To come up with this list of the best welcome mats, we researched dozens of doormats on the market and evaluated them based on durability, functionality, and style. We also considered factors like design, size, and material when narrowing down our recommendations. After all, a quality welcome mat should look nice and prevent debris from entering your home. Here are the best welcome mats for every style. Who it isn’t for: People who want a more colorful welcome mat....

“As with any gift, knowing it is really what the recipient wants makes a big difference,” says Jodi RR Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Coaching. “As we know, not all phones, tablets, computers, etc., are equal. Purchasing a curved monitor for someone who is hoping for a triple-screen portable monitor is a big miss.” So we’re here to help get your gears turning when it comes to figuring out which tech gifts you should even consider, because there’s a lot more out there than phones and computers....

“Be sure to keep her interests as the focus of your shopping,” says Smith. Pick gifts that match her personality, interests, hobbies, and don’t overlook experiences. “A spa day together, an overnight to the big city for dinner and a show, or taking a class together are all ways to celebrate your sister while creating memories,” says Smith. We did the research and found the very best gifts for sisters, whether she’s a foodie, traveler, wine aficionado, or all of the above....

To find the best countertop dishwashers, we spent hours researching various models, considering factors such as dimensions, capacity, and energy efficiency. For expert tips on how to choose and care for a countertop dishwasher, we spoke to Mihail Zhekunov, the service manager at ABC Maintenance, which offers appliance installation and repair services. According to Zhekunov, the most important aspects to consider when shopping for a countertop dishwasher are the size and the capacity of the appliance....

In addition to talking with Riedel, we also sought the advice of Andrew Fortgang, sommelier and co-owner and wine director of two Portland restaurants, Le Pigeon and Canard. We also did hands-on testing of 14 decanters in our Lab, evaluating them on ease of use, design, ease of cleaning, performance, and value. Our top pick is the Onearf Wine Decanter for its excellent aeration abilities and convenient included accessories, including cleaning tools and a hands-free pouring mechanism....

To find the best bath mats, we thoroughly researched the market and analyzed the most promising options based on style, material, price, and method of care. We made sure to include multiple types—including memory foam and wood options—and various price points on our list. For tips on how to maximize the life of your bath mat, we consulted Jessica Samson, a cleaning expert at The Maids. Our top pick is L....

As the leaves begin to change colors and the cooler weather starts to creep in, it’s time to swap out light summer fabrics for warmer winter materials. While you may pull out chunky sweaters and replace a linen throw with a wool blanket, it’s also important to change the sheets on your bed to help you stay warm during the colder months. “Flannel is a lovely fabric that is pleasing to the touch and cozy to cuddle with at night,” says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer at CW Interiors....

To find the best white noise machines, we thoroughly researched the various models available and considered factors like size, sound settings, and portability when coming up with our recommendations. We also spoke to Dr. Lindsay Browning, neuroscientist, psychologist, and sleep expert, for tips on how to pick a sound machine that suits your needs. One of the most important things you should look for in a good white noise machine is the ability to control the volume....

“The fabric, or combination of fabrics, in a well-made pillow or cover keeps you cool and dry,” says Mary Helen Rogers, vice president of marketing and communications at The Better Sleep Council. “It regulates temperature and prevents moisture from piling between your pillow and your face.” If you’re looking to replace your pillow, this list has plenty of options to keep you cool while sleeping. To come up with this list of the best cooling pillows, we researched the category and tested 28 pillows every night for two weeks, evaluating them for fill material, support, firmness, and cooling technology to inform our product recommendations....

“Purchasing a robot vacuum that takes into consideration where, when and how you want it to clean helps ensure that it does its job while you’re out of the house,” says Brent Hild, director of product management at iRobot. “If your home is particularly cluttered—perhaps you have children or pets—you should consider a robot vacuum with object detection and avoidance. The software on these robots is trained to identify common hazards on the floor, such as shoes, socks, clothes, cords and even pet waste....

The Bagsmart toiletry bag is a bestseller, and shoppers are flocking to the bag because of its many features. One of the most important is its large size: It has four zippered compartments for you to fill. Plus, the bag rolls closed to take up the least amount of space inside your suitcase, and you can hang it on the back of a door with the bag’s rotating hook once you reach your destination....

No matter how much you love Champagne or sparkling wine, chances are you’ve been (at some point) intimidated by the task of buying a bottle. What’s the difference between Brut and Demi-Sec, Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noir, or Prosecco and Cava? Here are five facts that’ll help you select and serve bubbles better from expert sommelier Christopher Hoel, founder of Harper’s Club and wine curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co....

I started with the skincare category on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale homepage. There were so many great finds, but I narrowed my list down to this Tata Harper set with some of the brand’s best-selling formulations like Resurfacing Mask, which contains BHAs that refine pores and restore the skin’s glow. Next, I had to add the Sisley Paris Black Rose Skin Infusion Set to my cart. The set also includes a full size of the Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream, a cream that hydrates and plumps the skin and has a rich texture that melts into the skin....

To buy: $28; amazon.com. Despite the mention of “yoga” in the brand’s name, these athletic leggings function for all kinds of workouts thanks to their four-way stretch, stay-put waistband, and squat-proof material. They’re also a bit thicker than other options and they come with some supportive compression, ensuring I feel comfortable while squatting, running, dancing, lifting, and hiking. “These are the closest fit, comfort, quality to Lulu[lemon] than I have ever found,” one reviewer wrote....

So, for this Mother’s Day, we asked Real Simple editors to share the life advice from their moms that has stuck with them most over the years. Between lessons on how to treat others, skincare reminders, and home project advice, we can all learn a thing or two from these motherly musings. —Lily Gray, Home E-commerce Writer —Jenna Helwig, Food Director —Heather Muir, Beauty Director —Lauren Iannotti, Editor in Chief —Lizzy Briskin, Food Editor —Rachel Center, Product Reviews Writer —Erin Johnson, Senior Product Reviews Writer I’ll never forget the moment when the garbage man came to collect the trash and asked us why there was so much garbage this week....

The steaming cleaner heats up within 30 seconds and removes messes with just water from the tap. You read that right: That means no harmful substances or chemicals will ever touch your floors, giving you a streak-free clean every time. Plus, the steam is so hot that it will actually sanitize your surfaces, which is especially important now more than ever. To buy: $60 (was $70); amazon.com. In addition to its impressive steam power, the Shark mop uses a microfiber pad that slides right on to the head to scrub off hard-to-clean substances lingering on your tile, hardwood, or laminate floors....

Podcasts—true crime or otherwise—continue to be a powerful platform when it comes to content consumption, with research indicating an increase in people tuning in and the number of podcasts they’re listening to regularly. And one podcast genre that continues to dominate the scene? True crime, with groundbreaking series such as Serial (now in its third season) garnering cult followings, media attention, awards, and even laying the groundwork for mainstream specials and documentary series....

“Not only is wallpaper an investment in both time and money, but once you’ve spent it, you’ll be living with it,” says Pamela Sandall, a Los Angeles-based interior designer. “I think it should make you smile every time you look at it,” she says. To help you make the most informed decision regarding wallpaper, we tested 30 different wallpapers in our Lab and evaluated them based on value, durability, ease of application, and design....

To buy: $34; amazon.com. The lightweight Bissell vacuum has a handle extension for typical floor cleaning. But when you want to quickly clean crumbs or pet hair away from countertops or furniture, you can collapse the handle and add the crevice tool to transform the device into a handheld vacuum. The small appliance can transform yet again into a stair vacuum thanks to the included floor nozzle attachment. And the compact vacuum is bagless, so you can easily empty the tank into your trash can whenever it’s full....

The Chill Pal Cooling Towel is the no-fuss solution that takes just a few moments. All you have to do is soak it in cold water, wring the towel, and place it on your head or neck. As the water slowly evaporates, you should feel a cooling sensation. That’s really all there is to it. And when it starts to warm back up, repeat these steps once again to continue use....