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MOST RECENT ARTICLES BY:

Lauren Ro

Writer, the Strategist
@blauring
@geekcondition
lauren.ro@nymag.com

Lauren Ro joined the Strategist as a writer in 2018. She covers baby gear, design moments, and anything else related to the home, including a giant guide to flatware and all the best furniture.

  1. recommended by experts
    The Best Christmas-Tree Toppers, According to Interior DesignersFrom traditional stars to delicate finials.
  2. gifts they might actually want
    The Only Gift Guide for a 5-Year-Old You’ll Ever NeedIncluding lots of toys that are not only fun but will sneakily help them practice new skills.
  3. holiday gifts 2023
    44 (Under-$20) Stocking Stuffers for Kids and BabiesFrom books to the season’s hottest toys, all are tiny enough to fit inside a stocking.
  4. what i can’t live without
    What Semisonic’s Dan Wilson Can’t Live Without“It’s like a Topanga Canyon hot chocolate — hot chocolate with an atmosphere of organic farming around it.”
  5. gifts they might actually want
    The Best Gifts for 6-Month-Olds, According to ExpertsBooks, toys, and other gifts that encourage sensory exploration, motor-skills development, and cause and effect in 6-month-olds.
  6. deal of the day
    This Portable Deep-Cleaner Is 40 Percent OffThe compact machine can be used on rugs, upholstery, car interiors, and more.
  7. cyber monday 2023
    The Best Cyber Monday Bedding Deals, According to the Strategist’s Sheets ExpertEverything you need for the top of the bed.
  8. black friday 2023
    The Best Black Friday Bedding Deals, According to the Strategist’s Sheets ExpertEverything you need for the top of the bed.
  9. sales sales sales
    This (Highly Giftable) Toniebox Starter Kit Is 30 Percent OffIt’s like an audio babysitter for kids.
  10. testing testing
    We Slept on Lots of Linen Sheets, and These Are Our 20 FavoritesFrom heirloom-quality bedding to sheets that come in vibrant jewel tones.
  11. gifts they might actually want
    The Only Toy Gift Guide for a 3-Year-Old You’ll Ever NeedToys to support creativity, independence, and a lot of jumping.
  12. what i can’t live without
    What Gavin Rossdale (Still) Can’t Live Without“I discovered these underwear through my kids. I dress like a child under these adult clothes.”
  13. best in class
    The 22 Very Best BedsheetsIncluding cotton-percale, linen, sateen, silk, and jersey options, plus a handful made of alternative fabrics like bamboo.
  14. best in class
    The 11 Very Best Cooling SheetsOptions for anyone who is always chasing the cool side of the pillow.
  15. gifts they might actually want
    The Best Gifts for Pregnant People, According to Pregnant PeopleIncluding soothing body oil and a bunch of soft, stretchy, and actually nice-looking maternity clothing.
  16. what i can’t live without
    What Vanessa Hudgens Can’t Live Without “I’m very much a do it all myself type of girl. I don’t want to hire anyone to do anything. So I went on Amazon and I found these.”
  17. deal of the day
    All Hanna Andersson Pajamas Are 50 Percent Off, Just in Time for the HolidaysStock up on cozy PJs for the entire family
  18. gifts they might actually want
    The Best Gifts for New Grandparents, According to GrandparentsIncluding keepsake books, picture frames, and other gifts to celebrate the milestone.
  19. gifts they might actually want
    The Best Gifts for New Moms, According to New MomsAs one new mom puts it, “Going forward, I’d be more inclined to get things for the mothers because you’ll get so much baby stuff.”
  20. best in class
    The 14 Very Best Weekend BagsDuffels, mini-suitcases, and backpacks for a quick weekend jaunt.
  21. deal of the day
    This Herbaceous, Giftable Candle From Boy Smells Is Just $25The earthy, tart scent will set the mood for fall festivities and feasts.
  22. gifts they might actually want
    49 Gifts for Every Type of HostIncluding wool throws, an automated countertop herb garden, and an old-timey popcorn-maker.
  23. best in class
    The 11 Very Best Comforters“Feel nestled in an airy but cozy canopy.”
  24. deal of the day
    This Plush Checkerboard Throw Blanket Is 40 Percent OffIt comes in several cheery colors and neutrals.
  25. best in class
    The 22 Very Best Duvet CoversFrom luxurious hotel-style duvet covers to relaxed linen options.
  26. best in class
    The Very Best Women’s Long UnderwearCozy base layers for all your cold-weather activities.
  27. what i can’t live without
    What Law Roach Can’t Live Without“Sometimes I’ll wear a pair of Hanes sweatpants with a great McQueen coat on top of it. Style shouldn’t be a monolith.”
  28. best in class
    The 16 Very Best Sisal, Jute, Seagrass, and Abaca RugsThese natural-fiber rugs, many of which are customizable, will give any room a more organic look.
  29. i keep seeing this
    Does It Seem Like Everyone Has This Rug?It’s surprisingly affordable.
  30. best in class
    The 9 Very Best Weighted Blankets“I take the greatest naps of my life with this thing.”
  31. best in class
    The 11 Very Best Glider Rockers for NursingIncluding one that can charge your phone.
  32. gifts they might actually want
    The Best (Strategist-Approved) Gifts for GardenersFrom a mosquito spray that smells good enough to be worn as cologne to a book known as the “Bible of fermentation.”
  33. best in class
    The 9 Very Best Bunk BedsFrom convertible to customizable options.
  34. best in class
    The 7 Very Best Cooling Weighted BlanketsRejoice, sweaty sleepers: You can reduce stress and body temperature with these weighted blankets.
  35. what i can’t live without
    What Anna Biller Can’t Live Without“When I was a kid, I used to read a book walking down the street with my family — I just wanted to shut out the world. I’m still kind of like that.”
  36. best in class
    The 17 Very Best Bath TowelsFrom waffle towels to flat-weave Turkish sets, a towel for every kind of obsessive.
  37. what i can’t live without
    What Sofia Coppola Can’t Live Without“I love to start my day with a beautiful object and my favorite tea.”
  38. best in class
    The 9 Very Best Baby MonitorsFrom traditional video monitors and “smart” devices that can track how your baby is sleeping to a simple, affordable audio monitor.
  39. people watching
    The Backpacks 200 Manhattan High-School Students WoreThere were a lot of black JanSports.
  40. saw something said something
    I Found Out Who Made the Sexy Sheets in PassagesHint: They’re French.
  41. deal of the day
    Our Favorite, Celebrity-Approved Sound Machine Is on Sale for $32It’s beloved by Eva Mendes and Samantha Irby.
  42. best in class
    The 12 Best Bike Helmets for KidsComfy and cool designs they’ll actually want to wear.
  43. celebrity shopping
    What Rumer Willis Can’t Live Without“I go really bougie and get this glorious rose water from Erewhon and I fill up my Stanley cups with little rabbit-pellet ice.”
  44. deal of the day
    Our Favorite Lightweight Dyson Stick Vacuum Is 30 Percent OffWeighing just 5.6 pounds, it’s great for pet hair, too.
  45. compulsive shopping
    I Can’t Stop Buying Sparkly Korean Dish ScrubbersThey’re the only sponges I use.
  46. best in class
    The 8 Very Best High ChairsTo take you from the baby stage and beyond.
  47. deal of the day
    These Breezy Slip-On Sneakers Are 40 Percent OffPerfect for that transitional period between summer and fall.
  48. best in class
    The 20 Very Best Shoe OrganizersFeaturing a shoe cabinet that has survived four apartments.
  49. gifts they might actually want
    The Only Gift Guide for a 2-Year-Old You’ll Ever NeedBalance bikes, play tents, and other toys that nurture their blossoming independence.
  50. deal of the day
    This Actually Breathable Weighted Blanket Is 30 Percent OffThe 100 percent cotton fabric and thinner profile make it a great choice for all seasons.
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