Getting ready to host family and friends for your annual holiday celebrations? Here are some items we’re loving right about now as we get ready to deck the halls, light the candles, have some relaxing fun, and clean up after everyone leaves.
Ninja Intelli-Sense System with Auto-Spiralizer (Ninja)
This handy item is perfect for meal prep, and has a “smart” base with a touchscreen that lets you choose between four high-performance appliances. Don’t let all the high-tech electronics fool you—it’s durable and easy to clean. The System comes with a book of tasty, chef-created recipes that you can make at home using your new machine(s). Choose from items like homemade pastas, margaritas, pizza dough, fresh salsa, and much more. At retailers nationwide for about $269.99. https://www.ninjakitchen.com
Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ (Ninja)
Another fantastic four appliance, this one includes an ever-useful slow cooker, a stove top, a steamer, and an oven that you can use for baking. One of the cooler aspects of the Auto-iQ is that it lets you choose from more than 80 pre-programmed recipes (as well as any other recipes you choose). All you have to do is add the ingredients, push the button, and Auto-iQ will cook it. Really. If making meals in one pot weren’t easy enough, doing it at the push of a single button makes it almost too easy. Almost. Available nationwide for about $149. https://www.ninjakitchen.com
The Shpielmans (The Shpielmans)
Shpiel is Yiddish for “play,” and the Shpielmans—Bubbe, Zaide, Tatty, Mommy, and a handful of kids—are ready to help you celebrate Chanukah, Shabbat, and other holidays. We know, the prospect of inviting nine more people to your home is frightening, but the Spielmans don’t eat much, and they’re bringing their own challa, candlesticks, and kiddush cup. They’re also a genuinely nice bunch of people to have around. You’ll still have to provide the latkes, though. For ages 3+. Under $40. Available at retailers everywhere. https://www.theshpielmans.com/
Verti-Go (TCG Toys)
All you have to do is build a tower out of cards. How hard could that be, right? Uh, better think again. Players take turns connecting double-sided, two-color cards from their hand to the precariously balanced under-construction structure. Your goal, of course, is to get rid of all your cards before your opponents do—without knocking over the tower. Getting the corners of the cards into the die-cut slots in other cards isn’t easy, but you aren’t looking for easy, are you? Verti-Go is a mentally challenging, dexterity-requiring family-friendly game that’s great for parties and family time. For 2-8 players ages 8+, About $15. https://tcgtoys.com
Shark IONFlex 2X DuoClean Cordless Ultra-Light Vacuum (Shark)
Gatherings mean extra cleanup, and you’ll love this vacuum. (Yes, the name is a mouthful, but it’s a very accurate description). With two rechargeable ION batteries, there’s never any downtime, since you’re charging one while using the other. Its MultiFLEX Technology makes cleaning under furniture a lot easier. DuoClean Technology means that it has a bristle brush for a deeper clean in carpets as well as a soft brushroll to pull in floor gunk. And the handheld vacuum is light enough to get those hard-to-reach spots, like behind the couch, on the ceiling (how does dirt get up there, anyway?) or under car seats. There are also quite a few extras, including an anti-allergen dust brush. Available online or in stores for about $460. https://www.sharkclean.com