These Fifteen Items Are Our Shopping Editors’ Favorite Things In April

Shopping is basically a sport for the RS Recommends Shopping Editors — we spend our days hunting down the best products , testing them out, and separating the must-haves from the meh. So when something actually earns a spot on our list of favorites, you know it’s legit. This month, we’ve put everything from a bicycle pump and area rug to splurge-worthy finds through the ultimate test, and only the best made the cut.

Ready to upgrade your cart ? Here are the April-approved picks we can’t stop raving about. $299.99 The Amazon Echo Show is a kitchen essential — it plays music, keeps our family events organized, and finds recipes with ease.



We’ve connected our favorite streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, and ESPN, keeping the kids entertained and my husband tuned into the game while I cook. Who knew a smart display could do so much and still look so sleek? – K.L.

$349.00 Yes, you can make soft serve out of that. That, too.

I’ve practically become my own, personal Mister Softee with the ability to create pretty much any frozen treat my heart desires at home, thanks to the latest update to the mega-viral Ninja Creami : the new Ninja Swirl. If you’re into tech-y food gadgets, is it worth it? The Swirl functions mostly the same as the OG — just mix up your base liquid, freeze it overnight, and then whip up your ice cream, soft serve, and more with just the touch of a button. The additional soft serve function works with as little as a can of Apple Pie filling, and it is fun.

But real ice cream aficionados such as ourselves appreciate that Ninja really listened and improved upon the original Creami in nearly every way possible. After the popularity of fitness influencers using the Creami to create more macro-friendly desserts, the Swirl now has a dedicated “CreamiFit” function for ice cream made from protein drinks (I also love that I can use the new “Fruit Whip” setting instead of trying to make homemade Dole Whip from “Sorbet”). But like its Slushi cousin, this Swiss Army Knife of soft serve is selling out nearly everywhere, all the time — so if you’re serious about streamlining your dessert operation, act fast.

– S.A. $125.

00 Ben Sherman is a high-quality British menswear company that makes some of the best ready-to-wear clothing on the market (especially for warm weather seasons). The online retailer sells tops, bottoms, outerwear, and even shoes that serve as versatile closet staples. This Resort Knit Camp Shirt is one of my favorite pieces from their most recent collection.

The intricate jacquard pattern is unique and flattering and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Ben Sherman is for the guy who takes pride in how he looks and, thanks to the affordable price point, can do so without spending a fortune. – A.

M.R. $449.

99 The Amazon Scribe is the ultimate Kindle x notebook hybrid — being able to annotate and highlight my books with ease makes reading more fun. In addition to that, having all my to-do lists in one place feels more organized, and its various pen tips give me the freedom to personalize and add a sprinkle of creativity in any drawings and notes I have. – A.

R. $49.00 The Clutch Pro phone charger was a total lifesaver during our trip to Disney! Between checking wait times, snapping pictures, recording videos, and finding character meet and greets, our phones were constantly in use.

Thankfully, this compact, quick-charging, and magnetic charger kept us powered up. – K.L.

$59.99 As a cyclist there’s not much that’s more anxiety-inducing than the potential of a flat tire, which is why I was excited to try out the Air Pump Pocket from HOTO. Like all HOTO accessories, it has a sleek, stylish look, and the compact pump inflates a tire surprisingly quickly (albeit noisily).

For those who don’t like the wastefulness of CO2 cartridges or the back-breaking labor of a mini pump, HOTO’s Air Pump Pocket is a great option for mountain, gravel, and touring, though the weight weenies of the road cycling world will likely want to stick with a lighter option. – J.Z.

$59.99 $79.99 25% off I’ve tested dozens of internet-loved pillows, including expensive adjustable ones, memory foam picks, and several budget options.

But these Beckham Hotel Collection pillows — which boast almost a quarter of a million Amazon reviews — might be my favorite. They boast a balanced level of support that’s not too firm but far from the pancake feel that you get with most cheap pillows. And the icing on the cake? They’re just $60 for a two-pack.

– O.H. $148.

00 Carbon38 is hands down my favorite new brand discovery. Their high-performance activewear doesn’t sacrifice style, and I’m completely obsessed. Every piece is designed to be as chic for everyday wear as it is functional for workouts.

Their Ribbed Melt Leggings are a personal favorite — flattering, supportive, and insanely comfortable. And don’t even get me started on their sueded fleece sweatshirt — the coziest layering piece ever. – K.

L. $347.99 After our beloved Samsung Frame decided to give out (although we still use it for its partially-intended use as a lovely bit of photo-displaying home decor), our apartment’s movie nights were single-handedly saved thanks to Aurzen’s new Boom Mini smart projector .

You may have heard of the company’s other buzzy release from this year’s CES, the Zip Tri-Fold (a truly cool micro projector that folds down to the size of a wallet), but staple for home entertainment, the Boom Mini is unmatched. It makes for an incredibly versatile TV replacement, auto-focusing to our wall in seconds and delivering stunning and bright Full HD projection, high quality picture, and pretty immersive audio (thank you Dolby!). The best part is that out of the box, it was ready to stream our favorite movies and shows through Google TV, including 10,000+ apps like NetfIix and YouTube baked in (I’m impressed it also had Disney+ and Hulu apps, which don’t usually come licensed with portable projectors).

With two-way Bluetooth and dual-band WiFi connectivity, we were even able to pair it with a portable speaker for extra oomph while watching action sequences in John Wick . There’s no cables, no hassle — just effortless, big-screen entertainment in a portable package. – S.

A. $89.00 I like to travel light, but it’s nice to have a backup bag for unexpected souvenirs or as a lightweight option for exploring once I get to my destination.

Mystery Ranch’s new In and Out 18 bag fits the bill. The bag packs down to about the size of a headphone case, making it easy to stuff into a rolling suitcase or duffel bag. It’s a great option for hiking, too, thanks to its lightweight construction and handy features like a sternum strap and a slot for a hydration reservoir.

– J.Z. $75.

00+ Whether you’re looking for a statement piece for your recording studio or refreshing your living room, the best place to buy stylish rugs online is Rugs USA. The affordable online shop has a style to suit any space in your house, and they consistently drop collabs with athletes and celebs alike. Case in point: We can’t get enough of this now-viral Arvin Olano x Rugs USA Arrel Speckled Wool-Blend Rug , which comes in over 10 different shades and multiple shapes and sizes.

You’ll want to act fast, though — it tends to constantly sell out. – J.L.

$595.00 The designer handbag market can often feel oversaturated, so how do you decide which ones are actually worth the investment? Let me introduce you to Bruno Magli — an Italian luxury brand that makes subtle and stylish shoes and accessories. You won’t find any obnoxious branding here.

Bruno Magli crafts sleek, designer items that you can actually use in your day-to-day life. These pieces are versatile, hard-wearing, and can be paired with anything you already own in your closet. Just look at this Tessa Tote — it’s simple enough to act as your everyday bag but will also look just as good on your shoulder as you sip a spritz this summer.

– A.M.R.

$129.99 I recently moved cross-country and realized last-minute I needed one more checked suitcase. I landed on this Kenneth Cole hardshell for three reasons: price (under $150), known label (not a mystery Amazon brand), and excellent reviews from customers and experts alike.

I’m now one of those happy customers. The suitcase feels sturdy yet lightweight, and I love the interior layout that includes a fully-zippered side to separate shoes and dirty clothes from the rest of your clothing. Plus, it comes in a few fun colors (like BRAT green ) as well as the basics.

– O.H. $45.

00 When the temps dip in early Spring, I instantly reach for a stocking cap before heading out the door to keep my ears from freezing. My latest go-to: the Bird Toque from Arc’teryx , a cozy, soft, and warm hat that looks cooler than any other caps. – J.

L. $47.99 Show me a Stanley, and I will raise you a BrüMate x Vitality tumbler .

This new release, which was made in collaboration between the drinkware company and athleisure brand, feels different than all of the other similar products on the market (and there are plenty of them). It’s available in multiple different fun spring patterns, features a leak-proof lid (that I swear is actually leak-proof), and even includes a rubber bottom that stops it from tipping over. What impressed me the most, however, is the rubber straw.

It’s easy to clean and prevents gunk from getting trapped inside. So, if you’re like me and can’t consume water in anything but a cute cup, this one deserves a spot in your collection. – A.

M.R..