If you’re looking for the Wordle answer for December 17, 2023, read on. We’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solution. Today’s puzzle is easy to medium; I got it in three. Beware, there are spoilers below for December 17, Wordle #911! Keep scrolling if you want some hints (and then the answer) to today’s Wordle game.

How to play Wordle

Wordle lives here on the New York Times website. A new puzzle goes live every day at midnight, your local time.

Start by guessing a five-letter word. The letters of the word will turn green if they’re correct, yellow if you have the right letter in the wrong place, or gray if the letter isn’t in the day’s secret word at all. For more, check out our guide to playing Wordle here, and my strategy guide here for more advanced tips. (We also have more information at the bottom of this post, after the hints and answers.)

Ready for the hints? Let’s go!

Does today’s Wordle have any unusual letters?

We’ll define common letters as those that appear in the old typesetters’ phrase ETAOIN SHRDLU. (Memorize this! Pronounce it “Edwin Shirdloo,” like a name, and pretend he’s a friend of yours.)

Three of the letters are common; the other two aren’t on our list, but they’re still pretty normal letters to encounter in a word.

Can you give me a hint for today’s Wordle?

It’s notoriously tasty…although not suitable for vegetarians.

Does today’s Wordle have any double or repeated letters?

Nope, five different letters today.

How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There are two different vowels in today’s word.

What letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s word starts with B.

What letter does today’s Wordle end with?

Today’s word ends with N.

What is the solution to today’s Wordle?

Ready? Today’s word is BACON.

How I solved today’s Wordle

ARISE got me a yellow A, TOUCH got me the yellow O and C. I kept thinking “COACH” and its rhymes even though the O told me that was impossible. Finally I separated the two vowels, and considered -A-O- and -O-A-. 

BACON jumped out at me as a possible answer, and playing it would tell me about the locations of all three of my yellow letters, plus clue me in as to whether a B and N (both fairly common letters) might be present. And it was a hit.

Wordle 911 3/6

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⬜🟨⬜🟨⬜
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

A primer on Wordle basics

The idea of Wordle is to guess the day’s secret word. When you first open the Wordle game, you’ll see an empty grid of letters. It’s up to you to make the first move: type in any five-letter word. 

Now, you can use the colors that are revealed to get clues about the word: 

• Green means you correctly guessed a letter, and it’s in the correct position. (For example, if you guess PARTY, and the word is actually PURSE, the P and R will be green.)

• Yellow means the letter is somewhere in the word, but not in the position you guessed it. (For example, if you guessed PARTY, but the word is actually ROAST, the R, A and T will all be yellow.)

• Gray means the letter is not in the solution word at all. (If you guessed PARTY and everything is gray, then the solution cannot be PURSE or ROAST.)

With all that in mind, guess another word, and then another, trying to land on the correct word before you run out of chances. You get six guesses, and then it’s game over.

The best starter words for Wordle

What should you play for that first guess? The best starters tend to contain common letters, to increase the chances of getting yellow and green squares to guide your guessing. (And if you get all grays when guessing common letters, that’s still excellent information to help you rule out possibilities.) There isn’t a single “best” starting word, but the New York Times’s Wordle analysis bot has suggested starting with one of these:

• CRANE

• TRACE

• SLANT

• CRATE

• CARTE

Meanwhile, an MIT analysis found that you’ll eliminate the most possibilities in the first round by starting with one of these:

• SALET

• REAST

• TRACE

• CRATE

• SLATE

Other good picks might be ARISE or ROUND. Words like ADIEU and AUDIO get more vowels in play, but you could argue that it’s better to start with an emphasis on consonants, using a starter like RENTS or CLAMP. Choose your strategy, and see how it plays out.

How to win at Wordle

We have a few guides to Wordle strategy, which you might like to read over if you’re a serious student of the game. This one covers how to use consonants to your advantage, while this one focuses on a strategy that uses the most common letters. In this advanced guide, we detail a three-pronged approach for fishing for hints while maximizing your chances of winning quickly.

The biggest thing that separates Wordle winners from Wordle losers is that winners use their guesses to gather information about what letters are in the word. If you know that the word must end in -OUND, don’t waste four guesses on MOUND, ROUND, SOUND, and HOUND; combine those consonants and guess MARSH. If the H lights up in yellow, you know the solution.

One more note on strategy: the original Wordle used a list of about 2,300 solution words, but after the game was bought by the NYT, the game now has an editor who hand-picks the solutions. Sometimes they are slightly tricky words that wouldn’t have made the original list, and sometimes they are topical. For example, FEAST was the solution one Thanksgiving. So keep in mind that there may be a theme.

Wordle alternatives

If you can’t get enough of five-letter guessing games and their kin, the best Wordle alternatives, ranked by difficulty, include:

• Wheeldle, which lets you play one puzzle after another

• Dordle and Quordle, which ask you to play two (Dordle) or four (Quordle) puzzles at the same time, with the same guesses. There is also Octordle, with eight puzzles, and Sedecordle, with 16.

• Waffle, which shows you several five-letter words, scrambled in a grid; you play by swapping the letters around until you solve.

• Absurdle, which changes the solution after each guess, but needs to stay consistent with its previous feedback. You have to strategically back it into a corner until there is only one possible word left; then you guess it, and win.

• Squabble, in which you play Wordle against other people with a timer running. You take damage if you spend too much time between guesses; winner is the last one standing.

• Antiwordle, in which you are trying not to guess the day’s solution. You’re required to reuse any letters that you (oops) guessed correctly, so the longer it takes you, the better you are at the game.

Source: LifeHacker – Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Sunday, December 17, 2023

If you’re looking for the Wordle answer for December 16, 2023 read on. We’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solution. Today’s puzzle is maybe a little harder than usual; I got it in four. Beware, there are spoilers below for December 16, Wordle #910! Keep scrolling if you want some hints (and then the answer) to today’s Wordle game.

How to play Wordle

Wordle lives here on the New York Times website. A new puzzle goes live every day at midnight, your local time.

Start by guessing a five-letter word. The letters of the word will turn green if they’re correct, yellow if you have the right letter in the wrong place, or gray if the letter isn’t in the day’s secret word at all. For more, check out our guide to playing Wordle here, and my strategy guide here for more advanced tips. (We also have more information at the bottom of this post, after the hints and answers.)

Ready for the hints? Let’s go!

Does today’s Wordle have any unusual letters?

We’ll define common letters as those that appear in the old typesetters’ phrase ETAOIN SHRDLU. (Memorize this! Pronounce it “Edwin Shirdloo,” like a name, and pretend he’s a friend of yours.)

Three of today’s five letters are in our list of common ones. The other two are mediumish.

Can you give me a hint for today’s Wordle?

It’s worldly.

Does today’s Wordle have any double or repeated letters?

Nope, five different letters today. 

How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

There are two (different) vowels in today’s word.

What letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s word starts with G.

What letter does today’s Wordle end with?

Today’s word ends with E.

What is the solution to today’s Wordle?

Ready? Today’s word is GLOBE.

How I solved today’s Wordle

ARISE got me the green E, TOUCH the yellow O. Next thing to do is find out where the O goes, and knock out a few more consonants. BLOKE was a good guess, since the L was correct, the O was in the right spot, and I knew that I had a B as the second-to-last letter. GLOBE is the only obvious word that fits.

Wordle 910 4/6

⬜⬜⬜⬜🟩
⬜🟨⬜⬜⬜
🟨🟩🟩⬜🟩
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

A primer on Wordle basics

The idea of Wordle is to guess the day’s secret word. When you first open the Wordle game, you’ll see an empty grid of letters. It’s up to you to make the first move: type in any five-letter word. 

Now, you can use the colors that are revealed to get clues about the word: 

• Green means you correctly guessed a letter, and it’s in the correct position. (For example, if you guess PARTY, and the word is actually PURSE, the P and R will be green.)

• Yellow means the letter is somewhere in the word, but not in the position you guessed it. (For example, if you guessed PARTY, but the word is actually ROAST, the R, A and T will all be yellow.)

• Gray means the letter is not in the solution word at all. (If you guessed PARTY and everything is gray, then the solution cannot be PURSE or ROAST.)

With all that in mind, guess another word, and then another, trying to land on the correct word before you run out of chances. You get six guesses, and then it’s game over.

The best starter words for Wordle

What should you play for that first guess? The best starters tend to contain common letters, to increase the chances of getting yellow and green squares to guide your guessing. (And if you get all grays when guessing common letters, that’s still excellent information to help you rule out possibilities.) There isn’t a single “best” starting word, but the New York Times’s Wordle analysis bot has suggested starting with one of these:

• CRANE

• TRACE

• SLANT

• CRATE

• CARTE

Meanwhile, an MIT analysis found that you’ll eliminate the most possibilities in the first round by starting with one of these:

• SALET

• REAST

• TRACE

• CRATE

• SLATE

Other good picks might be ARISE or ROUND. Words like ADIEU and AUDIO get more vowels in play, but you could argue that it’s better to start with an emphasis on consonants, using a starter like RENTS or CLAMP. Choose your strategy, and see how it plays out.

How to win at Wordle

We have a few guides to Wordle strategy, which you might like to read over if you’re a serious student of the game. This one covers how to use consonants to your advantage, while this one focuses on a strategy that uses the most common letters. In this advanced guide, we detail a three-pronged approach for fishing for hints while maximizing your chances of winning quickly.

The biggest thing that separates Wordle winners from Wordle losers is that winners use their guesses to gather information about what letters are in the word. If you know that the word must end in -OUND, don’t waste four guesses on MOUND, ROUND, SOUND, and HOUND; combine those consonants and guess MARSH. If the H lights up in yellow, you know the solution.

One more note on strategy: the original Wordle used a list of about 2,300 solution words, but after the game was bought by the NYT, the game now has an editor who hand-picks the solutions. Sometimes they are slightly tricky words that wouldn’t have made the original list, and sometimes they are topical. For example, FEAST was the solution one Thanksgiving. So keep in mind that there may be a theme.

Wordle alternatives

If you can’t get enough of five-letter guessing games and their kin, the best Wordle alternatives, ranked by difficulty, include:

• Wheeldle, which lets you play one puzzle after another

• Dordle and Quordle, which ask you to play two (Dordle) or four (Quordle) puzzles at the same time, with the same guesses. There is also Octordle, with eight puzzles, and Sedecordle, with 16.

• Waffle, which shows you several five-letter words, scrambled in a grid; you play by swapping the letters around until you solve.

• Absurdle, which changes the solution after each guess, but needs to stay consistent with its previous feedback. You have to strategically back it into a corner until there is only one possible word left; then you guess it, and win.

• Squabble, in which you play Wordle against other people with a timer running. You take damage if you spend too much time between guesses; winner is the last one standing.

• Antiwordle, in which you are trying not to guess the day’s solution. You’re required to reuse any letters that you (oops) guessed correctly, so the longer it takes you, the better you are at the game.

Source: LifeHacker – Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Saturday, December 16, 2023

As annoying as a slow-draining sink or tub can be, it could be worse: Water—along with sediment or other gunk—could be coming up through your drain. Like our alimentary canal, our drains are supposed to be a one-way thoroughfare, and when they operate in reverse, things can get pretty unpleasant. That’s why I asked two veteran plumbers to explain what causes water to come up through our sink and tub drains, and what we should do if it happens.

Why is water coming out of my sink drain?

In order to understand why water is coming up through your drain, Roy Barnes, a plumber with roughly 30 years of experience, and the co-owner of Service Force Plumbing in Rockville, Maryland says it’s helpful to have an idea how a home’s plumbing works.

“The plumbing in your house is like a venous system: Small drain pipes connect with other drain pipes to feed into ever-larger pipes, which eventually lead to one big drain pipe—your mainline sewer pipe out to the street, or your septic system,” he says. “Homeowners can do a little problem-solving on their own with this information.”

For example, the bathroom sink drain flow into to the toilet drain before leaving the bathroom entirely, Barnes says. “So if only the bathroom sink is backed up, then the blockage is almost certainly just at the sink. And if the toilet is backed up but the sink is not, then the blockage is probably still within the toilet plumbing, rather than the drain pipe.” If both the sink and toilet are backing up, then the blockage is either in the pipe that drains the entire bathroom, or somewhere farther down the line.

“The big one is when there is a backup at the lowest point in the house,” says Barnes. “If you have a toilet or shower in the basement, or whatever the lowest drains in the house are, and those are backing up, it often means that the mainline is backed up, which is the biggest [plumbing] problem possible in the house. You can’t use any of the plumbing.” You’ll need to call a plumber right away.

What’s causing the problem?

So, what prompted your drain to work in reverse? When water flows up from a drain, it means you’re dealing with a clog or other type of stoppage further downstream within the system, says Mark Collins, a fifth-generation plumber, and the CEO of 1-800-Plumber + Air..

“It could be the result of improper things going down the drain like grease, which will lead to stoppages,” he explains. “It also could be a result of buildup within the pipes that hair and other bio matter can stick to, resulting in a clog.”

But it’s not always a clog: Water coming up through the drain could also be the sign of a much bigger problem with your plumbing system, Collins says, like a break in the line, roots growing in your sewer line, or a pipe that no longer flows downward because of the ground shifting or the growth of tree roots.

These aren’t problems to deal with yourself: You’ll need a licensed plumber to evaluate the system—potentially using a camera to do a visual inspection of the sewer line—and determine if further action is needed to resolve the issue.

What to do if water is coming out of your drain

No one wants to walk into their kitchen or bathroom and see their sink or tub drain working in reverse—especially since water coming up from the drain probably contains sediment, grime, and who knows what else.

Of course, you’ll want to stop the water as soon as possible to prevent further damage, but ultimately, Barnes says that it’s important to pinpoint the root cause of the issue. “The problem needs to be understood, not just as ‘how do we clear this drain,’ but ‘why is this drain backed up,’ because if there’s a grease problem, or a damaged pipe, or roots in the line, or LEGO or Hot Wheels down there, the problem will keep coming back,” he explains.

Don’t use water

As soon as you notice water coming up from a drain, Collins says you should immediately stop using sinks, tubs, showers—really, any kind of water—throughout your home to help prevent further damage. “All of your drain piping is connected, and using the water in one area of your home could lead to problems in another area.”

For instance, if you have a two-story home and the drain line for your entire house is clogged, and you turn on a sink on the second floor, it could cause the sinks and toilets downstairs to overflow, says Collins. “To avoid water damage to your home, I highly recommend you stop using water until the problem can be further diagnosed.”

Get rid of the water

Do your best to contain the water coming out of your drain until it stops rising. Then, if the water in the sink or tub doesn’t go back down the drain on its own, you may want to use a bucket to remove the water—especially if it smells bad.

Although Collins says it’s possible to dump the water in a sink or tub in a part of the home where the plumbing is working properly, he urges people to exercise caution, and only do this if you’re extremely confident that the problem isn’t affecting the other areas of the home. You might want to dump the gross water outside instead. Either way, Collins stresses that this is only a temporary solution, and you’ll still need to address the problem that caused the drain to back up in the first place.

Take the plunge(r)

According to Barnes, if a homeowner wants to attempt to deal with this problem on their own, they should stick to using a plunger. “The proper way to use a plunger is with a rapid in-and-out motion—not just push[ing] and wait[ing,” he says. “If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, most homeowners should be calling a plumber.”

Put down the chemicals

Both Barnes and Collins advise against using pouring chemicals down your drain in an attempt to get rid of a clog. “The illusion that [Drano and similar products] can clear any significant backup is just marketing, and in the meantime, you’re using a bunch of nasty chemicals,” says Barnes.

According to Collins, acid-based “drain opening” products aren’t just bad for your piping and plumbing fixtures, but they’re also dangerous for anyone working on them. “If the drain piping needs to be removed and they are filled with dangerous acids, it can be very dangerous for the plumber who is working on this within your home,” he notes.

When to call a plumber

Even if it appears as though you cleared the clog, Collins still recommends calling a plumber. “Drain problems don’t fix themselves—or, as I say often, a properly working drain line will never back up,” he says. “So, if you’re having drain issues it is always best to have a plumbing professional take a look at the system to make sure you do not have a bigger issue going on. Don’t ignore the early warning signs of slow flowing drains or gurgling sounds with your pipes.”

Source: LifeHacker – Why Water Is Coming Up Through Your Sink (and How to Fix It)

Christmas is less than two weeks away, and filling up those stockings or crossing those names off your list is becoming more urgent with each passing day. Luckily, there are still plenty of deals to be found—like the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at its lowest price yet, price drops on first-party Nintendo Switch games, and discounted robot vacuums. If you’re still in need of some more ideas for your giftees, consider some Amazon tech—the company’s smart speakers, TVs, and other gear are currently up to 58% off, and will arrive before Christmas.

An Echo smart speaker to control all their smart devices

An Echo smart speaker is a great gift for anyone who loves features like automation and hands-free commands. You can ask it questions and listen to music, news, and other media sources. If you have smart devices that are compatible with Alexa, like smart lights, security cameras, or robot vacuums, you can easily control them with your voice. Right now, you can get many Echo speakers up to 55% off, but you can also get them in bundles with a smart light for the same price.

The Echo Pop is a good budget choice compared to the Echo Dot, but when the speakers are on sale and the price difference is just $5, the Echo Dot is probably a better bet. You can get the 5th generation Echo Dot with a smart light for $22.99 (originally $69.98), which matches the lowest price it’s been. Meanwhile, if shipping by Christmas isn’t a priority, the Echo Show is basically a smart speaker with a screen, and it makes a great cooking companion if you’re buying for someone who loves to follow along with recipes in the kitchen. You can get the latest Echo Show 5 with a smart light for $39.99 (originally $109.98), which matches the best price it’s been; just keep in mind that, again, this one arrives after Christmas.

• Echo Pop $17.99

• Echo Dot 5th Generation (with a smart bulb) $22.99

• Echo Show 5 (with a smart bulb) $39.99

Blink security cameras to keep their home safe

Blink cameras can be a great gift for anyone looking for a low cost home security option. Note that while you don’t need a subscription plan for Blink to get motion alerts, live view, and two-way audio, you will need it for everything else the cameras do. You have two options for a Blink subscription plan. The Blink Basic Plan is $30 per year, while the Blink Plus Plan costs $100 a year and offers more features, including support for an unlimited number of devices.

Right now, Amazon has a large selection of discounted camera bundles, but my favorite is the Blink Whole Home Bundle for $127.97 (originally $214.97), which is the second lowest price it’s been. It’s the best indoor/outdoor combination bundle.

• Blink Whole Home Bundle $127.97

A budget-priced tablet for adults or kids

Amazon Fire tablets have improved a lot over the years, and right now, Amazon is having a good sale on Fire Kindle tablets as well as tablets for kids.

Of particular note, the recently released 13th-generation Amazon Fire HD 10, which has some notable improvements that rival the 2021 Fire HD 10 Plus tablet, is actually $5 less than the older model. They have the same processor power, but the Plus tablet has an extra gigabyte of RAM. Both are great options at their current price. The newer Fire HD 10 is $89.99 (originally $139.99), while the Fire HD 10 Plus tablet is $94.99 (originally $179.99).

• Fire HD 10 $89.99

• Fire HD 10 Plus tablet $94.99

An Amazon Fire TV for a great price

If someone on your list doesn’t have a smart TV or could use an upgrade, consider these three options, which are the best available from Amazon’s current sale:

• A 32-inch Amazon Fire TV 2-Series for $109.99 (originally $199.99): A good entry level smart TV. This one won’t wow anyone with 1366 x 768 resolution, but as Fire TV, it comes with the same features as pricier models, like Alexa voice connectivity and access to all the major streaming apps. This is also the lowest price it’s ever been.

• A 55-inch Omni Series Fire TV for $299.99 (originally $549.99): If you’re looking for an affordable 4K smart TV of decent size, this is your best bet. You’ll get 4K Ultra High Definition, hands-free Alexa connectivity, and all the usual smart TV features. This is also the lowest price it’s ever been.

• A 58-inch Hisense U6HF Series ULED Fire TV for $359.98 (originally $599.99): If you have $60 more to spare, this Hisene TV offers some big improvements (and three extra diagonal inches of screen). This QLED TV has enhanced color and motion as well as better brightness and local dimming. This one is just $10 higher than its lowest price ever, which it hit on Black Friday.

Source: LifeHacker – These Discounted Amazon Devices Will Still Arrive in Time for Christmas

Whether you need help with Christmas gifts for self-care, robot vacuums, or tech-based stocking stuffers, we have your back. Christmas shopping can get expensive, especially when it comes to high-end brands like Dyson. Luckily for you, many of them are on sale and you can land a great deal on the best one for that special person on your list (or for yourself, I won’t judge).

Best budget Dyson stick vacuum

A cordless Dyson stick vacuum in the low $200s is not very common, especially the Dyson Omni-glide Cordless Vacuum, which is usually $350 according to its price history. But you can get it for $219.99 from Amazon. It weighs 4.2 pounds, and you’ll get 20 minutes of interrupted cleaning with its two brush bars.

V8 power starting at $250

If you’re looking for a bit more power than the Omni-glide, consider a V8 Dyson. Not only do they have more suction power, but they also have twice the amount of run time with up to 40 minutes for just $30 more. There are currently two V8s available, with the main difference being the attachments they bring. The Dyson V8 Origin+ is currently $249.99 (originally $419.99) at Walmart with the second lowest price it’s been. The Dyson V8 Absolute is $279.99 (originally $519.99) and brings more attachments than the Origin+. It is currently at its best price over the past four months.

V11 power for $349

The V11 gives you more run time with 60 minutes of interrupted cleaning, more suction power, a slightly bigger bin, and the addition of a “motorbar” cleaner head that de-tangles hair and deep cleans carpets. However, it’s slightly heavier at 6.59 pounds and, of course, more expensive. Right now, you can get the Dyson V11 Extra for $349.99 (originally $599.99) from Walmart, matching Black Friday prices. This is the best Dyson deal available, but keep in mind this one arrives after Christmas. However, you can price-match it with Best Buy and get it before Christmas. Just follow the instructions from Best Buy here.

The best Dyson stick vacuums

If you’re not satisfied with the options so far, there are two more vacuums you should consider: the Dyson Outsize Plus and the Dyson V12 Detect Slim. Depending on what you value, one will be the better fit. They both give you 60 minutes of power, but the Outsize has the biggest bin on the list with 0.5 gallons, while the Detect Slim only has 0.09, which is slightly more than the Omni Glide. The Outsize also has about three times the suction power of the Detect Slim, but it is also much heavier at 7.9 lbs compared to the 5.2 lbs of the Detect Slim. What sets the Detect Slim apart is a very neat light that makes dust visible. You can get the Dyson Outsize Plus for $379.99 (originally $599.99) and the V12 Detect Slim for $399 (originally $649.99).

Source: LifeHacker – The Best Deals on Dyson Vacuums That Will Arrive By Christmas

Smart assistant like Alexa, Siri, or Google are essential components in your smart home. Sure, you can turn lights on and off from an app on your phone, but being able to ask Alexa to do it for you is like living in The Jetsons. These assistants come to life via devices installed throughout your house. For Alexa, that means Amazon Echo, which comes in a whole line of different options.

Choose a device

Depending on where you’ll install your device, you want to choose an Echo that will serve you best. You need to be within listening distance of an Echo in order to use the assistant, so you might consider a fleet of small Echo Dots installed throughout the house. Mighty and mini, they fit just about anywhere, and can even be mounted to walls and ceilings. Each Echo is also a speaker, but sometimes you’ll want better sound, so an Echo Studio might be in order. In your kitchen, you might want the ability to watch videos or take video chats, so an Echo Display could be the right choice. 

In any case, once you choose the right device or devices, you have to power them on and set them up to access your virtual assistant. If you’re just going to set your Echo on a counter, everything you need is in the box. You’ll just want to grab your wifi network password, and figure out where to plug the Echo in. If you plan to mount the Echo, you might need additional tools, whether a drill, level, or screwdriver, depending on instructions for the mount. You may also consider a cord cover. 

Add a device

Next up, grab your device of choice and download the Amazon Alexa app for Android or iOS.  Sign into your Amazon account to begin. In your app, choose add a device, and then allow the app to guide you through installation. Your Echo will display different colored lights on its face throughout the process. You’ll be guided through connecting it to the wifi network of your choice. In the future, you can change this network, if need be, by selecting the device and then going to the “status” menu. 

Set up preferences

Now that you’re connected, Alexa can help you with all sorts of tasks. Your Echo can act as a smart hub for your home, to which you can add not only other Echo devices, but devices from other apps that work with Alexa. In your phone, go to the Alexa app and select add a device to see what other devices can be added. If a smart device uses Matter, it can always be added to Alexa. 

Alexa knows best

The best way to learn what Alexa can do for you is to just ask it. Wake up Alexa anytime by saying “Alexa!” and then ask it to do something for you. Start by asking, “Alexa, what can you do for me?” You can ask for the time, the weather, for directions on how to make or do something, to translate measurements (“Alexa, how many tablespoons in 2.5 cups?”) or whether a nearby restaurant is still open. 

Over time, you can build on this to ask Alexa to play from your music libraries, to play white noise or something else to sleep to, or even to read you a bedtime story. In fact, these hidden “Easter eggs” are a point of pride for developers of smart assistants. Alexa can learn your name, your voice, and the voice of everyone else in your home. 

Amazon Echo troubleshooting

Some common problems with Echo devices are being unable to make your initial wifi connection or losing a connection over time. One of the most common reasons is wifi interference. You want your Echo device to be within a clear signal range of your wifi router or repeater. If the location you want for your Echo isn’t within a clear range, you might want to add a repeater or booster, or move the Echo closer. Remember that things like large appliances—particularly microwaves—can disrupt a clear range. 

Performing a hard reset

Sometimes, the best way to get things online and in order is to start over. To do so, you need to perform a factory reset, which will depend on what kind of Echo device you have. On the standard Echo Dot, you hold the Microphone Off and Volume Down button at the same time, for twenty seconds. The lights on the Echo will confirm it’s going into setup mode, and if you do so, you’ll need to go through the above process all over again.

Enjoy your new virtual assistant

Your assistant won’t become your new best friend, but it will become a habit to talk to Alexa throughout the day, as a hands free way to get quick information, listen to music, or control devices in your home. With the popularity of these devices, almost any issue you might have with an Echo device is sure to be documented on the internet, and a quick search can likely surface a solution. As an alternative, Amazon support for your Echo devices is just a quick click away.

Source: LifeHacker – How to Connect Any Alexa-Enabled Amazon Device to Wifi (and Troubleshoot These Common Issues)

Pets require healthcare just like you and me, and just like you and me that healthcare can be shockingly expensive—especially as your cat or dog gets older and acquires more issues. We collectively spend more than $135 billion on our animal friends, and a lot of that money goes to visits to the local veterinarian, where a routine examination costs an average of $60-$100 depending on where you live and how many pets you have. But that cost skyrockets if your pet requires more than just an examination. Anything that requires a few tests and treatments can quickly run into hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

If you’re currently not sitting on a spare thousands of dollars (or even a spare dozens of dollars), and you’re not sure how you’ll afford care for your cat or dog, there are resources out there that can get you free vet care.

Telemedicine

Your first and easiest option for free veterinary care is telemedicine. Conducted via chat or an app on your phone, you can interface with a licensed veterinarian, describe symptoms, and receive advice—and in some cases, prescriptions on the spot (there might be a cost for any medications you get, though).

It’s important to know that many states legally forbid vets from making diagnoses or prescribing medications without an in-person visit. This is slowly changing in the wake of the telehealth boom, but you should understand the law in your area before you rely on a pet telehealth service.

Still, you can get 100% free vet advice this way from:

• Chewy. Chewy’s Connect with a Vet program offers a variety of free services as long as you have a basic Chewy account, which is free to set up. Anyone with an account can chat with a vet from 6 a.m. to midnight ET. If you’re an autoship customer (meaning you get automatic deliveries of pet food or other supplies on a set schedule), you can set up a video call for free (otherwise you can pay $19.99 per 20-minute call). Chatting with a vet is never going to be as effective as a physical examination, but this can be a great option if you just need some questions answered or need to determine if your pet’s behavior is something to be concerned about.

• PetIQ. PetIQ maintains a free Veterinary Helpline (1-800-775-4519) that anyone can call. You can describe your pet’s symptoms or behavior to a veterinary professional, or simply ask questions, and receive advice and guidance at no cost. Again, this is no substitute for a full examination, but it can be very useful for dealing with minor problems—or determining if the time has come to smash that piggy bank emergency fund for Fido.

Veterinary schools

Many veterinary schools offer low-cost and free vet services as a way to give their students hands-on, real-world experience. These programs vary from school to school (and often vary year-to-year depending on funding), so you’ll have to contact schools in your area to find out if they are currently operating any free clinics. For example, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine operates a monthly free clinic in Knights Landing, Calif. You can find a list of accredited veterinary colleges here.

Local programs

There are many free (or very low-cost) veterinary services out there, though they tend to be scattered and usually require proof of income before offering cost-free services or financial assistance that can reduce or eliminate the cost of your pet’s care:

• Pet Help Finder offers a search engine that will show vet services in your area that offer financial assistance or payment plans; many of these will offer free services if your financial situation qualifies. Just narrow your search by the services you need and your location.

• Findhelp is a database of local free and low-cost services. After entering your zip code, you can search for veterinary services and filter the results to show free services in your area.

• ASPCA, Humane Society, and Nonprofits. The ASPCA and local Humane Societies operate cost-free animal clinics for cats and dogs in some areas of the country. Local nonprofit organizations often offer free veterinary clinics, like this one in Newark, N.J. Since these are often patchwork services that depend on funding and donations, you’ll have to search in your local area to find out what’s available.

It can be a challenge to pay veterinary bills, especially when an emergency hits. With these resources, you might be able to take care of your cat or dog without having to splash out at all.

Source: LifeHacker – Where to Get Free Vet Care for Your Cat or Dog

If you have an Apple Music subscription, then you’ve probably already spent a good deal of time making new playlists and setting yourself up with easy access to your favorite songs and albums. While having all that music at your fingertips can be great, it can also be really difficult to access if you go somewhere without internet. So, the next time you have to travel somewhere with a less-than-stellar online connection, take advantage of Apple Music’s download option so you can listen offline.

How to download songs from Apple Music so you can listen offline

If you want to download songs and listen to Apple Music offline, you will first need to add music to your library. You can do this by looking up the song, album, playlist, or video that you want to add and then pressing down and holding on it until a list of options pops up.

From here, you’ll want to tap Add to Library, which will then save the item to your Apple Music library. Before you can start downloading songs, though, Apple says you’ll also need to turn on Sync Library within the Apple Music app. To do this, head to the Settings app on your iPhone and then find Music and turn on Sync Library. Once that is enabled, you can head back to the Apple Music app and start downloading music.

After something is saved to your library, you can make your way to the library in the Apple Music app and then select the playlist, song, album, or video that you want to download. You can either touch and hold down on the item, then select the Download button, or you can find the downward facing arrow at the top of albums and playlists to download them.

Once you’ve downloaded an album, playlist, or song from Apple Music, you’ll be able to go to the Downloaded section of your library to see everything you’ve saved to your device.

Now, if you ever get a new phone, you can make use of the quickest ways to redownload your Apple Music library to get back to listening without interruption.

Source: LifeHacker – How to Download Songs From Apple Music to Listen to Offline

This holiday season, give the gift of relaxation, but do not just pick up some lotion for someone and call it a day. Not to be ungrateful, but is there anything more boring than receiving another gift basket with a lotion and a loofah in it? There really isn’t. There are better ways to give relaxing, self-care-focused gifts that are actually useful and cool. Please consider the following. 

The best gifts for skincare

In the parlance of social media, “self care” and “skincare” are nearly the same thing a lot of the time. The good news is there are all kinds of little tools and doodads that can be used for skincare and these make superb gifts.

• Depuffing gifts are nice stocking stuffers and they’re not very pricey. Try these globes that you freeze and rub on your face ($9.99) or a gua sha tool ($5.56), both of which are very popular on social media. 

• The NuFace MINI+ ($187.50) remains a covetable, popular present. It uses microcurrents to smooth and lift the skin, plus it’s fun and high-tech. 

• Getting someone actual chemical skincare products is difficult, since you might imply you see some kind of flaw in their face they should fix. Avoid this drama with a variety pack of sheet masks, like the Sephora Collection Holy Sheet Mask set ($50). 

• Sheet masks are simple to use, but you know what’s simpler? Under-eye patches. Get 30 pairs for $18 at Ulta. Everyone loves these and it’s a slam-dunk gift.

• A facial ice pack ($10.99) is a cool gift just because it’s unique and reusable. Use it cold for depuffing or warm for relaxation and headache relief. 

The best gifts for relaxing

When it’s time to relax, you need no less than four products to make it perfect. These are just the rules. We live in a very materialistic society and unwinding from the capitalist grind often paradoxically requires… stuff. 

• Shower steamers are cool because they serve no purpose other than to relax you. They’re like bath bombs, but they release smells in the shower. It’s pretty straightforward and they make a nice stocking stuffer. You can get seven for $9.99 at Target. 

• Getting a random candle from that gimmicky aisle at the checkout of TJMaxx only shows you put no thought into your gift. But a trendy candle? That’s different. Homesick candles ($28.50 and up) are big, as are birthdate candles ($49.99) and the ever-popular Maison Margiela Replica candles. Win the holidays outright with a Diptyque candle ($42 or $74, depending on size). 

• Everyone loves the Comfy ($44.98), a truly gigantic oversized sweatshirt made of blanket material that is ideal for shuffling around the house in a relaxed daze.

• One tried-and-true option here is a massage gun, but you should go big or go home: Homedics has a heated one available for $53.99.

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Gifts for True Self-Care

Google is shutting down Google Podcasts in April 2024, adding the app to the pile of dead Google services and leaving many Android users without their standard podcatcher of choice. It’s not like iOS users have it much better. Apple Podcasts has been an unbearable mess since iOS 14, and even the latest iOS 17 updates have done little to fix its lackluster user experience.

Thankfully, podcasts are hugely popular, and, as a result, there are more top-tier podcast managers on Android and iOS than ever before. I have a pair of definitive recommendations for the best apps to manage podcasts on your mobile devices, as well as a few backup suggestions for those seeking a more novel podcast app.

Pocket Casts is the podcast app to beat

Credit: Pocket Casts

Platforms: Free on iOS and Android; Plus Subscription ($1/month or $10/year) on iOS, Apple Watch, Android, Mac, Windows, and web.

Pocket Casts brings together almost every useful feature found across pretty much every other podcast manager out there, plus plenty that are unique. The app also delivers them via a slick interface that’s easy to use—and best of all, it’s free.

A few of the standout features include audio enhancement options: The built-in “volume boost” makes it easier to hear people’s voices while reducing background music or noise; “trim silences” cuts out long pauses; and you can adjust the playback speed anywhere from 0.5x to 3x (and doing so does not affect voice pitch).

Credit: Joel Cunningham

Pocket Casts users can sync their subscriptions and playback position across multiple devices, and the app features robust options for finding new podcasts (including the ability to search by episode), so you can find all the podcasts that have talked about a specific topic, and view your listening history. You can also play third-party media files stored on your device and set sleep timers that will pause your podcast when you’re listening before bed.

While the free version is packed with features, it isn’t perfect. For instance, the playlist and filter options could be more robust. You can queue up a playlist on a whim, or filter your podcast subscriptions and list of downloaded episodes using a small selection of preset categories, but you cannot sort your subscriptions by topic or create your own self-updating playlists. Given how many features Pocket Casts packs in, it seems odd that it lacks this kind of customization.

Despite that nagging issue, I like how Pocket Casts looks and feels. Not only does the app cover all the basics, but it also has a few customizable gesture options (such as setting a left-swipe to archive episodes), and even a dark theme.

The free version of Pocket Casts is available on Android and iOS and includes all of the features I’ve discussed thus far, but there’s also a premium Pocket Casts Plus option if you want access to more features and wider device support. For either $4 a month or $40 annually, Plus subscribers get access to the Mac, Windows, web, and standalone Apple Watch versions of Pocket Casts, plus 10GBs of cloud storage that can be accessed across all your connected devices.

The best of the rest

While PocketCasts remains my go-to recommendation for both Android and iOS, I’ve curated a handful of alternatives that deserve recognition for their reliability and features in case PocketCasts doesn’t suit your needs. I’ve included both Android and iOS apps, though some are only available on one platform.

Procast (Android/iOS)

Procast, a relative newcomer in the field, is a great choice if you like to tweet or share your thoughts about your favorite shows. A built-in clip feature lets you snip a bit of a podcast to supplement a tweet or text. It also has a neat “swipe to your inbox” feature that lets you add episodes to your queue with a simple swipe. Procast is a solid choice for iOS and Android users.

Overcast (iOS)

Overcast is an iOS-exclusive app packing tons of features, including support for Apple Watch. You get playback controls like adjustable playback speeds, audio boost, and automatic silence trimming, and the app automatically holds your place when you stop listening partway through. Overcast also lets you create custom playlists in a couple of taps or listen to every podcast you’ve downloaded in a continuous stream. There are also welcome quality-of-life options like the ability to add Siri Shortcuts and customize your headphone, remote, and car dashboard controls. The main downsides are its meager discoverability for new shows, and the free version is ad-supported, but you can pay $10/year to remove them and unlock other features like side-loading audio files saved on your iPhone. You can download Overcast on the iOS App Store.

Podcast Addict (Android)

Podcast Addict is a free Android app packed with handy features like customizable playlists and adjusting unique listening settings per podcast. You can also tag your favorite shows with listening priority and even rate and review series in the app, much like you can with Apple Podcasts. Along with the millions of podcasts available in the app, Podcast Addict also features over 120,000 radio stations and over 20,000 audiobooks. It also supports Android Auto and Chromecast. The free version displays ads (just a simple banner ad across certain screens), while the premium version costs $1 per month or $10 per year, and grants extra features like a playlist widget and additional app themes. You can download Podcast Addict on the Google Play Store.

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Podcast Apps to Use in 2024

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), you know the drill: Use the funds before the end of the year, or lose them. You’re unlikely to pack the rest of your year with doctor’s appointments—either because everywhere is booked months in advance or because that simply sounds dreadful— but fear not. You can spend your remaining FSA funds on other qualifying healthcare costs. As the end of the year approaches, take stock of your FSA balances and make a plan to spend any leftover money.

Stock up on over-the-counter meds

Many over-the-counter medications and health items are FSA-eligible, including pain relievers, cold medicine, bandages, dental care products, menstrual products, and more. Scan your medicine cabinet and make a list of anything you need to stock upon.

Products to consider:

• Kanjo Epsom Salt: $24.99

• Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen, SPF 40: $40.00

• Chirp Wheel+ 3-Pack: $99.99

• Revive Mini Massage Gun: $159.99

• Ray-Ban Sunglasses: $199.00

Get new glasses or contacts

If your vision isn’t quite 20/20, use FSA dollars to order a new prescription for eyeglasses or contacts. Also, stock up on eye drops and lens solution!

Purchase orthopedic items

Knee braces, wrist splints, compression socks and other orthopedic items can help relieve chronic pain issues. Use FSA money to offset the costs of these.

Pre-pay for planned procedures

If you have medical procedures coming up in early next year, many healthcare providers will allow you to pre-pay the estimated costs using FSA funds this calendar year. This includes dental work, physical therapy, chiropractic visits, Lasik eye surgery and more.

The bottom line

However you choose to spend your FSA funds, don’t let that money go to waste. After all, it came out of your paycheck. Check in with your employer’s rules are for any balance remaining on Dec. 31 this year, so you aren’t left forfeiting your hard-earned funds. You can find a complete list at the FSA store here.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on Friday, Dec. 15 and was updated on Monday, Dec. 18 to only apply to FSA funds. HSA funds do roll over into the new year, which was not made clear in the original article.

Source: LifeHacker – Where to Spend Your FSA Funds Before the End of the Year

With winter weather upon us, depending on where you live, you might need tire chains this season. While chains are sometimes not allowed in cities, on mountain roads and in more rural areas they can be a life saver. Here’s a helpful set of tips to get you going with your snow chains snugly in place.

Find the right size chains

The first step to snow chains is choosing the right size. While there will be a little bit of variation, getting the right size for your vehicle’s tires is important to make sure they stay put while you’re driving. To determine what size tire you have, look for the label on the tire’s sidewall with a three-digit number, then a slash, then a two-digit number. The first number refers to the width of your tire. The second number is the percentage of the width and refers to the depth of the tire. Chains are often made to fit a range of tire sizes, so you can look for a set that includes your tire size in its range on the label.

Do a dress rehearsal

To prepare for a successful snow-chain installation on the road—where it’s wet, cold, and possibly dark—it’s a good idea to get your chains out and do a dress rehearsal in your garage or driveway before attempting a real-time installation. Although you should avoid driving on your chains if there isn’t snow on the road because they can damage the surface (and also your driveway or garage floor), putting the chains on in a comfortable environment first before trying to use them for the first time in a snow storm—or on the side of a highway next to a mountain pass—will make your live-action installation go that much more smoothly.

Lay out your chains for the drive tires

The chains go on whichever set of wheels drives the vehicle, so on a front-wheel drive vehicle, they go on the front; for rear-wheel drive, they go on the back. Lay out the chains on the ground to make sure they’re untangled before installing them. There should be a cable or a straight chain on one side and a series of criss-crossed chains attached to that. Place the chains so that the hooks holding them to the cable are facing out from the tires. This will prevent them from damaging the side walls of the tires. If your chains came with instructions, now is a good time to get those out, since not all tire chains are exactly alike.

Attach your snow chains

Once you have the chains laid out and untangled, pull them behind the tire and then drape them over the tire, with the open end towards the ground. Next join together the two corners of the snow chains that are on the underside of the vehicle. There will be a hook or other device to attach the two. Then, you can join together the two corners of the snow chains that are on the side of the tires facing the road.

Tension your chains

Tensioning the chains is the final step before driving. Most people will find it easiest to tension their chains if they drive forward just a little bit, allowing the chains to fall under the tires. A quarter to a half turn of the wheels is all you should need. Different chains have different types of tensioners, but in general you will have another chain, a stretchy cord, some clips, or some combination of those. The idea is to pull the chains a little more snugly around the tires, and this is done by pulling the outward-facing chain towards the center of the wheel, allowing it to evenly distribute the chain treads over the surface of the tire. If you’ve lost your tensioners, some people will use zip ties (make sure you have a way to cut them off to remove the chains), bungee cords or quick links to tighten up their chains. While these fixes might be okay as a last resort to make it out of a snow storm, it’s generally recommended to use a tensioner meant to be used for tires.

Drive on your chains

Driving on snow chains is a little different than on regular tires. You shouldn’t go faster than 25 mph on snow chains to avoid damaging the road or the chains themselves, and you should avoid fast stops and starts to keep the chains from skidding. If you see bare pavement, it’s time to take the chains off, as they can break if you drive too much on bare pavement with them; it’s bad for the roads; and a broken snow chain can damage your tires.

Source: LifeHacker – How to Fit and Install Snow Chains

I love Marvel movies as much as the next billion people, but in 2024—for the first time in living memory—the studio is giving us a break (sort of; we’re still getting MCU offshoots like Deadpool 3 and Madame Web), and I plan to take advantage of it by seeing some movies in the theater that don’t involve superheroes.

Overall, the coming year seems a bit lacking when it comes to pre-packaged franchise blockbusters, and after 2023 proved that audiences have more of an appetite for Barbenheimer and less of one for The Flash, that’s definitely not a bad thing. Certainly I’m hoping the respite from Marvel/DC fare will allow some of the year’s other releases more breathing room. Or maybe we’ll just see Deadpool 3 and call it a year, retreating to our streaming caves.

But hopefully not—and in that spirit, and for your watchlist-planning convenience, here’s a list of some of 2024’s most anticipated films, and when to watch them.

Night Swim (January 5)

The days of a mechanical Siri voice are gone. You now have a much more human-sounding digital assistant on your iPhone. Still, the default voice might not be for everyone. If you don’t like Siri’s voice, you can change it at any time. Apple allows you to switch Siri’s language, too, so you can customize the assistant to sound however you like.

How to change Siri’s voice on your iPhone

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice. There are multiple options here. Under Variety, you can pick Siri’s accent. For some languages, such as English, you may see many options here, including American, Australian, British, Indian, Irish, and South African. When you select any of these, you will hear a preview of what the voice sounds like, with a cheery, “Hi! I’m Siri. Choose the voice you’d like me to use.” Once you choose the accent you like, you can scroll down to the Voice section and make a selection. Some varieties only have two voices to choose from, while others, like American, have upwards of five. Again, each one you tap offers the same cheery preview, and will take effect once iOS downloads the voice.

To change Siri’s language, go to Settings > Siri & Search > Language. Scroll up or down to find the Siri language you want and tap to select it. Your iPhone will download the required language, and you’ll be able to use it after that.

How to change Siri’s voice on your Mac

Siri is also available on your Mac, and it’s just as easy to change. Go to System Settings > Siri & Spotlight > Siri voice. You can select the voice variety in the left pane and the gender of the voice in the pane on the right. Once you’ve done this, click Done to confirm the changes. You can also change Siri’s language by going to the drop-down menu next to Language, which is located under Siri & Spotlight settings.

Source: LifeHacker – How to Change Siri’s Accent or Language

Alexa is Amazon’s smart assistant, can can be used with many Amazon devices, including Echo smart speakers, for a variety of things, from controlling your smart home, to making videos calls, to ordering items from Amazon (though you probably don’t do that).

But you can also use Alexa to get help in the event of an emergency. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds: You can’t simply ask Alexa to dial 911 or another emergency service directly unless you’ve already set them up with Echo Connect. Here’s how to do that now, so Alexa will be there if you need to call on it when something goes wrong.

How to use Echo Connect to call 911

So, you can’t use an Echo speaker to ask Alexa to dial 911. This is partially due to FCC rules that require devices that can dial 911 include location data and a callback number. Amazon used to sell the Echo Connect, which let you place calls from your landline number with an Echo speaker. The company has discontinued the Echo Connect, but you can find some for sale on secondhand websites like eBay.

If you do get your hands on an Echo Connect, here’s how to set it up. First, plug the device into the power and to your phone jack. Next, open the Alexa app and tap on the + icon in the top right. Then tap on Device and tap Amazon Echo. You should see an option for Echo Connect: Tap that, and you should be set up.

However, as Amazon discontinued the Echo Connect, you might run into setup issues. That said, there are workarounds discovered by current Connect users. This one seems to be the best approach if you can’t set yours up using Amazon’s official instructions:

1. Start by getting your Echo Connect in setup mode (the wifi light should flash orange).

2. Open the Alexa app and add your device as normal, but say Yes to the orange light pop-up. It will fail, which is fine: Tap Try again.

3. You’ll get the same message once it fails again, but now you’ll have the option to choose Manual setup for first-gen devices.

4. From here, allow access to your local network, hit Continue, then go to your wifi settings and connect to the Amazon-XYZ network. (If you’re running an iPhone on iOS 16 or newer, you’ll need to hit the (i) next to the network name and disable private wifi address.

5. Head back to the Alexa app and finish setup. Choose your wifi network and enter your password.

Now, you can say, “Alexa, call 911” when there’s an emergency, and the device will route through your phone.

Products to consider:

Looking for an Alexa-compatible smart speaker? Here are your best options.

• Echo Dot (5th Generation) smart speaker (currently $23)

• Echo Pop smart speaker (currently $18)

• Echo Show 10 HD smart display (currently $170)

How to set up an emergency Alexa contact

If you don’t have an Echo Connect (or even a landline), creating emergency Alexa contacts is your best bet. To set them up, go to the Alexa app and tap on the More tab. Next, tap on Communicate, then tap on the contacts icon in the top right. The Alexa app will ask for access to your contacts, and from there, select one of your contacts. You should see an option to add them as an emergency contact.

You’ll be given a prompt requiring you to agree that you permit Alexa to attempt to call and message your contact if you or anyone in your household calls for help via Alexa.

How to use Alexa Emergency Assist

If you’re in the U.S., Amazon has also introduced a subscription service called Alexa Emergency Assist. When you call for help on your Echo speaker, you’ll be put in touch with an Urgent Response agent who can dispatch emergency services. The Urgent Response agent will be able to pass along essential pre-saved info like allergies or gate codes. The subscription also includes Smart Alerts, where if a compatible Echo device detects smoke or a CO alarm, it can contact Urgent Response for you.

To get started with Alexa Emergency Assist, head to Amazon’s webpage for the service and subscribe ($5.99/month or $59/year). You can also say “Alexa, buy Alexa Emergency Assist” to your smart speaker. Once you’re subscribed, you should see an option in the More tab of the Alexa app for Alexa Emergency Assist. There, you’ll also be able to set up emergency contacts who will be notified when you contact Urgent Response.

Source: LifeHacker – You Can Use Alexa to Call for Help in an Emergency

Whether the college student in your life is a freshman returning home for the holidays for the first time, or a wizened grad student who’s seen too many semesters, you need a gift for them that helps them get through this important time in their life. You can give them something to help them study or even just relax. These are the best gifts for your college student this year. 

The best gifts for studying

Studying is kind of the whole deal when it comes to college, so help your student out with a gift that makes it easier or even more fun.

• Lap desks are a practical gift that also make studying slightly more relaxing. This one from Slendor ($33.99) packs a bang for your buck: It has a drawer for pens and pencils, stands for tablet devices, a little hole to hold a drink, and a USB port to charge a phone. 

• Smart notebooks are super cool because they help you digitize your notes and move everything you’ve written by hand to the device of your choosing. Try the Rockerbook Core ($19.97).

• By now, most of us have portable chargers that can power our phones and small devices, but did you know they make them for laptops, too? Getting a spot by the outlet isn’t possible in every single classroom, but your student doesn’t need to run out of juice if they have the Powdeom portable power station ($89.99).

• A mini printer like this one from Memoking ($29.99) is ideal for printing flashcards, mind maps, diagrams, notes, or whatever else—and is one of those things there’s almost no way the student already has. 

The best gifts for relaxing and making life easier

When there’s no studying going on, students need to chill out. How they do that is up to them, but there are some great tools out there to make it all easier. 

• Pick up a teeny-tiny fridge, which can be used to store skincare or emergency beers. This one from Frigidaire ($59.99) has a lighted mirror and can hold nine cans.

• The notion that college kids exclusively eat ramen noodles is cliché and not really reflective of reality anymore, but that’s what makes this gift kind of funny. A Layron microwavable ramen cooker set ($13.99) can help your student make a quick, easy meal, plus it comes with a bowl and utensils. 

• If you haven’t heard of the Comfy ($44.98), you might end up buying one for yourself. It’s am extremely oversized hoodie made of blanket material that is perfect for napping, lounging, or studying. It’s popular for a reason and great for a college student.

• For students living away from home, try a Master Lock portable safe ($23.98), which keeps valuables locked up and is convenient to move around or stash inconspicuously in a dorm.

• A Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker ($59.99) could be considered a study tool, but let’s just leave it here in self-care, since it’s so versatile and convenient. 

All prices were accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Best Gifts for College Students