Category Archives: Product

July 8, 2025 · 12:23 pm

It’s Prime Time! Here are KFDC Picks from Amazon’s Big Summer Sale

It’s that time of summer when Amazon has a huge Prime Day sale! It’s actually multiple days, July 8-11, so even more time to get some fantastic deals on so many really great items. This also means there is a lot to browse and sift through — so I try to do some of that for you. Here are a bunch of recs for things I think might be appealing now, whether they are seasonal must-haves, generally useful products for families, or just really good deals on things that seem life-enhancing in some way. I hope you think so, too. Happy shopping (and saving)!

Apple Watch
Starting with a big one, but this is a really good deal on an Apple Watch. This would make a great gift for a teen (or adult), so if there’s an occasion coming up, this might be a good one to snag now. More colors available.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer
Another big one… the Supersonnic is a super splurge, but I can’t recommend it enough. I received it as a gift last year, and it’s hands-down the best hair dryer I’ve ever used. If you’ve been thinking about getting it, now is the time.

Echo Dot
I’ve recommended this (or a similar Echo Dot) for kids before…they are great as an alarm clock, music player, even encyclopedias. And this owl version is pretty adorable. The plain “adult” styles are in the sale, too.

Ear Buds
These sales are always a great time to get ear buds; even if you don’t need new ones immediately, chances are yu will at some point, and you can get great deals right now — these Beats are nearly 50% off. If you want an even cheaper pair, these Soundcore are under $25 — I got them in the last sale, and they are good back-ups. And if you want the noise cancelling headphones, these Beats can’t be, well, beat — they are over 50% off!

Kids Headphones
If your kids don’t already have their own headphones, now is a good time to get them. Not only are these bluetooth a good deal, you might be taking a summer road trip (or airplane trip) when a set of headphones to watch a movie or listen to a book could really come in handy. If you prefer plug-in over bluetooth, check out these (they come as a 2-pack).

Memory Foam Pillows
These kinds of pillows are not only cooling on hot summer nights, they are also really comfortable any time of year. Because they are filled with foam pieces (the amount of which you can determine), they adapt better to you. This deal if for two standard size pillows.

Glass Storage Containers
We switched to all glass storage containers awhile back after reading so much about how bad it was to store food in plastic. They also somwehow make me feel moe organized. This set comes with 12 different containers, plenty for saving the leftovers.

Vitamix
It’s one of the bigger ticket items on this list, but the Vitamix is always touted as the best blender — and it’s $200 off in the sale. A good time to get it if you’ve been wanting one. But if thats’ still splurgy, check out the Ninja that is also on sale.

Bissell Vaccuum
This “little green machine” is often in these Prime sales, but this is the lowest price I’ve ever seen. Apparently excellent for deep cleaning rugs and upholstery, just added it to my cart.

Bath Towels
It’s a good time for a bath towel refresh — this set of four is under $25. Other colors, too, though they might be a couple of dollars more.

Beach Towels
And because it’s summer, stock up on beach towels, too. These Turkish towels have the best rating… they are lightweight for better packing and quick drying.

Gas Grill
It’s backyard BBQ season! If you’re in the market for a grill, this is a really good deal, and it has a lot of good reviews.

Rolling Cooler
A cooler comes in handy often in the summer, and a rolling cooler is great to have with kids in tow, when you’re likely lugging lots of stuff to the beach or park for a picnic. Not only is it easier to transport, you can stack things on it, maybe even a small kid. 🙂

Beach Chair
Another good seasonal item, this beach chair is also practical. It has a large storage pocket on back, plus backpack straps to free up hands for other items.

Portable Fan
With the weather we’ve had this summer, this one doesn’t need much explanation. Anything to stay cool, right? Comes in other colors, but black and light pink are the best deal.

Stanley Water Bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated during the hot summer, and Stanleys are great for keeping drinks ice cold. Only certain colors are on sale, so check for your fave or just get it in hue that’s a deal. And if you prefer the popular Owala, at least one color is on sale, too.

Supergoop!
I’m not into a lot of Goop products, but I do like this sunscreen for the face — it feels barely there and has a nice glowy tint to it. It’s 20% off now.

Vacation Sunscreen
I also recently got this sunscreen because I heard it was good and really love the scent. Our other favorite brand is in the sale, too.

Weighted Vest
A weighted vest is practically the new cool accessory for women and men. I have one and see people wearing them out on walks all the time. Good for helping maintain bone density, increasing strength, burning extra calories, and more health benefits as we age.

Ankle Weights
Along the same lines, ankle weights are another fitness accessory that I’m seeing more of lately. They are an easy add-on to a walk that offer extra health and fitness benefits. These are in my cart!

Workout Tights
I usually take these Prime sale opportunities to try an inexpensive pair of workout tights. These have compression along with good reviews, and they are under $20.

Summer Jumpsuit
This is a really good dupe of a Free People jumpsuit that is popular right now, but it’s about a quarter of the cost. Looks very comfy and perfectly relaxed for summer. Also has a lot of good reviews.

Crochet Purse
How cute is this crochet bag from The Sak? Comes in other colors and patterns, too. I just included something very similar in the Paris packing list.

Family Board Games
There are a bunch of good games in this sale, including one of my very favorites, Azul. I’ve recommended it before, so if you already have or just want something different, take a look at the many, many options that you can get a deal on.

Splash Pad
A perfect way for little kids to play on a hot summer day. When you can’t make it to the spray park, you can make a mini one right in your backyard.

Luggage Set

I always include luggage in these Prime Day recs, because you can get really good deals on them during the sale. This one is amazing, including two larger pieces, a carryon size, a duffle bag, and a toiletry bag. Wow!

Packing Cubes
I also always include packing cubes in these lists because they are a game changer for getting (and staying) organizing for a trip.

Hair Styling Cream
Sasha, my teen who is very into her hair products, introduced me to this and I love it for helping smooth my hair.

Crocs
Lots of crocs for everyone, kids and adults, in the sale. Go for classic styles or maybe something different like slides or cute sandals.

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This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. This helps me continue to produce KFDC, all completely free to readers. Thank you so much for the support!

Spring Picks from Amazon’s Big Seasonal Sale

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is underway, and like all of their sales, it’s a doozy. There are great deals on everything from seasonal items to electronics to housewares to clothes and accessories to travel gear to games and toys — and more! It’s always a lot to sift through, so once again, I have done some of that legwork and found some items that I think are useful, fun, good deals, or would enhance life in some way, big or small. Maybe you’ll think so, too. Happy Shopping (& Saving)!

Ear Buds – I always include earbuds in these sale rec round-ups, and that’s because they’re the kind of item that always seems to be needed — at least in our family. This time, I’m the one who needs a new pair, as my two-year-old Airpods are dying. At $30 with a solid rating, I’m going for these this time.

Stanley Water Bottle – Spring sports are starting up for kids, so it’s a good time to refresh water bottles. These Stanley tumblers are 25% off, and there are a bunch of color options.

Adidas Sackpack – We have a few of these bags in different colors, and they come in handy surprisingly often. They’re used to bring extra items to school, like clothes for sports, or as a light daypack on a hike or bike ride when we just want to carry a few items. We also pack them to use when we travel, since they can be folded flat in our luggage to use in our destinations.

Kids Tevas – Sandals or water shoes are something the kids need new every year as they grow. These Tevas are cute and come in many colors. Though if you like to keep little toesies covered, check out Crocs, Native Shoes, or Keens — all included in this sale, too.

Teen Crocs – They are still popular with the teens, so snag a new pair for them, maybe a new color, while they’re on sale. (Or get them for yourself — the flip flops are cute, too!)

Mosquito Repellant – This is a repeat recommendation from me, because we all know how awful the mosquitos can be in DC, and I really think this repellant helps. It also now comes in a few colors along with the basic black.

Outdoor Grill – ‘Tis the season for outdoor grilling, and if you’re in need of a new one, take advantage of the deals in this sale. There are many available, but this one has a high rating and is nearly 30% off the regular price. See more options here.

Patio Set – Grilling goes right along with outdoor hangs, so spruce up the patio with new furniture, like this set that is nice and loungy. There are also many other different sizes and configurations in this sale that you can view here.

String Lights – While you’re getting your patio ready for the season, get some string lights, too. It’s an easy way to add some twinkling ambiance to an evening outside. If these don’t work in your space, consider some pretty tabletop or hanging lanterns instead.

Luggage Set – There are several luggage sets included in this sale, and this one looks like the best deal. With three pieces of different sizes, thousands of good reviews, and many colors available, it’s a good time to get it if you need new travel gear for your upcoming Spring Break or summer (or any future) trip.

Packing Cubes – These may be my #1 recommendation for traveling. Packing cubes are a game changer for organizing clothes and accessories in your luggage. They help me keep track of my things, plus using them seems to make more space in my bags. This particular set is a great deal with eight pieces starting at less than $15.

Velvet Hangers – No more wire (or plastic) hangers! We first bought velvet hangers for Owen to bring to college, and when I realized how amazing they were because clothes don’t slip off, I bought them for us at home, too. They help make closets look more tidy since clothes stay in place. And I like the gold on this particular set.

Ninja Blender System – This isn’t the first time I’ve recommended the Ninja blender — we love ours and use it all the time for smoothies and soups. A whole Ninja system is even better with a separate food processing bowl/blade and to-go smoothie cups along with the blender.

Ceramic Cookware – If, like us, you’re replacing your cookware with non-toxic pots and pans, like ceramic pieces, this set has good reviews. Plus, it’s such a nice color (but comes in others, too).

Glass Storage Containers – Along the same lines, we’re replacing all of our plastic containers with glass and just bought these. The 24-piece set is 46% off right now.

Bamboo Cutting Boards – In our personal war on microplastics, we also got rid of all our plastic cutting boards and bought a few new bamboo boards to use for meal prep.

Shark Hair Dryer – I can’t vouch for it myself, but I’ve heard the Shark is comparable to the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer (which I have and love, but it’s not on sale). This Shark has excellent reviews and is a lot less expensive.

Spring Striped Sweatshirt – I just recommended this cute sweatshirt that is a perfect weight for spring (and comes in lots of color combos), and now it’s in this sale.

Umbrella – A pretty one for spring showers. Compact, too, to bring on travels.

Find & Seek Game – A perfect game to bring along on your outdoor adventures or even to play around your neighborhood.

Paddlesmash – I randomly came across this game, but it looks like a fun one for the whole family. From what I can tell, it’s like a mix of Spike Ball and pickleball. You don’t need a court to play; it can be set up anywhere, but the paddles and balls are the same as pickle.

Cherry Blossom Building Block Set – How perfect is this to work on with the kids during cherry blossom season? Kind of like a LEGO set, just a different brand, and half the regular price in this sale.

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Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. This helps me continue to produce KFDC, all completely free to readers. Thank you so much for the support!

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Filed under Product, Seasonal, Spring

Tagged as Amazon Big Spring Sale 2025, Product Recommendations for Spring, Things to Buy for Spring and Summer, What to Buy from Amazon Sale

December 7, 2024 · 6:01 pm

The 2024 KFDC Holiday Gift Guide: Kids, Teens, & Adults

I didn’t get this guide out as early as I’d hoped, but perhaps this timing works better for some — that little nudge needed to get the holiday gift shopping done. There’s already a DC-inspired gift guide with lots of local ideas for everyone in the fam, and this one has more suggestions for presents by age. Some of them are based on things our family has and likes, some are things on the kids’ lists, and others are just things that I think would make great gifts. Hope you think so, too. Happy gifting!

GIFTS FOR KIDS

Bike Lights – I’ve recommended these for years, and they always seem to be a hit.

Pajamas – As cute as they are comfy for kiddos. Plus, they have holiday sets, including PJ’s for Christmas and Hanukkah.

Activity Kit – So many cools ones, from coloring sets to magic tricks to jewelry making to snap circuits to science labs.

Mad Libs – Easy stocking stuffers that are always a hoot for kids.

Jelly Blox – This supposedly is the new hot toy for little kids.

LEGO Set – You can’t go wrong with the classic for older kids.

Play Kitchen – Get little ones pretend cooking in one of these. Our kids loved theirs… it kept them busy for long stretches of time. More options here.

Board Game – This group game for ages 5 and up was recommended on Wirecutter.

Good Book – Trevor Noah’s children’s book has gotten great reviews, not surprising since his first book (for adults), Born a Crime, was excellent. See more “Best Children’s Books of 2024” by age.

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GIFTS FOR TEENS

Birkenstock Clogs – Birks for colder weather, though the classic Arizonas with socks are in, too.

Uggs – I know at least one teen who has a new pair of ultra minis on her list, and I think this new style is cute, too.

Smart Watch – Great for teens who like to track fitness (and who tend to misplace their phones). There are some good deals on them right now.

Ear Buds – If they need a pair, these Beats are a good deal. And these JBL if they prefer over-the-ear headphones.

Belt Bag – Just big enough to hold the essentials — phone, change purse, lip gloss.

Flannel Hoodie – On the list for at least one teen guy I know.

Water Bottle – Owala is the new, cool, colorful brand.

Cologne & Perfume – Both of my kids are into their scents these days. I especially like this one that Sasha recently got.

Skin Care Set – The Ordinary is a good, very reasonably priced brand (I have and like some products). Here are more sets from other brands.

Shower Speaker – For kids (like mine) who enjoy music in the shower.

Dyson Air Wrap – This super splurgy hair styling tool would be the ultimate gift for many teens (and adults, for that matter). I’ve read that this less expensive brand is one of the best dupes. And Sasha has this curling brush that does a decent job, especially considering the budget cost.

Good Book – This one has shown up on a lots of lists. See more recommended teen and YA books from the past year.

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GIFTS FOR ADULTS

Cashmere Sweater – Soft, warm, and luxurious… always makes a great gift. J.Crew’s brushed cashmere sweaters are so nice, too. They also have lots of options for men.

Outdoor Pizza Oven – How fun (and yummy) would it be to have this?

Ugg Slippers – So plush and comfy. Lots of women’s styles, too.

Nice Backpack – A sleek design and plenty of features that make it good for work and travel. Plus, it comes in a bunch of nice colors.

Light Therapy Mask – All the rage in skin care lately… these masks supposedly have great anti-aging benefits for skin. If you don’t want to go full mask, try a smaller wand instead.

Oura Ring – These rings that track health data are so neat, and something most probably wouldn’t think to buy for themselves. Lots of other smart rings at lower cost, too.

Cozy Throw – A super plush, comfy blanket they can snuggle under all winter. More colors here.

Host Gifts – Something like this bottle opener or this wine stopper are fun. For something a little nicer, a pretty decanter. Or a game is always a good pick.

Fun Mug – One can never have too many, especially if they’re big coffee or tea drinkers. A few for non-pickleballers: One just for dads, something for bird enthusiasts, monogrammed with a bistro tile design, and a previously recommended mug that is just the best.

Good Book – So many critics put James among their tops of the year. Or this one, for non-fiction readers. And Ina’s recent memoir will delight her fans.

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