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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. 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.”
  2. deal of the day
    Our Favorite, Celebrity-Approved Sound Machine Is on Sale for $32It’s beloved by Eva Mendes and Samantha Irby.
  3. gifts they might actually want
    The Best Gifts for 6-Month-Olds, According to ExpertsBooks, toys, and other gifts that encourage sensory exploration, motor skill development, and cause and effect in 6-month-olds.
  4. holiday gifts 2022
    41 (Under-$20) Stocking Stuffers for Kids and BabiesFrom books to the season’s hottest toys, all are tiny enough to fit inside a stocking.
  5. best in class
    The 12 Best Bike Helmets for KidsComfy and cool designs they’ll actually want to wear.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.”
  8. 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.
  9. compulsive shopping
    I Can’t Stop Buying Sparkly Korean Dish ScrubbersThey’re the only sponges I use.
  10. best in class
    The 8 Very Best High ChairsTo take you from the baby stage and beyond.
  11. saw something said something
    I Found Out Who Made the Sexy Sheets in PassagesHint: They’re French.
  12. 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.
  13. deal of the day
    These Breezy Slip-On Sneakers Are 40 Percent OffPerfect for that transitional period between summer and fall.
  14. best in class
    The 20 Very Best Shoe OrganizersFeaturing a shoe cabinet that has survived four apartments.
  15. best in class
    The 22 Very Best Duvet CoversFrom luxurious hotel-style duvet covers to relaxed linen options.
  16. gifts they might actually want
    The Only Gift Guide for a 2-Year-Old You’ll Ever NeedAccording to child psychologists, discerning parents, and toy-trends experts.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. ask a cool person
    The Best Housewarming Gifts, According to Cool Homeowners (and Renters)From Ottessa Moshfegh’s favorite incense to fancy salt and delicious-smelling hand soap.
  20. best in class
    The 17 Very Best Bed FramesIncluding platform beds, canopy frames, and upholstered wingback styles — with lots at less than $1,000.
  21. best in class
    The Very Best Metal Bed FramesIncluding canopies, bright colors, and high clearance for extra storage.
  22. best in class
    The 11 Very Best Cooling Mattress ToppersEvery side will be the cool side of the bed.
  23. deal of the day
    This Tempur-Pedic Pillow for All Kinds of Sleepers Is Nearly Half-OffThe dual-sided pillow works for back, stomach, and side sleepers.
  24. best in class
    The 27 Very Best BedsheetsIncluding cotton-percale, linen, sateen, silk, and jersey options, plus a handful made of alternative fabrics like bamboo.
  25. deal of the day
    Some Really Great Target Sheets Are Just $52 TodayThey’re made of a soft, brushed cotton and come in five neutral colors.
  26. best in class
    The 12 Very Best Platform BedsIncluding beds with (or without) headboards, styles that fold up for easy storage, and frames that you can customize to your own liking
  27. best in class
    The 7 Very Best Egyptian-Cotton Sheets“Genuine Egyptian-cotton sheets feel extremely luxurious on the skin, and in my opinion, aid in better sleep.”
  28. best in class
    The 26 Very Best Coffee TablesInterior designers share their favorites, from acrylic to glass to marble styles.
  29. best in class
    The 20 Very Best Floor LampsFrom expensive-looking ones that cost less than $100, to splurge-worthy floor lamps that double as actual pieces of art.
  30. best in class
    The 4 Very Best Jersey SheetsThey’re as soft as your favorite T-shirt and won’t ever wrinkle.
  31. ask the strategist
    Are There Any Non-Office-y Wall Calendars?We found some design-forward dry-erase and paper options that you won’t mind putting up.
  32. best in class
    The Very Best Window CurtainsFrom Italian-villa sheer to blackout curtains that block light and heat.
  33. deal of the day
    This 24-Pack of Pastel Sharpies Is Over 60 Percent OffGreat for school or the office.
  34. the strategist 100
    The Strategist Home CatalogueOne-hundred well-designed items for every corner.
  35. 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.”
  36. best in class
    The Very Best Long Underwear for WomenCozy base layers for all your cold-weather activities.
  37. best in class
    The 11 Very Best Comforters“Feel nestled in an airy but cozy canopy.”
  38. 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.
  39. best of new york
    The Best Vintage-Furniture Stores in New YorkFor walnut dressers, Cassina gems, and more.
  40. best in class
    The 14 Very Best Weekend BagsDuffels, mini-suitcases, and backpacks for a quick weekend jaunt.
  41. best in class
    The 16 Very Best Sisal, Jute, and Abaca RugsThese natural-fiber rugs, many of which are customizable, will give any room a more organic look.
  42. strat investigates
    Who Makes These Daisy-Print Kids’ Pants I See All Over Instagram?Reverse-Google-image-searching led me to the (unlikely) source.
  43. best in class
    The 16 Very Best Bath TowelsFrom waffle towels to flat-weave Turkish sets, a towel for every kind of obsessive.
  44. one stop shop
    All the Best Face Washes We’ve Ever Written About“This is an all-star product in my skin-care arsenal — it’s something I will always, and I mean always, have next to my sink in case I break out.”
  45. gifts they might actually want
    The Only Gift Guide for a 1-Year-Old You’ll Ever NeedSourced with the help of child psychologists, grandparents, and the occasional celebrity.
  46. i keep seeing this
    Red Rugs Are Taking Over Tasteful InteriorsIs red the new neutral?
  47. deal of the day
    This Festive Tasseled Throw Blanket From Jungalow Is Over Half OffAdd a little texture — and color — to your couch.
  48. prime day 2023
    We’re Seeing Up to 50 Percent Off on Certain Home DealsSave on everything for your space, from beds to bidets.
  49. best in class
    The 12 Very Best Cooling SheetsOptions for anyone who is always chasing the cool side of the pillow.
  50. 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.
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