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9 gadgets to keep you safe and secure

Staying safe and secure can feel like a full-time job. That’s why you have me! Below, I’m sharing nifty gadgets to keep your personal information, devices and even your car safe from prying eyes and sneaky thieves.

If you charge on the go

Scammers can rig public outlets to extract data from your device or upload malware onto it. This is known as “juice jacking.”

The PortaPow USB Data Blocker is a barrier between your USB cable and charger that blocks data transfers and syncing. The two data wires inside the USB‑A connector have been removed, making it physically impossible to move data.

Is Big Tech listening?

The only sure way to know is a physical solution, and that’s where the Mic‑Lock Microphone Blocker comes in. Mic‑Lock tricks your devices into thinking you plugged in a headset. FYI, it connects through a 3.5mm headphone jack, so you may need an adapter.

Instead of hiding your keys in the freezer …

Thieves can use a device to boost your keyfob’s signal and drive away with your car without breaking into it. The Faraday Key Fob Protector Box safely stores your car keys (and spares!) and blocks RFID signals.

For all the hikers and campers

Don’t chance having no phone service when you need it most. If you own a newer iPhone, you’re all set with Emergency SOS mode. Otherwise — or if you spend a lot of time outdoors — consider a satellite-connected GPS device like the Garmin Spot X.

Feel safer, no matter where you are

Personal security alarms are a no-brainer for certain folks. I gift them to young people in my family when they start driving or move off to college. She’s Birdie devices include 24/7 access to emergency help and can instantly alert your emergency contacts with your exact location.

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I’d buy them all again

Laundry detergent sheets are light and don’t leave a sticky mess, unlike liquid detergent.
So handy — a cup holder you can put anywhere.
Teeth a little dingy? I use this toothpaste to whiten mine.
Shave the fuzzies off your couch, favorite sweater and blankets.
Stickers to dim the glow on your electronics. If one doesn’t cut it, stack two. The pack is only $1.49!

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😁 Set the mood for a better moment

I don’t like dark hallways and stairwells. Dangerous! These night-lights look nice and cost less than $10 for eight.
Smart bulbs don’t have to be expensive. WiZ smart lights are only $6.49 a pop right now (41% off!).
Upgrade your evening porch time with app-controlled outdoor LED lights. Click the box for $35 off.
A smart table lamp that’ll look good in any room (15% off).
Prefer paper books to electronic versions? I do, too. All good! Grab a book light for under $10.

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What a deal: I have AirTags on, well, everything — my cars, my boat, my dog and even my husband. No, seriously! Barry loses everything. Right now, a four-pack is the lowest price I’ve ever seen, at $79.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Oh, no, Ozempic: Counterfeit versions of semaglutide weight-loss drugs are easy to find online. Researchers got their hands on three. Of those, the dosages didn’t match the labels, and one was contaminated with bacteria. Btw, three other sites scammed them entirely. Get the real deal from your doc.

$4,500 hiking pants

That makes you feel 30 pounds lighter. MO/GO (short for “mountain goat”) pants have an electric motor at the knees that absorbs the impact on downhill trips and helps you feel stronger going uphill.

Your a** is grass

We’re less than a month out from Labor Day (and football season). A cookout without lawn games is a very sad affair.

Anyone else get excited about Olympic badminton? I found a stake-free badminton set for under $45 with everything included.
Allow me to introduce you to giant Jenga (26% off). Take it to the next level by writing fun challenges on the blocks!
“Bucket ball” is super-portable and fun for kids, too. It’s like cup pong, but without the alcohol. This set is 20% off with a coupon.
Take your bocce ball game to the next level with a regulation-sized set. that comes with a carrying case ($43.17).
Don’t cheap out on a cornhole set that’ll get soggy by next season. This patriotic set will go the distance (25% off).

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Drink up, buttercup

Stanley is the “it” brand for big tumblers, and this one fits in most car cup holders. Score.
This one comes in great colors, and it’s cheaper, too.
Sweet deal alert: Five-pack of insulated metal bottles for $11.
Good for camping or hiking: A 64-ounce bottle (41% off, plus click the box for an extra 10% off!).
When I need to mix it up, I love this zero-sugar lemonade. On sale!

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Small-but-mighty household helpers

I love the little things that make life easier.

Toss this little silicone cactus (38% off) in the dryer. It gathers up hair, reduces wrinkles and softens fabric.
A magnetic cord for your AirPods when you want to be extra safe (like when traveling or during a jog).
A bestselling carpet cleaner that works on every kind of stain. It’s 59% off, too.
Skinny brushes (under $6) made for grout, windows and other slim spots. This is your sign to throw out the crusty toothbrush you’ve been using.
Love a good twofer — here’s a pretty coffee bag clip with a built-in scoop.

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Look the part

Summer is hard on skin, hair, nails — you name it. It’s Kim to the rescue, with inexpensive pick-me-ups! Guys, yes, you can use all these, too.

Defrizz your pool or beach hair with a collagen mask that’s under $8.
Rosemary oil supports hair growth, just sayin’. Great price and reviews on this brand.
Corns and calluses aren’t cute. Fix your feet. Be careful looking at the photos in the reviews. Just know — they work.
These wipes, made especially for sweaty folks, will help keep you dry before a big day.
Treat your skin right after too much sun. Love this stuff from Burt’s Bees (11% off).

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Quick fixes for messy spots

Jumbled sock drawer: Toss in an $8 honeycomb organizer that expands to fit the space. Works for undies, too.
Dust everywhere: Don’t just rub it around. These damp cleaning sponges have ridges to hold junk as you go.
Pet hair SOS: Content Queen Allie bought the viral ChomChom roller (29% off) and loves it.
Washing machine: Gunk collects around the gasket of front-load machines. Clear it out the easy way.
Closet shelves: No more teetering piles of shirts and sweaters when you have dividers to hold everything snugly.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Little buys that make life better

This BPA-free straw device can stop your hiccups in just a few seconds. Better than holding your breath or asking someone to scare you.
Make your own lattes at home with a handheld frother (25% off). Works great with cold liquids, creamers, and oat or almond milk, too.
I hate ironing. A steamer is fast, easy and way harder to mess up. This one holds lots of water and works on both heavy and delicate fabrics.
If your closet, laundry room or storage area is a dark cave, you need an LED motion-sensor light. This one has three color options, runs 24 hours on a charge and is easy to install.
This popular Wi-Fi extender from TP-Link is deeply discounted. It covers up to 1,200 square feet and connects to as many as 20 devices. Plug it into an outlet and set it up in two taps.

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Clean up your cables

Fixing the cord mess is easy with the right gear.

Wiring across the floor can be a tripping hazard. This floor cord-management kit is on sale and hides everything nicely.
An under-the-desk cable tray is perfect for tables, desks without storage compartments and even bookcases.
These cable ties (21% off) aren’t just ugly pieces of plastic! Use ‘em over and over again.
A cable concealer hides cords along the wall, across the floor or attached to furniture.
Some outdoor equipment comes with excessively long power cords. Roll them up in an easy-to-use storage wheel, 30% off now.

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📚 Catfish on the menu: Lame AI cookbooks are taking over Amazon’s bestseller list. Take “The Complete Crock-Pot Cookbook for Beginners.” Red flags: The author is wearing mismatched earrings, it’s riddled with typos, the recipes are weird, and there’s filler like “What is Crock-Pot?” Before you buy, read the one-star reviews and check the preview images.

Sweet, cheap phone accessories

This clear case covers all the basics — raised edges to protect your screen, durability and MagSafe compatibility — and it’s on sale now for many iPhone models. The iPhone 15 Max case is $17!
It’s a wallet, it’s a stand, it’s both. This black faux leather accessory works with most newer iPhones.
This cute, leather pint-sized crossbody bag has room for cards, keys and your smartphone. It’s on sale in a bunch of neutral colors.
Level up your smartphone video conference calls with this face-tracking tripod. It doesn’t require installing an app or even a Bluetooth connection — yay for privacy. It’s 91% off.
Clean that scummy screen with microfiber cleaning cloths (pack of 12, on sale for $6). They also work great on glasses and shades. 😎

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Weird-but-cool buys for under $10

Yeehaw, hydration! Little cowboy hats to cap your Stanley tumbler (or any other travel mug), now four for $7.
Thin Mints superfans, sprinkle Girl Scout cookie-inspired seasoning (under $5) over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, popcorn …
Fungi-tional! Cable ties that look like little mushrooms, on sale for $8.
When bumps and bruises need a sense of humor, emoji bandages will do the trick.
This magnetic cloud can help you keep track of your keys in small spaces for under $8.
Love the everything but not always the bagel? Sprinkle everything-bagel-inspired seasoning on wraps, cottage cheese, salads, toast — the sky’s the limit!

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👍 5 awesome finds under $15

Actually, most of these deals are under $10!

When there aren’t enough outlets, get more with this terrific extender. Just plug it in and you’ve got five outlets, three USB outlets and one USB-C outlet, plus a surge protector and a nightlight. It’s on sale for $12.98.
Calling all athletes! Have a bunch of awards collecting dust in your office? The solution: A medal hanger. This one’s on sale for $4.68.
It’s hot. This $7.99 fan is perfect for on the go or on your desk.
Make more shower shelf space with this set of five organizers for $9.98.
Need to label the kids’ clothes but don’t want to write on the tags? Check out these no-ironing-required labels for $7.52.

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Upgrade for the aux: Tired of cables? This adapter lets you go wireless with CarPlay so you don’t have to clutter your console with a three-foot USB cord. Love that.

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✈️ Travel smarter

These affordable, unique accessories should be in your bag:

Add an extra layer of security with a portable safe. Secure it with a cord when you arrive at your hotel. It’s on sale for $16.70.
On a plane that makes you plug in your headphones? Try these wired Sony earbud headphones, now 50% off ($9.99).
Tangled cords are the worst while traveling. Tidy up your wired earbuds with this cable winder for $9.99.
This travel wallet can hold your boarding pass, passport, ID, cards — whatever you need to have on hand quickly. It’s on sale for $13.99.
Organize all your cords and wires with this accessories bag, now 21% off. Brilliant.

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😝 What’s that smell?

Under-$20 pet smell solutions:

Get rid of pet urine (and the smell — gross!) with natural enzymes. Grab a bottle of this bestselling stuff while it’s on sale ($16.99).
When it comes to that wet dog stink, regular Febreze won’t cut it. This heavy-duty Febreze knocks out pet odors, and you can get three cans of it for $11.31.
Shake some of this carpet odor eliminator before you vacuum to get the funk out. A two-pack is 27% off.
This well-reviewed pet bed has a removable cover that’s machine washable. Even better, it’s 50% off!
Not sure where that smell’s coming from? If you’re feeling brave, a black light will tell you (19% off). Another smelly mystery, solved.

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