7 Amazing Deals on Home Essentials (and a Few Just-for-Funs) to Jumpstart Your Weekend

Yamaha NS-AW294
Deal price: $100; street price: $150

Just because the weather is cooling down, it doesn’t mean folks have to be stuck indoors. When it comes to hanging outside, the mighty patio reigns supreme. Nothing combines the harmony of fresh air and nature with the creature comforts of home quite like a good patio. If you want to upgrade your space, a great place to start is with a set of outdoor speakers. Though Bluetooth speakers are convenient, a more-permanent audio solution will help you get the most out of your space. Despite their deceptively bulky size, Yamaha NS-AW294 speakers are lighter than our top pick. They’re also a little more stylish and have a few thoughtfully designed touches (compared with more-generic models), such as an ingenious swiveling logo that will accommodate whatever position you place your speaker. However, these speakers are not as weatherproof, and they are better suited to a covered space or areas that don’t experience extreme weather. This deal is the first notable discount we’ve seen for the Yamaha NS-AW294—just in time to enjoy the changing leaves from the comfort of your backyard.

Read our review of the best outdoor speakers.

Solo Stove Bonfire
Deal price: $240 with code STEVEO; street price: $300

Speaking of the great outdoors: What’s better than an evening spent gathered around a campfire—with just the stars above you and a cool breeze at your back. But you can’t start a campfire just anywhere. (And please, always remember to start fires responsibly). The Solo Stove Bonfire allows you to safely enjoy a fire from the comfort of your backyard. And when it’s used correctly, the Solo Stove should burn nearly smokeless, so you won’t have to traverse the circumference of the pit in search of relief. This model utilizes a compact frame and double-walled design to intensify the fire’s heat, so it burns more efficiently and produces less smoke. The Solo Stove is about half the weight of our other picks, and testers found it much easier to move around. Finally, although the Solo Stove’s single-piece design is convenient overall, it makes cleaning a little more complicated—especially if you don’t have access to a hose. That said, we still think the Solo Stove is great for upgrading your outdoor space. This deal is about $10 shy of the best price we’ve seen for our top pick, but it’s still a decent drop from $300. Just don’t forget to use the promo code STEVEO to secure the discount.

Read our review of the best smokeless fire pits.

Star Wars: Outer Rim Board Game
Deal price: $40; street price: $50

Have you ever wanted to know what it’s like to traverse the stars? Set a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, Outer Rim thrusts players into the original trilogy universe of Star Wars—where Han shot first and the Max Rebo Band still tops the charts. There, players must navigate the galaxy as smugglers, scoundrels, or bounty hunters searching for “Fame.” Players can select from a few familiar faces, like Lando, Boba Fett, and Jyn Erso, and some more-esoteric favorites, like Doctor Aphra—each offering unique skills to help you win the game. You garner Fame and earn money by completing tasks, and you can use your earned resources to upgrade your gear (and your chances of winning) throughout the game. Our testers loved the hit of nostalgia from this sci-fi classic, and overall they found the game relatively well-balanced and easy to learn. We appreciated that even though it’s not exactly cooperative, it avoided promoting the cut-throat competition prevalent in some other games (we’re all looking at you, Risk). This deal is a new low price for this expansive adventure game, so check it out if you’re looking to introduce something new for your next game night.

Read our review of the best board games.

LapGear Rossie Lap Tray
Deal price: $30; street price: $35

Picture this: It’s a chilly Sunday morning, and you’re enjoying breakfast from the warmth of your bed. Maybe you’ve just curled up with a hot cup of coffee and a good book. All is right in the world. With the LapGear Rossie Lap Tray, every day can be that perfect Sunday. Although we haven’t personally tested this tray, it’s highly reviewed by customers, and it’s from the same company that makes our top lap desk (the LapGear Designer Lap Desk). The raised sides should keep items from unexpectedly sliding away, and the open front will still give you to access everything you need. For everything from a cozy breakfast to a more-relaxed workday, this versatile tray can transform your bedroom or living room into your own private café. In the past we’ve seen this tray for a few bucks less, but this deal matches the best price we’ve seen so far this year. Plus, the tray is available in multiple colors (though it’s worth noting that some finishes may be from different sellers).

Read our review of the Mother’s Day gift ideas that anyone can pull off.

Leviton T5633 Outlet
Deal price: $21; street price: $30

There’s nothing worse than realizing your phone or laptop is about to die and then having to scramble across the house on the hunt for a charger. However, with the proper wall outlet, you can skip the mad dash and connect your device wherever you are. The Leviton T5633 is a great, affordable option that includes a USB-C port and a USB-A port. Unlike our other dual-port pick, this one is usually readily available at most big-box hardware stores. Even better: It’s currently available for about $10 less, and this savings can add up quickly—especially if you’re planning to install multiple outlets in your space. During testing, the USB-A and USB-C ports quickly charged our devices (up to about 13 W). Although that’s more than enough for the standard 12 W expected for most mobile devices, it’s about 10% slower than our top pick at USB-C charging. That said, you can still use both ports simultaneously without diminishing the charge of either. So if you’re looking for safe and easy-to-install outlets, this deal is the best price we’ve seen for the T5633.

Read our review of the best wall outlets with USB charging ports.

ARTEZA Metallic Acrylic Paint (set of 36)
Deal price: $18; street price: $35

There are few experiences more human than creating art. So if you’re hoping to inspire the budding young artist in your life, a simple paint set is a great place to start. Although ARTEZA paints are affordable and geared toward children, we found them to be more professional-feeling than other kid-centric selections. The set includes a vibrant selection of metallic colors that are non-toxic and dry quickly with a glossy sheen. Versatile and bold, ARTEZA paints also work great on a multitude of materials, from traditional paper and canvas to more-unique surfaces like wood and glass. Although this kit is directed toward kids, it’s also excellent for anyone who wants to experiment with a set of inexpensive acrylic paints. This discount is for a set of 36 colors, and the kit is currently available for a new low price. So now is a great time to save and flex your creativity.

Read our review of the best gifts for 9-year-olds.

Harperton Nail Clipper Set
Deal price: $7; street price: $9

Trimming your nails is an essential step in any grooming routine—no one wants to be scraped by their partner’s too-long toenails while cuddling up on the couch. Luckily, trimming doesn’t have to be a chore. With a good set of clippers, you can transform this normally tedious task into a calming self-care exercise. We spoke with podiatrists and other experts to find the best nail clippers for any situation. Although you don’t technically need different clippers for your nails and toes, it can be nice to have a dedicated pair for each—or at least a solid pair for backup or travel. This Harperton set includes two sharp clippers that cut cleanly and smoothly without sending rogue nails flying through the air. These clippers don’t feel as sturdy as our main pick, but they have a similar built-in file for more-detailed grooming. Not only is this deal a new low price for the Harperton set, but you get two clippers for less than the price of most of our single-clipper picks.

Read our review of the best nail clippers.