This rotating phone mount (34% off) fits snug in your car’s cup holder.
  • Booty = upgraded: Step up your home workouts with these resistance bands (23% off).
  • We have a spa at home: Add a few drops of oil into this diffuser (30% off) and enjoy your “me” time.
  • Bye-bye double chin: Tighten your jawline with a neck & face massager (22% off) for some DIY anti-aging.
  • Polish like magic: All you need is a microfiber polishing towel (20%) and water. Boom, zero streaks.
  • Something to smile about: Brighten on the go with this teeth whitening pen (62% off), and wait 10 minutes.
  • Spoiled snacks? Not anymore. A mason jar vacuum sealer (24% off) keeps them fresh.
  • Let the spice flow: Your countertop’s missing a revolving spice rack (32% off). Yep, 16 jars preloaded.
  • Bake like a pro: Whip up your grandma’s secret cookie recipe with a non-stick pan set (33% off).
  • Your new drinking buddy: Whether it’s slim or tall, this can cooler (35% off) fits them all.

 Steals under $10

  • Digging in your purse? Grab a felt bag organizer (63% off). Neat compartments, instant sanity.
  • Fast charge, no tangle: These USB-C cables (40% off, five-pack) are all braided. Love that.
  • Your brewer’s spa day: Keep your coffee fresh with this maintenance kit (55% off) that has descaling solution.
  • Jot this down: Use a set of gel pens (20% off, six pack) for journaling, notes or doodling during meetings.
  • Nice shades: Protect your glasses in microfiber pouches (31% off) that double as lens cleaners.
  • Bye, chapped lips: This hydrating balm set (40% off) comes in six flavors. USDA organic and 100% natural.
  • Painless detangling: Stop the yanking. Get a hairbrush (61% off) that glides like butter.
  • Soothe your stomach: Mix some nausea relief powder (58% off) with water and sip. Ah, much better.
  • No drilling, no fuss: Stick this shower squeegee (37% off) to any smooth surface. Bonus: Two hooks included.
  • Wipe those paws: A non-slip dog door mat (33% off) catches the mess. Human-rated, too.

 Prime perk alert: Amazon is giving Prime members a $15 credit just for uploading a photo with Amazon Photos. Just add one pic through the app, and boom, free cash. It’s already included in your membership, so don’t miss it! While you’re at it, click this secret link for more Prime Day deals.

 More stuff I use and love? It’s all in my Amazon storefront.

6 ways tech can solve life's little annoyances

Minor tech annoyances can seem small at the moment. But in the grand scheme of things, they can cause stress and wasted time. If you don’t want tech issues to have a significant impact, cut them off with these tech life hacks.

Continue reading

🍗 Kitchen helper: Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo can juggle multiple timers at once. If you give them a name, you’ll know what’s ready to come out of the oven. Say something like, “Alexa, set a 20-minute timer for the potatoes” or “Set a 45-minute timer for the chicken.”

Crypto kidnapping: What really happened

Open/download audio

A Manhattan crypto investor allegedly kidnapped and tortured an Italian man for his Bitcoin. Lesson: If you own crypto, zip it. Plus, jobs AI might wipe out, what’s next from Apple, and is your Amazon Echo always listening?

🚨 Amazon privacy alert: Starting March 28, if you own an Amazon Echo speaker or smart display, all your voice commands will automatically be sent to Amazon for “processing.” They say it’s to improve their AI. Turn the option off and Voice ID is bricked. No more getting Alexa to do things like share calendar events, reminders, music and more. Wow.

🏠 Modern home intercom: Still yelling, “Dinner’s ready!” across your house? Amazon Echo speakers, like the Echo Pop ($40), work as an intercom system. Just link them to the same Amazon Household account and Wi-Fi network. Then say, “Alexa, drop in on…” followed by the speaker’s name (kitchen, bedroom or garage).

📅 Alexa, what’s on my calendar? Link it to your Amazon Echo to add or delete events hands-free. Open the Alexa app > More (three lines) > Settings > Calendar. Tap Add Account, choose your provider and follow the prompts. FYI, your events may be seen by anyone using your Alexa.

🎲 Roll the dice: Next time you need to settle a score, let your Amazon Echo break the tie. Just say, “Alexa, flip a coin” for a classic heads-or-tails game or “Alexa, roll a die” for random choices. You could also say, “Alexa, pick a number between 1 and 100” to let her decide.

⏰ Snooze it or lose it: Let your Amazon Echo give you a wake-up call on your busy mornings. Just say, “Alexa, set a repeating alarm for weekdays at 6 a.m.” and “Alexa, stop” when you wake up. If you forgot when you set it, ask, “Alexa, when is my next alarm?” Need a few extra minutes? That’s “Alexa, snooze.”

Psst … keep it down: Got a late-night request for your Amazon Echo? Just say, “Alexa, turn on whisper mode.” Now whenever you whisper to Alexa, she’ll whisper right back.

Why I turned off my Amazon Echo

Open/download audio

Amazon is rolling out an AI-powered Alexa that sends everything you say to its servers for “processing.” If you don’t opt in, your Echo becomes useless.

Truly spooky Halloween tech

Open/download audio

Ready to turn your home into a haunted house? Your Amazon Echo and smart doorbell are about to get scary.

iPhone 16 launch date: Here’s what you can expect

Open/download audio

Mark your calendars! The iPhone 16 is dropping this September. Also, Telegram’s CEO gets arrested in France — authorities say he didn’t do enough to stop shady stuff on the app. Plus, Amazon Echo fails and fake election maps going viral.

ADT hides a major cyber hack

Open/download audio

How secure is your home or business? ADT just revealed a data breach but is keeping quiet about the timing and details of what was stolen. Plus, the risks of storing cash in Cash App, AI classes for seniors, and a crucial Amazon Echo security setting you should check.

The generation of new car deniers

Open/download audio

The average age of cars in the U.S. is now over twelve and a half years, the oldest ever. I’ll explain why people aren’t buying new ones. Plus, police using AI for surveillance, a warning about AirTag stalking, and how to use your Amazon Echo as an intercom.

Control smart home devices with Google Home or Amazon Echo

Open/download audio

You don’t need a big budget to create a smart home. These smart speakers can help you set up your own command center.

Smart devices for caregivers

Open/download audio

Got an Amazon Echo, Apple Watch, or smart locks? Here’s how they can come in handy when your loved ones need it the most.

AI undresses women, Temu shopping soars & Amazon hack scare

Open/download audio

Plus, Jen Gomez, a former burglar who served ten years in prison, is now helping others secure their homes. Time to ditch the dating apps? Swiping right can be costly. Also, get the history of Nokia’s ringtone and tips on how to prevent your Amazon Echo from ruining the holidays.

Don't let your Amazon Echo ruin Christmas

Open/download audio

Gift snoops know where to go to find their presents — straight to Alexa.

How Siri and Amazon Echo can help make the perfect turkey

Open/download audio

You have enough on your plate this Thanksgiving. Let your smart assistant do some of the dirty work.